The donation formed part of efforts to support affected students and help the school recover from the incident.

The relief package included mattresses, bedsheets and other essential supplies to provide immediate assistance and restore some level of comfort to students affected by the fire.

Mr. Gakpey presented the items during a visit to the school, where he interacted with school authorities and students.

The fire incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, and destroyed sections of the dormitory, disrupting accommodation arrangements for students and causing concern among staff and the school community.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service at the Anloga Fire Station responded swiftly to the scene and managed to contain the fire before it spread to other parts of the school.

Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service has urged students, teachers and school authorities across the country to strictly observe fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents in educational institutions.

The artisans, who have been drawn from the entire Jomoro Municipality, are dressmakers and seamstresses/tailors, hairdressers and barbers.

Twenty-five hairdressers, who have finished their NAP, and those who are still learning under the NAP but can work in addition to the NAP, will receive a hairdryer each; twenty barbers will also receive hair clippers each, while twenty-five dressmakers and seamstresses will also receive a sewing machine each.

This initiative is a self-funded one by the MP to support her constituents in diverse ways and to fulfil the promise of supporting whoever is willing to do something for themselves.

Madam Affo-Toffey, who is also the deputy transport minister, said some of these apprentices can even work and make money while under the NAP, so they need such support to be themselves.

She said this is to support the government’s efforts in ensuring that most Ghanaians become self-sufficient and not rely on the central government for every need.

Madam Affo-Toffey explained that the government alone cannot provide all that the people need, so such initiatives will help them be on their own.

Asantewaa raised the concern at Kenyasi during a donation ceremony where the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, presented 50 computers to 10 basic schools, with a focus on schools in rural communities that have historically lacked access to digital learning tools.

Speaking to Adom News, the GES Director explained that while the MP’s computer donation is a commendable step towards deepening ICT education in the district — particularly in underserved rural schools — the gesture also underscores the pressing need for human resources. Without adequate teachers, she argued, the infrastructure investments risk falling short of their intended impact.

Asantewaa also used the occasion to call on corporate organisations and philanthropic individuals to contribute computers to schools in the district, noting that bridging the digital divide requires collective action beyond government efforts alone.

The Member of Parliament, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, joined by the Presiding Member, Bawa Issaka, pledged that by the end of his tenure, schools across the Asutifi North District will be equipped with the computers needed to strengthen ICT education and prepare students for an increasingly digital future.

The donation marks a visible push by district leadership to modernise classroom learning, even as calls grow louder for the central government to address the structural issue of teacher deployment that continues to affect educational outcomes in the region.

He described the project as the fulfilment of a long-held dream dating back to his time as Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said the establishment of the tertiary institution would transform educational opportunities for young people in the region and help bridge the development gap between northern Ghana and the rest of the country.

“This is a dream come true, because this project has been on the drawing board from when I was a Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi. Today is a very proud moment for all of us, that finally this project is coming to pass,” he said.

According to the President, the absence of a tertiary institution in Bole for many years forced students who completed secondary school to travel to other parts of the country to continue their education.

“At the time, Bole had no tertiary educational institution, so when our children finished Bole Secondary School, they had to go to all other parts of the country in order to be able to get tertiary training,” he stated.

He said the area has already benefited from the establishment of a nursing training college, which has produced several graduates currently serving in Ghana’s health sector.

“Several nurses have graduated from that school, who today are working in the public health system,” he added.

He explained that although efforts had previously been made to launch the College of Education project, progress stalled due to funding challenges.

“We made an effort to begin it. That is why you see this whole foundation here. But now we have funding for it from the GETFund,” he said.

The President said the new college would have the capacity to accommodate 1,500 students and would feature modern academic and residential infrastructure.

The proposed facilities include student hostels, a principal’s residence, a vice-principal’s residence, a lecture hall complex, an 18-unit classroom block, an auditorium, a two-storey library and ICT block, a dining hall and kitchen, two-bedroom staff flats, five four-unit, two-bedroom staff quarters, and two-storey administration blocks.

He expressed optimism that the institution would soon become a reality.

“You can see the beautiful campus pictures here, so after many months from now, we will come here and commission it. You’ll see all these buildings here,” he said.

The President also announced a series of educational and infrastructure projects earmarked for the Savannah Region. These include the construction of a new STEM secondary school in Tinga, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre in Kulmasa, and a proposed University of Science and Technology for the Savannah Region.

“We are also building a new university for the Savannah Region, which will be a university of science and technology. We will go and inspect the site tomorrow,” he disclosed.

President Mahama said the projects form part of efforts to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in northern Ghana through education and infrastructure development.

“We know that poverty is endemic in our area, and education is one of the means of social mobility, getting our people to be able to take their destiny into their own hands,” he stressed.

On healthcare, the President announced plans to upgrade the Tinga Health Centre into a polyclinic and transform the Bole Hospital into a 160-bed district hospital.

“For that reason, we are going to upgrade the Tinga Health Centre into a Polyclinic so that healthcare services can match the needs of this growing population,” he said.

“At the same time, we are upgrading the Bole Hospital into a 160-bed capacity District Hospital. This will strengthen referral services in this area.”

The President further talked about ongoing road projects in the area, including the Wenchi-Bamboi-Bole-Sawla road and the Bole-Chache road linking Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire.

“Finally, it is getting a big push to be done under the Big Push project so that we can complete it on time,” he said of the Wenchi-Bamboi-Bole-Sawla highway.

He added that a modern 24-hour market would also be constructed in Bole to boost economic activity.

“This afternoon, we are going to cut sod for a 24-hour market, a modern market in Bole, which will operate 24 hours a day. It will have a police station, a fire station, a kindergarten and daycare centres, warehouses and everything in it,” he announced.

Mr Gunu made the declaration when he led a delegation to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the mudslide that occurred at Adaklu Helekpe, a community located at the foot of the Adaklu Mountain on Wednesday.

“We cannot guarantee the safety of anybody going there, so the mountain has been declared a security zone,” he stated.

The Minister and the delegation also commiserated with the affected people.

The other members of the delegation were the Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Adaklu; Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Adaklu District Chief Executive, Jerry Yao Ameko, and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation.

The mudslide, which destroyed properties worth fortunes occurred during a torrential rainfall that lasted for over five hours.

Properties which were destroyed included vehicles, agricultural machinery, buildings, and personal effects.

Mr Gunu asked officials of the NADMO to cordon off the area to prevent people from accessing the mountain.

He advised the people to stay off the mountain for now, adding, “I will ask the Geological Survey Department and NADMO officials to conduct feasibility studies to ascertain the cause of the mudslide.”

Mr Agbodza stated that, though natural disasters happened, destroying the vegetative cover of the mountain could also result in such occurrences.

The mudslide created a deep gorge from the top to the foot of the mountain in which water was gushing.

A white missionary who was most affected by the mudslide, Reverend Jacob Reddekopp, told the Ghana News Agency that he was grateful to God that no life was lost.

A woman and her three-year-old son were injured during the incident and were admitted to the Ho Teaching Hospital.

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Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, disclosed that more than 105,000 applicants advanced to the medical screening stage, far exceeding the initial target of recruiting 5,000 personnel.

Speaking during President John Dramani Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” citizens’ engagement in the Savannah Region on Saturday, May 23, the Interior Minister said government was working closely with Members of Parliament in the region to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the recruitment process.

According to him, applicants who successfully pass the medical screening will be given fair consideration as government moves to increase the intake into the various security services.

“I can assure Ghanaians that next week, the results of the medicals that have been conducted will be released. And graciously, His Excellency intervened with the Minister of Finance to double the intake that we are going to take,” he said.

Mr Mubarak explained that the decision to expand recruitment followed discussions between President Mahama and the Ministry of Finance to create room for more qualified applicants.

The recruitment exercise forms part of government’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security services while also creating employment opportunities for the youth.

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Speaking in Sawla in the Savannah Region on Friday, May 22, Mr. Iddrisu appeared to distinguish President Mahama’s tour from another recent outreach initiative by the party chairman, insisting that Mahama’s was the official appreciation tour.

“I recall when President Mahama came for his thank you tour — not the other thank you tour — the proper thank you tour of President Mahama as President and flagbearer,” he said.

In comments already stirring political debate within the governing party, he added: “What cannot be said? We can say it. A proper thank you tour of President Mahama, not the curtain-raiser one.”

The remarks came on the same day Mr. Asiedu Nketiah defended the parliamentary leadership reshuffle that saw Mr. Iddrisu replaced as Minority Leader by Cassiel Ato Forson, arguing that the changes played a key role in the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general election.

The reshuffle, announced in January 2023, led to a complete overhaul of the Minority leadership as part of what the party described as a strategic reorganisation ahead of the polls.

During his recent thank-you tour in Tamale, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah maintained that the NDC needed a new “forward line” in Parliament to strengthen its chances against the then-governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Despite the backlash and tensions that followed the decision, the NDC went on to secure a decisive victory in the 2024 elections, with both Mr. Iddrisu and former Chief Whip Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak later appointed to senior positions in the Mahama administration.

Although Mr. Iddrisu did not directly explain what he meant by the “curtain-raiser” remark, his comments are expected to fuel further discussion within the NDC over lingering divisions, reconciliation efforts, and the political consequences of the leadership shake-up.

Speaking to the Minority Caucus in Accra, Mr. Afoko said the party’s survival in 2028 depends on strategic planning, data-backed decision-making, and sharper communication.

“We need to be focused so we can bring to bear what we have set our minds to do,” he told the MPs. “No more guesswork. If we want to win, we must know exactly where we stand, constituency by constituency.”

Mr Afoko stressed that protecting what the party already holds must come first. “We now have 87 MPs. What we have, we protect,” he said. “But protection alone is not enough. We must deliberately find a way to gain more seats and expand our footprint.”

The former National Chairman described the proposal as the core of his broader political blueprint, which he says requires the backing of the entire party structure to succeed.

“This is part of the strategy I have, and I am asking for your support to make it a reality,” he appealed.

