The family alleged that despite a court ruling permitting them to proceed with burial arrangements, they are facing resistance from the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, and the Police Command over the release of the body from the mortuary.

Speaking to Adom News, a family spokesperson said: “We have done everything required for the burial. Guests have been invited, including relatives from abroad, and even the children of the late MP are here. We are ready, but we are being prevented from burying our relative.”

The family further lamented financial losses, stating that preparations had already been completed, including the purchase of cattle and other logistics, which they said have now gone to waste because of the delay.

“We have spent a lot of money on preparations, including cattle and other funeral arrangements. All of these are now going to waste because the burial has not taken place,” the spokesperson added.

They also said they had informed the late MP’s political party as well as Parliament but claimed they were yet to receive any meaningful response.

However, responding to the allegations, Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe denied preventing the burial and insisted that he had no intention of obstructing the process.

“I am not preventing anyone from burying the late MP,” the Minister stated. “The court has already indicated the exact place where the burial should take place, and the family is yet to fully comply with that directive.”

He further explained that there are security considerations in the area that must be addressed before the burial can proceed smoothly.

In an emotional appeal, the Minister added:
“I am on my knees pleading with the family to cooperate so that we can ensure a peaceful and dignified burial for the late MP.”

He urged all parties to work together to resolve the impasse and allow the funeral to proceed in accordance with both legal and security requirements.

The programme, organised by the True Potentials Foundation under the theme “Unlocking the Full Potentials of Women,” brought together second-cycle and tertiary students, as well as trainees and trainers in vocational fields such as dressmaking and hairdressing.

Speaking to Adom News at the event in Goaso, Founder and Convener of the Foundation, Mavis Ampofo, said many young women in the region do not receive adequate guidance on how to discover and develop their potential.

According to her, the initiative was inspired by her own experiences as a student, where she lacked mentorship and opportunities for such guidance.

“Young women who are either schooling or in apprenticeship training do not get the deserved education on how they can identify their potentials to give them a better future,” she said.

Mrs Ampofo explained that she organised the event to expose participants to resource persons and accomplished women who could mentor and inspire them.

“In my era as a student, I didn’t get such education and opportunity, and in order not for these young ones to experience what I went through, I decided to organise this event,” she added.

She expressed satisfaction with the turnout and said she was optimistic that the knowledge shared would help participants unlock their full potential.

One of the speakers at the programme, Comfort Boateng, a People Business Adviser at Newmont Corporation Ghana Gold, commended the organisers for the initiative.

According to her, the programme would help equip young women with the right mindset and skills to build successful futures.

She encouraged the Foundation to sustain the initiative instead of making it a one-time event.

“She entreated the foundation not to make the event a nine-day wonder but instead it should be done often to help groom young women in the region for a better future,” the organisers noted.

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The initiative, spearheaded by the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, is designed to deepen community engagement and ensure that residents—especially those in remote and hard-to-reach communities—receive timely, accurate, and credible information on government policies, programmes, and public interest campaigns.

The mobile cinema vans are fully equipped with a high-powered public address system, mounted column speakers, supporting loudspeakers, and an audio mixer.

Each vehicle also comes with dual LED screens mounted on both sides, making it possible to display videos, graphics, educational materials, and even live broadcasts.

This setup is expected to strengthen official announcements, support public sensitization, and create opportunities for direct interaction between citizens and government communicators.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, John Gyapong described the intervention as a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to expand public education, improve government communication systems, and promote inclusive development.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Communication and the Information Services Department for their support, stressing that the vans are not simply vehicles, but practical tools for transformation, education, and national development.

He noted that the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation across various platforms makes accessible and trustworthy public education more critical than ever.

According to him, the mobile cinema vans will help bridge the information gap between government and citizens through documentaries, community outreach engagements, and targeted sensitization campaigns.

John Gyapong explained that the vans will also support education on key national and local issues, including health, sanitation, security, environmental protection, agriculture, education, civic responsibility, and flagship government programmes.

He encouraged ISD staff in the Oti Region to operate the equipment professionally and responsibly to achieve the intended impact.

In addition, the Regional Minister called on traditional leaders, opinion leaders, faith-based groups, youth groups, and community members to continue supporting public education initiatives, noting that effective communication is a shared responsibility.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to interventions that strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, adding that the commissioning should be viewed as an investment in democratic growth and development communication.

To ensure effective coverage across the region, the two mobile information vans will be deployed along two operational corridors.

One van will be stationed at the Buem-Jasikan Assembly to serve the Guan District, Kadjebi, Nkwanta North, and Nkwanta South.

The second will be stationed at Dambai and will serve Krachi East, Biakoye, Krachi Nchumuru, and Krachi West.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of the department, the Oti Regional Director of ISD, Samuel Kuse, welcomed the initiative and described it as timely, noting that communication gaps remain a challenge in many communities.

He emphasized that effective information flow is central to transparency and accountability in governance and called for stronger collaboration among the Regional Coordinating Council, municipal and district assemblies, traditional authorities, and other institutions to further close the gap between government and the people.

With the commissioning of the mobile cinema vans, the Oti Region is expected to enhance public access to credible information, strengthen civic awareness, and improve community participation in governance and development.

The meeting, captured on video, laid bare the depth of the crisis facing Ghana’s estimated 20,000-strong community in South Africa — a community now fractured between those desperate to leave and those trapped by circumstances they cannot easily walk away from.

One distressed man, identifying himself as a teacher who had been working legally in South Africa, did not mince words.

“We don’t want to stay here. I’m sick and tired of this country,” he said directly to the minister. “I have been working as a teacher in this country. Not that Ghanaians are illegal — but the Home Affairs [department] forces most of them to be illegal.”

He explained that many Ghanaians who once held valid legal status have found themselves in bureaucratic limbo, with permanent residency permits revoked without clear justification, and business permits that were renewed multiple times suddenly declared fraudulent by authorities.

The man also described an incident involving a Ghanaian woman who was knocked down by a car. He said he personally took up her case, hired a lawyer at his own expense, and pursued it to its conclusion — only to be told the claim had been declined.

Another speaker, a woman, raised urgent concern for Ghanaians living outside Pretoria who are too scared to travel to register for the repatriation programme.

“Some of us outside Pretoria can’t even travel by bus or taxi to come and register their names, because they are scared,” she said. “The moment they started the makwerekwere style” — a derogatory term used by some South Africans against foreign nationals — “they have to divert the taxis somewhere. So what about them? What are the safety measures towards them?”

Her words highlighted a critical gap in the evacuation effort: that the most vulnerable Ghanaians, those stranded in townships and smaller towns beyond the capital, may be entirely unreachable.

A business owner at the meeting offered what was perhaps the starkest assessment of the situation, warning that the current wave of anti-immigrant sentiment is not a passing storm.

“What we are seeing or witnessing is not something that is going to end today,” he said. “Most of them have put these guys who are doing these demonstrations on the payroll — a strong one. So it’s not something that’s going to end today.”

Looking ahead to a worst-case scenario, the businessman said he had already begun exploring whether South African counterparts could formally take over Ghanaian-owned businesses through a regulated process.

“I’m looking at a worse scenario as a business owner — discussing with South African counterparts if they can actually have a takeover plan of Ghanaian businesses. At the VTI, they’ve got a takeover regulatory panel where they will be able to give us offers so that they can take over those businesses to local South Africans, so that we can leave peacefully.”

A Government Responding

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since announced a support package for evacuees, including a “Welcome Home Financial Package,” transport assistance, a reintegration allowance, and free psychosocial support services.

By May 21, over 800 Ghanaians had registered at the High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation, with the first batch of returnees expected to depart once a verification and screening exercise is completed.

But as the voices from that Pretoria meeting make clear, the numbers alone do not capture the full weight of what is being lost — livelihoods built over decades, legal status stripped away by bureaucratic decisions, and a deep sense of betrayal felt by people who played by the rules and still found themselves unsafe.

For many of them, the question is no longer whether to go home. It is whether Ghana will be ready to truly receive them when they do.

Ghanaians in South Africa who need help and want assistance to return to Ghana pic.twitter.com/Q2LJXvXOFs

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) May 24, 2026

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The BBC’s US media partner CBS has named the suspect as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man who was known to the protection agency and had a documented history of mental health conditions.

US President Donald Trump thanked the officers for their “swift and professional action” in apprehending the gunman, who he said in a Truth social post had a “violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure”.

The shooting comes only a month after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The incident on Saturday remains under investigation and road closures around the White House will likely stay in place overnight.

Shortly before 18:00 local time (23:00 GMT), a man pulled a gun from his bag and “began firing” outside the White House at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington DC, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Secret Service officers posted on the corner returned fire, striking the gunman. He was then taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A bystander was also wounded in the shooting, but the Secret Service did not give further details on their condition. No officers were injured in the attack.

Trump was at the White House at the time, but “no protectees or operations were impacted”, the agency said.

The suspect was later identified in US media as Best, who had been known to both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department and had used a revolver, law enforcement sources told CBS.

A source familiar with the investigation told CBS that Best had attempted to gain entry to the White House in July 2025 and had been arrested by officers nearby, after which he spent time at a psychiatric facility. He had been living in Washington DC for 18 months.

“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House,” Trump wrote on social media.

Noting that the shooting had occurred since the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was disrupted by a different shooter, he said it showed how important it was “for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington” – a reference to his planned White House ballroom.

After shots were heard, reporters at the White House were rushed into a briefing room. Some had been filming when the incident occurred and shots could be heard in the distance as they spoke to camera.

Footage shared by ABC’s senior White House correspondent Selina Wang showed her taking cover as a volley of shots could be heard from across the North Lawn.

“We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now,” Wang wrote on X.

Aaron Navarro, a CBS News reporter, told the BBC he had been on the North Lawn when he heard gunshots, “at points sounding like they were coming from different guns, just outside the grounds”.

“As soon as we heard it, we ducked down and I started to see other reporters starting to run, and you shortly heard Secret Service officers saying ‘get inside, get inside’,” he said.

Once inside, he said reporters were locked down in the press briefing room for around 30 minutes. Outside, they saw Secret Service officers and then, just beyond the grounds, they eventually saw ambulances.

Navarro said it was unclear exactly where Trump was inside the White House when the shooting took place and “whether he even heard it, as it was a good distance [away]”.

He said the shooting took place in a busy area with a cafe and restaurants, but that it was not as busy as it could have been since the shooting occurred on a weekend evening.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the Secret Service for their “decisive action” in responding to the shooting.

Thune wrote on a social media that he was “grateful” for their efforts, while Johnson said on X: “Our prayers are with the victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery.”

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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.

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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In three minutes, we were done. He then asked us a simple question. Did we already anticipate and deploy a public service process? We had not. Indeed, if we had, the solution to our problem could have been more seamless. The President’s question betrayed our poor planning. I felt embarrassed.

However, in typical Mahama fashion, Mr. President warmly glided through the glitch, soothing the moment with smiles, and proffering a solution to a challenge that might otherwise not have needed his intervention. Actions promptly followed within 24 hours! President John Dramani Mahama’s long experience as a politician, deep understanding of public sector processes, his sharp wit and uncommon grasp of issues, make him a ‘tough’ customer to deal with.

Overall, it has been a great year; a baptism of fire of sorts in public sector rigmarole, lots of support from family, colleagues, comrades, and not least, the Honorable Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. A truly great honor done me by Mr. President to serve in an impactful role. What reflections and experiences rise to the top, especially as it relates directly to President Mahama?   

1. The President’s Accra Reset Agenda Has Gone Viral!

The President has caught the attention and fired the imagination of the global health community. With the withdrawal of the United States from global health organizations, the collapse of USAID and its associated development funding, Africa was in dire need of a new kind of leadership. Mahama stepped into it. Forcefully. Elegantly. Inspiringly. His Accra Reset Agenda has elucidated a steady path to achieving Africa’s Health Sovereignty. For obvious reasons, health has now become the rallying cry for greater local financial ownership, stronger equal partnerships focused on national priorities, and a reset of the global health governance architecture.

• President Mahama Backs Global Health Rhetoric with Concrete Local Actions:  On 5^th August, 2025, Mahama articulated his bold vision on Africa’s health sovereignty in Accra. A day later, he backed his words with deeds when he allocated $50M in additional seed funding to the National Vaccine Institute (NVI). The President tasked NVI to advance local vaccine manufacturing, boost compliance with international regulatory standards, and build research and biomanufacturing skills.

John Mahama’s bold promise to uncap  Ghana’s National Health Insurance Fund, which he honored soon after he assumed the Presidency,  freed  an additional USD 320 million in 2025, with similar or higher inflows expected in 2026 and beyond. Even as Ghana undergoes a stringent International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, President Mahama’s far reaching policies are resetting the narrative on local resource mobilization.

