Ghana Politics News

The latest Ghana politics coverage in one place: government and parliament, elections, policy, and the people shaping national life, from Accra to the regions. Stories are curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and refreshed through the day, newest first.

Tema Mayor, TDC CEO summoned to Presidency over escalating dispute
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President Mahama Intervenes in Escalating TDC-TMA Dispute Over Tema Housing Project

President John Mahama has summoned the leadership of TDC Ghana Limited and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) to the Jubilee House to resolve a deepening conflict that has halted a critical housing project. The summons follows a stop-work order issued by the TMA against TDC’s infilling housing project at Community One, Site Three. The meeting, scheduled for August 17, 2026, will include the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Tema, Ebi Bright, and the Managing Director of TDC, Courage Nunekpeku, alongside the Ministers for Local Government and Housing. The dispute centers on allegations from the TMA that TDC is proceeding without the necessary development permits and is causing environmental degradation. Specifically, the Assembly has raised concerns over the felling of trees and the obstruction of community access routes. In response, TDC has defended its actions, asserting that its mandate to develop Tema remains intact and distinct from the administrative functions of the TMA. TDC leadership argues that the project is a national priority and that the stop-work order is a disproportionate reaction to what they describe as an inter-institutional administrative matter that should have been handled through coordination rather than confrontation. Beyond the administrative hurdles, observers have pointed toward a possible personal and political rivalry between the heads of the two state institutions. Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, has characterized the friction as a concerning lack of coordination that could negatively impact the government’s overall development agenda. Koomson praised President Mahama’s proactive steps to mediate, noting that such public disagreements between state agencies undermine public confidence and project delivery. The outcome of the presidential intervention is expected to provide a roadmap for better collaboration between the two entities. TDC has advocated for a more integrated engagement process to ensure that housing delivery—a cornerstone of the current administration's priorities—is not derailed by bureaucratic or personal differences. The upcoming meeting at the Presidency represents a critical move to restore order in Tema’s urban development and ensure that state institutions work in synergy rather than in opposition.

NPP Greater Accra elections: Disagreement over ballot counting process
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NPP Internal Elections Marred by Regional Disputes and Ballot Recounts Amidst Shifting Political Dynamics

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is navigating a period of significant internal friction as various regional and constituency elections across Ghana face allegations of procedural irregularities and legal challenges. In the Western North Region, the chairmanship race ended in chaos after provisional results suggested Pious Vincent Abekah had secured a victory. The ensuing disagreements at the collation center forced the Ghana Police Service to take custody of the ballot boxes to ensure their safety, with a potential recount pending to finalize the outcome. Similarly, in the Greater Accra Region, tensions flared at the WAEC Hall in Tema Community 5 over ballot-counting procedures. While voting concluded mid-afternoon, counting was delayed by disputes among aspirants until a resolution was brokered by party officials, the Electoral Commission, and security personnel. In the Tema Central and Nandom constituencies, stakeholders are demanding the annulment of recent polls and the cleansing of electoral registers. Members in Tema Central, led by constituency secretary aspirant Prince Anim-Nuamah, formally rejected the August 13 election results, citing a mere 24-hour notice for the exercise and an unresolved court case regarding the validity of the electoral roll. Meanwhile, in Nandom, elected executives have called for the immediate removal of eight disputed appointees from the register, arguing that a lack of consultation in their appointment undermines the party's constitutional processes and the integrity of the Upper West Regional Delegates Conference. Contrasting these internal organizational struggles, political analyst and broadcaster Paul Adom-Otchere has observed a potential shift in voter sentiment within the Ashanti Region. Speaking during the regional executive elections, Adom-Otchere asserted that what he termed the "arrogance of power" within the current John Mahama-led NDC administration is driving undecided voters back toward the NPP. He specifically criticized the demolition of established market structures for new projects, suggesting that such government actions are alienating the electorate in a region that remains a critical stronghold for the NPP. Adding to the party's external complexities are the public remarks of Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, whose recent threats to curse NPP supporters have drawn criticism from within the party. Media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah responded to the clergyman’s outbursts, suggesting they stem from personal grievances regarding his treatment post-election rather than objective spiritual or political foresight. As the NPP attempts to consolidate its leadership through these internal polls, the party faces the dual challenge of resolving administrative disputes while managing high-profile relationships and capitalizing on perceived government unpopularity ahead of future national contests.

