Citizens Petition President Over Ashanti Regional Minister’s Alleged Misogynistic Remarks
A new controversy has erupted in Ghanaian politics as two citizens, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu, have formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to take disciplinary action against the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, over allegations of making sexually offensive and misogynistic remarks towards a former government official. In a petition dated June 9, 2026, and submitted to the Executive Secretary at Jubilee House, the petitioners allege that Dr. Amoakohene posted a sexually explicit and gender-demeaning comment on Facebook directed at Akosua Manu, popularly known as Kozie, the former Deputy Chief Executive of the National Youth Authority. The petition quotes the offending post as: “Akosua Kumaa, wokon do anaa? You want to have a taste of it?” Twum and Owusu describe the comment as “sexually explicit, vulgar, and gender-demeaning,” arguing that it constitutes sexual harassment and a grave breach of ministerial standards. They further contend that such language is incompatible with the dignity required of public officials and creates an environment of fear and degradation for women. The petitioners invoke Section 6 of the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics (2025), calling on the President to investigate the incident and consider sanctions, including a formal written reprimand or outright dismissal of Dr. Amoakohene. They argue that the minister’s conduct violates not only ethical codes, such as requirements for civility, dignity, and professionalism, but also constitutional guarantees of gender equality and the state’s obligation to promote women’s participation in national development. “The sexual degradation and public humiliation of a woman by a Minister of State… is fundamentally incompatible with this constitutional guarantee,” the petition asserts. As the petition lands on the President’s desk, calls are growing for accountability and a renewed commitment to upholding standards of respect and equality in public office. The outcome of this petition could have significant implications for government ethics and the fight against sexual harassment in Ghana’s public sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Create convenience for customers and they will cover cost – Young Agripreneurs in Bolgatanga urged
Beneficiaries of the Youth in Agriculture and Employability Programme (YAEP) have received intensive training in agribusiness management strategies aimed at strengthening their knowledge and participation across the agricultural value chain. The training, held in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, forms part of efforts to equip young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial competencies needed to succeed in modern agriculture and agribusiness. The participants were taken through various opportunities available to value chain actors and value chain enablers within the agribusiness sector. The sessions focused on helping young people identify profitable opportunities in production, processing, aggregation, marketing, and service provision within the agricultural ecosystem. The programme seeks to transform youth from job seekers into job creators by positioning them to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agriculture. Facilitating the training, the Executive Director of GrowAfrica For Me (GAFM), Mr. Albert Shiebila Mali, urged participants to take advantage of interventions and support systems being provided by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and other agriculture-focused institutions. According to him, numerous government and development partner programmes exist to support young agripreneurs, but many young people fail to access these opportunities due to lack of information and preparedness. Mr. Mali advised participants interested in primary agricultural production to conduct thorough market assessments before investing in any commodity. He emphasized that successful agribusiness begins with understanding market demand, warning that production without a ready market often results in post-harvest losses and low returns on investment. He encouraged the youth to adopt a market-oriented approach that prioritizes consumer needs and profitability. For participants interested in agribusiness trading and agro-processing, Mr. Mali stressed the importance of creating convenience and value for customers. He explained that consumers are often willing to pay more for products that save them time, improve quality, or provide easier access. He therefore encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on innovation, quality packaging, and customer satisfaction as key drivers of business success. Addressing participants interested in aggregation, Mr. Mali highlighted the importance of quality control in agricultural commodities. He recommended that aggregators build strong relationships with smallholder farmers and invest in their capacity development. According to him, training farmers on good agronomic practices will help ensure consistency, quality, and reliability in the supply of agricultural products, thereby improving competitiveness and profitability. The training also emphasized the importance of organizing smallholder farmers into groups, cooperatives, and associations, particularly women-led groups. Participants were encouraged to facilitate the formation of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) to improve access to financial services and strengthen the economic resilience of farming communities. Such structures, facilitators noted, can serve as effective platforms for knowledge sharing, collective marketing, and access to credit. The Youth in Agriculture and