Founder of Danquah Institute, Gabby Otchere-Darko and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor were also present.

Akufo-Addo also signed the book of condolence opened in honour of Nana Konadu.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, celebrated for her pioneering work in advancing women’s rights through the 31st December Women’s Movement, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra after a short illness.

Since the announcement of her death, many Ghanaians from across the political divides have visited her home to sympathise with the bereaved family and pay their respects to the former First Lady’s enduring legacy.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has declared a three-day national mourning in honour of Nana Konadu.

Source: Adomonline

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My wife Rebecca and I are deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of the wife of the late first President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the longest serving First Lady in our history and the Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, H.E.… pic.twitter.com/CXXycQs0vm

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) October 24, 2025

“Rebecca, my children and I extend our deepest condolences to her children and family on this sad occasion. May her soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Almighty until the Day of Resurrection when we shall meet again,” he concluded.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, the Bawku Central MP said a bill will soon be presented to Parliament to formalise the reversal of those changes.

“Mr Speaker, there has been a Cabinet directive to change the names of all the universities that were renamed after individuals back to the original names they were given,” Mr. Ayariga stated.

“A bill will be brought to this House to change and reverse all the name changes of the universities,” he added.

During the Akufo-Addo administration, several public universities and polytechnics were renamed in honour of prominent national personalities.

Among such institutions were the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, renamed the George Grant University of Mines and Technology; Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS), renamed the Simon Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies; Navrongo Campus of UDS, renamed the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences; and Ho Technical University, renamed Ephraim Amu Technical University.

The renaming exercise was criticised at the time by the then-opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which argued that the decision appeared politically selective.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Mr. Kotoko said he would be delighted to see the former president face justice for what he described as an organised scheme disguised as a religious project.

“Let me be frank with you, if wishes were horses, I would be happy to see even former president Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo being hauled to court to answer for that hole he dug, which seems to be an organised crime unit that he set up to siphon or launder state funds,” he fumed.

Mr. Kotoko compared Akufo-Addo’s actions to those of Côte d’Ivoire’s former Minister, Boahen, who, according to him, built a place of worship using private funds—unlike Ghana’s former president, who “even scammed God.”

“Our neighbour in Côte d’Ivoire, Boahen, when he was in his room and had a prayer with his God that he wanted to build for him a place of worship, he did that with private funds. Then President Akufo-Addo, when in opposition, said he was going to build—he has promised God; he even promised God to do that, which meant it was a promise to be fulfilled in the first four years because you were not assured of your second term. And this is somebody who could even scam God.”

The visibly angry Forestry Commission executive said he was disappointed in the moral conduct of the nation’s elderly leaders.

“I am a young person, and I frown so much on elderly people not holding in fidelity the virtues that we thought they were supposed to hand over to us,” he lamented.

According to him, the National Cathedral project was nothing but “another avenue to scam the entire nation,” using revered men of God as cover for corruption.

“This whole National Cathedral thing was another avenue to just scam the entire nation, using some of the very notable religious leaders, and it’s been exposed in most of their faces because they spoke so well of this, they were so convinced.

“Some of them said not a pesewa of public funds will be used, and one of the people I perceived to be criminal let me say the Finance Minister is at large over there,” he said.

He cited inconsistencies between official claims and the actual state of work at the construction site.

“At the time he read the budget, he told us rehabilitation work was 90%. A toddler who visits that place will tell you not even 5% has been done,” he added.

Mr. Kotoko accused the former president of exploiting Ghanaians’ religious devotion to avoid accountability.

“They are walking scot-free, and when you talk of this National Cathedral, President Nana Addo only used our vulnerability as a people—that in anything that we mention God, we are careful how we react, and we are careful how we criticise. So he used God to scam all of us.”

He called for swift investigations and possible prosecution, saying it would serve as a deterrent to future leaders.

Source: Myjoyonline

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In an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Rev. Ntim Fordjour clarified that legal challenges, not presidential inaction, prevented the bill from reaching the President’s desk for consideration.

“I have never said that anyone can blame President Nana Akufo-Addo for our loss. Neither did I say that President Akufo-Addo failed or refused to sign assent to the bill,” he said.

“When the hands of Parliament were stayed and enjoined from transmitting the bill, the President could not even have the privilege of receiving it to take a decision upon.”

The MP explained that from the early stages of the bill’s journey through Parliament, it faced multiple legal hurdles.

These challenges, he said, started from the first reading and stakeholder engagements through to the amendment stages.

“Even before the third reading, there were many legal challenges. A lot of dissenting opinions tested it in court, and determinations were made,” he noted.

According to Rev. Ntim Fordjour, just when Parliament thought all legal issues had been resolved and the bill could be transmitted, a fresh lawsuit emerged.

This new legal action placed an injunction on Parliament, effectively halting the process of forwarding the bill to the President.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, passed by Parliament in 2024, has sparked intense national debate, with supporters calling for swift presidential assent and critics raising constitutional and human rights concerns.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour maintained that it would be “unfair” to blame the former President for delays in the process, stressing that legal processes beyond the control of the Executive stalled the transmission of the bill.

Source: Myjoyonline

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“He gave me a blank check; this is the first time I am saying this. He gave me a blank check that I should look for where I want, and I mentioned it, and he gave it to me,” he said in an interview on JoyPrime on Wednesday.

The former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry also disclosed that he was the first CEO Akufo-Addo appointed upon winning power.

“I think I was the first CEO appointed in Nana Akufo-Addo’s government. I was given my appointment letter on 25 January; other ministers were not given their appointment letters,” he added.

He explained that the former President granted him such an opportunity because of the close working relationship they had built over the years.

“I have worked for him like everybody working for him, so we believe in him; he has been our father for a very long time, myself and Honourable Annoh Dompreh,” he recalled.

Mr Okyere Baafi expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence the former President reposed in him, describing it as a rare gesture that reflected Akufo-Addo’s appreciation for loyalty and dedication.

Akufo-Addo appointed Mr Michael Okyere Baafi as Executive Secretary of the Ghana Free Zones Authority in 2017 and, in 2021, appointed him as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.

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Speaking at the AU-EU High-Level Seminar in Brussels on Thursday, October 2, 2025, ahead of the AU-EU Summit, he admitted that while the framework offered temporary economic relief, it came with severe social and human costs.

“I witnessed the suffocating grip of debt on our economy and our citizens. This deeply troubled me and still does,” he told African and European leaders.

Ghana joined the Common Framework in 2023, restructuring $13 billion in Eurobonds and securing $10.5 billion in external debt service relief through 2026.

The deal lowered the debt-to-GDP ratio from the mid-80s to 70.5 percent, restoring some investor confidence and helping anchor an IMF-backed programme.

Despite these gains, Akufo-Addo said the prolonged and sequential process created uncertainty, weakened public trust, and left ordinary Ghanaians suffering. He pointed to pensioners, youth, and small investors as some of the hardest hit.

“The most painful part was the impact on ordinary people. Their lives and livelihoods were shattered,” he said.

Turning to Africa’s broader debt challenges, the former president stressed that the continent’s $1 trillion burden reflects a global system “not built to free us, but to bind us.” More than 30 African countries, he noted, now spend more on interest payments than on healthcare.

“Every dollar diverted to creditors is a dollar taken from a hospital, from a child’s vaccination, from a community’s future. This is not economics, it is inequity,” he argued.

