John Mahama Orders Immediate Halt to International Travel by SOE Boards Using Public Funds
John Dramani Mahama has instructed that boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and public institutions must immediately stop all international travel for training, retreats, conferences, and study tours funded by the state. The directive, delivered through a circular from the Office of the President to all Ministers of State, comes amid rising concerns over the frequency and expense of overseas trips by board members and public officials. These travels, often involving large delegations and lengthy stays, have led to considerable spending on airfares, accommodation, per diems, and logistics, placing unnecessary strain on Ghana’s finances. Government sources explained that the new policy is part of a wider strategy to enforce fiscal discipline, improve public financial management, and ensure the responsible use of national resources. From now on, boards of SOEs and public institutions are strictly forbidden from undertaking international trips for training or similar activities at the expense of the state. Exceptions to this rule will only be made in rare circumstances where the engagement cannot realistically be held locally or through virtual means. In such cases, supervising ministers must submit a formal request to the President, justifying the need for the travel. The request must detail the purpose, expected outcomes, strategic importance to the institution’s mission, the number of participants, the total estimated cost, and reasons why the objectives cannot be achieved locally or online. The government is urging Ministries and their agencies to prioritize local training sessions, in-country retreats, and partnerships with universities and reputable institutions within Ghana. Boards are also encouraged to explore virtual training, technical exchanges, and short-term expert engagements locally, instead of sending full delegations abroad. Additionally, the directive calls on boards to focus on their core governance responsibilities and carefully evaluate the value, necessity, and cost-effectiveness of any capacity-building initiatives. According to government officials, the main goal of the policy is to cut non-essential public spending and redirect scarce resources toward priority projects, infrastructure, and social interventions that will benefit Ghanaians more directly. All ministers have been instructed to ensure that boards, CEOs, and management teams of SOEs and public institutions under their supervision are made aware of this directive and comply without delay. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former Vice President Bawumia and Wife Relocated Amid Middle East Tensions
As unrest grows in parts of the Middle East, former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his wife Samira Bawumia, and their entourage have been quietly relocated from Qatar to another country in a government-led effort to ensure their safety. The move was carried out following direct instructions from Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Acting on behalf of the government, Minister Ablakwa directed Ghanaian embassies throughout the region to immediately coordinate secure travel arrangements for the former Vice President and his team. Diplomatic sources revealed that Ghanaian embassies worked closely with local authorities to facilitate the swift and discreet transfer, emphasizing that the operation was executed smoothly and without incident. Specific details regarding the relocation remain confidential for security reasons. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Ghana are maintaining a high level of vigilance as tensions persist in the region. Authorities are monitoring developments closely and have put embassies on alert to offer consular support and emergency assistance to Ghanaians living in or passing through affected areas. The safe relocation of the Bawumia family underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and officials abroad during times of heightened risk. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief of Staff’s Committee Completes Review of Post-Election Public Service Appointments
A committee set up by the Chief of Staff to scrutinize recruitments, appointments, and promotions made into Ghana’s Public Service following the December 7 elections has concluded its work, shedding light on the fate of thousands affected by a sweeping review directive. According to the committee’s findings, a total of 2,080 individuals had their recent appointments or promotions under examination. After a thorough review, the committee determined that 1,201 of these appointments were valid, confirming that they had followed the proper due process and could stand. However, the process was not without casualties; 541 appointments were revoked after the committee found they failed to meet the necessary procedural standards. In a strong affirmation of inclusivity, the committee also upheld the appointments of 338 Persons With Disabilities, recognizing that these appointments had adhered to all requirements and signaling the government’s ongoing commitment to diversity within the Public Service. The review process, initiated in the wake of the elections, was designed to promote transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with established protocols in public sector hiring and advancement. With the committee’s report now released, the government looks to move forward, guided by the principles of accountability and merit. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nana Agradaa Released from Prison, Reunites with Family After Eight Months