Employability Programme is a transformative initiative developed by GrowAfrica For Me to empower young people between the ages of 18 and 35 in Bolgatanga and surrounding communities. Through a one-month intensive training programme, participants receive practical exposure to modern agricultural practices as well as essential business development skills that prepare them for sustainable careers in agribusiness. The programme was designed in response to growing concerns about youth unemployment in Ghana. Statistics indicate that more than 1.9 million young people are classified as Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), highlighting the urgent need for interventions that can create sustainable livelihoods. While agriculture remains a key pillar of Ghana’s economy, many young people have traditionally viewed the sector as unattractive due to limited opportunities, inadequate support systems, and negative perceptions. Organizers noted that barriers such as limited access to practical skills, lack of entrepreneurial knowledge, poor market access, insufficient financing, and inadequate mentorship have prevented many young people from pursuing careers in agriculture. These challenges have contributed to rising unemployment, increased rural-urban migration, and underutilization of the country’s agricultural potential. YAEP seeks to reverse this trend by positioning agriculture as a viable and profitable career pathway. The programme’s training component covers a broad range of agribusiness topics designed to provide participants with a strong foundation for success. Areas covered include Foundations of Agribusiness, Agribusiness Model Canvas, Marketing Management, Production and Operations Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, and Risk Management in Agribusiness. These modules provide participants with practical tools to establish and manage successful enterprises. Beyond classroom training, the programme incorporates coaching and mentorship, enterprise matching, and start-up support. Through these components, participants are connected to experienced industry professionals, potential business opportunities, and networks that can help them launch and sustain agribusiness ventures. The holistic design ensures that participants receive continuous support even after completing the training phase. The overall objective of YAEP is to empower youth with practical agricultural and entrepreneurial skills that enhance employability and promote self-employment. Specific goals include building capacity in modern agricultural practices, developing entrepreneurial competencies, promoting agriculture as a profitable career option, and supporting participants to create sustainable agribusiness models capable of generating long-term income. Participants are expected to benefit from enhanced technical knowledge, increased confidence, business development support, and access to mentorship and industry insights. Communities, on the other hand, stand to gain from increased youth participation in agriculture, improved food production and security, job creation, and stronger local economies driven by agribusiness activities. In the medium and long term, the programme aims to contribute to sustainable youth employment, growth of local agribusiness ecosystems, and reduction in rural-urban migration. Source: Apexnewsgh/Prosper Adankai/Contributor
Roads Minister Seeks 1,000 New Staff to Boost Sector Capacity
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced a major push to strengthen the country’s road sector workforce, revealing that his ministry has formally requested the recruitment of about 1,000 additional staff. The move is aimed at addressing critical personnel shortages across road agencies and boosting the capacity to manage Ghana’s expanding infrastructure needs. Appearing before Parliament’s Select Committee on Economy and Development, Agbodza explained that the request was submitted by the Ministry’s Chief Director as a response to mounting staffing pressures. He highlighted that the recent creation of new administrative regions had not been matched with an increase in personnel for key agencies, leaving technical departments such as engineering and quality assurance overstretched. “The staffing level of the agencies is far less than what it should be. If you consider the fact that we are investing heavily on these projects, part of the reason some of the projects suffer quality assurance is simply because we don’t have enough people to monitor these projects,” Agbodza told the committee. He noted that while 137 staff were recently approved for various roles within the highways division, this was insufficient, particularly given the demands in the six newly created regions where institutional capacity remains weak. The minister stressed that recruiting more staff is essential for improving project supervision, ensuring quality assurance, and strengthening service delivery across the sector. Agbodza assured Parliament that the Ministry is committed to resolving the staffing challenge and enhancing operational effectiveness as Ghana continues to invest in road infrastructure development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Sets Deadline for Outstanding Dues Ahead of Internal Elections
