President Mahama Orders Forensic Audit into 13th All-Africa Games Expenditure and Operations
President John Dramani Mahama has taken a decisive step towards ensuring accountability in the management of the 13th All-Africa Games by directing the Auditor-General to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of all financial and operational aspects surrounding the event. The order follows the submission of a report by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on the organization and management of the Games. According to the President, the audit should cover several key areas, including procurement and contracting processes, financial management and expenditure control, infrastructure and project delivery, asset management and post-Games utilization, as well as institutional oversight and coordination. Specifically, the review will scrutinize how contractors and suppliers were selected, compliance with the Public Procurement Act (Act 663), all funding sources and expenditures, the delivery and value-for-money of facilities developed, and the current status of assets acquired for the Games. The effectiveness of the various oversight agencies and committees involved will also be evaluated. President Mahama has instructed the Auditor-General to submit the audit report by the second week of December 2025. This directive, he emphasized, is part of his government’s ongoing commitment to accountability, transparency, and ensuring that public resources are managed prudently for the benefit of all Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
A-Plus Petitions Speaker Bagbin for Removal of Public Accounts Committee Chair, Sparking Parliamentary Debate
A fresh wave of controversy has hit Ghana’s Parliament as Kwame Obeng-Asare, popularly known as A-Plus and the MP for Gomoa Central, formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to support the removal of Abena Osei Asare as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). In his petition, A-Plus argued that Ms. Osei Asare’s continued leadership threatens the integrity and dignity of Parliament, especially given her previous role as Deputy Minister of Finance. “It is important to note, and Ghanaians must be fully aware, that all the matters currently before the Public Accounts Committee occurred under the leadership of Abena Osei Asare when she served as Deputy Minister of Finance. She cannot now turn around to demand answers from newly appointed officials on issues that happened under her own watch,” A-Plus stated on Facebook. He further described her position as “not just hypocrisy — it is an insult to the intelligence of the Ghanaian people,” adding, “We must not allow those who presided over financial irregularities to sit in judgment over them.” A-Plus’s petition has sparked a swift reaction from fellow lawmakers. Davis Opoku, the MP for Mpraeso, publicly challenged A-Plus’s assertions, describing them as “deeply misguided, both in law and in principle.” Quoting A-Plus’s post on Facebook, Opoku insisted that the integrity of the Public Accounts Committee remains intact with Ms. Osei Asare as chair. He cited the Constitution and parliamentary Standing Orders, explaining that committee chairpersons are selected through a transparent process led by the Committee of Selection and approved by the full House. Opoku emphasized that the PAC’s mandate, as set out in Article 187(5) of the Constitution and Order 229 of the Standing Orders, is to examine Auditor-General’s reports and ensure accountability in the use of public funds. He pointed out that “government is a continuum,” and current officials appear before the committee as representatives of state institutions, not as perpetrators of past irregularities. He further clarified that the Standing Orders already provide mechanisms to ensure impartial oversight, such as having the Ranking Member preside when the chairperson’s party is in government. “Accountability in Parliament is not personal; it is institutional. Our democracy depends on protecting that principle,” Opoku concluded. The petition and ensuing debate have highlighted the tension within Parliament over issues of oversight, accountability, and the separation between personal and institutional responsibility. See the popular activist’s formal petition below: Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Deputy Finance Minister Announces Breakthrough in SSNIT-NPRA Financial Dispute
Ghana’s pensions sector is set for a new era of stability following a breakthrough in the long-standing financial standoff between the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, announced the development on his Facebook page, sharing that SSNIT has begun meeting its full financial obligations to the NPRA after years of delayed or deferred payments. This progress comes after intensive negotiations between the two institutions, culminating in SSNIT’s agreement to a quarterly payment schedule that will ensure regular and predictable transfers to the pensions regulator. “I am happy to report that this situation has been successfully resolved. SSNIT has already made two complete quarterly payments this year, demonstrating its renewed commitment to compliance and to the stability of Ghana’s pensions regulatory framework,” Mr. Ampem stated. The resolution is being hailed as a significant step toward strengthening Ghana’s pensions administration system, promoting greater transparency, accountability, and financial discipline. The Deputy Minister commended both SSNIT and NPRA for their cooperation, emphasizing that the government remains dedicated to fostering institutional harmony in the pensions sector to safeguard the retirement benefits of workers nationwide. Mr. Ampem added that the Ministry of Finance will continue to monitor compliance to maintain the progress achieved and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the nation’s pensions ecosystem. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP’s Alfred Thompson Laments Lost Control in Galamsey Fight After Mob Attacks Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force
The fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has taken a troubling turn, leaving many Ghanaians worried about the government’s ability to restore order. On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Alfred Thompson, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Communications Team, voiced his deep frustration during a Breakfast Daily interview. He described the ongoing struggle against galamsey as a national security threat that seems to be slipping beyond the government’s grasp. “It’s sad that day upon day, year upon year, we come back, we sit here all the time, we talk about galamsey and government upon government, we can’t fight it. It is really becoming sad, and to me, it is a national security issue. It is a national security issue and the people who will fight it are been fighting. We are in trouble,” Thompson lamented. His remarks followed a violent incident on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Hwidiem. The Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team were attacked after they arrested two men for illegal mining and seized vehicles and equipment from a mining site near the town. The arrests sparked outrage, leading residents to besiege the local police station and demand the release of the suspects and impounded property. Allegations have surfaced that Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, incited the mob and obstructed the NAIMOS task force during the confrontation. In response, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has invited Mr. Addo to assist with ongoing investigations. The incident has reignited debate over the effectiveness of the government’s anti-galamsey efforts, with many calling for stronger measures to protect those enforcing the law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Ghana Journalists Association Decries Discontinuation of Ahmed Suale Murder Case
On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) sounded the alarm over what it described as an unacceptable and dangerous precedent: the discontinuation of the murder case involving investigative journalist Ahmed Suale. It has been seven years since the shocking assassination of Suale, and the GJA’s frustration was palpable as its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, addressed the media on Monday, November 3, 2025. “The GJA demands a full and transparent explanation from the Attorney General’s Department on the reasons for discontinuing the case. The Ghana Police Service must also provide clarification, as we now have a contrary briefing or report,” Mr. Dwumfuor declared, his tone resolute. He further called on the police to clearly outline the steps they are taking to find those responsible for Suale’s murder. The lack of progress, he argued, not only denies justice to the slain journalist’s family but also sends a chilling message to journalists across the nation. But justice for Suale was not the GJA’s only concern that day. Mr. Dwumfuor raised the alarm about the proposed Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, warning that certain provisions could threaten press freedom if not carefully revised. “We call for broad engagement, public consultation, and education to fine-tune the bill to ensure that every sector directly impacted understands and makes the needed input in the public interest,” he urged. “If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously.” Throughout his address, Mr. Dwumfuor reaffirmed the GJA’s unwavering commitment to defending media freedoms. “The GJA and the media will always seek to protect these guaranteed rights and ensure that they are not taken from us,” he vowed, pledging that the fight for justice and press freedom would continue, undeterred. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GJA President Sounds Alarm Over Cybersecurity Bill’s Threat to Press Freedom
As the world marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, stepped before reporters with a message of urgent concern. Clutching a well-worn folder containing the latest draft of the Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Mr. Dwumfuor’s voice resonated with the weight of his responsibility: to protect the constitutional rights of journalists and citizens alike. “We support Ghana’s efforts to bolster its cybersecurity framework,” he began, “but the amendments must strike a fair balance between national security and the freedoms we hold dear.” His caution was clear, certain provisions in the bill, if left unchanged, could pose a serious threat to press freedom and free expression. Mr. Dwumfuor called for broad engagement, public consultation, and education so that every sector affected by the bill could contribute to its refinement. “If what the amendment seeks to cure will worsen the cyber ecosystem, then we must tread cautiously,” he warned, urging lawmakers not to rush the process without adequate stakeholder