The farmers claim that officials at the Lands Commission unlawfully transferred the Tuba irrigation lands for commercial development, a move that has exposed them to harassment and intimidation by armed land guards.

According to the farmers, the Government of Ghana acquired about 13,000 acres of land in 1974 for the Weija Dam project. In 1983, the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) earmarked approximately 8,000 acres of this land for irrigation farming.

However, they allege that in 2013, over 90 percent of the land was returned to the original landowners through an Executive Instrument, leaving only about six percent for farming activities.

Some farmers told the media that land guards have chased them off their farms with weapons, creating fear and insecurity in the area. They warned that more than 300 farmers risk losing their livelihoods if the situation is not urgently resolved.

The aggrieved farmers are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to intervene.

Meanwhile, the farmers’ lawyer, Paul Kumi, revealed that a private company is claiming ownership of the irrigation lands.

He has called on the President, National Security, and the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the role of the Lands Commission and reverse what he described as the questionable registration of the land in favour of the developer.

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The directive came at a press briefing on Thursday, February 12, following an emergency Cabinet meeting held the previous day to address mounting challenges in the cocoa sector.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Ato Forson said the Cabinet had approved reforms aimed at protecting farmers, stabilising the industry, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector.

“To bring relief to unpaid cocoa farmers, Cabinet has accordingly directed COCOBOD to commence immediate payment of all affected farmers,” he stated.

The emergency session, convened on Wednesday, February 11, underscores the Mahama administration’s commitment to resolving the worsening situation in the cocoa value chain.

Thousands of farmers across cocoa-growing communities have reportedly gone months without payment, creating severe hardship. Some have struggled to meet basic needs, while others have had to reduce meals, withdraw children from school, or neglect farm activities due to lack of funds.

COCOBOD is also managing about 50,000 metric tonnes of unsold cocoa at the ports, while Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) are owed roughly GH¢2.04 billion (approximately $185 million).

In some areas, farmers claim they have not received payment since November 2025, triggering tensions, including reports of purchasing clerks being detained by frustrated producers.

The payment delays have been linked to several factors, including the collapse of international financing arrangements, discrepancies between Ghana’s farmgate prices and falling global cocoa prices, as well as outstanding forward sales contracts agreed at historically low rates.

Government says the new Cabinet-approved measures are intended to restore confidence in the sector, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and place the cocoa industry on a more sustainable path.

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The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday while the ministers and their convoy were travelling to the Upper West Region for official duties linked to the 40th anniversary celebrations of Tumu College of Education and Jahan College of Education.

In a statement, the Ministry of Education assured the public that no life-threatening injuries were sustained.

“The Minister and the Deputy Minister are in stable condition following a road traffic accident involving their convoy on the Bolgatanga–Tumu road,” the statement said.

All officials travelling with the ministers are also safe and have received the necessary medical attention.

“All members of the convoy are currently in stable condition and receiving the required medical care,” the release noted.

The Ministry further expressed gratitude to emergency responders and members of the public who offered immediate assistance.

“The Office expresses its appreciation to emergency responders, health professionals, and members of the public for their swift assistance and concern,” it added.

The cause of the accident is yet to be determined.

Read the full statement below:

The incident occurred when the driver parked the tanker near the riverbank and stepped away to start a generator for pumping. Positioned on a slope, the vehicle reportedly slipped backward into the river.

Chairman of the Central Gonja Boat Operators Association, Alhaji Bala, confirmed the incident to Adom News.

“I was informed that the Assembly’s water tanker had rolled into the Black Volta after the driver parked it and went to start the generator. Because the place is sloped, the vehicle reversed and fell into the river,” he said.

Fortunately, the driver and his mate escaped without injury.

Local helpers and operators are currently working to retrieve the tanker, while authorities plan to assess the situation and determine the extent of damage.

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The Ghana Tree Crop Investment Summit (GTCIS 2026) will take place from February 17 to 20 at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme: “Sustainable Growth Through Tree Crop Investments: Resetting and Building Ghana’s Green Economy.”

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, TCDA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Andy Osei Okrah said the summit will bring together government officials, traditional authorities, and international investors to unlock opportunities across Ghana’s tree crop value chains.

“If we want to grow as a country in a sustainable manner, we must invest in tree crop planting. The future of the economy is the green economy, and for people to benefit from it, they must invest in tree crops,” he said.

Dr. Okrah explained that the summit aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda and the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), which seeks to modernise agriculture, improve food security, and make Ghana competitive in high-value exports.

Under President Mahama’s vision, the government plans to expand oil palm cultivation by adding 100,000 hectares to the existing 340,000 hectares nationwide. “That alone is expected to create over 250,000 jobs and attract about 500 million dollars in investment,” the CEO noted.

The summit will open with a high-level ceremony featuring President Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, both active tree crop farmers. “From February 17 to 20, we will have President Mahama and Otumfuo sharing their experiences. After the opening ceremony, the rest of the summit will be focused on investor engagement,” Dr. Okrah explained.

Each day of the three-day event will highlight specific crops, their investment potential, and financing opportunities. Key government officials expected to attend include the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson; Minister for Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; and Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku.

Foreign participants from Russia, India, Dubai, Guinea, and Vietnam will also attend, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa playing a central role in coordinating international engagement.

Dr. Okrah emphasised that tree crop development is a national assignment, with support from the military, police, and other state institutions.

The six priority crops highlighted at the summit are cashew, coconut, shea, oil palm, rubber, and mango. “Shea, for instance, is a strong alternative to cocoa. It has global demand and huge potential if we invest properly,” he said.

The TCDA hopes the summit will serve as a platform for policy dialogue, investment matchmaking, and long-term partnerships, ultimately transforming Ghana into a hub for sustainable, high-value tree crop production.

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The deceased, Baby Abienor, was reportedly attacked alongside her daughter, Gladys, who sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m., when a co-tenant, a 30-year-old man identified as Hormeku Agbemor, allegedly launched an unprovoked cutlass attack on the two women at their residence near a wooden structure belonging to the Apostolic Church, Ghana.

Eyewitnesses said the suspect suddenly became violent in the morning and inflicted multiple cutlass wounds on the victims. Baby Abienor died at the scene from the severe injuries she sustained.

Gladys, who suffered serious injuries, was initially rushed to a nearby Community-based Health Planning and Services compound for emergency care but was later referred to the St Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu due to the severity of her condition.

The Central North Regional Crime Officer, Chief Superintendent Edmund Agyemang Badu, told Graphic Online that upon receiving information about the incident, the Twifo Praso District Police Command swiftly proceeded to the scene to commence investigations.

He said the police were led to a wooden church structure and two adjoining rooms, where the lifeless body of Baby Abienor was found lying face down in a pool of blood.

According to him, the deceased had deep, fresh wounds on her neck and left arm, believed to have been inflicted with a cutlass.

About 15 metres from the scene, Chief Superintendent Agyemang Badu said officers discovered the lifeless body of the suspect, Hormeku Agbemor, with his hands and legs tied with rope and blood stains on his face. He is suspected to have been lynched by angry residents following the attack.

Preliminary investigations, he said, indicated that on the morning of the incident, the deceased woman, her daughter and the suspect were in the house when the suspect allegedly began exhibiting abnormal behaviour and verbally attacking them.

Sensing danger, Baby Abienor reportedly rushed to inform an elder in charge of the church about the situation. The elder arrived shortly afterwards, only to find her lying dead, with the suspect standing nearby holding a cutlass and pleading for forgiveness after allegedly confessing to the killing.

Chief Superintendent Agyemang Badu said the church elder alerted the assembly member, other residents and the police, but by the time officers arrived at the scene, the suspect had been lynched.

He said the bodies of the deceased had been conveyed to the Twifo Atti-Morkwa Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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The arrests were made in the early hours of Wednesday, February 11, after the suspects were reportedly intercepted while transporting quantities of food believed to be part of the school’s supplies.

According to Accra-based Citi News, the operation took place around 6:20 a.m., led by the Assembly Member for the area, Meli Atipoe, with support from local community members.

At the time of their arrest, the suspects were said to be in possession of several bags of rice, cartons of tinned tomatoes, tinned fish, and gallons of cooking oil. The vehicle used to transport the items was reportedly driven by a Police Sergeant based in Ho, who is allegedly a close associate and boyfriend of the matron’s sister.

The suspicious movement of the items reportedly raised concern among residents, prompting the interception.

