The committee, established by the Ministry of the Interior, is expected to examine the underlying issues behind the incidents, including possible failures in systems, processes, oversight, and accountability within the construction sector.

Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Minister said building collapses should not be viewed only as structural failures but also as indications of deeper institutional and regulatory challenges.

“The collapse of a building is not merely a structural failure. It is often a failure of systems, processes, oversight, and accountability. We owe it to the victims and future generations to ensure that the lessons from these incidents lead to meaningful reforms,” he stated.

The committee’s work will focus on identifying factors such as structural defects, the use of defective construction materials, design deficiencies, construction malpractice, environmental degradation, climate-related factors, human negligence, and institutional failures.

Hon. Muntaka urged members of the committee to conduct their work with professionalism, objectivity, independence, and integrity, stressing that their recommendations must be practical, evidence-based, and capable of implementation.

He said the inquiry should go beyond identifying the causes of the incidents and help develop measures to improve construction safety, strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and build resilience within communities.

The Minister also called on relevant institutions, professional bodies, developers, property owners, communities, and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the committee.

He warned that the era of impunity regarding unsafe buildings must end, adding that lessons from the inquiry should lead to lasting reforms in the country’s construction practices.

Chairman of the Committee, Brigadier General B. F. Kusi, thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in the team and assured that members would deliver a report that could serve as a blueprint for addressing challenges in the sector.

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The recommendations follow an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of the Promasidor Ghana Limited employee, a case that has reignited national concern over emergency care delivery and the persistent “no-bed syndrome.”

According to the committee, chaired by Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, several healthcare professionals breached their duty of care, prompting calls for sanctions across multiple institutions.

Among those cited is Dr Anne-Marie Kudowor, who has been recommended for referral to the Police Hospital and the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) for disciplinary action over alleged misconduct and for reportedly providing untruthful information during the investigation.

Dr Nina Naomi Eyram Adotevi is also to be referred to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the MDC, while Dr Ida Druant and Dr Genevieve Adjar have been recommended for disciplinary action at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the MDC for similar breaches.

The committee further proposed sanctions against nursing staff, recommending that Miss Akosua B. Turkson and Miss Joy Daisy Nelson be referred to their respective institutions and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for disciplinary action.

Beyond individual accountability, the committee outlined urgent systemic reforms aimed at addressing longstanding gaps in emergency healthcare delivery.

Key among the proposals is the creation of a National Electronic Emergency Bed Management System to improve coordination and provide real-time information on hospital bed availability nationwide.

It also called for compulsory triaging of all emergency cases to ensure patients are assessed and stabilised promptly, regardless of capacity challenges.

In addition, the committee recommended integrating the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital into the national emergency response system to expand access to critical care services.

Another major proposal is the establishment of a National Emergency Care Fund to cover the first 24 hours of treatment in both public and private health facilities.

Charles Amissah died on February 6, 2026, after a hit-and-run incident at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Overpass. He was reportedly turned away by several hospitals before eventually succumbing to his injuries.

The committee’s findings have intensified calls for urgent reforms to Ghana’s emergency healthcare system, with many stressing the need for stronger coordination, accountability and investment to prevent similar tragedies.

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The committee’s mandate extends beyond football, with a focus on leveraging the World Cup to enhance Ghana’s cultural, economic, and diplomatic presence on the global stage.

According to its Terms of Reference, the committee is responsible for coordinating “all necessary financial, administrative, operational, logistical and regulatory arrangements required for the preparation, participation and desired performance of the Black Stars,” while also promoting Ghana through cultural, trade, tourism, and bilateral initiatives.

Its key objectives include ensuring nationwide engagement, strengthening the Black Stars’ competitive readiness, showcasing Ghana’s tourism and investment potential, deepening international relations, and directing sports-related investments into the country.

The committee’s scope covers fundraising and sponsorship mobilization, organizing training camps, arranging international friendlies, running media campaigns, coordinating trade missions, and advancing cultural initiatives. It will work closely with state and non-state partners to secure resources and support.

Committee Composition

The committee is chaired by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, and comprises senior officials from key government institutions:

Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah – Chief Director, Ministry of Sports and Recreation
Mrs. Sarpomaa Dodoo – Director, Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Alhaji Abubakari Wayo (PhD) – Chief Director, Office of the President
Solomon Mensah Tetteh – Director, RSIM, Ministry of the Interior
Ms. Juliana Boateng – Budget Analyst, Ministry of Finance
Ms. Joyce Akpalaaya Ajongbah – Director, Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts
Mrs. Emma Ofori Agyemang – Chief Director, Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment

The committee also includes representatives from the Ghana Football Association and the private sector.

Tasked to operate until three months after the World Cup, the committee is expected to produce a comprehensive roadmap for Ghana’s participation, submit periodic progress reports, and present a final report to Cabinet aimed at ensuring both sporting success and broader national benefits from the 2026 tournament.

Presenting the findings in Accra on Tuesday, November 11, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, who chaired the investigative committee, stressed the need for modern aircraft equipped with terrain avoidance warning systems, advanced navigation tools, and flight recorders with both voice and audiovisual capabilities.

He also highlighted the importance of recurrent training using certified simulators, employing aviation experts, and establishing en route navigational aids, particularly in remote areas.