Akufo-Addo renewed his call for bold reforms, including immediate debt service suspension, comprehensive restructuring, and concessional financing.

He emphasised that debt relief should not be seen as charity: “Debt relief for Africa is not an act of generosity. It is an act of justice.”

He further proposed linking debt cancellation to climate resilience through a “Debt Relief for Green Investment and Resilience” framework, noting Africa’s vulnerability to climate shocks despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions.

“To our European partners, I say this: hear the voice of your neighbouring continent. Stand with the AU and South Africa’s G20 Presidency to advance ambitious reform of the Common Framework,” he appealed.

While acknowledging the responsibility of African nations to diversify their economies and strengthen governance, he warned that without reforms to global finance, local efforts would continue to be undermined by “predatory lending and punitive trade terms.”

“The sacrifices we make today, the compromises, and the collaborations we engage in today can only inure to the benefit of our world. When Africa rises free from the weight of debt, the whole world rises with it,” he added.

In its 2025 Policy Notes on Ghana, the Bank was unequivocal: “The deterioration of global conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine was not the cause of the 2022 macroeconomic crisis; rather, it merely exposed an economy already beset with deep structural vulnerabilities and precarious macroeconomic conditions.”

For years, government officials have attributed the severity of the downturn, marked by surging inflation, a free-falling currency, and eventual debt default, to external factors. The World Bank, however, argues that domestic policy failures were decisive.

It points to weak governance, fiscal indiscipline, and delayed reforms, observing that easy access to capital markets and expectations of natural resource windfalls fostered political short-termism, undermined accountability, and weakened the social contract.

The report highlights a recurring pattern of fiscal expansion followed by painful corrections, a cycle that has driven Ghana into 17 separate IMF programs over the past 68 years.

“Sudden macroeconomic stops and crises have led the country to request a record number of IMF programs, remaining under active IMF support for 40 out of its 68 years of history,” the Bank noted.

The human cost has been severe. The Bank estimates that the 2022 crisis and its aftermath pushed more than 800,000 Ghanaians into poverty, with income per capita stagnating around US$2,200 for a decade and poverty now affecting over one-quarter of the population.

Warnings were also issued about renewed fiscal excesses in the 2024 election year. The report cites unbudgeted spending commitments of approximately US$4.8 billion, about 5.7 per cent of GDP, much of it accumulated outside official financial management systems.

“Spending indiscipline poses a critical challenge to Ghana’s macro-fiscal stability… the absence of stringent expenditure controls frequently results in budget overruns and excessive borrowing, undermining efforts to maintain fiscal discipline and compromising long-term sustainability,” the Bank cautioned.

Beyond fiscal mismanagement, chronic inefficiencies in key sectors remain a drag. The energy sector continues to cost about 2 per cent of GDP annually, with arrears mounting despite repeated reform efforts.

Meanwhile, COCOBOD’s debt had ballooned to US$1.8 billion by 2024, with its interventions creating distortions that hurt farmer incentives and undermine overall industry performance.

The World Bank stresses that Ghana now faces a critical juncture. Temporary fixes will not suffice.

“There is an urgent need to signal a clear break from the past and a commitment to change… Success will ultimately be measured by the ability of the government to regain the trust of its citizens.”

Its policy prescriptions are uncompromising: restore fiscal discipline, expand the tax base, reform state-owned enterprises, and strengthen governance.

Without decisive action, the Bank warns, Ghana risks remaining locked in the destructive cycle of crisis and bailout that has defined much of its post-independence economic history.

Source: Anthony Manu| Data and Research Analyst @ JoyNews Research

He made the remarks during the commissioning of a new party office for the Bantama constituency of NPP, led by its Member of Parliament, Francis Asenso-Boakye.

Addressing party supporters, the ex-president touted the party’s achievements, which he believes will provide a strong foundation for the party to win power in the next general elections.

“You saw the great works under me and Ex-president Kuffour. We did a lot. These are what we will be using for our campaign to reclaim power. You are witnesses to what is happening under this current administration. I don’t need to say much, because we are all witnesses to it. Things aren’t going on well,” noted Nana Akufo-Addo.

General Secretary of NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, noted that many Ghanaians who refused to vote in the last elections now regret their decision.

As the party prepares for the election of its flagbearer in 2026, Mr. Kodua Frimpong stressed that the NPP must learn from its past mistakes and correct them before the next polls.

“After voting, we must fix the wrongdoings in our party before heading into the next contest,” he noted.

He added that following the January 21 elections, the NPP must unite in campaigning heavily for the years ahead of the national polls.

The commissioning ceremony assembled senior party officials, constituency executives, traditional leaders, and members of the NPP Loyal Ladies.

The Bantama constituency office has since been described as a “symbol of unity, grassroots empowerment, and dedication to effective party organization.”

Former President Kufuor urged members of the party to work diligently, remain united, and avoid internal conflicts.
He admonished the aspiring candidates to refrain from hate speeches and whipping their supporters in line to have an election devoid of insults.
“The aspirants should be mindful of what they say. They should ensure their supporters also avoid insulting one another. Let’s lead by example,” he noted.

He further reminded them to put the country’s interest first, emphasizing that political service must ultimately be service to the nation.

The party stalwarts expressed gratitude to members and supporters for turning out in their large numbers to support Mr. Asenso-Boakye, describing their presence as a sign of loyalty and commitment to the NPP.

Source: Stephanie Frimpong/ Nana Akwesi Gyamerah

In the 2016 elections, the difference between Akufo-Addo and his closest contender was 1,984,630 votes. Then his reign began. Such goodwill by the people! Even the traders at Aborsey Okai voluntarily reduced prices.

Then started the little-little slips. At the end of his first term, Ghanaians voted to tell him that they were not terribly impressed with his performance.

When the votes were tallied in the 2020 election, the gap between Akufo-Addo and the first runner-up had narrowed to only 517,405 votes – one million people had decided to vote against him.

Other “sins” followed, which Ghanaians could not forgive, and in the 2024 elections, Akufo-Addo was trailing by a whopping 1,714,089 votes.

One of his unforgivable sins was the fight against galamsey.

Then came Mahama. Between January 2025, when he assumed the reins of government, and August 2025, he was on cloud nine.

The economy was working perfectly: the cedi’s performance against the dollar, rising from GH¢17.4 to GH¢10.4, was magical; fuel prices dropped to as low as GH¢12; GDP rose from US$75bilion to over US$130 billion, and inflation was down from 23% to 13%; Ghana’s debt burden reduced by GH¢150 billion; emission tax and E-levy were gone.

Ghanaians applauded.

But, come mid-August, and since then, the cedi’s strength has weakened, affecting fuel prices. The OMCs are putting it down to the exchange rate.

Nonetheless, because of visionary projects like Big Push, Goldbod and all of the above indicators, Mahama’s goodwill is still intact, to a large extent. Ghanaians seem to simply love Mahama’s personality and are willing to give him a chance to prove that the downward slide is temporary.

Nine months after he swept to power, however, the people are beginning to taste a “small” sourness in their mouths. All because of Galamsey and the President’s answer to the media’s question to him about the declaration of a State of Emergency.

As a government in Ghana, when you have the Catholic Bishops Conference, the Christian Council, CDD, medical professionals and other civil society groups ganging up against a major policy, the warning to any President is: “Beware!” Our ancestors said that one small load on top of another small load soon becomes an unbearable burden.

Galamsey is one load too heavy to bear.