To quote Dr. Victor Bampoe, CEO of the NHIA, “President Mahama’s visionary leadership has enabled the health sector to pursue end-to-end health coverage in its quest to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). With a decisive pivot to address the epidemiological transition (which now makes NCDs account for 42% of mortality among Ghanaians), healthcare provision starts with free primary healthcare, moves to the national health insurance scheme for communicable diseases and then to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund or Mahama Cares, which takes care of people with NCDs like cancer, stroke etc. With the extra funding provided by the uncapping, we have enabled four main outcomes; reduction in financial barriers to care; addressing low awareness of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs); detecting NCDs early; and closing systemic gaps including gaps in equipment and infrastructure.” 

This decisive move by President Mahama to create more fiscal space for health has accounted  for the rapid payment of $25M in vaccine copayment in 2025, $120M earmarked for the free Primary Healthcare initiative in 2026, including the $46M worth of equipment already purchased to kick off the fPHC programme.

• Mahama’s Office Demonstrates Operational Efficiency: My meetings with the President are by far, my favorite. They are short, to the point and always impactful. I have never attended a meeting with President Mahama that lasted more than 30 minutes. This means that advanced preparation is always key; with key issues crystallized and options for decision making outlined. The ambassador in attendance promptly introduces attendees and agenda, a few thoughtful remarks from selected speakers, and the President caps it off, with clear decisions and the way forward. We take pictures. Post meeting actions are always tackled with prompt efficiency, often with Dr. Callistus Mahama, the President’s Executive Secretary acting within 24 hours of the end of the meeting. No frustrating repeated requests for appointments, non-responsive personal assistants, ill-defined agendas, missing correspondence, and the like! None of that!
• Mahama – An Authentic Champion for Global Initiatives. President Mahama is a communicator at heart, an excellent public speaker. Combined with his impactful reset agenda, the world is increasingly taking note, reaching out to him for leadership. In 2025, GAVI CEO, Dr. Sonia Nishtar reached out to Mahama to support the GAVI replenishment in June 2025 in Brussels to raise $9billion dollars to subsidize global immunization programmes. Why Mahama? Afterall, he was not the AU Chair. Not the ECOWAS Chair. Not on the GAVI Board. In the build up to Brussels, Bill Gates also reached out. And so did the Global Fund. At the fund raiser, the speech by Ghana’s John Mahama became the toast of the community. There he showed an uncanny ability to connect his personal story to the why of the moment, ending with an unforgettable rallying cry for action. It worked! And the decision of GAVI to rope in Mahama proved to be both strategic and wise. Today, President Mahama is the champion for numerous initiatives by the Africa Union including ACHIEVE, Africa’s latest attempt to redefine the vaccine R&D agenda!
• Never Miss the Mahama-moments. This is difficult to fully explain. Typically, it will happen during a situation where the President is required to explain an issue. He would sometimes launch into this detailed almost technical explanation, betraying such a deep grasp of the issues that belies his high-level strategic role as a President. How does he know so much about “galamsey” and the “Blue Economy” anyway?

If the health sector seizes the moment, this grand opportunity that the President has offered us, we stand the chance of being the most articulate definition of the Mahama legacy tenure.

According to details released by the Head of the Kantanka Family, Sarah Adwoa Safo, together with the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Funeral Planning Committee, the revered inventor will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Gomoa Mpota.

A national farewell ceremony will also be held at Independence Square on Friday, July 31, where dignitaries, traditional leaders, church members, industrialists and admirers from across Ghana and beyond are expected to gather to honour his memory.

The final funeral rites will conclude with a thanksgiving service on Saturday, August 1, at Jackson Park in celebration of his life and achievements.

Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo was widely celebrated for championing indigenous innovation and promoting self-reliance through technology and industrialisation in Ghana.

He founded the Kristo Asafo Mission in 1971 and later established Kantanka Group, which became known for automobile manufacturing, engineering and technological innovation.

Through Kantanka Automobile, he gained national and international recognition for producing vehicles designed to suit African roads and conditions, while also introducing innovations in agriculture, electronics and machinery.

Beyond his work in technology and manufacturing, Apostle Kwadwo Safo was also recognised for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, healthcare, job creation and skills training for young people.

Since news of his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, with many describing him as a symbol of African creativity, resilience and innovation.

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She made the call during a Women Empowerment and Leadership Training Programme organised by Lead Afrique International in Accra. The event brought together women from across the country for mentorship, capacity building, and leadership development.

The National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw, was represented at the event by Seyram Betty Krosbi Mensah, who served as a panelist and shared her leadership journey, experiences, and words of encouragement with aspiring women leaders.

She stressed that effective governance requires equal representation of both men and women, emphasizing that women must not only participate in politics but also prepare themselves and confidently pursue leadership opportunities.

“Leadership is not given—it is earned. Women must prepare, rise, and take their rightful place in shaping national development,” she stated.

The programme also featured contributions from governance and legal experts who called for stronger institutional support and policies to enhance women’s participation in politics and leadership.

Speakers at the event emphasized that empowering women remains critical to strengthening democratic institutions and advancing national progress.

“The message is clear: empowered women build stronger communities, stronger governance, and a stronger nation.”

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The news of Xabi Alonso’s arrival as the club’s manager, which filtered out within the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-0 loss, would have lifted their mood.

The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss, 44, will be unveiled in pre-season, with his contract beginning on 1 July.

Win or lose at Wembley, Chelsea had already been close to making a decision on Liam Rosenior’s replacement – and keen to avoid creating a distraction for players and staff involved in the showpiece occasion.

There was, therefore, nothing to delay the announcement once the match was over, allowing attention to turn to the future.

Although Alonso, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career and led Leverkusen to league and cup success in Germany, is an exciting appointment for supporters, there is also an acceptance he faces a difficult task.

Chelsea are heading into a turbulent summer as the FA Cup final loss denied them another route into European competition.

Champions League qualification is already out of reach, while a place in the Europa League looks unlikely with the club currently ninth in the Premier League with two games left and probably needing at least a seventh-placed finish.

Conference League football would do little to improve finances or excite fans used to facing Europe’s elite.

There is a realistic chance Chelsea will miss out on Uefa competition altogether. However, sources at the club strongly reject suggestions they would prefer to avoid qualifying for lesser competitions, or be content without European football, despite their settlement with financial regulators following significant spending on transfers.

It leaves Alonso inheriting a team low on confidence, operating under financial constraints and facing wider personnel challenges.

What do Blues see in Alonso?

Chelsea are keen to learn lessons from this season and have been impressed by Alonso’s knowledge, leadership, emotional intelligence and values.

They also value his trophy pedigree and ability to work collaboratively within an established structure.

It’s a very different group of players and structure to the one at Real Madrid, where Alonso’s seven-month tenure ended in January after a falling out with several key players including Kylian Mbappe.

There are not the same Galactico names at Stamford Bridge, but key players like Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez criticised the club during Rosenior’s tenure as he lost large parts of the dressing room, particularly among the Spanish speakers.

It’s something Alonso will have to reflect upon, but sources close to several players have expressed excitement about his appointment.

Perhaps significantly, the Spaniard has been appointed “manager” rather than “head coach” to reflect his seniority within a partnership involving key figures at the club, as they seek to rebuild after a turbulent campaign that led to the departures of Enzo Maresca and Rosenior.

That is not to say Alonso will make every decision.

Chelsea have five sporting directors with defined responsibilities, and player recruitment will be conducted in collaboration with him and those figures, “tweaking” the need to add experience with long-term planning.

There will also need to be alignment on significant outgoings, especially if Chelsea fail to make Europe.

Alonso is known to be excited by the squad, but both parties know it still needs to be improved over the summer, with the Blues known to be targeting a centre-back, midfielder and forward at minimum.

There is also an acknowledgement within the club of past mistakes and it must work with Alonso – a former midfielder with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich – to become the winning team they, and the fans, expect them to be.

Culture, squad and physical issues need fixing

Chelsea are also facing cultural issues that continue to undermine progress. These were brought into focus by a protest march involving about 200 fans on Wembley Way on Saturday.

There is a growing disconnect between supporters and the club, as well as fans and players. In some cases, there are also divisions within the squad and between players and the wider organisation.

One contributing factor, as influential co-owner Behdad Eghbali has acknowledged, “getting that stability on the manager side is one of the things we haven’t done right yet”.

The hope is someone of Alonso’s status and authority can help address that, reinforcing the club’s ambition and improving communication with both players and supporters.

On the pitch, he will be tasked with improving the team mentally, physically and tactically. Questions have been asked about the squad’s mentality, with accusations of players “downing tools” this term, having the worst disciplinary record in the division, and a poor record in key matches.

That includes a 14-game winless run against Manchester City and seven consecutive defeats in domestic cup finals.

Physically, Chelsea have been outperformed by opponents, having covered less distance than any other team in the Premier League this season, aside from a single exception at Anfield in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool last weekend.

Defensively, problems under Maresca earlier in the campaign evolved into wider issues at both ends of the pitch under Rosenior, whose six-game losing run without scoring ultimately led to his exit.

It was a closely fought match against Pep Guardiola’s side, but interim boss Calum McFarlane was left bemoaning the fact “football can be cruel”, believing his side deserved at least one penalty.

He added: “It’s a really talented group – there’s lots of quality. The fight and heart have been questioned at times, but in the last two performances I don’t think you can question that.”

There is quality, but plenty of work still to be done. Chelsea have a furious fanbase and have gone from Maresca to Rosenior to McFarlane and now Alonso in five months.

The club’s ownership is under scrutiny and Alonso has much to do – it will be a tough task trying to bring it all together.

Mr. Afoko made the call during separate consultative meetings with the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders and the Ashanti Regional Executive in Kumasi, as part of his nationwide engagement with party stakeholders ahead of the NPP National Delegates Conference.

He expressed concern about the current state of the party but cautioned against focusing on internal blame over the 2024 electoral defeat.

“We need to gather collective experiences,” he said, urging unity among party members.

Mr. Afoko stated that his ambition is to help rebuild the party, adding that he hopes to be remembered for contributing to its renewal.

“I would want to be remembered for rebuilding the party. We must all put our hands on deck. We cannot sit and watch the party slide backwards,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of the grassroots in the party’s electoral fortunes, noting that the Ashanti Region remains central to the NPP’s success.

“The heartbeat of the NPP is the Ashanti Region, and that remains a fact. I am open to advice because you are the ones running the party,” he noted.

Mr. Afoko also called for unity, insisting that the party must work together to regain power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speakers at the meetings reportedly encouraged him to remain committed to rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.

He is campaigning on his “3R Agenda”—Reunite, Rebuild, Recapture—which he says is key to returning the NPP to power.

Let’s start from here:

When Parliament confirmed on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, that the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, had been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, one question quickly outpaced the others on Ghanaian social media and in legal circles: if the United States was behind the action, why was the MP not picked up by Ghanaian security agencies at home, in the way several other Ghanaians wanted by US authorities have been in the past year?

It is a question with no single answer. A combination of legal, political and operational factors plausibly explains why a transit-arrest at a European hub may have been preferred by whoever made the request over the bilateral extradition route under Ghana’s Extradition Act, 1960 (Act 22).

What follows is an explainer of those factors, set against what is officially confirmed about the case, what remains in the realm of unconfirmed reporting, and what Mr Frimpong himself and his representatives have said.

It is important to state at the outset that no formal charges against Mr Frimpong have been publicly announced by any prosecuting authority in any jurisdiction at the time of publication. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise by a competent court.

He has, through a personal social-media video, a lawyer’s letter and a statement by his aide, denied the substance of the allegations that have been circulating about him over the past several months.

What is officially confirmed

The Parliament of Ghana, in a statement issued by the Clerk to Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, on 12 May 2026, confirmed that Mr Frimpong had been detained at Schiphol Airport.

The statement noted that the Speaker, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, and the leadership of the House were in contact with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague for detailed information on the matter.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, provided two further pieces of on-the-record clarification. First, he disclosed that, according to information reaching Parliament, the MP was detained on the basis of a warrant issued by the United States, although the contents of the warrant were not yet known to Parliament. Second, he corrected media reports that the MP had been flying to the United States on a Delta Airlines flight, stating that the MP was on a private visit to the United Kingdom on a KLM flight, and that his wife and children reside in London.

Dafeamekpor also assured the public that Mr Frimpong was safe and well, saying “he is well, he is not being maltreated; he is fine, he is just in detention; nothing untoward has happened to him.”

Beyond these particulars, no Ghanaian government statement has yet been issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Office of the President. No statement has been published by the FBI’s National Press Office, the US Department of Justice, or the Netherlands Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service).

The allegations as reported — and the denials on record

Multiple Ghanaian news outlets, citing sources within Ghana’s law enforcement agencies, have reported that the MP is being investigated in connection with alleged financial crimes, including money laundering and so-called “romance scams” involving an estimated figure of US$32 million.

One media house first reported the law-enforcement-source account; another subsequently reported that the investigation is alleged to be connected to an African restaurant and supermarket business said to have been operated by the MP in Chicago some years ago.

Those same reports allege that the FBI is the lead agency and that the inquiry has been running for more than a year as part of a wider international operation.