The suspects were initially handed over to the Tadzewu Police but were later transferred to the Dzodze Police Command for further investigation. Authorities say inquiries are ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged diversion and whether others were involved.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive, Rev. Martin Amenaki, has assured the public that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, emphasising that anyone found culpable will face appropriate legal consequences.

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As a result, he will no longer be arraigned in court on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as initially scheduled.

His lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, confirmed in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen that Mr Nkansah will continue to cooperate with investigators while the probe remains ongoing.

Mr Nkansah was charged by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) after making comments on radio alleging irregularities in the award of government-funded scholarships for studies abroad. The NIB is still investigating the claims.

According to his legal team, the Bureau initially prepared to take him to court but reconsidered after further engagement. Mr Nkansah provided investigators with the contact details of the person who allegedly supplied him with the information, and the NIB has since reached out to that source.

Mr Awuah also explained that when Mr Nkansah was asked to report again, he was in Kumasi attending to his ailing father at the KNUST Hospital.

Following a review, the NIB granted him bail with two sureties on the government payroll. Officers are currently verifying the properties and residences of the proposed sureties as part of the bail process.

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According to residents and staff of the two institutions, the break-ins occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, February 11. The perpetrators allegedly forced entry and made away with computers, printers, ceiling fans, air conditioners, a public address system and other valuable equipment.

Municipal Director of the NCCE, Martha Nneka Opara, described the incident as part of a worrying pattern of theft that has plagued the facility for months.

“This office has been repeatedly targeted. We have lost critical equipment — computers, fans, air conditioners and our PA system — and each loss directly affects our ability to serve the people of this municipality,” she said.

Mrs Opara explained that limited security measures and poor lighting around the office compound have emboldened criminals to strike repeatedly. She lamented that the loss of essential tools has made civic education work increasingly difficult, slowing down community outreach and public engagement programmes.

She appealed to the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Police Service to strengthen security around both institutions.

“We are calling on the relevant authorities to ensure tighter security, whether through regular patrols, installation of CCTV cameras or improved fencing, so that the remaining offices and assets are protected,” she added.

Residents in the area have also expressed concern, noting that the recurring thefts undermine public service delivery and create fear within the community. Some called on law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Ghana Police Service has been contacted for comment on the incident. Updates will be provided as they become available.

He insists that internal disciplinary processes have already been activated.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr Gbande said the party had taken what he described as a “drastic position” on the matter, arguing that the NDC’s actions should serve as a wake-up call to other political parties.

“And so I’m sure that it will become part of that regulation going forward,” he said.

“And so we actually thought that even by the mere statement that we took a drastic position on this matter, it’s enough. It hasn’t happened in the history of this country.”

His comments follow the establishment of an investigative committee tasked with examining claims that some aspirants distributed items, including television sets and cash, to influence delegates.

Host Evans Mensah, however, challenged the NDC’s position, questioning why there had been no visible sanctions despite what he described as an admission that vote-buying had occurred.

In response, Mr Gbande cited action taken against Baba Jamal, whom he described as the only senior government appointee involved in the election.

“Baba Jamal, who is actually an appointee, the only government appointee, senior government appointee, an ambassador in that election, was reprimanded by President Mahama,” Mr Gbande stated.

He explained that the reprimand was linked to President Mahama’s “reset agenda” and the introduction of a code of conduct for government appointees, which he described as the first of its kind in the country.

“Because the reset agenda accumulated into the establishment of a code of conduct, for the first time, that sets the conduct of all government appointees,” he said.

“The mere fact that this controversy had to do with his involvement was enough for the President to make a decision, and the President took that decision, and we are happy about that decision.”

When pressed on whether others implicated should face harsher punishment, Mr Gbande argued that the party’s authority is limited, especially where such conduct is not explicitly defined in the party’s constitution.

He said the incidents, as described, amounted to inappropriate conduct but did not necessarily constitute a constitutional breach.

“The description of what has transpired to us constituted inappropriate conduct,” he said. “Because, again, if it was captured in our Constitution, I’m sure that it would have been given a different description.”

Mr Gbande maintained that the NDC cannot exceed its internal mandate.

“Can you go beyond reprimand when the conduct is inappropriate? No, unless we want to assume the role of a state institution, which we don’t have that capacity,” he said.

He further argued that the party’s decision to openly address the issue is itself a significant step toward tackling what he described as a growing menace.

“But the mere fact that we are here talking about it and seeking to bring an end to that menace in itself is an effort that is worth commending,” he added.

Mr Gbande concluded by urging other political parties to follow the NDC’s example.

“What we then expect at this time is that other political parties will now rise from their slumber,” he said.

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According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday, 9th February 2026, after they received information that a suspect, identified as Kesse Okyerewaa Koranteng, had unlawfully entered the church premises and set parts of the auditorium on fire.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly entered the church auditorium carrying a liquid substance stored in rubber containers.

The substance was reportedly sprinkled within the auditorium and ignited with matches, resulting in a fire outbreak.

The fire caused extensive damage to property, including air conditioners, chairs, windows, ten (10) offering boxes, ceiling materials, electrical cables, and the lighting system.

Police officers who visited the scene retrieved four (4) rubber containers suspected to have been used in committing the offence.

The suspect has since been cautioned and is currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations.

The Accra Regional Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safety and security and has urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to the police.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ms. Juliana Obeng, Superintendent of Police and Head of Public Affairs, Accra Region.

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The elevation, which ranged from Lance Corporals to Chief Inspectors, is a backlog of promotions, with many dating back to the last five to 10 years.

This was made known to the media after several requests to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Secretariat.

According to the IGP’s Secretariat, the promotions were mainly administrative and special recommendations that were in line with the Police Service Regulations, 2012 (Constitutional Instrument 76).

Regulation 37 of CI 76 makes it clear that promotion in the Ghana Police Service shall be by promotion examination, seniority, and length of years served, subject to satisfactory performance assessment of good conduct or special recommendation based on meritorious acts of bravery or valour in the prevention of crime or outstanding performance of duty.

Media assertions  

Earlier in the week, sections of the media claimed the promotions in the service had been fraught with nepotism.

However, the IGP’s Secretariat dismissed such assertions, insisting that all the promotions were supervised by the various units, districts, divisional, and regional commanders across all 25 police regions across the country.

“Information was sent to all the units, districts, divisional, and regional commanders across all 25 police regions across the country to submit names of officers who were due for promotion, and that was how the administration arrived at that.

“Moreover, promotions in the police service cannot be solely done by the IGP, as the CI 76 makes that clear,” it said.

Breakdown of promotion

The Secretariat said about 11,900 officers who fell within the lower ranks were elevated one step of their ranks, while 600 of them were also based on special recommendations.

“So, for instance, some personnel who had remained in their ranks for more than the stipulated period of four years were all promoted to their next ranks. These were done to encourage everyone to work hard to gain due recognition.

Our men are sacrificing a lot for this country. So they also deserve to be treated fairly, and that is what we are doing for everyone, no matter their background.

Petitions

A lot of petitions had been received by the secretariat to look into unfair treatment that had been meted out to some of the officers. And after going through their cases, including those on interdiction for more than five years, they were acquitted and discharged, and subsequently received their promotions due to them.

Others even petitioned the Secretariat to rectify the dates on their promotions, which had pushed them back from their due time of promotion. The administration looked into all of those and corrected the anomalies.

Some families of personnel who died in the line of duty also petitioned the administration. Therefore, after going into their cases, we promoted all of them posthumously.

The suspect, whose name has not been officially disclosed, is alleged to have concealed the substance in a consignment of packaged gari (dried cassava flakes).

He was apprehended at the Kotoka International Airport following what officials described as an intelligence-led operation.

Sources at KIA told Graphic Online that the suspect is believed to be in charge of production at the manufacturing company.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted shipment and to determine whether other individuals may be linked to the alleged syndicate.

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His lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, confirmed the development in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.

According to the lawyer, Mr. Nkansah’s health deteriorated shortly after his arrest, with a spike in blood pressure and complications linked to a pre-existing bone condition that causes him severe discomfort.

“After his arrest, they noticed he was unwell and had to be sent for medical care. He is currently on admission at the BNI clinic,” Mr. Awuah stated.

He added that medical intervention was necessary to stabilise his client while investigations continue.