“There is a definite need to modernise the Ghana Air Force fleet. While the August 6 crash was a sudden, weather-related incident, implementing these safety measures will greatly enhance operational safety and help prevent future occurrences,” Captain Forjoe said.

Key Recommendations:

• Acquire modern aircraft fitted with terrain avoidance and advanced navigation systems.
• Install voice recorders and audiovisual-capable flight data recorders.
• Invest in simulators for regular training and employ certified aviation professionals.
• Develop navigational aids and tracking systems along flight routes, especially in rural areas.
• Modernise ground support equipment to improve overall operational safety.

The investigation was conducted under the supervision of National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak, in collaboration with the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation experts.

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The ceremony was held on Friday, September 12, at the Ministry’s conference room in Accra.

In his address, Mr. Buah said the committee would be central to safeguarding Ghana’s forests while ensuring that timber products meet both domestic and international standards.

“The oath you have taken is not merely symbolic but a solemn commitment to duty. Let this committee not be a mere formality, but a beacon of good governance and accountability in our forestry sector,” he charged.

The Minister highlighted Ghana’s recent achievement of issuing its first Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence for timber exports to the European Union—making the country the first in Africa and only the second globally, after Indonesia, to do so.

He described the milestone as “a bold statement that Ghana is committed to legality, transparency, and sustainability in the global timber trade.”

Underscoring the importance of preserving forests as a national heritage, Mr. Buah noted: “They are not only a source of economic value but also a legacy we owe to our children and grandchildren.” He pledged government’s full support to the committee in carrying out its mandate effectively.

Committee Chairman, Fiifi Buckman, expressed appreciation on behalf of members and assured stakeholders of their professionalism and integrity.

“We will discharge our mandate with the highest levels of professionalism, impartiality, and unwavering commitment,” he said, stressing the vital role of forests as a source of livelihoods, foreign exchange, and raw materials.

Source: Ernest Arhinful

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Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and Vice Chairman of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has questioned the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling the move procedurally flawed and unfair. what he describes as a “rushed” manner.

President John Mahama, on September 1, 2025, removed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office with immediate effect on grounds of stated misbehaviour.

This follows recommendations from a constitutional committee set up under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

The decision comes barely hours after the President received the report of a committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition filed by Ghanaian citizen Daniel Ofori. That was only one out of the three petitions.

Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Baffour Awuah queried the unexplained urgency to process only one of three petitions filed in relation to the Chief Justice, despite there being no constitutional timelines requiring such haste.

“In the absence of timelines, what was the committee in a hurry for? Why the rush?” he asked.

“Particularly because you have two other petitions pending before you. Who was putting pressure on you to achieve what – when you are dealing with a matter as important as the removal of the Chief Justice of the Republic?”

The MP noted that pushing through just one petition with the claim that it would render the others redundant, was not only premature but potentially unconstitutional.

He warned that such conduct could be interpreted as a prejudgement of the outcome of related petitions.

“Why were you in a hurry to present on just one of the petitions, which in your view will then dispose of the matters and make the other petitions redundant?” he challenged.

“Couldn’t you have taken your time to receive the address or submission of the Chief Justice? Doesn’t fairness dictate it?”

Baffour Awuah explained that the proceedings were not a Commission of Inquiry, even if conducted under Constitutional Instrument (CI) 47, which governs civil procedure in Ghana’s courts.

He argued that even under CI 47, courts regularly grant adjournments to ensure fairness and due process.

“Even with CI 47, how many times doesn’t the court adjourn just to take our addresses?” he pointed out.

“Sometimes, even when the court has fixed a date for parties to file their addresses, a party may submit an application that affects the schedule. In such cases, the court hears the application and sets a new date.”

According to him, this flexibility exists to ensure that all parties are adequately heard and must be upheld when dealing with matters as weighty as the potential removal of a sitting Chief Justice.

Source: Emmanuel Tetteh

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, Ayikoi Otoo said the committee failed to take into account the travel policy that was tendered as part of her defence.

According to him, Justice Torkornoo did nothing wrong by requesting to go on a regular vacation in line with her entitlements.

“When these entitlements come, it is not for you to determine anything. You are just to determine whether you want to travel. So when you tell them that I intend to take my vacation in Arusha, Tanzania, then the officers will work on whatever is your entitlement and bring it to you. This is nothing new,” he explained, stressing that the Chief Justice did not allocate allowances herself but relied on established procedures.

Mr. Otoo further argued that the committee ignored long-standing practice, noting that previous Chief Justices had travelled with a person of their choice when they had no spouse.

“There is a travel policy of the judiciary, but they never referred to it. And that travel policy, the committee didn’t refer to it, although we tendered it. She’s entitled to travel with one person of her own choice, and she chose to do this,” he said.

Dismissing claims of misappropriation, the former Attorney General insisted that Justice Torkornoo merely received what she was due under the conditions of service.

“What wrong did the Chief Justice commit? Was she the one who asked that she should be given travel expenses? Is she not entitled to the travel expenses? … Assuming it was wrongly given to you, is that not why you have an audit? Is it not the case for auditors to say that we think you should be surcharged with a certain amount which you took unlawfully? Is it a ground for removal?” he questioned.

