President John Dramani Mahama has officially handed over the investigative report on the 2020 and 2024 election-related violence to the Attorney-General, pledging decisive action on its findings. The move signals the government’s commitment to accountability and justice for victims of electoral disturbances. The president made the announcement during a courtesy visit by executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), led by president Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor. President Mahama explained that the report comprehensively details all individuals affected by the violence, along with the circumstances behind each incident. “We have handed it over to the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General will review it and, where necessary, hold people culpable and bring them to book,” President Mahama stated, emphasizing his resolve to ensure that justice is served. He also noted that the Attorney-General has been tasked with determining appropriate compensation for victims, including the families of those who lost their lives and individuals still living with injuries. The president assured that the government would provide adequate compensation as recommended by the report. President Mahama further acknowledged the far-reaching impact of electoral violence, stressing that it affects not only innocent bystanders and political activists but also journalists carrying out their duties. His remarks underscored the government’s intention to address the issue comprehensively, ensuring that all those harmed receive recognition and restitution. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The legal team representing former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has announced plans to contest the recommendation for her removal from office, following a report submitted by a presidentially appointed Committee of Inquiry. The committee, established by President John Dramani Mahama to investigate allegations of misbehaviour, delivered its findings on Monday, September 1, 2025, concluding that Justice Torkornoo was guilty of misconduct and advising her dismissal. Despite the committee’s decision, lead counsel and former Attorney-General Nii Ayikoi Otoo maintains that Justice Torkornoo was treated unfairly and deserves the chance to defend her reputation. In an interview on Saturday, September 6, 2026, Mr. Otoo drew parallels to historic legal battles, stating, “This is an option we are looking for to get the records straight. When Dr. Danquah went to court to talk about Re and Akoto, and that there was the abuse of a fundamental human right, people did not take him seriously. But today, people are praising him for having fought that good fight. So, we will go to court at the right time.” Should the case proceed to court, it is expected to serve as a significant test of presidential authority and the constitutional safeguards in place for judicial office holders, potentially setting a new legal precedent in Ghana’s democratic landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

President John Dramani Mahama has charged Ghana’s newly appointed high commissioners and ambassadors to place economic diplomacy at the heart of their mission, urging them to project Ghana as a beacon of opportunity and innovation on the world stage. Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony in Accra, President Mahama described the appointments as a testament to the envoys’ distinguished records in both public service and the private sector. He urged them to deliver measurable results and uphold accountability, noting that Ghana’s foreign service faces a pivotal moment. In a move he called historic, President Mahama announced the introduction of key performance indicators (KPIs) for embassies and missions abroad. These KPIs, he explained, are not just administrative requirements but essential instruments to ensure that every diplomatic action advances Ghana’s national priorities. “I will personally monitor progress as part of our commitment to results-oriented diplomacy,” he stated. The president outlined the government’s Reset Agenda as the guiding blueprint for restoring hope, rebuilding trust, and fostering inclusive prosperity. He tasked the new envoys to extend this agenda globally by forging partnerships, attracting investment, and strengthening Ghana’s influence in international affairs. While reaffirming Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of Pan-Africanism, peaceful co-existence, and justice, President Mahama called for a more agile and innovative approach to diplomacy in light of rapid changes in global geopolitics, economics, and technology. “I expect you to be the vanguards of Ghana’s economic diplomacy. Let your missions become dynamic hubs of export promotion, investment attraction, tourism marketing, diaspora mobilisation, and innovation,” he charged the envoys. Concluding, President Mahama reminded them that their mandate extends beyond representation, demanding strong leadership, fairness in administration, and ethical stewardship of Ghana’s resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, has issued a stark warning about the future of his political career, declaring he will not contest in future elections if the increasing monetisation of Ghana’s electoral process is not addressed. Following the Akwatia by-election held on September 2, 2025, Okyere Baafi voiced his deep concern over the growing practice of vote buying, which he described as a grave threat to Ghana’s democracy. He specifically accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of influencing voters by distributing cash and items such as hair dryers and spraying machines. According to the MP, individuals received amounts ranging from GH₵500 to GH₵1,000 on polling day. “If this is how our election is going to