Mr. Nkansah was reportedly taken away on Tuesday in a convoy of three pickup vehicles after NIB officers searched his residence.

The exercise forms part of ongoing investigations into allegations surrounding the sale of government-sponsored foreign scholarships.

Earlier, Mr. Nkansah had been invited by the NIB to assist with investigations following instructions from President John Dramani Mahama to probe claims of payments being made to secure state-funded scholarships abroad.

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This follows Parliament’s approval of a legal and financial framework that permits the controlled growing, processing, and utilisation of cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3 per cent for approved purposes.

In a statement, NACOC explained that permits will be issued only to applicants who satisfy strict conditions.

These include strong security arrangements, reliable tracking and traceability of products, quality control measures, and full adherence to all relevant laws and regulatory standards.

The Commission has also warned prospective investors and farmers to deal directly with NACOC through its Cannabis Regulations Department (CRD), urging the public to avoid middlemen or individuals claiming they can fast-track licences.

According to NACOC, only officially approved procedures and guidelines will be recognised in the application process.

Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, Francis Opoku Amoah, reiterated that the policy does not legalise recreational marijuana use in Ghana.

He stressed that cannabis cultivation is permitted strictly for medicinal and industrial purposes under the law, and any abuse of the system will attract sanctions.

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Read the full statement below:

This is to ensure private inspection by lawyers representing the pressure group.

The apex court had earlier given both parties two weeks to file written submissions justifying why the document should, or should not, be released for scrutiny.

The decision followed arguments on whether the deal, widely reported in the media, is a binding international arrangement that must be subject to parliamentary oversight and public accountability.

Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai told the court that the substantive dispute arises from press accounts rather than a publicly available treaty text, a point the judges said underscored the need for access to the actual agreement.

The lawsuit was filed after President John Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s participation in a US-led initiative to accept deported West African migrants, a move that has triggered public debate and legal scrutiny.

At issue is whether the arrangement, described by government ministers as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) rather than a formal treaty, amounts to an international commitment requiring Parliamentary approval under Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution.

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The operation also led to the identification of a prime suspect linked to the incident.

In a statement signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Police said armed attackers stormed the room of a female complainant and made away with her Toyota Hilux, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and other personal belongings.

After weeks of intelligence gathering, officers tracked a suspect identified as Clement Kofi Aidoo, also known as Joseph Abequaye, Yaw, and Paddy.

According to the Police, the suspect resisted arrest and allegedly attacked officers during an attempt to apprehend him, prompting officers to return fire.

He sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Police Hospital, where he was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.

A subsequent search led to the recovery of the stolen Toyota Hilux, the victim’s mobile phone, and several documents believed to be linked to criminal activity.

Investigators further established that in November 2025, the same suspect allegedly made away with a Toyota Camry belonging to a police officer who had engaged him through a recruitment agency to care for his sick father.

That vehicle was later retrieved in the Central Region after the suspect abandoned it during a police pursuit.

The Service reaffirmed its resolve to dismantle criminal networks, recover stolen property, and ensure that those involved in violent crime are brought to justice.

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In a statement issued on February 11, 2026, GES said it had received reports of serious misconduct linked to the inter-school event, held from February 4 to 6.

According to preliminary reports, a student from Koforidua Senior High Technical School was stabbed about 200 metres from the competition venue while out for lunch with a friend.

The attack is alleged to have been carried out by students of New Juaben Senior High School. The victim has received medical treatment and has been discharged. One suspect has been arrested and is assisting police investigations.

In a separate case, a female student from Osino Senior High School was allegedly raped in a bush located some distance from the competition grounds. Two students have been taken into custody, while a third suspect, described as the alleged ringleader and a former student of Koforidua Senior High Technical School, remains at large.

GES confirmed that the female student has received medical attention and is now being provided with counselling and psychosocial support by the Regional Guidance and Counselling Coordinator, the Head of the Girls Education Unit, and officers from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit.

The Service emphasized that inter-school sports are intended to promote discipline, teamwork, and unity among students and should not be marred by violence or criminal activity.

GES stated that all individuals found culpable will be dealt with according to the GES Code of Conduct and due process. The Regional Director of Education has been instructed to apply appropriate sanctions to the schools involved to serve as a deterrent.

The Service called on students, parents, and the public to remain calm and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.

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The decision comes amid allegations of vote-buying during the party’s parliamentary primary on Saturday, February 7, which Baba Jamal has consistently denied. A three-member committee tasked with investigating the claims submitted a report that informed the party’s decision.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, February 10, the NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, cited several factors that prevented the annulment of the primary.

He highlighted time constraints, noting that the Electoral Commission is expected to close nominations for the by-election on Wednesday, February 11, leaving limited opportunity to restart the process.

He also referenced legal and constitutional considerations, explaining that the party’s constitution does not provide for annulment of parliamentary primaries under such circumstances.

“The committee’s report is that ideally, we should have annulled the primary. However, the committee acknowledges real obstacles that make it difficult for us to do that. The party’s constitution doesn’t have a provision for annulment of the election. We are time-bound because we need to present a candidate to the EC on February 11, and there are legal challenges that could be mounted by whoever won. In light of that, the party has taken the recommendations, and we have no option but to present Baba Jamal as our candidate,” he said.

Mr. Kwetey also outlined plans to expand the investigative committee as part of broader internal reforms aimed at strengthening party processes.

“We’re going to do a comprehensive review of the whole process that led to our internal elections. We’re expanding the committee by adding four more members, to make it a seven-member committee, so that they can come out with recommendations to address these inappropriate practices in future elections,” he added.

According to the General Secretary, the committee found inappropriate conduct by all candidates, highlighting the need for reforms to prevent similar issues in future internal elections.

The NDC has reaffirmed Mohammed Baba Jamal as its parliamentary candidate as it prepares to contest the Ayawaso East by-election.

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His lawyer, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, confirmed to Graphic Online that Mr. Jamal was interrogated over alleged vote-buying linked to the party’s parliamentary primary held on Saturday, February 7.

He also explained that Mr. Jamal was questioned regarding an alleged assault on an OSP officer dispatched to serve him an invitation letter.

Counsel maintained that his client had no knowledge of items purportedly being distributed in his name, adding: “If he was aware and being a lawyer, he would have informed people of the position of the law.”

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Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah said Mr. Nkansah was taken away in a convoy of three pickup vehicles after NIB officers searched his residence and later escorted him back to their office.

According to the lawyer, the officers subsequently left the NIB premises with his client without disclosing his destination, leaving the legal team unaware of his whereabouts.

“After the search, they returned to the NIB office. They told us they are taking him to another place. Now, in a convoy of three pickups, they have left the NIB office. Questions as to where they are taking him, nobody has answered us. He is in the company of heavily armed NIB officers. Right now, as the lawyer of Kofi Ofosu, I don’t know where my client is,” he stated.

Earlier on Tuesday, NIB officers carried out a search at Mr. Nkansah’s residence as part of investigations into claims that government-sponsored overseas scholarships were being sold to applicants.

Mr. Nkansah had previously been invited by the NIB to assist with investigations after President John Dramani Mahama directed the bureau to probe the allegations.

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The exercise is part of ongoing investigations into allegations related to the sale of government-sponsored foreign scholarships.

Mr. Nkansah’s lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, confirmed the development in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, noting that the officers did not have a warrant.

Earlier, Mr. Nkansah had been invited by the NIB to assist with investigations after President John Dramani Mahama instructed the agency to look into claims of payments being made to secure state-funded scholarships abroad.

His legal team dismissed reports suggesting he was arrested, describing them as inaccurate. According to the lawyers, Mr. Nkansah voluntarily honoured the invitation and fully cooperated with investigators, providing information relevant to the alleged dealings at the Scholarship Secretariat.

In a statement dated February 3, 2026, the Office of the President described the claims as “serious and of grave public concern” and directed the NIB to verify the allegations, identify persons involved, and submit its findings directly to the President for further action.

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A long trailer truck, registration number GW 1943-09, was stopped by officers during routine checks after raising suspicion of transporting illicit substances.

Adom News investigations indicate that Lance Corporal Kwame Boateng, Corporal Emmanuel Adjei, and Lance Corporal Iddi Baba were on duty, questioning both the driver and his companion at the time of the interception.

Preliminary observations suggested that the truck’s structure had been modified in a manner consistent with concealment tactics used by traffickers.

