Ayitey Powers Remanded Over Alleged Threat Against NSA Boss
Former Ghanaian boxing star Michael Ayitey Okai, widely known as Ayitey Powers, has been ordered into police custody for one week as investigations continue into an alleged death threat against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. The Dansoman Circuit Court issued the remand order on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after Ayitey Powers was brought before the court following his arrest by the Accra Regional Police Command a day earlier. His arrest came in the wake of a viral social media video purportedly showing him threatening the life of Mr. Ampofo Ankrah. Ayitey Powers is scheduled to make his next court appearance on September 2, 2026. The case has attracted the attention of the Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC), which had earlier called for his arrest and prosecution over the alleged remarks. Police investigations are ongoing as the court considers the appropriate course of action in the high-profile case. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Vows Relentless Pursuit of Answers Over $1.7 Billion Gold Programme Loss
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared its unwavering commitment to seeking full accountability over the US$1.7 billion loss reported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in connection with Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). Addressing journalists on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye emphasized that the party would not relent in its demands for answers until every detail of the reported loss is publicly explained and scrutinized. “We are not backing off. Not now, not tomorrow, not until every question is answered in full, and in public, and under proper scrutiny,” Nana Boakye stated. He called on the Minority Leader and NPP members in Parliament to use all available parliamentary procedures to extract the truth from government and relevant institutions. “Use every relevant law in the books, every question on the floor of Parliament, every committee hearing, every request for documents, every order paper, every point of order. Fight for the people of Ghana in the court of public opinion as well. Fight until the Ghanaian people receive all the answers they deserve, in writing, under oath if necessary,” he urged. The NPP’s renewed push for transparency follows the IMF’s assessment of a significant loss linked to the DGPP, sparking calls for deeper scrutiny of the programme’s transactions and their impact on public finances. Nana Boakye assured that the NPP would persist through Parliament and other appropriate channels until the circumstances surrounding the reported loss are fully addressed. The party insists that only thorough and public accountability will satisfy the concerns of the Ghanaian people. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Appointments Committee to Vet Mahama Ayariga and Other Presidential Nominees
The Appointments Committee of Parliament is set to vet Majority Leader and Chairman of the Business Committee, Mahama Ayariga, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following his nomination by President John Dramani Mahama as Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Mr. Ayariga is among three high-profile nominees scheduled to appear before the committee as Parliament advances its review of recent presidential nominations to key ministerial and judicial positions. Also appearing for vetting on Tuesday is Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, nominated as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, alongside a nominee for appointment to the Supreme Court. During parliamentary proceedings on Monday, August 24, Mr. Ayariga, in his capacity as Business Committee Chair, outlined the timetable and procedures for the upcoming vettings. “On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Appointments Committee should consider the two ministerial nominees and one justice of the Supreme Court. And then on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Appointments Committee should also consider the nominations of two justices of the Supreme Court. So those are the schedules that the Business Committee is recommending for adoption by this House.” According to the proposed schedule, the committee will begin with the two ministerial nominees and one Supreme Court nominee on Tuesday, and follow up with two additional Supreme Court nominees on Wednesday, August 26. Mr. Ayariga’s vetting will allow committee members to scrutinise his qualifications, experience, and policy positions, and assess his suitability for the Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs portfolio. The vetting process is part of Parliament’s broader consideration of several presidential nominations that require approval. To facilitate the process, Parliament’s Business Committee requested a waiver of the Standing Orders’ usual publication requirement for nominations, enabling the committee to proceed with the vetting schedule without delay. Following the vetting sessions, the committee’s reports on the nominees will be presented to the full House for consideration and approval, in accordance with parliamentary procedures. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Finally Sues GoldBod CEO Over Extortion Allegations