He argued that modern elections are won and lost on intelligence, not instinct and urged the NPP to invest in polling, focus groups, and rapid feedback systems to understand voter sentiment before it turns into opposition votes, promising to lead the charge.

“I believe in research-based activities,” he said. “When you combine that with improved, targeted communication, you give the party the strength to connect with Ghanaians and win their trust.”

He concluded that a united, informed, and disciplined NPP is the only path to reclaiming lost ground and returning to power with a stronger mandate.

Speaking during a visit to inspect the implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at Sawla Primary School, the President said the first phase of the initiative is already underway, with approximately 2,000 kilometres of roads currently under construction across the country.

“We are re-scoping phase two of the Big Push project,” he said.

President Mahama explained that the ongoing projects are being financed entirely with domestic resources, stressing that the government is funding the works without relying on external support.

“Since I commissioned the staff of the Big Push project several months ago, work is ongoing on about 2,000 kilometres of roads all around the country at the same time,” he stated.

According to him, preparations are underway for the second phase of the programme, which is currently being reviewed and will be formally announced by the Minister for Finance during the presentation of the budget to Parliament in November.

“There is a second phase we are scoping, and it will be announced by the Minister of Finance when he presents the budget in November to Parliament,” he said.

The President assured communities whose roads are yet to be included in the ongoing works that they will be captured under the next phase of the project.

“I can assure you that your roads are contained in the Big Push project for next year,” he stated.

He added that once Parliament approves the budget, contractors will be mobilised to the site early next year to continue the nationwide road expansion programme.

“Once the budget is presented in November and approved, early next year we will have contractors on the ground working on the roads,” President Mahama said.

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The minister visited the community on Thursday alongside the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, and the District Chief Executive, Jerry Yao Ameko, following Wednesday evening’s disaster.

The mudslide struck shortly after 6 p.m. when heavy rainfall triggered massive rocks, mud, and debris to roll down the nearly 600-metre Adaklu Mountain into sections of the community, causing destruction and panic among residents.

At least five houses and nine vehicles were buried, while nearly 50 goats and other livestock were killed. Two people trapped beneath the rubble were rescued alive by residents before emergency teams arrived at the scene.

The delegation also visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital and interacted with displaced residents currently staying with relatives and sympathisers.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Agbodza expressed relief that no lives were lost despite the scale of destruction.

“We are grateful to God that none of our people lost their lives, and the injuries recorded are not critical. Thankfully, this happened at night. If it had occurred during the daytime, when many people are usually on the mountain farming and carrying out other activities, the situation could have been far worse,” he said.

The Adaklu MP noted that the latest mudslide was the second major incident involving the mountain in recent years and warned that the community could face even greater danger if urgent measures are not taken.

“I honestly do not want to return here for a third disaster of this kind,” he stressed.

Mr Agbodza called for wider community discussions on restricting farming activities around the mountain, warning that environmental degradation and indiscriminate tree cutting may be contributing to the instability of the area.

According to him, efforts must now focus on restoring the ecology around the mountain while exploring safer economic alternatives such as tourism that can benefit residents without endangering lives.

The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Gunu, also cautioned residents against going near the affected area, describing it as an active disaster zone.

“The whole place has now become a disaster and security zone. Anybody visiting the area is being advised to be very careful because we cannot fully guarantee the safety of residents and visitors around the affected community,” he said.

He further warned that with heavier rains expected in the coming months, the possibility of additional mudslides remains high unless immediate interventions are carried out.

Authorities have since directed residents living close to the mountain to temporarily evacuate while geological engineers assess the stability of the area.

For many residents, the latest incident has revived painful memories of a similar rockfall disaster in 2017, deepening fears about the long-term safety of communities living beneath the Adaklu Mountain.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Awuah, who is counsel for the accused, questioned the rationale behind some of the conditions set by the court.

His comments follow a decision by the Accra Circuit Court 2 to grant bail to Aminat Mahama in the sum of GH¢1 million with two sureties after her arrest over alleged threats and offensive remarks directed at President John Dramani Mahama in a viral social media video.

Under the bail terms, one of the sureties must be a civil servant earning not less than GH¢5,000 monthly. She is also required to deposit her passport or Ghana Card with the police and report regularly to investigators.

According to Mr. Awuah, the conditions are overly burdensome and inconsistent with the circumstances of the accused.

“Court has granted her bail. The bail term is very onerous. She was given bail in the sum of one million cedis and she needs sureties, one of them being a civil servant earning a minimum of five thousand cedis,” he said.

The MP particularly questioned the requirement for the accused to deposit a passport, noting that she reportedly does not own one.

“Why demand a passport as part of bail conditions from someone who does not even own a passport? This clearly shows an attempt to deny the person bail,” he stated.

According to him, when the issue was raised in court, they were advised to file a formal application to vary the bail conditions.

“I questioned the judgment because she doesn’t even have a passport, so they said we should bring an application to vary it. If you make such an order, that means you don’t want to release her,” he argued.

Mr. Awuah further warned that actions perceived as politically selective could deepen tensions within the political space.

“Things like this don’t make the country progress. The institutions of state won’t make progress,” he said.

He also alleged that supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) are increasingly calling for retaliation over what they perceive as unfair treatment under the current administration.

“Our grassroots will demand that we retaliate for what the NDC is doing,” he claimed.

The Manhyia South MP appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the interest of national peace.

“That’s why I am urging President Mahama, for the sake of Ghana’s peace, this should be stopped. Mahama has been quiet; he is not even speaking to the issues,” he added.

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Madam Affo-Toffey said this would help increase revenue and strengthen the company’s capacity to acquire more buses to improve its operations and perform more effectively.

The Deputy Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region, was speaking in an interview with journalists during the commissioning and handing over of 100 buses to Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) in Accra today.

“We urged MMTL to generate enough internal revenue so that it can procure more buses,” the Deputy Minister said.

The MP said, “When we took over, all the fleet of buses were for MMTL rotten, but these 100 buses will ease the congestion in Ghana.”

“Soon, another 100 buses will come, but we urged the MMTL to ensure good maintenance. We know they [MMTL] will maintain them effectively,” she assured.

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According to him, the way mathematics was taught at the time discouraged many students and ultimately pushed him toward the arts and humanities.

President Mahama made the remarks during the launch of the National BSTEM Programme for basic schools at Sawla D/A Primary and JHS as part of his “Resetting Ghana” tour of the Savannah Region.

“Maybe if there had been STEM at the time I was in school, I might now be a civil engineer, or I’d be a mechanical engineer or something,” he said.

Reflecting on his childhood education, the President recounted what he described as harsh teaching methods used in mathematics lessons, saying they created fear rather than interest among pupils.

“At that time, we used to do mental exercises. They’d come with a whip — nine times nine, nine times nine, whip! Eighteen times twenty-four, whip! I mean, you just scared the child. How can a child learn mathematics in that kind of atmosphere?” he stated.

He said the experience had a lasting effect on him and partly influenced his decision to move away from science-related subjects.

“But that is how we grew up. And so if I drifted to the arts and humanities, it was only natural because I was traumatised by the way it was taught. Today, our children have a better opportunity,” he added.

As part of his tour of the Savannah Region, President Mahama is also expected to pay courtesy calls on traditional authorities, including the Yagbonwura.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, he is expected to be joined by ministers responsible for Roads and Highways, Education, and Youth Development and Empowerment, alongside other senior government officials.

The President will also engage residents in an open forum to outline his administration’s achievements, ongoing policy interventions, and respond to concerns from the public.

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According to him, insults in Ghana’s political space should not be tolerated based on party affiliation, stressing that misconduct must be condemned irrespective of political colour.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Vondee said repeated acts of insults can eventually trigger public backlash even over minor issues.

“Sometimes it’s not even about what you have done in the moment but all the things you have already done combined. So a small thing will trigger it,” he said.

The MP recalled a past incident involving Abronye DC and founder of Action Chapel International, Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

“I remember when Abronye insulted Reverend Duncan-Williams and he went to his church to pray. Even I feared for Abronye,” he stated.

Mr. Vondee maintained that it was time for the NPP chairman to apologise for his past comments.

“I think it’s time he apologises for all his insults,” he added.

The Twifo Atti Morkwa legislator, however, noted that the issue of political insults is not limited to one political party.

“It’s not Abronye alone; some are also in the NDC. Insults should not have political colours,” he stressed.

According to him, politicians and communicators can express their opinions without resorting to abusive language.

“Must you insult? You can communicate without insulting,” he said.

Mr. Vondee further called for equal treatment of individuals who engage in misconduct regardless of their political affiliation.

“Insults must not wear political colours, and individuals must be dealt with for any misconduct regardless of their party affiliation,” he added.

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The inspection tour was conducted alongside the District Chief Executive, Mohammed Kassim, and officials from National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) from both the Central Region and Gomoa West District.

The visit followed Tuesday’s heavy downpour, which caused widespread damage to roads, homes and businesses across parts of the constituency.

At Mumford and Gomoa Hweida, temporary road diversions created to support ongoing storm drain construction works were washed away by floodwaters, disrupting movement and cutting off access between affected communities.

According to the MP, contractors have already begun emergency works to restore the damaged diversions and reconnect residents.

The delegation also toured several affected properties, including homes, shops, a poultry farm, and the Eat and Ride Restaurant and Guesthouse, where flooding reportedly forced business activities to come to a standstill.

Mr. Gyan-Mensah said concerns raised during the visit have been escalated to the contractor handling the project as well as the regional roads authorities for urgent attention.

He expressed sympathy to affected residents and assured them that immediate interventions were being pursued while engagements continue on long-term engineering measures aimed at preventing recurring flood incidents in the constituency.

The NDC, in 2023, reshuffled its parliamentary leadership as part of a broader restructuring exercise that affected both grassroots and national structures. The move saw the removal of the then Minority leadership team led by Haruna Iddrisu.

Under the changes communicated to Parliament in a letter dated January 23, 2023, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, became Minority Leader, replacing Haruna Iddrisu.