None of those particulars has been confirmed by any official prosecuting or investigating authority. They are reported here as media accounts attributed to anonymous sources.

Mr Frimpong has, on more than one occasion in the months preceding the detention, publicly rejected the substance of similar allegations.

In or around August 2025, in a video posted to social media, the MP personally rejected reports of his arrest in the United Kingdom and dismissed associated allegations. In the video he played an audio message from a constituent and characterised the celebration of his supposed arrest as politically motivated. He stated that he was unperturbed by allegations of fraud and cocaine smuggling.

On 8 September 2025, his lawyer, Elvis Adu-Ameyaw, issued a letter stating that there were no pending legal proceedings, whether civil or criminal, against his client in any court of competent jurisdiction, in Ghana or outside. Mr Adu-Ameyaw repeated this position on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

On 27 October 2025, his aide, Kelly Mensah, issued a statement saying that the MP had no connection with any travel or visa scheme and had not authorised anybody to carry out such activities, and warning that information being circulated on social media using the MP’s name was fraudulent.

Neither Mr Frimpong nor his lawyers had issued a fresh statement responding to the Schiphol detention at the time of publication.

Why not Accra? The factors at play

Against that backdrop, the question of why Ghana’s security agencies were not called upon to make the arrest — as they were in the recent extradition cases of Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, popularly known as “Dada Joe Remix”, and the alleged members of “The Enterprise” — admits of several plausible answers. None has been confirmed by the United States or by the Ghanaian government, and the explanation below should be read as analysis of the available options rather than a statement of fact about the decision-makers’ actual reasoning.

1. The Act 22 process is paper-heavy and politically visible

Under Section 7(1) of Ghana’s Extradition Act, 1960 (Act 22), a request from a foreign government is transmitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ultimately requires the Minister for the Interior to sign an extradition order directing Ghana’s security agencies to issue a warrant of arrest.

That is precisely the route by which the warrant against Isaac Oduro Boateng (“Kofi Boat”) and three others alleged to be members of “The Enterprise” was issued on 18 March 2025, leading to the August 2025 transfer of three of the suspects to the FBI at Kotoka International Airport. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa publicly confirmed Ghana’s cooperation with that operation.

By contrast, a transit arrest by Dutch authorities at Schiphol, on the basis of a US warrant and an Interpol Red Notice or provisional arrest request, requires no participation by Ghanaian ministers and leaves no paper trail in Accra prior to the event.

For a sitting Member of Parliament sitting with the Majority Caucus, that operational secrecy could have been judged a meaningful advantage by whichever authority initiated the action.

2. The political cost of asking the Ghanaian government to arrest a sitting MP

Although Mr Frimpong is technically an Independent member, he aligns with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority Caucus and his vote forms part of the working arithmetic of that side of the House.

Asking the NDC-led government to authorise the arrest of an MP from within its own legislative coalition is a heavier diplomatic ask than authorising the arrest of an apolitical suspect. Whether or not that consideration weighed on the US Government, it is a factor that informed observers would naturally take into account.

3. Parliamentary immunity — narrower in law than in practice

Articles 115 to 123 of the 1992 Constitution provide for the privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament. The most relevant provision for present purposes is Article 117, which provides that civil or criminal process from any court or place out of Parliament shall not be served on, or executed in relation to, the Speaker, a Member or the Clerk to Parliament “while he is on his way to, attending at or returning from, any proceedings of Parliament.”

Constitutional commentators, including the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and IMANI Africa’s Mr Kofi Bentil, have repeatedly observed that the immunity is qualified, not absolute, and that it does not protect an MP engaged in private or unofficial activity.

The former MP for Asante Akim North, Mr Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, who is also a lawyer, restated this position in an interview with GhanaWeb on 13 May 2026, observing that “even in Ghana, there is no immunity to wrongdoing or criminal action.”

In practice, however, recent years have seen procedural disputes between Parliament and law-enforcement agencies over the proper way to serve criminal process on MPs, most notably in the 2021 standoff over the Member for Madina, Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu, and earlier disputes touching on Members such as Mr Mahama Ayariga and Mr James Gyakye Quayson.

The Supreme Court has been invited to interpret Articles 117 and 118 on a writ filed in November 2021. The Speaker, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, has himself stated, both in a 2021 ruling and again on 27 May 2025, that the constitutional immunity is not absolute. Even so, the practical experience of pursuing criminal process against a sitting MP in Ghana has, in several cases, produced delay.

A foreign requesting state weighing its options might reasonably conclude that a transit jurisdiction would deliver a faster, less politically encumbered outcome — without that conclusion implying any deficiency on the part of Ghana’s law-enforcement institutions, which have recently demonstrated full cooperation in other high-profile cases.

4. The Netherlands as an extradition partner

The Netherlands and the United States have a long-standing bilateral extradition treaty. Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in Europe, sees extensive transit traffic and is routinely used by law-enforcement agencies internationally to interdict persons of interest in transit.

Dutch courts process extradition requests in a comparatively short and predictable timeframe, and proceedings are public. From an operational standpoint, a known travel itinerary that included a Schiphol layover would offer a foreign requesting state a clean point of interception.

5. Ghana’s recent extradition cooperation is already well-attested

Over the past twelve months, Ghana has cooperated extensively with US law-enforcement agencies. The May 2025 arrest in Ghana of Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng on a US extradition warrant, the March 2025 warrant against four alleged senior members of “The Enterprise” and the August 2025 transfer of three of them to the FBI at Kotoka International Airport have all been on the record.

Whether or not the US judged that the political optics of yet another arrest on Ghanaian soil — this time of a sitting MP — were worth the cost, it had readily available alternatives.

What happens next

Several developments will determine how this story unfolds in the coming days and weeks. The first appearance of Mr Frimpong before a Dutch court will, under Dutch procedure, generally be a public proceeding, which will reveal the basis on which the Netherlands is holding him.

Whether the United States files, or has already filed, a formal extradition request with The Hague and whether any related indictment in a US federal court is unsealed will clarify the substantive allegations. A formal statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra is widely anticipated, and a statement from Mr Frimpong’s lawyers responding directly to the Schiphol detention is also expected.

In the meantime, parliamentary leadership has indicated that diplomatic engagement is intensifying. In a media interview, the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, disclosed that the Speaker of Parliament and the Majority Caucus are actively seeking the assistance of international partners, and that engagement with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague is continuing, in order to obtain the full particulars of the warrant on which Mr Frimpong is being held and to secure the necessary consular and legal access to him.

That outreach, Mr Dafeamekpor indicated, is being pursued in parallel with the work of Ghana’s mission to the Netherlands, and is intended to clarify the precise legal basis of the detention, the identity of the requesting authority, and the procedural path that the matter will now take in the Dutch courts.

Until those engagements yield further information, the public record on the substance of the case remains limited to the reports of anonymous sources and the prior denials of the MP and his representatives.

His comments were made during an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, May 13.

Parliament had earlier confirmed Mr Frimpong’s detention, noting that the matter had been brought to the attention of the House and was being addressed by parliamentary leadership.

A statement from the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, indicated that the Rt Hon Speaker and the leadership of Parliament were liaising with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to obtain detailed information regarding the incident.

Chief Whip Dafeamekpor sought to correct reports suggesting that Mr Frimpong had been travelling to the United States on Delta Airlines.

“That is most inaccurate,” he said. “The Honourable Member was on a private visit to the United Kingdom. He has a family there — his wife and children live in London — and he does frequent the UK.”

He further clarified that on this particular occasion, Mr Frimpong was travelling on a KLM flight.

“As the Chief Whip, I can confirm that this was another private visit to the UK,” he added, emphasising that the MP’s trip was personal and not related to official duties.

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In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Parliament said it had officially been informed of the incident and is currently engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to gather more details.

According to the statement, the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the leadership of Parliament are in close contact with the mission to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the detention of the Independent MP.

“It has come to the attention of Parliament that the Hon. Member for Asante Akyem North Constituency, Mr. Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has been detained at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, in the Netherlands.

“The Rt. Hon. Speaker and the leadership of the House are in touch with Ghana’s Mission in The Hague for detailed information on the matter. The public will be duly informed appropriately on this matter,” the statement said.

Parliament further assured the public that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Trump said the US would pause its operation to guide ships through the key Strait of Hormuz trade route – a move that triggered an escalation in attacks in the region – to see if a deal could be made.

Brent, the global benchmark for crude, fell by 1.7% to $108 (£79.56) a barrel, while US-traded oil fell by 1.6% to $100.60.

The price of oil jumped by more than 6% earlier in the week as attacks across the Middle East intensified, but has since gradually eased.

Global energy prices have surged since Tehran threatened to attack ships trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz, in retaliation against US-Israeli strikes since 28 February.

About a fifth of global oil and gas shipments cross the strait.

Oil prices overall have been higher since the US-Iran conditional ceasefire, which was announced on 8 April and later extended.

Trump said on social media on Tuesday that Project Freedom, the name of the US-led effort to move ships through the channel, would be “paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed”.

He added that “Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran”. Trump said the US would continue to block ships transiting to and from Iranian ports – a move designed to put pressure on Iran’s economy.

To traders, pausing Project Freedom is “a sign that Washington is willing to give diplomacy another chance,” said Charu Chanana from investment firm Saxo.

She added, however, that it is not a turning point.

“The key question for oil traders is whether this leads to real progress in reopening trade through the Strait of Hormuz,” said Chanana, an investment strategist. “For now, there is little evidence of that.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also told reporters that the initial US-Israeli offensive in Iran was over, as Washington’s objectives had been met.

“We would prefer the path of peace. What the president would prefer is a deal,” Rubio said.

Iran has not responded to Rubio’s remarks. The country’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf said earlier: “We know well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America, while we are just getting started.”

Project Freedom, which Trump said was meant to ease the flow of energy through the channel, had tested the ceasefire between the sides.

The US said it struck several Iranian “fast boats” in the channel, while the United Arab Emirates also accused Iran of launching strikes on one of its oil ports – a claim Tehran has denied.

The activities commenced with a heartwarming dinner night for parents of children with autism. The event provided a safe and supportive environment for families to connect, share experiences, and encourage one another, reinforcing the message that no parent is alone on this journey.

During the dinner, the school announced a 10% discount on therapy services for its learners, alongside a month-long free therapy programme, as part of efforts to make essential support more accessible to families.

Following the dinner, the second event was an outreach held at the National Assessment and Resource Center.

The school deployed a team of professionals, including speech and behavioural therapists, to assess children and provide expert guidance.

This initiative supported early identification and intervention, while offering parents clearer direction on the care their children require.

Therapy materials to support interventions, as well as wheelchairs, were also presented to the centre.

The third major activity was a Neuro Walk, which brought together parents, professionals, and members of the public to raise awareness and advocate for the acceptance of individuals with autism and other special needs.

The walk served as a strong public call for society to embrace neurodiversity and end stigma.

In addition, Party Tree Vocational and Training School partnered in the initiative by training mothers of children with autism in practical skills such as baking, drink preparation, soap making, and fabric softener production. The aim was to empower these mothers financially, enabling them to better support their children’s therapy and overall needs.

The CEO also intensified advocacy efforts throughout the month, publishing weekly articles across online and social media platforms and participating in discussions on autism and inclusion, including engagements on Onua TV’s autism forum.

These engagements amplified key messages on inclusion. Society—particularly parents and educational institutions—was urged to stop rejecting children with special needs. Speakers emphasized that such children are not less valuable, but rather require the right environment and support systems to thrive. Parents were encouraged to seek help and support instead of hiding their children due to stigma.

Schools were also called out for discriminatory practices, especially the refusal to admit children with special needs, and were urged to adopt inclusive approaches that ensure equal access to education.

Furthermore, misconceptions surrounding autism were addressed, particularly the belief that it is a curse. Speakers clarified that autism is a developmental condition and not linked to spiritual causes or wrongdoing. Such misconceptions, they noted, contribute to stigma, discrimination, and neglect.

The public was therefore encouraged to embrace individuals with autism, while families were urged to fully accept and support their children.

Overall, the series of activities highlighted the urgent need for a shift in mindset—one that replaces stigma with understanding, rejection with acceptance, and exclusion with opportunity.

Through these initiatives, Mulan Neurodiversity School, under the leadership of Thara Brigitte Mills, has reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, support, and empowerment for children with autism and their families.

The school also called on government to prioritise special education within the national education system and to provide greater support for parents raising children with special needs.

Re-echoing the traditional announcement in a statement issued on March 31, the Council emphasised that the month-long observance is rooted in culture, spirituality, and communal harmony, and should be treated as a solemn civic responsibility.

“As a statutory institution mandated to promote peace and harmony in our region, the GARPC is therefore urging the public, traditional rulers, religious bodies, political parties, civil society organisations, and citizens to comply with established tradition and customs,” the statement said.

The Council described the period as one of reflection and renewal, noting that it plays a vital role in the spiritual life and identity of the Ga people.