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a firm directive to all party members and aspirants with outstanding financial obligations, calling on them to settle their dues by June 18, 2026, as part of preparations for the party’s forthcoming internal elections. The announcement, made in a circular dated June 10, 2026, and signed by Deputy General Secretary (Finance and Administration) Barbara Serwaa Asamoah on behalf of the General Secretary, came in the wake of a Functional Executive Committee (FEC) meeting held a day prior. At the meeting, the party leadership resolved that only members in good financial standing would be eligible to contest in the upcoming polls. In a stern warning, the party cautioned that any aspirant who fails to clear their dues by the specified deadline will be barred from participating in the elections until all payments are made and official clearance is granted. To ensure transparency and orderliness, the NDC also released a revised electoral timetable to guide the conduct of internal elections across its constituencies and regions. According to the schedule, vetting and elections will take place from June 20 to July 11, 2026. A mop-up exercise is planned for July 14 to July 24, 2026, after which the Elections Committee will finalise the election album between July 29 and August 14, 2026. The party’s leadership has called on all regional and constituency executives, as well as aspiring candidates, to comply strictly with the directives. Emphasising the importance of discipline and fairness, the NDC underscored that adherence to financial obligations and electoral guidelines is essential for a smooth and credible internal contest as the party gears up for its next round of leadership selection. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Caucus Demands Ministerial Briefing on South Africa Evacuation
The atmosphere in Parliament turned tense this week as the Minority Caucus firmly rejected a proposal from the Majority Leader suggesting that members should simply file an urgent question to obtain information on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa. For the Minority, the stakes are too high for such routine procedures. Addressing the media, Patrick Boamah, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, made it clear that Parliament deserves more than written answers. He emphasized the national importance of the evacuation process, noting that it directly affects Ghana’s foreign relations and the safety and welfare of its citizens living abroad. Boamah argued that the situation extends well beyond the scope of standard parliamentary queries and called for a formal appearance by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. According to the Minority, only a direct ministerial briefing would provide the necessary transparency and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the evacuation and its broader diplomatic implications. The Minority Caucus is therefore urging the Foreign Affairs Minister to appear before the House to account for the government’s handling of the evacuation operation, underscoring their commitment to ensuring parliamentary oversight on matters of significant national concern. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Maintains Public Approval as Ghanaians Weigh Progress and Challenges
A recent nationwide survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has painted a nuanced picture of public sentiment towards President John Dramani Mahama, showing that the majority of Ghanaians continue to back his leadership 18 months into his administration. The poll, conducted in May 2026 and involving over 1,000 respondents from all 16 regions, found that 58.9% of citizens approve of the President’s performance, while 28.4% disapprove and 12.8% remain undecided. This endorsement comes on the back of significant improvements in Ghana’s economic indicators over the past year and a half. Since January 2025, inflation has plummeted from 23.5% to 3.4%, and the Ghanaian cedi has appreciated by 26% against key international currencies. The Bank of Ghana’s policy rate has been slashed from 27% to 14%, bringing commercial lending rates down from 32% to 20%. Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio has also improved remarkably, dropping from 61.8% at the close of 2024 to 45.3% by the end of 2025. These achievements have earned the country rating upgrades from major international agencies, including Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P. The IEA found that most Ghanaians who approve of the President’s performance cite these economic gains as their primary motivation, 73.5% point to improvements in the economy, 16% highlight road infrastructure, and 2.7% mention advancements in energy and electricity. Yet, the survey also notes a dip in approval from the 68% recorded in December 2025, suggesting that while macroeconomic stability is welcomed, the public is eager to see these gains reflected more directly in everyday life. Among respondents who expressed dissatisfaction, 30.9% identified the economy as a concern, and 29.9% pointed to ongoing challenges with electricity supply, a sentiment likely influenced by recent power outages in May 2026 that disrupted households and businesses. Corruption remains a significant issue, with 19.1% of disapprovers calling for more robust anti-corruption action and greater accountability from government officials. The IEA’s analysis indicates that while President Mahama enjoys a solid base of support rooted in perceived economic stabilization and infrastructure development, rising expectations around living standards, energy reliability, and anti-corruption efforts are shaping a more demanding electorate. For many Ghanaians, the full benefits of economic recovery are yet to be felt in terms of cost of living, job opportunities, and household income. As President Mahama navigates the second half of his term, the survey underscores the government’s need to balance continued macroeconomic progress with tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens. The findings reflect a broadly supportive but increasingly expectant public, looking for real change beyond the numbers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Asonge-Zanlerigu Road Delay Due to Commitment Letter, Contractor to Start Soon – Nabdam MP
The Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark-Kurt Nawaane, has announced that a contractor selected to construct the long-awaited Asonge–Zanlerigu–Damolgo–Tindongo–Pelungu road is yet to receive a commitment letter, which is required before mobilising to the site. The MP disclosed during the commissioning of a maternity block at the Gundug/Wore-Daah health centre in the Nabdam District. He reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to get the project off the ground, stressing that the road has been included under the Department of Feeder Roads and remains a government priority. Dr. Nawaane used the occasion to refute claims that roads in the Upper East Region have been left out of the government’s development agenda, particularly the widely discussed “Big Push” initiative. He explained that many people have misunderstood the scope of the programme, which is largely focused on major highway projects across the country. Most roads in the Upper East Region, he noted, fall under the feeder roads category. “As for roads, this government is committed to working on them. The Big Push is mainly about highways, and many people have heard about that. But resources are also being organised for us to work on feeder roads,” the MP stated. He added that Members of Parliament from the region are actively engaging government agencies and relevant ministries to ensure feeder roads receive the necessary attention and funding. Dr. Nawaane revealed that he had successfully pushed for the inclusion of the strategic road linking Asonge, Zanlerigu, Damolgo, Tindongo, Pelungu, and extending to Sakoti on the list of feeder roads earmarked for intervention. Interested contractors have already been identified, and discussions have been held with the Department of Feeder Roads to pave the way for work to begin. Providing an update on the progress, the MP said: “I was with a contractor about five or six days ago, and we visited the national feeder roads office to find out how far the process had gone. We were informed that the commitment letter is not yet ready.” He explained that government procedures require contractors to obtain a commitment letter before commencing any project. To speed up the process, he indicated that further engagements would be held with the Minister for Roads and Highways. The MP disclosed that he had personally contacted the Roads Minister in Parliament and had been invited to a meeting alongside the contractor to explore ways of securing the release of the letter. Dr. Nawaane urged residents not to conclude that the road project has been abandoned, insisting that continuous behind-the-scenes engagements are taking place to ensure the project becomes a reality. In a pointed remark, he added: “We are not like the NPP government that will bring equipment on the site just to deceive people.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Sam George Stands Firm: No Reopening of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill After Passage
Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, and sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, has firmly rejected calls for Parliament to revisit the legislation following its passage on May 29, 2026. Mr. George’s stance comes after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin urged lawmakers to reconsider the bill, which has sparked ongoing debate within the House. Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Sovereignty and Values, George stressed the importance of adhering to parliamentary procedure. “Everything that we do in this House, Parliament, is a house of rules. Respectfully to Mr Speaker, it’s not a house of appeals. It’s a house of rules. And so if there’s no rule in the rule book that gives us room to do what he wants to do, I’m saying that there is still room in there; the Presidency can come back to us,” George explained. He emphasized that once Parliament has passed a bill, its legislative role is complete and the only remaining duty is to transmit the bill to the President. “When Parliament passes a bill, Parliament becomes functus officio. I think that the only role that Parliament has today is to transmit the bill to the President,” he stated. According to George, the Constitution clearly outlines the President’s options: to assent to the bill, seek advice from the Council of State, or return it to Parliament with specific recommendations for reconsideration. “If he has an issue, he can write back to us and say, ‘I have an issue with this provision, that provision. Parliament should reconsider it with his recommendations.’ He cannot just raise objections; he must make recommendations through his Attorney-General,” he added. George further underscored that Parliament’s Standing Orders do not permit the reversal or rescission of a bill once it has been passed. “The act of rescission of a passed bill is alien to our Standing Orders,” he said. He concluded that any further concerns about the legislation must be addressed through the constitutional processes available to the President, not by reopening debate in Parliament. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, now awaits transmission to President John Mahama for further action. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Embarks on State Visit to Belarus to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