NPP elect new regional executives
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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Rallies NPP Following Major Regional Executive Elections Shakeup for 2028 Campaign

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully concluded its regional executive elections across Ghana, marking a pivotal phase in the party's reorganization ahead of the 2028 general elections. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s Presidential Candidate, hailed the peaceful conduct of the polls as a testament to the NPP's commitment to internal democracy. The elections resulted in a significant reconfiguration of the party’s leadership, with a mix of decisive victories for fresh faces and the reaffirmation of several veteran incumbents across the sixteen regions. Dr. Bawumia has urged the newly elected executives to immediately shift their focus toward unity and grassroots mobilization to strengthen the party's structures. In the party's critical strongholds, the results signaled a major shift in leadership. In the Ashanti Region, Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, unseated the previous administration by securing 658 votes against Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu’s 269. Similarly, in the Greater Accra Region, former Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye achieved a landslide victory, polling 488 votes to defeat Alfred Boye. In his victory speech, Dr. Okoe Boye committed to a "restoration" of the party's influence in the capital, specifically targeting the reclamation of lost parliamentary seats. Meanwhile, Jeff Konadu Addo and Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC) successfully retained their chairmanships in the Eastern and Bono regions, respectively, receiving strong mandates from their delegates. The electoral process across the country was largely peaceful, though some regions faced localized challenges. In the Upper West Region, Abdul-Aziz Abdu-Rahaman’s victory was met with protests from Nandom Constituency delegates regarding voting eligibility, requiring police intervention before the Electoral Commission could finalize the results. In the Savannah Region, Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana secured a narrow victory over Dr. Clifford Braimah by just four votes. Other notable results included the re-election of Makafui Woanya for a third term in the Volta Region and Mohammed Baantima Samba in the Northern Region, both of whom emphasized the need for internal cohesion to challenge the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the next cycle. Following the declaration of results, Dr. Bawumia called for a unified front, urging unsuccessful candidates to set aside grievances and support the new leadership. Many defeated aspirants, including Sarfo Raphael Patrick in the Ashanti Region, have already pledged their continued loyalty to the party, emphasizing that their commitment to the NPP remains unshaken by electoral outcomes. The newly formed regional executive teams are now tasked with the immediate objective of rebuilding grassroots support and refining the party's communication strategies. As the NPP prepares for the 2028 contest under the presidency of John Mahama, these regional leaders will serve as the frontline of the party's effort to return to power.

Dr Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, (front row 2nd from right), Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, with members of the local implementation committee of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project
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Mahama’s 2028 Intentions Gain Majority Support Amid Contentious Parliamentary Recall and National Cathedral Audit