“In this tradition, the one-month ban is observed for reflection, spiritual cleansing, and performing customary rites within our communities,” it explained, adding that the rites also serve to “honour ancestors and seek divine guidance and protection for the nation.”

GARPC further appealed for restraint across all sectors of society, urging citizens, residents, and visitors within affected areas to respect the restrictions in full.

It specifically called for adherence to the ban on drumming and all forms of noise-making, including the use of loudspeakers and musical instruments, whether in public or private spaces.

Political parties and commercial operators were also cautioned to ensure that campaigns, gatherings, and business activities do not undermine the sanctity of the period.

“Ensure that political campaigns, social gatherings, and commercial activities do not violate the terms of the ban,” the Council stated, while also encouraging the public to report any breaches to the appropriate traditional or security authorities.

The Council further appealed to security agencies to work closely with traditional leaders to guarantee peaceful compliance throughout the period, stressing the importance of dialogue over confrontation in addressing infractions.

“We urge all parties to approach any infractions with restraint and in a manner that preserves peace and promotes dialogue,” it said.

Calling on the media to play a central role in civic education, GARPC noted that effective communication will be key to ensuring nationwide compliance, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.

The statement concluded with a message of optimism, expressing confidence in public cooperation.

“We are confident that with the cooperation and goodwill of all, the ban on drumming and noisemaking will be observed peacefully this year,” it said, adding: “We wish all our communities a peaceful and spiritually enriching observance.”

Signed by Rt. Rev. Samuel Kofi Osabutey, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GARPC, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to fostering harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect among all segments of society.

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In a notice issued on Monday, May 4, 2026, the Office of the Speaker called on Members of Parliament to reconvene for the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

The directive was issued in accordance with Order 58 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which empowers the Speaker to summon the House.

Parliament has been on recess since March 27, 2026, when the First Meeting of the Second Session was adjourned sine die after eight weeks of sittings. During that period, the House held 32 sittings and passed several bills.

The break also coincided with the Easter season, giving MPs the opportunity to return to their constituencies.

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Speaking at the commissioning of Dimer Health Care, a new private health facility at Bantama and Atonsu in Kumasi, Dr. Nkatiah revealed that nearly 80 percent of patients who report to the hospital are diagnosed with NCDs.

According to him, the situation is largely driven by poor health-seeking behaviour, as many people delay hospital visits until their conditions become severe.

“Most Ghanaians only go to the hospital when they feel unwell. By the time they arrive, diagnoses often reveal hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. This is a major factor contributing to premature deaths,” he explained.

He stressed the importance of routine medical check-ups, noting that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to manage and prevent complications associated with non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Nkatiah also highlighted lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, stress, and alcohol consumption as contributing to the rising cases, urging the public to adopt healthier habits.

The newly inaugurated Dimer Health Care facility is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services in Kumasi, particularly for individuals seeking regular screening and diagnostic services.

“Private healthcare facilities are playing a critical role in supporting public health delivery. However, we face significant challenges, especially the high cost of importing medical equipment through the ports. Government support in this regard would greatly enhance our capacity to deliver quality care,” he noted.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who was the guest speaker at the event, commended the initiative and called on investors to take advantage of the region’s business-friendly environment.

“The Ashanti Region remains open to investors across all sectors. We encourage the business community to invest here to drive economic growth and development,” he said.

Dimer Health Care is a modern diagnostic and treatment centre offering a wide range of services, including laboratory testing, CT scans, ultrasound imaging, electroencephalography (EEG), X-rays, and echocardiography.

The facility operates two branches in Kumasi; one located opposite Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and another at Atonsu, bringing specialised healthcare services closer to residents in the metropolis.

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The “Clash of the Titans” lived up to its billing, bringing together the finest talent from Madina and Teshie to compete for regional supremacy.

In a tournament defined by grit and technical brilliance, Salem Stars emerged as the ultimate victors, clinching the first-place trophy after a series of high-octane performances. They were pushed to the limit by Bongo Stars, who secured a hard-fought second-place finish as the tournament’s runners-up.

The battle for the remaining spots was equally intense. Madina Stars claimed third place, while Jet Eleven finished a commendable fourth. While the team trophies were the primary focus, individual brilliance did not go unnoticed. Bright Loko of Madina Stars was named the Player of the Tournament, a testament to his exceptional skill and playmaking ability that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the event.

The final was a vibrant celebration of community spirit. Beyond the goals and trophies, fans were treated to an atmosphere filled with music, excitement, and substantial giveaways. Lucky attendees walked away with premium prizes, including TVs, headphones, and speakers, reinforcing PrideSpins’ commitment to rewarding the fans who make grassroots sports possible.

The success of the event highlights the vital role of corporate support in local athletics. By providing a professional platform, kits, and equipment, PrideSpins is ensuring that the raw talent found in neighbourhoods like Madina and Teshie has a clear path to being discovered.

The Accra final is just the beginning of a much larger vision as PrideSpins is dedicated to scaling this initiative across Ghana to ensure that grassroots talent nationwide receives the spotlight it deserves. The excitement is already building for our next stops in Takoradi, Sunyani and Kumasi, where each of these cities will host their own iterations of the gala, bringing the same level of energy, professional scouting opportunities, and community engagement that Accra witnessed yesterday.

The expansion of these tournaments is made possible by the PrideSpins Community, where every time you play on our platform, you are directly contributing to the growth of initiatives like the community Soccer Gala. The more the community engages, the more stops we can add to our tour, and the more local athletes we can support. To be a part of this journey and help us bring the gala to every corner of Ghana, register today and join the PrideSpins family: https://pridespins.com.gh/register10free?aff=1518710

Together, we are not just playing a game; we are building a legacy for Ghanaian football.

Talankin says he had the Academy Award in his carry-on bag for a flight to Germany on Wednesday, but airport security stopped him at John F Kennedy International Airport because they said the award could be used as a weapon.

But when he landed in Germany, the Oscar was gone.

Lufthansa Airlines, which helped him pack the award in a box for the flight since Talankin didn’t have a checked bag, said its team is treating the incident with “care and urgency” and is conducting a “comprehensive internal search” for the award.

“We deeply regret this situation,” the airline said in a statement. “Our team is treating this matter with the utmost care and urgency, and we are conducting a comprehensive internal search to ensure Oscar is found and returned as quickly as possible.”

The BBC has contacted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which handles airport security, and has stopped Talankin from bringing his Oscar in his own carry-on bag.

The BBC documentary‘s executive producer, Robin Hessman, said she was on speakerphone with Talankin and TSA to help at the airport because Talankin does not speak fluent English.

She told the BBC that he’d flown multiple times with his Oscar and also his Bafta, both of which he’d won this year, across the US and on international flights, and never had any issues bringing his Oscar aboard.

“This wouldn’t have happened to Leonardo DiCaprio,” she said.

Talankin, the co-director and protagonist of the Best Feature Documentary winner, travels with the award often to showcase at events at screenings.

During this trip in New York, he passed it around an audience of students at a university during a Q&A session after a screening of the documentary.

The BBC has viewed video of Lufthansa staff using tape and bubble wrap to pack the Oscar into a box.

An Academy Award stands 13.5in tall (34cm) and weighs 8.5lb (3.9 kg). It reportedly costs from $400 to $1,000 to create the statuette.

Mr Nobody Against Putin is a documentary Talankin filmed documenting the ramping up of war propaganda in a Russian school, where he worked, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

He is now exiled from Russia for his own safety and living elsewhere in Europe.

Russia has banned the documentary from three streaming platforms on the grounds that it “propagates extremism and terrorism”.

In a public notice, the Assembly outlined a set of guidelines to be observed during the period to ensure peace, harmony and public order.

According to the AMA, churches are expected to conduct their activities strictly within their premises and refrain from the use of musical instruments throughout the period.

The directive also prohibits the mounting of loudspeakers outside churches, mosques and pubs, while roadside evangelism is to be suspended.

The Assembly further urged religious groups and traditional authorities to show mutual respect and avoid inflammatory or derogatory remarks about each other’s beliefs.

In line with directives from the Ga Traditional Council, funeral rites and related activities are also banned during the period.

The AMA indicated that enforcement will be carried out by a designated task force made up of personnel from the Assembly, the Ghana Police Service and representatives of the traditional councils. It warned that no other individuals or groups are authorised to enforce the directive.

Residents across the Ga Traditional Area have been urged to comply fully with the ban to ensure a peaceful observance.

Her election took place in Johannesburg, where she secured a decisive victory with 131 votes against 51.

The position is considered equivalent to that of a Second Deputy Speaker within the continental legislative body.

With this achievement, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings becomes the first female representative of the West African Caucus to occupy the role in the history of the Pan-African Parliament.

The development was shared by Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who congratulated her on the milestone and described the feat as significant for both Ghana and the West African sub-region.

Her election marks a notable step in advancing female representation in leadership within Africa’s parliamentary structures.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!
—————————————

1. By 131 to 51 votes, the Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has just been emphatically elected as the 2nd Deputy President of the Pan African Parliament in Johannesburg, South Africa.

2. This is the equivalence of a 2nd Deputy Speaker of the… pic.twitter.com/doQkPz7z4i

— Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Esq. MP. (@etsedafeamekpor) April 30, 2026

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He said the right things and he exudes good intentions. 15 months later, the sense of optimism has dimmed considerably. But even in the midst of that optimism, those with wisdom were worried.

As a Professor emeritus of Legon told me, “Some of us were shocked by the warm reception of Traore of Burkina Faso and hence, concerned about what would happen if President Mahama’s “RESET” does not succeed.”

She urged the NPP to “get your house in order so that Ghanaians can see a viable alternative to the NDC ready to govern to improve national stability.” She was dead right.

On November 30th, 2025, the UN Security Council stated that “the Security situation of several countries in West Africa and the Sahel region continues to deteriorate significantly as terrorist groups continue to expand their influence and secure greater stronghold across the region.”

On February 14th, 2026, 7 Ghanaians traders were amongst the 20 people killed by militants in Titao, Northern Burkina Faso. The sucess of the reset depends, not just on socio-economic development but also, national security and stability.

Kay Cudjoe, in an open letter to President Mahama, stated reassuringly that, ” This is not a rejection of your leadership. It is a warning about what is happening around it.” Really, Kay? Can one disparage the soup of a fufu meal while praising the fufu? Kay went on to state that , “accountability is weakening”.

Was accountability ever strong under this reset? Perhaps, Kay’s message should have been addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, the heads of SOEs, anti-corruption bodies, the media, religious leaders, party leaders and the public. The President alone is not the government and the government alone does not our democracy make.

Perhaps, like a pretty maiden in love, we were too eager to believe the blandishments of the resetters. They were facing the same challenges that led to the failures of all our governments since independence and have led to our 17 trips to the IMF and our many revolutions.

No changes were made to the system and as we learned from Edward Deming, a bad system will beat good men nearly every time. State-owned enterprises were not reformed before new leaders were named to administer the old corrupt institutions.

The corruption infrastructure anchored in decades-old practices and taken to unseen heights by the Kyebi mafia was not dismantled or disturbed, despite the loud noises about ORAL.

The National Economic Forum just repeated speeches delivered years earlier at Senchi and glaringly failed to grapple with corruption or the role of the Diaspora in our development.

No bold FATWAs were declared against CRONYISM, NEPOTISM and TRIBALISM. — Galamsey, that had been a defining issue of the 2024 campaign just hesitated for a moment and then, despite the new initiatives and policies, resumed its destruction of our forests and pollution of our rivers.

Sadly, it seems that the President and the “few good men” he had with him showed up to a gun fight with knives and the outcome has never been in doubt. French philosopher Monet once said, “Nothing is possible without MEN but nothing is lasting without INSTITUTIONS.”

Sadly, we have what 2024 Nobel laureates in Economics Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson described as EXTRACTIVE ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS, which are designed ” to extract incomes and wealth from one subset of society to benefit a different subset”.

We should be focusing our collective efforts on building and strengthening INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC and POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS that truly have the elements of the free enterprise system that we pay lip service to.

That is why despite the noise, the galamsey machinery keeps running smoothly while the emergency the President supported as a candidate has not been declared and NDC operatives are boldly attacking religious leaders for daring to complain about galamsey.

As Acemoglu and Robinson demonstrate in their book, “WHY NATIONS FAIL”, even when the right policies are put in place, they are deliberately subverted and that is why we have been to the IMF 17 times with the same problems.

To turn to the judicial system, it is unacceptable that despite all the ORAL noises, more fowl and cassava thieves have been jailed than political thieves under this reset while the public tribunals remain on the drawing board and the Attorney General seeks to weaken the Special Prosecutor.

Why would Anthony Yeboah tackle Abedi Pele when the latter has the ball and is trying to score for Ghana? Is this “aboro” or “bayie”? As Jeremiah 5:28 makes clear, ” They do not judge with justice the cause of the orphan to make it prosper and they do not defend the rights of the needy.”

As the President rightly told an NDC ignoramus, ” I am not in charge of Parliament “. With such a healthy majority and an experienced Speaker, Parliament could help the President and Ghana with some vigorous and fearless executive oversight.