Parliament resumed on Monday, August 24, 2026, under a cloud of controversy as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced that he had begun legal proceedings against Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The Effutu MP’s lawsuit, revealed on the floor of Parliament, marks a new escalation in the ongoing dispute over the financial management of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). At the heart of the matter is a reported US$1.7 billion loss recorded by the Bank of Ghana in 2025, which Mr. Afenyo-Markin has repeatedly cited in his calls for government and GoldBod accountability. Mr. Gyamfi, however, has staunchly defended his agency, rejecting the Minority Leader’s interpretation and insisting the losses cannot be laid at GoldBod’s door. Tensions reached a boiling point when Mr. Gyamfi described Mr. Afenyo-Markin as an “extortionist” amid intensifying scrutiny of the gold purchasing initiative. The Minority Leader responded by informing Parliament that he has not only sued Mr. Gyamfi but has also initiated legal action against media outlets that published or broadcast the disputed remarks. “I am ready to submit myself to the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the other agencies for more investigations,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said, confidently asserting that the courts would determine the truth based on evidence and the law. He stressed the importance of maintaining decorum in public discourse, stating, “There is a limit to political discourse and there are lines that must not be crossed, and once crossed, there must be dealt with.” Mr. Afenyo-Markin further affirmed his commitment to integrity, hard work, and service to Parliament and his constituents, declaring his readiness to defend his actions and statements in court. He revealed details of the lawsuits, stating, “I have accordingly caused writs to be filed in Suit Number GT/1029/2026, titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Samuel Adu Gyamfi and Multimedia Group Limited at the Accra High Court, and Suit Number GR/ACH/CC/C5/02/2026, titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Eric Adjei and Peace FM at the Achimota Circuit Court.” Throwing down the gauntlet, he challenged his accusers to “muster courage to report the issue to the various security agencies for further investigation.” As the legal battle unfolds, the nation watches closely, with the outcome likely to set a precedent for the boundaries of political debate and accountability in Ghana’s Parliament. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Climate Change Whiplash Threatens Water, Food Security Across Northern Ghana
Northern Ghana is increasingly caught in a dangerous climate change cycle, prolonged droughts followed by devastating floods, putting the lives and livelihoods of at least 5.8 million people at risk across the five northern regions. The warning was sounded by Jesse Kazapoe, Head of the White Volta Basin Directorate of Ghana’s Water Resources Commission (WRC), during a three-day climate change advocacy training for 30 WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) journalists on climate change reporting, a programme organized by BElim Wusa Development Agency (BEWDA) in partnership with WaterAid Ghana under the SIDA CLIMB Better WASH Partnership. According to Kazapoe, communities across northern Ghana are experiencing the harsh consequences of changing weather patterns, with drought and flooding emerging as two sides of the same climate crisis. For many farming communities, the dry season is no longer simply a predictable period of the year. Increasingly prolonged spells of drought are disrupting agricultural activities, reducing crop yields and threatening household food security. Kazapoe explained that the effects extend beyond agriculture, warning that prolonged droughts are also undermining water security. As surface water levels decline and groundwater recharge rates fall, both large and small-town water systems struggle to produce sufficient water to meet the needs of communities. This creates a difficult situation for households already dependent on increasingly unreliable water sources. Yet, when the rains finally arrive, the crisis often takes another devastating turn. Kazapoe noted that intense rainfall and flooding frequently cause widespread destruction across northern Ghana. The situation is sometimes worsened by the spillage of excess water from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso. The resulting floods destroy farms, water distribution infrastructure and small-town water systems, while also creating conditions conducive to the spread of water-borne diseases. Thus, communities that have spent months battling water scarcity can suddenly find themselves struggling with too much water, and the destruction that comes with it. Kazapoe pointed to several indicators of the changing climate, including the drying of the Volta Basin, shifting rainfall patterns and shorter but more intense wet seasons. He further noted that temperatures in northern Ghana are rising at a rate of about 