The political temperature in Parliament rose sharply this week as the Minority Caucus leveled strong accusations against the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that the party used the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, as campaign bait in the 2024 general elections, only to retreat from their commitment once in power. At a press conference themed “Holding Government to Account,” Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, did not mince words. He told the gathered media that the NDC and its Members of Parliament had openly promised voters that the bill would be swiftly passed and signed into law if they won the presidency. “But after assuming office, that promise has been left unfulfilled,” Afenyo-Markin said. The Minority Leader argued that the government’s current hesitancy stands in stark contrast to its campaign rhetoric, especially as public debate swirls around the recent controversy involving LGBTQ-related content in the Senior High School curriculum, an incident the government has since described as an error. Afenyo-Markin also challenged President John Dramani Mahama’s recent assertion that further consultation is needed to refine the bill. He described this as a “play on words” and accused the NDC of inconsistency, recalling that the party had previously insisted the law was ready to be passed. According to Afenyo-Markin, even attempts by Minority MPs to advance the bill through a private member’s motion have been sidelined by the Majority leadership using procedural maneuvers. “When the Mighty Minority members decided through a private members’ bill to now pin them to their own principles, suddenly, after all the processes had been followed, the NDC, through its Majority leader, found a way of using procedure to claim there was no such approval by the Speaker,” he lamented. He maintained that the NDC’s actions suggested the bill was used as a tool to win political favor, and now, facing the complexities of governance, the party was looking for an exit. “We hold the view that the NDC used the Anti-LGBTQ law only for power, and now that they are facing reality, they want to find a way of running away from it. We will insist that they act by their own principle,” Afenyo-Markin declared. The accusation has reignited debate about the future of the controversial bill, with the Minority vowing to hold the government accountable and ensure it honors its campaign promises. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Credits Ghana’s Economic Gains to External Factors, Not Government Competence
The ongoing debate over Ghana’s economic recovery took center stage in Parliament on Monday, January 26, as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged claims that recent improvements are the result of effective government policies under President John Mahama. Addressing journalists at a press briefing, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that Ghana’s economy has shown signs of progress, but was quick to dispute the narrative that these gains stem from the government’s own competence or reform agenda. “We have been told that the economy is doing well. That is not in doubt,” he said. “But the question is: Is the economy doing well because of prudent management, or is it due to other factors outside the government’s control?” According to the Minority Leader, the real drivers behind Ghana’s current economic upturn are the ongoing IMF-supported program, debt relief initiatives, rising commodity exports, and a marked reduction in government spending. He dismissed the notion that new social intervention programs or policy re-engineering by the Mahama administration were responsible for the positive shift. “We submit that the so-called gains were not born out of the government’s competence in the management of our economy,” Afenyo-Markin emphasized. “Rather, it is the IMF program, debt relief, rising commodity exports, and reduced expenditure that are the major reasons for the upswing in Ghana’s economy, not any re-engineering by the current administration.” The Minority’s stance has added a new dimension to the conversation about Ghana’s economic future, as political leaders and the public continue to scrutinize the true sources of the nation’s financial turnaround. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Sissala West MP Questions Substance of NPP Peace Pact Amid Flagbearer Tensions
In the heated run-up to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership primaries, Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mohammed Sukparu, has raised serious doubts about the value of the recently signed peace pact among the party’s top presidential aspirants. Speaking candidly on Monday, January 26, Sukparu argued that symbolic gestures alone cannot guarantee harmony within the party ranks. His remarks came just days after the five contenders for the NPP’s presidential ticket put pen to paper, pledging unity, respect for the electoral process, and support for whoever emerges victorious at the January 31, 2026, primary. But Sukparu, like many political observers, was not convinced by what he saw during the signing ceremony. “Whatever happened at the peace pact signing was just documentation,” he remarked. “If you observed the faces of the candidates seated there, there was nothing to suggest that they were demonstrating peace. Peace must be demonstrated, not reduced to a mere signature.” Sukparu went further, calling out