Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has called on New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates to disregard accusations that former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was responsible for the economic mismanagement under the party’s administration, insisting he remains the best candidate to lead the NPP into the next general elections. Speaking to NPP delegates, Adwoa Safo argued that Dr Bawumia should not be held solely accountable for the party’s economic challenges, emphasizing that his influence on key decisions was limited. She highlighted the significant role played by other top officials, especially former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, in shaping the country’s economic policies. “Was Dr Bawumia the finance minister? Were we not in government when some MPs said, because of the way our economy is being mismanaged, we should change the finance minister, did we? Didn’t he damage everything before he was changed, so how can we blame this on Bawumia?” she questioned. Adwoa Safo further explained that Dr Bawumia did not have the authority to overrule decisions taken at the highest levels of government. “He was only the driver’s mate and could not overrule the driver, even if the driver was not performing well,” she remarked. Her comments come in response to criticism from some flagbearer aspirants in the ongoing NPP presidential primaries, who have blamed Dr Bawumia for the party’s economic record while in government. Dr Bawumia is currently one of five aspirants vying for the NPP flagbearer slot, with the party scheduled to elect its presidential candidate on January 31, 2026. He faces competition from former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

A key prosecution witness in the ongoing Sky Train trial has produced multiple email exchanges contradicting his earlier testimony about the Accra Sky Train project’s consideration by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Board and Investment Committee. Yaw Odame-Darkwa, former GIIF board member and chairman of the Audit Committee, presented the emails during the fourth day of cross-examination at the High Court in Accra. This followed a court order directing him to retrieve, verify, and submit the relevant correspondence. On the previous day, Mr. Odame-Darkwa was permitted to review emails presented by counsel for the first accused, which challenged his claim that the Sky Train project was introduced only once at board level. Upon examination, Mr. Odame-Darkwa confirmed the authenticity of at least 16 emails exchanged between July and September 2018 among board and Investment Committee members. These emails, which included attachments, agendas, and investment memoranda, were admitted into evidence without objection from the prosecution. Several referenced the Accra Sky Train project and were circulated ahead of scheduled Investment Committee meetings, alongside updates on other GIIF projects such as the Safari Hotel, Woodfields Tank Farm, and Mahama Hotel. Among the admitted documents were minutes from the Investment Committee meeting on July 31, 2018, which recorded a presentation on the Sky Train Monorail Project. The minutes noted that members expressed support for the initiative but requested further details before making any recommendations to the GIIF Board. During Monday’s cross-examination, Mr. Odame-Darkwa admitted he could not confirm whether a subsequent Investment Committee meeting scheduled for September 28, 2018, actually took place. He also acknowledged that he had not referred to Investment Committee minutes before giving statements to the National Investigations Bureau in March 2025 or before preparing his court witness statement. Nonetheless, he maintained that the Investment Committee did not formally recommend the Sky Train project to the Board, a position he said was consistent with the committee minutes submitted to the court. The court also admitted into evidence extracts from the 2021 Auditor-General’s report on GIIF and the Fund’s 2019 audited financial statements, which confirmed Odame-Darkwa’s role as chairman of the Audit Committee, bearing the signatures of the former Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer. The trial involves former GIIF Board Chair Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi and former CEO Solomon Asamoah, who are facing charges including causing financial loss to the state and dissipation of public funds over a US$2 million payment for the Sky Train project. Prosecutors allege the payment was made without board approval and without any work being done. The case has been adjourned to December 16, when cross-examination is set to continue. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved emergency security funding for five member countries as part of intensified efforts to combat terrorism and growing insecurity in the region. During its 68th Ordinary Session held in Abuja, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government directed the ECOWAS Commission to allocate $2.85 million each from the Regional Security Fund to Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. The disbursement is contingent upon a review of the approved Plan of Action. The decision follows escalating security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings across West Africa. ECOWAS leaders strongly condemned the recent surge in attacks, notably the abduction of schoolchildren in northern Nigeria, and expressed solidarity with the Nigerian people. The Authority also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift actions taken to secure the release of victims and intensify measures against insecurity. Reaffirming their commitment to eradicating terrorism, ECOWAS leaders called on the international community, including the African Union and United Nations Security Council, to respond urgently and coordinate support for countries most affected by terrorism. The Authority further urged ongoing engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to enhance cooperation and address the worsening security situation, particularly in the Sahel. Additionally, ECOWAS instructed the Commission to expedite the operationalisation of the Regional Counterterrorism Brigade by convening urgent meetings of intelligence and defense chiefs to advance the activation of the force. These emergency measures and renewed security initiatives underscore ECOWAS’ determination to safeguard lives, restore stability, and strengthen collective security throughout West Africa. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