Mr. Otoo also stressed that responsibility for financial authorisations rested with the Judicial Secretary as the spending officer, not the Chief Justice.

Expressing his disappointment in the committee’s work, he singled out former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo.

“I’m surprised Domelevo was on it. He sat through it. He heard us. We made presentations to him. And he, in the midst of all this, in the face of all this, comes out to say that she has misappropriated money. Which money?” he asked.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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The probe, however, uncovered that all major diagnostic imaging equipment, including the X-ray, CT scan, and MRI machines, at the hospital’s Emergency Department was non-functional at the time of the incident, forcing critical tests to be conducted at external facilities and fueling public frustration.

No Delay in Emergency Response

According to the committee’s report presented to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, medical staff promptly attended to the patient with a suspected head injury upon arrival at the Emergency Department. This directly contradicts claims circulating on social media that alleged neglect by hospital staff led to the altercation.

“Clinical care commenced without delay,” the report stated. “The treatment process was, however, hampered by the unavailability of functioning diagnostic imaging equipment on-site.”

Equipment Failures Blamed for Treatment Delays

The absence of operational X-ray, CT scan, and MRI facilities significantly prolonged the patient’s treatment timeline. The report noted that the patient had to be referred to external facilities for diagnostic services, a common occurrence that has long frustrated patients and caregivers at Ridge Hospital.

The committee said the breakdown of these essential machines undermined public confidence in the facility and contributed to tensions on the day of the incident.

No Proof of Physical Assault

Despite viral videos suggesting a violent confrontation, the committee found no evidence of a physical assault against Ms. Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse who claimed to have been attacked. Video evidence only confirmed a heated verbal exchange involving Mr Ralph St. Williams, a group of riders, and hospital staff.

Ms. Bortei later reported pain in her left hand but medical examinations revealed no fractures or dislocations. She has since received pain relief and psychological support.

Security and Staffing Shortcomings Exposed

Beyond the incident itself, the committee’s findings painted a troubling picture of the hospital’s preparedness for emergencies:

Inadequate Security: Only one private security officer was assigned per 12-hour shift at the Emergency Department, a setup the committee described as “grossly inadequate.” Although there is a police post on the premises, it is far from the ED, resulting in slow response times during disturbances.

Severe Staff Shortages: The Emergency Department operated with just one medical officer per shift in August, supported by only seven medical officers and two specialists for the entire month. Out of 88 nurses expected, only 54 were available, with 34 having vacated their posts without replacements.

Overstretched Facility: The ED operated at nearly full capacity round-the-clock, handling most trauma and acute medical cases in Accra, a situation worsened by the absence of a functioning hospital in La.

Recommendations for Reform

The committee made several recommendations to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, including:

1. Increasing security personnel and deploying police support during peak hours.

2. Expanding CCTV surveillance at the ED for improved monitoring.

3. Recruiting additional medical and administrative staff dedicated to emergency care.

4. Repairing or replacing all non-functional diagnostic equipment.

5. Strengthening emergency care systems nationwide and ensuring adherence to treatment protocols.

Mr. St. Williams Responds

Mr. Ralph St. Williams, the man whose confrontation with hospital staff sparked the incident, denied physically assaulting anyone. In a written statement and video submissions, he claimed his actions were driven by frustrations over systemic delays rather than personal animosity.

He admitted being “provoked by comments made by a nurse” but maintained that his live-streamed videos were intended to expose service delivery gaps.

A Wake-Up Call for the Health Sector

The Health Minister is expected to review the recommendations for immediate action. The committee stressed that while Ridge Hospital’s staff acted professionally during the incident, systemic failings, especially in equipment and staffing, remain a critical threat to emergency care delivery in Ghana.

Source: Myjoyonline  

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In a petition addressed to President John Mahama, the former NPP Adentan parliamentary aspirant claimed he witnessed three Supreme Court Justices—including two members of the committee—having dinner at a restaurant in Accra.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Kumi alleged that the justices were discussing matters related to the ongoing petition and said he has evidence to support his claims.

He named the individuals as the Chairman of the committee, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, and Justice Yonny Kulendi.

“The evidence is readily available, and there are witnesses also ready to testify. The counsel of one of the petitioners, Thaddeus Sory, who was also at the restaurant, later joined the conversation,” he stated.

Kumi claimed that the meeting occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on May 15, 2025, and argued that the involvement of these individuals compromises the credibility of the committee.

“If we have matters involving the removal of a Chief Justice—which is a constitutional issue—some of these things must be clearly scrutinised so the process does not become a sham,” he said.

According to him, all four individuals present at the dinner hold critical roles in the petition process and their private engagement raises questions about fairness and impartiality.

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The committee, chaired by Ambassador Major (RTD) Amarkai Amarteifio, was inaugurated on April 8, 2025, and completed its work within the stipulated 21-day ultimatum.

Receiving the report, Hon. Kofi Adams praised the committee for the dedication and commitment to carry out its mandate.

He noted that the Ministry will look into the report and its recommendations and make it public after studying to help the boxing industry and to prevent such occurrences in the future.