And when they demand the removal of some non-performing executive officer, unlike the NPP, they should stand their ground! And a Judicial Reform bill that would put our justice system on a modern, fast, responsive footing is long overdue.

To return to the President briefly, I have some friendly and patriotic advice. Mr. President, your intentions are good but Presidencies are not judged by intentions and words. They are judged by bold decisive actions. Sir, END GALAMSEY OOO TOM!!! Enforce ACCOUNTABILITY!! Heads should have rolled when the youth died at El-Wak.

Since you admitted that some NDC officials are involved in the galamsey you are fighting, some heads should have rolled. Sir fight Nepotism, Cronyism and Tribalism with vigour.

Nepotism was the most despicable aspect of the Akufo-Addo led government and though the Kyebi Mafia has left town, other mafia persist and other, more powerful mafiasos have joined them.

As for the tribalism, I am told that under your government some are insisting that heads of Universities and Teaching hospitals must hail from the local area and getting their way!

The idea that some day, only Ganyobi can lead Korle-bu and Legon and only Ashantis can lead KNUST etc undermines our national character! Stop it. Next, lead a clean-up of our political parties.

They are the ultimate source of corruption in our public space. What happened in the NPP Presidential primary and the NDC primary that produced Baba Jamal was a disgrace to Ghana.

It seems neither the NDC that won 2024 nor the NPP that lost have changed one bit. The question, Sir, is whether your reset is about managing our decline or about leading Ghana to a better place. Let the media follow Joyfm, the 4th estate and the few standing for Ghana and let the Asofo speak truth to power, fearlessly.

As for the rest of us, let our actions match our words. Let’s stand with good people. This week, Professor Frimpong Boateng was in court, to deal with lawsuits from his anti-Galamsey work and report, unlike his colleagues who looked the other way or participated in it.

Pray for him, and when you see him, thank him for being a patriot. May God help our reset. May God bless Ghana.

The House voted 215-211, with no Democrats supporting it. House Speaker Mike Johnson held the vote open for more than five hours as he worked to ​get enough of his fellow Republicans to embrace the measure.

Some, from farm states, were holding out for a future vote on expanding the sale of gasoline blended with ethanol.

The Senate approved the plan on April ​23. With the House going along, it will be up to Republicans in ​both chambers to put together details of the $70-billion proposal and win passage before sending it to President Donald Trump to sign it into law.

Republicans are hoping to do so in May and will ​use a special, rarely used procedure that allows them to steer the legislation through the Senate without any support from Democrats.

Republicans used the same procedure last year ‌to ⁠ram through around $130 billion in funding for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agencies – a huge boost that Trump requested to carry out his massive migrant deportation campaign.

Republicans have resisted Democrats’ attempts to constrain ICE and Border Patrol ​operations in U.S. cities ​that have triggered ⁠protests, especially after two U.S. citizens were shot dead by federal agents this year in Minneapolis.

By the end of this week, a series of agencies operating under the Department of Homeland Security will run out of funding unless Republicans in Congress reach an agreement on a separate bill for the fiscal year ending on September 30.

The Senate has passed a bill to fund DHS agencies, including the Secret Service, Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, but House Republicans have so far refused to go along.

The high-profile ceremony, scheduled for April 30, 2026, at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan, is expected to attract key stakeholders across Africa’s lottery and gaming industry, including directors-general of national lottery bodies, representatives of the World Lottery Association, and executives shaping revenue mobilisation strategies across the continent.

The Akuapem North MP, Sammi Awuku, who is widely credited with spearheading major reforms during his tenure at the NLA, will attend as a special guest alongside the Chief Executive Officer of the KGL Group, Alex Apau Dadey.

The KGL Group, a major digital and online lottery partner, has in recent years expanded its footprint beyond Ghana, including strategic operations in Côte d’Ivoire where it collaborates with LONACI to enhance digital lottery systems and boost revenue streams.

Sammi Awuku’s presence at the anniversary event underscores his continued influence within Africa’s lottery ecosystem.

During his leadership at the NLA, he is credited with driving digital transformation, improving transparency, and significantly increasing revenue mobilisation within the lottery sector.

His tenure also saw him rise to become the immediate past Vice President (Anglophone Division) of the African Lotteries Association, where he played a key role in advancing collaboration among African lottery institutions.

Beyond administrative leadership, Sammi Awuku has been a notable voice on global lottery platforms, participating as a distinguished speaker at conferences organised by the World Lottery Association.

His contributions to policy, innovation, and regulation in the gaming sector have earned him recognition, including back-to-back Public Sector CEO of the Year awards in 2022 and 2023.

The LONACI anniversary marks a significant milestone not only for Côte d’Ivoire but for the broader African lottery industry. Established over five decades ago, LONACI has evolved into one of West Africa’s most prominent lottery institutions, contributing to national development through revenue generation and social intervention projects.

Under the leadership of its Director-General, Dramane Coulibaly—who also serves as President of the African Lotteries Association—the institution has expanded its operational scope and strengthened international partnerships.

The 55th anniversary celebrations are expected to feature reflections on LONACI’s historical journey, its impact on national development, and the future of lottery operations in an increasingly digital and regulated global environment.

Sammi Awuku is anticipated to engage stakeholders drawing on his experience and highlighting the importance of innovation and cross-border collaboration in strengthening Africa’s gaming sector.

Meanwhile, KGL Group’s participation, led by Alex Dadey, signals the growing role of private sector partnerships in modernising lottery operations across Africa.

The company’s entry into the Ivorian market in recent years has reportedly contributed to improved efficiency and enhanced revenue performance within LONACI’s operations.

The event is also expected to include high-level engagements with industry leaders and policymakers, including a reception hosted by LONACI’s leadership, as well as interactions with representatives of global lottery bodies.

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In a speech this week, the North Korean leader said those who “unhesitatingly opted for self-blasting, suicide attack, in order to defend the great honour” were “heroes”.

South Korea estimates at least 15,000 North Koreans have been sent to help Russia recapture parts of western Kursk, and more than 6,000 have been killed so far. Neither Pyongyang nor Moscow have confirmed the numbers.

Intelligence agencies and defectors have said the soldiers were under Pyongyang’s orders to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoner by Ukraine.

“Their self-sacrifice expecting no compensation, and the devotion expecting no reward… This [is] the definition of the height of loyalty of our army,” Kim said in Pyongyang on Monday as he unveiled a memorial for fallen troops, state media KCNA reported.

Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and the speaker of Russia’s parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, were among those who attended the event.

In North Korea, soldiers are taught that being captured is an act of treason.

Earlier this year, South Korean broadcaster MBC aired a programme featuring two North Korean prisoners of war in Ukraine, one of whom said on camera he regretted not taking his own life.

“Everyone else blew themselves up. I failed,” the prisoner said.

Seoul’s National Intelligence Service said last year they found memos on deceased North Korean soldiers that point to this extreme practice.

In his speech on Monday, Kim also praised those who died in combat.

“Those who fell in the vanguard of charges and those who writhed in frustration at the failure to fulfill their duties as soldiers who were given orders, rather than in pain in their bodies torn by bullets and shells – they too can be called the party’s faithful warriors and patriots,” Kim said.

In June 2024, Russian President Putin and Kim signed a deal pledging that their countries would help each other in the event of “aggression” against either country. At the time, Kim hailed the treaty as the “strongest ever”.

Besides sending soldiers, North Korea also promised to send thousands of workers to help rebuild Kursk.

According to a report published on April 27, 2026, Dr. Sosu is recognized for his relentless legal approach, which combines activism with advocacy, specifically targeting police brutality and state overreach.

Dr Francis-Xavier Sosu fuses activism with legal advocacy. He has challenged police brutality, pushed for prison reforms, and filed cases against state overreach.

His method is simple: relentless legal pressure. Sosu petitions, sues, and speaks out, even when the political cost is high.

His courage and consistency have earned him both admiration and caution within legal and political circles.

Key reasons for Dr. Sosu’s inclusion

Relentless Advocacy: He is noted for his use of legal pressure, including petitions and lawsuits, even in high-stakes political situations.

Human Rights Focus: As a prominent human rights lawyer, he has been involved in high-profile cases involving prison reforms and public interest litigation.Political Act

His role as the MP for Madina and his consistent legal challenges against authorities have gained him recognition as a formidable figure.

Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu is Legislator, Human Rights Lawyer and Activist. He is the immediate past 2nd Vice President of the United Nations Association of Ghana and is currently the Chairman of the ECOWAS Caucus of African Parliamentary Union (APU)

As a Member of Parliament, Hon Sosu introduced laws to abolish Death Penalty in Ghana and criminalizing witchcraft accusations in protection of vulnerable aged women.

Hon. Francis-Xavier Sosu has over 15 years’ experience as a lawyer and is a member of the Ghana Bar Association, Africa Bar Association, International Association of Peoples’ Lawyers, Lawyers without Borders, Canada, Criminal Justice Reforms Association, Lawyers In search of Democracy, and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) (Hons) in Sociology and Archaeology, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons), Master of Laws (LLM) in Oil and Gas Law, Master of Arts (MA) in Economic Policy Management; and MPhil (Human Rights, Peace and Conflict Studies) and PhD in Regional Integration Laws.

He also holds a Certificate in International Legislative Drafting from the Tulane Law School, New Orleans, USA; and is a Visiting Scholar at the Center College, Danville, Kentucky, and University of the South, Tennessee, all in the USA.

Honourable was a street child for many years before being adopted to the Village of Hope Orphanage owed by Churches of Christ in Ghana.

Other prominent lawyers listed in the same report include Tsatsu Tsikata, Godfred Yeboah Dame, Thaddeus Sory, and Ace Ankomah.

Dr. Sosu recently earned a PhD in Law and continues to be a high-profile figure in both legal and political circles

10 most fearsome Ghanaian lawyers

Ace Ankomah, Tsikata and 8 fearsome Ghanaian lawyers dominating the legal Space

In Ghana’s legal arena, some names do far more than just win court cases. They command attention, shape public discourse, and redefine what it means to practise law with influence and authority.

These legal powerhouses combine intellectual rigour, strategic brilliance, and fearless resolve to dominate both the courtroom and the national conversation.

Through landmark rulings, controversial prosecutions, and high-profile defences, these ten formidable lawyers have left an enduring imprint on Ghana’s legal landscape.

1. Tsatsu Tsikata

Former Chief Executive of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata

Born on 1 October 1950, Tsatsu Tsikata is widely recognised as Ghana’s most iconic trial lawyer. He is revered for blending academic excellence with courtroom finesse.

His legal prowess has been described as “astonishing,” with the ability to captivate opposing counsel and reduce “hardened judges to speaking with involuntary pauses and repetitions.”

Tsikata’s career spans several decades, during which he has served as both academic and practitioner. A former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and longstanding legal adviser to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he is feared for his compelling delivery and deep command of constitutional law.

He served as lead counsel for the NDC in the landmark election petition cases of 2013 and 2021. Considered one of Ghana’s wealthiest legal minds, Tsikata’s voice carries weight in both legal and academic circles.

2. Godfred Yeboah Dame

Godfred Yeboah Dame served as Attorney General and Minister for Justice under the Akufo-Addo administration, a tenure marked by controversy and intense scrutiny from within the legal fraternity.

He featured prominently in several high-profile prosecutions and was often at the centre of the state’s legal defences. Known for his confident courtroom demeanour and ability to cite case law spontaneously, Dame frequently challenged senior lawyers with a boldness uncommon among his peers.

Though his political affiliations have drawn criticism, even detractors recognise his legal sharpness and unyielding approach to litigation.

3. Thaddeus Sory

Thaddeus Sory is the Founding Partner of Sory & Partners@Law, a Notary Public, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). He also lectures in Advocacy and Legal Ethics at the Ghana School of Law.

Known for his versatility across multiple branches of law, Sory has earned praise as “a battle horse” who “knows all his procedures” and is a “fantastic litigation lawyer.”

He has been involved in a wide range of dispute resolution matters, including arbitration. Recently, he served as counsel to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, further reinforcing his influence in the legal and political spaces.

4. Tony Lithur

Tony Lithur, founder of Lithur Brew & Company, has built a reputation as one of Ghana’s foremost litigators and transactional lawyers. With a deep well of experience, he routinely advises clients on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, finance leasing, and regulatory compliance.

Respected for his strategic negotiation skills, Lithur has advised banks and financial institutions across various sectors. His strength lies not only in litigation, but also in navigating complex commercial transactions with a rare blend of legal depth and business acumen.

5. Ace Ankomah

Ace Anan Ankomah, Senior Partner at Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah, has over 29 years of legal experience. As head of the firm’s Disputes practice group, he oversees contentious matters from analysis to trial, representing clients in both domestic and international arbitration.

Ankomah has acted for major institutions including the International Finance Corporation, Bank of Ghana, Ecobank, Deloitte & Touche, and Vodafone. His recent legal victory in a defamation suit worth GHS2.95 million highlighted his unflinching approach to protecting his name and seeking accountability.