Our water bodies have been poisoned by mining pollutants such as cyanide and mercury. Babies are being born deformed. Water shortages have become so severe that women and schoolchildren are walking five kilometres in search of water at prices that are best left to the imagination.

The last straw is the shutdown of the Kwanyako headworks of GWCL. Heavy siltation of the Ayensu River has caused this tragedy. As of Tuesday, 11 districts in the region do not have water. It’s Galamsey.

Soundbites from towns and villages in Central and Western Regions are harrowing, bordering on the apocalyptic.

Rather than act and act decisively, Ghanaians are doing what we are best known for: talking. The talkers are making excuses for the murderers, while the arguments are along party lines.

The havoc which illegal artisanal mining is wreaking has not been for lack of warnings. Dr Joseph Ampofo, former Director of the Water Research Institute of the CSIR, and Professor Rosemary Mamaa Entsua Mensah, a fishery scientist and aquatic ecologist, are “Galamsey prophets”.

Many, many years ago, long before galamsey assumed the proportions of an existential threat, Professor Entsua Mensah had foreseen, researched into and forewarned that life in Ghana could come to a stop if nothing was done to stop the threat that mining, in general, and galamsey, in particular, posed to our water bodies.

As far back as 2015, Dr Ampofo granted me an interview in which he warned: “A time is coming – and it looks like sooner than we had anticipated – when Ghanaians shall see water but we cannot use it. It is so serious that the water cannot even be used to water seedlings in nurseries!

That is why President Mahama cannot continue to dilly-dally about the call for a declaration of a State of Emergency.

The galamseyers are armed to the teeth, meaning they have declared war. They shoot to kill. To poison a people’s water source amounts to a declaration of war. They are committing mass murder.

Every government in Ghana in the Fourth Republic has declared “war on Galamsey”, but I beg to submit that wars are not fought with resolutions, arrests and threats.

Wars can only be fought with bullets that kill, and the only condition under which shoot-to-kill is permissible is in a state of emergency imposed on guilty communities.

Over to you, President Mahama. Ghanaians did it to Takyi (Akufo-Addo). They will do it to the NDC if….

Source: Enimil Ashon

Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others — among them military personnel — were en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP) when the aircraft went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The programme was aimed at combating illegal mining.

Speaking to Channel One TV on Saturday, August 10, Mr Cudjoe expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the nation but also faulted the previous government for failing to decisively address the illegal mining crisis.

He argued that stronger action taken in the past five to seven years could have prevented the chain of events that led to the tragedy.

“It’s hard, it’s painful. I will commiserate with the families and the rest of the country,” he said. “If something significant had been done about galamsey in the last five, six or seven years, we probably wouldn’t be here.”

Source: Adomonline.com

In a statement, the former president extended his heartfelt condolences to President John Mahama, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and the families of all the victims. He also paid tribute to the Ghana Air Force personnel who lost their lives, commending their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty.

“The entire nation is profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic news,” he remarked, noting the loss of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

He further offered prayers for the departed, adding, “May they find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.”

The accident occurred near Adansi Akrofuom while a Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 helicopter was traveling from Accra to Obuasi. Emergency response teams have since moved in, and investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.

Source: Adomonline.com

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He noted that this is part of the measures to show appreciation to the musician.

The Former President said this when he visited the family to extend his sympathy.

Nana Akufo-Addo insisted that the late Highlife Musician Daddy Lumba is indeed among the greats in the Music industry that the country has produced.

“Indeed, Daddy Lumba goes into the History books for Highlife greats that the country has produced, like King Bruce, Jerry Hanson and E.T. Mensah.

“He is indeed part of them. And to his children, the assurance is that they will not be orphans. We will all support them,” the former president said.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Ghanaians immortalise Lumba – Candlelight event at Independence Square tonight

The former President noted that the highlife legend helped him win the mandate of Ghanaians to govern the country.

Nana Akufo-Addo said this when he paid a visit to the family of the late highlife legend on Friday, August 1, 2025, to extend his sympathy.

“I came here to sympathise with you and the loss of your royal. I cannot forget what he has done for me. Today, my name is everywhere in Ghana because of him and the work he did,” he said.

The former President also noted that he will be very pained if he is not part of the funeral arrangement, because he really wants to show his appreciation.

Source: George Wiafe

Ghanaians immortalise Lumba – Candlelight event at Independence Square tonight

Kofi Okyere-Darko: Random thoughts on growing up around Daddy Lumba

Arriving in a solemn convoy, the former President was received by chief mourners, family heads, and a host of sympathizers gathered to honour the memory of the iconic musician.

Clad in black, Akufo-Addo was seen in a moment of quiet reflection as he paid his respects and offered his condolences.

During the visit, he signed the book of condolence opened in honour of the late musician, whose influence on Ghana’s music industry spanned decades.

He was later joined by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and other prominent members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who also visited the residence to mourn with the family.

He came earlier this week… and he’s back again. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin returns to Daddy Lumba’s residence, this time, to join former President Akufo-Addo as he signs the book of condolences. #JoyNewsFocus || #JoyDigital pic.twitter.com/oYpcrbLlM8

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) August 1, 2025

The atmosphere was filled with deep emotion as dignitaries and fans continued to gather, reflecting the national significance of Daddy Lumba’s passing.

Former President Akufo-Addo extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, describing Daddy Lumba as a cultural icon whose legacy would live on.

Mr Agbodza made the remark during a press briefing at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, 30 July, as part of the Government Accountability Series.

According to the Minister, his nationwide tour of road infrastructure since taking office revealed a stark contrast to the figures previously touted by the former administration.

He noted that despite extensive travel across the country, his team was unable to verify the existence of even a fraction of the roads reportedly built.

“As soon as I assumed office, I went around the country to see the roads in Ghana,” he said. “What I saw was that the over 10,000km of roads former President Akufo-Addo claimed he had constructed cannot be found. In fact, not even a 1,000 kilometre of good road was seen.”

Mr Agbodza’s comments raise further concerns about transparency in infrastructure reporting under the previous government.

He assured the public that his ministry remains committed to delivering quality road projects and would prioritise openness and verifiable data in tracking progress.

Source: Ernest Arhinful

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Taking to Facebook, Akufo-Addo expressed sorrow over the loss, describing the veteran musician as “a pantheon among musical greats of all time.” He noted that Daddy Lumba’s death was both a personal and national loss.

“With regret, I have received the sad news of the passing of my dear friend and renowned music icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu,” Akufo-Addo wrote.

He highlighted the late artiste’s remarkable ability to connect with the Ghanaian people through his music, describing it as deeply resonant and impactful.

“Daddy Lumba… had a special connection with his fans and the entire nation,” he added.

Reflecting on his personal political journey, the former President acknowledged the significant role Daddy Lumba’s music played in energising the New Patriotic Party’s campaigns over the years.

“His hit-making songs will remain lasting contributions to my presidential journey and will forever be etched in the annals of political campaign of the New Patriotic Party,” he wrote.

He concluded the tribute with a note of finality and hope: “He will be sorely missed. May he peacefully rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.”

Read Akufo-Addo’s full post below:

According to the IMF, the new government has expressed strong support for reforms under the ongoing IMF-supported programme.

The Fund stated that “the authorities [Mahama government] see the latter [Akufo-Addo government] as having played a key role in stabilising the economy and in providing a credible anchor to address long-standing vulnerabilities and buttress confidence.”

