According to reports, the bus began emitting smoke shortly after setting off from the Kumasi station.

When it reached the Abuakwa stretch of the main Kumasi-Sunyani road, the situation worsened, forcing passengers on board to quickly disembark.

An eyewitness, Ofori Boateng, told the exact cause of the fire had not yet been established, although there were suspicions that the vehicle’s engine may have overheated.

“When the vehicle started smoking, within less than five minutes, the whole bus was engulfed in flames,” he said.

He added that passengers were able to evacuate the bus in time, and no casualties were recorded. However, the vehicle and property inside it were destroyed by the fire.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality arrived at the scene and worked to bring the fire under control, but the bus had already been extensively damaged.

The incident caused heavy traffic on the Abuakwa stretch of the road, with police officers deployed to the area to manage the situation and ease congestion.

Dr Okoe-Boye secured 490 votes to beat his contender, Alfred Boye, who polled 172 votes, giving him a decisive 318-vote victory in the regional executive elections held on Saturday, August 15.

His election comes as the NPP seeks to rebuild its structures and improve its electoral fortunes in the Greater Accra Region ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The party suffered a significant setback in the region during the 2024 elections, losing eight of its 14 parliamentary seats and being reduced to five seats.

The development has increased calls for stronger grassroots mobilisation, improved party organisation and renewed strategies to reclaim constituencies lost in the previous election.

As the new Regional Chairman, Dr Okoe-Boye is expected to work with constituency executives and other party stakeholders to strengthen the NPP’s presence across the region.

He will also oversee the coordination of the party’s regional and constituency structures as the NPP prepares for the 2028 elections.

His decisive victory gives him a strong mandate to lead the party’s rebuilding efforts in Greater Accra and work towards regaining lost parliamentary seats.

Abronye re-elected NPP Bono East Regional chairman

COKA elected NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman

Delegates are voting to elect executives to various positions, including Regional Chairman, First and Second Vice Chairpersons, Secretary, Treasurer, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Communications Officer and Nasara Organiser.

While voting has ended in some regions, sorting, counting and collation of ballots are still underway in several others.

The emerging results are expected to determine the new leadership teams that will oversee the party’s regional affairs and coordinate its grassroots activities.

The elections form part of the NPP’s broader internal reorganisation following its performance in the 2024 general elections, as the party seeks to rebuild its structures and prepare for the 2028 polls.

Final results are expected to be announced after the completion of sorting, counting and collation in the various regions.

Below are the provisional results obtained by Adomonline.com:

Central region
Chairman
1- Percy Dennis 161
2- Joseph Esibu 278 – Winner

1st Vice Chairman
1- K K Bondzi 167
2- Kojo Halm 271 – Winner
2-Evans Addison

2nd vice Chairman
1- Betty Adwoa Nyantakyiwaa 97
2- Meshack Kweku Amoafo 220 – Winner
3- Samuel Ghartey 120

Secretary
1- Takyi Mensah 283 – winner
2- Armstrong Esaah 157

Assistance Secretary
1- Eunice Darkor 178
2- Charles Odoom 262 – Winner

Organiser
1- Anthony Sackey 333 – Winner
2- Anthony Appiah 72
3- Ken Quansah 33

Treasurer
1- Mustapha Mohammed 196
2- Francis Asare 244 – Winner

Youth Organiser
1- Lawrence Edutuah Essiaw – 131
2- Odeneho Kwakye Appiah – 189 – Winner
3- David Essandoh 118

Communication
1- Agyeman Asiedu 233 – Winner
2- Isaac Mensah 188
3- Noah Osei Assenso 85

Women
Charlotte Adwo Antwi 302 – Winner
Carolyn Aboagye 136

Nasara Organiser
1- King Dgagada 207 – Winner
2- Semila Kabore 161
3- Abubakar Osman 70

BONO REGION.

CHAIRMAN:

1. KWAME BAFFOE ABRONYE-201 – Winner
2. ⁠JOSEPH MENSAH-31
3. ⁠YAW AFFUL-44
4. ⁠AFARI GYAN-0
5. ⁠KWABENA OPPONG-0

1st VICE:

1. KATE AMPONSAH AGYARE-252 – WInner
2. ⁠PETER BOAMPONG ASOMAH-29

2nd VICE:

1. KWADWO AGYEKUM-68
2. ⁠ISSA ISSAKA-89
3. ⁠KWAKU ANTWI AGYEI-123 – Winner

SECRETARY:

1. KOFI OFOSU BOATENG-187 – Winner
2. ⁠ASARE BAFFOUR EBENEZER-93

DEPUTY SECRETARY:

1. RANDY ASHRAF ISSAHAKU-145 – Winner
2. ⁠STEPHEN OPUNI-135
   Rejected 1

WOMEN’S ORGANIZER:

1. DORIS ASOMAH-139
2. ⁠SAMIRA SULLEY-142 – Winner

YOUTH ORGANIZER:

1. JOEFFREY KWARTENG BROBBEY-58
2. ⁠SHADRACH ABREFAH MENSAH-92
3. ⁠ALHAJI BABA SUWARI-29
4. ⁠DAUDA IBRAHIM BAMBA-102 – Winner

NASARA ORGANIZER:

1. FAISAL OSMAN MOHAMMED-177 – Winner
2. ⁠WAHAB BASHIRU-101
   Rejected-2

TREASURER:

1. HENRY OSEI-124
2. ⁠KASSIM SIAKA-25
3. ⁠VERONICA TUFFOUR-131 – Winner

ORGANIZER:

1. ABDUL RAZAK OPPONG-229 – Winner
2. ⁠DARLINGTON BILL BOAMPONG-52

COMMUNICATIONS:

1. FAHD OSMAN-170 – Winner
2. ⁠ABUBAKARI YAKUBU-111

Upper East Regional NPP Election Results 

Chairperson position 

1. Elvis Figo Awonekai = 177 
2. Osman Konkonba = 1 
3. Patrick Ayaaba = 13 
4. Dr. Moses Kwabena Atinga = 123 
5. Filson Kweku Awankuah = 18 

1st Vice chairperson 

1. Ayamba Georgina = 241 
2. Isaac Adawele Atasige = 67 
3. Asumda Janet Lamisi = 23 

Secretary 

1. Daniel Ayine = 181 
2. Daniel Kwame Gariba = 151 

Deputy Secretary 

1. Naoh Thomas Yaab = 107 
2. Aputara Akasoba Jeremiah = 56 
3. Samuel Asambillah Akaamah = 55 
4. Anaane Johnson Ayikene = 114 

Women Organiser 

1. Abingde Evelyn = 91 
2. Margaret Akagwire = 48 
3. Ophelia Philomena Aovare = 51 
4. Asaaba Fatima = 142 

Organizer 

1. Mark Ayamga Asampanbila = 73 
2. Listowell Adaazi Azongbila = 106 
3. Bombande Edmond = 153 

Communications Officer 

1. Apasinaba Ayine Johnson Austine = 67 
2. Dr. Samuel Akonga = 158 
3. Ayinbisa Peter Ayamga = 107 

Treasurer 

1. Anaba Isaac Hakeem = 32 
2. Inusah Sally = 94 
3. Dr. Daniel Ziba = 206 

Nasara Coordinator

1. Adamu Masaud = 28 
2. Seidu Abass Ustarz = 107 
3. Musah Delwinde Sally = 196

BONO EAST RESULTS

CHAIRMAN

1: Ibrahim Bukari Baba 180
2: Thomas Adu Appiah 73
Rejected 1

1st Vice
1: ALHAJI Ibrahim Mohammed 92
2: Peter Koranteng 10
3: Alexander Gyan 149
Reject ballot 1

2nd vice
1: Baba Abdallah Baba 122
2: Amofa Atta Kofi 132

Secretary
1: David Boakye 181
2: Peter Mensah 70
Rejected 2

Assistant secretary
1: Mahama Seidu Liman 178
2: Boateng Ebenezer 76

Organizer
1: Musah Sulemana

Youth Organizer
1: Charlse Addo 126
2: Mohammed Bello 128

Women organizer
1: Sophia Afriyie Danso 161
2: Akosua Kuffour – 91

Nasara
1: Ahaji Jibrill Abubakar 178
2: Alhaji Adamu Mohammed 75

Treasurer
1: Gloria Awua Mullen 51
2: Tadi Banyo Charles 67
3: Charity Saab Adjei 102
4: Boahemaa Martha 32

Communication officer
1: Kofi Ohene Sakyi 114
2: Owusu Agyei Ebenezer 117
3: Ansu Seidu 23

Eastern Region

Chairman

1. Jeff Kunadu Addo 405
2. Albert Kwadwo Agyeman 292

1st vice

1. Twum Barima Boranteng 460
2. Agyekum Kofi Okyere 235

Organizer

1. Jerry Osei Poku 395
2. Adamu Musah Raha 299

Rejected 3

Secretary

1. Tony Osei Adjei 552
2. Barima Awua Sarpong Asiedu Larbi 144

Treasurer

1. William Amankra 231
2. Atta Senior Ofori Emmanuel 211
3. Alfred Nkwa Aboagye 232
4. Sena Debrah Anthony 23

Women’s organizer

1. Mercy Amo Darkoah 240
2. Fati Vondolie 193
3. Regina Bempong 264

Deputy secretary.

1. Nana Yaw Papin 207
2. Sylvanus Mintah Boateng 152
3. Felix Osafo Marfo 338

Youth organizer

1. Samuel Osei Sarkodie 350
2. Louis Appiah 33
3. Nana Kwaku Amoako 313

Nasara organizer

1. Hussein Fadilu Fafana 377
2. Iddrisu Daroo Alhassan 14
3. Khalil Abdallah Saleh 291
4. Yusif Yonah Ahmedabad 15

Greater Accra
Chairman

1. Bernard Okoe Boye = 488 √ Winner
2. Alfred Boye = 173

Women’s Organizer

1. Marie Timitey
2. Grace Pobi
3. Naomi Akosua Owusu = 227 √ Winner
4. Perpetual Asante = 226
5. Dugbakey Sarah Pobee

Regional 1st Vice Chairman

1. Raheal Tutu= 243
2. Emmanuel King Affotey= 12
3. Joana Frances Ada = 405 √ Winner

2nd Vice Chairman

1. Prince Obeng = 453
2. Kofi Oforie = 155
3. Peter Henry Vanderpuije = 51

Regional Organizer

1. Moses Abor = 464 √ Winner
2. Collins Kofi Asante = 34
3. Emmanuel Anim Austin = 153

Youth Organizer

1. Benjamin Nargeh = 296 √
2. Kwame Bekwei = 102
3. Mandela Wiafe Edward = 259

Regional Secretary

1. Daniel Parker = 350 √ Winner
2. Emmanuel Clottey = 314

Deputy Secretary

1. Gideon Ampim Sakyi = 209 √ Winner
2. Baba Seidu Issaka = 207
3. Albert Nii Kraku = 35
4. Shaibu Abdullai = 33
5. Charles Oteng = 173

Communication

1. Abdula-Rahama Zabo Adam = 239
2. Isaac Oheneba Danso = 88
3. George Asafo Adjei = 68
4. Solomon Asante = 265 √ Winner

Treasurer

1. Michael Danquah = 265 √ Winner
2. Kofi Twum Boafo = 155
3. David Laryea = 17
4. Francesca Ayorkor = 222

Abronye secured 201 votes to defeat four other contenders in the regional executive elections held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

His victory gives him another mandate to lead the party’s regional structures, coordinate its activities and work with constituency executives to strengthen the NPP’s grassroots base ahead of the 2028 general elections.

As Regional Chairman, Abronye will be responsible for coordinating constituency activities, mobilising party supporters and helping implement decisions of the national leadership.

His re-election follows months of political activity and public engagements as the NPP undertakes its internal reorganisation across the country.

In other results, Kofi Ofosu Boateng won the Regional Secretary position with 187 votes.

Abdul Razak Oppong also emerged victorious in the Regional Organiser contest after polling 229 votes.

The newly elected executives are expected to take charge of the NPP’s affairs in the Bono East Region as the party works to rebuild its structures and strengthen its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2028 elections.

Below is the full results

BONO REGION NPP ASPIRANTS.

CHAIRMAN
1. KWAME BAFFOE ABRONYE-201
2. ⁠JOSEPH MENSAH-31
3. ⁠YAW AFFUL-44
4. ⁠AFARI GYAN-0
5. ⁠KWABENA OPPONG-0

1st VICE
1. KATE AMPONSAH AGYARE-252
2. ⁠PETER BOAMPONG ASOMAH-29

2nd VICE
1. KWADWO AGYEKUM-68
2. ⁠ISSA ISSAKA-89
3. ⁠KWAKU ANTWI AGYEI-123

SECRETARY
1. KOFI OFOSU BOATENG-187
2. ⁠ASARE BAFFOUR EBENEZER-93

DEPUTY SECRETARY
1. RANDY ASHRAF ISSAHAKU-145
2. ⁠STEPHEN OPUNI-135
Rejected 1

WOMEN’S ORGANIZER
1. DORIS ASOMAH-139
2. ⁠SAMIRA SULLEY-142

YOUTH ORGANIZER
1. JOEFFREY KWARTENG BROBBEY-58
2. ⁠SHADRACH ABREFAH MENSAH-92
3. ⁠ALHAJI BABA SUWARI-29
4. ⁠DAUDA IBRAHIM BAMBA-102

NASARA ORGANIZER
1. FAISAL OSMAN MOHAMMED-177
2. ⁠WAHAB BASHIRU-101
Rejected-2

TREASURER
1. HENRY OSEI-124
2. ⁠KASSIM SIAKA-25
3. ⁠VERONICA TUFFOUR-131

ORGANIZER
1. ABDUL RAZAK OPPONG-229
2. ⁠DARLINGTON BILL BOAMPONG-52

COMMUNICATIONS
1. FAHD OSMAN-170
2. ⁠ABUBAKARI YAKUBU-111

COKA secured 663 votes to beat his sole contender, former Bantama Member of Parliament, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, who obtained 269 votes.