The gates of Nsawam Prison swung open this week to release Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, better known to many as Nana Agradaa, the former fetish priestess who turned her life to evangelism. After spending eight months in custody, Nana Agradaa has finally returned home, marking a new chapter in a story that has captured national attention. Her husband, Asiamah, took to Facebook on Tuesday, March 3, to share the news of her return: “Thank God my wife is finally home,” he wrote, sparking a wave of reactions from supporters and critics alike. The homecoming was marked by heartfelt reunions as Nana Agradaa rejoined her family after a period of separation. Later in the day, she is expected to make her first public appearance by joining her church community for fellowship, a significant moment for her congregation and followers, many of whom have stood by her throughout her legal troubles. Nana Agradaa was initially handed a 15-year sentence on July 3, 2025, after being convicted on charges of defrauding by false pretence and charlatanic advertisement. Her legal team, however, appealed the ruling, arguing that the punishment was excessive. The Amasaman High Court ultimately reviewed her case, reducing her sentence to 12 months and describing the original term as harsh. Her release comes in line with Ghana’s remission rules, which allowed her to regain freedom after serving two-thirds of her revised sentence. As Nana Agradaa steps back into public life, all eyes will be on how she navigates her return and reengages with her faith community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Evacuates Embassy Staff from Iran Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
In a decisive move to safeguard its diplomats, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, announced that the Government of Ghana has successfully evacuated all Ghanaian embassy staff from Iran. The evacuation, prompted by mounting tensions and instability in the Middle East, was carried out swiftly to ensure the safety of Ghanaian personnel stationed in the region. Minister Ablakwa confirmed that the diplomats are safe and in high spirits following their return. As an added precaution, the Ghanaian embassy in Iran has been closed indefinitely, “sine die”, until further notice. The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that the government’s paramount concern remains the security and welfare of Ghanaian citizens, especially in light of recent military hostilities involving several Middle Eastern countries. This evacuation forms part of a broader emergency preparedness strategy activated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has also included advisories urging Ghanaians to avoid non-essential travel to the region and to remain vigilant amidst the ongoing unrest. The successful evacuation marks a significant diplomatic response, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and highlighting the lengths to which Ghana is prepared to go to uphold the safety and well-being of its people during times of crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Delegation Visits Ga Mantse, Extends Prayers and Solidarity
A delegation from the Ghana Police Service, led by Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, paid a special visit to the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru. The purpose of their courtesy call was clear: to express solidarity with the revered traditional leader and to offer prayers for his swift and complete recovery. The meeting, held at the Ga Mantse’s residence, was marked by warm words and mutual appreciation. Inspector General Yohuno conveyed the sincere well-wishes of the entire Police Service, sharing hopes for the Ga Mantse’s speedy return to full health. The delegation emphasized their deep respect for the Ga traditional authority and acknowledged its vital role in nurturing peace and stability across the Ga State. This gesture of goodwill underscored the close collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and traditional leadership. As the visit concluded, it stood as a testament to the enduring partnership between security institutions and traditional authorities, one that continues to foster unity, social harmony, and shared purpose within the community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Slow Start Marks Ayawaso East By-Election Amid Ramadan Observance
On a quiet Tuesday morning in the Ayawaso East Constituency, anticipation hung in the air as more than 40,000 registered voters prepared to select their new Member of Parliament. The by-election, set against the backdrop of the holy month of Ramadan, saw a sluggish beginning at polling centres across the Greater Accra Region. By 8:00 a.m., the numbers told a clear story: at the Nima Cluster of Schools, only 162 ballots had been cast. At Nima JHS 1, just 15 voters had made their choice, while a similar scene unfolded at the Presby School polling station. In some cases, polling officers noted with a hint of humour that they had seen more journalists than voters in the early hours. At Alhaji Iddrisu House Number 2, reporters described turnout as equally low. Party officials and observers attributed the muted start to the ongoing Ramadan fast. A Branch Youth Organiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) explained that many Muslim voters begin their day before dawn to observe the fast, only to return to sleep and venture out later to vote. The NDC, determined to boost participation, began mobilising supporters as the day progressed. Despite the slow morning, electoral officers assured the public that all arrangements were in place for a peaceful and orderly exercise. Security personnel stood watch at polling centres, and the Electoral Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness throughout the process. Five candidates are vying for the vacant seat: Baba Jamal of the NDC, Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), independent contenders Umar Sander Mohammed and David Kanor, and Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG). As the day unfolded, observers kept a close eye on turnout and the conduct of the polls, aware that the outcome would shape the political landscape of Ayawaso East in the months to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Muntaka Receives Landmark Report on Gbiyiri Peace Mediation