This revelation comes just days after a heated exchange in Parliament between Majority and Minority members over Ghana’s recent economic gains, including declining inflation and a strengthening cedi.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) credited Ghana’s recent macroeconomic gains to legacy policies initiated under former President John Mahama.

Amenfi West MP, Eric Afful pointed to falling inflation, dropping from 21.2% in April to 18.3% in May 2025, alongside a stronger cedi and improved fiscal indicators as evidence of this legacy. He attributed the progress to tight monetary policy, fiscal consolidation, and improved market confidence.

However, Ofoase-Ayirebi MP, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah challenged these claims, arguing the cedi’s rebound is largely due to short-term interventions, including a 1.4 billion dollar injection from reserves, which he says do not reflect long-term economic strength.

Other lawmakers echoed concerns about the sustainability of the gains. Energy Minister John Jinapor cautioned that while inflation has declined, prices are still rising, a case of disinflation, not deflation.

Dr. Kabiru Mohammed warned that the cedi’s appreciation, driven by central bank interventions, creates an illusion of economic strength and contradicts market principles.

He also disputed the improved debt-to-GDP ratio, attributing it more to debt restructuring than actual growth. He stressed that the current administration is reaping the benefits of reforms it did not initiate.

Isaac Kofi Agyei, JoyNews Research

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He made the remarks while presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, 24 July.

Dr Forson stated that the decision to restructure Ghana’s domestic debt, which resulted in severe losses for many bondholders, became necessary due to the fiscal recklessness of the previous government.

“Mismanagement of our public finances by the previous administration led to devastating haircuts through the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), which denied pensioners and the middle class their lifetime savings, livelihoods and dignity,” he told the House.

The Finance Minister highlighted the human impact of the DDEP, stressing that it was not just an economic policy, but a painful episode that caused immense distress to ordinary Ghanaians.

He explained that many individuals who had trusted the government with their investments were left with little to no returns, undermining public confidence in the financial system.

Despite the challenges, Dr Forson assured Parliament that the current administration is committed to restoring fiscal discipline, rebuilding trust in government securities, and ensuring that similar disruptions do not recur.

He called for bipartisan support to implement necessary reforms and steer the country toward long-term stability and inclusive economic recovery.

Source: Ernest Arhinful

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According to him, Nana Akufo-Addo surrounded himself with the few people he trusted and access to him by many was difficult.

“There were many times I tried to meet Nana Addo which failed because he didn’t want many people around him, but the few he trusted. Although we had good plans and ideas, it was difficult to get to him, unlike former President Kufour who availed himself to everyone including me,” indicated Mr. Boateng.

He told Nhyira FM former President Akufo-Addo was kind-hearted, but his intransigence was something that made it difficult for his government to succeed.

“I was not so close to Akufo-Addo, he has a good heart, but his intransigence affected the NPP government,” he stated.

He stressed on the need for leadership to open up to opinions from other loyal members for the betterment of the party.

In his view, many party stalwarts had better ideas that could help but leadership was a challenge.

“We have to open up to party folks who have experience and ideas which can make the party attractive. Some leaders were reserved and people found it difficult to speak to them. From national to polling stations executives, every executive has something that can develop the party,” Mr. Boateng stressed.

According to him, the former President believes he did not effectively utilize the opportunity given him to serve the people and wishes to apologize.

The former MP for Mfantsiman indicated that the former president revealed his intentions in a meeting with some bigwigs in the party and took the highest blame for the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections.

“I met Nana Addo in a meeting, and he was worried and humbled by the 2024 defeat. He told me that we must all accept the responsibility for the party’s defeat in the election, but he takes the highest blame,” said Mr. Boateng.

Speaking in an interview with Nana Kwadwo Jantuah on NhyiraFm’s Kuroyi Mu Nsem show, Mr. Asamoah Boateng indicated that the former president is looking for an opportunity to apologize to Ghanaians.

He revealed a plan to organize what he terms as an ‘atonement rally’ to plead for forgiveness from Ghanaians.

“After the meeting between ex-President Kufour and Akufo-Addo, there was a decision for the party to plan and organize an atonement rally in Ghana to say sorry to Ghanaians,” Mr. Boateng indicated.

Failure to decisively tackle the pervasive illegal mining menace could lead to the party’s defeat in the 2028 general elections.

Speaking on JoyNews today, July 17, Dr Aidoo underscored the critical importance Ghanaians place on environmental protection and accountability, drawing parallels to the previous administration’s perceived inaction.

“Akufo-Addo didn’t care, so don’t say Ghanaians don’t care about your administration. If you don’t solve the galamsey problem, in 2028 Ghanaians will vote the NDC out,” Dr Aidoo declared, directly referencing the public’s dissatisfaction with the previous government’s efforts to curb illegal mining.

This strong statement highlights how deeply the galamsey issue resonates with the Ghanaian populace and its potential to be a decisive factor in future elections.

The menace of galamsey has escalated into a national crisis, severely impacting Ghana’s environment, economy, and public health.

Major river bodies, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, have been heavily polluted with mercury, cyanide, and other toxic chemicals, rendering them unsafe for consumption and agricultural use.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has repeatedly reported increased operational costs and challenges in treating water from these sources due to high turbidity and contamination levels.

The devastating impact of galamsey

• Environmental Degradation: According to reports, over 670 square kilometres of land (an area comparable to Singapore) had been destroyed by illegal mining activities by 2024, leading to extensive deforestation and land degradation. Forest reserves, including the Offin Shelter Belt, have been encroached upon, and once-fertile farmlands are now barren.
• Water Pollution: Mercury levels in water bodies near mining sites are alarmingly high, posing significant health risks to communities reliant on these sources. Studies indicate that concentrations of mercury in fish in some affected areas are three times higher than safe consumption levels, while water turbidity can exceed recommended safety standards by hundreds of units. The long-term health consequences include neurological damage, kidney failure, and developmental issues in children.
• Economic Losses: While galamsey provides livelihoods for some, it deprives the government of significant revenue through illegal gold exports. The cost of environmental degradation due to galamsey was estimated to be around 18% of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by December 2024, reflecting the immense cost of remediation and lost ecological services. It also undermines formal mining operations and discourages legitimate investment.

NDC’s anti-galamsey promises and efforts

The fight against galamsey was a significant electoral promise in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto.

President John Dramani Mahama has publicly recognised the problem as a “national emergency”, vowing a “ruthless war” against it.

Key promises include:

• Ban on New Mining in Forest Reserves: A commitment to prevent further encroachment on vital ecological areas.
• Stiffer Punishments: Amending the Minerals and Mining Law to impose more severe penalties for mining in water bodies.
• Establishment of GoldBod: The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) was launched in February 2024 to formalise the small-scale mining sector by becoming the sole, mandated institutional buyer of gold, aiming to control the flow of gold and cut out illicit channels.
• Technological Solutions: Proposing the use of advanced technology, including AI, to track excavators and geo-fence small-scale mining concessions.
• Reclamation and Reforestation: Implementing a ‘Tree for Life’ reforestation policy and a ‘Blue Water Initiative’ to restore degraded lands and water bodies.
• Alternative Livelihoods: Exploring sustainable alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on illegal mining, particularly for young people in rural areas.

In recent months, the government has intensified anti-galamsey efforts through Operation Halt, with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) deploying troops to flush out illegal miners from “red zones” like river bodies and forest reserves.