involvement. He reminded his audience that the media is an indispensable pillar of Ghana’s democracy. Any attempt to limit its freedom, even under the noble cause of cybersecurity reform, he argued, would undermine the nation’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Reaffirming the GJA’s unwavering commitment, Mr. Dwumfuor declared, “The GJA and the media will always seek to protect these guaranteed rights and ensure that they are not taken from us.” He called on Parliament to engage journalists, digital rights advocates, civil society organisations, and technology experts in shaping the final legislation, so that it promotes responsible digital behaviour without compromising fundamental freedoms. The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to address emerging online threats, enhance regulatory oversight, and align Ghana with global best practices. Yet, concerns remain: sections of the media, the minority in parliament, and civil society have all raised red flags about the risk of government overreach and the potential misuse of the law against journalists and dissenting citizens. As the debate continues, Mr. Dwumfuor’s message echoes: only through inclusive dialogue can Ghana secure both its digital future and its cherished freedoms Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IMF Warns Ghana: Don’t Rush Back to Costly International Borrowing
With the 2026 national budget just weeks away, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sounded a note of caution to Ghana’s government: resist the temptation to return too soon to international capital markets, or risk derailing the country’s fragile economic recovery. Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV, Dr. Adrian Alter, the IMF’s Resident Representative in Ghana, urged the government to be extremely prudent in its financing decisions. He emphasized the importance of seeking concessional loans from global partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the IMF itself, rather than risking expensive borrowing on the international markets. Dr. Alter explained that despite a slight improvement in global financial conditions, Ghana would still face interest rates exceeding 10 percent due to its current credit rating. “We have advised the government to be extremely prudent, not to go back to the same mistakes with excessive borrowing in the past,” he said. “When you have available concessional financing from multilateral agencies like the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the IMF itself, you shouldn’t go to international markets where interest rates are currently extremely pricey.” The IMF’s advice comes as borrowing costs remain prohibitive for emerging economies like Ghana, making a return to the Eurobond market particularly risky. Dr. Alter pointed out that Ghana, under its IMF-supported program, is subject to strict limits on new external borrowing to maintain debt sustainability. The country is expected to keep a financing mix of about 70 percent domestic and 30 percent external borrowing, following IMF agreements and debt sustainability frameworks. Efforts are also underway to strengthen Ghana’s domestic market. “On the domestic market, we’ve worked closely with the government to start lengthening the maturity of its bonds beyond one year. We hope that at the start of next year, conditions will be in place for the domestic bond market to reopen,” Dr. Alter noted. Ghana has been unable to access international capital markets since its 2022 debt default, when the government suspended payments on most external debt to stabilize the economy. This move hurt investor confidence and cut off the country from new borrowing opportunities. Currently, Ghana is implementing a $3 billion IMF-supported program aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability. After years of growing deficits, rising debt, and soaring inflation, the country was forced to restructure its debt in 2023. The IMF program is designed to bring public debt to sustainable levels, rebuild foreign reserves, and promote inclusive growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Top GRA Officials Summoned by Special Prosecutor Amid SML Contract Scandal
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has intensified its investigation into the controversial Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)–Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract, summoning three of the GRA’s most senior officials to appear before investigators. The Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Sarpong, Assistant Commissioner for Finance, Celestine Annan, and Technical Assistant to the Commissioner-General, Kenneth Agyei-Duah, have all been directed to present themselves to the OSP as part of the ongoing probe. The summons follows the recent arrest of Freeman Sarbah, the Acting Head of Legal Affairs at the GRA, who was detained on Monday, November 3, 2025, over allegations of corruption and obstruction of justice linked to the same contract. According to OSP sources, the three senior officials were summoned after revelations that they allegedly instructed Mr. Sarbah to issue a letter to SML’s lawyers at the company’s request in mid-October. Investigators believe the correspondence may have significant implications for the inquiry. This is reportedly the second time both the Commissioner-General and the Assistant Commissioner for Finance have been invited, as their earlier statements appear to contradict the contents of