The results were announced after voting and the collation of ballots at the Ashanti Regional NPP executive elections.

COKA, a former Afigya Sekyere South Constituency Chairman, will now take charge of the party’s regional administration as the NPP seeks to strengthen its grassroots structures and reorganise ahead of the 2028 general elections.

His victory ends the closely watched two-horse contest between the two candidates.

The Ashanti Region, considered a major stronghold of the NPP, is expected to play a significant role in the party’s efforts to rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

Also read:

• I will lead Ashanti with less speeches and more work – COKA optimistic of…

• Coka urges female journalists to promote peace and national cohesion

The rush occurred on Saturday, August 15, as the fast-food chain marked 15 years of operations in Ghana with a special meal deal.

Scenes at KFC kasoa branch 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/wIAPgv7cYq

— Ray-Ankrah (@RayAnkrah0) August 15, 2026

The promotion offers customers one piece of chicken, tenders and small chips for GH¢15, drawing unusually large numbers to outlets in different parts of the country.

Students fight their way into KFC resulting into casualties.📍KNUST KFC pic.twitter.com/JDyqtiUYmB

— Nana👻🖤 (@theylikenk) August 15, 2026

Some customers reportedly arrived at KFC branches as early as 7:00 a.m. in an effort to beat the crowds and secure the discounted meal.

Videos shared on social media showed lengthy queues and congested scenes at some branches, with customers waiting for extended periods to access the promotion.

Alajo branch 🤣
GHC 15 KFC
#KFCGhanaAt15 pic.twitter.com/1XjsDgsK5E

— Steven.Ofori🇬🇭 (@KofiKing_ll) August 14, 2026

At some outlets, security personnel were seen attempting to manage the crowds and disperse customers as the situation became increasingly congested.

You break glass because of GHC 15 👀 https://t.co/ud9dkbzEZo pic.twitter.com/vRSOkjksXR

— 𝕏 Ghana 🇬🇭 (@xghana_) August 15, 2026

The heavy turnout highlights the strong public interest in the anniversary offer as KFC Ghana celebrates 15 years of serving customers in the country.

🍗 GH¢15 KFC DEAL: Customers started lining up as early as 6:00AM!

KFC Ghana is celebrating its 15th anniversary, and Ghanaians are already out early to grab the anniversary deal🔥😂#KFCGhana #KFC15 #Ghana #Trending Black Sherif Wizkid "Azigi" Julian Alvarez Omar ghc 15 pic.twitter.com/fWN2Ewj1iv

— Gezghana.com (@gezghana) August 15, 2026

The company has introduced the special deal as part of activities marking the milestone anniversary.

1 pc chicken for GHC 15? See the queue; are the youths so broke?
Too bad Charlie pic.twitter.com/HlIVOrguJE

— Pressure🔂 (@No_Pressure10) August 15, 2026

GNFS firefighters battle house fire at Labadi Wireless

Apologise to Okyeman or face our wrath – Nananoom to Akyemansa…

The Council accused the DCE of interfering in the Etwereso chieftaincy dispute by allegedly recognising and elevating the Etweresohene, Ofosu Kwabi, to paramountcy status.

In a letter dated August 12, 2026, and signed by the State Secretary, D.M. Ofori-Atta, the Council directed the DCE to immediately withdraw a July 7, 2026 letter which it said purported to confer paramountcy status on the Etwereso Stool.

The Council said it had taken note of the DCE’s actions and demanded an apology, warning that failure to comply would lead to the escalation of the matter to the appropriate authorities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has not appointed any person as Regent for the Etwereso Stool. The purported appointment of a Regent was an inadvertent omission, and the anomaly was rectified when the attention of Nananoom was drawn to the matter at the State Council meeting,” the letter stated.

The Council maintained that it was fully aware of the customary and legal processes governing the selection, nomination, appointment, installation and deposition of chiefs.

Mr Ofori-Atta said the Council’s position on the status of the Etweresohene, as contained in previous correspondence, remained unchanged.

He said the DCE should have exercised caution and sought clarification from the Ofori Panin Fie before taking any action on the matter.

“ A District Chief Executive cannot confer paramount status to any person or stool under the pretext of maintaining public peace, public order and administrative clarity,” the Council stated.

It further cited Article 270(2) of the 1992 Constitution, arguing that even Parliament is prohibited from enacting laws that confer on any person or authority the power to recognise or withdraw recognition from a chief in a manner that undermines the dignity of chieftaincy.

The Council stressed that the administration, registration and recognition of chiefs are matters for constitutionally and legally mandated chieftaincy institutions, rather than Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives.

It argued that a DCE cannot confer chieftaincy titles, determine disputed customary status, grant paramountcy ranks or determine the allegiance of chiefs through executive action.

The Council maintained that the Etwereso Stool remains a sub-stool of the Benkum Division of the Ofori Panin Stool.

It added that the Okyenhene remains committed to pursuing peaceful processes to resolve the Etwereso matter and would not abdicate responsibility for the issue.

Alleged injunction against NPP Ashanti regional elections ‘invalid’ – Committee Chairperson

“My tenure was difficult because I didn’t get support from NPP…

The Chairperson of the committee, Rita Talata Asobayire, made the clarification while speaking to Adom News on Saturday at Jubilee Park in Kumasi, where voting is underway.

According to her, although claims of an injunction have been made, the committee mandated to conduct the elections was not properly named in the court documents.

Madam Asobayire, a former police officer, questioned the validity of the alleged court order, insisting that the election committee had not been served with any valid directive to suspend the exercise.

“I was a police officer and I can tell you that this was not an injunction because they didn’t include the election committee in the injunction letter,” she said.

She explained that for a court order to be binding on the committee, it must be duly served on the specific body responsible for conducting the elections.

“Those who secured the injunction failed to include the election committee in the service of the court letter. That alone makes it invalid as far as this committee is concerned,” she added.

Madam Asobayire stressed that the committee had not defied any court order and was continuing preparations for the elections.

“The committee has not been served with any valid court order. Therefore, preparations toward the Ashanti Regional Executive elections are still ongoing,” she said.

To maintain law and order, she disclosed that more than 500 police officers had been deployed to the voting centre and other key locations across the region.

She urged aspirants, their supporters and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the exercise.

“I am appealing to all aspirants and their supporters to ensure that peace and order are maintained. We want this election to be free, fair, and transparent. Let us avoid any act that will bring the name of the party into disrepute,” she said.

Madam Asobayire also called on party members to disregard what she described as misinformation intended to cause confusion and urged them to remain calm as the committee works to deliver a credible election.

The NPP is holding regional executive elections across the country to elect new executives to steer the affairs of the party at the regional level.

In the Ashanti Region, 1,020 delegates are expected to vote, with 34 aspirants contesting 11 executive positions.

The Regional Chairmanship race between Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, and Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu is attracting particular attention.

Party officials say a successful and peaceful election in the Ashanti Region will be critical to strengthening grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Aspiring Oti NPP Women’s Organiser calls for new force in leadership

NPP Central polls: Asemanyi calls for leaders ready to sacrifice

The directive, contained in a notice posted on the palace’s Facebook page on Saturday, August 15, 2026, takes immediate effect.

The palace said no drone flights or other aerial activities would be permitted within the designated area without prior and explicit approval from the palace or the relevant authorities.

It warned that any drone operated without authorisation would be confiscated, while operators who breach the directive could also face legal action.

The palace has therefore urged drone operators and users of unmanned aerial vehicles to obtain the necessary approval before carrying out any aerial activities within the restricted area.

Read the full statement below:

Delegates across the country are voting to elect regional executives who will oversee the party’s activities and coordinate its operations at the regional level.

The exercise forms part of the NPP’s wider internal elections, which began with polling station and constituency-level contests.

To ensure a smooth and credible process, the party has deployed national representatives to the various regions to monitor the elections and ensure that approved electoral guidelines are followed.

The representatives are expected to promote transparency and fairness throughout the process and submit reports on the conduct of the elections, including any irregularities recorded.

The party has also directed its Regional Executive Elections Committees to conduct the exercise professionally and maintain discipline at all voting centres.

Several aspirants are contesting key regional positions, including Regional Chairman, First and Second Vice Chairpersons, Secretary, Treasurer, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Communications Officer and Nasara Coordinator.

The elections are being closely watched as the NPP seeks to rebuild and consolidate its grassroots structures following the 2024 general elections and position itself for the 2028 polls.

Results from the various regional contests are expected to be announced after voting and the collation of ballots are completed.

Also read:

• NPP regional elections: COKA, Kokofu clash in Ashanti; Dr Okoe-Boye, Alfred Boye battle chairmanship…

• Napo urges unity ahead of NPP Regional Executive Elections

He has urged residents to remain calm as security agencies investigate the attack and work to identify and arrest those responsible.

Mr Adam told MyJoyOnline that three gunmen entered the palace at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday and initially confronted young men outside the residence.

According to him, the young men fled, after which the attackers approached the chief’s wife and asked about her husband before forcing their way into the chief’s room.

The chief and his son were subsequently shot and killed.

Mr Adam said the attackers were not masked and that the chief’s wife was able to identify some of them.

“The chief’s wife was able to identify them and provided names to police. Additional names came from other witnesses who said they recognized some of the men. All of the information has been turned over to security agencies for follow-up.”

He said the information provided by witnesses would form part of the ongoing police investigation.

The MCE said the District Police Command had already transported the bodies to Tamale for autopsy by the time municipal and regional officials arrived at the community.

Mr Adam said the Regional Police Commander has pledged a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances and motive behind the killings and apprehend those responsible.

He said the Regional Minister had also met with members of the bereaved family and appealed for restraint following the incident.

The MCE stressed that, based on the circumstances of the attack, authorities believe the chief was specifically targeted.

He cautioned residents against reprisals, saying any retaliatory action could worsen an already tense situation.

Mr Adam said the attack has caused fear among residents, with most people leaving the community since the incident.

He said only members of the chief’s family have remained in the area, describing the town as quiet but tense as residents stay away for fear of further attacks.

Authorities are therefore appealing for calm while the security agencies pursue the suspects and work to establish the motive for the killings.

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We will ensure Civil Service serves public interest – Vice President

The convictions followed a special enforcement operation conducted by the Kasoa Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) along the Kasoa-Winneba road.

The exercise was led by the MTTD Commander, Superintendent Hannah Adjei, as part of efforts to enforce road traffic regulations and improve safety on the highway.

According to the Police, the use of unauthorised emergency sirens and “folk” lights by motorists is prohibited under road traffic regulations.

Motorists were previously given a one-month grace period to remove the devices from their vehicles and comply with the directive.

However, some drivers allegedly continued to use the unauthorised lighting systems after the grace period, resulting in their arrest and prosecution.

Speaking after the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor at the Kasoa Akweley District Court, Chief Inspector Cephas Atsor, said the fines were intended to serve as a deterrent to other motorists.

He warned drivers against disregarding road traffic regulations and urged them to remove all unauthorised lighting and emergency devices from their vehicles.

Chief Inspector Atsor said the enforcement exercise forms part of a nationwide Police operation aimed at ensuring compliance with road traffic laws and promoting safety and sanity on Ghana’s roads.

READ ALSO:

Disputed Yiidana chief and son shot dead in Gushegu

Three vehicles collide at Kusa Junction; one dead, several injured

District Chief Executive Abdul Hafiz Adam said three gunmen attacked the chief’s family house at about midnight on Thursday.

“What happened was that yesterday, in the night, around 12:00 a.m., we had information that some gunmen had attacked the disputed chief of Yiidana. Three gunmen, as we are told, went to the house and shot him and his son. So, both of them have died, and we can confirm their deaths for now,” he said.

The killings are linked to a longstanding dispute over the authority to enskin a chief for Yiidana, involving the nearby Paboni community and the traditional authority of Zantali-Lana.

According to Mr Adam, the conflict began about four years ago when the Zantali-Lana moved to install a chief for Yiidana.

He said residents of Paboni objected and challenged the Zantali-Lana’s authority to carry out the enskinment.

The matter was subsequently referred to the Yaa Naa’s palace in Yendi.

“The Yaa Naa ruled that the Zantali-Lana had that authority to enskin a chief for that community,” Mr Adam said.

The ruling, however, did not end the dispute.

Earlier clashes between residents of Yiidana and Paboni resulted in the destruction of property. As part of efforts to resolve the matter, Yiidana was advised to seek compensation through the courts.

Tensions resurfaced after enskinment.

Mr Adam said the dispute resurfaced when the Zantali-Lana again sought to carry out the enskinment.

He said the chief with jurisdiction over Paboni later indicated that Yiidana did not fall under Paboni, effectively clearing the way for the Zantali-Lana to proceed.

Residents of Paboni reportedly attempted to disrupt the ceremony, but the enskinment went ahead.

Due to security concerns, however, the newly enskinned chief was initially made to live outside Yiidana.

About a month ago, the chief’s family informed local security authorities of plans to return him to the community.

Mr Adam said the Municipal Security Council asked the family to allow time for an assessment of the security situation.