He further stated that the recommendations will be implemented to ensure the total reform of boxing and other sporting disciplines.

On his part, the Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Major RTD Amarkai Amarteifio indicated that the committee had successfully finished its work and was hopeful the report will tremendously reform the sport.

He further praised his committee members for a good work done and also thanked the health workers at korle Bu Teaching Hospital and all other persons whose contribution had helped to enrich the report.

The committee includes representatives from National Security, Private Haulage Operators, the Ghana Highway Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Standards Authority.

It has been tasked with identifying operational challenges, assessing regulatory violations, and providing recommendations for reforms.

The overloading of heavy cargo vehicles has been cited as a major cause of premature road deterioration and increased traffic accidents.

By addressing these concerns, the Ministry aims to enhance road safety and ensure pavements last their intended lifespan.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling overloading and improving the sustainability of road infrastructure.

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The committee, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North, Suleman Adamu Sanid, began its mission in the Oti Region before proceeding to the three Tongu districts in the Volta Region, where the spillage has caused significant devastation.

During the tour, the committee paid a visit to the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yaw Letsa, to discuss the progress of their investigation and seek the support of the regional authorities. Dr Letsa welcomed the committee and commended them for their commitment to the investigation.

He expressed confidence in their ability to conduct a thorough and objective inquiry, stating, “I believe that your work will lead to meaningful outcomes that will help the country better prepare for any future occurrences.”

The committee, led by Chairman Suleman Adamu Sanid, is tasked with assessing the extent of the damage caused by the spillage and investigating the factors that led to the incident.

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This was contained in a statement from the communication team of Bawumia’s campaign, with Dennis Miracles Aboagye as the signatory.

Gyan, who holds the record for the highest number of goals scored by a Ghanaian international footballer, will head the Youth and Sports sub-committee within the manifesto team. Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has also been named as the Chairman of the manifesto committee.

The primary task of the committee is to comprehensively review the NPP’s manifestos from 2016 and 2020, and to engage relevant stakeholders to develop a forward-looking and pragmatic manifesto for the 2024 elections.

A section of the press release stated, “The Manifesto Committee is further charged to discharge their mandate efficiently and professionally to produce a comprehensive manifesto document that can stand the test of time to address the legitimate concerns and socio-economic challenges of Ghanaians.”

As the country’s highest-scoring footballer, Gyan brings a wealth of experience and insight to the committee. This inclusion underscores the party’s commitment to involve a diverse group of individuals in the crafting of its policies and agendas, reflecting a broad spectrum of interests and expertise.

Below is the full statement

This was announced in a press release issued by the Ministry of Information.

The statement noted that, the committee will be chaired by the Chief of Staff, Frema Akosua Osei Opare.

Other members include: Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah; Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery; Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul; Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Finance Minister,  Ken Ofori-Atta and the Minister of Local Government, Daniel Kwaku Botwe.

The rest are; Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye; Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, Minister for Environment, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie; Minister for Sanitation, Freda Prempeh; Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor and the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

Hundreds of people in Mepe, Battor and other areas in the North Tongu district of the Volta region have been displaced and rendered homeless following the spillage of water from the Akosombo dam.

This was due to the consistent rise in the water level of the two dams as a result of the continuous rains recently.

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The committee, chaired by Abuakwa South Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Atta Akyea, sat for the first time on Thursday, August 24, to hear from the first witness, Mr Naabu.

But a letter signed by lawyer Raymond Dornyo of Crabbe, Crabbe & Co on behalf of Bugri Naabu cited ill-health on the part of his client as he sought permission for absence.

Mr Atta Akyea was not happy with the reason, indicating that “it is not good enough reason for the simple reason that unless it is a death-dealing malady, then we can say for one measure or the other, we cancel.”

He urged all witnesses to be invited to “respect” the committee, especially its timetable.

“I do not believe it is right and proper that when people are invited to appear before the committee, they have scheduled the committee. It should be the other way round.”

He further stated that time consciousness is paramount to the committee and he expects all invited witnesses to respect that.

“It is not a witch-hunt, these are very decent members of our community,” he said, referring to the members of the committee.

The special committee was set up by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, following a complaint by the Minority.

The Speaker tasked the committee to investigate the authenticity of the leaked audio recording, the conspiracy to remove the current IGP Dampare, and any other matter contained in the audio recording and recommend sanctions to persons found culpable where appropriate.

It is also to make recommendations for reforms where necessary and make such other recommendations and consequential orders as the committee may deem appropriate.

The persons on the tape were discussing how the current IGP will sabotage the NPP in the 2024 election should he remain in office and called for his removal.

The party official whose voice is heard on the tape is said to be Mr Naabu. He has, however, denied recording the conversation.

Mr Naabu admitted his presence and voice in the audio but denied recording the viral audio.

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The chairman of the committee is a lecturer at the Department of Construction Technology and Management at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Professor Theophilus Adjei-Kumi.

Other members include a valuer, lawyer, NADMO Deputy Director General with the Regional Coordinating director as secretary to the committee.

The committee, which was set up on March 17, has within three weeks to make its findings and recommendations.

Speaking to the media after inaugurating the committee, Minister of State In-Charge of Local Government, Osei Bonsu Amoah, expressed hope the committee will do a good job.