During the inspection, officers reportedly discovered 400,000 parcels of dry leaves believed to be marijuana, tightly packed and concealed within the vehicle’s frame. An empty container placed on top is said to have been used to divert attention from the suspected contraband.

In a dramatic turn, the driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. His companion was arrested and is assisting police with investigations, as authorities work to locate the fleeing suspect and determine the full scope of the operation.

The latest seizure adds to a series of recent enforcement actions in the region. Reports indicate that, within the past 24 hours, police in Dambai rejected a GH¢50,000 bribe attempt, intercepted an ammunition consignment, and seized a locally manufactured firearm.

In another development, the Nkwanta South Police command reportedly seized another truck suspected of carrying marijuana after an attempted obstruction. The intercepted vehicle remains at the Dambai police barrier as investigations continue.

Police officials have confirmed the operation, including details on the suspected substance, estimated quantity, and potential prosecutions.

These developments underscore a renewed law enforcement push against drug trafficking and related crimes, as security agencies intensify efforts to curb smuggling routes across the Oti Region.

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In a public notice, the power distributor said the exercise forms part of efforts to improve service quality and ensure a more stable and reliable electricity supply.

The maintenance is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During the period, electricity supply will be interrupted in several communities, including Fadama, Kwashieman, Nyamekye, Darkuman, Abeka, Lapaz, Tabora, Race Course, Kwashiebu, Chantan and Hansonic.

Other affected areas are Dansoman Junction, Mallam Junction, McCarthy, Choice, Sampa Valley, Alogboshie, Achimota Neoplan, Benjilo, Manhean, Oduman and surrounding communities.

ECG apologised for the inconvenience the outage may cause and appealed to customers to bear with the company as it undertakes the improvements.

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Among those arrested is a landlord accused of permitting the illegal activities to take place on his property.

The arrests followed a complaint lodged on Thursday, February 6, 2026, by a 30-year-old Nigerian commercial sex worker resident in Nsukwao, Koforidua.

Addressing the media, the New Juaben South Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent Ransford Nsiah, disclosed that the complainant accused her alleged mistress, identified as Christabel Simon Mobday, of trafficking her from Nigeria to Ghana for prostitution.

According to the police, the victim told investigators she had been instructed to make GH¢400 from prostitution but was only able to raise GH¢250. Her mistress and an alleged accomplice, Simon Kwarteng, reportedly rejected the amount and assaulted her for failing to meet the target.

Superintendent Nsiah said Christabel Simon Mobday was subsequently arrested at Debiasem, a suburb of New Juaben, following police investigations.

During a follow-up operation, officers uncovered a brothel allegedly being operated on a property owned by one Omari Gyamfi.

Twelve Nigerian females, including a 15-year-old minor, were found on the premises and are suspected to have been engaged in prostitution.

ASP Augustine Kusi Asante, Crime Officer for New Juaben South Municipality, stressed that it is a criminal offence under Ghanaian law for minors to engage in prostitution.

He further warned landlords within the municipality against renting out their properties for illegal activities, including prostitution.

Police have urged members of the public to report suspected cases of human trafficking, child abuse and related offences to the nearest police station, as investigations continue.

The decision follows a report submitted by a three-member committee established by the party to investigate claims that some aspirants engaged in inducement during the primary.

Baba Jamal is expected to file his nomination with the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, February 11.

The investigative committee was set up amid concerns that TV sets and cash were allegedly distributed to delegates during the primary, raising questions about the integrity of the process. These allegations sparked public debate and renewed scrutiny of vote-buying practices in internal party elections.

According to the NDC, the committee examined complaints from delegates and party members, reviewed available evidence, and consulted relevant stakeholders before reaching its conclusions.

While the committee acknowledged concerns about monetisation in internal elections, it reportedly found no basis to disqualify Baba Jamal from contesting the by-election.

Baba Jamal, who emerged victorious in the parliamentary primary, has consistently denied the vote-buying allegations, insisting that his campaign adhered to party rules and guidelines.

The Ayawaso East seat became vacant following the death of former Member of Parliament Naser Toure Mahama, necessitating the by-election.

The NDC is expected to formally communicate the committee’s findings to the public as it intensifies preparations and campaigning ahead of the by-election.

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According to the MP, the new Gold Trading Act grants the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) the exclusive legal authority to export gold from Ghana.

GoldBod, which is headed by Sammy Gyamfi, has however denied claims that it purchases gold from illegal miners. In a set of frequently asked questions, GoldBod stated that it does not buy gold directly from miners.

The board explained that all gold it handles is sourced through licensed aggregators and approved intermediaries, in line with its regulatory mandate.

GoldBod further cited Section 3(1)(f) of Act 1140, which mandates the board to promote the formalisation of small-scale mining through responsible sourcing, sustainable supply chains, gold traceability, and compliance with international standards. Section 3(1)(g) of the same Act, it added, also requires the promotion of environmentally responsible mining practices.

Speaking in an interview with Akwasi Nsiah, host of Badwam on Adom TV, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said that while GoldBod has publicly denied buying gold from illegal miners, the critical question remains unanswered.

“If GoldBod is not buying galamsey gold, then who is buying it?” he asked.

He noted that government has announced measures to curb gold smuggling and has claimed it now has full control over gold exports. However, he argued that recent developments raise serious concerns.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah alleged that proceeds from illegally traded gold are being used to shore up the economy, pointing to the recent appreciation of the cedi against major foreign currencies.

He observed that while large-scale mining companies have recorded only marginal increases in production, artisanal and small-scale gold output has seen a significant spike, even as government claims to be intensifying the fight against illegal mining.

“With galamsey still ongoing and assurances of tight security against gold smuggling, the question still stands,” he stressed. “Who is buying the gold from the galamseyers?”

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The directive was announced on X (formerly Twitter) by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in response to a JoyNews Hotline investigation titled “A Tax for Galamsey: The Extortion Racket Fuelling Illegal Mining.” The documentary alleges the authorisation and collection of illegal mining-related taxes in the Amansie Central District.

The report suggests that illegal mining activities in the area are not only being tolerated but allegedly taxed, receipted, and protected through a network involving the District Assembly and a taskforce operating under the authority of the District Chief Executive.

However, the Amansie Central District Assembly has rejected the allegations, insisting that revenue collection from operators of earth-moving equipment is a longstanding administrative practice spanning multiple governments.

The Assembly described the report as a misrepresentation of established procedures aimed at fitting a “convenient political narrative.”

RE- JoyNews report on Amansie Central mining equipment tax.

President Mahama has directed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon Ahmed Ibrahim, to conduct immediate investigations into the allegations contained in the Joy News report with a view… pic.twitter.com/AcGGTeoBk5

— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) February 10, 2026

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The action, led by Constituency Chairman Benjamin Ims Djakumah, follows mounting dissatisfaction over recent appointments to the NHIS and other public institutions within the constituency.

According to the executives, the appointments were made without consultation and overlooked several qualified party members in Tema Central.

Chairman Djakumah said the constituency leadership is deeply unhappy with what he described as a recurring pattern of sidelining grassroots executives who worked tirelessly for the party’s success.

Supporting the protest, Constituency Secretary Henry Davidson Ayeh said party executives feel taken for granted despite their commitment and loyalty to the NDC.

Constituency Organiser Abdul Razak Mohammed Mutakwil also stressed that the sacrifices made by party faithful in Tema Central must be recognised, warning that years of hard work should not be allowed to go to waste.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Osei Duah said security has always been involved in the Assembly’s engagements on illegal mining and worked closely with other security agencies in enforcement efforts.

According to him, security officials were not outsiders to the process but were actively represented in discussions and operations aimed at addressing the menace.

“They have always been part of our meetings. Every assembly works with the security services. We even have a taskforce that they are part of, and they are aware of the fees we are taking from the illegal miners,” he stated.

His comments come in response to the JoyNews Hotline investigation titled “A Tax for Galamsey: The Extortion Racket Fuelling Illegal Mining,” which alleges the authorisation and collection of illegal mining-related taxes in the Amansie Central District.

The documentary suggests that illegal mining activities in the area are not only being tolerated but allegedly taxed, receipted, and protected through a network involving the District Assembly and a taskforce operating under the authority of the District Chief Executive.

However, Mr. Osei Duah defended the Assembly’s actions, arguing that the money collected was not for personal gain but intended as a deterrent and a source of revenue for the district after repeated enforcement attempts failed.