“We, as MUSEC, requested that we should be given time to go into the matter and be able to establish that there will be enough security for the chief in the community before he relocates back to the community,” he said.

“But the family failed to listen to us. They insisted that they had already sent the chief to the Yiidana community.”

Mr Adam said local authorities eventually allowed the chief’s return on condition that peace was maintained.

That arrangement, he said, was shattered by Thursday night’s attack.

Security deployed as residents flee

Police and military personnel have since been deployed to Yiidana.

Mr Adam said he was awaiting the arrival of the Northern Regional Minister and the Regional Security Council from Tamale to assess the situation and determine the next steps.

He said the area was currently calm.

“Currently, the place is calm. There is no fighting, there is no gunshots,” he said.

The bodies of the chief and his son remain in the community pending decisions by MUSEC and REGSEC on burial arrangements.

Despite the calm, the killings have heightened tension in the area.

Mr Adam said many residents of Yiidana and surrounding communities had fled amid fears of possible retaliatory attacks.

He said there was “general suspicion out there that the two families may attack each other again,” prompting residents to leave their communities.

The emotional moment unfolded at a meeting between religious leaders and the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Friday, August 14.

The meeting followed a series of incidents that heightened religious tensions, including alleged derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad, a reported death threat in response to the comments, and the assault of a pastor while in police custody.

In a symbolic gesture aimed at calming tensions, the Chief Imam brought together Pastor Adjei, who was allegedly assaulted, and the Muslim man accused of slapping him.

The two men shook hands in the presence of the religious leaders and security officials, signalling a willingness to move beyond the recent confrontation and embrace peace.

The gathering also brought together the Muslim cleric accused of making comments calling for the death of persons who insulted Allah, the pastor at the centre of the controversy, and the man accused of assaulting the pastor.

The Chief Imam’s intervention underscored the need for forgiveness, restraint and dialogue as Ghana seeks to prevent the recent incidents from developing into wider religious tensions.

The gesture came as Christian and Muslim leaders, together with the police, renewed calls for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The meeting provided a rare moment of unity after days of heated discussions and reactions across social media and the wider public.

Religious leaders stressed that while alleged offences must be dealt with through the law, neither provocation nor anger should become a justification for violence or retaliation.

The handshake between Pastor Adjei and his alleged assailant therefore served as a powerful visual reminder that dialogue, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence remain possible even amid deep religious emotions.

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A report by accra-based Citi News indicated the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources have also been invited to the meeting, scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

The meeting, directed by the President on Friday, August 14, is expected to bring the two state institutions together to resolve their differences and determine the way forward on the project.

The development follows a standoff between TDC and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) over an ongoing development and infilling project at the site.

TMA has ordered TDC to suspend work, arguing that the project is being undertaken without the necessary permit from the Assembly.

The Assembly has also raised concerns over issues brought to its attention by residents, including the alleged cutting down of about 50 trees, demolition of existing structures, encroachment on playgrounds and green belts, and the blocking of access routes.

The dispute has sparked concerns among residents over the development and use of public spaces in the community.

Monday’s meeting is expected to give the relevant stakeholders an opportunity to present their positions, address the concerns raised and agree on a solution to the impasse.

The outcome could determine whether the project proceeds, is modified or remains suspended pending further consultations and regulatory approvals.

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The accident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at a section of the highway popularly known as Otuo Srebour at Juaso.

The crash involved a Sprinter bus with registration number AD 8272-26, which was travelling from Accra to Kumasi with passengers on board, and a long vehicle travelling in the opposite direction from Kumasi to Accra.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), one male passenger on the Sprinter bus died in the crash, while several others sustained injuries.

The deceased’s body has since been conveyed to the Yawkwei Steward Mortuary for preservation and further procedures.

The injured victims were also assisted following the crash, while investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances that led to the collision.

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Dr Ato Forson had been acting as Defence Minister for about a year following the death of the substantive minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, in the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash.

At a handover ceremony held today, Dr Ato Forson and Mr Adjei signed the necessary documents to formally complete the transition.

In his remarks, Dr Ato Forson congratulated Mr Adjei on his appointment and assured him of his support as he takes up the new responsibility.

Officials and staff of the Ministry of Defence were present at the ceremony and joined the outgoing and incoming ministers for photographs to mark the transition.

Mr Adjei now assumes full responsibility for the Ministry and will oversee its affairs as the substantive Defence Minister.

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The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, involved a MAN Diesel truck and a Toyota Hiace.

The collision reportedly occurred when the truck, travelling towards the Accra route, moved into the opposite lane and struck the Toyota Hiace.

The Bunso Fire Station received a distress call at about 7:30 p.m. and immediately deployed a six-member team. Firefighters reached the location around 7:46 p.m. and found the two vehicles damaged from the impact.

An eyewitness told responders that the MAN truck, with registration number AS 4765-11, was attempting to make way for a Toyota Vitz, which was allegedly overtaking improperly.

The manoeuvre reportedly caused the truck to veer across the road, where it collided with the side of the Toyota Hiace, registered ER 655-25.

The collision left the front portion of the truck partially damaged, while the Hiace sustained damage along its side.

The emergency crew attended to the injured and helped retrieve personal belongings from the vehicles.

One female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, while 14 other occupants sustained injuries.

The precise circumstances surrounding the accident are yet to be established, with investigations expected to determine what led to the collision.

The fire crew completed its work after clearing the affected section of the highway and left the scene at about 8:46 p.m.

The discovery involved Fred Kwarteng, the Embassy’s IT officer, whose office was searched during a special audit of the Mission, covering the period January 2017 to June 2025.

During the inspection, auditors recovered 18 passport booklets from Mr. Kwarteng’s office. Four of the booklets were blank biometric passport booklets.

One contained Mr Kwarteng’s own image, while the remaining active passport booklets could not be accounted for. Also recovered were fifty-nine (59) used and unused visa stickers, materials that are supposed to be tightly controlled.

Biometric passport booklets are sensitive security documents issued by the  Government of Ghana and require strict custody, inventory management and accountability procedures, according to the auditors.

Every booklet received, issued or held in storage at a diplomatic mission is expected to be properly accounted for. The discovery came despite an earlier internal review that had already raised concerns about the management of biometric passport booklets at the Embassy.

A May 2021 internal audit identified weaknesses in record-keeping and stock management practices. Records from Ridge PAC, Ghana’s biometric passport production partner, showed discrepancies between passport booklet numbers supplied to the Mission and those recorded by the Embassy.

Although the total number of booklets supplied and recorded matched, the differences in serial numbers raised concerns over possible manipulation.

The internal review also found that the Mission was holding excess stocks of biometric passport booklets, increasing the risk of theft or misuse. The review recommended stronger controls, including setting appropriate reorder levels based on usage and ensuring proper reconciliation of passport inventory.

Inside Fred Kwarteng’s Office

However, during the subsequent audit by the Auditor-General, the Embassy could not provide a complete account of passport stock management between 2016 and 2025.

Management was also unable to explain how blank biometric passport booklets came into Mr. Kwarteng’s custody or why earlier recommendations on inventory control had not been implemented.

The possession of blank passport booklets and visa stickers became more significant because Mr Kwarteng also provided visa and passport application support services through a private company whose website he directed traffic to from the official website of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The circumstances surrounding the materials found in his office, the audit noted, “presuppose” that Mr. Kwarteng may have been engaged in fraudulent issuance of passports and visas outside official Embassy processes.

A source who worked at the embassy at the time, however, told Pledge Against Corruption that the auditors’ conclusion may be wrong.

The source, who wants to remain anonymous, explained that Fred Kwarteng often liaised with printers of Ghana’s passport booklets, so there was a time when some errors occurred during the printing process, resulting in discrepancies in serial numbers.

When it was corrected, some passport booklets whose serial numbers had been duplicated could no longer be used and those may still have been in Mr Kwarteng’s office during the audit.

A forensic examination of 15 empty passport booklets retrieved during the investigation confirmed that they were genuine Ghana passport stock.

The booklets contained standard security features, including Supreme Court watermarks, UV-responsive elements featuring the Parliament House, Coat of Arms and Fawohodie symbol, as well as micro-text reading “Republic of Ghana.”

However, seven of the 15 booklets examined had security deficiencies on their biodata pages. The identified defects included the absence of polycarbonate overlay, missing thermochromic print, missing Optical Variable Ink (OVI), irregular Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) alignment and cancellation markings.

Beyond the passport materials, the auditors also said they uncovered what appeared to be attempts to conceal digital records in Kwarteng’s office.

The desktop computer assigned to him was found without an internal Solid-State Drive (SSD), the component responsible for storing files and system information. Physical inspection showed that the primary storage device had been removed, leaving the computer without its internal storage medium.

Investigators also recovered multiple electronic devices and storage media associated with Mr. Kwarteng’s office, including six used SATA hard drives, Dell Latitude, MacBook Pro and Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, an iPad tablet, Samsung and iPhone mobile devices, and RAM modules.

The removal of the SSD, combined with the presence of multiple storage devices, created concerns that sensitive consular information may have been copied, removed, altered or destroyed before the inspection.

The audit report said, “Examination of the office environment revealed signs of disruption and disorder consistent with a hurried removal of equipment and documents.

Several drawers and shelves were found open and disorganised, with documents, storage media, cables, and electronic components scattered across the workspace. The condition of the office, including dismantled computer components and removed storage hardware, strongly suggests that the computer system had been tampered with prior to the audit inspection.

“Given that the SSD typically contains the operating system, user files, emails, and system logs, its removal effectively eliminates access to potentially critical electronic records.

This raises a reasonable suspicion that the storage device was intentionally removed to prevent auditors from examining digital records that could provide evidence of unauthorised activities, including possible manipulation of passport records, visa processing data, or financial transactions.”

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According to the Police, a robbery syndicate was preparing to attack GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank, all located within the Labone enclave, when its operation was foiled.

The clarification follows an earlier Police statement which reported that a robbery attempt at the GCB Bank, Labone branch, had been foiled, resulting in the death of two suspects and the arrest of another.

GCB Bank, however, subsequently denied that any robbery or attempted robbery had occurred at its Labone branch, stating that the branch was never breached and that no customer, staff member, funds or property was affected.

In its latest update issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Police said it received intelligence at about 10:45am that a gang was preparing to attack the three banks.

A police response team was immediately deployed to Labone, where the suspects were reportedly spotted in two vehicles parked close to the banks.

The Police said the suspects attempted to flee after noticing the presence of security personnel.

One of the vehicles reportedly sped off, leading to a police chase during which suspect Augustine Okechuku Maazi was arrested.

The other occupant of that vehicle managed to escape.

According to the Police, the occupants of the second vehicle also attempted to flee while firing at the police officers.

The officers returned fire, resulting in a shootout in which two of the suspects were killed.

The Police said two vehicles were recovered from the scene, a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson with registration number GS-7915-17.

A blow pistol was also recovered.

Suspect Augustine Okechuku Maazi remains in police custody and is assisting with investigations.

The bodies of the two deceased suspects have been deposited at the morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy.

The Ghana Police Service commended the response team for successfully foiling what it described as a planned robbery attempt.

The Service also expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing information that assists the Police in preventing and responding to criminal activities.

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A Senior Planning Manager at the NRSA, Felix Owusu, who revealed this, said 22 other people are receiving treatment at various hospitals following the crash.

Nineteen of the injured victims are receiving treatment at the Asofa Hospital, while three others are at the Achimota Hospital.

Seven vehicles were involved in the pile-up on the Ofankor–Pokuase stretch of the highway around 4am on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The vehicles involved were two tipper trucks, two Sprinter buses, two saloon cars and a tricycle.

According to Mr Owusu, the NRSA is awaiting the police’s full investigation to establish the exact circumstances that led to the crash.

He said preliminary information gathered at the scene suggests the tricycle may have triggered the chain of events.

“From the little we have gathered, there was a stationary tricycle, or what most people call an ‘aboboyaa’. There was a tricycle which had broken down,” he said.

A tipper truck carrying sand reportedly stopped behind it, followed by two Sprinter buses carrying passengers. Another tipper truck then approached at high speed and crashed into the vehicles ahead, setting off the multiple collisions.

He stressed that this account remains preliminary and should not be treated as the official cause of the crash until police complete their investigation.

The development follows his arrest by the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team in connection with a video in which he was allegedly seen making derogatory and offensive remarks about the Islamic prophet.

Daniel Adjei is also the prophet who was allegedly slapped by an Imam during a separate confrontation, an incident that drew attention on social media.

He appeared before court today, where he was granted bail with the assistance of NPP Member of Parliament Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.

The case is being investigated by the authorities, with the circumstances surrounding the alleged comments and the confrontation forming part of the broader matter.

The Ghana Police Service has maintained that freedom of expression and religion must not be used to justify statements that encourage violence or threaten public peace.

The police have also warned religious leaders, preachers and social media commentators to exercise restraint in their public utterances, particularly on matters capable of triggering religious tension.

Further proceedings are expected as investigations continue.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, August 13, the bank said no such incident took place at the Labone branch or anywhere on its premises.

“GCB Bank wishes to clarify that no robbery or attempted robbery took place at our Labone Branch or on the Bank’s premises,” the statement said.

The clarification follows reports of an alleged robbery incident in the Labone area, which had drawn references to the GCB branch there.

GCB Bank said the branch was not breached, and that no customer, staff member, funds or property belonging to the bank were affected. It added that the Labone branch remains fully operational, and has urged customers to go about their banking transactions without fear.

The bank said it maintains robust security measures across its network to protect customers, employees and facilities, and that it remains in contact with the relevant authorities as it monitors developments in the Labone area.