Known for his direct legal style and willingness to challenge conventional thinking, he remains one of Ghana’s most formidable legal figures.

6. Yaw Oppong

As Director of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Oppong is shaping the future of legal practice in Ghana. However, his influence is not confined to the lecture hall.

A seasoned litigator, he has represented multinationals, banks, and prominent individuals in complex legal disputes.

Oppong bridges theory and practice effortlessly. His growing visibility in both courtrooms and public legal education makes him a force to watch and to fear.

7. Martin Kpebu

Martin Kpebu occupies a rare space between courtroom advocacy and legal activism. Whether securing the release of remand prisoners, defending media freedom, or taking on the presidency, Kpebu brings relentless energy and legal clarity to every battle.

His boldness is matched by his legal insight, making him a thorn in the side of those in power. While courtroom victories may vary, his influence on national conversations is indisputable. His greatest weapon remains his unapologetic legal directness and refusal to filter uncomfortable truths.

8. Kissi Agyebeng

Appointed as Special Prosecutor on 26 April 2021, Kissi Agyebeng succeeded Martin Amidu and entered office at a critical juncture in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.

Tasked with investigating and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, Agyebeng holds one of the most sensitive legal positions in the country. His actions and decisions continue to shape public perception of the fight against corruption in Ghana, earning him both respect and scrutiny.

9. Amanda Clinton

Amanda Clinton is the Founding Partner of Clinton Consultancy. Called to the Bar in both England and Ghana, she brings a global perspective to her practice, which includes corporate law, maritime law, and alternative dispute resolution.

Known for her discretion, professionalism, and strong communication skills, Amanda handles high-level litigation and advisory work for international clients.

 Her portfolio includes advising on one of Africa’s largest Ponzi schemes (Menzgold) and representing the Ghana Football Association during its engagements with FIFA in Zurich. Her reputation in commercial law and reputation management is unmatched in the subregion.

10. Francis-Xavier Sosu

Legal practitioner and Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Xavier Sosu

As Member of Parliament for Madina and a trained human rights lawyer, Francis-Xavier Sosu fuses activism with legal advocacy. He has challenged police brutality, pushed for prison reforms, and filed cases against state overreach.

His method is simple: relentless legal pressure. Sosu petitions, sues, and speaks out, even when the political cost is high. His courage and consistency have earned him both admiration and caution within legal and political circles.

The impact of legal excellence

These ten lawyers exemplify the highest standards of legal practice in Ghana. From Tsatsu Tsikata’s awe-inspiring advocacy to Martin Kpebu’s radical transparency, they each bring unique approaches to law that have shaped Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Their contributions go beyond individual court victories.

Through landmark cases, constitutional interpretation, public advocacy, and legal reform, they continue to define the boundaries and possibilities of Ghana’s legal system.

They have earned both fear and admiration in equal measure.

The directive was issued during the committee’s sitting on Tuesday, 21st April 2026, as lawmakers scrutinised the Auditor-General’s Report.

The hearing took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that the assembly had authorised the transfer of a total of GH₵135,000 to certain staff members, a transaction that officials admitted lacked any legal framework or statutory approval.

The Missing Millions: A Breach of Protocol

Appearing before the committee, representatives of the Sunyani West Municipal Assembly confessed to the breach but noted that efforts to recover the funds had already commenced. To date, only GH₵19,000 has been clawed back, leaving the state with a significant deficit of GH₵116,000.

The committee expressed grave concern over how such a substantial sum could be moved out of the public purse without the necessary legal backing, characterising the move as a blatant violation of the Public Financial Management Act.

The 30-Day Ultimatum

The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Abena Osei Asare, was visibly unsatisfied with the pace of recovery and the nature of the initial disbursement.

In a firm ruling, she demanded that the Assembly fast-track the retrieval of the outstanding balance to prevent further financial loss to the municipality.

“Respectfully, within 30 days we want the monies paid and the receipt given to the regional representative of the Audit Service, with a copy sent to the Public Accounts Committee,” Ms. Osei Asare demanded.

The Chairperson further warned that the 30-day window is non-negotiable and that any failure to provide proof of payment would result in stricter administrative and legal sanctions against the officials responsible.

Restoring Accountability

The PAC’s intervention in the Sunyani West case is part of a broader national effort to curb the illegal use of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and statutory grants for unauthorised bonuses or benefits.

Members of the committee questioned why the assembly’s internal audit systems failed to flag the GH₵135,000 transfer before it was executed.

The assembly has been instructed to furnish the committee with a comprehensive report on the recovery process by next month.

The spotlight now remains on the Sunyani West officials to see if they can meet the one-month deadline or face the prospect of a criminal referral.

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The rare joint honour celebrates Ghanaian statesmanship, national peace and unity, bringing together the three leaders under one royal canopy.

The Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Medal is a significant statesman’s honour reserved for leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to peace, national cohesion, economic progress, and enhanced Ghana’s standing in the world.

The conferment, therefore, recognises that the three leaders each contributed to the Ghanaian project of peace and development. 

Through the awards, Otumfuo will be sending a profound message that statesmanship is ultimately about service to the nation.

President Mahama is being honoured for continuing the Dagbon peace process he inherited and for supporting Otumfuo’s committee in its work before he left office in January 2017.

He also oversaw the Bawku mediation to its final conclusion, leading to the presentation of the final report by the Asantehene.

President Mahama accepted the roadmap to reconciliation and also directed the Minister of Finance to establish a GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund.

Additionally, his government has worked to stabilise the cedi and restore sanity to the economy.

Besides, President Mahama is recognised for his deep respect for traditional authority.

Former President Akufo-Addo

It was during the presidency of Nana Akufo-Addo that Dagbon achieved lasting peace, and he worked to support Otumfuo’s committee in concluding the Dagbon peace initiative.

The former President will also be recognised for his bold governance reforms, including the flagship Free Senior High School policy, which has expanded educational access for countless Ghanaian youth.

The World Bank has described the policy as the most impactful in Ghana’s history.

Former President Kufuor

Former President Kufuor initiated the Dagbon peace process, setting the stage for the eventual resolution of the protracted chieftaincy conflict.

He also instituted the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and other social intervention programmes.

On the economic front, he steered the nation through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, which led to significant debt cancellation and stabilised Ghana’s economy.

Different facets

Together, the three leaders embody different facets of the country’s democratic journey.

By honouring them jointly, Otumfuo underscores that leadership is measured not by partisan victories but by enduring contributions to peace, prosperity, and national unity.

Sir Sam Jonah chairs

The executive dinner ball will be chaired by Sir Sam Jonah, one of Ghana’s most respected global business leaders and Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast.

He will also be honoured with the gold medal. As a legendary figure in African mining and corporate leadership, he has long championed public-private partnerships, youth empowerment and national development.

Other awardees

Other gold medals will be presented to a number of individuals and groups. They include the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin; the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson; the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, and the Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Alex Dadey.

The rest are the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno; the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt General William Agyapong; the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu; the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi; the Group CEO of Dzata Group Holdings Ltd, parent company of Engineers & Planners, Ibrahim Mahama; the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga; the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin; as well as diplomats and other business leaders.

Background

The Executive Dinner Ball, which celebrates Otumfuo as a Pillar of Peace, on his 27th coronation anniversary, will be held on the theme: “Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development Through Royal Vision.”

The Special Guest of Honour will be the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, while the Olu of Warri Kingdom in Nigeria, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, will attend as royal guests.

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The children were aged from one year old to 14 years old, the BBC’s US news partner CBS reports.

Officers said the shooting began about 05:00 (10:00 GMT) on Sunday. The suspect shot 10 people before fleeing in a stolen car, Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon said. Police then chased and killed him.

Two adult women, including the mother of the children, are in critical condition.

The suspect has been identified as Shamar Elkins, Shreveport mayor’s communications director Leigh Anne Evensky told the BBC.

The suspect shot a woman on the street before going to a nearby residence where he killed the eight children, “one of whom was not a kin to him”, according to police.

One of the victims ran to a nearby home and called authorities, police said. They said the gunman acted alone. A ninth child jumped from the roof and was in the hospital, Bordelon said.

Speaking earlier on Sunday, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said: “This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport.

“We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, and coroners’ personnel.

“This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families.”

The incident is the deadliest mass shooting in the US since January 2024, when eight victims were killed in Joliet, Illinois, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a nonprofit that tracks US gun violence.

GVA defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more victims were shot, not including the suspect.

Speaking at a news conference earlier on Sunday, Bordelon said officers attended a home shortly before 06:00 local time and found the children.

“All of the deceased in this case are juveniles,” Bordelon said.

He said officers determined the call was “domestic in nature”.

After the shooting the suspected gunman carjacked a vehicle and attempted to flee, police said.

Police said officers pursued him into another neighbourhood, Bossier Parish, and fired at the suspected gunman, who is now deceased.

Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said his heart went out to the entire community.

“I just cannot begin to imagine how such an event can occur,” Smith said.

He added that the investigation was being conducted in coordination with the Louisiana State Police and with assistance from other agencies.

“We are going to be working diligently however long it takes to get some answers to what has taken place,” he said.

Shreveport councilman Grayson Boucher said more than 30% of crimes and 30% of murders in the city were “domestic in relation”, adding: “Now that number has gone up.”

“We’ve more than doubled our homicide in the city of Shreveport because of one act of domestic violence,” he said.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife were “heartbroken over this horrific situation, and we’re praying for everyone affected”.

“We’re deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” Landry added.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents Louisiana’s Fourth District, has also commented on the “heartbreaking tragedy”.

“We’re holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” he said, adding he was grateful for the quick response of local police.

Tehran has effectively blocked the key oil shipping channel since the US and Israel attacked the country on 28 February. A ceasefire between the US and Iran is due to expire on 22 April.

US President Donald Trump said a naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a peace deal was agreed between the two countries but that it was “a great and brilliant day for the world”.

Maritime groups say they are still verifying whether it is safe for vessels to travel through the strait, and tracking shows minimal ship movement.

The announcement by Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, came on Friday – the first full day of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep of Iran,” he wrote on X.

Iranian state TV later quoted a “senior military official” as saying that the passage of these vessels would be through a “designated route” and that the passage of military vessels through the Strait would still be “prohibited.”

This is likely referring to a map and two routes designated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and widely reported by Iranian media last week.

Some Iranian news outlets have criticised Araghchi’s post. Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, called it “bad and incomplete”, saying such passage would be considered “void” should the US naval blockade continue. Others called for the Iranian authorities to clarify the matter.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who headed Iran’s delegation in the recent talks with the US in Islamabad, said on X that Donald Trump “made seven claims in one hour, all seven of which were false”.

On the Strait of Hormuz, he said that, with the “continuation of the [US] blockade”, the Strait “will not remain open”.

Iran is an ally of Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim political and military group based in southern Lebanon. Israel launched strikes on Lebanon on 2 March in response to those carried out by Hezbollah, which itself was retaliating against the US and Israel for its attacks on Iran.

Meanwhile, Trump said talks with Iran to end the war would continue over the course of the weekend, adding that he did not think there were too many significant differences between the two sides.

It comes after Iran’s foreign ministry said the country’s stockpile of enriched uranium would not be transferred “anywhere under any circumstances”, denying Trump’s claim on Friday that the regime had agreed to hand it over to the US.

Trump also told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, that no ground troops would be needed to remove the enriched uranium, saying that the US and Iran would “work together to go get it”.

“And then we’ll take it to the United States,” he added.

About 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes through the strait, but the number of ships transporting this has dramatically decreased during the recent hostilities. Iran has threatened to attack tankers and other ships, as well as warning that it has laid mines.

This has sent shock waves across the global economy, causing fuel prices to soar. While the cost of oil plummeted on Friday following Araghchi’s announcement, questions remain about the validity of it and whether a temporary reopening would allow ships to transit through.

“I need further clarification for the shipping industry that there will be no risks for the ships to navigate and it will be in accordance with international law,” Arsenio Dominguez, the head of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), told BBC World Business report.

The IMO has information that some ships have started to sail but that it still needed to verify this as “some ships turn off their identification systems in order not to be targeted”, he said.

Cormac McGarry, director for maritime security at the consultancy firm Control Risks, said he was “no more optimistic than he was yesterday” about the strait reopening, despite Araghchi’s announcement.

He told BBC’s 5 Live Drive that the statement “basically changes nothing” as the implicit threat of mines remain.

“Right now, the scenarios are looking pretty bleak for shipping over the next few weeks,” McGarry added.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday that his country and France would lead a multinational mission to protect commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking after a meeting of 49 countries, Starmer underlined the work would be “strictly peaceful and defensive” and would only be put in place once fighting in the region ends.

The Bureau said it had completed the preliminary phase of the probe and was awaiting critical inputs, including autopsy findings, to determine the exact causes and contributory factors of the accident.

At a press briefing in Accra, the Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, explained that the update was issued in line with both national law and International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements.