President John Dramani Mahama has begun a four-day state visit to Belarus, seeking to deepen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation across key sectors such as agriculture, education, commerce, and industry. The visit, which commenced on Friday, June 5, follows an invitation from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and is poised to open new avenues for economic and technical collaboration between the two nations. According to a statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, President Mahama’s itinerary features high-level meetings with Belarusian officials and tours of strategic institutions. A major highlight will be bilateral talks with President Lukashenko, followed by expanded discussions involving ministers and senior government officials from both countries. These engagements will focus on strengthening partnerships in agriculture, education, and commerce, areas identified as vital to both nations’ development goals. Upon arrival in Minsk, President Mahama will pay tribute by laying a wreath at the Victory Monument, honoring Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who fought during World War II. Furthering Ghana’s industrialization and food security agenda, the President will travel to the western city of Brest to tour a major milk, cheese, and baby food processing facility, to facilitate knowledge exchange and explore partnerships in agro-processing, a sector crucial to adding value to Ghana’s agriculture. President Mahama’s programme also includes a visit to the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, commemorating the Soviet defense against Nazi forces in 1941, and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that highlights both countries’ commitment to environmental conservation. The state visit is expected to culminate in the signing of at least four bilateral agreements designed to promote mutual growth and strengthen institutional cooperation between Ghana and Belarus. President Mahama will return to Accra on Tuesday, June 9, concluding a trip focused on forging new partnerships and advancing Ghana’s development agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Arrest 80 Suspects in Major Anti-Crime Sweep Across Upper East Region
The Upper East Regional Police Command, backed by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, has apprehended 80 suspects in a sweeping, intelligence-led anti-crime operation across several hotspots in the Upper East Region. The operation, which took place between May 25 and June 3, 2026, targeted areas known for criminal activity, including Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo, and the Nabdam District. According to a police statement, the coordinated raids were aimed at dismantling networks involved in narcotics and other crimes. In Zuarungu, 12 individuals, eight males and four females (with three Nigerians and one Ghanaian among the women), were arrested. Bongo saw the largest number of arrests, with 34 suspects (32 males and two females) taken into custody. In Pelungu, Kongo, and Nangodi within the Nabdam District, 14 suspects were rounded up, while Bolgatanga accounted for 20 additional arrests. Preliminary investigations suggest that those apprehended were engaged in narcotics peddling, consumption, and a range of other criminal activities. The crackdown also resulted in significant seizures: in Tongo, police retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarettes, male condoms, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Bongo operations yielded three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes. The Nabdam District operation uncovered parcels and sacks of dried leaves believed to be narcotics, assorted drinks suspected of containing illicit substances, an unregistered motorbike, foreign cigarettes, and components of a casino jackpot machine. In Bolgatanga, further seizures included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, three motorbikes, two with registration numbers and one unregistered, and a casino jackpot machine. All 80 suspects remain in police custody and will be prosecuted in court. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying such operations to rid communities of crime and safeguard public safety across the region. Read the statement below: The Upper East Regional Police Command supported by the IGP’s Special Operations Team conducted an intelligence led swoop operation at Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and Nabdam District from 25th May to 3rd June, 2026. The team arrested twelve suspects comprising eight males and four females at Zuarungu. The female suspects comprised three Nigerians and a Ghanaian. In Bongo, a total of thirty-four (34) suspects comprising thirty-two (32) males and two (2) females were arrested. Subsequently, the operation at Perlungu, Kongo and Nangodi led to the arrest at fourteen (14) suspects comprising twelve males and two females in the Nabdam District. Twenty (20) suspects were also arrested in Bolgatanga. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were involved in narcotic peddling and consumption as well as other criminal related activities. The team also retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarette, male condoms and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp in Tongo. In Bongo, three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes were retrieved and in Nabdam, parcels and sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be Narcotic substances, assorted drinks suspected to contain narcotic content, one unregistered motorbike, assorted foreign cigarettes and pieces of casino jackpot machine were retrieved. Suspects arrested in Bolgatanga were in possession of dried leaves substances suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarette, a Yamaha black Sirius motorbike with registration no. M-19-UE 2688, black Luojia motorbike with registration no. M-13-UE 7181, an unregistered Haojue motorbike and a casino jackpot machine. All suspects are in Police custody and will be put before court to face the full rigours of the law. Signed Chief Inspr. Abdul-Rahman Sumaila Public Relations Officer Upper East Region