“We wish to reassure all our customers and stakeholders that GCB Bank remains safe, secure, and fully committed to serving them,” the statement concluded.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Council described the incident as a violation of human dignity and the rule of law and called for all offences connected to the matter to be addressed strictly in accordance with the law.

The controversy follows the separate arrests of two religious leaders over alleged remarks concerning Prophet Mohammed.

Imam Masud Abdullah, 35, was arrested over a viral video in which he allegedly encouraged violence against persons who speak against the Prophet.

In a separate case, Apostle Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei was arrested over a video containing alleged derogatory comments about Prophet Mohammed.

Tensions escalated after a video emerged showing a Muslim cleric confronting and slapping the handcuffed Apostle Adjei at the Police Headquarters.

A third suspect, identified as Sibamay Zakaria, has since been arrested in connection with the alleged assault.

The CCG condemned both the alleged offensive remarks and the subsequent calls for violence.

“The CCG categorically condemns any purported insults or attacks directed at the Prophet Mohammed, as well as the subsequent incitement to violence by the Muslim cleric,” the Council said.

It urged Christians and Muslims to refrain from retaliatory actions as reactions to the incidents continue to emerge both online and offline.

“We must not allow the reckless actions of a few individuals to derail this hard-won religious harmony,” the statement added.

The Council called on both religious communities to exercise “immediate maximum restraint” and allow state institutions to investigate and prosecute any offences.

It further urged the security services to handle the cases “dispassionately, swiftly, and strictly according to law”, without being influenced by religion, creed or public sentiment.

“The state must demonstrate that the law applies equally to all,” the CCG said.

The Council referenced Article 21(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion subject to considerations including public order.

It also cited Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which addresses conduct or offensive material intended to provoke a breach of the peace.

The CCG appealed to the public to refrain from interfering with the ongoing investigations and allow state institutions to establish the facts.

“Let us allow the state institutions to work without interference,” it said.

The Ghana Police Service has so far arrested three suspects in connection with the incidents.

The Police Professional Standards Bureau has also opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault at the Police Headquarters, including how the breach of custody occurred and whether any police officers were involved.

The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has directed the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation and identify any personnel who may have facilitated or condoned the incident.

The CCG said Ghana’s peaceful interfaith coexistence had been strengthened over the years through sustained collaboration between Christian and Muslim bodies, including engagements with the Office of the National Chief Imam.

It therefore called on all parties to protect the country’s tradition of religious tolerance while the relevant state institutions work to establish the facts and apply the law.

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The incident occurred on Thursday, August 13, 2026, with police intervention leading to the death of two suspected robbers and the arrest of another.

According to the Police Service, the operation successfully prevented the robbery attempt at the bank.

The arrested suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to assist investigators as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery.

The identities of the deceased suspects and further details about the incident have not yet been disclosed.

The Police Service is expected to provide additional information as investigations continue.

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The development was confirmed by ADO1 Alex King Nartey of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in an interview with Adom News.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 13, 2026, and involved a tipper truck and a Sprinter bus.

The crash left the Sprinter bus badly mangled, trapping several passengers inside and prompting a major rescue operation by the GNFS and other emergency responders.

Five deaths were initially confirmed, with several others sustaining serious injuries.

However, further rescue and medical efforts have since increased the number of confirmed fatalities to 11.

Several injured victims were rescued from the wreckage and transported to health facilities for treatment.

The accident also caused significant traffic disruption on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, with portions of the road temporarily restricted to allow emergency responders to operate and clear the wreckage.

The GNFS earlier advised motorists travelling from Pokuase and Amasaman towards Ofankor and Accra to use the outer lane and exercise extreme caution when approaching the accident scene.

Motorists were also urged to slow down, cooperate with emergency responders and avoid obstructing ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

The circumstances that led to the collision remain unclear as investigations continue.

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The crash left the Sprinter bus badly damaged, with several passengers trapped in the wreckage and emergency teams launching a major rescue operation.

According to ADO1 Alex King Nartey of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), officers were dispatched to the scene to rescue passengers trapped inside the vehicle and assist survivors.

Five people have so far been confirmed dead, while several others sustained serious injuries.

The severity of the collision has required extensive rescue efforts, with emergency personnel working to free victims and transport the injured to health facilities for treatment.

One female victim, whose legs were reportedly severed in the crash, was evacuated from the scene by ambulance.

The GNFS described the situation as volatile as its officers worked to safely extricate victims from the wreckage and bring the rescue operation under control.

The exact number of casualties was yet to be established at the time of reporting, as rescue operations were still ongoing.

The accident has also disrupted traffic on the stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, with movement on the main road temporarily restricted to allow emergency responders to work.

The GNFS has advised motorists travelling from Pokuase and Amasaman towards Ofankor and Accra to use the outer lane and approach the area with extreme caution.

Drivers have also been urged to slow down and give way to emergency responders as rescue teams continue efforts to clear the wreckage and assist victims.

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Her release comes almost two weeks after the Court of Appeal overturned her conviction, resulting in her acquittal and discharge.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal struck down the application after the Attorney-General withdrew it, allowing for Mrs. Tamakloe-Attionu’s release. Mrs. Tamakloe-Attionu served as the CEO of MASLOC from November 2013 to January 2017.

She faced prosecution on 78 counts, including conspiracy to steal, theft, causing financial loss to the State, money laundering, improper payment of public funds, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act.

The Accra High Court convicted her in April 2024 and sentenced her to 10 years in prison in absentia.

She returned to Ghana in June 2026 following her extradition from the United States and was subsequently taken into custody.

Her lawyers later challenged the conviction at the Court of Appeal, which overturned the High Court’s decision and acquitted and discharged her.

Although the Attorney-General has indicated that the State intends to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision at the Supreme Court, the withdrawal of the stay application allows the acquittal and discharge to take effect pending the further legal process.

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But that perception is gradually changing.

From actors and musicians to television personalities and beauty queens, a growing number of people from Ghana’s entertainment and creative industries have ventured into politics, contesting parliamentary elections, accepting government appointments and, in some cases, securing seats in Parliament.

Their journeys have not all ended in victory. Some have won elections and risen through the political ranks, while others have contested repeatedly without success.

But their participation has challenged a long-standing assumption that political leadership belongs exclusively to traditional political actors.

Here are 11 entertainment personalities in Ghana who made that leap.

1. John Dumelo

Perhaps one of the most high-profile recent examples is actor John Dumelo.

For years, Dumelo was one of Ghana’s most recognisable faces in film, building a career that gave him a large following both locally and internationally.

He made his screen debut as a child actor in Baby Thief (1991) and went on to build a career of 80+ films across Ghana and Nollywood, with notable credits including The Perfect Picture and its sequel The Maidens, A Northern Affair, The King Is Mine, 4Play, and TV soaps Sun City and About to Wed.

He also won Best Actor West Africa at FESPACO 2017.

Dumelo first contested the Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary seat on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 general election but narrowly lost to the New Patriotic Party’s Lydia Seyram Alhassan.

Four years later, he returned to the constituency and secured a decisive victory.

In the 2024 general election, Dumelo won the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat, defeating his previous opponent and completing a transition from one of Ghana’s best-known actors to an elected legislator.

Dumelo has since taken on a government role as Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, further expanding his journey from entertainment into national governance.

2. Abla Dzifa Gomashie

Abla Dzifa Gomashie represents another long-standing connection between Ghana’s creative arts and politics.

A veteran actress, producer and screenwriter, Gomashie began her acting career in 1985 with the Talents Theatre Company.

He was in stage plays like Black Star, Mambo, Chaka the Zulu, Jogolo, and The Third Woman. Her film credits include Ghost Tears, House of Pain, and Heart of Gold. She also wrote and produced the GTV children’s storytelling programme By the Fireside.

Her career in the creative arts eventually intersected with government when she was appointed Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in 2013.

She later entered electoral politics and became Member of Parliament for Ketu South on the NDC ticket.

Her career has continued to bridge both worlds. She is now Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts while serving as MP for Ketu South.

3. A-Plus

Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, has followed another route.

The hiplife musician and outspoken political commentator was already known for his strong views on national affairs before entering electoral politics.

His debut album was Freedom of Speech (2000), with the politically charged hit “Mesuro Mpo Na Merekeka Yi O.” It was followed by Freedom of Speech II (2001), and later hits like “Mframa” (2012) and “Abɛn Bɛ Bom” (2016). He is also known for the controversial track “Letter to Parliament.”

In the 2024 general election, he contested the Gomoa Central parliamentary seat as an independent candidate and won, securing his place in Parliament.

His victory was notable because it came outside the traditional two-party structure that has dominated Ghanaian parliamentary politics.

4. Grace Omaboe (Maame Dokono)

For veteran actress Grace Omaboe, popularly known as Maame Dokono, the journey into politics began much earlier.

Known for her iconic roles in Ghanaian television, particularly Obra and By the Fireside, Maame Dokono became a household name long before she entered electoral politics.

She also starred in over 50 movies across her career, notable among them are Kwaku Ananse (2013), Children of the Mountain (2016), My Very Ghanaian Wedding (2017), and P Over D (2019).

She first contested the Birim North parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NDC in 2000. She later returned to contest the same seat on the NPP ticket, but was unsuccessful on both occasions.

Her political journey demonstrates that celebrity recognition does not automatically translate into electoral victory.

Despite her popularity, she faced the same realities that confront other political candidates: party structures, constituency dynamics, competition and voter preferences.

By 2018, Maame Dokono indicated that she no longer intended to remain actively involved in politics.

5. Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour)

For hiplife musician Bice Osei Kuffour, popularly known as Obour, the decision to enter politics was rooted in a desire to contribute to the change he wanted to see in society.

His albums include Atentenben, Akademu, Dondo and Atumpan, with hit singles “Nana Obour,” “Konkontiba” (featuring Samini), “Shine Your Eye,” and “Oko Aba.” He swept five awards at the 2005 Ghana Music Awards.

The former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) publicly announced his political ambitions in January 2020 when he declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary primary in the Asante Akyem South Constituency.

Obour’s move was significant because he was not only a well-known musician but had also served as the leader of Ghana’s umbrella body for musicians, giving him extensive experience engaging with issues affecting the creative industry.

However, his first attempt to enter Parliament ended in defeat.

In the NPP’s 2020 parliamentary primary, he contested the incumbent Member of Parliament, Kwaku Asante Boateng. Obour polled 280 votes, representing 32.86 per cent, while the incumbent secured 522 votes, representing 61.27 per cent.

He was subsequently appointed Secretary to the NPP 2020 Campaign Ashanti Region Advertising Committee.

His political journey took another turn in December 2021 when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed him Acting Managing Director of Ghana Post.

In the 2024 NPP parliamentary primaries, Obour again challenged Kwaku Asante Boateng for the Asante Akyem South candidacy. The incumbent once again secured the party’s nomination, leaving Obour without a parliamentary ticket.

Despite the repeated defeats, Obour has maintained that his decision to enter politics was driven by his belief in change rather than simply the pursuit of political office.

6. Sena Okity-Duah

Benita Sena Okity-Duah’s political journey also began outside traditional politics.

After winning the Miss Ghana crown in 1997, Okity-Duah built a public profile that extended beyond beauty pageants.

In 2012, she became the first former Miss Ghana titleholder to enter Parliament after winning the Ledzokuku seat on the NDC ticket.

She defeated several party stalwarts during the parliamentary primary before going on to win the general election.

Her parliamentary career, however, was not permanent. She lost the Ledzokuku seat in the 2016 election.

Years later, she returned to public service, with an appointment as Coordinator of the Free Senior High School Secretariat.

7. Ebi Bright

Actress Ebi Bright also transitioned from the entertainment industry into active politics.

Before politics, she appeared in over 20 films, including The Unknown, Single Six, Somewhere in Africa, Reason to Kill, The Game, and TV series like Hotel Babylon and Deadline.

She became the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the Tema Central constituency and contested the seat against the NPP’s Kofi Brako.

Although she did not win the parliamentary seat, her political career continued.

In May 2025, Bright made history when she was sworn in as the first female Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tema.

For her, the path from acting did not lead directly to Parliament but eventually opened the door to local government leadership.

8. Ras Mubarak

Ras Mubarak also brought a media and entertainment background into national politics.

Before entering Parliament, he worked as a reggae presenter at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, gaining experience in both radio and television.

His first attempt at parliamentary politics came when he contested the NDC parliamentary slot for Ablekuma North in 2011.

He won the party’s primary but lost the 2012 general election.

Undeterred, he later contested the NDC parliamentary primary in Kumbungu and won the seat in the 2016 general election.

9. Baba Sadiq

Music entrepreneur Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu is another prominent example of a creative industry personality entering electoral politics.

As the former CEO of the 3Music Awards, Baba Sadiq had established himself within Ghana’s music and entertainment industry before seeking elected office.

He contested the Okaikwei Central parliamentary seat on the NDC ticket in the 2024 general election.

The contest became one of the most closely watched parliamentary races following an initial declaration in his favour.

However, a subsequent court-ordered recollation of votes confirmed Patrick Yaw Boamah of the NPP as the winner.

Despite the electoral setback, Baba Sadiq’s political journey has continued. President John Dramani Mahama has since nominated him as Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, subject to the required processes.

10. Kwame Dzokoto

Actor and broadcaster Seth Kwame Dzokoto also moved from entertainment into partisan politics.

Dzokoto became widely known as the host of TV3’s Edziban, a programme that explored Ghanaian food, restaurants and cuisine. He also featured in the very popular Efiewura series

His popularity on television eventually opened the door to political involvement.