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle, was appointed Deputy Minority Leader, while Kwame Agbodza took over as Minority Whip, succeeding Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka.

Ahmed Ibrahim and Comfort Doyoe Ghansah were named First and Second Deputy Whips, respectively.

Speaking in a video from his Thank You tour in Tamale, shared online by Accra-based Asaase FM, Mr. Asiedu Nketia said the restructuring was necessary in the lead-up to the election.

“New things were emerging and I said that we have to change the forward line of Parliament, otherwise it will be difficult for us to win the election,” he said.

He explained that he took on what he described as a “coach” role in guiding the party into the election, even though there was initial disagreement from President John Dramani Mahama regarding the changes.

“You have elected me as Chairman of this party, I am the coach of the party going into the election, so let me make the changes that will win us the election,” he recounted.

According to him, the decision sparked tension within the party at the time and was widely misunderstood as personal conflict rather than strategy.

“There was hell and people started thinking that somebody who has been my friend for more than 20 years has suddenly become my enemy,” he said.

Mr. Nketia stressed that the move was purely strategic and aimed at strengthening the party’s chances, not sidelining senior members.

He added that after the election, he advised President Mahama to include experienced figures such as Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak in government, a suggestion the President agreed to.

Following the NDC’s victory, Mr. Iddrisu was appointed Minister for Education, while Mr. Muntaka was appointed Minister for the Interior, which General Mosquito, as he is popularly known, said helped reinforce unity within the party.

He also described the 2024 election result as proof that the strategy worked, urging party members to avoid factional politics and stay united.

“We went into the election, and we won. Have you seen such a victory in Ghana since the beginning of the Fourth Republic? If you are forming groups, Haruna groups, Asiedu Nketia groups, that is not our case. The NDC will continue to be one,” he said.

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His comments come as Parliament continues to roll out reforms aimed at deepening public engagement, including expanded media coverage and wider digital access to parliamentary proceedings.

Speaking at a Leadership Media Briefing on Friday, May 22, 2026, as the House resumed sitting, Mr. Ayariga said Ghana’s legislature has made notable progress in openness, especially through the live broadcast of proceedings.

“In Africa, we are one of the most open parliaments. In fact, we are number two in Africa. I believe that our aspiration is that we become number one in Africa,” he said.

He also noted that discussions often arise about how parliaments are classified and compared across countries, pointing out that Ghana operates a unicameral system.

“There is an issue whether we should be put in the category of those who practise bicameral parliament. We have a unicameral Parliament. But they have number one, and we followed,” he explained.

Mr. Ayariga added that recent reforms, particularly the introduction of live television coverage of parliamentary proceedings, have significantly improved transparency and public oversight.

“Now that we have live television broadcasting of our proceedings, in the next rating they might probably review that and Ghana may climb to the top as a parliament,” he said.

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His comments follow tensions over the demolition of structures linked to a land dispute involving “Peaceful Settlers” and a private developer, an issue he says had already been taken to court.

According to him, he first engaged both parties after being briefed on the long-standing disagreement over ownership and development of the land.

“When this matter broke up, I did not know anything about Peaceful Settlers. I invited them and their leadership to my house,” he explained.

He said both sides later met him at his office, where it emerged that the case was already before the courts, limiting his ability to intervene directly.

“As a lawmaker, I can never interfere in a matter that is pending before a court. Not even the President of the Republic can interfere. That is the fundamental principle,” he stated.

Mr. Norgbey added that discussions at the meeting revealed the possibility of a negotiated settlement between the parties, but disagreements over proposed terms stalled progress.

He further disclosed that he instructed the private developer to suspend work temporarily while efforts were made to resolve the matter amicably.

However, he said he was later alerted that the Municipal Assembly had begun demolishing structures on the site, prompting him to rush to the scene.

“When I arrived there, I had to stop the assembly from the demolition,” he noted.

The MP insisted that his actions were not an interference in official duties but a response driven by concern for peace and his engagement with affected parties.

“I have not seen any judgment. I acted based on the relationship and information brought to me by the people who came to my house,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly is yet to respond publicly to comment on the exercise, which reportedly destroyed about 50 shops.

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He explained that proposed amendments before Parliament would tighten identity verification processes and eliminate reliance on visual inspection or photocopies of the Ghana Card.

“All transactions should go through biometric verification,” he stated, warning that non-compliance would constitute an offence under the law.

Mr. Deku also revealed that the Authority has resumed nationwide registration for children aged six to 14, with over 60,000 already captured in the Volta and Oti regions.

He added that technical challenges affecting the registration of children aged zero to five have been resolved, paving the way for issuance of Ghana Card PINs at birth.

According to him, the reforms align with national development goals and international commitments, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.9 on legal identity for all by 2030.

“This means that a child born in Ghana can now begin life with a legal identity,” he said.

He further noted that the NIA is expanding its operational footprint through 24-hour registration centres, international missions and stronger inter-agency integration.

Mr. Deku added that institutional reforms, including ISO certification processes and legislative amendments, are designed to strengthen security, efficiency and trust in the national identity system.

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In a social media post shared on Friday, May 22, Dr. Boako suggested that ongoing financial and regulatory adjustments within the banking industry would soon have direct implications for customers.

“And oh, know also that bank charges are going to go up from 4th June,” he wrote.

The lawmaker, who has recently commented on Bank of Ghana policy decisions and the Cash Reserve Ratio framework, hinted that his latest prediction is based on broader financial sector trends and internal market developments.

He ended the post with the statement: “I observe in whole and analyse in whole.”

Dr. Boako’s latest comments come amid ongoing discussions on monetary policy adjustments, banking sector reforms, and the impact of regulatory decisions on financial institutions and customers across the country.

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The donation, which includes 10 delivery beds and 60 hospital beds, is aimed at improving healthcare delivery and addressing the growing challenges faced by many health facilities in the district, particularly the shortage of beds for patients and expectant mothers.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Matthew Nyindam said many health facilities and CHPS compounds in the district continue to struggle with inadequate equipment, especially hospital and delivery beds, making it difficult for health workers to provide quality healthcare services.

“A lot of health facilities are facing many challenges, and one of them is the shortage of beds and delivery beds. I therefore put it upon myself to buy 10 delivery beds and 60 hospital beds for the 26 CHPS compounds across the district,” he stated.

He further advised the beneficiaries to maintain the items properly to ensure their long-term use and benefit to the people of the district.

“I am appealing to the health facilities and CHPS compounds to take very good care of the beds so they will last longer and continue to serve the people,” Mr. Nyindam added.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Kpandai District Health Directorate, the District Director of Health Services, Madam Maria Ayichuru, expressed profound gratitude to Hon. Matthew Nyindam for the generous gesture.

Madam Ayichuru noted that the donation would greatly improve healthcare delivery in the district and help reduce some of the difficulties health workers face in caring for patients.

She assured the donor that the items would be properly maintained and used for the intended purpose to benefit communities across the district.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Eli described the situation as unfortunate, accusing the MCE, Freeman Tsekpo, of attempting to evict traders from what he described as lawfully acquired land.

“It is quite unfortunate. We have an MCE who wants to sack us from our lands. He wants to move us from our lawful acquired lands and give them to a private developer while the matter is still in court,” he alleged.

According to him, the traders have operated on the land for more than 60 years and are surprised by what they describe as renewed attempts to remove them.

“We have been here for over 60 years. So anytime there is demolition in Ashaiman, we are not surprised because it always comes back to us,” he added.

Mr. Eli further accused the MCE of targeting their association whenever he visits the area.

“The moment he comes to our site, he tells us to leave. It looks like he has an agenda against us. Sometimes we feel we are being treated like squatters on our own legally acquired land,” he said.

He also claimed that although the Member of Parliament intervened in the matter, the MCE reportedly insisted on proceeding with his position.

“Even when the MP tried to intervene, the MCE said he would not listen to anyone. It looks like he is determined to erase us from the map,” he stated.

The spokesperson appealed directly to the President to intervene, saying the situation could affect many other residents if not addressed.

“We are appealing to the President to intervene because this is not just about us. Today it is us; tomorrow it could be someone’s home, business or school,” he warned.

He maintained that the traders possess valid documentation for the land, including allocation papers and building permits allegedly issued by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) and the Assembly.

“We have documents, building plans and permits. The Assembly itself has given us approval. The only reason we have not fully developed the land is because the matter is in court,” he explained.

The comments follow renewed tension between the Peaceful Settlers Traders Association and the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly after reports that about 100 shops have been earmarked for demolition.

While the traders insist they have legal documentation, the MP has reportedly stated that he cannot determine ownership of the land, stressing that the matter lies within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Assembly and the courts.

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He said the law only required the security agencies to notify him of the circumstances surrounding the arrest or invitation of an MP for investigations.

Addressing the House on Thursday [May 21, 2026] at the opening of the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, Mr Bagbin said there was a misconception that the Speaker’s approval was needed before an MP could be apprehended.

“That is not the state of the law,” he said.

Notification requirement

Mr Bagbin explained that once informed, he would assess the situation in line with the law to determine whether the MP involved enjoyed any parliamentary privilege or immunity.

“They must only inform me of incidents involving MPs as to whether they had gone on the wrong side of the law or not,” he said.

The Speaker added that the notification must include the allegations or circumstances that had led to the arrest or invitation for questioning.

Key bills before House

Touching on the business before the House, Mr Bagbin said the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, although passed by the Eighth Parliament, would have to be reintroduced and go through the full legislative process again.

He explained that as a Private Member’s Bill, due process had to be followed.

“It is taking time because we have to abide by the law,” he said.

On the Property Rights of Spouses Bill, 2025, the Speaker noted that the proposed legislation had been before Parliament for several years.

He said despite challenges delaying its passage, the House continued to give the bill special attention because of its importance in promoting fairness and protecting family stability.

Transition and conduct bills

Mr Bagbin also highlighted the Parliamentary Transition Bill, which has been pending before the House since 2022.