“It’s a very powerful team to ensure that at least we get to the bottom of this matter. All relevant stakeholders will be called to appear on the committee,” he said.

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During the period, all relevant stakeholders with information according to the Minister would appear before the committee to testify.

David Prah, Deputy Director-General, Ghana TVET Service, a nominated member has designated Richard Addo Gyamfi, Acting Ashanti Regional Director, Ghana TVET Service to take his place.

The members of the committee as inaugurated are Justice Samuel Obeng Diawuo, Justice of the Court of Appeal (chairman), Rt. Rev. Nuh Ben Abubekr, Retired Methodist Bishop (member), and David Adu-Osei, Retired Regional Commander of NIB (member).

The others are Richard Addo Gyamfi, Acting Ashanti Regional Director, Ghana TVET Service (member) and Dr Abeiku Apprey, Former Principal, Kumasi Technical Institute (member).

The Ashanti Regional Minister reminded the committee members of the disturbances at the school which have generated public interest due to the level of destruction and impunity with which it was done.

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He noted that there is no clarity as to the actual causes of the riot as well as the extent and cost of damage, thus, the need to set up a committee to investigate the matter.

Among others, the Justice Samuel Obeng Diawuo committee will have to ascertain the identity of the perpetrators and any other matter they will deem fit.

The committee has been given two weeks to submit its report.

Simon Osei-Mensah expressed his confidence in the committee and indicated that the members of the committee have been carefully selected from varied relevant backgrounds so that they can bring their expertise and experiences to bear in unravelling the matter.

The Chairman of the committee Justice Samuel Obeng Diawuo thanked the Ashanti Regional Minister for the confidence reposed in the committee and promised to do their best in meeting the objectives of the committee.

The absentee MP was scheduled to appear before the committee tomorrow Friday to justify reasons for the breach of the 15 day sitting rule in Parliament.

But Chairman of the Committee Joseph Osei Owusu appealed to the committee at a meeting to postpone the hearing of the Gender Minister to a later date.

He explained to the committee that he won’t be available tomorrow because he is expected to cast his vote during the elections of the Ashanti regional NPP scheduled for tomorrow Friday 27 May.

Meanwhile the Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey is expected to appear before the committee at 12 noon.

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It will be chaired by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio.

This move comes as an outcome of the meeting between the Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria with accreditation to Ghana, Yanko V. Yordanov and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor on Tuesday, 17th May 2022.

Addressing the media, Mr Jinapor gave an assurance that government and the Ministry are committed to work together to find amicable solutions which will completely put the matter to rest, just as the Sole Inquirer has recommended.

“You will recall that Justice Retired Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta recommended that I use my good offices to find an amicable solution to this issue and this is what has culminated in this meeting with the Bulgarian Ambassador.”

The Minister said the meeting has further strengthened the already long-standing and cordial relationship between the two countries and hoped that a more far-reaching outcome will evolve from the encounter.

“I look forward to building a relationship that goes way beyond the land matters into discussing bigger issues.”

The Minister expressed his profound gratitude to the Envoy for his leadership, sense of solidarity and corporation on behalf of the Government and people of Bulgaria.

The Minister also thanked the President for showing tremendous skill and diplomacy in his leadership and his involvement in dealing with the matter.

He assured the Envoy that the desire of President Akufo-Addo in solving the matter is one that he in his capacity as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, will follow through to the letter.

The Bulgarian Ambassador to Ghana, Yanko Yordanov thanked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the President of the Republic for their personal intervention and commitment to resolving the impasse between the Bulgarian Embassy and the Private Developer.

“Bulgaria is thankful to each and every Ghanaian institution, Parliament and especially the Presidency and I’m very hopeful that with the support of these institutions, we will find a lasting solution to this,” he said.

Mr. Yordanov further assured the Minister that all affected by the Bulgarian Embassy demolition, including Bulgarians, realize that the Ghanaian government had no role in the demolition and that the issue will not mar the 60-year relationship between the two countries.

Mr Maxwell Adu-Nsarfoa, the Ministry’s Technical Director for Lands, and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are among the three members of the three-member committee.

The committee chaired by Dr Nsiah Asare, Special Advisor to the President on Health has four weeks to submit its report to the Education Minister.

The committee has representation from the Students Representative Council (SRC), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ministry of Health, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Medical and Dental Council, Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Vice Chancellors of Medical Schools, the Rector of College of Physicians and Surgeons among others.

Meeting agenda

The agenda for the meeting was to update and explain the essential problem at stake, and discuss plans for the immediate integration of the Ghanaian Medical students from Ukraine into the Ghana Medical Education System.

Speaking at a stakeholder’s consultative meeting to address displaced Ghanaian Medical students from Ukraine, in Accra on Friday, Dr Adutwum urged the team to work hard to ensure that the students are placed in schools where they would fit well to continue their education.

Be innovative

He reminded the committee to be innovative in their findings and also consider creating a pathway for some of the students who might have some weaknesses in some areas of their studies so they could cope with the Ghanaian education system.

The Education Minister urged the committee to work hard and make sure all the students are placed in one institution or the other so they could continue to their education so they could continue their education for the good of the student and the nation as a whole.