President Mahama also recently ordered the arrest of rogue anti-galamsey taskforce members involved in extortion, emphasising a commitment to tackling corruption within the fight itself.

Despite these efforts and pronouncements, Dr Aidoo’s strong words serve as a potent reminder that the public demands tangible results.

The perception of government inaction or complicity, regardless of stated intentions, can quickly erode political capital.

For the NDC, the successful resolution of the galamsey crisis is not just an environmental imperative but a crucial test of its governance and a determinant of its political future.

Source: myjoyonline

The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the vehicle—registered GR-5987-10 and carrying passengers—was heading toward Kasoa when he reportedly lost control at the Nima Junction after allegedly failing to brake in time. The bus slammed directly into the wall of the property.

The impact caused significant damage and drew immediate attention from security personnel stationed at the residence.

The minibus has since been impounded at the Nima Police Station.

While eyewitnesses claim the driver was arrested at the scene, police are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

It is also unclear whether there were any injuries or casualties as investigations continue.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Blay was emphatic that the eight-year governance under President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered significantly across key sectors.

“In terms of performance, and I’m being very sincere with you, I think Nana Akufo-Addo’s government did very well,” he said. “In terms of handling the economy, building infrastructure, building institutions in this country — both political and security institutions — hospitals and education.”

Mr. Blay further asserted that the government’s record on job creation was unmatched.

“I think his government did very well in terms of even providing employment. In the history of this country, that government did extremely well,” he stated.

However, he acknowledged that the party fell short in engaging its grassroots members — a gap he believes may have had political consequences.

“Maybe the only thing we failed to do was to carry along our membership, a greater portion of our members, and some got quite frustrated, and therefore refused to go and vote,” he admitted.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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According to Gbande, Akufo-Addo should be prosecuted for what he described as a fraudulent and scandalous implementation of the cathedral, which has consumed millions of dollars in public funds without yielding any results.

“Right now, what do we do with the pit? Nana Addo should be standing trial for that. His dream to build a cathedral was implemented in a fictitious and fraudulent way,” Mr. Gbande stated on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

He insisted that the NDC never opposed the idea of a cathedral but rather the questionable handling and lack of transparency surrounding its execution.

“The NDC never bastardised the National Cathedral. Former President Akufo-Addo mentioned God, but when they started the implementation, you didn’t need anybody to tell you it was a scandal. They spent $57 million, and all they left was a pit. Do you think in good conscience that it is not a scandal? So that was what we criticised,” he said.

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In a Facebook post, Akufo-Addo said he was devastated by the news of the MP’s passing, which occurred on Monday, July 7, 2025.

“I am devastated to learn of the passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi, Member of Parliament for Akwatia Constituency. The legislator was adored and loved by party faithful and cherished by all who knew or shared acquaintances with him,” he mourned.

The former President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Parliament, and the people of Akwatia.

He also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

“May he find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.”

Mr. Kumi died after a short illness. He left behind a wife and three children.

Source: Adomonline.com

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 Read Akufo-Addo’s post below:

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, the renowned banker recounted losing money on Eurobonds and sharply criticised the decision to include pensioners in the country’s debt restructuring efforts.

“I lost money,” he said. “Pensioners picketed, and the former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, came to picket with us. I didn’t go to picket, but my fellow pensioners did. Some were working on the technical details behind the scenes, and others were vociferous out there. But I lost money in the Eurobond.”

He described the inclusion of pensioners in the programme not only as a poor policy choice but a moral failure.

“Why would you do that? Why would you go after pensioners’ money? It’s one thing that people can never forgive Akufo-Addo and Ken Ofori-Atta for,” he asserted.

When asked directly by host Evans Mensah whether he had personally forgiven them, Mr. Adu was emphatic:

“No, I will not—because I saw them live large. And so why do you want to live large at the expense of my pension? It’s something that should not be trivialised at all. To have a Cabinet meeting and decide that, in solving the country’s debt problems, we would include pensioners—that’s dark.”

Despite having a close personal relationship with Ofori-Atta, Frank Adu Jnr did not hold back in his assessment of the former minister’s performance.

“We are kind of family with Ofori-Atta. On my first trip to the US, I stayed with Ken. We slept in the same bed. So that’s the relationship.”

But when asked to evaluate Ofori-Atta’s tenure as Finance Minister, the veteran banker didn’t mince words.

“Disaster. Disastrous. Look, if it wasn’t disastrous—between him and the President—the people of Ghana wouldn’t have voted the way they voted in 2024. It’s not me saying it. The verdict is captured in the results of the elections.

“It’s as simple as that. You do not run the economy where almost everybody is suffering and expect that the people will not object. And that’s what the voters of this country did last year.”

Reflecting on the early optimism that accompanied Ofori-Atta’s appointment, Mr. Adu said he, like many others, believed the former minister’s international background would translate into sound economic management.

“I don’t know what happened. I remember when he was appointed—I sent him a message, congratulating him and urging him to do the best he could for this country and leave a legacy.

“And that’s what we all expected. We were all very hopeful. But subsequent events have betrayed that hope.”

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The proposal, he said, was to better position development finance institutions like the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to meet the development financing needs of the continent.

This is a reechoing of a proposal he made to the African Union (AU) in his previous position as the President of Ghana and champion of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Secretariat is hosted by Ghana.

Speaking during a conversation among some former Heads of States of Africa at the 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Nigeria on Friday, June 27, he noted that such a move would significantly transform Africa’s financial landscape.

He argued that African nations were currently keeping their reserves in foreign banks, sometimes earning negative interest rates at a time that they were struggling to fund their development projects.

“The institutions that we need to prepare our development are not in our hands.” Nana Akufo-Addo said, emphasising that without the continent controlling its financial institutions, it could not effectively finance its development sustainably.

He called for collaborative efforts to strengthen Afreximbank and AfDB, saying, “we have to put our mouth where our thoughts are. Let’s make the decisions that will enable us to resolve our problems. We can’t do it just by talking.”

He bemoaned the non-operationalisation of the proposed African Central Bank, which has been on the table last 20 years, despite its potential to fund Africa’s development by synchronizing regional banking industries and unions.

He called for renewed effort to making African Central Bank, African Investment Bank and African Monetary Fund effective to contribute to the financial independence and acceleration of the continent’s development.

On lending credit to African financial institutions, he cited Afreximbank’s support for Ghana, noting how the institution provided US$750 million when the country could not access global capital markets.

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During a courtesy visit by the planning committee at his Nima residence, Mr. Akufo-Addo praised the initiative, which has been instituted by President John Dramani Mahama.

He described it as a meaningful and timely gesture that encourages all Ghanaians to come together in gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon the country.

“All of us have to support this initiative. It is clearly a worthwhile initiative that we have this one day where all of us come together to give thanks to the Almighty for the many, many blessings He has bestowed upon us,” he stated.

The former President emphasised the importance of civility, peace, and unity, especially in a country with a history of political turbulence.

Despite Ghana’s experiences with coups in the past, he noted with pride that the nation has managed to maintain its democratic path and avoid the civil wars that have afflicted many of its neighbours.

Although he will be unable to attend the event in person due to prior international commitments, the former President pledged his full moral and public support for the day.

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Chairman of the planning committee, who led the delegation expressed gratitude for his warm reception and strong endorsement.

“He welcomed us, endorsed the whole programme, and thanked the President for the great initiative. He commended us, and we are very grateful,” Mr. Ankrah noted.