Recent polling data from Global InfoAnalytics reveals that a significant majority of Ghanaians—65%—support President John Dramani Mahama’s decision not to seek a third term in the 2028 general elections. The survey, conducted in late July 2026, shows broad agreement across party lines, including 76% of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters and 59% of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters. While the President’s public stance has quelled much of the debate, groups such as Ghanaians for Progress (GHAPRO) continue to advocate for a third term, citing "unfinished business" and the need for exceptional leadership. This public discourse comes as the administration navigates a busy legislative and accountability agenda early in the President's current term. Simultaneously, a political row has erupted over Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to recall Parliament from its recess for an extraordinary sitting from August 24 to August 28, 2026. While the Speaker cited "urgent parliamentary business" under Order 58(4) of the Standing Orders, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu. The MP for Tolon labeled the recall a "waste of taxpayers' money," arguing that the primary agenda—the approval of two ministerial nominees—is not an emergency. Iddrisu noted that the ministries in question have functioned without substantive heads for nearly a year, suggesting the matters could have waited until the scheduled resumption in October. Accountability remains a central theme as Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that the forensic audit report on the National Cathedral project was submitted to the Attorney General on August 7, 2026. The report is currently under review to determine subsequent legal actions. This development follows a scathing critique by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who argued that funds allocated for the Cathedral should have been used to complete hospitals under the Agenda 111 initiative. Dr. Ayine emphasized that the construction of a religious facility should have been handled with more care, referencing a PwC report that suggested the diverted funds could have significantly benefited national healthcare infrastructure. On the development front, the government is moving forward with significant infrastructure and social commitments. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced the final phase of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project, set to begin in mid-September 2026, which will provide new homes for 69 households displaced by the 2022 explosion. Concurrently, the Ministry of Transport has commissioned a six-month feasibility study for a coastal water transport route between Keta and Axim. However, local challenges persist; farmers in Bolgatanga have expressed disappointment over failed World Bank-funded irrigation projects, and traders at the Konkomba Yam Market are urging the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to reconsider demolition plans for a new "24-hour economy" market project to avoid disrupting food supply chains.

NCCE urges youth leaders to champion ethical leadership against corruption
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Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie and National Peace Council Lead Renewed Push for Institutional Integrity and Public Trust

In a series of coordinated efforts to bolster Ghana’s democratic resilience, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and the National Peace Council (NPC) have issued strong calls for institutional reform and ethical leadership. Speaking at the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana’s congress in Fiapre, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie warned that poor court administration, delays, and staff misconduct are directly eroding public confidence in the judiciary. He emphasized that the public evaluates the entire justice system based on their interactions with administrative staff, urging for a more professional approach to facilitate justice delivery. Simultaneously, the NPC convened an inter-party dialogue in Accra to foster trust among political parties and promote responsible communication, reinforcing that Ghana’s peace depends on the collective commitment of political actors to manage differences constructively. While leadership focuses on institutional trust, the Minority in Parliament has raised sharp concerns regarding the government’s management of athlete welfare. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of the Committee on Youth and Sports, demanded an independent investigation into reports of systemic neglect during the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The MP highlighted disturbing claims, including late airline ticket deliveries without luggage allowances, delayed provision of competition kits, and unclear per diem payments for athletes and the Black Queens. This call for transparency is echoed in the social sector by the Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG), which is demanding that government agencies and district assemblies publish the names of disability fund beneficiaries to prevent the misappropriation of funds and ensure that support reaches those truly in need. Addressing the foundational role of ethical leadership, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified its engagement with youth leaders in the Northern Region. Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, the NCCE Northern Regional Director, urged young people to reject corruption and embrace accountability, noting that the country’s future depends on a departure from the unfulfilled promises of the past. These efforts are being complemented by the launch of the Civil Society Coalition Against Transnational Crime, which aims to combat human trafficking and cybercrime through community-led prevention. Additionally, the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, has called for a shift toward more professional and sustainable water-service delivery to ensure that vulnerable rural populations have reliable access to safe drinking water. Together, these developments highlight a broader national movement toward strengthening accountability and governance under the administration of President John Mahama. From the judiciary to sports administration and rural infrastructure, the recurring theme remains the urgent need for transparency and ethical conduct to restore public trust in state institutions. As civil society and government agencies implement these recommendations, the focus shifts to whether these structural reforms will result in tangible improvements in service delivery and social cohesion, or if they will face further challenges from systemic inefficiencies and economic pressures.