0.6 degrees Celsius per decade, faster than the global average. According to him, the combination of rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and the increasing frequency of floods and droughts is having profound consequences for living conditions across the five northern regions. “For us at the WRC, climate change is ultimately about how the water cycle is changing and how society responds to those changes, because climate change is water change,” Kazapoe said. His observation highlights an increasingly important reality: the climate crisis is not only an environmental problem but also a water, food, health and development crisis. While climate change affects entire communities, Kazapoe stressed that its consequences are not evenly distributed. Vulnerable communities, women, children, persons with disabilities and displaced populations often bear the greatest burden when droughts and floods strike. For such groups, the loss of farmland, homes, water systems or livelihoods can have long-term consequences, further deepening poverty and inequality. With rainfall becoming increasingly unpredictable, Kazapoe said Ghana must rethink its dependence on rain-fed agriculture. He identified irrigation as an increasingly important intervention to protect food production as farmers face unreliable rainfall patterns. The challenge, however, goes beyond simply expanding irrigation. It requires a broader climate adaptation strategy that strengthens water infrastructure, protects vulnerable communities, improves flood preparedness and ensures that water resources are sustainably managed. The recurring pattern of drought followed by floods presents northern Ghana with a stark warning: climate change is already reshaping the region’s water cycle, agricultural systems and livelihoods. For the millions of people living across the five northern regions, responding effectively will require urgent investment, stronger climate adaptation measures and coordinated action to ensure that water remains a source of life rather than a driver of vulnerability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Brushes Off Legal Threats Over “Extortionist” Tag, Focuses on Accountability
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin found himself at the center of a political storm when Gold Board (GOLDBOD) Chief Executive, Sammy Gyamfi, publicly labeled him an “extortionist.” The tension unfolded during an appearance on Joy News’ The Probe, where Mr. Afenyo-Markin addressed the accusation with characteristic composure and a clear sense of purpose. Rather than threaten legal action, Mr. Afenyo-Markin indicated that he was unlikely to pursue the matter in court. He explained that he recognized the political maneuvering behind Mr. Gyamfi’s comments and refused to let the allegation sidetrack him from his duties. “In the Bible, Jesus was accused. Wild allegations. He kept quiet. He could have done anything, but when you’re dealing with situations, the people of Ghana expect a level of maturity from me,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of staying focused amid provocation. The backdrop to this clash was the Minority’s demand for clarity over an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, which referenced a $1.7 billion loss involving GOLDBOD and the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. Mr. Afenyo-Markin had previously warned that Mr. Gyamfi could face stringent bail conditions if arrested over the matter. In response, Mr. Gyamfi dismissed the suggestion, claiming such consequences existed only in the Minority Leader’s imagination, before turning the tables by calling Mr. Afenyo-Markin an “extortionist.” Unfazed, Mr. Afenyo-Markin denied the accusation but remained circumspect about any legal response, while Mr. Gyamfi stood by his words, insisting he could substantiate them. Yet, for Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the episode was a familiar page from the political playbook: “There’s always a bait in politics. But don’t also underestimate. Opponents always have a strategy.” Drawing on his experience as a former Majority Leader, Mr. Afenyo-Markin spoke of the tactics governments use to distract from pressing issues. “I know how government can divert attention, because the government must hold itself today. So it can be: ‘Today, let’s throw this in. Today on social media let’s divert attention, let’s stain the man’,” he explained. He even referenced the prosecution of current Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a case in point. Despite the heated rhetoric, Mr. Afenyo-Markin assured supporters and critics alike that he remained steadfast in his commitment to holding the government accountable. “We’ll work hard [as] the people of Ghana expect us to do nothing less. They expect us as Minority to be forthright, to work hard, to hold the feet of government to the fire. We’ll do that. All other things that will come, we’ll deal with it.” In this unfolding story of accusation and resilience, Afenyo-Markin’s focus remains unchanged: serving the people and ensuring transparency in governance. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Political Currents and Predictions: Why Lawyer Lamtiig Apanga Believes Bawumia Will Replace Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader
In the vibrant world of Ghanaian politics, predictions are as common as debates. But when a seasoned observer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Commission, Lamtiig Apanga, shares his insights, the political class tends to listen. In a frank and exclusive conversation with Apexnewsgh, Lawyer Apanga made a prediction that has stirred conversations within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and beyond: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2028 flagbearer, could soon replace Alexander Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader in Parliament. Apanga, drawing on his background as both a politician and a student of political science, explained that his forecast isn’t based on mere speculation but on careful observation of political trends. He recalled the internal dynamics leading up to the NPP’s presidential primaries, where Afenyo-Markin openly supported rival candidate Kennedy Agyapong over Bawumia and He is not also in good relationship with Samira Bawumia, the wife of the elected NPP flagbearer. That decision, Apanga argued, created a rift between Afenyo-Markin and the Bawumia camp, a divide that was further reflected in voting patterns in the central region and in subsequent committee appointments, where key supporters of Ken, including Afenyo-Markin, found themselves sidelined. But the story does not end with personal relationships. Apanga pointed out that Afenyo-Markin has presided over a significant shift in the NPP’s Parliamentary fortunes, moving from majority to minority status under his leadership. Coupled with perceived dissatisfaction from party insiders and the Bawumia camp, Apanga sees a clear path toward change at the top. “It’s only a matter of time,” he predicted, before Bawumia moves to replace the current Minority Leader. As for who might step into the role, Apanga remains uncertain, but his certainty about an imminent shake-up is unwavering. Naturally, such predictions invite debate. Some NPP supporters have been quick to defend Afenyo-Markin’s record, pointing to his vocal defense of party interests in Parliament. But Apanga is undeterred. “Disagreement is the beauty of democracy,” he noted, insisting that defending the party is simply part of the job description for any Minority Leader. Yet, Apanga argues that Afenyo-Markin’s conduct and body language reveal a leader fighting to stay relevant amidst mounting internal dissatisfaction. He points to the party’s loss of seats in Parliament as a key indicator, coupled with controversial decisions and public statements, such as recent comments on the Gold Board and Bank of Ghana issue, that, in Apanga’s view, have left the Minority Leader vulnerable to criticism and accusations of integrity lapses. Ultimately, Lawyer Apanga’s assessment is not just a critique of one politician, but an example of how shifting alliances, performance metrics, and public perception can converge to shape political fortunes in Ghana. Whether or not his prediction comes to pass, the ongoing debate underscores the dynamic, and sometimes unpredictable, nature of leadership within the NPP and the country’s broader political landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Concerns Mount Over Future of Aayalolo Terminals Amid Demolition and Redevelopment Plans in Accra
In Accra, growing unease is spreading among urban transport stakeholders as key Aayalolo terminals face uncertain futures. Facilities once hailed as pillars of the city’s modern transport system are now at the centre of debates that could impact efforts to decongest the capital and improve public mobility. At the heart of the controversy lies the Kinbu Terminal, situated in Accra’s bustling Central Business District (CBD). Built with World Bank support as part of the Urban Transport Project, the terminal serves as a critical hub for Aayalolo bus operations. However, recent plans to construct stalls on the premises have sparked tension among drivers, who worry that shrinking parking space could disrupt their services and undermine the terminal’s original purpose. Stakeholders are questioning whether commercial activities are being prioritised over public transportation needs and if the Aayalolo service’s operational requirements are still being considered in long-term planning. Simultaneously, reports of the demolition of the Achimota New Station Bus Terminal to make way for a proposed 24-hour market have alarmed transport experts. The Achimota terminal, also developed under the Urban Transport Project, was designed to serve as a gateway for northbound vehicles and to prevent unnecessary traffic in the CBD. Its removal, stakeholders argue, risks undoing years of progress toward a more integrated and efficient transport system for the city. Concerns go beyond infrastructure. Transport operators say the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, inaugurated in 2016 and operated by GAPTE, has yet to reach its full potential. While the service offers subsidized fares as a social intervention, it continues to buy fuel at commercial rates and lacks sustained government financial backing. The gradual loss of dedicated BRT lanes has