Highlighting the spiritual significance of the day, Mr. Ankrah also revealed that Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson will be preaching the Holy Gospel during the Christian service, adding a sacred and symbolic weight to the occasion.

The event, backed by President Mahama, is envisioned as more than a religious gathering—it is a movement for healing, reconciliation, and national renewal.

With support from leaders across the political and religious spectrum, the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving promises to be a powerful moment of reflection and hope for all Ghanaians.

The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving will include a Christian prayer service at the State House forecourt in Accra at 8:00 AM, followed by a Muslim prayer session at the Ghana National Mosque at 12:30 PM.

Simultaneous events are expected to be held across the country, bringing together people of all faiths in a spirit of unity.

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Also, the Committee met with former Suame MP, former Majority Leader and former Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

The move forms part of the Committee tasked with proposing amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, and public consultations to gather input from stakeholders across various sectors.

In a Facebook post, the Chairman of CRC, Prof H. Kwasi Prempeh described the meetings as productive.

He added that the committee will soon announce the new calendar for the rescheduled zonal public engagements nationwide.

Prof. Prempeh further encouraged citizens to send their written submissions to: submissions@constitutionreviewgh.org.

The committee’s engagements have spanned key areas including Land and Natural Resources, Local Government and Decentralisation, Public Services and State Enterprises, the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature, Rights, Gender and Youth, Public Finance and Economic Governance, and Anti-Corruption Measures.

Discussions on chieftaincy and citizenship are yet to take place.

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Speaking in reaction to an investigative report by The Fourth Estate, on JoyNews’ Newsfile, which revealed that some current government appointees had failed to declare their assets before assuming office, Mr Aboagye defended the record of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government on the matter.

According to him, former President Akufo-Addo made it a personal responsibility to ensure that every appointee under his leadership fulfilled the constitutional requirement of asset declaration.

He added that he, Mr Aboagye, played a direct role in ensuring compliance among appointees.

“What the President has done is nothing new… in Nana Akufo-Addo’s government, he did it, except he didn’t put the camera on what he was doing, and if I recall correctly, I coordinated the receipts for all MMDCEs across the country, and that was the rule; there were coordinators, and Ekow Sumah, who was anchor at the Presidency made sure that you had to do it,” he claimed.

Mr Aboagye’s comments come at a time when many Ghanaians are commending President Mahama for what is being perceived as a bold and transparent step in the fight against corruption. The current administration has garnered praise for publicly verifying and highlighting compliance with asset declaration laws among its officials.

However, Mr Aboagye appears to challenge the narrative that the Mahama administration is pioneering a new standard. In his view, the NPP government equally prioritised integrity, albeit with less media fanfare.

“Maybe the only difference here is that there are cameras on it for the purposes of people seeing it, that it has been done, but the Nana Akufo-Addo actually insisted on seeing your receipts,” he added.

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In a Facebook post on Thursday, 8 May, Atik claimed that the former president’s actions and decisions significantly contributed to the party’s electoral misfortunes.

Referencing a recent memo by Kwabena Adu Boabenhene, Atik suggested that the former president may have prioritised national stability over party loyalty by indirectly empowering the opposition.

“If Kwabena Adu Boabenhene’s memo is any indication, it implies Nana Addo was superintending over the empowerment of the opposition ostensibly to ensure stability,” he wrote.

He also criticised the former president for allegedly shifting blame onto party candidates, particularly through religious insinuations.

“And yet, [he] turns around to accuse candidates of losing because of religion,” Atik lamented, implying that such commentary was not only divisive but hypocritical given the president’s own influence over the election’s outcome.

Concluding his post, Atik Mohammed urged Ghanaians to critically assess the role of leadership in political outcomes.

“Like I always say, Nana Addo is the main reason for the defeat of the NPP. If you are looking for what caused the NPP’s humiliation in 2024, look no further than Nana Addo. We read, we watch and we judge,” he stated.

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Speaking during a courtesy call by a delegation of constituency organisers from the Greater Accra Region, led by a prominent party figure and Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the NPP, Prince Obeng, the former president acknowledged the party’s recent electoral defeat but called for renewed unity and purpose.

“Political parties win or lose elections. Yes, we have lost an election. But I know we can come back,” Akufo-Addo said during a meeting with NPP constituency organisers from the Greater Accra Region.

“We should stop feeling sorry for ourselves. Let’s pick ourselves up, reorganise, and go forward as one”, the former president was quoted by Obeng as saying.

“We should behave like we believe we can win back the trust of the people for 2028″, Akufo-Addo added.

The visit formed part of internal consultations ahead of proposed constitutional amendments in the party, with the delegation pushing for a clearer definition of the role of constituency organisers in the NPP’s constitution. The group appealed to the former president to champion the cause.

During the meeting, the organisers also expressed concerns about what they described as attempts by the current government to interfere with the judiciary—alleging a plot to suspend or remove the Chief Justice, a move they fear could erode constitutional safeguards, including presidential term limits.

While Akufo-Addo did not publicly address the claims, his broader message focused on party cohesion and the path toward political recovery.

His remarks were described as “profound and inspiring” by members of the delegation.

The visit comes at a time of reflection for the NPP, as the party strategises its future following a defeat in the last general elections.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Amoako Baah said the former president must admit he failed the country and offer an unqualified apology.

“When Nana Addo was about to become president, he knew the country wasn’t like this. But look at the mess he created. He destroyed the economy, and the right thing for him to do now is to apologise to the people of Ghana,” he stated.

The political scientist stressed that he has made this point before and stands firmly by it.

According to him, Nana Addo’s leadership left the nation worse off and Ghanaians deserve an acknowledgment of this failure.

“I have said it before, and I will repeat it — he must apologise to Ghanaians for the abysmal failure. He knows he didn’t perform well,” Dr. Amoako Baah added.

His comments come in the wake of growing criticism from a section of the public, who blame former President Akufo-Addo for the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.

A post-election survey conducted by Global Info Analytics revealed that 68% of respondents held Nana Addo responsible for the party’s heavy loss.

Many believe his administration’s poor economic decisions played a major role in the NPP’s electoral defeat.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he revealed that these challenges frequently arose, particularly after he criticised Akufo-Addo.

He alleged that these attacks occasionally manifested physically.

“I am speaking my truth. You will be stabbed in the side spiritually,” he claimed.

Aside from these spiritual attacks, the political scientist also alleged that some Kumasi-based radio stations were paid to blacklist him, even though his interviews boosted their audience ratings.

“The stations knew they got a bigger audience through my interviews, so sometimes they would call me and allow me to speak for only five minutes. A producer might want me to speak, but because the presenter has been paid, he will decline it. A lot of things have happened, and in due course, I will talk about them,” he stated.

Dr. Baah further mentioned experiencing occultic attacks but emphasized that he has endured them, affirming that he is a man of God with a divine purpose to fulfill on earth.

These revelations come barely 24 hours after he announced his resignation from the NPP, citing deep-seated frustrations with the party’s leadership and its failure to connect with ordinary supporters.

Dr. Baah has also hinted at the formation of a new party, the New Patriotic Front (NPF), which he claims already has the backing of about 36 NPP stalwarts.

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Speaking at the JoyNews National Dialogue on Thursday, Mr Mahama explained that the government’s focus on privatising the power distribution company left little room for investment in its infrastructure and operations.

“If you cast your mind back, during the President’s first tenure, all efforts were geared towards sending ECG into privatisation. So, there was zero investment in the company,” Mr Mahama stated.