Dr Adutwum who is the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti region assured all parents to exercise patients and have confidence in the government as it worked very hard to get schools for the students.

Government’s focus

He stated that everything possible was being done to ensure that the government’s dream of hitting the 40 per cent Gross Tertiary Enrolment Ratio (GTER) mark was attained by 2030.

Dr Nsiah Asare, on behalf of the committee, pledged to work hard to ensure that the students would be placed in the institutions required so they could continue their education.

He stated that everything possible would be done to ensure that the committee submitted its report on schedule.

Background

The Russian-Ukraine war which started a couple of months ago has affected many people in diverse ways. One of such people is Ghanaian students studying in Ukraine who have to run for their lives and now seeking support to go back to the classroom to continue their studies.

The Government of Ghana in its bid to ensure that the affected students are re-integrated into various universities in the country has initiated a move to put in place the right modalities to ensure that all the 132 students so far registered are enrolled on Ghanaian universities to continue their studies.

Of the numbers registered so far, only 28 were on a government scholarship and would be assisted in that direction after they have been enrolled into any university in the country.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson has vowed to deal with some members of the Premix Committee over fuel theft.

According to her, most of the members divert the fuel meant for fishermen creating shortage.

Fishermen are up in arms with government over shortage of premix fuel. They claim shortage of fuel for three months is affecting their business.

Reacting to this on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Hon. Hawa Koomson said some members of the Premix Fuel Committee divert the fuel for their own selfish interests.

“The premix fuel is not enough for all of them and so what we do is that instead of loading 30 to 40 trucks of premix fuel for allocation, we load just 10 trucks every day.

“What hurts me most is that even after loading the 10 trucks for one community, these committee members hide in the bush and divert the fuel,” she bemoaned.

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The Fisheries Minister said she has videos and pictures of committee members involved in the act and will soon give the evidence to the police for their arrest.

“I am coming after all those involved in this theft. I have videos and names of those who are diverting the fuel. At the right time, I will cause their arrest very soon. I won’t sit down for them to disgrace my Ministry” she fumed.

Ho. Hawa Koomson pledged her commitment to ensure a fair distribution of premix fuel across the country.

The committee, named the FX Development Committee, is in fulfillment of the ministry’s promise in 2019 to form a bi-partisan committee to look into the depreciation and help resolve the issue.

Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Finance Minister, Charles Adu Boahen stated the FX Development Committee is not taking over the powers of the Bank of Ghana but will complement their efforts.

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“The formation of this committee is not to infringe on the independence of the Central Bank in its foreign exchange operations,” he stated.

The Deputy Minister added, “The committee will also review the current forex regime, identify the inherent constraints in the system and offer workable alternatives by way of policies and programmes which potentially would reduce FX risks in the economy.”

Members of the committee chaired by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta are drawn from the office of the Vice President, Bank of Ghana, the Agriculture Ministry, GUTA, Association of Ghana Industries and some Universal Banks among others.

The Committee which has been given a three-month mandate is tasked to present a paper on the structure, membership and functions of the technical teams of all national teams.

The National Teams Review Committee will also advise the GFA on the possible emoluments and rewards for players and technical team members.

Aside its other functions, the Committee will also make recommendations on the payments to be made to the management committees of all national teams and prepare a Code of Conduct for players, technical teams and management committee members for all national teams.

Kudjo Fianoo is the vice Chairman of the Committee with Habiba Atta Forson, Prof Joseph Mintah, Linford Asamoah as members.

The Director of Public Affairs at the school, Stella Amoah said all the needed logistics and arrangements will soon be completed to allow the committee to commence its work.

“Probably early this week, we would have been able to finalize everything so that the committee, so appointed, can start their work. This is a special committee.”

A BBC Africa Eye documentary aired last week captured two lecturers, Prof. Ransford Gyampo and Dr. Paul Butakor on camera engaging in inappropriate behavior and acts suspected to amount to sexual harassment.

The two have subsequently been interdicted by the university.

The University of Ghana has already indicated that it will not shield any employer or student found to have engaged in sexual harassment or conduct.

The University in a statement following the exposé said:

“We would like to state emphatically that the University of Ghana does not and will not shield any employee or student found to have engaged in sexual harassment or misconduct. No member of the University is considered above the law. The University would like to assure all members of the university community including students, employees, our stakeholders, and the public that it will continue to actively fight against sexual harassment/misconduct, and other acts of indiscipline,” the statement added.

Source: Citifm

According to him, some members of NPP MPs from the Central Region on the committee wants to rescue themselves from the hearing.

But the chairman of the Committee according to Adom News’ Abednego Asante Asiedu was forced to adjourn sitting sine dine explaining that some members are planning to rescue themselves from the hearing.

The maverick legislator was dragged to the committee for allegedly calling his colleagues “useless”.

The sitting was to determine whether Mr Agyapong can be held in contempt of Parliament for his alleged contemptuous remarks against Parliament and the Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

READ: We’ll resist attempt to bury Amissah-Arthur outside Moree – Family warns

Alhaji Muntaka had already appeared before the committee and presented an audio and video in which Mr Agyapong purportedly referred to the House as a ‘cheap and useless’ assembly.