He described the bill as crucial to ensuring smooth transitions from one Parliament to another.

“We passed a law for Executive transition but left that for Parliament,” he said, recalling the tensions that characterised the election of the Speaker in 2021.

“We do not want to experience this kind of bad precedent again,” he added.

The Speaker further referenced the Parliament Bill, 2025, saying it contained provisions aimed at regulating the conduct and behaviour of MPs.

According to him, the bill would help instil ethics and decency in public office.

He urged committees and MPs to treat the various bills with seriousness and cooperation.

Minority criticism

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in a speech read on his behalf, criticised the government over the state of the economy and governance.

In a speech read on his behalf, he accused the administration of President John Dramani Mahama of presiding over “failure, scandal and deepening suffering”.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the recess period had been marked by the return of power outages, popularly known as dumsor, and increasing public anxiety.

He also accused the government of targeting members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) through arrests.

Seal of global approval

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, said the final apocalyptic collapse of Ghana’s economy witnessed in 2022, with all macroeconomic indicators “gasping for air,” was entirely avoidable.Ghana Investment Opportunities

On what had changed with the exit plan from the IMF, he said the government had opted for the Fund’s policy coordination instrument (PCI), which was a non-financial advisory and monitoring tool provided to allow Ghana to design and implement its own economic reforms without receiving a financial bailout.

“It acts essentially as a global seal of approval for the government’s fiscal arrangement.

“This master stroke in economic diplomacy could not have been achieved without the backing of the President, whose mission this time around is legacy and respect,” he said.

Speaking at the NIA’s 20th anniversary celebration, Mr. Deku said the national identification system has significantly reduced identity barriers and improved access to services across the country.

According to him, the Authority has so far registered more than 19.4 million Ghanaians aged 15 years and above and issued over 18.7 million Ghana Cards.

He added that more than 229,000 foreigners have also been enrolled onto the system.

“By insisting on free issuance at the inception of the National Identification System project, we dismantled economic barriers and eliminated identity silos across the country,” he said.

Mr. Deku noted that the Ghana Card has gained international recognition and continues to strengthen Ghana’s digital identity infrastructure.

“The Ghana Card we hold today is recognised for travel within the ECOWAS sub-region and is accepted at over 44,000 airports worldwide,” he stated.

He further disclosed that through the Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP), the NIA has processed more than 200 million biometric verification requests successfully.

“Through the Identity Verification System platform, the IVSP, the NIA has processed over 200 million biometric verification requests without a single hitch,” he added.

The Executive Secretary also revealed that the Authority has cleared a backlog of more than 640,000 Ghana Cards in 2025.

According to him, the NIA has resumed nationwide registration exercises for children between the ages of six and 14.

He said more than 90,000 children have already been registered in the Volta and Oti regions.

Mr. Deku further disclosed that proposed amendments currently before Parliament seek to make biometric verification mandatory for transactions in order to strengthen the integrity and security of Ghana’s identification system.

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The recommendation follows the Auditor-General’s rejection of GH¢8.1 billion in questionable payment claims submitted by various ministries, departments, and agencies for the 2024 financial year.

The rejected claims were flagged for irregularities, including missing documentation, fabricated invoices, duplicate submissions, and falsified store receipts.

Delivering closing remarks on the Committee’s consideration of the 2024 Auditor-General’s reports, PAC Chairperson Abena Osei Asare said greater transparency in the management of government liabilities was critical to preventing recurring financial infractions.

“The committee wishes to strongly emphasize that government must institutionalize the annual publication of all arrears, outstanding claims and commitments. Transparency in this area is critical. Regular disclosure will improve fiscal credibility, strengthen expenditure control, and reduce the need for recurring special audits of this nature,” she stated.

The Committee argued that without a consistent publication framework, gaps in reporting government obligations would continue to expose public finances to abuse and inefficiency, and that improved disclosure would also provide a clearer picture of the government’s true financial position at any given time.

This means, for instance, that a trans woman – a biological male who identifies as a woman – should not use female toilets or changing rooms, according to the code of practice.

The guidance, produced by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and now approved by ministers, makes it clear that transgender people should instead be offered a third or a gender-neutral space.

The code states that leaving a trans person without access to any services or facilities would be unlikely to be proportionate and could be discriminatory.

The guidance was published on Thursday following the landmark Supreme Court ruling last year that the definition of a woman under the Equality Act should be based on biological sex.

The code of practice sets out how associations, businesses and services open to the public should organise their facilities. It covers a wide range of settings from shopping centres and gyms to hospitals and restaurants.

Women and Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson said the aim was to allow people to live free from discrimination and harassment.

“Our focus has always been making sure organisations have clear, accessible guidance on how to implement the law,” she said.

Within the guidance, it was recommended that gender-neutral toilets or changing rooms should have self-contained, lockable areas with floor-to-ceiling walls and wash basins.

The watchdog said it did not think the requirements would be too onerous, as services could decide to let trans people use toilets for disabled people, for example.

The EHRC also said if a service just had two toilets – one for men and one for women – they could be changed into unisex facilities.

With the guidance now before parliament, MPs and peers have 40 days to raise any concerns. If there are no objections, the guidance becomes statutory.

The guidance, which is more than 300 pages long, was first sent to the government in September 2025.

The EHRC said it expected ministers to spend six weeks examining it before either asking for revisions or placing it before parliament.

Instead, the government said it would deal with the issue “thoroughly and carefully”, and took eight months to release the guidance.

EHRC chair Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson said she hoped people would read the code with an “open mind”.

“I think we do need to broaden out the debates, and we need to start from a point of saying, how do we make sure that everyone has access to the services they need, and that will be different things for different people,” she said.

At the Watershed arts cinema in Bristol, chief executive Clare Reddington said they pride themselves on being inclusive.

She said it had taken too long for the guidance to be published, which has led to confusion and misinformation.

Reddington described the impact on trans people as “toxic”, and said they had been waiting to hear what the guidance meant “for their ability to live a full public life”.

The Watershed has gender neutral toilets, which won a Loo of the Year award in 2024.

The brightly coloured cubicles have floor-to-ceiling doors, and some have sinks inside. They also have separate male and female toilets.

“I would say that designing toilets for everyone is great for business,” Reddington said.

‘Fewer rights’

Maya Forstater, of Sex Matters, a gender-critical women’s rights group, said: “Finally, there are no more excuses for the many public and private sector organisations that said they were ‘waiting for guidance’ before fixing their unlawful policies.

“The government’s long delay in placing the updated code of practice before Parliament was seized on as cover by organisations that preferred to break the law than enrage trans lobby groups.

“The new guidance is long and detailed, but at its heart is a simple principle: ‘sex’ means what it says – male and female. What people call themselves and how they dress doesn’t change their sex.

“Any business, charity or public service provider that took a wrong turn and started letting men who identify as women use women’s spaces or vice versa must now urgently fix its policies.”

But a spokesperson for TransActual, a trans rights campaign group, said the guidance left trans people with fewer rights.

“Not only does this new guidance fail to protect the rights and dignity of transgender people, but it also appears to have weakened protections for the LGBT community as a whole,” they said.

“TransActual will continue to fight for equal access to public life for all trans people, and will publish our full thoughts on the new code once we have had the time to properly scrutinise it.”

Joanne Moseley, of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, said she is being regularly asked to provide advice to businesses and services on what they need to do.

She believes that good signage and, where appropriate, ensuring a gender-neutral space are important.

She said some businesses and employers made changes to their facilities immediately after the Supreme Court judgement, but others are putting off making any changes until the EHRC guidance comes into force.

However, she warned the guidance was not “a silver bullet” and that if someone made a claim of discrimination against an organisation, it was not a defence to say “we’re waiting for the guidance”.

The Committee says the increasing trade in cattle, goats and other animals in the area is raising concerns over sanitation, congestion and the orderly development of the capital.

According to members of the Committee, the market has expanded significantly over the years and is gradually affecting the image and planning of Accra.

Speaking in an interview, Vice Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Opoku Ansah, described the situation as worrying and criticised authorities for allowing the business to grow unchecked.

“It looks like the place has been turned into a cow-selling centre. In fact, this week, when I passed there, I saw them selling camels,” he stated.

He stressed that the location, which sits in the heart of the capital, should not be allowed to deteriorate into an unregulated livestock market.

“That is the heart of Accra. We have spent money, and at one point, we even had a Ministry in charge of beautifying Accra. Now we are all looking on, allowing this business to grow,” he added.

Mr. Opoku Ansah noted that the activity started on a smaller scale but has rapidly expanded in recent years.

“First, it was about six cows; now, when you go there, you see over 100 cows. They sell goat, cow, and now camels,” he said.

The Committee is therefore urging city authorities and the regional administration to act swiftly to restore order and protect the capital’s urban development plans.

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The approval was announced following an engagement between the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, and a delegation from the Ministry, with Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor as part of pre-parliamentary consultations on government legislative proposals.

The meeting was held on behalf of Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, to discuss key bills expected to be laid before Parliament during the current session.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Brogya Genfi disclosed that Cabinet had considered and approved the memorandum for onward transmission to Parliament to begin the legislative process.

The proposed Bill, developed jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education, seeks to establish a National Defence University to serve as the central coordinating authority for all tertiary-level defence education and training within the Ghana Armed Forces.

According to the Ministry, the initiative is intended to address the absence of a unified institutional framework governing military higher education and training.

Once established, the National Defence University is expected to coordinate, regulate, and supervise defence-related tertiary education while ensuring consistency in academic standards and strengthening quality assurance systems.

The proposed structure will also allow defence institutions under the Ghana Armed Forces to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates under a single nationally recognised authority.

The delegation that participated in the engagement included Chief Director of the Ministry, Emmanuel Kartey; Acting President of the proposed National Defence University, Air Vice Marshal Felix Adom Asante; Acting Judge Advocate General, Brigadier General Benjamin Amoah-Boakye; Director of Public Relations, Colonel Ernestina Assan; and Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Abena Ofosua Dankwa.