Ghana’s Minister of Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, accepted the final report of the Gbiyiri Mediation Committee, a document poised to change the course of relations in the Sawla–Tuna Kalba area. The formal handover took place as the Committee’s Chairman, Emmanuel Bombande, presented the report, underscoring its power to lay the groundwork for enduring peace, renewed social cohesion, and meaningful cooperation between the Gonja and Lobi/Brifors communities. The committee, established in September 2025, was tasked with tackling the root causes of the region’s longstanding inter-communal disputes and mapping out practical steps for reconciliation. Minister Muntaka, visibly appreciative, thanked the committee for their perseverance and detailed work. He commended the roadmap outlined in the report, which aims to rebuild fractured relationships, nurture tolerance, and restore harmony within the Gbiyiri community and beyond. The recommendations contained in the report are set to provide a guiding framework for local authorities, traditional leaders, and stakeholders as they embark on the next phase—implementing sustainable peace initiatives tailored to the region’s needs. Chairman Bombande also took the opportunity to thank President John Dramani Mahama, Minister Muntaka, the Overlord of Gonja, and all those who offered steadfast support and partnership throughout the mediation process. With the submission of this report, the Gbiyiri Mediation Committee brings a note of optimism to a region that has weathered years of intermittent tension, marking a decisive step toward lasting peace and stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliamentarians Clash Over President Mahama’s State of the Nation Address
Friday’s State of the Nation Address by President John Dramani Mahama set the stage for an intense debate in Ghana’s Parliament, as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle offered sharply contrasting reactions. In the corridors of Parliament, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, spoke with enthusiasm to the Class Media Group. He praised the administration’s achievements, citing what he described as clear progress in stabilising the economy under President Mahama’s leadership. Mr. Ofosu Kwakye highlighted a reported 2.1 percent reduction in Ghana’s debt stock, a firmer cedi, and easing inflation. “All those indicators have changed. The country’s debts have reduced by 2.1 percent, and the cedi exchange rate is more stable. Prices are falling,” he asserted, crediting sound policies and prudent management for these advances. He also drew attention to government investments in education, insisting such interventions are making a real difference in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. Yet not all were convinced. From the opposition benches, Akuapim North MP Sammy Awuku offered a starkly different perspective. In his remarks, Mr. Awuku dismissed the President’s address as a list of unfulfilled promises and missed targets. He questioned the gap between government assurances and everyday experiences, pointing to a recent hike in electricity tariffs as evidence that citizens are not feeling the relief promised by the administration. “Households and businesses continue to face rising costs,” he lamented. Mr. Awuku further challenged the government’s track record, claiming that only 38 percent of stated commitments have been honoured. He criticised the lack of concrete updates on major initiatives, such as the construction of fish landing sites meant to bolster coastal communities. Doubts were also cast on the government’s reported creation of one million jobs, with Mr. Awuku demanding credible data to support the claim and warning that youth unemployment remains an urgent issue. He called for greater transparency and accountability, urging the Mahama administration to deliver measurable outcomes and clear timelines for progress, rather than relying on repeated assurances. As the dust settles on President Mahama’s latest address, the divide in Parliament highlights the ongoing contest over Ghana’s economic direction and the lived realities of its citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Baba Jamal Poised for Landslide Victory in Ayawaso East By-Election, Poll Shows
As Ayawaso East prepares for a crucial by-election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a wave of anticipation has swept across the constituency. The contest, triggered by the recent passing of MP Mahama Naser Toure, is already shaping up to be a decisive moment for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). According to a fresh opinion poll by Global InfoAnalytics, NDC parliamentary hopeful Baba Jamal stands out as the clear frontrunner. The survey, conducted between February 28 and March 1 among 972 registered voters, reveals Jamal’s commanding lead: he is projected to claim 75 percent of the vote, leaving his nearest competitor, Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), far behind with 21 percent. Independent candidate Umaru Sanda Muhammed, once a member of the NDC, is forecast to garner about 3 percent of the votes. Other aspirants, Ibrahim Iddrisu and David, are expected to record less than one percent each, according to the poll. The by-election was necessitated by the passing of Mahama Naser Toure in January, who died while receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. His absence has set the stage for a new chapter in Ayawaso East’s political story, with voters now weighing their options ahead of the polls. With less than a day to go, the numbers suggest Baba Jamal is on course for a sweeping victory, barring any late surprises at the ballot box. Source: Apexnewsgh.com