He said Mr Agyapong had stated in the audio and video that: “If this House were not useless, they would not have the likes of Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as its leader.”

So Tuesday’s sitting was for Mr Agyapong to cross-examine Alhaji Muntaka on the evidence he had provided to the committee.

READ: Kennedy Agyapong appears before Priviledges committee today

Mr. Kennedy Agyapong was led in counsel by Alexander Afenyo-Markin and K.T. Hammond, both Members of Parliament.

According to Mr Amofo-Sefa, popularly known as Chairman Nana Boakye, the whole process of putting together the Kwesi Botchwey committee and a report, which was used as a platform to suggest a reconciliation process, would rather deepen the woes of the NDC.

“They are still dazed from the massive defeat in 2016 and this reconciliation process that is supposed to lead to a recapturing of power in 2020 is nothing but a self-psyche,” he said.

He pointed out that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) was continuously endearing itself to voters while the NDC was increasingly assuming the position of a villain in the Ghanaian political drama.

He asks why the NDC was, for instance, chasing investors away from the country with all the incessant noise about the $2.25 billion bond.

“They think Ghanaians are minors. The people are quietly watching them and getting to know who really has the country’s development at heart.”

Mr Amfo-Sefa said “if the NDC was really sincere about getting its supporters united behind the party, the first thing they would do, would be to constitute themselves into a responsible opposition.

After all, is it not the very government that you are fighting left, right and centre, the government that the very Ghanaians you are trying to woo voted massively for in the 2016 election?”

He said, “If you really respect the people of this country, would you be going around creating the impression that the choice they made was a not a wise choice?”

Mr Amfo-Sefa said the claim that the party will return to power in 2020 was a false hope that the NDC was giving its supporters.

He claimed that the call for unity in the party will not work because the leadership of the party was insincere about the whole call.

The Kwesi Botchwey Committee on Monday submitted its report on the poor performance of the NDC in the 2016 elections.

Mr Amfo-Sefa pointed out that the NDC does not even know if the reconciliation process would be successful and yet it was already touting victory in 2020.

According to him, the “NDC’s boasts that it is coming at a time that the NPP’s government led by President Akufo-Addo is delivering on its campaign promise.

“President Akufo-Addo is showing what governance is about and instead of the NDC keeping quiet and learning, they are rather tickling themselves and laughing,” he said.

At the handing over of the 455-page report to the party’s leadership in Accra , the Chairman of the 13-member committee, Professor Kwesi Botchwey, said it was time for the party to find means of collating its own results from the polling stations to the top ‘independently’.

The assertion of the committee feeds into the widely held perception that the NDC had all along been having a ‘secret affair’ with the Electoral Commission (EC) when it comes to issues of election collation.

It’s being alleged that during the keenly-contested December 7, 2016 general election, the NDC tied results collation platform to the EC’s system and therefore when the commission suffered results transmission breakdown, the NDC was found wanting.

By the time the transmission glitch was restored by the commission, the then opposition NPP had collated more than 80% of the pink sheets which represented over 24,000 out of 29,000 polling stations and knew the (NPP) candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was winning the election convincingly.

In the course of the transmission fault, the NDC told the public that then candidate John Mahama was in ‘comfortable lead’ and that he – who later became the first incumbent president to lose an election to an opposition candidate in the first round – was going to win.

The EC, at an Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting recently, reportedly admitted that the commission had suffered IT system crash during the collation of the 2016 election results.

Kofi Adams, the Campaign Coordinator for John Mahama, also claimed that IT system failed the NDC, without providing any explanation since the country doesn’t vote electronically.

The Prof Kwesi Botchwey Committee yesterday said the report submitted gives a detailed account of what led to the NDC’s humiliating defeat that caused serious agitations in the party.

The committee has listed issues like divisions in the party, especially among the top echelon, the party’s internal biometric registration of members, profligate campaign, diversion of campaign cash and materials, public perception of corruption and complacency among others, as some of the major causes of the party’s defeat.

Division

The committee, in its report with the sub-title, ‘Listening to the voices of the grassroots,’ recounted how the divisions in the party led to its crashing defeat.

The NDC in the run-up to the December 2016 contest, reportedly spent heavily to fuel divisions in then opposition NPP to create the impression that Nana Akufo-Addo was not ready to govern the country.

However, recent utterances by leading members of the NDC have shown that the party was more divided at the top, constituency and grassroot levels than the NPP it had tried in vain to destroy.

Prof. Kwesi Botchwey was optimistic that the recommendations would help the NDC to re-capture power in 2020, if the party is able to follow what has been suggested.

Peace Tour

Suggestive of a heavily-divided party, the report said the party should take immediate steps to mend all broken fences and recommended a “peacemaking and healing tour,” describing it as very important.

Prof Botchwey said it would create the “necessary conditions for any serious work that needs to be done” in restructuring the party.

On the internal biometric registration which turned chaotic in many constituencies across the country as the party tried to expand its electoral college, the report said it should be worked on “to restore the integrity of the biometric register.”

The 13-member committee suggested the expansion of the electoral college to include ordinary party members who need to be re-examined to restore confidence in the democratic novelty.