“We took the money to serve as a deterrent and also to get something to put into the Assembly’s coffers since every effort against the fight seems to have proven futile,” he explained.

He rejected claims that financial interests were placed above the safety of residents and the environment, insisting that the Assembly’s priority remained the protection of lives and public health in the district.

“We did not prioritise money over our lives and the health of the people in Amansie Central District,” Mr. Osei Duah added.

The Presiding Member further stressed that decisions taken by the Assembly were done collectively with the involvement of security agencies, including the police, and not in isolation.

The JoyNews Hotline investigation, which relied on undercover reporting, secret recordings, documentary evidence, and field infiltration, paints a picture of what it describes as an extortion network allegedly enabling illegal mining rather than stopping it.

The revelations have sparked public debate and renewed calls for accountability, as stakeholders demand clarity on the role of district authorities and security agencies in combating galamsey.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured Ghanaians that all individuals found culpable in the alleged scheme will face the full rigours of the law.

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According to available information, the woman blended in with congregants, appearing to participate in the prayers, before CCTV footage later showed her pouring a liquid substance believed to be petrol on chairs positioned near the altar and setting them ablaze.

The suspicious act was detected by personnel monitoring the CCTV system, who immediately alerted the church’s security team.

Security officers swiftly intervened, arrested the woman at the scene, and the fire was quickly extinguished before it could spread and cause extensive damage.

The fire was reportedly set close to the pastor’s office, an area said to have a one-way exit, raising concerns about the potential danger the act posed to his life.

Reacting to the incident, Alpha Hour convener Pastor Elvis Agyemang announced the indefinite suspension of all physical prayer meetings at the auditorium.

He assured congregants that steps would be taken to restore the facility, stressing that the incident would not derail the ministry’s spiritual activities.

“This will not stop us. We will fix the place, and prayers will continue,” Pastor Agyemang said, adding that the auditorium had suffered several attacks in recent times.

He further disclosed that last year, individuals were captured on CCTV allegedly spreading powders, strange substances and bringing idols into the auditorium.

Police are expected to investigate the matter further as the suspect remains in custody.

Watch video below:

The exercise, led by Torgbui Sabah V, the Divisional Chief of the town, included participants such as the Assembly Member, Unit Committee members, opinion leaders, and residents, who cleared and swept the town’s bushy cemetery.

During the exercise, Torgbui Sabah urged residents to stay united.

He proposed regular cleanup exercises to maintain the town’s cleanliness, while emphasising the importance of collective effort in keeping the Nogokpo community clean and beautiful.

“We will be doing this twice every month to make our beloved community clean and beautiful, and I expect all citizens to take part; anyone who fails to participate will face consequences,” he said.

He explained that the exercise has brought a new look to the Nogokpo community and expressed optimism that the activities would renew and uplift the spirit of communal labour among community members for the benefits of a clean environment.

He said the initiative was part of the broader efforts to promote a clean, healthy environment and to prevent diseases.

Mr Jonas Fotor Agbagba, the Assembly Member for the area, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the cleanup exercise would not be a one-time event but would be a regular occurrence, so the community would be committed to cleaning twice every month.

“I am very grateful to all of us for coming out today in our numbers to participate in this month’s cleanup exercise. I can boldly say that we have made history today; cleanliness, they say, is next to Godliness.

He said the Nogokpo community is committed to maintaining a clean, beautiful environment, and that the cleanup exercise was a step in the right direction toward proper personal and community hygiene.

He called on residents to join hands to keep Nogokpo clean and beautiful, drive communicable diseases away, and ensure better living conditions for residents.

Mr Lawrence Wonder Kpexor, a Unit Committee Member, also expressed gratitude to Torgbui Sabah and his elders for leading the initiative.

He also praised the residents for their participation and urged the community to maintain momentum.

Mr Kpexor emphasised that the cleanup exercise was a resounding success, with residents pledging to continue the effort to create a cleaner and healthier environment.

Other community members expressed their excitement and gratitude to the Torgbui and the leadership for the initiative and promised their full cooperation for future cleanup exercises.

They said the initiative would provide other communities with the opportunity to replicate the Nogokpo model by engaging local leaders, setting clear goals, mobilising community members, and establishing a schedule for clean-up exercises.

They charged community leaders to promote environmental cleanliness by leading by example, raising awareness, enforcing regulations, and mobilising resources to enable communities to sustain communal labour initiatives by building ownership, establishing a schedule, recognising contributions, and involving youth.

That was the haunting question confronting listeners of Nhyira FM’s Obra programme after DNA results confirmed that Owusu Isaac is indeed the biological father of his three-month-old baby, despite his wife’s shocking admission that she slept with his best friend.

The revelation followed weeks of tension, accusations, and public scrutiny after Owusu dragged his wife before the Obra show, demanding a DNA test to determine the paternity of their last-born child.

Owusu told the programme, hosted by Ohemaa Benewa, that his doubts began when his wife confessed during pregnancy that she had an affair with his closest friend.

“She told me it happened once and begged me to forgive her. I did, because I wanted peace,” he said.

But peace, according to him, was short-lived. He later discovered the affair had continued for two additional years, even after the pregnancy.

“That was when I lost all trust. This was my best friend,” Owusu lamented.

Convinced that betrayal had crossed every boundary, he demanded a DNA test, insisting that while he believed the first three children were his, the last-born required scientific confirmation.

On her part, the woman made a stunning admission live on air.

“Yes, I slept with his friend. I won’t deny it,” she told the panel.

She blamed her actions on neglect, emotional abandonment, and financial hardship, accusing her husband of refusing intimacy and failing to provide for the family.

“He doesn’t sleep with me. He doesn’t take care of me and the children. He goes out to enjoy and comes home full,” she alleged.

She further disclosed that the friend Owusu accused had been the one supporting her and the children when her husband allegedly failed to do so.

Yet, despite admitting to the affair, she remained firm that the baby belonged to her husband.

“Even though I slept with his friend, the baby is my husband’s. I was very sure,” she insisted.

DNA Results Are In

The long-awaited DNA results were finally presented, and they changed everything.

The test confirmed that Owusu is the biological father of the three-month-old child.

The studio erupted into mixed reactions—relief, shock, sympathy, and uncomfortable silence.

For many listeners, the result raised a painful question: What would have happened if there was no DNA test?

Would Owusu have rejected his own child forever? Would the child have grown up labeled as “not mine”? Would tradition have swallowed truth?

Compensation Demanded

Following the results, the woman made a fresh request for compensation.

She appealed for redress for the five months during which Owusu rejected the child, distanced himself emotionally, and questioned the baby’s identity.

“For five months, this child was rejected. That pain is real,” she argued.

Her request triggered heated debate among listeners and panelists alike.

Should a man compensate after doubting paternity—even when doubt was fueled by betrayal? Or was Owusu justified, given the circumstances?

Panel Reactions and Moral Dilemma

Host Ohemaa Benewa described the outcome as both relieving and troubling.

“DNA has spoken, but DNA cannot heal broken trust,” she said.

She condemned the woman’s infidelity but acknowledged the man’s emotional struggle.

“In our African setting, it is unacceptable for a married woman to sleep with another man. At the same time, rejection leaves scars—especially on innocent children,” she added.

Lady Gold questioned the cost of suspicion. “What if there was no DNA? This child would have suffered for life,” she remarked.

Evangelist de-Graft Addai focused on forgiveness and accountability. “The child is yours. Biology has answered. The question now is: can your heart accept what science has proven?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Gifty Donkor, popularly known as Big Mama, turned the mirror on the audience. “If this were you, what would you do? Stay? Forgive? Walk away? That is the real test,” she said.

Beyond DNA

While the DNA result settled the issue of paternity, it opened deeper conversations about marriage, trust, masculinity, and modern science in African homes.

Is DNA saving marriages—or breaking them faster? Is suspicion protection—or emotional violence? And when truth finally arrives, is forgiveness still possible?

For Owusu Isaac, the child is now undeniably his. For his wife, the truth she insisted on has been proven. But for many listening across Ghana and beyond, one question remains: Can a marriage survive when DNA wins, but trust is lost?

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said the government acted on the information available at the time and in line with its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“If investigations indicate that Baba Jamal was not involved in any bribery, he will be cleared, the decision will be reversed, and he will walk as a free man,” he stated.

