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
Roads Minister Warns Against Inflated Compensation Claims, Eyes EOCO Probe for Surveyors
At the heart of Ashanti Region, where asphalt machines rumbled along the two-kilometre Feyiase-Sewua Regional Hospital access road, Minister for Roads and Highways Governs Kwame Agbodza delivered a stern warning that reverberated beyond the construction site. Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing project by Kofi Job Construction Limited, Mr. Agbodza revealed that the government is considering referring two quantity surveyors to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The reason: alleged attempts to manipulate compensation claims involving properties affected by road projects. According to the Minister, these surveyors have been accused of persuading property owners to reject the official valuations conducted by government authorities. In return, they promise to secure compensation payments many times higher than the original assessments, a practice Mr. Agbodza described as a drain on public funds and a source of avoidable delays for crucial road works. “We are looking at the possibility of reporting two of those people to EOCO for investigation,” he stated, emphasizing that surveyors who deliberately encourage owners to turn down government valuations in the hope of inflated compensation could face scrutiny and legal consequences. Mr. Agbodza urged those whose properties are affected by road developments to rely on assessments made by state institutions like the Ghana Highway Authority and the Department of Urban Roads. He cautioned against employing private surveyors who, after government teams have completed their work, approach property owners and encourage them to seek higher payments, sometimes even leading to court injunctions that stall projects and inflate costs. The Minister questioned how private surveyors could arrive at estimates significantly greater than those of trained professionals working in government agencies, all of whom follow established procedures. He reassured affected persons that the government remains committed to fair and lawful compensation for properties acquired for public projects. Mr. Agbodza also commended property owners who have cooperated with authorities during compensation processes for major projects such as the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. He stressed that concerns over inflated claims are not unique to the Ashanti Region, noting that similar issues have arisen in Accra and elsewhere. As roadworks progress across the country, the Minister’s message was clear: collaboration, transparency, and adherence to the law are essential to delivering the infrastructure Ghana needs, free from manipulation and unnecessary delays. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Interior Minister Orders Crackdown on Vigilantism and Unauthorized Security Groups
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has addressed the nation’s top police commanders. With a firm voice and unwavering resolve, he outlined a growing threat to Ghana’s peace, the rise of self-styled security groups formed by political parties, traditional leaders, individuals, and organizations. “These groups,” the Minister warned, “pose a real danger to our stability. The law is clear: only state-sanctioned security agencies are permitted to provide protection.” He referenced the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), reminding everyone that the formation of private security outfits without government approval is strictly prohibited. Standing before the assembled officers at the regional commanders’ conference, Mr. Muntaka issued a directive: the Ghana Police Service must intensify its efforts to root out vigilantism. Police commanders, he said, should act decisively to identify, investigate, and prosecute those involved in setting up illegal security groups. But his concerns didn’t end there. The Minister also turned his attention to a worrying new trend—the unauthorized recording and circulation of videos showing security recruits in training. He cautioned that such practices, especially when training footage appears on social media, risk undermining the integrity and confidentiality of the country’s security institutions. “Protecting the secrecy of our training is vital,” he stressed. “We cannot allow the professionalism and effectiveness of our security services to be compromised by careless publication of sensitive material.” With that, Mr. Muntaka called on all security service commanders to implement strict measures, ensuring that images and videos of recruits remain confidential unless officially approved. His message was clear: Ghana’s safety, professionalism, and peace must be preserved at all costs, and the law must be enforced without fear or favor. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Residents Warned as Spoiled Poultry Products Illegally Dumped in Ho Community