He recounted the failed Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal, which saw the management of ECG handed over to PDS for about eight months before the agreement collapsed.

Following the botched privatisation attempt, ECG reverted to full state control, just as the country was heading into the 2020 general elections, he added.

Mr Mahama, who assumed office as Managing Director in 2022, said one of his first actions was to conduct a “health check” on the company.

“What I found was that although there had been massive growth in the number of ECG customers, this was not properly reflected in the company’s data,” he said.

According to him, ECG’s Commercial Management System (CMS), introduced through a World Bank project, could not accommodate the rapid growth in customer numbers.

“The billing system had its own deficiencies. When it hit the 4.5 million customer mark, new customers being added were not being captured in the billing system. They were hanging,” he noted.

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Speaking on PM Express on Joy News on Tuesday, March 11, after presenting the 2025 Budget Statement to Parliament, Dr. Forson emphasized that while Ghana’s PFM framework ranks among the best globally, it has not been properly enforced.

“The Public Financial Management Act of 2016 has not been implemented as it should be. The act is a bolster. It is one of the best you can get in the world. I don’t think you can count the first 20 countries with a very strong, robust PFM regime better than that of Ghana,” he stated.

Despite the strength of the law, he lamented that previous administrations had largely ignored its provisions, leading to financial mismanagement and economic challenges.

“The truth remains that Ghana has been unable to implement the PFM Act. The previous administration virtually did not implement the PFM Act. We do not need new laws.

“What we need to do is to implement the PFM Act, and to implement it successfully, you need to apply the sanctions.”

Dr. Forson stressed the need for punitive action against individuals who have violated the law, both past and present.

“The sanctions may not only be looking forward but also looking at those who have infringed upon the PFM Act in the past.

“You have to look back and look forward so that, at the minimum, those in office today will also know that what has happened to the person who infringed upon the PFM Act may happen to you,” he warned.

He insisted that accountability must extend across administrations, particularly for those whose financial infractions have had severe consequences on the economy.

“This will apply to officers in the previous [government]… if the infractions were so severe to the extent that it has affected the economy of Ghana, and people are paying a huge price for it, the Attorney General must act on that.”

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His comments follow allegations that Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed, described Dr. JB Danquah as a “traitor” and a “CIA operative” during parliamentary proceedings on February 4, 2025.

The remarks have sparked controversy, prompting the Coalition for Youth Development in Okyeman to petition the Speaker of Parliament on March 7.

Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Remembrance Service at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Kyebi on Sunday, March 9, Akufo-Addo launched a collection of 60 commemorative statements honoring JB Danquah’s contributions to Ghana’s democracy. He stressed that Danquah’s advocacy for the rule of law remains a cornerstone of the country’s governance.

*”The persistent call for the rule of law to be entrenched in our body politic is the ultimate guarantee of liberty and individual freedom. Today, it stands as a central feature of Ghanaian politics, which we must never renounce.

“Despite JB Danquah’s immense contributions to Ghana’s development, his name continues to be embroiled in needless controversy, both in death as in life,”* Akufo-Addo stated.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, condemned the recent remarks made in Parliament and criticized the invasion of the former Finance Minister’s residence. He called for an end to hate speech and urged Ghanaians to prioritize unity.

*”Since the 1940s, no group of people has suffered a smear campaign as enduring as that against Daddy Danquah and his people. These are individuals who have contributed immensely to public service and the betterment of our nation, yet they have been maligned beyond measure for their pure and patriotic sacrifices.

“Let us leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that democracy is not a gift handed down through history but a perpetual struggle—one we must embrace with courage and resolve.

“Let us denounce hate campaigns, regardless of their targets, and put the love and dignity of Ghana and Africa above all differences. What unites us is far greater than the forces seeking to divide and weaken us,”* Afenyo-Markin declared.

The Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, also weighed in, urging Ghanaians to honor JB Danquah’s memory rather than engage in efforts to tarnish his reputation.

“Looking at the immense sacrifices he made for us, we have done little to honor him in return. Some individuals continue to spread malice, mischief, and willful ignorance to defame him, but we must not allow that to happen. The next generation must hear of JB Danquah’s sacrifices for Ghana,” he stated.

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Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has credited the party’s success in the 2020 election to former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Boadu explained that retaining power as a sitting government is no easy feat, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 crisis.

He pointed out that, despite the global hardship, the NPP was able to navigate through successfully.

“Ask yourself why no sitting government’s party won the election during the 2020 election, and if there were any hardship, it was the government that is to be blamed,” Boadu said, emphasizing Akufo-Addo’s leadership during the pandemic.

Boadu acknowledged that while the NPP faced some challenges, particularly a reduction in parliamentary seats, the party still performed admirably.

“Even though our parliamentary number reduced, our party members did extremely well during the 2020 elections,” he noted.

He concluded by stating that, despite the hurdles, the NPP benefited greatly from the strong management of the COVID-19 crisis by Akufo-Addo.

“We were also lucky because Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo managed the COVID situation excellently,” he added.

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However, Opare Addo, who also serves as the National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), refuted the allegations in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

“I don’t subscribe to the Terminator 1 tag. What you do not have, you cannot give. Mahama has not terminated anybody’s appointment; it is only those who were illegally recruited,” he argued.

“We sounded caution against illegal and last-minute appointments during the transition period, but they told us they were yet to hand over power,” he added.

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Addressing a press conference on Monday, March 3, former Minister for Finance Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam argued that Mahama failed to acknowledge key economic indicators that reflect the true state of the nation’s economy.

Dr. Amin Adam noted that inflation alone does not determine economic performance, pointing out other critical factors such as real GDP growth, trade balance, current account balance, and the financial sector’s health.

“What the President also failed to do was to inform the people of Ghana that there are other significant measures of the performance of the economy that inform the state of the nation other than inflation alone,” he stated.

Highlighting economic growth under both administrations, Dr. Amin Adam asserted that Akufo-Addo’s government outperformed Mahama’s in key economic indicators.

“The average growth in real GDP for the first three quarters of 2024 was 6.4% and was expected to end the year at a rate above the IMF target of 4%. This performance outperformed all projections and revised projections by both the IMF and the World Bank,” he explained.

He contrasted this with Mahama’s record in 2016, when economic growth stood at 3.4%, falling short of the 5.4% target.

The Minority concluded that Mahama’s handling of the economy in his previous term was weak compared to Akufo-Addo’s administration, which they claim delivered superior results.

“If this is bad by President Mahama’s standard, let’s examine his previous record—in 2016, the economy grew by 3.4%, falling short of the 5.4% target. It was 4% the year before. He underperformed by all standards, while President Akufo-Addo overperformed,” Dr. Amin Adam stressed.

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In a message to the Muslim Ummah, Akufo-Addo expressed hope that the period of fasting and prayer would further strengthen both individual and collective commitment to peace and good neighborliness.

“It is my wish that the period of Ramadan will strengthen further, our individual and collective resolve in the pursuit of peace and good neighborliness,” he stated.

Ramadan, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, is a time of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and self-discipline. It is also a period of charity and unity.

Muslims will embark on a month-long journey of fasting from dawn to dusk, engaging in prayers and acts of kindness in adherence to their faith.

Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express, Shamima Muslim stressed the need for Ghanaians to demand accountability from public officials, emphasizing that no administration should be allowed to misuse public funds without consequences.