Big Talk, Small Receipts: The Politics of Promises and Policy
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Mahama Administration Defends Economic Record Amidst IFS Critiques on 2026 Budget Execution and Revenue Shortfalls

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Senior Presidential Advisor, has robustly defended President John Mahama’s administration, asserting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lacks the credibility to lecture the current government on economic management. Speaking in August 2026, Mogtari highlighted the significant progress achieved under the leadership of Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson. She dismissed recent criticisms from the Minority Caucus regarding the operations of the Ghana Gold Board and urged citizens to remain supportive of the administration's trajectory, claiming the country is making steady economic strides despite the political rhetoric from the opposition. However, this optimistic political stance faces scrutiny from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). In its comprehensive assessment of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, the IFS expressed disappointment over a GH35.6 billion shortfall in government spending during the first half of the year. Dr. Said Boakye, the Executive Director of the IFS, pointed out that the government failed to reach its projected expenditure of GH172.54 billion, largely due to low revenue inflows. A specific point of contention was the administration’s failure to adequately capture revenue from the small-scale mining sector, a missed opportunity that the IFS argues could have funded critical infrastructure projects necessary for national development. The economic challenges identified by the IFS appear to mirror frustrations in the tourism and creative sectors. While international arrivals have increased nineteen months into President Mahama’s term, actual tourism receipts have reportedly declined. Ambitious initiatives like the "Black Star Experience" have yet to translate into the economic renaissance promised to local creators, who remain disillusioned by stagnant copyright administration and delayed funding. Conversely, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) provided a more stable outlook, announcing plans to grow its active membership to 2.8 million by 2028, with assets under management currently reaching GH35.4 billion. Amidst these fiscal debates, NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has focused his message on youth empowerment, emphasizing that young Ghanaians deserve enhanced opportunities to secure jobs and start businesses. While the Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing reports to address urban congestion and modernize rail and bus systems, the political landscape remains dominated by the government's budget execution. With approximately 29 months remaining in his term, the Mahama administration faces the dual challenge of fulfilling its cultural and infrastructure promises while addressing the fiscal gaps highlighted by economic watchdogs.

Ghana didn’t seek financial help from South Africa during evacuation – Foreign Affairs
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Ghana Rejects South African Evacuation Bill Amid Regional Shifts and US Political Transition

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected requests for reimbursement from South Africa concerning the evacuation of over 1,600 Ghanaian nationals following xenophobic attacks in 2026. Official statements clarify that the Ghanaian government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, fully funded the GH₵10.6 million operation without seeking financial or material assistance from South African authorities. The Ministry emphasized that Ghana would not be included among the African nations asked by South Africa to repay a portion of the $18 million spent on repatriating foreign nationals. This proactive stance on citizen safety includes ongoing reintegration support and relief for returnees, reflecting a commitment to national sovereignty and the welfare of Ghanaians abroad. On the regional front, several African nations are undergoing significant legislative and political shifts. Togo's National Assembly has opened an extraordinary session to consider critical bills on environmental protection and commercial justice reforms, while Zambia recently held general elections with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema expected to secure a second term following his economic recovery efforts. In Mali, President Assimi Goïta has granted a presidential pardon to Yann Vezilier, a French national previously sentenced for a coup plot, a move intended to ease diplomatic tensions despite the gravity of the original charges. Meanwhile, France has initiated disciplinary proceedings against its ambassador to the Central African Republic following allegations of serious personal misconduct and security breaches. These internal developments coincide with a broader recalculation of Africa’s international relations as the United States reduces its aid and diplomatic footprint on the continent. In the wake of USAID office closures, African governments are increasingly turning to partners in the Gulf, Turkey, and South Korea for investment. This geopolitical realignment occurs alongside heightened territorial disputes, such as Spain’s firm rejection of Moroccan sovereignty claims over the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and increasing instability in the West Bank where Palestinian households face displacement. Security concerns also remain acute in Crimea, following the remote-detonation assassination of a former Ukrainian submarine commander who had defected to Russia. In the United States, the political landscape is marked by administrative changes and security maneuvers within the Trump presidency. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced her resignation to prioritize family life, while legal challenges mount against the administration’s Truth Social service over its $100,000 early-access fees. Security protocols have also come under scrutiny following revelations that President Trump utilized decoy aircraft during a high-stakes trip to Turkey to evade potential threats. Furthermore, the administration faces internal pressure regarding deteriorating living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and a reported decline in federal sex trafficking prosecutions, highlighting the complex challenges facing US domestic and defense policy.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson (middle), acting Minister of Defence, cutting the tape to inaugurate the Butler Barracks complex (inset), with support from Lt Gen. William Agyapong (left), Chief of the Defence Staff
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Minister Jinapor Issues One-Month Ultimatum to GRIDCo Encroachers as Government Boosts Military Infrastructure and Law Enforcement

Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has issued a final one-month ultimatum for all individuals and businesses illegally occupying Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) transmission rights-of-way to evacuate voluntarily. This stern directive follows a recent incident where a fuel tanker undergoing unauthorized welding exploded beneath the Tema–Achimota 161kV transmission line, severely compromising the structural integrity of a transmission tower. Citing legal instruments L.I. 542 and L.I. 1737, which mandate protected corridors of 15 to 20 metres for high-voltage lines, the Minister emphasized that non-compliance after the deadline will result in forceful enforcement by security services to ensure public safety and the reliability of the national power supply. In a parallel effort to strengthen national security infrastructure, the Minister for Finance and acting Minister of Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated the new Butler Barracks accommodation and office complex. The project, which includes a Music Hall for the Ghana Armed Forces Central Band and facilities for the Central Ordnance Depot, represents a significant investment in the welfare and operational readiness of military personnel. During the ceremony, which marked one of his final acts in the defense portfolio, Dr. Forson highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in addressing military housing needs and urged the Ghana Armed Forces to uphold a rigorous maintenance culture to preserve these national assets. While infrastructure development remains a priority, the government and judiciary are also addressing internal security and fraud. In Accra, the Circuit Court has granted bail of GH¢350,000 to retired Fire Officer Thomas Dorkenu, who is accused of orchestrating a GH¢303,200 enlistment scam. Dorkenu allegedly defrauded 60 applicants by promising them positions in the Ghana National Fire Service through fake protocol allocations. Simultaneously, the Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District Police Command has suspended the use of muskets and gunshots at funerals until further notice to prevent potential security breaches, reflecting a broader effort to maintain public order across the country. These administrative actions coincide with targeted law enforcement initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and improving service delivery. The Madina Divisional Police Command has announced a renewed crackdown on child labor and human trafficking, specifically targeting the exploitation of children as head-porters (kayayei) in local markets. However, the expansion of these security efforts faces logistical hurdles; in the Adaklu District, Assistant Superintendent of Police Esther Buakuma has made an urgent appeal for residential accommodation for personnel. She noted that many officers must currently commute from Ho, which hampers police visibility and response times, signaling a need for continued infrastructure investment in the interior.

Imam and pastor arrested by police over inciteful comment on Prophet Mohammed
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Ghana Interior Ministry and Security Agencies Act to Quell Religious Tensions Following Cleric Arrests and Custody Breach

The Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana Police Service have moved to contain escalating religious tensions following the arrests of two prominent clerics for inciteful remarks and a subsequent breach of police custody. The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to conduct a thorough investigation into how civilians gained access to a suspect, Apostle Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, while he was in police detention. The directive follows the circulation of a viral video showing a civilian, Sibamay Zakaria (also known as Papa Angola), assaulting the handcuffed Apostle. The Minister has mandated disciplinary actions against any police officers found complicit in the breach, asserting that no violation of the law justifies an assault on a person in state custody. The initial arrests centered on Imam Masud Abdullah, 35, and Apostle Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, both of whom were apprehended for making inflammatory statements regarding Prophet Mohammed. Imam Abdullah was detained for allegedly endorsing violence against those who insult the Prophet, while Apostle Adjei faced charges for using derogatory language in a separate video. Following the assault on the Apostle, police launched a manhunt and successfully arrested 63-year-old Sibamay Zakaria. The Ghana Hajj Board and the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) have since issued statements distancing themselves from Zakaria, clarifying that he holds no official position within their organizations. In response to these events, the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) and the Zango Institute for Development (ZID) have called for maximum restraint and the preservation of interfaith harmony. The CCG condemned the physical assault of Apostle Adjei and urged security services to ensure justice is applied fairly across religious lines. Similarly, the ZID emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue rather than violence, urging Ghanaians to reject provocative rhetoric. The Ghana Police Service has issued a stern warning to the public, emphasizing that while freedoms of religion and expression are guaranteed, they do not provide a license to incite violence or disorder. Efforts to de-escalate the situation have also involved political and community mediation. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, recently facilitated bail for Apostle Adjei after an amicable resolution was reached involving representatives from both the Christian and Muslim communities. Amidst these tensions, other political figures, including Ho West MP Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, have highlighted the essential need for the state and faith-based institutions to collaborate on national development rather than succumb to division. These incidents underscore the delicate balance between religious influence and the rule of law in Ghana, where the government continues to urge citizens to prioritize national unity and institutional integrity over sectarian grievances.