“This is not the final report. We are satisfying the requirement of our law that says that after 30 days, if the final report is not ready, we should make the progress known to the public,” he said.

He stressed that the investigation was not intended to apportion blame but to identify lessons and propose safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

Multi-agency investigation underway

The Investigator-in-Charge, Captain Paul Forjoe, said a formal team comprising five investigators and three observers had been constituted, with additional support from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, which assigned two focal persons to assist.

Italy, where the aircraft was manufactured, has also designated an accredited representative and an adviser to participate in the investigation.

Captain Forjoe said the team had relied on multiple data sources, including drone footage, eyewitness accounts, CCTV recordings, air traffic control transcripts, radar data, and technical records relating to the aircraft and its crew.

Flight path and technical concerns

Providing details of the aircraft’s movements, Captain Forjoe said it departed Accra at 0645 UTC and landed safely at Ho Airport at 0757 UTC. After a brief stay, the pilot and his younger brother refuelled the aircraft with 20 litres of RON 95 fuel for the return journey.

He said a local circuit flight was conducted with a third person occupying the pilot’s seat, after which “white smoke was observed emanating from the engine as the aircraft taxied to its parking position”.

About 15 minutes later, the aircraft taxied again for take-off, with the pilot seated behind while his younger brother occupied the pilot’s seat. Shortly after departure, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested clearance to return to Ho Airport due to technical concerns.

Following the landing, the pilot reportedly identified overheating as the issue and conducted a visual inspection of the engine.

“The pilot indicated that the coolant reservoir level was satisfactory and no further defect was identified during this inspection,” Captain Forjoe said.

Final moments before crash

Approximately 30 minutes later, the aircraft took off again at 1337 UTC for Accra. Radar data later showed it flying at varying altitudes between 3,400 feet and 100 feet as it approached the capital.

Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low over Tema and attempting to signal children playing on the Oninku School Park to vacate the area for an emergency landing.

The aircraft subsequently crashed, triggering a post-impact fire. Emergency responders quickly contained the flames, limiting damage to parts of the school grounds and the roof of a building. However, both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Captain Forjoe noted that there was no record of the crew declaring an emergency or informing ATC of plans to land in Tema.

“We continue to pray for the families of those who lost their lives that fateful day. We trust that the final report and its safety recommendations will help prevent a recurrence,” he said.

Aircraft history and maintenance

The aircraft, registered as 9G-ADV, was first registered in Ghana in 1996 and initially operated by the Sankofa Aeroclub at Afienya. It was later transferred to the Ghana Armed Forces in 2001 before being returned to its owner in 2022.

Since then, it has undergone several maintenance checks and inspections approved by the GCAA. Its engine was replaced in December 2022, followed by the issuance of a Permit to Fly.

The most recent major maintenance check was conducted on December 31, 2025, with a subsequent GCAA inspection on January 14, 2026.

Captain Forjoe said a Flight Test Permit (ADV230) issued in January 2026 expired on January 26, while subsequent permits (ADV235 and ADV236), issued on March 9, 2026, authorised the aircraft’s relocation from Accra to Ho and expired on March 21, 2026.

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“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said in a social media post. However, vessels must transit through a “coordinated route” announced by Iran’s maritime authorities, Araghchi said.

President Donald Trump thanked Iran for opening the strait in a social media post. But Trump said the U.S. naval blockade of Iran’s ports will remain in effect until an agreement is reached with Tehran.

Oil prices plunged more than 11% after the announcement.

Israel and Lebanon agreed Thursday to a 10-day ceasefire starting at 5 p.m. ET that evening. Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon against the militant group Hezbollah, who are close allies of Iran, has been a sticking point in negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 7 in exchange for Iran completely opening the strait. But Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the U.S. of violating the agreement by allowing Israel to continue its campaign in Lebanon.

The strait has remained almost completely closed during the U.S.-Iran ceasefire as the two countries disputed the terms of the agreement. Just a few commercial vessels are transiting the waterway daily.

Negotiations between Vice President JD Vance and Ghalibaf last weekend in Pakistan failed to produce an agreement to permanently end the U.S. war with Iran. Trump said U.S. and Iranian negotiators could meet again this weekend in Pakistan for a second round of talks.

His comments follow a landmark High Court ruling on Wednesday, which determined that the OSP does not possess the constitutional authority to prosecute cases without the express authorisation of the Attorney-General, despite the provisions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).

In an interview with JoyNews’ Gemma Appiah, Prof. Oquaye, who presided over the very Parliament that passed the OSP Act, stated that the court’s decision was “not strange at all”.

He argued that as a legalistic person, he must uphold the hierarchy of laws, where the 1992 Constitution remains the supreme authority.

“The constitutional provisions we give the Attorney General as the sole authority to prosecute cannot co-exist with another organisation until the law of the Constitution is changed,” Prof. Oquaye stated. “If it’s against the law, it’s against the law.”

When reminded that the OSP Act was passed during his tenure as Speaker, he noted that while he was “very much aware”, a Speaker does not vote and is merely a facilitator of the House’s will.

The Proliferation of Institutions

Prof. Oquaye expressed concern over the trend of creating multiple institutions to solve singular problems.

Instead of “legislating the proliferation of institutions”, he advocated for strengthening existing ones. He suggested that if the public fears the Attorney-General will not prosecute members of their own government, the solution lies in constitutional reform rather than bypassing legislation.

“All our institutions must be made stronger… The institution that is there to do a job, give it every authority, every facility, every human power, every ICT resource, and anything so that they can deliver,” he urged.

Background: The Article 88 Conflict

The controversy hinges on Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution, which designates the Attorney General as the fountain of all criminal prosecutions in Ghana.

When the OSP was created in 2017, it was designed to be independent to avoid political interference in corruption cases.

However, legal scholars have long warned that unless the Constitution itself were amended, any power granted to the OSP by an Act of Parliament (Act 959) would remain subordinate to the Attorney-General’s constitutional monopoly.

Prof. Oquaye predicted that the matter would inevitably escalate to the highest court in the land to provide a definitive settlement on the boundaries of prosecutorial independence in Ghana.

“This is something that must be finally resolved. I trust that it will go finally to the Supreme Court. Then we shall know for sure,” he said.

The former Speaker’s intervention adds significant weight to the growing debate, suggesting that the only path forward for a truly independent Special Prosecutor is a major constitutional amendment, a process that requires a national referendum for entrenched clauses.

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Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is expected to participate as a speaker at the event, which is being hosted by the Spanish government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The summit will bring together heads of state and senior officials from countries including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Spain.

Among the expected attendees are Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Gustavo Petro and Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ghana’s participation signals increasing West African involvement in global efforts to strengthen democratic governance and deepen international cooperation.

Discussions at the meeting will focus on reinforcing democratic institutions amid rising global pressures.

Key issues include combating disinformation, protecting digital integrity, tackling extremism and addressing the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

Leaders will also examine global security challenges and explore stronger cooperation between Africa and Latin America, particularly in areas of governance, innovation, and sustainable development.

The In Defence of Democracy Initiative, launched in 2024, serves as a platform for coordinated international action to safeguard democratic systems.

Previous meetings were held in New York in 2024 and Santiago in 2025.

Ahead of the summit, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is scheduled to tour and engage with the management of GB Foods in the country.

She will also attend a global progressive mobilisation leaders’ dinner at the National Art Museum of Catalonia on April 17.

The Vice President will conclude her visit with a meeting with the Ghanaian community in Spain on April 19, 2026.

The vehicle, provided by the Information Services Department (ISD), is equipped with advanced communication tools including a high-powered public address system, mounted column speakers, additional loudspeakers, and an audio mixer.

It also features dual LED screens mounted on both sides, enabling the display of videos, graphics, educational materials, and live broadcasts during outreach activities.

The mobile unit is further fitted with internal WiFi, broadcast feed integration, and online streaming capabilities, allowing it to receive and transmit live government broadcasts, national television feeds, and emergency information in real time.

Receiving the van, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, expressed appreciation to the government and the ISD, noting that the intervention addresses a longstanding gap in the Assembly’s communication infrastructure.

He assured that the Assembly would put the vehicle to good use and maintain it properly, stressing that it is strictly for official purposes and not for private or commercial use.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News Tuesday, Bishop Gyamfi said the President’s position that the issue is not a priority sends the wrong signal.

The presidency has recently maintained that the LGBTQ matter is not an immediate priority, citing pressing economic and social challenges such as rising cost of living, unemployment, and pressures on the health system.

But Bishop Gyamfi acknowledged those concerns while insisting they do not justify sidelining the bill.

“He’s not wrong in pursuing his matters, because Ghanaians need jobs. They need help. They need other things. So these are important, and they should be a priority for the President.”

He argued, however, that the proposed legislation carries equal weight and should not be treated as secondary.

“And equally important and no less important is this law, this bill that Ghanaians have placed before Parliament.”

According to him, governance should not present social and economic priorities as mutually exclusive.

“We realise pursuing jobs, getting help for people, is not exclusive and cannot exclude, and should not exclude looking at proper family values and sexuality, the one does not throw away the other one.”

He questioned the basis for deprioritising the bill.

“We do not see how pursuing jobs, creating health and other things, how passing family values law will affect negatively, adversely passing this law, so for him to say it is not a priority for us is a very dangerous statement.”

Pressed on why he considers the President’s position dangerous, the Catholic leader said it suggests a lack of seriousness toward legislation driven by public sentiment.

“What makes it dangerous is he’s telling us indirectly that for him, this bill that Ghanaians, represented by a group of people, have placed before Parliament is not something that he’s considering seriously.”

He delivered his strongest criticism in blunt terms: “The law is not important to him.”

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According to him, a significant number of people remain unaware of the existence of legal aid schemes that provide free legal support, leaving many unable to defend their cases effectively.

He noted that, as a result, several individuals have lost properties and legal battles simply because they could not afford private legal services.

Professor Ofosu-Anim made these remarks during the matriculation ceremony of 280 new law students at the University’s Kumasi campus. He stressed that the study of law equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to defend themselves and avoid exploitation and unnecessary disputes.

“Studying law is highly beneficial. It enhances your integrity, builds confidence, and equips you with the tools for self-defence,” he stated.

He disclosed that the newly-admitted cohort comprises 201 male and 79 female students, reflecting a growing interest in legal education. He reiterated the need for the government and stakeholders to prioritise awareness on legal aid services to ensure broader access to justice.

Professor Ofosu-Anim also encouraged female students not to feel intimidated by their minority status, urging them to remain focused and excel in their studies.

A former Minister for Railway Development and Essikado-Ketan MP, Joe Ghartey, who was guest speaker, advised the students to remain patriotic and not be driven solely by financial gain in their legal careers.

“Law is a noble profession that must be taken seriously. Make the most of this opportunity, study diligently, and strive for excellence to successfully qualify for the Bar,” he advised.

He further observed that women are increasingly making significant strides in the legal profession, with many rising to occupy top positions, including Chief Justice and leadership roles within the Ghana Bar Association.

“If men do not work hard, women will outpace us, and we will become the minority,” he cautioned.

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Speaking at the Speaker’s Parliamentary Decentralisation Programme on Saturday, April 11, he maintained that the bill has already undergone the necessary parliamentary processes and is now awaiting final passage.

“I’m not a man of words. I’m a man of action. That is how we got it passed in Parliament,” he said.

Mr. Bagbin also cautioned the public against relying on what he described as misinformation about parliamentary proceedings. “Don’t listen to people who don’t know what is in Parliament. Please, I repeat, don’t listen to people who don’t know what is in Parliament,” he stressed.

He explained that the bill had progressed through all required stages during its earlier consideration and indicated that the next sitting of Parliament would complete the process.

“We started, and we processed it. It has gone through all the stages, and the next meeting of Parliament will see us passing that bill into law,” he stated.

The Speaker referenced the previous outcome, where the former President declined to assent to the bill after it was passed, distancing Parliament from that decision.

“But for some reason, the President did not assent to it. I’m sure one of the reasons why you punished him and his party is one of these,” he remarked.

He further revealed that he has received assurances from the current President regarding assent once the bill is passed again.

“His Excellency the President assured me that when we pass the bill, and it comes to him, he is going to assent to it,” he disclosed.

Mr. Bagbin also criticised what he termed as “rumour mongers” and political actors spreading misleading narratives about Parliament’s work. “Please leave the rumour mongers. They can play that kind of bad politics. That is not what we are here for,” he said.

He concluded by emphasising that Parliament remains guided by Ghana’s cultural values and principles. “Our culture, values, and principles are different,” he noted, adding, “We resist it today. We will not be colonised again. That is gone. It’s history.”

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Such a move, according to him, risks reopening a debate that he argues has already been exhaustively settled through parliamentary processes, public hearings and a Supreme Court ruling.

Speaking on Joy FM’s top story, the lawmaker, who is a key sponsor of the bill, said it has suffered a long history of obstruction.

“Even at the very first stage, it was deleted from the order paper, a practice that has never been seen in the history of Parliament,” he said, describing the removal as part of years of “delay, filibustering and blocking.”