the letter in question. Both Anthony Sarpong and Kenneth Agyei-Duah previously worked with KPMG, the auditing firm that was tasked with reviewing SML Ghana’s operations at the direction of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The GRA–SML contract, which engaged SML Ghana to provide revenue assurance services in the downstream petroleum sector and other areas, has attracted intense scrutiny amid allegations of inflated costs, procurement irregularities, and questionable contractual terms. Following public outcry, the OSP opened an investigation to determine whether the contract involved conflicts of interest, abuse of office, or violations of procurement laws. The probe has since expanded to include several top officials at both the GRA and the Ministry of Finance. The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has signaled that the office is preparing to prosecute several high-profile individuals implicated in the scandal by the end of November 2025. Those expected to face charges include former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, former GRA Commissioner-Generals Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and Emmanuel Kofi Nti, and other senior officials and advisers linked to the Finance Ministry. Preliminary findings from the OSP’s investigation reportedly point to corruption, abuse of office, and serious procurement breaches in the award and execution of the SML contracts, originally intended to enhance government revenue mobilisation. The OSP has reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding public resources, warning that any individuals found culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. As the investigation deepens, the nation awaits further revelations and the possible prosecution of some of Ghana’s most senior public officials. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry of Health Urges Doctors to Embrace Nationwide Postings for Equitable Healthcare
In a renewed push to ensure quality healthcare across Ghana, the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Mintah Akandoh, has called on newly recruited doctors to accept their postings to hospitals and health facilities in all regions and districts of the country. This initiative, according to a statement from the Ministry, forms part of ongoing efforts to “equitably and fairly distribute doctors across the country,” so that every community, urban or rural, can access quality medical care. “This exercise is part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to improve evenly distribution of health professionals to ensure quality healthcare delivery nationwide,” the statement emphasized. The Ministry outlined that the placement process is being carried out strictly through its official online portal. Officials cautioned that no individual or group has been authorized to collect money or influence postings in any form. “Placement is being done strictly through the official online portal, and no individual or group has been authorized to collect money or influence postings,” the statement reiterated. Eligible doctors were strongly warned against engaging with middlemen or paying money to anyone promising to speed up or alter their postings. “Do not give money to any persons who promise to alter or fast-track your postings,” the Ministry cautioned, urging all applicants to remain vigilant against fraud. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal health coverage by maintaining a strict policy of equitable distribution of doctors to all districts. “In our quest to achieve universal health coverage, the Ministry of Health is firmly maintaining its policy of equitable distribution of doctors to all districts,” the statement explained. All qualified doctors currently undergoing recruitment were encouraged to visit the official Ministry of Health website and complete their registration before the approved deadline on the portal. The Ministry expressed confidence that with the support and cooperation of new doctors, every region in Ghana would benefit from skilled healthcare professionals, helping to build a healthier and more equitable nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tragedy at Nangani Checkpoint: Immigration Officers Attacked by Gunmen in Upper East Region
A wave of shock and sorrow has swept through the Upper East Region following a violent attack on Ghana Immigration Service officers at the Nangani checkpoint in the Tempane District. The harrowing incident, which occurred between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., has left two officers shot and another critically injured, according to information circulating on social media and confirmed by Apexnewsgh sources. The circulated social media post indicates that the attack was carried out by unidentified gunmen, suspected to be bandits operating in the volatile Bawku area. Emergency responders rushed the wounded officers to the nearest hospital, but despite medical efforts, one of the victims sadly succumbed to his injuries. The remaining officer is reported to be in critical condition, fighting for his life as colleagues and family members anxiously await updates. The incident has heightened concerns about the security situation in the region, especially for frontline officers tasked with maintaining order and protecting Ghana’s borders. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, and security has been tightened at key checkpoints across the district. Source: Apexnewsgh.com