The move is expected to mark a significant step toward restructuring and strengthening defence education in Ghana.

In a Facebook post published on Thursday, May 21, Dr. Boako said persons intending to deposit foreign currency should act promptly to avoid losing the opportunity in the future.

He indicated that the development could emerge as part of broader financial sector challenges linked to recent policy decisions by the Bank of Ghana Bank of Ghana, following its revision of the cash reserve ratio on foreign deposits.

“Hear me clearly: starting next month, commercial banks may begin rejecting certain foreign exchange deposits. If you have dollars you intend to deposit, it may be wise to do so now. Otherwise, you could risk losing that opportunity later,” he wrote.

He stressed that his comments were not meant to trigger panic among the public, but rather to draw attention to what he described as growing systemic risks within the economy.

The Tano North MP did not provide further details on the specific categories of foreign exchange deposits that could be affected or indicate whether any official directive had been issued to banks.

Rather, he said, their responsibility is to formally inform his office once such action is taken, along with the circumstances and allegations behind it.

Addressing Members of Parliament during the Second Meeting of the Second Session of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, Mr. Bagbin said there is a growing misunderstanding that security agencies must first obtain approval from the Speaker before acting against lawmakers.

He explained that his office’s role is limited to being notified, after which it may assess whether parliamentary privilege or immunity is engaged in the matter.

“It’s not for the security agents to seek my permission before arresting or inviting a Member of Parliament for questioning. It’s not. It’s for them to inform me and include the circumstances or the allegations that have created the suspicion,” he said.

Mr. Bagbin added that once notified, Parliament can then determine whether any constitutional protections apply in each specific case.

The clarification comes amid renewed public debate over the legal protections afforded to MPs in criminal investigations and the limits of parliamentary immunity.

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The MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, was arrested at Schiphol Airport on May 8, 2026, over allegations linked to money laundering, a development that has triggered concern within Parliament and among his constituents.

Addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin urged calm, stressing that the appropriate diplomatic and legal channels are being engaged to ensure the MP’s rights are protected.

He called on the public, especially the MP’s family and constituents, to remain patient as discussions and interventions continue.

Mr. Bagbin also cautioned Members of Parliament and the public to exercise restraint in their commentary on the matter, emphasizing the need to respect due process and legal protocols.

He further clarified what he described as misconceptions regarding the treatment of MPs under the law, noting that appropriate procedures must always be followed in matters involving lawmakers.

The Speaker’s remarks come amid growing public and parliamentary concern over the arrest, with the Minority earlier calling for stronger diplomatic intervention from government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The Independent Member of Parliament was arrested at Schiphol Airport on May 8, 2026, over allegations linked to money laundering.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei said the situation carries serious reputational risks for Ghana.

She noted that while government, Parliament, and Ghana’s mission in The Hague are reportedly providing legal and consular support, more decisive action is needed.

“We understand that the government, Parliament, and our Mission in The Hague are securing legal representation and consular support. We acknowledge that support, but that is not sufficient,” she said.

According to her, the development has already begun to affect Ghana’s image on the international stage.

“This arrest has inflicted a deeply damaging blow to Ghana’s international reputation. Our country’s name has been dragged through European headlines in a manner that reflects poorly on this Parliament and the nation,” she stated.

She therefore called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Speaker to intensify engagement and provide a formal public response.

“We call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Speaker to intensify engagement and issue a formal statement,” she added.

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His assurance comes amid calls from the Minority Caucus for a full parliamentary probe into the circumstances surrounding the agreement between the state and a company linked to a brother of the President.

The Minority, led by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Apiagyei, has raised concerns over the deal, arguing that the circumstances and recent public interactions between the parties involved warrant closer parliamentary examination.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Ayariga acknowledged the Minority’s position but stressed that Parliament would have the opportunity to review the agreement when it is formally presented to the House.

He assured that the process would address any concerns raised and ensure proper oversight, setting the stage for further parliamentary engagement as both sides continue to debate its implications.

The Damang Mine takeover marks a significant shift in Ghana’s mining sector, following a competitive bidding process after the expiration of Gold Fields’ lease, with Engineers and Planners emerging as the successful bidder under government supervision.

A total of four companies submitted bids before the March 31, 2026 deadline. These included Vortex Resources Mining Group, Engineers and Planners Ltd, Heath Goldfields Ltd, and Maripoma Mining Services Ltd.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on April 7, 2026, confirmed the approval of the competitive tender outcome for the Damang Mining Lease, following recommendations by the Minerals Commission’s Tender Committee.

The Ministry disclosed that it had received the Committee’s report in line with the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176). Based on the evaluation, Engineers and Planners Ltd (E&P) emerged as the successful bidder.

The Ministry stated that the recommendation had been approved, with directives issued to the Minerals Commission to take the necessary regulatory steps to implement the decision.

According to the report, E&P met all mandatory requirements outlined in the tender notice, including providing evidence of access to financing above the minimum threshold of 500 million US dollars. The company was also found to possess the technical expertise and operational experience required for the Damang mine, alongside proposals aimed at extending the mine’s lifespan beyond ten years.

The Tender Committee further indicated that E&P achieved the highest score based on the evaluation criteria, demonstrating the strongest capacity to manage the operations effectively.

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According to him, recent remarks by the party’s 2024 presidential candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia, should serve as motivation for party members to remain united and committed to rebuilding the NPP.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Pyne said he was encouraged by Dr. Bawumia’s comments during a meeting with NPP Members of Parliament.

“I’m happy with the statement Bawumia made when he met the MPs yesterday. He said we are on the path to regaining power and that should be a call for every NPP member,” he said.

Mr. Pyne noted that the party has moved beyond internal blame following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

According to him, the NPP has already undertaken internal reviews to identify the causes of the party’s loss and is working to address the challenges.

“Where we have gotten to, we have passed the blame games. We set up committees and investigated why we lost the elections and we are fixing them,” he stated.

He stressed that the party’s attention is now firmly on the future, particularly the 2028 elections and beyond.

“The importance is 2028 and beyond,” he added.

Mr. Pyne further appealed to party supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during the ongoing polling station executive elections within the NPP.

He said unity and peace at the grassroots level would be crucial to the party’s efforts to rebuild and return to power.

“So I urge all party members to be peaceful in the current polling station executive elections so that we rewrite history,” he said.

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Speaking during his ongoing thank-you tour of the Tolon Constituency in the Northern Region, Mr. Asiedu Nketia expressed appreciation to the people of Nyamkpala for their commitment and support before, during and after the elections.

According to him, the community played a key role in the NDC’s campaign efforts to return John Dramani Mahama to power and secure victory for the party’s parliamentary candidate.

“We thank the good people of Nyamkpala for your effort during, before and after the 2024 general elections. I came here with the team and we visited several places to appeal for votes to return President Mahama to power and also to get an MP elected on the ticket of the NDC,” he said.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia noted that both the party and residents of Nyamkpala worked hard during the campaign period.

“We did our best and I know the people of Nyamkpala did their best,” he stated.

The NDC Chairman, however, acknowledged the loss suffered by the community following the death of Haruna Shaibu during the elections.

“In the process, we lost one of our brothers, Alhaji Haruna. We are still pursuing that matter,” he said.

According to him, the people of Nyamkpala deserve more than appreciation because they lost a respected member of the community.

“The people of Nyamkpala need even more than our thanks because, apart from the campaign, you also lost a very good son,” he added.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia assured the family and residents that the party remains committed to seeking justice.

“So I am here to assure you that your son will not die in vain. We will continue to pursue the matter,” he stressed.

He further thanked traditional leaders and residents for their prayers, advice and guidance throughout the election period.

“So we want to thank everyone, including the Chief, for the prayers, advice and guidance,” he added.

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The demonstration saw the participation of youths, former constituency executives, some current party officers, and founding members of the party in the area.

Speaking to the media, the convener of the protest, Nana Sulley, said he has been a member of the party since 1992 and previously served as a constituency executive. He alleged that internal challenges began when George Mireku Duker expressed interest in contesting the parliamentary seat.

He further claimed that instead of allowing internal elections to be freely conducted within the Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency, some executives were allegedly imposed through selection rather than election, which he described as contrary to party procedures.

Spokesperson for the aggrieved members, Amporful Adu Nakaa, also said they have lost confidence in both constituency and regional executives, alleging that several petitions submitted to them have gone unanswered.

A founding member of the party, known as Auntie Hannah, expressed disappointment over what she described as the declining unity within the constituency, urging national leadership to intervene.

The aggrieved members are therefore calling on the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NPP to intervene in the situation and direct the constituency leadership to properly reorganise polling station elections to restore internal democracy.

In April 2026, the parties incorporated Tema Integrated Industrial Parks Company Limited (TIIPco), a special purpose vehicle established to develop and manage the industrial park.

Following incorporation, TDC made available its land adjacent to the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) smelter and granted TIIPco a Right of Entry, which has been accepted. Site preparation activities have commenced in preparation for project implementation.

This milestone follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Shareholders’ Agreement between the parties. The Tema Integrated Industrial Park will span approximately 100 to 120 hectares within the Tema Heavy Industrial Area.

A statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Priscilla Hemans explained that the project is a strategic partnership designed to advance the vision of President John Dramani Mahama to establish an integrated industrial park in Tema to create jobs, promote local value addition, and strengthen Ghana’s industrialization agenda.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to support Ghana’s industrial development through modern infrastructure that attracts investment, enables local processing of raw materials, and contributes to sustainable economic growth.

ARISE IIP contributes its pan-African expertise in designing, financing, building, and operating integrated industrial ecosystems. Its approach focuses on enabling local transformation of raw materials, enhancing export competitiveness, and promoting sustainable industrialization.

A sod-cutting ceremony for the full rollout of the project is expected to be conducted by the President in the coming weeks.

About GIADEC 

The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) was established under the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation Act, 2018 (Act 976) to develop and promote a globally competitive integrated aluminium industry in Ghana. GIADEC manages the Government of Ghana’s interests across the aluminium value chain, including its shareholding in Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) and Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC).