the party’s leadership for failing to clamp down on divisive rhetoric and personal attacks that have marred the campaign season. He noted that some aspirants had openly insulted one another—accusing rivals of being “mad,” “sick,” or involved in illegal activities—without any condemnation from the party’s hierarchy. “Right from the word go, you saw some candidates describing others as mad, sick, or accusing them of engaging in illegal activities, yet nobody from the party’s top hierarchy has come out to condemn such behaviour,” he said. For the Sissala West MP, if the NPP truly wants to foster peace, it must go beyond orchestrated ceremonies and signatures. “If they truly want to exhibit the peace they are calling for, they must go beyond mere signatures,” he urged. The upcoming NPP presidential primary is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race, featuring high-profile figures such as former Assin Central MP Ken Ohene Agyapong, Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, ex-Vice President and 2024 Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Bosomtwe MP Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. As January 31 approaches, the spotlight remains not only on who will clinch the party’s flagbearership, but also on whether the peace pact will hold firm under the weight of political ambition. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Deploys 121 Nurses to Antigua in New Push for International Job Opportunities
In a significant step to tackle the growing backlog of unemployed health professionals, Ghana’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, has deployed 121 nurses to Antigua. The move, celebrated at a deployment ceremony attended by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, is part of a broader strategy to create new job avenues for qualified Ghanaian health workers. Addressing the nurses and their families, Minister Akandoh highlighted a pressing challenge facing the country: over 80,000 trained health workers have completed their education but remain unabsorbed by the public sector. “Our commitment is to find innovative ways to provide opportunities for our dedicated professionals,” he said. “Bilateral agreements like this are a win-win for Ghana and our partner countries.” Antigua now joins a growing list of nations, including Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad, participating in Ghana’s initiative to export skilled health labor. Through these partnerships, Ghanaian nurses gain international experience, while host countries benefit from their expertise and professionalism. During the send-off, officials urged the departing nurses to be ambassadors of Ghanaian values, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity as they serve abroad. Several nurses shared their hopes that the opportunity would not only advance their careers but also enhance Ghana’s reputation on the global healthcare stage. For many, the deployment marks more than just a new job; it’s a journey that bridges continents, opens doors, and showcases the resilience and talent of Ghana’s health workforce to the world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Six Candidates Set to Battle for Ayawaso East Seat as By-Election Race Heats Up
The political atmosphere in the Greater Accra Region is buzzing with anticipation as six hopefuls have entered the race for the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election, scheduled for February 7, 2026. The contest promises to be fiercely competitive as parties and supporters throw their weight behind their preferred candidates. The close of nominations on Friday, January 24, 2026, revealed a diverse lineup of aspirants eager to represent Ayawaso East in Parliament. Those who have officially picked up nomination forms are Mohammed Ramne, Mohammed Abdul Salam, Yakubu Azindow, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, Najib Mohammed Sani, and Amina Adam. According to party officials, each aspirant is expected to submit their completed nomination forms at the party’s regional office by Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The party has wished all contenders the best as the internal selection process moves forward, emphasizing a commitment to fairness and transparency. The Ayawaso East by-election is already attracting significant attention from political watchers and the electorate alike. With the February poll fast approaching, all eyes are on the six candidates as they prepare to make their case to the constituency, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting political showdown. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chuchuliga–Sandema Roadworks Stall as Contractor Delays Post-Holiday Return
Residents and travelers along the Chuchuliga–Sandema road have grown increasingly anxious as construction on the critical route remains at a standstill. The reason: MyTurn Construction, the firm responsible for the project, has yet to return to the site following the Christmas break. Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga addressed the situation during his first press soiree, responding to pointed questions from the media regarding the road’s progress. He explained that while the project was expected to resume after the holidays, the contractor had not yet made an appearance. “I am reliably informed by my honorable MCE that he spoke to the contractor, who assured him he would be back on site by the end of this month,” Atanga said. “He left for the Christmas holidays and is not back yet.” The Minister’s remarks have sparked reactions from frustrated residents and frequent users of the road, many of whom noted that construction crews left soon after the region’s FEOK celebrations and have not been seen since. With each passing day, hopes for a swift resumption of work are being tested, as communities along the route wait for tangible signs that their vital roadway will soon be completed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East NPP Former Regional Executive Rally Behind Bawumia for 2028 Comeback
