Alagumgube Endorses Mahama’s Proposed Toll System, Calls for Transparent Electronic Payment Infrastructure
Development Association Outlines Comprehensive Vision for Road Tolls, Energy Conservation, and Accountable Governance. In a bold intervention that has sparked conversation across Ghana’s policy circles, the developmental association Alagumgube has thrown its weight behind President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to reintroduce road tolls, while simultaneously calling for a complete overhaul of how such collections would be managed to prevent the corruption that plagued previous systems. Gabriel Agambila, founder of Alagumgube Global, has articulated a detailed vision that combines infrastructure development with technological innovation and fiscal responsibility. Speaking on behalf of the association, Agambila emphasized that while toll collection should return, it must be implemented through modern electronic systems that leave no room for revenue leakage. A Modern Vision for Road Tolls “Alagumgube fully supports His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s thinking about reintroducing the toll system in this country,” Agambila declared. “This would go a long way in putting money back into the system to help maintain existing roads and construct new ones, which will further boost the road industry and create employment opportunities for Ghanaians.” The association’s endorsement comes at a crucial time when Ghana’s road infrastructure faces mounting maintenance challenges despite increased vehicle usage and road deterioration. Agambila noted that the previous removal of tolls, while popular with some segments of the public, has created funding gaps that leave roads in various states of disrepair across the country. However, Alagumgube’s support comes with significant caveats and recommendations designed to ensure that toll revenues serve their intended purpose rather than disappearing into private pockets as has happened with various revenue collection mechanisms in the past. The EZ-Pass Revolution At the heart of Alagumgube’s proposal is the implementation of an automated toll collection system similar to the EZ-Pass used in parts of the United States and similar electronic toll collection systems employed successfully around the world. “We are calling on the Minister for Roads and Transport and whoever is in charge of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to link all number plates to the credit or debit cards of vehicle owners,” Agambila explained. “This would allow funds to be directly deducted from those accounts automatically when vehicles pass through toll booths.” The proposed system would eliminate the need for physical cash transactions at toll points, significantly reducing opportunities for leakage and corruption while also improving traffic flow. Vehicles would pass through designated lanes equipped with cameras and sensors that read number plates and automatically process payments from linked accounts. Agambila stressed that this technological infrastructure must be fully operational before any toll collection begins. “If we don’t put this system in place first, we will, as usual, be putting money into the pockets of a few individuals to the detriment of the whole country. We have seen this pattern repeat itself too many times in Ghana’s history.” Accommodating International Traffic Recognizing that Ghana’s roads are used not only by locally registered vehicles but also by trucks and cars from neighboring countries, Alagumgube has proposed a practical solution for handling international traffic whose owners may not have Ghanaian bank accounts accessible to the electronic system. “We are asking that a single lane at each toll point be reserved for trucks and cars from foreign countries whose accounts might not be accessible to our system,” Agambila suggested. “This would allow for manual processing where necessary while maintaining the integrity of the electronic system for the majority of vehicles.” This accommodation demonstrates the association’s thoughtful approach to implementation challenges, acknowledging that a hybrid system may be necessary during transition periods and for specific categories of road users. Investing in Aviation Infrastructure Perhaps most notably, Alagumgube has proposed that a portion of toll revenues be directed toward specific aviation infrastructure projects, particularly in northern Ghana. The association is calling for designated funds from toll collections to be allocated to the maintenance of the Sunyani Airport and the completion of the Bolgatanga Airport. “The Bolgatanga Airport project was started by our association, and we have a vested interest in seeing it completed for the benefit of the Upper East Region and indeed all of Ghana,” Agambila stated. “Aviation infrastructure in the north has lagged behind for too long, and this represents an opportunity to address that imbalance using revenues generated from road users.” This proposal reflects Alagumgube’s broader developmental vision, which extends beyond road infrastructure to encompass comprehensive transportation networks that can stimulate economic activity across all regions of the country. Implementation Support In a gesture that underscores the association’s commitment to national development, Agambila announced that Alagumgube stands ready to assist the government in implementing these programs. “The doors of our association are open to helping implement these systems for the country. We have members with expertise in technology, infrastructure development, and public policy who are willing to contribute their time and knowledge to ensure that Ghana gets this right,” he said. This offer of technical assistance could prove valuable to government agencies that may lack the specialized knowledge required to implement sophisticated electronic toll collection systems. Addressing Energy Waste Among Appointees Beyond transportation infrastructure, Alagumgube has raised serious concerns about what it describes as wasteful energy practices among government appointees. The association has called attention to behaviors that not only waste public resources but also demonstrate a disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary Ghanaians. “Our second concern is the waste of energy by appointees who have suddenly forgotten where they came from,” Agambila observed. “These appointees leave their vehicles running for hours while they are seated at programs, as if they descended from a cold climate where this would be necessary. Some of them even have their vehicles running continuously while they are comfortably seated in their air-conditioned offices.” The association has proposed a simple solution to this unnecessary fuel consumption: better communication between appointees and their drivers. “There should be no problem texting your driver five or ten minutes before you need to depart to start the vehicle,” Agambila suggested. “This simple practice would save thousands of cedis in
Upper East NDC Executives Console Family of Late Bongo DCE