Residents of Tsawenu and Sokode Ando stumbled upon an unusual and troubling scene. Cartons filled with frozen chicken drumsticks, whole chickens, chicken feet, and other poultry parts were scattered along a path leading to the farmlands. The discovery soon sent shockwaves through Ho and its surrounding communities. Lawrence Senya, the Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer, was quick to issue a public caution: residents should avoid purchasing or consuming poultry products, especially those found in the area, until further notice. Initial reports revealed that some of the chicken was still frozen and had no telltale odor, tempting some locals to collect, prepare, and eat the meat. But the absence of spoilage signs didn’t convince officials of its safety. “We cannot rule out the possibility of contamination, toxins, or other harmful substances,” Mr. Senya cautioned, explaining that unknown individuals may have deliberately disposed of the products for a reason. As word spread, a joint team from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and environmental health officials launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the illegal dumping. In the meantime, community sensitization efforts began, urging anyone who had collected poultry from the site to voluntarily surrender it. Many residents had already cooked, smoked, or roasted the chicken before learning of the potential risks. To prevent further exposure, environmental health officials have been retrieving the surrendered products for safe disposal. Educational campaigns have intensified, warning residents to steer clear of suspicious poultry products until the authorities complete their investigation. Mr. Senya also reminded cold store operators, wholesalers, and retailers that food waste or expired products should only be disposed of through proper channels, with the supervision of health authorities. The incident has sparked serious conversations about food safety in the municipality. Authorities are appealing to the public to report any suspicious food dumping or unsafe handling to the FDA or local health offices, aiming to prevent a possible outbreak of foodborne illnesses. Wisdom Akorli, the Assemblyman for the area, condemned the act as evil. “This is an evil act for someone to dump spoiled frozen food in my area to destroy my people, but I pray we get the person,” he declared. He encouraged residents to surrender any questionable poultry to the authorities and assured them of his commitment to working with officials to bring the culprits to justice. “If you feel unwell after consuming any of these products, please report immediately to the nearest health facility,” he urged. As the investigation continues, the people of Ho are reminded to remain vigilant and prioritize their health above all else. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Mineworkers’ Union Demands Release of Locked-Up Savings for Over 19,000 Miners
The National Executive Council of the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) has launched a protest over the prolonged delay in releasing funds belonging to more than 19,000 miners whose savings remain trapped in financial institutions affected by the Bank of Ghana’s financial sector clean-up. The union revealed that the locked-up funds include provident funds, welfare contributions, leave savings, individual deposits, and severance packages, all entrusted to institutions licensed and regulated by the central bank. GMWU leaders argue that miners, who deposited their savings in good faith, should not be left to bear the repercussions of regulatory failures. The union has strongly criticized the Bank of Ghana’s management of the issue, stating that assurances from successive governors and references to commitments in IMF reports from 2023 and 2024 have yet to yield results. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has maintained that the central bank should recover and liquidate the assets of affected institutions to settle outstanding depositor claims. The Ministry of Finance, Forson added, currently lacks the funds to directly compensate depositors. Frustrated by the ongoing impasse, the GMWU insists that both the government and the Bank of Ghana must take urgent steps to ensure the affected miners receive their money without further delay. As part of their campaign, the union plans to submit a formal petition to the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiamah, and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, pressing for immediate action. The fate of thousands of miners, and their hard-earned savings, now hangs in the balance as the union ramps up pressure on authorities to resolve the crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Suspends Two Watchmen, Hands Case to Police After Alleged Sexual Assault at Bolgatanga Girls SHS
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has taken swift action in the wake of an alleged sexual assault involving a special needs student at Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School. Two watchmen at the school have been interdicted and handed over to the Police to assist with ongoing investigations into the incident. According to a statement released by the GES on Thursday, August 20, the student, who was on medication and had suffered a relapse that day, required medical attention. It was during this vulnerable period that the alleged assault took place, prompting immediate intervention from the school authorities and the GES. The GES has emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway to establish the facts of the case, and that the outcome will guide any further sanctions in accordance with the GES Code of Conduct and the laws of Ghana. In the interim, the Service has urged all staff to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, prioritizing the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student. “Management cautions that the Service will not tolerate any conduct that compromises the safety and wellbeing of students,” the statement stressed, assuring parents, guardians, and the public that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness. Source: Apexnewsgh.com