In his 38th anniversary speech of the June 4th, 1979 uprising, former President JJ Rawlings who is the founder of the NDC, suggested in Wa, Upper West Region, that the biometric registration was fraught with irregularities and that might have created enemies from within the party for those who were shortchanged in the exercise.

The committee also touched on the many splinter groups that were formed alongside formal party structures – a situation believed to have resulted in competition for campaign resources – since some claimed the pro-Mahama groups even became more powerful in terms of campaign resources than the party’s structures, including the national executive.

In the run-up to the crucial elections, the NDC, with state resource at its disposal, formed many splinter groups to promote the second term bid of President Mahama.

Groups likes ‘Girls Girls for Mahama,’ ‘Zongo Girls for Mahama,’ ‘Zongo for Mahama,’ ‘Youth for Mahama,’ ‘Celebrities for Mahama,’ ‘Mahama Ladies,’ ‘I Choose JM,’ ‘Ambassadors for Mahama,’ Doves for Mahama’ and others, were formed with massive resources from the Flagstaff House to prosecute the agenda, which failed woefully in the end as Ghanaians overwhelmingly rejected Mahama.

The committee also recommended that the party needs to reconnect with its social democratic philosophy and further pointed out that the NDC has a weak intellectual and research base and recommended that steps be taken to crowd the party with critical thinkers.

The committee also wants the party to strengthen its youth and women’s wings and in a remark, Prof. Botchwey said, “My job is done…it is up to you to implement the recommendations.”

Apart from Prof Kwesi Botchwey, other members were former Speaker Edward Doe Adjaho, former General Secretary Hudu Yahaya, Naval Capt. Asase Gyimah, William Ahadzi (director of research at the NDC headquarters) and Ibrahim Zuberu, (Lecturer at Accra Polytechnic and member of the NDC).

The rest are Razak Abu (Researcher at NDC’s Development Challenge), Juliana Azumah Mensah (former MP for Agotime-Ziope), Barbarah Serwah Asamoah (former deputy minister) and  four members from the NDC parliamentary caucus (including the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu).

The committee will be chaired by Dr Opoku Adusei and it has 6 weeks to bring a report to the party.

The NPP emerged victorious in the 2016 elections but it hopes to retain power in the next elections and so the committee is expected to get the necessary information across the country that will help the party win the next election

Below is the full statement:

*THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY INAUGRATES THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS REVIEW COMMITTTEE – STATEMENT BY JOHN BOADU (GENERAL SECRETARY AG.)*

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a liberal conservative party believes that its internal democracy will thrive only on a democratic enabling environment. It is only based on this that the party will continue to become very attractive to all sundry.

The party takes cognizance of the fact that every political programme requires a critical review after the expiration of the execution period. It is not surprising that at the inception of the 4th Republican constitution, when the party believed that the 1992 presidential elections were rigged, the party did a review of the election and came up with the popular “stolen verdict”. Likewise, the 1996 presidential and parliamentary elections were reviewed by the party and the lessons learnt and mistakes corrected catapulted the party into winning the 2000 elections overwhelmingly. The party produced what was known as the bought verdict.

The Heymann Committee of 2008, reviewed why the NPP lost the 2008 elections and some of the recommendations given resulted in the amendments of the Party’s constitution in 2009. You all know about the bizarre circumstance under which the 2012 elections were declared by the EC and even the Supreme Court pronouncement on the Presidential petition filed the then Presidential candidate and now the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The 2012 elections were reviewed as well.

Thankfully, the New Patriotic Party won the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections convincingly and we are gathered here today to inaugurate the Addo Kufuor Committee to undertake an independent Review of the 2016 elections.

TASKS

The Addo Kufuor Committee is a 10-Member Committee consisting of men and women who are true party members of credibility. The Committee is mandated by the Party to undertake the following assignments;

1. To provide a detailed and honest analysis of 2016 elections country wide; on structures and operations at all levels;
2. To produce a clear, concise, but detailed report to form basis for the party’s campaign to win 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections, i.e. a strategy for 2020 elections; and,
3. To provide objective review of the current state of the party.

SUBMISSION OF REPORT

The Addo Kufuor Committee has been given 6 weeks to submit its report to the leadership of the party through the General Secretary.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the high ranking of Ghana’s democracy which has become very enviable across the globe is as a result of the NPP’s continuous propagation of best political practices.

It will be recalled that The Joe Ghartey committee was constituted last month to investigate bribery allegations brought against leadership of the appointment committee.

Their 30 day time line expired over 2 weeks ago but Ghanaians have still not heard anything which led to calls by Anti corruption crusaders and other civil society groups mounting pressure on the committee to come out with their report.

Following this, Public Affairs Director of parliament, Kate Addo says the report will be released on March 29.

In a statement, she says the committee met Wednesday to review evidence provided by the persons who appeared before them.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Parliament’s Appointment Committee Joe Osei says his accusers have so far failed to throw up any evidence that he attempted bribing minority members of his committee.

He says he wished the committee’s work was over already, but understands why it needs more time.

Mr Ayariga said Joseph Osei-Owusu handed over the bribe money to the MPs, a claim Mr Osei-Owusu denies vehemently.

 Listen to Mr Osei-Owusu