be, then I will not contest as MP in the next election,” Okyere Baafi declared during an interview with AsaasePa on Tuesday, September 2. Okyere Baafi also took the opportunity to apologise for a previous statement in which he had vowed to resign if his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), lost the Akwatia by-election. He explained that his comment was intended to motivate his campaign team but admitted he had “gone a step too far.” “I apologise to Ghanaians for that. Looking at the work we had done, there was no way we could have lost the election,” he said, while reiterating that the widespread vote buying ultimately shaped the outcome. The MP’s candid remarks have sparked renewed debate over electoral integrity and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard Ghana’s democracy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gary Nimako, has revealed that the late Ernest Kumi, former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, intended to resign from his parliamentary seat just six days before his untimely death. The saga began in January 2025, when the Koforidua High Court issued an interim injunction preventing Kumi from being sworn in as MP for Akwatia. Defying the order, Kumi went ahead with his swearing-in, leading the court to find him in contempt and issue a warrant for his arrest. This legal impasse was only resolved in June 2025, when the Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s ruling, affirming Kumi’s legitimacy as a legislator. Tragically, less than a month after his legal victory, Kumi died suddenly in July 2025. Speaking on Joy News on Tuesday, September 2, Gary Nimako disclosed that Kumi had confided in him about his desire to step away from politics, citing persistent harassment in his constituency as the primary reason. “Ernest Kumi said that he wants to resign from Parliament. Are you aware? He said he was tired because of the harassment they were doing to him at the constituency. He was tired, he wanted to resign from parliament and go and stay at home,” Mr. Nimako shared. To reinforce his credibility, Mr. Nimako added, “Do you know I am an ex-seminarian. I attended Catholic school with the intention of becoming a Catholic priest. Ask my people who were with me, they will tell you. I will tell the truth to you and the truth will set me free.” Reflecting on the emotional toll Kumi endured, Mr. Nimako stressed, “The gentleman was harassed and over harassed. Six days he died… He said he was tired.” Kumi’s passing led to a by-election in Akwatia, which was subsequently won by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Bernard Bediako. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a decisive move to restore integrity and efficiency to Ghana’s land sector, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Lands Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to conduct a comprehensive audit of all state lands allocated, leased, or sold from 2017 to 2024. According to the President, any transaction found to involve illegality, conflict of interest, or abuse of office will be annulled as prescribed by law. Unveiling a sweeping reform package, President Mahama introduced several innovative measures aimed at transforming land administration across the country. At the heart of these changes is the nationwide digitisation of land records through the Enterprise Land Information System, which will modernise how land data is managed and accessed. The reform also involves integrating the registries, valuation, and survey departments, and deploying blockchain technology to secure land data against tampering. Furthermore, fully functional land offices will be established in all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, supported by the recruitment of over 300 young professionals to drive decentralisation and improve public service delivery. During the swearing-in of the new Lands Commission Board, Mahama charged its members to lead this transformation with a commitment to integrity, fairness, and accountability. He outlined a four-pillar reform agenda designed to tackle longstanding challenges in the sector: Restoring public confidence in land administration through transparency and justice. Reversing illegal transactions and reclaiming encroached public lands. Digitising and decentralising services to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Harmonising customary and statutory systems for greater equity and coherence. As part of these reforms, the government has lifted the temporary ban on state land transactions. Moving forward, all allocations, leases, and sales will be processed through strict digital verification, transparent procedures, and robust oversight. “No land document should take more than 30 working days to process, and no Ghanaian should have to pay bribes or know someone at the top to register their land,” President Mahama declared, signalling a new era of openness and service in Ghana’s land administration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Evans Nimako, has voiced strong confidence that the party will retain the Akwatia parliamentary seat in the ongoing by-election, despite recent polls indicating an edge for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate. The by-election was called following the passing of the late Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi. On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Evans Nimako spoke to Citi News’ Sammi Wiafe at Akwatia, asserting that the NPP’s candidate, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, remains the electorate’s top choice. “Sure, we have engaged the constituents and they have given us assurance, and we know that all things being equal, all rules complied, our candidate will emerge victorious,” he stated. Nimako addressed the findings of a Global Info Analytics poll, which projected a 53% lead for the NDC’s Bernard Baidoo Bediako over Asumadu’s 47%. He questioned the poll’s credibility, pointing out, “A report that says a majority of the respondents are NPP affiliates, a report that says that the country is in the wrong direction. And the conclusion that the NDC candidate is ahead of the NPP candidate is questionable.” Another survey by Sanity Africa, conducted from August 1 to 27, also placed Bediako ahead with 52.3%, while Asumadu trailed closely at 47.7%, a narrow 4.6-point gap. Nonetheless, Nimako insisted the party’s grassroots engagement and voter support would deliver victory for the NPP. Voting in the Akwatia by-election is ongoing, with polls expected to close at 5:00 p.m. before the counting of ballots begins. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has renewed calls for sweeping constitutional reforms to protect Ghana’s judiciary from political influence, following the recent removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. Appearing on Accra-based station on Monday, September 1, Kpebu voiced deep concerns over the powers vested in the President by Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, which gives the executive authority to appoint the Chief Justice. “To give judicial independence, we had started making a lot of noise, advocating since last year when her letter to Akufo-Addo came out,” he noted. “In the Constitution, we don’t want the President to be the one to appoint the CJs under Article 144. We don’t want it, so we want 144 out.” Kpebu argued that removing presidential influence from the appointment process is essential to ensuring that the judiciary remains impartial and free from political pressures. In addition to reforms to Article 144, he called for a more transparent and structured approach to handling allegations of judicial misconduct. “One of the things we should do is that we should be able to categorise—to know what are serious offences and what are minors,” he said. Without clear guidelines, Kpebu warned, there is a real risk that minor infractions could be punished as severely as serious breaches, potentially resulting in disproportionate outcomes such as removal from office. Kpebu’s remarks have further fueled public debate about the need to review constitutional provisions affecting the separation of powers and the independence of Ghana’s key democratic institutions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has given firm assurances to the Electoral Commission (EC) and the people of Akwatia that the police are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and secure by-election in the constituency, set for Tuesday, September 2, 2025. On Monday, September 1, the IGP visited Akwatia’s Collation Centre, where he met with the EC’s National Director of Training, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, and the Eastern Regional EC Director, John Appiah Baffoe. During the inspection, IGP Yohuno expressed his confidence in the security arrangements, telling the officials, “We are all with you, and it will be fine. We’re strong on the ground, we’re fully prepared. And we will give you the support.” The upcoming by-election was necessitated by the passing of Ernest Kumi, Akwatia’s late Member of Parliament. The race has generated considerable interest, with polls pointing to a tight contest between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Bernard Baidoo Bediako, and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Solomon Asumadu. A survey by Sanity Africa, conducted from August 1 to 27, shows Bediako in the lead with 52.3%, while Asumadu trails at 47.7%, a narrow 4.6-point gap. Similarly, Global Info Analytics projects Bediako with 53% support compared to Asumadu’s 47%, reinforcing the NDC candidate’s position as the frontrunner heading into election day. As voters in Akwatia prepare to cast their ballots, the IGP’s assurance of robust police presence is expected to help maintain calm and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com  

At the orientation of Ghana’s newly appointed envoys in Accra on Monday, September 1, 2025, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, delivered a passionate call for Africa to become a true “common home for all Africans.” Addressing the gathered diplomats, he urged the full implementation of visa regimes that foster pan-African unity and cooperation. “Let us fully implement visa regimes that will make Africa a more common home for all Africans. This is an indispensable part of our pan-African agenda,” King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II declared. He emphasized the need for reciprocal agreements in immigration policies, highlighting the importance of fairness in requirements, timelines, and the fees charged by embassies during visa processing. The Ga Mantse also turned his attention to the challenges faced by Ghanaian students studying abroad. He called on the government to adopt a more efficient and sustainable system for paying the fees of government-sponsored students, noting that many currently struggle with financial difficulties. Beyond immigration and education, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II encouraged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to elevate cultural diplomacy. He advocated for greater involvement of traditional leaders in promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage on the global stage, suggesting that cultural exchanges could become a powerful tool to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral relationships. The Ga Mantse’s remarks set a visionary tone for the new envoys, underscoring the importance of unity, education, and culture in shaping Ghana’s role within Africa and the wider world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com