Ebi Bright - Metropolitan Chief Executive for Tema
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Minister Haruna Iddrisu Backs Elective MMDCEs as Local Governance Disputes and Funding Challenges Mount

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has formally endorsed the government's initiative to transition Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to elective positions, marking a significant step in Ghana’s decentralization agenda. Speaking at the 2026 National Dialogue on Decentralisation in Accra, Iddrisu emphasized that such elections should remain non-partisan to prevent national political rivalries from disrupting local governance. This stance was echoed by Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), who urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reach a consensus on the matter. Dr. Akwetey noted that the lack of political agreement has historically hindered effective reform, citing the failed 2019 referendum as a cautionary tale while calling for a system that balances party participation with credible independent candidates. While the national dialogue focuses on structural reforms, local authorities are grappling with significant jurisdictional and financial challenges. In Tema, a sharp conflict has erupted between the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and TDC Ghana Limited over planning authority. Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive Ebi Bright ordered the demolition of parts of a TDC infilling project in Community One, asserting that the assembly holds exclusive statutory power over physical developments. In contrast, TDC Managing Director Courage Nunekpeku argued that the company has traditionally operated under government exemptions and criticized the TMA for acting before a seven-day response period had expired. The Tema Traditional Council has since intervened, calling for dialogue to resolve the impasse over land designated for public amenities like playgrounds. Financial tensions are also surfacing at the sub-district level, highlighted by a threat from members of the Ho Zonal Council to walk out of General Assembly meetings. The council is protesting the Ho Municipal Assembly’s failure to transfer GHS 119,000 in due commissions, which has stalled local development projects. Chairman Emmanuel Adzome expressed frustration that lucrative revenue points are being assigned to private collectors rather than the Zonal Council, undermining their financial viability. Although Municipal Chief Executive Stephen Adom has called for patience, the dispute underscores the broader struggle for fiscal autonomy and resource allocation within the local government framework. Amidst these frictions, there are signs of progress in administrative efficiency and urban collaboration. The District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is set to release second-quarter transfers this week to all compliant assemblies, with Administrator Michael Harry Yamson stressing that four non-compliant districts must meet reporting requirements to access their funds. Simultaneously, in Kumasi, Mayor Richard Kwasi Ofori Boadi Agyemang is championing a new partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to tackle urban challenges like waste management and traffic congestion. These developments suggest that while the path to full decentralization remains fraught with legal and financial hurdles, regional initiatives and institutional reforms continue to push for a more accountable and self-sustaining local government system.

Gov't clarifies revocation of Adamus mining leases and says assets are 'not for sale'
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Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah Revokes Adamus Resources Leases as Government Tightens Grip on Mining and Cocoa Sectors