In 2014, he was elected Deputy Propaganda Secretary of the NDC in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency.

Two years later, he contested the parliamentary seat as the NDC candidate.

Although he failed to win the election, Dzokoto remained politically active and continued to demonstrate his commitment to the party.

11. Diamond Appiah

Singer and actress Diamond Appiah also ventured into parliamentary politics.

She appeared in movies like Amsterdam Diary (2005) and Babynayoka (2006).

She entered the music scene with her debut album Kase Kyere Wo Kunu, a hiplife classic and is also known for the single “Taste My Apple,” featuring Stay Jay.

Appiah contested the Trobu parliamentary seat on the ticket of the United Progressive Party in 2016.

She was unsuccessful in her attempt to enter Parliament.

Her political involvement, however, reflected a broader trend in which entertainers use their public visibility to pursue political ambitions.

Breaking the stereotype

For some, the motivation is a desire to influence policies affecting their communities and the creative industry. For others, years of public visibility offer a ready-made platform to launch political campaigns.

Actors, musicians and television personalities often already have what many politicians spend years building: a recognisable name and a direct connection with large audiences.

Their growing presence in Ghanaian politics challenges the assumption that leadership belongs only to those who have spent their careers inside political parties.

But the transition comes with scrutiny. Celebrity status may open doors, but entertainers are ultimately judged on the same terms as every other politician: leadership, policy, accountability and delivery.

The real test is not whether an actor, musician or media personality can win an election. It is whether they can turn the influence built on stage or screen into effective representation and public service.

For Ghana’s creative personalities, the journey from stage and screen to the political arena is no longer unusual. The road to Parliament, it turns out, can begin in a film studio, behind a microphone, on a television set, or even on a beauty pageant runway.

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The Attorney-General on Wednesday morning withdrew a motion seeking to halt the release the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu.

Following that move, the judge went ahead and signed the release warrant.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in July 2026 quashed her conviction and 10-year sentence on 78 corruption-related charges.

The court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Ankamah, with Justices Samuel Obeng-Diawuo and Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe concurring, held that the trial judge had repeatedly shifted the burden of proof onto the appellant, contrary to the constitutional presumption of innocence.

It added that the prosecution had failed to prove several of the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

A few hours after the judgment, the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court, stating that it was dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit and discharge the respondent.

Alongside the notice of appeal, the Attorney-General also filed a motion for stay of execution pending appeal, praying the Court of Appeal to stay execution of its judgment acquitting and discharging Ms Tamakloe-Attionu until the Supreme Court determines the appeal.

However, the motion for stay of execution was withdrawn Wednesday morning (Aug 12, 2026) by Principal State Attorney, Hilda Craig.

The prosecution has instead filed the motion at the Supreme Court.

The motion was subsequently struck out as withdrawn at the Court of Appeal.

Also read:

• Court of Appeal strikes out AG’s bid to stay Sedina’s acquittal as withdrawn

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Hanan Abdul-Wahab told the court that his lead counsel, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, was unwell and currently on admission.

Counsel for the second accused, Augustine Obuor, was also absent, with Faiza Wuni informing the court that her lawyer was indisposed.

However, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, questioned the explanation given for Mr Dame’s absence.

He told the court that the lawyer had previously indicated that he would not be available during the legal vacation and had subsequently petitioned the Chief Justice over the decision to proceed with the trial during the period.

Dr Srem-Sai further argued that if ill health was being relied upon as the reason for counsel’s absence, the court ought to have been provided with medical evidence to substantiate the claim.

Meanwhile, Hanan told the court that he had received a copy of an application for stay of proceedings filed at the Court of Appeal, which is scheduled to be heard on October 19.

He therefore appealed for a longer adjournment to allow the appellate proceedings to take their course.

The presiding judge, however, adjourned the matter to August 17, directing counsel for the first accused to appear and address the court on the pending application for stay of proceedings.

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His comments come amid concerns raised by lawyer for former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahen, Samuel Atta Akyea, over the decision to proceed with the case during the legal vacation.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Anyenini said even when a judge decides to hear a case during the vacation, lawyers can explain their circumstances and appeal for an alternative arrangement.

He said judges are generally willing to listen when lawyers make such requests respectfully.

“Even if a judge wants to hear a case during vacation, we appeal to the judge in a nice way as to why we may not be available,” he said.

According to him, it would be unusual for a judge to insist on proceeding to the extent that an accused person without legal representation is compelled to cross-examine a prosecution witness personally.

“Hardly will you hear a judge resist, and an accused person asked to cross-examine a witness him or herself,” he noted.

Mr Anyenini, however, acknowledged that judges, like everyone else, are human and may sometimes make mistakes or act in ways that require criticism.

“The judges are human, and indeed some of them are not good,” he said.

He stressed that the judiciary, like every other human institution, cannot be expected to be completely free of wrongdoing.

“But it is not the case that every single person in the system is clean. It is a human institution, so you will find one or two bad nuts,” he said.

Mr Anyenini said where a judge is found to have acted improperly, lawyers and other stakeholders should not shy away from speaking up.

“And when they are doing something wrong, we need to say it,” he added.

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The State informed the court on Wednesday, August 12, that it had filed a notice of withdrawal on August 10, effectively bringing the application before the Court of Appeal to an end.

The Attorney-General had earlier asked the court to suspend the effect of the acquittal pending the determination of a further appeal.

The State argued that allowing the acquittal to take immediate effect could create an opportunity for Mrs Tamakloe-Attionu to leave the jurisdiction, potentially making it difficult to pursue the appeal.

Lawyers for the former MASLOC CEO, however, raised concerns about the manner in which the application was withdrawn.

They argued that the Attorney-General should have sought the court’s permission before filing the notice of withdrawal, particularly because Wednesday had already been fixed for the court to deliver its ruling on the application.

Speaking to the media after proceedings, counsel for Mrs Tamakloe-Attionu, Sidney Antonio, said the defence believed the proper procedure was for the Attorney-General to seek leave of the court before withdrawing the application.

“Today’s date was given by the court for the court to deliver its ruling, and we were just served yesterday with a notice of withdrawal. We believe the proper thing should have been for the Attorney-General to have sought leave of the court before going ahead and withdrawing because today’s business was for delivering of ruling and that should have gone on today,” he said.

Mr Antonio was also asked about reports that the Attorney-General had filed a similar application at the Supreme Court after withdrawing the one before the Court of Appeal.

He said the defence had not been formally served with any such application.

“We have not been served formally with any such motion, but as you have heard, we have also heard about it,” he said.

The development follows the Court of Appeal’s decision in July 2026 to overturn the 10-year prison sentence imposed on Mrs Tamakloe-Attionu by the Accra High Court in April 2024.

The appellate court acquitted and discharged her after concluding that the prosecution had failed to prove its case.

Mrs Tamakloe-Attionu had been convicted by the High Court on 78 counts, including stealing, causing financial loss to the state and money laundering, and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The Attorney-General subsequently sought to stay the effect of the acquittal while pursuing a further appeal.

According to him, while he is not particularly bothered by attempts to tarnish his reputation because he is a politician and understands the nature of public life, he is worried about the impact of the allegations on staff who have dedicated decades to serving the embassy.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he said some of the people whose names have been linked to the alleged scheme have worked at the embassy for more than 30 years and should not have their reputations damaged without sufficient justification.

“I am a politician, so I am not pained if he [Manasseh] decides to disgrace me. But there are people who have worked over 30 years at the embassy,” he noted.

He cited the case of a foreign national working as a driver at the embassy, arguing that the individual does not even understand the Ghanaian language but has nevertheless been publicly linked to the allegations.

“There is also a driver, who is a foreigner and doesn’t even understand our language. All these people have been named publicly and linked to this scheme. Why would he do that?” he asked.

The former official also rejected allegations that he misappropriated state funds, insisting that he has no motivation to engage in such conduct.

“As a young man and Ghanaian, I have no reason to embezzle state funds,” he said.

He further argued that the Auditor-General’s report did not establish how the alleged $19 million was used.

“When you read the audit report, they couldn’t even prove what the 19 million dollars was used for,” he stated.

He explained that the $24,000 at the centre of the controversy was a donation to the embassy and was used for welfare purposes.

“It was the $24,000, which was a donation to the embassy, and it was used for the welfare; that is what Manesseh is saying is the loot and share just to disgrace people,” he said.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) maintained that although he is prepared to withstand political attacks against him, the same cannot be said for ordinary career employees whose years of dedicated service could be overshadowed by allegations they may not have been responsible for.

He therefore questioned the rationale behind publicly associating such individuals with the alleged scheme and called for greater care in reporting allegations that could permanently damage their reputations.

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In a statement, Mr Tonto said he had become aware of an online story alleging that he received US$800 out of a purported US$19 million obtained through fraud at the embassy.

The report, he noted, linked the claims to a forensic audit by the Ghana Audit Service covering the embassy’s affairs from 2017 to 2025.

“I wish to state that I have never been involved in any scheme, the sharing of, or the receipt of any ill-obtained funds,” he said.

Mr Tonto stressed that he was not named as a person of interest in the audit report.

The US$800 he received in July 2021, he explained, was a lawful child benefit paid after the birth of his daughter in January 2021.

“To the best of my knowledge and recollection, the payment of child benefit package is a standard practice that preceded me, as one will find in the same report that about 28 other staff members also received benefits for various life-changing reasons,” he said.

He argued that a one-time payment he neither solicited nor determined, nor controlled the bank account for, could not fairly be used to portray him as complicit in an alleged multi-million-dollar scheme.

Mr Tonto, who served as Head of Information and Public Affairs at the embassy between March 2019 and July 2021, said all compensations, allowances, benefits and refunds he received during that period were paid through established processes.

“I was never involved in decisions relating to the financial management of the Embassy, especially those involving the operation or closure of any bank account,” he added.

He urged his family, friends, admirers, and the general public to disregard what he described as a distorted narrative being pushed to falsely attribute wrongdoing to him.

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The suit, filed on July 28, 2026, names Attorney General Dominic Ayine and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as defendants.

Mr Gorni is questioning the annual suspension of sittings at the two appellate courts from August 1 to September 30, arguing that the arrangement could affect citizens’ constitutional right to access justice within a reasonable time.

He has invoked the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Articles 2(1) and 130(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

According to Mr Gorni, while the High Court continues to hear cases during the legal vacation through designated Vacation Courts, the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal do not sit throughout the two-month period.

He argues that this could leave litigants with pending matters before the two appellate courts waiting until the legal vacation ends.

The plaintiff says the suspension could particularly delay appeals, constitutional cases, applications for stay of execution, interlocutory applications and judicial review proceedings.

Mr Gorni is asking the Supreme Court to declare Rule 61(b) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 1997 (C.I. 19), and Rule 82 of the Supreme Court Rules, 1996 (C.I. 16), unconstitutional to the extent that they allow sittings of the two courts to be suspended during the legal vacation.

He argues that the rules and the way they are implemented are inconsistent with Articles 19(1), 23, 33, 125 and 296 of the Constitution.

The plaintiff further contends that decisions on when the courts sit constitute an administrative function and must comply with the constitutional principles of fairness and reasonableness.

Mr Gorni has stressed that his challenge is not aimed at preventing judges from taking annual leave or getting adequate rest.

Rather, he wants the Supreme Court to determine whether judicial leave can be arranged without bringing the constitutional functions of the two appellate courts to a complete halt.

Among the reliefs being sought is an order directing the Chief Justice to consider alternative arrangements, including rotational sittings, vacation panels or staggered leave for judges.

He argues that such measures could allow the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to continue hearing cases throughout the legal year while still ensuring that judges enjoy their entitlement to annual leave.

The case brings Ghana’s longstanding legal vacation practice before the Supreme Court and raises broader questions about balancing judicial rest with timely access to justice.

Read the reliefs being sought below:

a) A declaration that the practice of legal vacation as observed by the Superior Courts of Judicature of the Republic of Ghana, insofar as it results in the suspension or substantial restriction of the hearing and determination of cases, thereby occasioning undue delay in the administration of justice and unjustifiably restricting access to the courts, is inconsistent with and in contravention of Articles 1(2), 19(1), 23, 125 and 296 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, and is therefore unconstitutional to the extent of its inconsistency.

b) A declaration that the practice of legal vacation as observed by the Superior Courts of Judicature of the Republic of Ghana, insofar as it results in the suspension of the hearing and determination of cases by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for a continuous period of two months, thereby occasioning undue delay in the administration of justice and restricting litigants’ access to the courts, is inconsistent with and in contravention of Articles 1(2), 19(1), 23, 33, 125 and 296 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, and is therefore unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect to the extent of the inconsistency.

c) A declaration that Rule 61(b) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 1997 (C.I. 19), and Rule 82 (Vacation) of the Supreme Court Rules, 1996 (C.I. 16), insofar as they provide for or permit the suspension of the sittings of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for a continuous period of two months during legal vacation, thereby delaying the hearing and determination of cases and restricting access to justice, are inconsistent with and in contravention of Articles 1(2), 19(1), 23, 33(1), 125(3), 125 and 296 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, and are accordingly null, void and of no effect to the extent of the inconsistency.

d) An order striking down Rule 61(b) of the Court of Appeal Rules, 1997 (C.I. 19), and Rule 82 (Vacation) of the Supreme Court Rules, 1996 (C.I. 16), to the extent that they authorise or permit the suspension of the sittings of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court during the period designated as legal vacation, as being unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect to the extent of their inconsistency with the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992.

e) A declaration that, upon the true and purposive interpretation of Article 19(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, the constitutional guarantee of a fair hearing within a reasonable time imposes a continuing obligation on the State and the Judiciary to organise and administer the system of justice in a manner that ensures the continuous institutional availability of the Superior Courts for the timely hearing and determination of proceedings through constitutionally compliant arrangements, notwithstanding periods of legal vacation.

f) An order directing the Chief Justice to make such administrative and procedural arrangements, including the institution of rotational vacation sittings, as may be necessary to ensure that the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court continue to hear and determine cases throughout the period designated as legal vacation, in conformity with the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Mr Atta Akyea described the directive as selective justice, arguing that several other serious criminal cases remain pending before the courts.