“We must not give political actors any power, and that includes us, the NDC. We must not give them any power to think that at any point in time, they can take the citizens for granted, do what they want, do as they please with our collective resources, and go and enjoy whatever loot they may have illegally acquired through the instrument of their position of power,” she stated.

Shamima Muslim noted that several major corruption scandals occurred under the Akufo-Addo government, yet no significant action was taken.

She referenced the infamous moniker of President Akufo-Addo as a “clearing agent,” arguing that his administration actively dismissed corruption allegations rather than investigating them thoroughly.

“There’s a reason why His Excellency, the former president, was called a clearing agent. Why should we not take a second look at that? If the outgoing administration showed no commitment in even investigating some of these matters but rather cleared some of these cases even before investigations were to commence or be completed, then there’s a fundamental problem with governance,” she asserted.

Citing specific cases, she mentioned the controversial National Cathedral project, where $58 million was spent with little to show for it, and the Pwalugu Dam project, which reportedly saw $12 million expended without any tangible development.

“These are the main questions that require looking into,” she emphasized. “And of course, the raft of cases of politically exposed persons acquiring state assets for pittance are issues we need to ask questions about. If they need to return those assets, they should return those assets.”

She assured the public that under the incoming administration, accountability would be prioritized without unjust persecution.

“If I need to assure Ghanaians of anything, it is that under the watch of His Excellency, no one will be unjustifiably persecuted,” she said, adding that the Attorney General is expected to outline measures to address these concerns.

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The statue was unveiled during Akufo-Addo’s thank-you tour of the region in November 2024.

Speaking to a Takoradi-based radio station, Nana Akwasi Agyeman, who was present at the unveiling, clarified that he was unaware of the statue’s existence and had been ambushed by Okyere Darko Mensah to participate in the event.

“I promised not to comment on the statue issue due to the widespread insults we chiefs have received. But I, Nana Akwasi Agyeman, can confirm that the chiefs of the Western Region did not fund the statue,” he stated.

The chief emphasized that no chief contributed financially to the construction of the statue. “If any chief contributed, I am yet to know,” he said, adding that the chiefs never met as a House of Chiefs to discuss or approve the statue in honor of the former President.

Nana Akwasi Agyeman further described how he was caught off guard by Okyere Darko Mensah and involved in the unveiling of the statue.

“We were invited to attend the former President’s thank-you tour, and we met him at the GNAT Hall. It was there that Okyere Darko Mensah asked me to join them in presenting a gift to the President, and we would head to Effia-Nkwanta Hospital. It was only upon arrival that I learned it was a statue. I didn’t even know it was a statue,” he explained.

He added that seven Paramount Chiefs attended the event, and it was there that he was informed that he would help unveil the statue.

“Honestly, I didn’t want to participate, but I didn’t want to create a scene, so I stayed quiet. We unveiled the statue and were asked to speak in honor of the President. I thanked him personally, not on behalf of the chiefs of the Western Region, as he had visited me in the hospital after my 2019 attack,” he said.

The statue of Akufo-Addo, which sparked controversy due to public dissatisfaction over his perceived minimal contribution to the region’s development, was destroyed by unknown individuals on January 13, 2025, following widespread backlash.

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Out of the 103 licenses issued in 2025, 102 were granted between January 1 and January 6, before the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama.

This means only one license has been issued under the current government.

The licenses include 21 small-scale mining licenses, prospecting licenses, and mining support services licenses.

This brings the total number of active licenses across the country to 2,127.

This development is particularly concerning amidst heightened public uproar over the impact of illegal mining on the country, especially the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies.

The mining activities have affected major export commodities such as cocoa, leading to low production and the inability to meet buyer demands.

According to reports, Ghana experienced its lowest cocoa production in over two decades last season, reducing foreign exchange earnings.

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Mr Kwakye Ofosu referred to the appointments of H. Kwasi Prempeh of the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) and Nana Yaa Gyantuah, a former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP).

According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, President Mahama’s decision to appoint these persons to his government demonstrates his maturity and commitment to fostering diverse perspectives.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, January 21, Mr Ofosu Kwakye stated that the inclusive nature of President Mahama’s administration is a testament to his confidence and dedication to national unity.

“President Mahama has shown that he prioritises the nation’s interests over personal comfort by appointing individuals who may not always agree with him. This level of tolerance is unparalleled,” he remarked.

He went on to critique former President Akufo-Addo, suggesting that such an inclusive approach would have been unthinkable under his administration. “Nana Akufo-Addo would never appoint critics to his government.

His administration was characterised by an unwillingness to engage with dissenting voices, which weakened the governance process,” Ofosu Kwakye asserted.

The acting spokesperson further underscored the benefits of President Mahama’s approach, noting that the inclusion of diverse views enriches policy-making and ensures a broader representation of the Ghanaian populace.

“This is the kind of leadership that strengthens democracy—one where critics are given a seat at the table to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he concluded.

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During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Monday, January 20, Agbodza discussed the controversial cancellation of road tolls by the Akufo-Addo administration.

He expressed surprise at the decision, stating that instead of cancelling the tolls, the government should have worked to improve the system by addressing the leakages and enhancing its effectiveness.

Mr. Agbodza criticised the move as an act of illegality, pointing out that such a decision could not be made unilaterally.

He suggested that there was negligence in how the cancellation was handled, particularly as the government had claimed the road toll was generating only ¢80 million.

The minister-designate emphasised that road tolls would be reintroduced, albeit in a modern form.

He stated that the future system would involve technology, allowing for fairer and more efficient collection without the need for physical road obstructions or manual toll collection, ensuring a smoother experience for drivers.

“We decided to caution the government not to cancel the road toll but rather find a way to make it better, which means that we should find a way to block the leakages and enhance it. So, it was surprising that it was cancelled or they claimed they zeroed it. For me, it was an act of illegality, but it had an act and was a law, so they couldn’t unilaterally do that. I believe there was some level of negligence in the way it was done.”

“They claimed the road toll was accruing just ¢80 million, but today there are road contractors working in Ghana who are owed as little as ¢5,000. So, the road toll is coming back, but not in the form of building obstructions on the road for drivers to stop and someone taking money from them. It will come in the form of technology that is fair and will make it easy to collect,” he stated.

During his vetting on Monday, January 20, Agbodza refuted the government’s assertion that 11,000 kilometres of roads had been constructed since 2017, stating that the actual figure is significantly lower, at just 673 kilometres.

Agbodza, who was speaking before the Appointments Committee, stated, “The claim that 11,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed is misleading. The reality is that, since 2017, only 673 kilometres of roads have been constructed. This figure is based on the actual data and records of road projects completed during that period.”

He went on to emphasize the discrepancy, arguing that the inflated figures were part of an attempt to mislead the public and paint an overly positive picture of the administration’s achievements in road development.

The Minister-designate further noted that the discrepancy in road construction figures had broader implications for the country’s infrastructure development.

“It’s crucial for the public to be informed of the true extent of road construction efforts,” Agbodza remarked.

“With such misleading statistics, it becomes difficult to hold the government accountable for the real progress made in the sector.”

He highlighted that despite claims of significant road construction, many communities across the country continue to suffer from poor road conditions, which hinder economic growth and development.

Mr. Agbodza also stressed the need for a more transparent and accurate approach to reporting infrastructure progress.

“We need to ensure that road construction projects are properly tracked and that the information provided to the public reflects reality. If we want to move forward, we must start with honesty and integrity in reporting our achievements,” he concluded.

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