His comments respond indirectly to the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which recently called for national dialogue on the bill.

While respecting the Church’s position, Fordjour believes further consultation would enable external pressure groups to influence the process.

“The calling for national dialogue… is going to fall into the trap of the United Nations Human Rights Council, who have written a very long statement… urging the foreign minister to advise stakeholders to change or amend certain parts of the bill,” he said.

Fordjour argued that extensive engagement has already taken place over the last decade, noting that the previous Parliament completed all three readings before the bill faced a Supreme Court challenge.

“The Supreme Court settled it… and ruled that no aspect of the bill violates our constitution, nor does any part violate any international human rights treaty obligations that the government has subscribed to,” he said.

He concluded that the only step left is executive action.

“What we need now is for President Mahama to call Mr Speaker to issue a public directive.”

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The event featured vibrant student performances that showcased creativity and talent, setting an energetic tone for the programme. This was followed by a mentorship session, where professionals from diverse fields engaged participants with career guidance, shared personal experiences, and offered practical advice on building a successful future.

Speakers stressed the importance of mindset in shaping professional outcomes, encouraging students to remain focused, disciplined, and intentional about their goals.

A key highlight of the programme was an address by Lawyer Mattah Tobias Dennis Xorse, Esq., who shared a deeply personal story of resilience. Living with a visual impairment, he recounted the challenges he overcame on his journey to becoming a legal practitioner.

He urged students not to be limited by their circumstances but to remain steadfast in pursuing their ambitions.

“Don’t let negative circumstances define your life. Stay focused on the positive, and be determined to chase your dreams no matter how hard the road may seem. It is the power of perseverance that will see you through,” he said.

Another speaker, Nana Kwesi McKenzie, CEO of McZie Media, challenged prevailing negative perceptions about social media, urging young people to harness digital platforms for growth and positive influence rather than distraction or harm. He highlighted the role of responsible online engagement in personal and national development.

“Programs like these show that social media can be a tool for good. It’s all about how we use it—towards self-improvement, not destruction,” he noted.

The CEO of Inspirel Educational Connect, Opoku Enock, underscored the purpose of the initiative, explaining that it was designed to bridge the gap between dreams and action by exposing students to real-world experiences and professional mentorship.

He said the programme aimed to equip participants with the confidence and knowledge needed to take practical steps toward their future careers.

The event ended with students reflecting on the experience, many expressing renewed motivation and clearer direction regarding their educational and career paths.

Overall, the programme reinforced a central message: with guidance, discipline, and determination, young people can turn aspirations into achievement.

This sole sourcing scandal involving the Roads Minister, Governs Agbodza has dented my confidence significantly. And it should affect yours too. According to the 4th estate, out of 107 road contracts reviewed, 81 or about three out of every four were awarded by non-competitive tendering.

On the face of it, that should worry every Ghanaian. Indeed, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in opposition did an excellent job educating us about the evils of sole-sourcing using the NPP cocoa roads as a textbook case.

Led by the National Communications Officer now Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) Sammy Gyamfi, they spoke eloquently about possible corruption and price inflation.

In 2025, President Mahama re-emphasized the evils of sole-sourcing using a poultry bid as his example. He deplored how ” government bleeds with everybody cutting their pound of flesh”.

The NDC and President Mahama were right. The World Bank procurement frame emphasizes ” value-for-money, efficiency, integrity and transparency to ensure project funds are used for intended purposes “.

The Government Contracts Regulations of Canada states, ” One of the fundamental principles of federal construction is openness and the practice of providing potential suppliers with opportunities to submit bids for government contracts.

For this reason, when departments choose a non-competitive procurement strategy, it must be fully justified and recorded.” In the US, “full and open competition is the default acquisition process, and federal regulations specify the circumstances under which a procurement agency is allowed to limit competition. ”

Indeed, these points are fully echoed in our PPA( Act 663 as amended by Act 914). Our procurement law requires sole-sourcing to be approved by the PPA board in advance and be for well-justified, exceptional situations.

Indeed, a 2022 review by Bosto et al of 187 countries showed that strict laws on tendering led to positive outcomes in low resource countries, with prices decreasing by about 6%. So when this scandal broke, I expected members of government and the NDC to be as scandalized as I was.

They were not. From now Minister for Government Communications and Abura Asebu Kwamankese Felix Ofosu Kwakye through Sammy Gyamfi to the President, there was a resort to legalistic explanations that lacked the moral clarity and resonance they had in opposition.

If this scandal will not lead to firings, resignations or suspensions, what will? If the reset will tolerate this level of malfeasance, what will it NOT tolerate? Does the Minister have written justification for each of the sole-sourced contracts?

Does he have permissions from PPA? Sadly, this case gives me the sad impression that despite the good intentions of the President, there are higher, more powerful forces at work who are fighting the reset and working to entrench or perpetuate the “loot and share” that characterized the NADAA government.

It is obvious that many of the NPP members expressing outrage are only shedding crocodile tears. As someone told me perceptively,” the NPP members expressing anger at the corruption under NADAA are outraged, not at the corruption that went on but their exclusion from it”.

Mr. President, if this scandal does not move you to crack the whip on some person or entity, you can mark this scandal as the moment your RESET DIED! If you do nothing, you would be like former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who would have also done nothing!

Parliament too, can do some pre-emptive executive oversight here. Mr. Speaker, this is an opportunity to put the tenets of your admirable National Integrity Initiative on display.

Parliament should not always wait for the Auditor General to unearth corruption before acting. The NLC didn’t wait for an audit report before demanding Gen Ankrah’s resignation.

Save the reset! The NDC founder defined his career on probity and accountability! Where are the priests who prayed for the reset? Where are those who marched against NADAA’s corruption?

Let’s save the RESET! Long live Ghana.

“All U.S. Ships, Aircraft, and Military Personnel, with additional Ammunition, ​Weaponry … will remain in place in and around ​Iran until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT ⁠reached is fully complied with,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

“If ​for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, ​then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” the president added.

Iran had said earlier on Wednesday ​that it would be “unreasonable” to proceed with talks to ​forge a permanent peace deal with the United States after Israel ‌pounded ⁠Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet on Wednesday, killing hundreds of people.

The two sides appeared to be far apart on Iran’s nuclear program, with Trump saying Iran ​had agreed to ​stop enriching ⁠uranium, and Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammed Bager Qalibaf, saying it was allowed to continue ​enriching uranium under the terms of the ​ceasefire.

“It was ⁠agreed, a long time ago, and despite all of the fake rhetoric to the contrary – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS and, ⁠the ​Strait of Hormuz WILL BE ​OPEN & SAFE,” Trump added in his late Wednesday’s Truth Social post.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Ibrahim explained the legislative process surrounding the bill and addressed recent misconceptions.

“When I became Minister for Religious Affairs, I went to the Speaker of Parliament. The President had stated that when the NDC comes to power, he would make the bill a government-sponsored bill. The Speaker also agreed. But because it was a private member’s bill, Parliament should follow due process and pass it before it is presented to the President,” he said.

Mr. Ibrahim added that claims suggesting the bill is not a priority are misleading.

“Some people say the President has rejected the bill or that it’s not a priority. That’s not true. The bill is currently before the Parliamentary, Constitutional, and Legal Committee, where both NDC and NPP MPs are represented. Once the committee completes its review, it will be passed to Parliament for approval, and the President will sign it,” he clarified.

He further explained that parliamentary recess has temporarily delayed proceedings.

“Parliament is currently on recess and will resume next month. The Speaker has confirmed that by the end of this year, the bill is expected to be passed. So anyone claiming otherwise is spreading misinformation,” Ibrahim stressed.

Disclosing President Mahama’s commitment, the Minister said, “Even when the stakes were high and the President was at the UN for campaign matters, he affirmed that he is ready to sign the bill once Parliament passes it. There is no reason to be scared or misled.”

The minister therefore urged Ghanaians to remain calm and patient.

“By the end of this year, this will no longer be an issue. The bill will be passed and assented. We must focus on the legislative process and trust that it will be completed as planned,” he added.

The comments come amid ongoing national debate over the controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation, which continues to divide opinion across political, religious, and civil society lines.

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Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, he explained that the bill is currently under parliamentary consideration.

According to Ibrahim, Parliament is presently on recess and is expected to resume next month to continue deliberations on the legislation.

He added that the Parliament of Ghana, under the leadership of the Speaker, has indicated that the bill is likely to be passed before the end of the year.

Ibrahim emphasized that once the bill is passed and presented to the President, he will not hesitate to give his assent.

He also dismissed claims by sections of the Minority that President Mahama has disappointed Ghanaians on the issue, insisting that such assertions are unfounded.

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“This is a coup, a slow coup that is unfolding in Zimbabwe,” veteran opposition politician and former finance minister Tendai Biti told the BBC.

But Zanu-PF, in power since independence in 1980, has vehemently defended the proposed changes.

“There’s nothing that stops us from changing, to go to another system that’s less costly, less controversial,” party spokesman Patrick Chinamasa said.

The conflicting views highlight the deep polarisation that draft legislation – aimed at changing the constitution – has caused, pitting Zanu-PF and opposition supporters against each other.

This became clear during public hearings that parliament held recently to give people a chance to express their views on the proposed shake-up that will lead to:

• Presidential elections – held since 1990 – being scrapped
• Parliamentary and presidential terms being extended from five to seven years
• Parliamentary elections scheduled for 2028 being delayed to 2030
• President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose second and final term is due to end in 2028, is expected to remain in office until 2030
• The new parliament will elect the next president.

“I support the bill in its entirety,” a woman said at a public hearing in a sports arena in the capital, Harare, last week.

Thousands filled the venue, with speaker after speaker taking the microphone to echo calls for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028.

Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after ousting long-time ruler Robert Mugabe with the backing of military – and went on to win disputed elections in 2018 and 2023.

“Term limits must be extended from five to seven years and the MPs that we vote in, must be allowed to elect the president,” a man said at the public hearing.

When the microphone was moved to the area where leading critics of the bill were sitting, there were scenes reminiscent of the violence and intimidation that has often marred Zimbabwean politics, with pushing, shoving and fighting – along with the snatching of mobile phones and journalists being ordered to delete videos of the chaos.

Leading opposition member and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere told the BBC that Zanu-PF supporters had caused the “commotion” in order to prevent critics from registering their disagreement with the bill.

Chinamasa denied that the ruling party’s backers were behind the chaos.

“What reason do we have as Zanu-PF to be violent when the masses are behind us? The opposition does not accept that their view is failing to prevail,” he told the BBC.

But the opposition says Zimbabwe is seeing a new wave of repression. In the run up to the hearings, the opposition groups say, the police banned more than a dozen of their meetings.

Opposition National Constitutional Assembly leader Lovemore Madhuku said he was beaten by masked assailants last month as the police watched.

Biti, who leads the Constitution Defenders Forum, is out on bail after being accused of holding a public meeting without official permission.

“We have a history of repression [in Zimbabwe],” Biti told the BBC.

Parliament is expected to pass the bill in the coming weeks, marking the culmination of a campaign that began in 2024, with the slogan “2030 – he (Mnangagwa) will still be the leader” being chanted.

The campaign faced some fierce detractors within Zanu-PF, but its main critic – Blessed Geza, also known as “Bombshell” – died earlier this year.

For supporters of the 83-year-old president, the political overhaul will entrench democracy, ending what they regard as toxic presidential election campaigns that often trigger violence and lead to disputed results.

“As you know, any election of the president – and it’s not just Zimbabwe alone -. violence is associated with a popular vote,” Chinamasa told the BBC, as he defended the proposed changes.

But for critics, the bill is a step towards recreating the “imperial presidency” they fought to end during Mugabe’s 37-year rule.

A new constitution adopted in 2013 restricted a president to serving a maximum of two terms, further stating that any move to extend term limits would need to be endorsed by voters in a referendum – and, crucially, that a sitting president cannot benefit from any extension unless voters give their approval in a second referendum.

For the likes of Biti, the bill reverses these hard-fought gains, and could be challenged in the courts as, they argue, it violates the constitutional requirement that a referendum be held before the president’s term is extended.

But Zanu-PF is confident that it is acting constitutionally, saying there is no need for a referendum as, in its view, the two-term limit remains – all that is happening is that a term will now be seven, rather than, five years.

But critics fear that Zanu-PF – led by Mnangagwa – could be moving stealthily to scrap term-limits.

“If they can get away with two years what stops them from getting away with 20 years?” Biti said.

Chinamasa dismissed suggestions that the bill signals a “dramatic shift” in how Zanu-PF will govern Zimbabwe.

“It’s just that for this moment we would want to continue the political stability. We want to continue the economic development that is taking place since his excellency took over in 2018,” Chinamasa said.

“When his time is up we will choose other leaders.”

For the opposition, Zimbabwe is returning to its dark past.

“They are making the mistake that Mugabe made. That of closing [the democratic] space absolutely,” Biti said.