About TDC Ghana Ltd 

TDC Development Company Limited (TDC Ghana Ltd) was established in 1952 by an Act of Parliament to plan, develop, and manage approximately 63 square miles of public land in the Tema Acquisition Area under a 125-year lease. TDC continues to play a central role in Tema’s urban and industrial development.   Learn more: tdc.gov.gh

About ARISE IIP 

ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) is a pan-African developer and operator of industrial ecosystems. The company designs, finances, develops, and operates large-scale industrial platforms that integrate infrastructure, logistics, utilities, and business services to enable local value addition and export competitiveness. ARISE IIP operates in 15 African countries, with five operational ecosystems and nine under construction, including in Ghana. 

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In a Facebook post on Thursday, May 21, Dr Boako said he had earlier warned that the Bank’s audited financial statements would reflect substantial losses, a position he claimed was dismissed by some government communicators at the time. He maintained that the subsequent publication of the financial statements confirmed his prediction.

He argued that the losses were largely driven by revisions to the CRR on foreign deposits rather than what had been described as the “cost of stability.”

The lawmaker further pointed to the Bank of Ghana’s recent decision to revise the dynamic CRR framework and reverse earlier measures on foreign exchange deposits as evidence supporting his argument.

Dr Boako added that he expects further changes in the banking sector concerning foreign exchange deposits in the coming months.

“Later this week, I’ll share what I expect to happen in the banking system regarding FX deposits from next month. They’ll call it a lie again, but it will happen. I observe in whole and analyse in whole,” he stated.

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In a Facebook post on May 21, 2026, Mr Twum-Barimah stated that the High Court granted the NPP Bono Regional Chairman bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties after eight days in BNI custody over comments made about a Circuit Court judge on social media.

According to him, the earlier decision by the Circuit Court to deny bail was challenged by Abronye DC’s legal team, leading to the High Court ruling in his favour.

“This is a victory not just for Abronye DC, but for every Ghanaian who believes you should not be thrown in jail for expressing a political opinion. Article 21 of our Constitution guarantees freedom of speech. Article 14 protects your personal liberty. Today, those provisions meant something,” portions of the post stated.

Mr Twum-Barimah further commended individuals who publicly supported Abronye DC during the period of his detention, saying the outcome reflected the importance of citizens speaking up on issues of constitutional rights and justice.

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The arrests, carried out under colonial-era provisions of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, have ignited a fierce national debate about the limits of free speech, the independence of state security agencies, and the health of Ghana’s democracy.

Alhassan Abdul Rahaman – March 2025

Police in Tamale arrested Alhassan Abdul Rahaman, an NPP foot soldier, on March 22, 2025, after he made a Facebook post considered derogatory and embarrassing to the Yaa Naa, the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom. He was arraigned before a court two days later, charged with offensive conduct, and remanded. The case drew limited national attention at the time, but has now become the beginning of a broader trend.

Alfred Ababio Kumi, “Adenta Kumi” – May 2025

The arrest that first set alarm bells ringing came in May 2025 and it was that of Alfred Ababio Kumi, a youth activist of the NPP and former parliamentary aspirant for Adenta.

He was arrested at his home in the early hours of May 23, 2025, by armed operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and formally charged with publication of false news.

The charges stemmed from claims Kumi made on his X (formerly Twitter) account and during a radio interview in connection with a petition he had submitted to the President, calling for the dissolution of the committee investigating Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

In the petition, Kumi alleged that after the committee’s inaugural sitting, three Supreme Court Justices, two of whom are members of the committee — Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu and Justice Yonny Kulendi — were seen dining with Thaddeus Sory, counsel for the petitioner, at Santoku Restaurant in Accra’s Airport Residential Area, and were overheard discussing matters related to the petition.

The NPP condemned the arrest in the sharpest terms, describing it as “barbaric and unlawful.” Following high-level engagements led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Kumi was released unconditionally the same evening.

Kwame Baffoe, “Abronye DC” (First Arrest) – September 2025

The most high-profile and continuing case belongs to the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC. He was arrested on September 8, 2025, after attending a police invitation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

During interrogation, police played a video of the NPP chairman allegedly referring to the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, as “the most foolish IGP in the history of Ghana” and “the most corrupt IGP in the history of Ghana”  during a live-stream programme on Ohia TV on September 3, 2025.

He was subsequently charged with two counts: offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace, and publication of false news — offences under Sections 207(1) and 208(1) of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The Accra Circuit Court denied bail to Abronye twice with the presiding judge, Samuel Bright Acquah, noting during proceedings that “society was polluted with insults” and urging all Ghanaians to work to “prevent politics of insults.”

Abronye was eventually granted bail of GH¢50,000 after spending a week in police custody, but the case continued. He faced further arrest in October 2025 over separate comments related to Kennedy Agyapong. The Minority Caucus in Parliament condemned his detention as political persecution.

Wendell Nana Yaw Yeboah – November 2025

On November 26, 2025, the CID arrested an activist with Democracy Hub, Wendell Nana Yaw Yeboah, following a petition by the “Ashanti Democrats” acting on behalf of three Regional Ministers — from the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regions.

Yeboah had accused the ministers of involvement in galamsey operations.

What made this case particularly striking was that Yeboah had already issued a formal retraction and public apology on November 18 — over a week before his arrest — admitting the claims were unsubstantiated. His arrest despite the apology deepened concerns that the process was being used as a tool for intimidation.

Abubakar Yakubu, “Baba Amando” – April 2026

On April 13, 2026, the NPP’s Sunyani East Constituency Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, was arrested in connection with allegations of offensive conduct, false publication, and the dissemination of statements considered likely to cause fear and panic.

Sources linked the arrest to alleged threats directed at a judge at the Adentan Circuit Court and the circulation of derogatory images involving the President.

The NPP stated that Baba Amando had honoured a police invitation at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters, only to be told there was no record of the invitation. He was then transported to Accra with police escort. The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, publicly raised concerns over the manner in which he was handled and moved from Sunyani to the capital.

An Accra Circuit Court remanded Baba Amando for two weeks. He was eventually granted bail of GH¢30,000 with two sureties by the Accra High Court, with an order to report to police every two weeks as investigations continued.

Kwame Baffoe (Re-arrested again) – April 2026

On the same day Baba Amando was arrested, April 13, 2026, Abronye DC was arrested again, this time over alleged threats directed at a judge presiding over a case at the Adenta Circuit Court. He was initially granted bail but was subsequently re-arraigned before Circuit Court 9 on May 13, 2026, and remanded into BNI custody. He was charged afresh with offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace and publication of false news, and pleaded not guilty. The court refused bail, citing concerns he would commit further offences, and adjourned the case to May 27, 2026.

The Accra High Court however granted bail to the Bono Regional Chairman in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties on May 21, 2026.

David Essandoh, “Sam Toys” – May 2026

One of the most widely condemned arrests came on the evening of Monday, May 11, 2026 when a team of masked, heavily armed security personnel in what NPP members described as a “Rambo-style” operation descended on Agona Swedru in the Central Region and arrested the NPP’s Agona West Constituency Organiser, David Essandoh, over a Facebook post claiming that “dumsor” — Ghana’s widely used term for persistent power outages — had returned. The post was accompanied by an image of a billboard bearing President Mahama’s picture alongside the caption.

What followed was deeply alarming for the opposition. The NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), said that for an extended period after the arrest, neither the party, his family, nor his lawyers could trace his whereabouts. The CID, National Intelligence Bureau, and National Security all initially denied involvement. He was eventually found in BNI custody and later released on bail.

The NPP’s Reaction

The NPP has framed the arrests as a systematic campaign of political persecution, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin leading the charge.

Speaking at a press conference on May 17, 2026, he described the prosecutions as “state-sponsored political persecution” and a “profound constitutional wrong,” arguing that criticising public officials is protected under Article 21(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution.

He further accused the Mahama administration of quietly rebuilding Ghana’s abolished criminal libel regime through the back door, and questioned why Abronye DC was remanded into BNI custody — “a state intelligence service, not a remand prison.”

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia echoed these concerns, describing the arrests as part of “an unholy collaboration between the Executive, state investigative agencies, and some elements within the judiciary.”

The party escalated its campaign on May 19, 2026, by petitioning diplomatic missions and international development partners accredited to Ghana, accusing the government of weaponising state institutions to silence opposition voices.

Civil Society Organizations’ Reaction

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and other civil society voices have been united in condemning the pattern of arrests, describing it as a dangerous erosion of Ghana’s democratic credentials.

The MFWA warned that state security agencies are increasingly being weaponised to settle reputational disputes on behalf of public officials, bypassing civil remedies in favour of criminal prosecution and custodial intimidation — effectively resurrecting the repressive logic of the criminal libel law Ghana famously repealed in 2001.

Legal practitioner, Samson Lardy Anyenini reinforced this position, describing Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act as a colonial-era relic inconsistent with Ghana’s constitutional guarantee of free expression, and cautioning that even the government’s proposed MDHI Bill risks replicating the same abuses through overly broad definitions of “hate speech.”

Beyond the legal arguments, some civil society voices have also called out the political hypocrisy surrounding the issue.

Legal Framework at the Centre of the Storm

At the heart of the controversy is Section 208 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 — a colonial-era law that criminalises the publication of false statements likely to cause fear or alarm, carrying a penalty of up to three years in prison.

Critics argue the provision is dangerously vague and has repeatedly been used to silence political opposition rather than address genuine public harm.

While the Mahama government’s 2025 Misinformation, Disinformation, Hate Speech and Publication of Other Information (MDHI) Bill proposes to repeal Section 208, civil society groups, including the MFWA warn that its replacement provisions are drafted so broadly — particularly around “hate speech” — that they risk perpetuating the very abuses the Bill claims to end.

A Nation at a Crossroads

Ghana has long prided itself as one of Africa’s most stable and vibrant democracies. Yet the string of arrests documented here has prompted serious questions about whether that reputation is holding.