forced buses to compete with private vehicles, reducing efficiency and reliability. Promised government interventions, such as additional buses, have often benefited inter-city operators rather than GAPTE’s intra-city routes. Stakeholders highlight that the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review mentioned plans for more buses, but did not earmark any specifically for GAPTE. As a result, calls are intensifying for the government to provide targeted support: restoring dedicated bus lanes, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring GAPTE receives additional vehicles to ease congestion, especially with increased demand expected during the festive season. With Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Accra’s Metropolitan Chief Executive, also chairing GAPTE’s board, stakeholders are demanding transparency about terminal management and long-term urban transport plans. They warn that Ghana’s investment in modern infrastructure will only pay off if protected and properly managed. As Accra’s population swells and traffic pressures mount, the fate of its urban transport system—and the daily experience of commuters, may hinge on how these pivotal decisions about infrastructure and investment are resolved. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GOLDBOD Boss Dares Minority to Pursue Parliamentary Probe Over $1.7bn Loss
A heated exchange is brewing between the leadership of Ghana’s Gold Board (GOLDBOD) and the Minority in Parliament, following allegations of massive financial losses at the state-owned agency. Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of GOLDBOD, has thrown down the gauntlet, calling on the Minority to set aside public rhetoric and instead use parliamentary channels to investigate the agency’s reported $1.7 billion loss in 2025. The Minority, spearheaded by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has been vocal in its demands for a thorough probe, pushing for Mr. Gyamfi to appear before Parliament and answer questions about the agency’s finances. The issue has sparked press conferences and media debates, keeping the matter in the public eye. But Mr. Gyamfi, speaking boldly on Joy News’ News File program, dismissed suggestions that he was dodging scrutiny. “Do I, Sammy Gyamfi, look like somebody who will be afraid of a Parliamentary probe?” he quipped, urging his critics to channel their efforts through the appropriate committees. He emphasized that Parliament’s committee system provides the mechanisms for accountability, and challenged the Minority to make use of these structures, rather than relying on motions and press releases. “Parliament works in committees, haven’t you heard that phrase? You don’t even need any motion because GOLDBOD is under the oversight of the committee on economy with Kojo Oppong Nkrumah as a ranking member. Not too long ago, they came to GOLDBOD to engage us and ask me questions. They can order me to produce documents,” Gyamfi stated. As the public debate continues, all eyes are now on Parliament to see if the Minority will heed the call and formally initiate committee investigations into GOLDBOD’s operations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Elections Committee Chair: Chairman Wontumi Free to Pick Nomination Form, Final Eligibility Rests with Vetting Committee
The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Elections Committee, Fredrick Opare-Ansah, has clarified that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, familiarly known as Chairman Wontumi and currently incarcerated, remains free to pick up a nomination form for the party’s 2026 national elections. Speaking to the media on August 21, 2026, Mr. Opare-Ansah addressed reports that Chairman Wontumi had obtained a form to contest a national executive position. He emphasized that the Secretariat has no mandate to prevent any person from acquiring nomination forms, regardless of their current circumstances. “Nothing stops anybody from buying a form,” he said. “But I can tell you that the eligibility of aspirants is not determined by the Secretariat. It’s determined by the Vetting Committee.” Mr. Opare-Ansah explained that anyone interested in contesting can access the forms online or in person and submit them for consideration. However, he was quick to point out that picking up a form does not guarantee a spot on the ballot. “It is only when you appear before the Vetting Committee that, if there is any reason why you cannot be cleared to contest, then that will come up,” he stated. He added that he was still awaiting the Secretariat’s final report to confirm if Chairman Wontumi had indeed picked up a form, noting, “I’ve gotten the statistics of how many people picked up forms today, and the breakdown: the Chairman category, the Vice-Chair category. I’m yet to receive the end-of-the-day report, which will tell me exactly which persons picked up forms.” The NPP has also extended the deadline for filing completed nomination forms by two days, shifting the closing date from Thursday, August 27, to Saturday, August 29, 2026. The extension aims to give prospective aspirants more time to complete the process, reflecting the strong interest in the upcoming elections. Source: Apexnewsgh.com