“I keep asking why this selective justice, the Chief Justice trying to force on us?” he asked.

“All the murder cases, all the man-slaughter cases, all the rape cases, and other criminal cases that have happened do not have consequences at all,” he said.

His comments come amid the decision to fast-track the trial involving Mr Adu-Boahene, who is facing charges in connection with alleged financial and other offences linked to his tenure at the NSB.

Mr Atta Akyea questioned why the Chief Justice would issue a directive requiring judges handling selected cases to prioritise them, while other cases continue to await hearing.

“I ask this question: Why should the Chief Justice give a warrant to judges who have heard part of some special cases and say that those special cases they should go for trial?” he said.

He argued that such directives could interfere with established court procedures, including the availability of lawyers who may have other professional commitments.

“So part-heard cases should continue, and these are without the reference to the programs of the lawyers, whether the lawyers who go abroad to do some good medication, or the lawyers who go to the national bar conference, or the lawyers who travel whatever,” he said.

Mr Atta Akyea was particularly critical of the decision to prioritise what he described as “these two cases”.

“But these two cases, which a lot of people are talking about, how it is so important to somebody somewhere should be put together, and then the judge should continue,” he said.

He maintained that he would not allow the expedited hearing directive to override established legal traditions and statutory provisions.

“So I believe that I’ve come far. I’m not a little boy in the game for me to use one case to cancel the traditions, the practices, and the statutory provisions of Ghana,” he said.

The lawyer also rejected suggestions that junior lawyers in his chamber could represent Mr Adu-Boahene in the case if he is unavailable.

“Well, the case is not for junior lawyers to handle. If you see what is going on in the realm, you know,” he said.

He insisted that his experience was necessary because of the nature of the case and the national security issues he believes it raises.

“I mean to come to terms with a case that since Guggisberg time or the Gold Coast, a national security matter has never been a subject matter of an open trial,” he said.

He further argued that the case presented an unprecedented challenge because of the implications for national security.

“You think it’s a small case that we are doing-a dangerous president that, because of one man, let’s cancel the whole of the submarine tactics of national security and put national security on trial,” he said.

Mr Atta Akyea said he therefore could not hand over the case to another lawyer.

“I don’t think a junior will be able to face such an unprecedented, I mean, case coming from the Attorney General, so I couldn’t cede space to a junior to go and do this job for my client. With all respect,” he said.

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In a press release signed by the NSA Director-General, Ruth Dela Seddoh on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the NSA said it engaged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to verify the accreditation status of institutions that had requested the deployment of their graduating students.

Following the verification, GTEC informed the Authority that the affected institutions do not currently have accredited status.

The institutions listed by the NSA are Multimedia Institute of Ghana, Abbeam Institute of Technology, Star College of Communication, Standard College of Technology, Institute of Commercial Management, UK, Christ Apostolic University College, Oxford Institute of Business and Journalism, Heaf Professional Colleges, NIIT Open Labs Ghana, Community University College, Takoradi, SS Peter and Paul Pastoral and Social Institute, Adonai University College of Research and Entrepreneurship, and College of Tropical Agriculture.

The NSA said it is therefore unable to deploy graduates submitted by the institutions for national service at this time.

The Authority stressed that the decision was based on accreditation information provided by GTEC, which is the statutory body responsible for regulating and accrediting tertiary institutions in Ghana.

However, the NSA said affected graduates could still be considered for national service once their respective institutions resolve their accreditation issues and GTEC formally confirms their accredited status to the Authority.

“Upon receipt of such confirmation, the Authority will take the necessary steps to facilitate the processing and deployment of eligible graduates,” the statement said.

The NSA has consequently advised the affected institutions to engage directly with GTEC to regularise their accreditation status.

Prospective National Service Personnel from the affected institutions have also been encouraged to liaise with their schools on the status of their accreditation and await official communication from the NSA.

The Authority said the verification and deployment measures are intended to protect the integrity, credibility and transparency of the National Service Programme.

It added that it will continue working with GTEC and other stakeholders to ensure that only graduates from duly accredited tertiary institutions are mobilised for national service.

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Dr. Felix Antwi Dankwa, Chief Executive Officer of Antwi Herbal and Spiritual Centre, is said to have been asleep with his wife in their house when the incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to sources, the deceased and his wife had allegedly been facing marital problems and were reportedly in the process of seeking a divorce.

The sources further indicate that the couple had a confrontation in front of the Kasoa DOVVSU office, where they allegedly exchanged blows.

The matter was reportedly brought before the DOVVSU Commander, who attempted to mediate between the couple but could not resolve the dispute.

The couple was subsequently asked to return to the police station today at about 9 a.m. for further action, including processing the matter for court.

However, before the scheduled appointment, tragedy struck as Dr. Felix Antwi Dankwa was found burnt to death in his residence. His wife and other occupants were not affected.

The Kasoa Divisional Police Command has since invited the deceased’s wife to assist with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police investigations are ongoing to establish the actual cause of the fire and determine whether foul play was involved.

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But what happens when the person holding the microphone decides to leave the media space and step into the political arena?

Journalistic ethics demand independence, fairness and objectivity. Journalists are expected to report on political parties and public officials without allowing personal interests or political affiliations to influence their work.

Under the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics, independence is a core professional pillar. Journalists must maintain editorial independence and freedom from interference, pressure, or improper influence by the state, commercial lobbies, or media owners, ensuring their allegiance remains focused on the public interest.

Yet, throughout Ghana’s political history, several prominent media personalities have transitioned from journalism and broadcasting into active politics.

For some, the move has been driven by a desire to influence policy and create change from within government. For others, it has meant contesting parliamentary elections, taking up party positions or accepting political appointments.

Their journeys have, however, raised an enduring question: Can a journalist who has spent years holding politicians accountable successfully become one of the people being held accountable?

Here are some prominent Ghanaians who transitioned from journalism to politics.

1. Fritz Baffour

Fritz Baffour is among the notable Ghanaian media personalities whose career moved from journalism into mainstream politics.

A journalist, politician and communications consultant, Baffour built an extensive career in television production long before entering Parliament. He worked as a producer and director for Ghana Television, as well as for Liberian and Nigerian television, and for production houses in the UK and US, including Tyne-Tees TV, Diverse Production and Back to Back Productions.

He later became a media consultant, serving in that capacity for former President Jerry Rawlings and the National Democratic Congress.

He subsequently represented the Ablekuma South Constituency in Parliament from 2009 to 2017 and served as Minister for Information during the Mills administration.

As Information Minister, Baffour was no longer simply interpreting government policy for the public. He became one of the government’s principal voices, responsible for communicating its policies and defending its record.

His journey demonstrates how the communication skills acquired in journalism can become valuable political capital.

2. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

Few transitions from Ghana’s media industry into politics attracted as much attention as that of Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

Before entering politics, Oppong Nkrumah was a familiar voice on Joy FM, where he hosted the station’s influential Super Morning Show. He also hosted NewsFile on JoyNews. He had established himself as a respected broadcaster and public affairs commentator, making his decision to leave the media in 2014 unexpected to many.

There was little public indication that the broadcaster was preparing to abandon a successful media career for partisan politics.

But Oppong Nkrumah later explained that his decision was motivated by a desire to have a greater impact on people’s lives.

In 2016, he contested the Ofoase-Ayirebi parliamentary seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and won.

His political career quickly progressed. He was appointed Deputy Minister for Information in 2017 before becoming Minister for Information in November 2018.

3. A.B.A. Fuseini

Alhassan Bashir, popularly known as A.B.A. Fuseini, is another prominent example.

A former journalist and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fuseini spent 25 years in newsrooms before entering politics.

He served as Night Editor at the Graphic Communications Group, publishers of the Daily Graphic, from 1987 to 2012, and holds a postgraduate diploma from the International Institute of Journalism in Berlin.

He went on to serve as the Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu in the Northern Region.

His background in journalism gave him extensive experience in public communication and political discourse before he entered Parliament.

4. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong

Kwabena Agyepong, though trained as a civil engineer, built a career as one of Ghana’s most recognisable sports broadcasters before moving fully into politics.

He hosted GTV’s primetime programme Sports Highlights through the 1990s, covering major events including the Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

Agyepong’s political involvement grew alongside his broadcasting career, and he played active roles in NPP presidential campaigns from 1992 onward. He went on to serve as Press Secretary and Spokesperson to President John Kufuor from 2001 to 2006, later becoming General Secretary of the NPP.

He has contested the NPP presidential primaries twice, including a bid for the 2028 general election.

5. Alhassan Suhuyini

For Alhassan Suhuyini, the journey from broadcasting to politics was equally significant.

Suhuyini began his journalism career at Diamond FM in Tamale, then moved to Accra, where he had stints at Citi FM and Metro TV before settling at Radio Gold.

His strong performance as a radio talk-show host earned him recognition from listeners, winning the Talk Show Host of the Year award at the Ghana Radio and Television Personality Awards in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

He eventually left broadcasting for partisan politics and was elected Member of Parliament for Tamale North on the NDC ticket.

The transition was perhaps a natural progression for someone whose career had been deeply rooted in political discussion and public affairs.

6. Obuobia Darko-Opoku

Obuobia Darko-Opoku also made the transition from broadcasting to active politics.

She was a television presenter with TV Africa, where she hosted Breakfast Live. She later became involved in partisan politics and contested the Weija-Gbawe parliamentary seat on the NDC ticket in the 2012 and 2016 elections.

Although she did not win the seat, her political involvement continued. In 2019, she was appointed Deputy National Communications Director of the NDC. She is currently the Administrator for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

Her journey demonstrates that the transition from media to politics does not necessarily end with winning an election. For some former media personalities, party communication and organisational roles become the next stage of their political careers.

7. Gideon Aryeequaye

Gideon Aryeequaye is another familiar name in Ghana’s media and political history.

Aryeequaye served as Head of News at ETV and also hosted the popular television programme Ghana’s Most Beautiful on TV3. He was also a News anchor for several years.

His political ambitions began earlier, when he contested the NDC parliamentary primaries for the then Weija Constituency in 2008 but lost.

He made another attempt in 2012 in the Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfrom constituency but was unsuccessful again.

Despite not winning a parliamentary seat, Aryeequaye later entered public administration. During the John Dramani Mahama administration, he was appointed Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

His appointment was subsequently affected by the change of government in 2017.

8. Kojo Frimpong

Kojo Frimpong, a former television personality and sports presenter, also sought to translate his media career into parliamentary politics.

Frimpong had a long association with radio and television in Ghana, working with Skyy Power FM in Takoradi, Joy FM, TV3 and Viasat 1 TV. His last job in broadcasting was at TV Africa, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of the station and hosted Ghana Tonight, a political analysis programme.

He won recognition as both a sports journalist and lifestyle presenter, and was named Best TV Show Host in 2014 and 2015 at the Radio and Television Personality Awards.

Having built that career, Frimpong developed an interest in representing the people of Wenchi on the NPP ticket.

He contested the party’s parliamentary primary but lost to the incumbent, Professor George Yaw Gyan-Baffour.

Although his parliamentary ambition did not materialise, Frimpong later secured an appointment at the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), allowing him to continue his career in public service.

9. Jefferson Sackey

Jefferson Kwamina Sackey, a journalist, media consultant, filmmaker and public relations strategist, is another example.

Sackey began his journalism career at TV Africa in 2003 as a news reporter. A defining moment came in 2005, when he won a scholarship to train at the DW Television Training Centre in Berlin, a move that opened doors for him with international broadcasters. He went on to spend close to six years reporting from conflict zones across Africa and beyond, including the frontlines in Libya, for CNN, Germany’s DW-TV and Canada’s CBC, through his programme “International Assignment.”

He later joined the Multimedia Group in 2011 to boost its Midday News, before being appointed Vice President of Afroglobal Television in Canada in 2015.

Sackey served as Deputy Director of Communications at the Office of the President under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration.

He later moved closer to electoral politics, contesting the NPP parliamentary primary in the Ablekuma Central Constituency.

Sackey won the party’s parliamentary primary, emerging as its candidate for the constituency.

However, his attempt to move from presidential communications to Parliament ultimately fell short in the 2024 general election, when he was unable to unseat the incumbent, Latif Dan.

10. Captain Smart: Another broadcaster eyes Parliament

The movement from the microphone to partisan politics continues.

Broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has announced plans to contest for the NDC parliamentary nomination in the Gomoa West Constituency of the Central Region ahead of the 2028 general election.

Captain Smart, a well-known morning show host on Onua TV/FM, has built a reputation for outspoken commentary on national issues. Before joining Media General, Captain Smart worked with other media houses such as Adom FM, Angel FM, Otec FM and Fox FM, among others.

His political ambition has once again brought the debate over journalists entering partisan politics to the fore.

Where does journalism end and politics begin?

The movement of media personalities into politics is not unique to Ghana. Globally, journalists, broadcasters and political commentators have crossed into political office.

The attraction is understandable. Years spent interviewing politicians, analysing policies and engaging communities give journalists visibility, communication skills and insight into public concerns.