He explained that there is no law preventing a High Commissioner from contesting in internal party primaries, adding that such an appointment only becomes untenable if the individual wins a parliamentary seat.

According to the Minister, the recall was meant to send a clear signal that allegations of vote buying will not be tolerated, while allowing due process to take its course.

“The fair thing is to comply with the demands of natural justice and give him a hearing. That is why the party and the Office of the Special Prosecutor are looking into the matter,” he said.

President John Dramani Mahama, on February 7, 2026, ordered the immediate recall of Mr. Baba Jamal following allegations of voter inducement during the NDC parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, which he won.

A statement from the Presidency Communications Unit noted that although allegations were made against multiple candidates, Mr. Baba Jamal’s case was unique because he was the only serving public officer who participated in the primary.

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His response follows a statement issued by the Majority Caucus on Sunday, February 8, 2026, calling for the immediate cancellation of the primary election that produced Baba Jamal as winner amid allegations of vote buying.

The statement, signed by Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, cited widely circulated reports of inducement during the conduct of the primary.

After what it described as extensive deliberations, the caucus resolved to formally request the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee to annul the election and bar any candidate found culpable of vote buying from participating in a rerun.

However, speaking on Badwam on Adom TV, Mr. Nukpenu, who served as the supervisor of the primary, strongly opposed the caucus’ position.

He argued that members of the Majority Caucus lacked the locus to make such demands, claiming that vote buying has become a pervasive problem across party elections and should not be selectively condemned.

While indicating that acts of vote buying might have occurred, Mr. Nukpenu described the overall conduct of the election as free and fair, noting that the irregularities reported largely took place outside the designated voting areas.

“The act is condemnable,” he said, “but it is inconsistent for individuals who have either benefitted from or presided over similar practices to now demand punitive action.”

He further criticized the timing of the Majority Caucus’ statement, stating that it was issued after the NDC’s General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, had already released an official statement condemning vote buying and affirming the party’s commitment to investigate the allegations.

According to Mr. Nukpenu, the matter should be left in the hands of the party’s internal investigative structures rather than being politicized through public statements that could deepen divisions within the party.

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His remarks come in the wake of mounting public debate over the government’s proposal to rename the Kotoka International Airport as the Accra International Airport.

The plan has sparked widespread controversy, with critics questioning the rationale behind the move and urging the government to focus on more pressing national concerns.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Hammond argued that the renaming exercise is misplaced at a time when Ghanaians are grappling with economic challenges, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits.

He maintained that the government’s priorities should be directed towards alleviating the hardships faced by ordinary Ghanaian citizens rather than engaging in symbolic gestures.

Turning his attention to the NDC, the former Adansi Asokwa MP emphasized that the NDC traces its origins to the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), which was established following a coup led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings in December 1981.

“The founder of the PNDC, now NDC, came to power through a coup. So if the party is against coup makers like Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, then they should collapse the NDC and form a new one,” he asserted, adding that the party’s history is inseparable from Ghana’s era of military interventions.

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Richmond Agyabeng Amponsah, former Dean of MMDCEs, made this known in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem.

He said the continued delay in payments has left former executives with no other recourse.

“If we take our families to picket at the Finance Ministry, I hope they won’t come after us for disturbing the public because they failed to hear our plea. We leave our matter to God,” Mr. Amponsah said.

He noted that picketing might be their only option.

“If they refuse to pay us, that day will surely come. We’ve complained for a long time, and even taking the matter to court isn’t feasible because we lack the funds. At this point, picketing is our only option.”

Mr. Amponsah warned that the authorities should avoid using security forces to intimidate them.

“If we carry everything to the Finance Ministry, they will know we are serious. They must be careful not to let security intimidate us when we decide to act,” he added.

He described the delay in paying the end-of-service benefits as a “national tragedy,” noting that several former MMDCEs have died, while others are battling serious health conditions they can no longer afford to treat.

“A lot of our colleagues have gone to eternity because they could not afford their medical bills. Some are also battling ill health and need money to pay bills,” he said.

The appeal comes amid ongoing public debates about the welfare of former public officeholders and the importance of ensuring smooth governance transitions.

Former MMDCEs play key roles in local administration and political mobilization, yet unresolved benefit issues have remained a recurring concern following changes in government.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr Hammond said the concept, as currently explained, is unclear and risks being misunderstood.

He argued that simply extending work over a 24-hour period does not automatically translate into economic growth without clear regulations.

Mr Hammond questioned whether the policy is intended to apply to informal traders, such as market women at Makola, asking if they are expected to work around the clock.

He suggested that the 24-hour economy would make more sense if driven by factories and large-scale industries operating on shift systems, which could expand production and create more jobs.

“My concern is that the 24-hour economy doesn’t align with current trade practices. It simply means work will be conducted around the clock. When I inquired about this, I was informed that labor laws prevent people from working more than eight hours. However, there needs to be better regulation in place. Are we really suggesting that individuals, like those working in Makola, should be working 24 hours? Is that the intention?

“It’s essential to recognize that factories create employment opportunities. Expanding these structures and implementing a shift system would be more beneficial, as it would generate more jobs. Only then would the concept of a 24-hour economy make sense,” he added.

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Speaking on the AM Show, Mr Gbande stressed that the party’s leadership will base its final decision on facts and surrounding circumstances, and not on petitions or external pressure.

“We are going to make a decision considering the surrounding circumstances, the actions that took place and the credibility of the entire process,” he said. “We are not influenced by whatever suggestive petitions any person would have written.”

He added that the party will not allow any individual to undermine its integrity.

“No single individual in the party will be allowed to hold the party to ransom. If it requires that the party takes any position to restore credibility, same will be done,” Mr Gbande stated.

According to him, the ongoing probe is not focused solely on whether the results will be annulled or upheld, but on addressing the root of the controversy.

“It is not just about nullifying or not nullifying results. We are going to get to the bottom of this matter and nip it in the bud once and for all,” he noted.

The comments come in the wake of widespread controversy surrounding the NDC’s Ayawaso East primaries, following allegations that Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed distributed items, including 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs, to delegates on voting day.

Some party insiders and delegates have claimed the items were perceived as inducements and may have influenced voting patterns, contributing to his victory in the contest. Supporters of Mr Baba Jamal, however, have dismissed the claims, insisting that the process was free and fair.

The issue has drawn national attention, with the Office of the Special Prosecutor announcing investigations into similar vote-buying allegations involving both the opposition NDC and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

In response to the controversy, the NDC leadership has constituted a three-member committee to probe the allegations in Ayawaso East and propose reforms to curb inducement in future internal elections. The committee is expected to submit its report by February 10, 2026.

For Mr Gbande, the priority remains safeguarding the party’s credibility.

“Our focus is to protect the integrity of our processes and strengthen internal discipline,” he said, assuring party members and the public of a transparent and fair outcome.

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Speaking in an interview with Akwasi Nsiah, host of Badwam on Adom TV, the deceased’s father, Mr. Enoch Budu Amankwaa, said he was informed by university authorities in the early hours of Sunday that his son allegedly fell from his hostel and died.

However, the grieving family has raised serious doubts about this account, insisting the death may not have been accidental.

Mr. Amankwaa is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the truth.

The case has been reported to the police, who have begun investigations to determine the exact cause of death.

The incident has renewed concerns about student safety on university campuses, particularly at KNUST. University authorities are yet to release a detailed official statement.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe, Mr. Mohammed linked the alleged displeasure within the NDC to the President’s decision to recall Baba Jamal from his post as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, over claims of vote-buying.

According to him, the presidency, the leadership of the NDC and the parliamentary majority were dissatisfied with Baba Jamal’s victory, prompting his recall from the diplomatic position.

He further alleged that the discontent is rooted in Baba Jamal’s perceived alignment with the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

“It is a clear chance to tell the people of Ghana that the presidency was not happy that Asiedu Nketia’s person had won the election. And all the machinery is against Baba Jamal; they don’t just like the man, they hate him, including the majority caucus in Parliament. I don’t know what he has done for him to be hated so much within the circle of the NDC,” he claimed.

Baba Jamal’s victory in the primary clears the way for him to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election scheduled for March 3.

The closely fought primary attracted significant public attention, amid reports of alleged inducement and vote-buying involving some of the aspirants.

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The move is mandated by the Minerals and Mining Amendment Act, Act 900 of 2015.