What is clear is that the use of criminal law to address political speech — whoever governs and whoever is targeted — poses a fundamental threat to the freedoms that Ghanaians have built over decades. Whether the courts, civil society, and the international community can hold the line remains to be seen. The next hearing in the Abronye DC case on May 27, 2026, will be closely watched as a bellwether for what comes next.

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The commissioning and handover ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday at the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) headquarters in Accra and will be led by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, together with his deputy, Dorcas Affo-Toffey.

The buses will officially be inaugurated by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

The deployment of the buses is expected to bring relief to commuters in Accra, Kumasi, Tema, and several other major cities where overcrowding, delays, and inadequate buses continue to affect daily transportation.

Major routes expected to benefit from the rollout include Kasoa, Amasaman, Pokuase, Madina, Adenta, Dodowa, and Tema, as well as transport corridors within the Ashanti, Central, Western, and Eastern regions.

Officials say the initiative forms part of government’s broader plan to reset and strengthen Ghana’s public transport system.

The newly acquired 29-seater Isuzu Geyushi buses were imported from Egypt and are part of a larger government plan to procure 300 buses to improve both urban and rural transportation services.

According to officials, the buses are expected to enhance mobility, reduce waiting times, and improve access to reliable public transport services across the country.

Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, played a key role in facilitating the acquisition process on behalf of the Ministry and the government.

She reportedly travelled to Egypt to engage the manufacturers and ensure the buses were suitable for use on Ghanaian roads before their arrival in the country.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on May 21, Mr Vondee maintained that neither the courts nor the police have breached the Constitution.

“Has anybody proven that remanding a suspect into custody to reappear before court is unconstitutional?” he questioned.

According to him, the procedures currently being criticised are not new and have existed under previous administrations.

He argued that political actors should not portray lawful arrests as persecution simply because their party is in opposition.

Mr Vondee also condemned threats against the police and attacks on the judiciary, saying some political activists have crossed the line with inflammatory comments and misconduct.

“You cannot insult judges, threaten police officers and attack state institutions, then complain when the law begins to work,” he stated.

Mr Vondee stressed that the police should intensify action against individuals who openly threaten violence or attempt to obstruct lawful duties.

“The arrests must not cease until the misconduct and misbehavior cease,” he stressed.

According to him, Ghana cannot become a society where insults, threats and political intimidation are normalised under the guise of activism.

He further urged political parties to caution their supporters against abusive conduct and focus on issues-based political engagement.

Mr Vondee also questioned concerns raised by the National Peace Council over political tension, arguing that lawful arrests should not be mistaken for political persecution.

“If somebody breaks the law and the law deals with the person, that should not be described as political tension,” he added.

He maintained that critics must point to specific constitutional violations by the courts or police before accusing the government of wrongdoing.

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The issue emerged during the proceedings of the committee when members sought clarification on steps taken to retrieve unearned salaries involving two former staff members of the school.

Responding to questions from the committee, the headmistress explained that Eric Nyarko, a former kitchen staff member, had resigned from the school, but his salary was mistakenly paid into his account despite efforts to stop the payment.

According to her, she had declined to validate his salary for that particular month and had also written to the bank to place an embargo on the payment. However, the bank allegedly failed to act in time, resulting in the salary being processed into his account.

She told the committee that after contacting him, he returned to the school but allegedly refused to refund the money, arguing that he had worked for the government for more than five years without receiving salary payments during that period.

The headmistress indicated that the former employee insisted he would not refund the money unless the government first settled the salary arrears he claimed were owed to him from his early years of service.

She, however, maintained before the committee that there were established procedures for addressing salary grievances and argued that the former employee could not justify keeping money he was not entitled to after leaving the institution.

According to her account, she subsequently contacted the police commander to intervene in the matter, leading to the recovery of the money after the former staff member allegedly sold his cow to make the payment.

The headmistress also addressed the case involving Emmanuel Obiri, a former teacher who allegedly continued to receive salary payments after leaving the school.

She explained that the teacher had remained around the school after vacations to complete academic reports and related duties, creating the impression that he was still actively at his post during the validation period for salaries.

According to her, he had completed the marking of examination scripts and submitted reports in September after the school vacated in August, which informed the decision to validate his salary for that period.

However, when the school resumed in October, and he failed to report back, further checks allegedly revealed that he had already left before reopening.

The headmistress told the committee that while the former teacher legitimately deserved payment for August because he had worked up to August 24, he was not entitled to the September salary he received.

She explained that she instructed the school accountant to trace him, eventually leading them to his father-in-law, through whom contact was established.

According to her, the former teacher later admitted that the money was in his account abroad and initially claimed he could not access it to make repayment.

The headmistress, however, stated that she eventually managed to retrieve the funds through what she described as her own efforts and persistence.

During the hearing, committee members and observers reacted to the dramatic narration, with references also made to the nickname “Woman King,” which she disclosed had been given to her by students due to her strict leadership style.

The proceedings further sparked discussions on whether public sector employees who receive unearned salaries are required to refund the gross amount or only the net salary received after deductions.

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The procurement process is nearly completed for the selection of a consultant to undertake a feasibility study for the project.

The Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, announced this at the 7th edition of the Africa Ports Forum 2026 held in Accra.

The forum formed part of government’s broader vision to develop Ghana’s ports and maritime sector.

She said: “When we look out at the Gulf of Guinea, we do not just see water; we see the lifeblood of our national economy. Over 90% of Ghana’s international trade moves by sea, making Ghana’s ports not merely transit points but the critical gateways through which our national transformation and resetting are being realised.”

Madam Affo-Toffey, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region, said: “Today, under the leadership of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, the government’s vision for the maritime sector is clear, bold, and unambiguous — to position Ghana as the leading, most efficient, secure, and sustainable maritime logistics hub in West Africa.”

She added: “To achieve this, we are driving a comprehensive agenda centred on structural modernisation, cost reduction, robust security, and the sustainable harnessing of the resources and growth of our blue economy.”

According to her, the government’s maritime agenda is anchored on major infrastructure development to meet global shipping demands. She cited the commissioning of phases of the $1.5 billion Tema Port Expansion Project through a partnership between Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).

She noted that the expansion has improved vessel turnaround time and increased container throughput at the Tema Port.

24-Hour Economy

Madam Affo-Toffey said the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy is central to its economic reset agenda, with the Ghana Ports Authority already implementing a full 24-hour operational model.

“Since trade does not sleep, neither should our gateways,” she said.

She added that the Takoradi Port is being developed into a major oil and gas services hub and bulk cargo terminal.

She further revealed that Ghana is advancing plans for a structured coastal marine transport service linking Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria through private sector partnerships.

She also said the government intends to develop a coastal water transport system to fully harness the economic potential of Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Boankra Inland Port Project

Madam Affo-Toffey stated that government is committed to accelerating the completion of the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal (BILT) in Kumasi.

She said the project will help bring port services closer to northern Ghana and strengthen Ghana’s position as a transit corridor for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra.

Digitalisation and Security

She noted that Ghana is advancing digitalisation of its ports, including AI-driven customs and risk assessment systems, while engaging stakeholders such as the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), freight forwarders, and clearing agents to address implementation challenges.

She said: “Technology must serve as a bridge to eliminate corruption and speed up clearance, not an obstacle to legitimate business.”

Madam Affo-Toffey added that Ghana has achieved 100% compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and upgraded its Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to 200 nautical miles for enhanced maritime surveillance.

Green Maritime Agenda

She concluded that Ghana is aligning its maritime strategy with global environmental standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 13 and 14), with efforts to promote green shipping corridors and reduce marine pollution.

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The legislative agenda is expected to cover transport, energy, justice, security, and governance reforms.

The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has outlined some of the major bills expected before the House in the coming weeks.

According to him, Parliament is expected to consider the Maritime and Related Offences Bill once the Committee on Transport submits its report for its second reading.

“We expect to receive the Maritime and Related Offences Bill from the Committee on Transport because it’s been moved, the first reading done and referred to the committee to bring a report for the second reading,” he said.

He added that Parliament will also receive reports on the Road Traffic Regulations, as well as bilateral air service agreements between Ghana and countries including Luxembourg, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

On the energy front, lawmakers are expected to debate proposed amendments to laws governing the National Petroleum Authority, alongside legislation on private sector participation in electricity distribution.

Parliament is also expected to consider the proposed Nuclear Power Corporation Bill 2026 and a bill seeking to establish a Renewable Energy Authority.

“We want to establish a statutory entity that will coordinate renewable energy issues like solar and wind,” Mr. Dafeamekpor explained.

The Majority Chief Whip further disclosed that the Interior Ministry is expected to lay before Parliament a Community Service Bill aimed at reducing congestion in prisons by introducing non-custodial sentencing for minor offences.

In addition, lawmakers are expected to consider amendments to the National Identity Register law, prison parole regulations, and proposed legislation intended to improve coordination among security agencies.

“There have been complaints about activities of security operatives… so the new legislation is to take care of that,” he noted.

Parliament will also deliberate on a proposed Code of Conduct Bill aimed at strengthening rules on asset declaration and ethical standards in public office.

Meanwhile, Constitutional Instrument (CI) 47, which governs civil procedure at the High Court, is expected to undergo review to consolidate several amendments into a single legal framework.

“There have been so many amendments… we think it’s time to consolidate these issues into a new procedure code,” he added.

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Held at the Pelican Hotel, the occasion celebrated the remarkable legacy of one of Ghana’s most celebrated football figures while signalling a renewed commitment to strengthening support for the national teams ahead of the country’s fifth appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

In his new role, Gyan will spearhead promotional campaigns, fan engagement initiatives, and strategic corporate partnerships aimed at rallying Ghanaians behind the Black Stars while promoting Colts football  – the foundation of the nation’s football future. He will also represent the Football Association at key engagements and champion initiatives designed to deepen national support for Ghana football.