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has upheld the revocation of three mining leases belonging to Adamus Resources Limited, citing systemic breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act. The decision follows a review by an Inter-Ministerial Committee that identified unauthorized mineral rights assignments, environmental compliance failures, and financial defaults. Adamus Resources, led by entrepreneur Angela List, has vehemently rejected the move, describing it as an "abuse of power" and a "baseless revocation" that disregards statutory procedures. The company has vowed to challenge the decision in court, while the Ministry has clarified that the assets are not for sale but must adhere to national laws to protect the public interest and maintain industry standards. Concurrent with the Adamus dispute, the government is facing intense pressure to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. In the Western Region, the Mpohor-Fiase District Assembly, led by District Chief Executive Sophia Aubyn, recently conducted an intelligence-led operation involving a joint taskforce of the military and police, resulting in several arrests. However, prominent voices like award-winning journalist Erastus Asare Donkor and Dr. Ken Ashigbey of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining have warned that recent gains are being eroded. Dr. Ashigbey criticized the state for failing to honor the eight officials who died in a helicopter crash a year ago by allowing illegal operations to continue unabated, particularly in "red zones" where water sources remain heavily contaminated. Meanwhile, Betterland Ghana Limited has threatened legal action against GTV over reports of illegal mining in forest reserves, asserting their operations are fully legal. To bolster economic stability and national reserves, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Minister Buah have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with large-scale miners under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP). This agreement mandates that 30% of gold output be sold to the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Gold Board for local processing and refining. The government aims to build a reserve buffer equivalent to 15 months of import cover, positioning Ghana as a gold refining hub in West Africa. The Ghana Chamber of Mines has expressed support for the program while advocating for an incentive-based system to promote local mineral beneficiation beyond 2028. In the legislative arena, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Mahama to withhold his assent to the new Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Bill. The NPP, represented by Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, argues that the bill could inadvertently penalize cocoa farmers for administrative lapses and lacks transparency regarding producer price calculations linked to Free on Board (FOB) prices. The party is calling for broader consultations to ensure the law protects farmers' interests rather than imposing unintended penalties. These developments underscore a period of intensive regulatory activity as the Mahama administration seeks to balance industrial enforcement with economic growth and rural stability.

Pressure Group demands Parliamentary probe into AKSA bribery allegations
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NPP Demands Public Inquiry into AKSA Energy Bribery Scandal Following US Conviction of Asante Berko

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has intensified calls for a comprehensive public inquiry into the AKSA Energy bribery scandal following the conviction of former investment banker Asante Kwaku Berko in the United States. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, is leading the demand for transparency, arguing that a public probe is essential to identify and shame those who facilitated corrupt payments to Ghanaian officials between 2014 and 2017. The case, which involves over $1 million in alleged bribes to secure a power plant deal, has reignited political tensions over domestic corruption detection and the integrity of Ghana’s legal institutions. Central to the NPP’s demand is a request for a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of a relative of President John Mahama. Baffour Awuah has urged investigators to clarify this individual’s identity, their relationship with the President, and any financial gains or influence they may have wielded during the project’s approval process. The People’s Alliance for Governance and Accountability (PAGA) has joined the call for accountability, specifically petitioning Parliament to probe 18 members of the Mines and Energy Committee who were involved in the 2015 ratification of the AKSA agreement. Evidence from U.S. court documents suggests that corrupt payments were intended for officials within the Ministry of Power and members of the legislature to ensure favorable assessments of the deal. The investigation has become a flashpoint for partisan debate regarding the credibility of Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine. The NPP has expressed a lack of confidence in the Attorney General’s ability to conduct an independent probe, with Baffour Awuah alleging the establishment of a "separate justice system" that favors members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) by discontinuing sensitive prosecutions. In response, NDC Communications team member Theophilus Dzimega dismissed these claims as baseless, defending Dr. Ayine’s record of cooperation with U.S. authorities and highlighting President Mahama’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms, including a strict code of conduct for government appointees. Beyond the AKSA scandal, other allegations of administrative misconduct have surfaced, further fueling the national conversation on transparency. Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson, recently detailed a scholarship scandal where she alleged that government-sponsored recipients incorrectly used taxpayer funds to cover airfare and stipends for their entire families. Simultaneously, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has raised questions regarding a private "welfare account" managed by the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC. These concurrent issues underscore the growing pressure on the current administration to strengthen local anti-corruption frameworks and ensure that state institutions can detect and prosecute financial crimes without relying solely on international agencies.