The sliding scale was initially expected to apply only to lithium, to enable the laying of the lithium mining lease between the Government of Ghana and Atlantic Lithium through its local subsidiary, Barari DV.

Instead, the ministry extended the framework to cover all minerals, with gold the most significant addition.

This matters because mineral royalties are a meaningful source of government revenue.

In 2024, the Finance Ministry reported GHS 5.2 billion in mineral royalties, excluding oil. Finance Ministry data also shows that from 2011 to the first seven months of 2025, Ghana received more than GHS 20 billion in mineral royalties alone.

Ghana’s current gold mining fiscal regime includes a general royalty rate of 5%, with three companies operating under development agreements that apply rates between 3% and 5% depending on gold prices.

Mining companies also pay a 35% corporate income tax, a 3% growth and sustainability levy, as well as other taxes such as import duties, withholding taxes, mineral rights fees, ground rent and Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

Of the 25 large scale mines in Ghana, 16 are members of the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

These 16 companies reportedly paid a combined GHS 17.6 billion to the government in 2024. Corporate income tax accounted for GHS 10.3 billion, making it the single largest contributor.

Out of Ghana’s total tax revenue of GHS 151 billion in 2024, contributions from the large scale mining sector accounted for about 11% of total government revenue.

Given this scale, the proposed sliding scale has potentially significant implications for both government revenue and investment in the sector.

After accounting for royalties, corporate income tax, ground rent and mineral rights fees, the Natural Resource Governance Institute estimates that Ghana’s effective tax rate on mining companies already exceeds a little over 50%.

In practical terms, this means the state captures more than half of mining company profits.

In October 2025, the Minerals Commission wrote to large scale mining companies notifying them of a comprehensive forensic audit of their books covering the previous ten years, to ensure regulatory and fiscal compliance.

Following that notification, there was no public update until the sliding scale was laid before Parliament.

This led to speculation that the audit may have uncovered weaknesses in the existing regime, prompting the move to increase royalty take.

However, despite repeated attempts to obtain confirmation from the Lands Ministry, no response has been provided on whether the audit has been conducted.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines, however, has confirmed that no audit has taken place yet.

It therefore cannot be concluded that evidence of fiscal leakages triggered the introduction of the sliding scale.

The more immediate driver appears to be gold prices.

Since the return of Donald Trump to the White House, gold prices have risen sharply amid heightened geopolitical and policy uncertainty.

After averaging around $2,300 per ounce in 2024, gold reached highs of about $4,500 in 2025 and has crossed $5,000 per ounce in 2026.

The government is seeking to capture a larger share of this windfall. But setting permanent fiscal policy based on a commodity price boom carries risks.

History shows how quickly gold cycles can turn.

When gold prices surged to about $728 per ounce in 1980, they later collapsed and did not return to that level until 2007, a gap of 27 years.

After rising to nearly $1,800 per ounce in 2011, prices again fell sharply and only recovered in 2020, nine years later.

Ghana’s cocoa sector offers a cautionary example.

Policy was adjusted to take advantage of rising cocoa prices. When prices fell unexpectedly, COCOBOD and farmers were left exposed, with the institution struggling to meet obligations.

A similar approach in gold could leave both the state and mining companies vulnerable when prices eventually retreat.

Official fiscal data from the Chamber of Mines and the Finance Ministry shows that most government revenue from gold comes from corporate income tax, not mineral royalties.

Because royalties are charged on revenue rather than operating income, higher royalty rates reduce operating margins. After expenses, this can shrink taxable profits and ultimately reduce corporate income tax paid to the state.

This raises a critical question.

Has the Lands Ministry modelled whether higher royalties could, over time, reduce overall government revenue by eroding the corporate income tax base?

There is also a behavioural effect.

When gold prices rise, mining companies often expand into higher cost ore bodies that would not be viable at lower prices. This raises operating costs.

Higher royalties applied on revenue, combined with higher costs, further compress operating income. The result is lower taxable profits, reduced reinvestment capacity and weaker incentives for expansion.

Over time, this can deter new investment.

Mining projects are capital intensive and depend on predictable payback periods. If Ghana’s effective tax rate rises too sharply, project economics could deteriorate.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has modelled the proposed sliding scale and estimates that Ghana’s effective tax rate could rise to between 60% and 68%.

That would place Ghana among the highest taxed mining jurisdictions globally and could materially weaken its competitiveness.

Despite repeated requests, the Lands Ministry has not disclosed whether it has conducted its own fiscal modelling on the impact of the sliding scale on effective tax rates, corporate income tax receipts, investment, industry resilience and long term government revenue.

In the absence of published government analysis, the Chamber’s estimates are currently the only publicly available assessment of the fiscal impact.

An effective tax rate approaching 68% is exceptionally burdensome.

The ministry should publish its fiscal analysis to demonstrate that the policy will not undermine investment or reduce long term government revenue.

This is especially important given that Ghana’s oil production is in decline and the cocoa sector is under strain. Gold and other minerals remain among the few large scale foreign exchange and fiscal anchors.

There has also been limited emphasis so far on value addition, which is a more durable way to increase national benefits from mining.

The Lands Ministry is reportedly working on an overhaul of the Minerals and Mining Act, but no details have been released. Clarity is needed on how reforms will promote local processing, retention of value and insulation from commodity price cycles.

The government has proposed reducing the growth and sustainability levy from 3% to 1% to offer some relief. But without published modelling, it is difficult to assess whether this offsets the impact of higher royalties.

While royalties provide predictable revenue, corporate income tax has consistently been the larger contributor to the state.

As part of broader reform, policymakers should also consider whether aspects of the regime could shift toward profit based mechanisms that better balance state revenue with investment incentives.

Ghana’s cocoa experience shows the dangers of locking in permanent policy responses to temporary price booms. Any overhaul of the mining fiscal regime must be carefully calibrated, with transparent modelling and engagement with industry, to ensure both the state and investors remain viable partners.

The Lands Ministry should publish its fiscal simulations.

That would allow analysts and investors to assess whether the sliding scale indeed strengthens Ghana’s long term position or risks weakening one of the economy’s few remaining pillars.

The announcement was made by the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, in a social media post following Mr Ayariga’s decision to withdraw from the committee.

According to the party, Mr Ayariga’s continued participation on the panel had become “untenable” after the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament publicly called for the annulment of the Ayawaso East primary.

The committee, chaired by veteran politician and former minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, was initially made up of Mr Ayariga and legal practitioner Emefa Fugah, and was given up to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to submit its report.

It is mandated to investigate allegations of widespread inducement and vote-buying during the primaries held last Saturday and to recommend appropriate sanctions and reforms where necessary.

“In line with the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency and ethical political conduct, the committee will investigate the allegations and make appropriate recommendations, including sanctions where necessary,” Mr Kwetey said.

The probe follows reports that Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed allegedly distributed items, including 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs, to delegates during the voting process. Party insiders and some delegates claimed the items were perceived as inducements and may have influenced the outcome of the election.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also announced separate investigations into alleged vote-buying involving both the NDC Ayawaso East parliamentary primary and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries.

The NDC said the appointment of Mr Fuseini is expected to ensure continuity in the investigation and reinforce the party’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of its internal electoral processes.

Beyond establishing the facts of the case, the committee is also tasked with proposing long-term reforms aimed at curbing inducement and vote-buying in future internal contests.

The operations, which will result in temporary outages, are concentrated between Sunday, February 8, and Friday, February 13, 2026, affecting communities in Accra East, Accra West, Central, and Tema regions.

The most extensive single outage appears scheduled for the Tema Region on Thursday, February 12, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. A notice dated Tuesday, February 10, states the affected areas will include “Yilo & Lower Manya Krobo, Adukrom, Booster Station, Akorley Pumping Station, Akuse, Asutsuare, Golden Exotics, Volivo, Osuwem, Commandos Military Training Camp, Stone Lodge, Shine Field, Akrade, Senchi, Atimpoku, Adomi, Juapong, Akwamufie, Frankadua, Nudu, Kisifui, Apeguso, Volo, Anum, Boso, Osiabura, Mpakadan, Okwenya, Teye Kwame, Manyajokpanya, Glamour Farms and its environs.” The company expressed that it “regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise.”