But the transition comes with complications.

Once a journalist becomes politically active, questions may arise about their previous reporting, opinions and perceived neutrality. Public trust can also be tested as audiences reassess their past work through the lens of their political affiliation.

Supporters, however, argue that journalism and politics share a commitment to public service and engagement with societal issues. The key difference is the role.

Ultimately, the issue is not whether journalists should enter politics, but whether they do so transparently and respect the ethical boundaries of their new role.

Because once the journalist leaves the newsroom for the political arena, the microphone may remain, but the role has fundamentally changed.

The person who once asked the questions, is the one now expected to answer them.

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The application, filed by lawyer Bobby Banson, sought to prevent Cola Holdings from enforcing the English High Court judgment against Mr Bediako personally pending the determination of an appeal against the refusal to set aside registration of the judgment in Ghana.

Justice Doris Awuah Dabanka-Bekoe of the Commercial Division dismissed the application on July 27, 2026.

The judgment, dated January 23, 2025, was obtained by Cola Holdings against Nana Kwame Bediako personally and registered in Ghana on May 20, 2025.

An earlier attempt by Bediako’s lawyers to set aside the registration was refused by the court on November 27, 2025.

The English court ordered Bediako to pay $14,928,314.70, plus interest at eight per cent per annum, amounting to $3,271.96 per day from January 23, 2025. At the Treasury exchange rate of GH₵16.15 to the dollar, the total amount, including interest and costs, is estimated at approximately GH₵258.76 million.

Background to the dispute

The judgment stems from a Deed of Indemnity Bediako signed in respect of his share of the repayment of a loan from the International Finance Corporation.

Cola Holdings guaranteed the loan to Kensington Residential Partners 1 Ltd, a company in which Mr Bediako and Azad Cola hold shares.

Following default, IFC called on Cola Holdings as guarantor to settle the loan, which Cola Holdings did. IFC then assigned its interest in the loan to Cola Holdings.

Cola Holdings sought unsuccessfully to have Mr Bediako fulfil his obligation to repay his share of the loan before instituting proceedings in the High Court in London. Mr Bediako has maintained that the dispute stems from a corporate loan rather than a personal one and has argued that the judgment was obtained improperly.

Court’s ruling

In dismissing the application, Justice Dabanka-Bekoe applied the principles governing stays of execution pending appeal, as established in Joseph v Jebeille and affirmed by the Supreme Court in NDK Financial Services Ltd v Yiadom Construction and Electrical Works Ltd.

The court found that Mr Bediako’s grounds of appeal, including arguments about the currency of the debt, the interest rate applied, and alleged public policy violations, did not establish arguable points of substance sufficient to warrant injunctive relief.

Assets within the jurisdiction

Central to the court’s decision was the finding that Cola Holdings holds identifiable assets within Ghana.

The court noted that the Respondent exhibited a certificate of registration of a mortgage from the Registrar of Companies and a memorandum of registration of mortgage at the Lands Commission, demonstrating registered security interests in immovable and other assets in Ghana.

These same documents were exhibited by Mr Bediako himself in his earlier application to set aside the registration.

The court rejected Mr Bediako’s assertion that Cola Holdings had “no traceable assets in Ghana,” describing the claim as “demonstrably at odds with the record”.

Costs awarded

The court awarded costs of GH₵20,000 against Mr Bediako. The judge declined to award punitive costs, noting that a litigant is entitled to test a ruling by appeal and seek protection pending that appeal.

The ruling follows a separate High Court decision on July 21, 2026, which granted Cola Holdings and its Receiver police assistance to take possession of the No. 1 Oxford Street Hotel in Osu, a property linked to Mr Bediako. The court in that matter found that Cola Holdings had properly registered its security interest over the property and was entitled to enforce its rights under the Borrowers and Lenders Act, 2020 (Act 1052).

Cola Holdings and the Receiver were represented in the injunction application by Tsatsu Tsikata and Tata Kosi Foliba, while Mr Bediako was represented by Bobby Banson.

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Police say preliminary investigations indicate that the two teachers, whose identities have not yet been disclosed, allegedly instigated students to attack the headmaster.

The incident occurred on August 5, 2026, following tensions on campus.

Some students accused the headmaster of involvement in ritual activities and also alleged inappropriate relationships with female students.

Obuasi District Police Commander, Superintendent Mahama Iddrisu, told JoyNews that three teachers were initially picked up for questioning after the headmaster gave a formal statement to police.

According to him, investigations later focused on two of the teachers, who are expected to be put before court.

“The headmaster was attacked. He was hospitalised. After he was released, he gave a statement to the police and, in the statement he gave, he mentioned certain names. He says there were students who attacked him and there were teachers who instigated them to attack him,” he said.

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“Initially, there were three people that we picked yesterday, and then we investigated. We took their statements and through their statements and the headmaster’s statement, we see that they have a lot of questions to answer.

“So, as I’m speaking now, we are putting them before court this morning so that we seek for remand. Maybe the court will remand them to police custody for us to continue with our investigations. The two suspects are teachers of the SecTech school,” he added.

Police probe foetus found on campus

Superintendent Iddrisu also disclosed that police are awaiting an autopsy and possible DNA examination on a male foetus that was exhumed from a location on the school campus.

The foetus, which was recovered on August 5, is currently being kept at the Obuasi Government Hospital morgue.

“It is true that a baby boy was buried on the campus of the school, very far from the dormitory. Our information was that the students saw it and then went and exhumed it, and then they are putting false allegations that it is the headmaster or they are alleging that it is the headmaster who buried it, without any evidence or eyewitness or any video saying that they have seen him,” he said.

He added that the suspicion surrounding the burial contributed to the attack on the headmaster.

“The body of the baby boy has been taken by the police to the Obuasi Government Hospital for preservation and maybe we will do a post-mortem examination and, if possible, a DNA test to know exactly who brought it, if it is the headmaster or any other person,” Superintendent Iddrisu said.

Meanwhile, the headmaster, who sustained machete injuries during the attack, has since been discharged from hospital.

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The audit, which covers operations at the embassy from 2017 to 2025, revealed disturbing details of financial and other schemes that embassy officials designed and generated millions of dollars outside approved charges.

The audit report, which is available to Pledge Against Corruption,  puts the total amount of illegal funds at $19.4 million, generated from 2019 to 2025, when the illicit transactions at the Embassy were uncovered and halted by the new administration.

Websites and firms linked to the embassy’s IT Officer, Fred Kwarteng, were used to charge applicants $29.75 for the return posting of their visa and passport applications, when the actual charge was around $10.1.

For instance, the report revealed the creation and use of the GhanaPV.Org website, which was used to mimic the Embassy’s official website and confuse unsuspecting applicants into believing they were dealing with official channels.

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 The Auditor-General’s report said: “The audit proved that Ghanapv.org, created in September 2020, replicated official Embassy branding by using Ghana’s Coat of Arms, the name ‘Embassy of Ghana,’ and official contact details. The website redirected applicants from the Embassy’s website to pay fees for postage and application support services. Applicants were charged $29.75 for return postage and additional support service fees through the platform. The site operated under many entities related to Mr Fred Kwarteng.”

According to the audit, Ghanapv.org operated under various companies linked to Fred Kwarteng, including Ghana Travel Consultancy (GTC), Secure Data Center LLC, Travel Ghana, Travel Global, Secure Document Management Center (SDMC) and MFG Technology.

The audit report continued: “The domain TravelGhana.net, originally developed between 2013 and 2014 and relaunched in January 2021, offered mailing and application support services for visa and passport applicants. The platform charged $29.75 for mailing services, $67 for passport support, and $76.78 for visa support services. The website used Ghana’s Coat of Arms and Embassy-like branding between 2021 and 2024, creating the appearance of official affiliation with the Embassy.”

The audit report, which cites Fred Kwarteng in other infractions, accuses senior embassy officials of complicity in his activities.

 It said: “Email correspondence and internal records show that the activities of Mr Fred Kwarteng were enabled through financial and consular channels involving senior Mission officers. Evidence indicates that the Chief Treasury Officer engaged in actions involving welfare account transactions, payment arrangements, and operational coordination with Mr Kwarteng’s associated entities.

“Correspondence also shows that the Minister (Consular) participated in and was copied on communications where private entities linked to Mr Kwarteng handled dispatch services and courier arrangements. These interactions occurred between 2020 and 2024 and involved redirecting applicants to Fred Kwarteng’s private platforms. The communications demonstrate sustained engagement between the officers and Mr Kwarteng’s activities within Mission operations,” The report said.

Citibank staff queries Embassy officials over suspicious account

Details of the operations contained in the appendix of the Auditor-General’s report show what appeared to have been a grand scheme to “create, loot and share,” with the active participation of senior embassy officials.

The audit report reveals that the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., created a bank account through which funds from Fred Kwarteng’s activities were channelled and paid to embassy officials under the guise of “welfare benefits.”

Even before the then Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, ordered the closure of the account, Citibank, where the Welfare account was opened, had raised queries about the account.

On March 16, 2020, Janet Maku Koranteng, the Treasury Officer of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C, wrote to Citibank about the opening of an account. In that letter, she said:

 “On behalf of the Ghana Embassy/Mission in Washington DC, this letter is to advise that, effective date April 1, 2020, you are requested to open a new account titled Embassy of Ghana Welfare Account.”

She listed the account signers as Mary Zori, First Secretary; Genevieve Edna Apaloo, Head of Chancery; and herself, Janet Maku Koranteng.

The first query from Citibank was an email from a Citibank staff member, Melissa Peredo, seeking clarification on whether the $80,000 intended to be withdrawn every quarter from the Welfare account as payment for staff welfare would be made in cash or by cheque.

On September 4, 2020, another Citibank staff member, Jay Varkey, sent an email to Janet Maku Koranteng, querying her about payments into the Ghana Embassy Welfare Account.

“A/c ending 9029, which was recently opened, is intended to make welfare benefit payments to Embassy staff. At the time of the account opening, you indicated that this account will [sic] be funded by contributions from the Embassy staff and also from contributions from the Embassy’s couriers.

“The only funding to this account so far was from Ghana Travel Consultancy LLC by way of three checks indicated below. Is this the Embassy Courier that you indicated?

 “Maybe I misunderstood this part, but could you please explain what Ghana Travel Consultancy does for you? Are they just a courier service or are they actually processing the consular service applications on your behalf? Also, why are they making these payments to the Embassy?

Ghana Travel Consultancy is one of the entities linked to Ghana Embassy’s IT Officer, Fred Kwarteng.

Following this email, Citibank’s Jay Varkey and the Ghana Embassy’s Janet Koranteng discussed the query on the phone. After the call, Jay Varkey sent the following email to Janet Koranteng to confirm the explanation Janet had given for the payments from Fred Kwarteng’s entity:

“Please confirm if this accurately summarises our conversation. The consular service applicants can choose a courier/ mailing service of their choice when they apply for passport/visa etc. They make separate payments to such courier/mailing service. These payments are not collected by the Embassy, and they do not pass through the Embassy accounts. Once the consular service process is completed, the Embassy will use the selected courier/mailing service to send back the documents to the applicants.

However, since Embassy staff is doing some of the administration work that the courier/mailing service should be doing (e.g. packaging, etc.), the courier/mailing service has agreements to reimburse the Embassy a portion of the charge that they have collected towards mailing. This will vary for different kinds of applications, but it’s generally in the range of $3 to $5 per application processed. The reimbursed money is credited to the Welfare account and is used for Welfare payments to the Embassy staff.

“Gana Travel Consultancy LLC is one of the courier/mailing service providers that is used. They will send reimbursements as described above to the Embassy on a monthly basis. Check 1010 is towards the reimbursements for the month of December 2019, check  1007 is towards the month of January 2020, and check 1008 is towards reimbursement for the month of February 2020.”

An appendix of the Auditor General’s report shows disbursements to staff made from the so-called welfare account.

In June 2021, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, visited the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC, and ordered the closure of the welfare account used to distribute proceeds from illicit funds.

The account was closed as ordered by the Foreign Affairs Minister, but officials of the Ghana Embassy did not abandon their desire to continue with the scheme.

While communicating the closure of the account to Citibank in an email on August 31, 2021, Janet Koranteng asked if another account could be opened without officially involving the Embassy.

“Can the Welfare Committee open an account without the involvement of the management of the Embassy?” she asked.

In a response, Citibank’s Jay Varkey said, “Citi will not be able to open/maintain the welfare account separately (under non-embassy management) as long as the purpose of the account remains the same (for making welfare payments to embassy employees).”

The account was officially closed on October 10, 2021.

However, the illicit transactions that caused visa and passport applicants to pay far more than they were supposed to pay continued until 2025, when the cover on the Embassy’s underhand dealings was blown, necessitating the subsequent forensic audit.

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Mr Hammond was responding to questions on Joy FM’s Top Story about whether Dr Donkor had been approached by the OSP or the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following developments in the United States involving the Aksa Energy deal.

Asked specifically whether his client had been contacted by the OSP in connection with the matter, Mr Hammond said: “I’m not so instructed.”

The lawyer’s comments come as Ghanaian authorities intensify scrutiny of allegations surrounding the Aksa Energy power agreement and possible payments linked to the transaction.

Dr Donkor served as Minister responsible for Power at the time the agreement was negotiated between the Ghanaian government and Aksa Energy.

Mr Hammond has stressed that his client accepts having played an oversight role in the transaction but denies any improper conduct.

According to him, Dr Donkor supervised activities at the ministry and ensured that the agreement was prepared for transmission to Parliament for ratification.