On a pivotal Friday, January 23, 2026, a group of former NPP Regional Executives, thirty-five in number, stepped before the press. They were the former Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region, their faces etched with the experience of countless campaigns. Their message was singular and powerful: a full-throated endorsement of Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the party into the 2028 General Elections. With the party’s flagbearership election just days away, on January 31, these former excutive had not made their decision lightly. “After scrutiny of the five aspirants and deep reflection,” their spokesperson declared, reading from a collective statement, “and out of our unwavering love for the party and our collective desire to recapture political power, we have come to the firm conclusion that Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia represents the best possible choice for the NPP in 2028.” Their support, they stressed, was unequivocal and unflinching for the immediate past Vice President. They laid out a compelling case, built on four pillars of conviction. First was Leadership and Electability. In the current political climate, they believed Dr. Bawumia’s caliber and competence positioned him best to reclaim victory for the NPP. Second was Experience and Political Consistency. Among the contenders, he stood apart. Having led the party’s ticket in 2024, he possessed invaluable experience. “As has been the tradition in our party,” they noted, “he deserves a second opportunity.” To them, consistency was a proven winning strategy. Third, they pointed to his Competence and Character—a consistent demonstration of resourcefulness, humility, and dedication, qualities they deemed essential for rebuilding party unity and transforming the nation. Finally, they championed his Vision for Ghana, one centered on humanity, inclusive development, and sustainable socio-economic transformation. “His ideas resonate with the aspirations of Ghanaians,” the statement read, praising him as “a positive thinker, a problem solver, and a man of action.” The number was specific and significant: all thirty-five former executives stood united in this declaration. Their conclave ended with a resonant call to action, directed at the party’s delegates. They urged them to rally behind Dr. Bawumia, to entrust him with the flagbearership, and to set the NPP on a course to secure victory in 2028. The message from the Upper East was clear: a battalion of the party’s old guard had mobilized, placing their strategic weight behind Bawumia’s bid to lead the charge back to power. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Regional Minister Dispels Controversy Over Airport Project Land Acquisition
At the heart of the bustling Upper East Region, debate has swirled over the government’s ambitious plan to construct a regional airport, a project championed as a catalyst for connectivity and economic growth. On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Regional Minister Donatus Atanga Akamugri took to the podium at his administration’s first press soiree, determined to set the record straight amidst mounting accusations of exclusion and betrayal. Addressing journalists and stakeholders, Mr. Atanga confronted claims that he and his office had disregarded certain interest groups and mishandled the acquisition of community land earmarked for the airport. With a calm but resolute tone, the Minister explained that every step of the process had been guided by both legal precision and respect for local customs. “All the documentation required for this project has been duly secured,” Mr. Atanga assured the gathering. “The Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), in partnership with our chiefs and landowners, carefully prepared a cadastral plan and indenture. Only the legitimate landowners were signatories—if you’re not a landowner, you cannot sign. Some have misconstrued this as trespassing, but that is simply not true.” He revealed that more than fifteen chiefs and community leaders had recently visited his office to formally affirm their consent for the project, dispelling speculation and clearing a path for construction. Working in tandem with Members of Parliament such as Hon. James Agalga, Mr. Atanga, and the RCC ensured the airport project was included in the national budget, a clear signal, he said, of the government’s commitment. Officials from the Ghana Airport Company, along with the Civil Aviation Director and board members, have also toured the designated site, expressing readiness to commence work once all remaining formalities are complete. “If all goes according to plan, we anticipate breaking ground as early as June 2026,” the Minister projected, hinting at a possible presidential inauguration of the airport the following February. “This airport belongs to all of us. We must unite and not let personal interests undermine progress.” The Upper East Airport project, a flagship initiative under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, is poised to transform the region, yet it has not been without controversy. Some local voices have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the land acquisition process. Mr. Atanga’s latest clarification comes as government officials and community stakeholders work to ensure every document is in order, every voice heard, and every legal requirement satisfied before construction begins. As the dust settles on the latest debate, the region watches closely, hopeful that the dream of an airport and the promise of new economic opportunities will soon become reality for all. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Regional Minister Rallies Communities to Combat Crime Surge in Market Centers
The Upper East Region has recently been shadowed by a surge in criminal activities, from brazen motorbike snatching to daylight robberies. On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga addressed these growing concerns at the first press soiree of the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, outlining a determined government response to restore public safety. Standing before an audience of journalists and community representatives, Mr. Atanga acknowledged the anxiety felt by residents and traders in communities like Talensi, Zaare, Vea, Soe, and beyond. He assured the region that a combination of robust security interventions and grassroots engagement was being deployed to counteract the recent wave of crime. “We are actively addressing criminal activities, including motor snatching and robberies, through coordinated security interventions and community engagement, especially market security committees,” the Minister stated. Mr. Atanga detailed how the government’s approach hinges not only on increased law enforcement presence but also on direct collaboration with those most affected—traders and local leaders. By forming and activating market security committees, authorities aim to enhance intelligence gathering and create a network of vigilance in every major trading hub. “The involvement of traders and local leaders is crucial,” he stressed. “Their firsthand knowledge and insights are invaluable for early warnings, swift responses, and ultimately, safer marketplaces.” As these interventions roll out across the Upper East Region, the Minister called on all residents to play an active role in the fight against crime. With united efforts and open communication, he expressed confidence that the region’s markets would soon be restored as safe havens for honest commerce and community life. For now, vigilance and cooperation are the watchwords as the region rallies together to reclaim its peace and prosperity. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Moves to Preserve Nkrumah’s Guinea Home as Historic Landmark
In a move steeped in history and symbolism, the Government of Ghana has embarked on formal negotiations to acquire and restore the residence in Guinea that sheltered Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during his final years. The house, once shared by Nkrumah and Guinea’s President Ahmed Sékou Touré during their time as Co-Presidents, stands as a testament to pan-African solidarity and the enduring bonds between the two nations. The initiative, launched at the behest of President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to transform the former residence into a carefully preserved heritage site. The goal is not only to honor Ghana’s first president but also to provide a powerful destination for tourists and history enthusiasts eager to trace Nkrumah’s remarkable journey from Ghana to Guinea. The latest chapter in this project unfolded during a high-level visit led by Vice President H.E. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who traveled to Guinea following the investiture of President Mamady Doumbouya. On Saturday, the Vice President and a delegation of Ghanaian officials were warmly welcomed by three generations of the Sékou Touré family, led by the late leader’s eldest son. Together, they toured the historic property, reflecting on the legacy of unity and resilience that it represents. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, shared that the restoration effort is intended to immerse visitors in Nkrumah’s legacy, offering a tangible link to his life’s final chapter and his close partnership with Guinea. “This project will allow people to see where Nkrumah lived, worked, and contributed to Africa’s liberation movement after his exile,” Okudzeto-Ablakwa explained. “It’s about bringing history to life for future generations.” Negotiations are now underway between Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Touré family to finalize the terms of acquisition. Preservation experts have been consulted to ensure that the restoration is meticulous and respectful, with every detail designed to maintain the authenticity of the residence. Government officials have promised full transparency throughout the process, pledging to keep the public informed at every stage. As plans move forward, anticipation is building around the potential for Nkrumah’s Guinea home to become a new beacon for pan-African heritage and a fitting tribute to a visionary leader whose influence stretched far beyond Ghana’s borders. Source: Apexnewsgh.com