At a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 15, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama made a passionate appeal to the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging them to remain steadfast in dialogue and engagement with the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES). His call came during his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, a moment that gathered dignitaries and traditional leaders from across the region. Addressing the gathering, President Mahama highlighted the growing security and political challenges facing West Africa. He cautioned that the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS and establish the AES should not undermine ongoing efforts at regional integration. “Our sub-region is facing serious challenges, and we all know what is happening in the Sahel,” President Mahama stated. “Three of our members have decided to break away and form the AES, but I do not believe this development should deter us.” He emphasized the enduring historical, cultural, and economic bonds that unite West African nations, warning that exclusion and isolation would only exacerbate existing tensions. “God put us together in this sub-region for a purpose,” he noted. “Instead of ostracising our brothers, we must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel, because our destinies are tied together.” Drawing on a Ghanaian proverb, President Mahama reminded the audience that regional security is a shared responsibility: “In Ghana, we say that when there is fire burning in your neighbour’s house, you take water and help to quench it. If you stand by and allow your neighbour’s house to burn down, the fire will eventually spread to your own house.” He concluded by urging ECOWAS leaders to sustain diplomatic engagement and encourage the AES countries to return to the fold, insisting that only through unity can the region secure lasting peace, stability, and prosperity. President Mahama’s remarks come at a critical time, as ECOWAS seeks to redefine its relationship with the Sahel states following a spate of military takeovers and their withdrawal from the regional bloc. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Former President John Dramani Mahama has been ceremonially inducted into the esteemed Yoruba chieftaincy as the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. The grand traditional ceremony took place in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, and was attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community. The honour, which translates as “a leader who reshapes the global order for the benefit of humanity,” was bestowed upon President Mahama in recognition of his exceptional leadership, commitment to international cooperation, equity, and sustainable development. This latest accolade puts him among a distinguished group of personalities whose influence reaches far beyond their home countries. The conferment came after several days of ancestral rites and traditional preparations at the Ooni’s palace. The palace was transformed with elaborate cultural decorations, and the event was celebrated as a moment of profound significance for both the Yoruba people and their guests. This is not President Mahama’s first recognition by Yoruba traditional institutions. In October 2015, he was installed as the Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, a title acknowledging his contributions to leadership, peace, and diplomacy across Africa. Observers suggest that this latest title will further strengthen the cultural and diplomatic bonds between Ghana and Nigeria, highlighting the enduring historical and social ties between the two nations. As the Ooni of Ife—one of the most revered custodians of Yoruba tradition, continues to promote cultural preservation, religious harmony, and socio-economic progress, this ceremony marks another milestone in fostering unity and cooperation across the African continent. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

With the Kpandai parliamentary rerun just days away, a new opinion survey by Global InfoAnalytics has ignited excitement and uncertainty in the constituency. Released on Sunday, December 14, 2025, the poll paints a picture of a race too close to call, with New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Mathew Nyindam clinging to a slim lead. According to the survey, Nyindam is projected to capture 50 percent of the likely votes, edging out his closest rival, Daniel Nsala Wakpal of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who stands at 46 percent. Independent candidate Donkor Eric Nipani trails with just one percent, while three percent of voters remain undecided. With the margin between Nyindam and Wakpal falling within the poll’s ±3.9 percent margin of error, the contest is set for a nail-biting finish. The data reveals little movement between the camps of the two leading contenders, with only about two percent of each candidate’s initial supporters switching sides. However, Nyindam’s position has been bolstered by a notable shift among voters who had previously supported the independent contender. The poll shows that 28 percent of Donkor Nipani’s former supporters have now pledged their backing to the NPP candidate. When it comes to Nyindam’s performance in Parliament, opinions are mixed. While three percent of respondents rate his tenure as excellent, another 32 percent describe his work as good or very good. Thirty-six percent consider his performance average, and 29 percent are dissatisfied, labeling it poor or very poor. Beyond the fierce competition, the survey also delved into broader public sentiment about the country’s direction. In the Kpandai constituency, optimism prevails, with 66 percent of respondents believing Ghana is on the right path. However, 26 percent feel the nation is heading the wrong way, and eight percent are unsure. Party loyalties shape these perceptions. Among NPP supporters, opinions are divided: 37 percent say Ghana is moving in the right direction, 47 percent disagree, and 16 percent remain undecided. In stark contrast, confidence runs high among NDC supporters—an overwhelming 97 percent believe the country is on the right track. Floating voters are largely hopeful as well, with 65 percent expressing a positive outlook. As the parliamentary rerun approaches, the people of Kpandai prepare for a closely fought contest. With the outcome hanging in the balance, every vote will count in determining who will represent the constituency in Parliament. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