Delivering an emotionally charged tribute at the ceremony, GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku paid a glowing tribute to Gyan’s enduring contribution to the game, describing him as an icon whose legacy transcends goals and generations.

“For nearly two decades, he carried the hopes, dreams, expectations and emotions of millions of Ghanaians on his shoulders,” President Simeon-Okraku said.

“To this day, Asamoah Gyan remains Ghana’s all-time leading scorer and Africa’s highest scorer at the World Cup  – a record that speaks not merely to greatness, but to consistency, longevity and unwavering commitment to country.”

With 51 goals for Ghana, Gyan remains the nation’s most prolific goal scorer, having represented the Black Stars across three FIFA World Cups and etched his name permanently into football history.

The GFA President reflected on Gyan’s defining moments on football’s biggest stage, particularly his exploits at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.

“Who can ever forget Germany, 2006?” he asked.

“When a young, fearless Asamoah Gyan etched his name permanently into history by scoring Ghana’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against the Czech Republic –  a moment that announced Ghana to the world and ignited belief in an emerging football nation.”

He also revisited the unforgettable 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, where Ghana stood on the brink of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

“Yes, football can be cruel. And yes, history often remembers moments of heartbreak,” President Simeon-Okraku said.

“But true leadership is not defined by moments of pain. It is defined by resilience. And if there is one thing Asamoah Gyan taught this nation, it is this: champions rise again.”

The President praised Gyan for his resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the national team, describing him as a symbol of courage and patriotism whose influence continues to inspire generations of footballers.

“Tonight, as we officially unveil Asamoah Gyan as Ambassador of the Ghana Football Association for our National Teams, particularly the Black Stars and Colts Football, we are not simply appointing a former player,” he stated.

“We are embracing legacy. We are institutionalising inspiration. We are reconnecting our future with one of the greatest symbols of our football heritage.”

Beyond his achievements on the pitch, the Football Association also celebrated Gyan’s impact off it, recognising his philanthropy, investments, and longstanding commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

Through the Asamoah Gyan Foundation, the former captain has supported healthcare, education, youth-centred programmes, and humanitarian causes across Ghana, while extending support to vulnerable individuals and communities in times of need.

President Simeon-Okraku highlighted Gyan’s role as one of Ghana’s most influential sports philanthropists, noting that his contributions stretch beyond football into boxing, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

“True greatness is measured not only by achievements on the field, but also by the positive impact one leaves on society,” he said, praising Gyan for using his success to create opportunities and uplift lives.”

The iconic former Black Stars captain struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on his remarkable football journey, describing it as one built on sacrifice, consistency, discipline, and an unbreakable commitment to national service.

Addressing a packed audience at the Pelican Hotel, Gyan expressed profound gratitude to GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and the Executive Council for what he described as a deeply humbling recognition.

“I am truly honoured by this recognition,” Gyan said emotionally.

“I want to thank the President and the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association for believing in me and entrusting me with this responsibility. Ghana football has given me everything, and I will continue to serve this country with passion and dedication.”

The former Sunderland and Al Ain striker vowed to use his new role to inspire young footballers, support the growth of the national teams, and contribute meaningfully to the development of grassroots football across the country.

Gyan also used the occasion to make a passionate appeal to corporate Ghana to invest more deliberately in youth and grassroots football, stressing that the future of Ghana football depends heavily on nurturing young talent from the grassroots level.

According to him, many talented young footballers across the country possess enormous potential but lack the necessary support systems and opportunities needed to fully develop their abilities.

“Grassroots football is the foundation of every successful football nation,” he noted.

“We must invest in young talents, create opportunities for them, and give them hope. I want to appeal to corporate Ghana to support football development because the future of our game depends on what we build today.”

The ceremony also became a deeply personal moment of reflection and appreciation as Gyan acknowledged the immense support he received throughout his illustrious career from former teammates, mentors, coaches, teachers and friends.

He paid glowing tribute to former Black Stars legends Stephen Appiah, Prince Tagoe,  Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu and Tony Baffoe.

One of the most touching highlights of the evening came when Gyan presented symbolic Black Stars jerseys to several individuals who played instrumental roles in shaping his career and personal growth.

Among those honoured were his former senior high school teacher and renowned Ghanaian coach J. E. Sarpong, widely credited as one of the key figures who discovered and nurtured his talent during the early stages of his football development at Accra Academy.

The emotional gesture drew loud applause from guests and added a heartfelt dimension to a night already filled with admiration and celebration.

Widely known as “Baby Jet,” Gyan remains one of the most recognisable faces in African football. His illustrious career includes appearances at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, where he produced unforgettable moments for Ghana, including scoring the nation’s historic first World Cup goal in Germany and leading the Black Stars through memorable campaigns on the global stage.

Now, with the Black Stars preparing for another World Cup adventure in North America in 2026, the Football Association believes Gyan’s appointment could help unite the nation and inspire renewed belief among players and supporters alike. The jersey may no longer be worn on the pitch, but for Asamoah Gyan, the call to national service continues –  this time, as a bridge between Ghana football’s glorious past and its ambitious future.

The colourful unveiling ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of football personalities, GFA Executive Council members, Regional Football Association chairmen, government officials, corporate leaders, politicians, Members of Parliament, representatives from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, sponsors, partners, supporters groups, and key stakeholders from across the sporting landscape.

Among the notable personalities in attendance were music duo DopeNation and celebrated highlife musician Kwabena Kwabena, whose presence added glamour and excitement to the memorable occasion.

The aggrieved party members claim they have been unfairly sidelined from the electoral process, accusing constituency executives of deliberately removing names of eligible voters from the register ahead of the internal elections.

Addressing the media, Richard Asare, an aspiring parliamentary hopeful, stated that several party faithful who qualify to vote have discovered that their names are missing from the official register.

According to him, the development has created widespread anger and suspicion among grassroots supporters, leading to growing tension within the constituency.

He alleged that the removal of names was a calculated attempt by some constituency executives to disenfranchise certain members to influence the outcome of the elections.

The situation, he noted, has contributed to disturbances and confusion surrounding the electoral process, forcing the internal elections in the constituency to be temporarily put on hold.

Richard Asare therefore appealed to the Ashanti Regional executives of the NPP to intervene immediately and address the concerns raised by affected members before the situation escalates further.

He stressed the need for fairness, transparency, and unity within the party, warning that failure to resolve the matter could deepen divisions among supporters in the constituency.

“We are appealing to the Ashanti Regional executives to intervene immediately to ensure fairness, transparency, and unity within the party,” Richard Asare appealed.

Some of the disqualified members also expressed frustration over what they described as poor handling of the election process by the MP. They urged him to act impartially and take steps that would promote peace and fairness if unity is to prevail in the constituency.

“If the party wants peace and unity, then everybody must be treated fairly,” one aggrieved member stressed.

Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Mr. Mercer alleged that the government’s actions were part of attempts to clamp down on free speech and suppress dissenting opinions.

According to him, the decision by the New Patriotic Party to petition the diplomatic community was aimed at drawing international attention to what the party describes as the growing criminalisation of free speech in Ghana.

“We are a sovereign nation, but we are not an island. We operate within the global community,” he stated.

Mr. Mercer said the NPP had consistently protested against what it perceives as attacks on freedom of expression, but claimed those concerns had largely been ignored by government.

“It is important that we as a Minority draw the attention of the international community so that within diplomatic circles the government will be engaged,” he said.

The former legislator stressed that although he does not support insults or disrespectful political discourse, he believes the state’s response to comments allegedly made by Abronye DC was excessive.

“I don’t subscribe to disrespectful politics or insults, and the NPP also does not support that,” he noted.

Mr. Mercer explained that after reviewing the charge sheet, he found nothing that justified the arrest or prosecution of the NPP Bono Regional Chairman.

“I took a look at the charge sheet to see which part was insulting. It is opinion. His view is that the conduct of the judge does not fit that of a judge but one of a politician clothed in judicial apparel. How is that offensive?” he questioned.

He argued that the continued detention of Abronye DC raises concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic principles and freedom of expression.

“Clearly there is no basis for the charge or the arrest. So what is the state doing if their attempt is not to clamp down on free speech? Because everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” he added.

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The project forms part of efforts by the District Assembly to improve educational infrastructure and provide decent accommodation for teachers in deprived communities.

The initiative will involve the construction of three-unit classroom blocks with offices and staff common rooms, alongside six-unit teachers’ bungalows fitted with bedrooms, toilets and bathrooms, store rooms, car parks, water and electricity facilities, and perimeter fencing.

The beneficiary communities include Adaklu Kodzobi, Adaklu Sikama, Adaklu Dawanu, Adaklu Kpodzi, Adaklu Akatsixoe and Adaklu Wayanu.

Speaking to Adom News after the sod-cutting ceremony, Mr. Ameko disclosed that the project is being funded through a collaboration between the District Assembly and the Member of Parliament for the area and Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, with support from the Ghana Education Trust Fund.

According to the DCE, the accommodation project is expected to help teachers reside within the beneficiary communities and dedicate more time to monitoring and supporting pupils beyond classroom hours.

He further revealed that the contractor is expected to move to site within 14 days, with the entire project scheduled for completion within 12 months.

Mr. Ameko also assured residents that the Assembly would closely monitor the project to ensure quality work, while warning contractors against shoddy execution.

The appeal follows a recent shooting incident involving suspected illegal miners at Asawinso “A” in the municipality, which led to the death of one person.

Speaking after an emergency meeting at his palace in Anhwiaso, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II urged the Municipal Chief Executive, Sebastian Obeng, and the Member of Parliament, Bright Asamoah Brefo, to deploy all available state resources, logistics, and security support to combat illegal mining in the area.

He reiterated his strong opposition to galamsey activities and cautioned chiefs within the traditional area against engaging in or supporting illegal mining operations.

Also addressing the meeting, the Member of Parliament, Bright Asamoah Brefo, noted that some illegal miners operate with armed thugs, creating fear and insecurity in affected communities.

He assured residents that he would engage the Minister for the Interior to strengthen security operations in the municipality and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.