However, he said the former minister has categorically denied meeting Asante Berko, the former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), or negotiating with him.

“He didn’t meet this man, Berko. He never negotiated with him. He never made any demand,” Mr Hammond said.

He further maintained that Dr Donkor never demanded or received money in connection with the transaction.

Mr Hammond said any individual who may have demanded money while invoking the former minister’s name would have acted without his authorisation.

“If anybody goes on the frolic of their own and makes some outrageous and preposterous demands on his behalf, he did not authorise that. Certain individuals would have done it for their own benefit, and he cannot be held responsible for that,” he stated.

The lawyer also defended the involvement of technical officials who travelled to Istanbul to inspect equipment intended for the power project.

He explained that such inspections were standard practice for major power projects, allowing engineers and technical representatives from relevant institutions to verify the quality, quantity and suitability of equipment before it was brought into Ghana.

The Aksa Energy controversy has drawn renewed attention to the roles of government officials and other stakeholders involved in the power procurement process.

The OSP and EOCO are taking an interest in the matter, with investigations expected to establish whether any Ghanaian officials were involved in alleged improper payments and whether any offences were committed.

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The convicts are 24-year-old footballers Francis Appiah and Emmanuel Oteng, alias Flow Delli, and 21-year-old Emmanuel Antwi, all residents of Assin Breku.

The court, presided over by His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu, ordered them to refund the full amount taken from the complainant, Shalean Stella Bamfo.

The prosecution said the incident occurred on July 21, 2026, when Appiah allegedly contacted Ms Bamfo and falsely claimed that he had mistakenly transferred money to her.

He reportedly kept her engaged in a lengthy conversation before directing her to a nearby mobile money merchant, where she was deceived into transferring GH¢38,450 through e-cash to three MTN numbers registered in the names of Saar Hassana, Rebecca Bosiako Antwi and Sarah Gyeti Arthur.

According to the prosecution, Appiah later transferred GH¢6,290 to Antwi as his share of the proceeds. The complainant subsequently realised that she had been deceived and reported the matter to the Central North Regional Police Cybercrime Unit.

The three were arrested at a hideout in Assin Breku following investigations involving telecommunications companies, intelligence gathered by the police and a court order. The court was also told that one of the accused admitted to the offence in a caution statement.

After the court convicted the three, they refunded the entire GH¢38,450 to the complainant. In his ruling, His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu took into consideration that the convicts were first-time offenders but warned them against returning to criminal activities.

The judge cautioned that they risked imprisonment if they were arrested again for engaging in criminal conduct. He urged them to abandon fraudulent activities and pursue legitimate means of making a living.

The court also commended the Central North Regional Police Cybercrime Unit for its efforts in investigating and combating cyber-related crimes in the region.

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The move follows Mr. Berko’s conviction in the United States over his alleged involvement in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian government officials in connection with the development and financing of a power plant.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, 2026, EOCO said asset tracing and recovery form a key component of its investigations into the Ghanaian aspects of the case.

The Office said it would examine financial transactions, beneficiaries, assets and proceeds that may have been derived from or connected to suspected criminal conduct and pursue their preservation and recovery where supported by evidence and permitted by law.

“Asset tracing and recovery form an integral part of EOCO’s investigative plan in this matter,” the Office said.

EOCO disclosed that its investigation in Ghana began last year after it received a request from US authorities for information on individuals in Ghana considered relevant to the bribery investigation.

The request included information on a former Minister of State and other public officials.

The anti-graft agency said it has since been working with the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice on the Ghanaian aspects of the case while monitoring the proceedings in the United States.

Following Mr. Berko’s conviction, the Attorney-General engaged US authorities to obtain relevant evidence, records and other information to support the ongoing Ghanaian investigation.

EOCO said the Attorney-General has subsequently directed it to intensify its investigations as information is received through lawful international cooperation channels.

The Office, however, cautioned that Mr. Berko’s conviction in the United States does not automatically establish criminal liability against any individual in Ghana.

It said anyone whose name appears in evidence obtained through international cooperation would be assessed independently based on the evidence relevant to that individual and in accordance with Ghanaian law.

EOCO added that it would continue to follow the financial trail but would not disclose sensitive operational details that could undermine ongoing investigations or potential prosecutions.

US prosecutors previously said Mr. Berko was convicted after evidence showed that he conspired to pay more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian officials in connection with a power plant project.

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Mr Afenyo-Markin said the opposition’s scrutiny was focused on GoldBod’s operations and was not motivated by hostility towards Mr Gyamfi.

“NPP, nobody hates you. Abena Osei Asare doesn’t hate you. I don’t hate you. We want the best for you,” he said.

His comments come amid increased public attention on GoldBod following allegations circulating on social media involving a man identified as Dominic Bonsu and claims that GH¢200 million belonging to the institution had been taken.

Mr Gyamfi has dismissed the allegations as false, describing them as part of what he considers an organised campaign aimed at discrediting him and GoldBod.

Speaking on X Spaces on Sunday, August 9, Mr Gyamfi denied any involvement of his security personnel in gold trading or the alleged loss of GoldBod funds.

“None of my bodyguards is involved in gold trading, and none of my bodyguards has stolen or taken Gold Board money,” he said.

He also denied that Mr Bonsu had ever served as his bodyguard.

According to Mr Gyamfi, Mr Bonsu was known to him as a licensed gold dealer and an NPP constituency executive in the Manso area of the Ashanti Region.

“The said Dominic Bonsu, I understand, is even a constituency executive of the NPP somewhere in the Manso area in the Ashanti Region,” he said.

GoldBod has separately rejected both the allegation of a GH¢200 million loss and the claim that Mr Bonsu was formerly part of Mr Gyamfi’s security detail.

Against this backdrop, Mr Afenyo-Markin urged the GoldBod CEO to address concerns about the institution based on their substance rather than responding by attacking critics.

He also cautioned Mr Gyamfi against allowing political supporters and media commentators to target individuals who raise questions about GoldBod.

“Some of the people you think are your friends today, that you deploy to attack us merely for questioning certain actions at GoldBod may not be there for you tomorrow,” he said.

Speaking on Accra-based Metro TV, the Minority Leader encouraged Mr Gyamfi to carefully consider the concerns raised by the opposition and provide explanations where necessary.

“So, take it easy. When we raise issues, take your time and respond. Don’t come and attack us. Don’t engage others to attack us because we criticise GoldBod,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also reminded Mr Gyamfi of his outspoken stance on government policies when the NDC was in opposition.

“You were very loud when you were in opposition. You raised critical issues. You were the loudest in opposition,” he said.

He argued that Mr Gyamfi’s experience as an opposition figure should encourage him to show greater tolerance towards criticism now that he holds public office.

“I am sure you should have a certain level of tolerance to even listen to the issues we raise,” he added.

The Minority Leader further maintained that some of the concerns raised about GoldBod were not limited to political commentary, claiming that similar issues had featured in reports by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other credible institutions.

“Most of the issues you raise are issues that have been reported by IMF, by institutions that are credible,” he said.

He stressed that the opposition’s interest was in ensuring accountability and proper management at GoldBod rather than targeting its chief executive personally.

“We are not after your person. We are after the excesses in the activities at your institution,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.

He therefore urged Mr Gyamfi not to personalise disagreements over GoldBod’s operations.

“So please, don’t take it personal. Let’s work together, let’s understand the issues,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also warned that concerns dismissed today could create difficulties for the GoldBod CEO in the future.

“When we raise them, take note, because one day, some of these things may come back and haunt you,” he cautioned.

He added that individuals currently defending Mr Gyamfi publicly may not necessarily remain on his side in the future.

“And maybe a media person that is supporting you today may not be there for you tomorrow,” he said.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Kapi said examiners are not given information that identifies the type of school from which a candidate’s script originated.

“Per the WAEC system, an examiner doesn’t know whether the scripts are from a public or private school,” he said.

He explained that scripts are deliberately moved to different jurisdictions for marking to further prevent examiners from identifying the schools or candidates associated with them.

“If you are an examiner and we have given you scripts to go and mark, you can’t even tell where the scripts come from. If you are in Accra, your scripts will be taken to a different jurisdiction to be marked,” he said.

According to Mr Kapi, the system is designed in such a way that an examiner cannot determine whether a particular script belongs to a candidate from a private or public school and, therefore, deliberately treat it differently.

“There is no way our system will allow someone to know that these scripts are from a private school and decide to mark them anyhow,” he stressed.

Mr Kapi also explained how answer scripts are packaged before they are distributed to examiners.

He said the envelopes used to package the scripts, known as script envelopes, contain only a centre number and the range of index numbers of the candidates whose scripts are enclosed.

“What we use to pack the answer scripts are called script envelopes. The only thing we write on the envelope is a centre number and the range of index numbers,” he explained.

He said an examiner who receives a script envelope would only see the centre number and the number of scripts enclosed.

“If you get a script envelope, it will show you the centre and the number of scripts enclosed. That is what you will see on the envelope,” he said.

Mr Kapi added that although the candidate’s name and index number appear on the individual answer script, there is no indication of whether the candidate attends a public or private school.

“If you open it, you will only see the names and index numbers on the scripts, but you won’t know whether the candidate is in a private or public school,” he stated.

His comments come amid concerns from some private schools and parents over the 2026 BECE results, with allegations that some schools may have been unfairly targeted during the examination and results-processing exercise.

WAEC, however, maintains that its processes are guided by established examination rules and procedures and has challenged anyone alleging deliberate targeting of private schools to provide concrete evidence to support the claims.

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The OSP announced the resumption of proceedings in a Facebook post on Monday, August 10.

The development follows a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court affirming the constitutionality of the OSP Act, which had faced legal challenges over the anti-corruption agency’s authority to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences.

Proceedings in several OSP cases had been suspended since April 2026 after a High Court ruling raised questions about the Office’s prosecutorial powers and whether it required prior authorisation before initiating prosecutions.

Mr Ofori-Atta is facing 28 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences arising from investigations into revenue assurance contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The OSP initially charged the former Finance Minister and seven others with 78 counts in November 2025. The charges were later amended, leaving Mr Ofori-Atta to face 28 counts, while the other accused persons face various charges in connection with the case.

Those standing trial alongside him include former GRA Commissioners-General Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Customs Commissioner Isaac Crentsil, former Customs Commissioner Kwadwo Damoah, SML Chief Executive Officer Evans Adusei and former Chief of Cabinet to Mr Ofori-Atta, Ernest Darko Akore.

The prosecution alleges that the accused persons were involved in various acts of corruption and corruption-related offences linked to the SML-GRA revenue assurance arrangements.

Meanwhile, Mr Ofori-Atta has obtained permanent residency in the United States after a US Immigration Court granted his application for an adjustment of status.

His lawyers announced in June 2026 that his Green Card application had been approved.

The development followed immigration proceedings in the US, where issues surrounding his stay in the country and actions taken by Ghanaian authorities were considered.

However, the OSP has rejected suggestions that the US immigration decision amounted to a determination on the merits of the criminal case pending against Mr Ofori-Atta in Ghana.

The anti-corruption agency said it was not a party to the US immigration proceedings and clarified that its involvement in the matter relates to extradition proceedings being pursued through the Attorney-General.

The OSP further explained that the extradition documents were not before the US Immigration Court. It therefore cautioned against interpreting any findings from the immigration proceedings as a determination of the credibility of evidence or allegations in the criminal case in Ghana.

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He explained that the evidence would instead be presented to an independent body if one is established to investigate the concerns raised by private schools.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Obenfo Gyetuah rejected calls for private schools to provide their evidence directly to WAEC, arguing that the examination body is itself at the centre of the concerns.

“Nobody has said we don’t have basis or evidence. We’re saying we will not give it to WAEC. Why should we give it to WAEC?” he asked.

He said the private schools would release the evidence only as part of an independent investigation, where the process would be separate from WAEC.

“So nobody should be there demanding evidence because it is not in the media that we will present those evidence,” he said.

“That is why we’re requesting for the independent body to be established for whatever discussion there is to be held. If we know we are investigating the work of WAEC, then we bring the evidence,” he added.

His comments follow concerns raised by GNACOPS and some private schools over the 2026 BECE results, with the group alleging discrepancies in the performance of candidates from private schools.

GNACOPS has petitioned the Ministry of Education over the matter and called for an independent investigation to establish whether the concerns raised are justified.

The development has triggered a wider debate, with some education stakeholders urging private schools to provide concrete evidence to support their allegations.

The Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, has also rejected suggestions that the Council deliberately targeted private schools, insisting that the allegations must be supported by evidence.

Mr Kapi said WAEC had no reason to target private schools and noted that some staff of the Council also have children attending private schools.

However, Obenfo Gyetuah questioned why WAEC was demanding evidence while, according to him, the Council had not made available the examination scripts needed to independently assess the concerns.

“Mr Kapi is saying he is embarking on an assessment, and he hasn’t seen any script from the private schools. Why are they also refusing to release the scripts of the students?” he asked.

He said the issue should be handled carefully by all sides rather than turning it into a public confrontation.

“So let’s all be quiet, because how do you expect me to bring the evidence to the same body we have an issue with?” he said.

GNACOPS maintains that an independent investigation would provide a more credible platform for examining the alleged discrepancies and determining whether there were any irregularities in the 2026 BECE results.

The group is therefore insisting that any evidence supporting its concerns should be presented to an independent body rather than to WAEC itself.

Also read:

• Gov’t to probe 2026 BECE results after GNACOPS’ petition

• Provide concrete evidence; don’t just run down WAEC – Dr. Anti to private schools