Accra East Region will see staggered outages across several days. An early notice for Sunday, February 8, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, will impact “GIMPA, Kisseman, Achimota School, Christian Village, North Dzorwulu, Golf Hills, Achimota Forest, Parts of Abelemkpe, Westland, and surrounding areas.” Subsequent works in the same region are planned for Tuesday, February 10, in “Borteyman, Bawaleshie, Okponglo town, East Legon Acheampong Junction”; Wednesday, February 11, in “Lakeside Estate Com.6, 8 & 9, New Legon Hills, Teiman Junction, SDA, Ankonam Farms, Oyarifa town”; and Thursday, February 12, in “Tutu, Obosomase, Mampong Cabbage Junction.” 

A separate Monday, February 9, maintenance will affect “North Dzorwulu, Lancet Laboratory, Mensvic Hotel, Ghana Link, Agbogba School Park, Academic City, Boshye DVLA, Boshye Narhman.”

In the Accra West Region, a significant outage is planned for Wednesday, February 11, encompassing “Fadama, Kwashieman, Nyamejye, Darkuman, Abeka, Lapaz, Tabora, Race Course, Kwashiobu, Chantan, Hansonic, Dansoman Junction, Mallam junction, McCarthy, Choice, Sampa Valley, Alogboshie, Achimota Neoplan, Benjilo, Manhean, Oduman.” Other Accra West works will affect “Abease, Achiama, Obeyeyie, Ayikai Doblo, Akramaman” on Thursday, February 12; “New Bortianor, Red Top” on Friday, 13th February; and “Nsumia” on Monday, 9th February.

Notably, the Accra West Region has also announced an emergency maintenance for Sunday, February 8, from 9:30am to 5:00pm, affecting “Nsawam Township, Doblo, Medie, Pobiman, Sarpeiman, Kotoku, Blue Skies, Lexsz Fibre, Adeiso, Otuase.” 

The notice, dated Saturday, February 7, clarifies this is for “emergency maintenance works” and regrets the inconvenience “that will arise as a result of this exercise.”

Outside the capital, the Central Region will experience an outage on Monday, February 9, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Areas affected include “Opiekuma Junction, American Town, Kaemebre, New Market, Akweley, Cross River, Annor Town, Ofaanko, Jei-River, Papasi, Jei-Krodua, Bawjiase Township and its environs.”

All notices carry a standard message explaining the rationale, stating, “ECG will undertake planned maintenance works for improved service delivery. This will result in a temporary outage.” The company consistently concludes by regretting the inconvenience caused to affected customers.

In a public notice dated February 8, 2026, the OSP announced that it is investigating the NPP presidential primaries conducted on January 31, 2026, as well as the NDC parliamentary primaries held in Ayawaso East on February 7, 2026.

According to the OSP, the investigations are focused on allegations of vote buying, vote selling and the sources of funds used to finance the alleged corrupt practices.

The anti-corruption body disclosed that it conducted a real-time investigation during the NDC parliamentary primaries in Ayawaso East following reports of electoral malpractices and voter intimidation.

The statement further alleged that during the NDC primaries, a candidate, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, abetted individuals to physically attack an OSP officer who was on duty investigating suspected vote buying and vote selling.

As a result, the OSP said it has opened an additional investigation into the alleged assault of its authorised officer in the performance of official duties.

The Office reiterated that electoral-related corruption remains a criminal offence under Ghanaian law, warning that vote buying, vote selling, intimidation, threats and acts of violence are punishable by law.

The OSP assured the public of its commitment to pursuing all credible allegations and taking appropriate legal action where evidence supports prosecution.

The bloody skirmish, which erupted on Saturday, 7th February 2026, was triggered by a bitter territorial dispute over a gravel pit currently being utilised for the rehabilitation of the Dobong community road.

The conflict reached a breaking point when an attempt to extract materials for the infrastructure project turned into a pitched battle.

According to eyewitness accounts, the violence escalated rapidly as supporters from the Nkanchina and Nana Ntosah factions faced off with lethal weapons.

The roots of the violence lie in conflicting claims of land ownership.

The witness explained that the Nkanchina chief had formally granted permission for the extraction of gravel to facilitate the Dobong road works. However, this authority was challenged by another local leader, Nana Ntosah, who allegedly moved to forcibly halt the operations.

The situation spiralled out of control when Nana Ntosah reportedly dispatched heavy machinery to the site to seize control.

“Nana Ntosah reportedly sent payloaders to the site, but supporters of the Nkanchina chief resisted the move and prevented the equipment from operating,” the witness reported, describing the moments before the violence began.

The ensuing chaos saw the use of cutlasses and fire, leading to injuries and property damage:

Human Toll: Two individuals sustained severe cutlass wounds and were rushed to the Kpandai District Hospital, where they remain under medical supervision.
Arson: Six motorbikes belonging to workers and supporters were doused in petrol and set ablaze during the height of the riot.
Property Damage: Operations at the gravel pit have been completely suspended following the destruction of equipment and the onset of hostilities.
A swift deployment by the Kpandai District Police Command was necessary to restore a fragile peace and prevent the violence from spreading to the main township.

Armed officers have since cordoned off the gravel pit and the Dobong road project site to deter further incursions.

The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is expected to convene an emergency meeting to address the underlying chieftaincy tensions that have long simmered in the area.

The primary, held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, was conducted to select the party’s candidate for the upcoming by-election.

Baba Jamal secured 431 votes, narrowly defeating Hajia Amina Adam, who received 399 votes.

Mohammed Ramne garnered 88 votes, Dr. Yakubu Azindow had 45 votes, and Mohammed Najib received 1 vote. These totals reflect the combined results from the two voting centers.

The tightly contested primary attracted significant public interest, particularly amid discussions around campaign conduct. During the exercise, Baba Jamal’s campaign reportedly distributed items, including 32-inch television sets and boiled eggs, to delegates—gestures he described as acts of goodwill, emphasizing that they were not intended to influence the outcome.

With this victory, Baba Jamal will now lead the NDC into the Ayawaso East by-election.

Prior to the vote, projections by Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, suggested that Baba Jamal’s support was unlikely to exceed 38%, based on recent polling data and voter trends in the constituency. Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Member of Parliament Mahama Naser Toure, had been projected to lead with approximately 54% support.

Mr. Dankwah noted that even under the most favourable conditions for Baba Jamal, the data indicated a significant gap between the two leading contenders, making a dramatic late swing in voter preference improbable.

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Voting underway amid tight security at NDC Ayawaso East Parliamentary Primary

The election, held to select the party’s candidate for the March 3, 2026, by-election, attracted over 1,100 delegates expected to cast their votes.

Polling began at 9:00 a.m. and officially closed at 4:00 p.m., after which electoral officials immediately commenced the counting process. The results are expected to be announced later today.

Five candidates are contesting for the NDC’s nomination following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure. The aspirants are Mohammed Ramne (Constituency Chairman), Hajia Amina Adam (widow of the late MP), Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed (High Commissioner to Nigeria), Dr. Yakubu Azindow (Political Scientist), and Najib Mohammed Sani.

A strong police presence has been deployed at the venue to maintain law and order, as delegates and supporters closely monitor the sorting and counting process.

The primary is considered critical, given the NDC’s longstanding dominance in Ayawaso East, positioning the winner as a strong favourite heading into the by-election.

All five contenders have expressed optimism about their chances, with supporters eagerly anticipating the outcome.

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Voting underway amid tight security at NDC Ayawaso East Parliamentary Primary

Security is tight at the polling stations, where aspirants and their supporters are actively campaigning and distributing flyers to sway delegates.

The primary comes ahead of a by-election triggered by the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure, leaving the seat vacant.

Given the NDC’s historic dominance in the constituency, the candidate who wins today’s primary is widely seen as the frontrunner to represent Ayawaso East in Parliament.

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NDC holds Ayawaso East parliamentary primary today

Kwaku Azar slams court over Agradaa sentence reduction

According to a Facebook post by the Service, the incident occurred around 8:51 a.m. when the boy went swimming with friends in a river at Fiapre. Following the emergency call, a rescue team from the Sunyani Municipal Fire Station, led by STNO II Clement Takyi, was promptly dispatched to the scene.

The GNFS team conducted a thorough search and recovered the lifeless body of the young boy. The Ghana Police Service was immediately notified and took custody of the body for preservation and further investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy.

In its statement, the GNFS extended condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to exercise caution around rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.

“The Ghana National Fire Service remains committed to public education on drowning prevention and to responding swiftly and professionally to emergencies to save lives,” the statement read.