President John Dramani Mahama has raised serious concerns about the rising number of ethnic, land, and chieftaincy-related conflicts across the country, describing the situation as a “major headache” for his administration. Speaking at a meeting with the National Peace Council at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, December 10, the President said the increasing tensions were exerting significant pressure on national security agencies deployed to keep the peace in volatile areas. President Mahama explained that many of the disputes stem from deep-rooted disagreements over chieftaincy, ethnicity, and land, cautioning that their spread poses a threat to national stability. “All of us are concerned about the proliferation of conflicts across our country. There’s a rising intolerance, and it’s as a result of disagreements, first and foremost, to do with chieftaincy. It is putting a lot of pressure on our security services,” he stated. He noted that long-term deployments have stretched security personnel thin in several conflict zones. “A lot of our security services are tied down in conflict areas. Sampa, we have a whole contingent there. If you go to Bawku and Nkwanta, we have a whole contingent there. Recently, Savannah, we had a whole contingent there; we have not withdrawn them yet. And yet, there are so many of these all over the country. It has to do with ethnic and land disputes. It’s become a major headache for the government,” he said. The President called on the National Peace Council to intensify mediation and conflict-resolution efforts to help restore peace in affected communities. “That is why we need to resort to the Peace Council to be able to carry out its mandate,” he appealed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

When news broke of a Private Members’ Bill seeking to repeal Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, 2017 (Act 959), Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Advocacy and Engagement at CDD-Ghana, could hardly contain his dismay. For Dr. Asante, a long-time advocate for good governance and transparency, the move felt like a sharp betrayal, not just of promises made, but of the trust of ordinary Ghanaians. The bill, introduced by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, aims to dissolve the OSP and return all prosecutorial powers over corruption cases to the Attorney-General, in line with Article 88 of the Constitution. Supporters of the bill argue that the OSP’s eight years have exposed serious issues: overlapping duties, institutional friction, jurisdictional confusion, and sluggish justice processes. But for Dr. Asante, these justifications ring hollow. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, he took to Facebook to express his outrage. “First thing on my mind today, December 11, 2025. If the NDC majority pushes this bill through Parliament, it will be the greatest betrayal of trust. I am shocked and very angry,” he wrote, his words carrying the weight of disappointment felt by many citizens. He went further, questioning whether Parliament was truly representing the will of the people. “This is not what was promised to Ghanaians in the fight against corruption. Ghanaians do not want this, so who are the MPs representing… themselves? Is that what the large majority in Parliament is going to be used for? Ghanaians must let all the MPs know on their socials that they represent us and not themselves,” he urged. Dr. Asante also challenged the urgency behind the bill, pointing out that a constitutional review process is the proper avenue for making such important decisions about the nation’s anti-corruption strategy. He argued that repealing the OSP would undermine the fight against corruption at a time when public accountability is desperately needed. “Now I am convinced more than ever that we need an independent prosecutor for corruption matters. The fact that politicians on all sides have come out to support repeal, while the rest of society wants to keep the OSP, tells the story,” Dr. Asante reflected, highlighting a growing disconnect between political leaders and the people they serve. He warned that dismantling the OSP would weaken the fight against corruption and threaten Ghana’s stability. “The sad part is that with all the threats to the stability of our state and democracy coming from the looting of public resources and impunity, this is what we think we should do to aid the fight against corruption. We have a much bigger problem for the future of this country,” he cautioned. For Dr. Kojo Asante and many Ghanaians, the fate of the OSP is more than a legislative matter, it is a test of the nation’s commitment to transparency, justice, and the rule of law. As the debate rages on, the hope is that the voices of ordinary citizens will not be drowned out by the vested interests of a powerful few. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has characterised the actions of Minority MPs in Parliament over the Kpandai parliamentary seat dispute as a demonstration of democracy in action. On Tuesday, December 9, Minority MPs staged a day-long protest in Parliament to voice their strong disapproval of the declaration that the Kpandai seat was vacant. Their demonstration disrupted parliamentary business and blocked Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga until the evening, with Parliament forced into two suspensions during the heated standoff. The Minority continued their protest even after Speaker Alban Bagbin deferred ruling on the matter and government business resumed. Discussing the events, Ahiagbah said, “The conduct of the Minority is democratic. That is the look and feel of democracy. To describe it otherwise would be to characterise something other than democracy. But what they are doing there is democracy, and people in a democracy ought to do that when they feel that people are using other means to end the fundamental basis of democracy, which is election.” Ahiagbah’s remarks highlight the NPP’s perspective that protest and dissent, even when disruptive, are integral to a functioning democratic system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com