On the morning of Monday, February 23, 2026, a solemn delegation of regional and constituency executives of the Upper East National Democratic Congress (NDC), accompanied by Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), gathered at the home of the late Joseph Akasaka Abaa to offer their condolences. Led by the region’s two vice chairmen, the Bongo Constituency Chairman, and the Dean of MMDCEs, the group visited the grieving family to mourn the sudden loss of Hon. Akasaka Abaa, who was not only the District Chief Executive for Bongo but also served as the Bongo Constituency Secretary. During the visit, party leaders and government representatives assured the family of their unwavering support in arranging a dignified and honorable burial for the late DCE. The show of solidarity was highlighted in a heartfelt Facebook post by Jonathan Abdullah Salifu, the Upper East Regional Communication Officer, who emphasized the party’s commitment to standing by the bereaved family during this difficult time. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Deputy Energy Minister Addresses Parliament on Rural Electrification and Power Stability
On Friday, February 20, 2026, the floor of Ghana’s Parliament was abuzz with questions about the nation’s energy future. Deputy Minister for Energy, Richard Gyan-Mensah, stood before lawmakers to address pressing concerns over rural electrification, grid expansion, and the stability of power supply. Representing the Minister for Energy, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, Mr. Gyan-Mensah detailed the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives to bring electricity to underserved communities and to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure. Members of Parliament sought updates on how far the government had come in expanding electricity access, what measures were being introduced to make the grid more reliable, and what steps were underway to stabilize power supply for homes and businesses across Ghana. In response, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to accelerating rural electrification projects. He highlighted efforts to expand transmission networks and reinforce distribution systems, critical steps aimed at reducing outages and improving service delivery nationwide. Mr. Gyan-Mensah emphasized that these efforts are not just about powering homes, but about ensuring equitable access to electricity for all, particularly those living in rural and peri-urban areas. These initiatives, he stressed, are vital to the government’s broader national development plans. The Ministry, he concluded, will continue to prioritize infrastructure investments and policy reforms to fortify Ghana’s energy sector and drive economic growth for years to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief Justice Clears EC Chair, Deputies, and Special Prosecutor of Removal Petitions
The chapter on a series of high-profile removal petitions has come to a close, following a determination by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie that no prima facie case exists to warrant further investigations against the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, her deputies, or the Special Prosecutor. According to a statement released by the Presidency on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama had referred seven petitions for the removal of Electoral Commission Chair Jean Mensa and her deputies, along with three separate petitions targeting Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, to the Chief Justice. The referrals, made on November 25, 2025, were in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 15 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), which requires the Chief Justice to determine if the petitions disclose a case worth investigating. By a letter dated January 26, 2026, the Chief Justice informed President Mahama that none of the petitions established sufficient grounds for removal proceedings against the officeholders. The announcement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, effectively brings an end to current attempts to unseat the Electoral Commissioner, her deputies, and the Special Prosecutor. With this decision, the affected officials remain in office, as the legal threshold for further action has not been met. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Sets September 2026 for National Executive Elections, Extends Mandates of Party Officials
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has mapped out a detailed timetable for its upcoming national executive elections, with the key poll slated for September 18 to 20, 2026. The announcement, made by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong at a press conference on Wednesday, February 18, lays the groundwork for a series of internal electoral activities designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition within the party. According to Mr. Kodua Frimpong, the process begins with the opening and closing of nominations from August 10 to 14, 2026. Would-be aspirants will then file their nominations from August 15 to 17, followed by a vetting process scheduled for August 20 to 23. The vetting report is set to be presented on August 25, with any appeals to be heard from August 28 to 29. This comprehensive timeline is aimed at ensuring transparency and orderliness throughout the party’s electoral process. “The national executive elections are as follows: The processes and procedures, opening and closing of nominations shall be from August 10 -14, filing of nominations shall be on August 15-17, vetting of aspirants August 20-23, reading of vetting report shall be on August 25, appeals shall be taken from August 28-29. The elections shall be held between September 18-20, 2026,” Frimpong announced. To prevent disruptions during the electoral period, the NPP has also extended the tenure of office for polling station executives, constituency executives, branch executives, electoral area coordinators, and regional executives whose mandates would otherwise expire. Frimpong explained that this measure is intended to maintain order and continuity within the party’s ranks. “This will help not to distort the elections,” he assured. With these measures in place, the NPP is set to embark on a carefully orchestrated internal election process, aiming for a seamless transition of leadership. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Speaker of Parliament Calls for a Third Political Force in Ghana
At the Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum hosted by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) on Wednesday, February 18, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin took the stage with a powerful message: Ghana’s democracy needs a third strong political force. Reflecting on the nation’s democratic journey since the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1992, Bagbin shared personal memories of attending the first National Democratic Congress (NDC) congress in Cape Coast. He recalled the striking diversity among delegates, which fostered a sense of unity and national purpose. Bagbin noted that he had also been present at several New Patriotic Party (NPP) congresses, where he observed a similar commitment to engagement and inclusiveness. But Bagbin expressed concern that Ghana’s political landscape has become increasingly limited, dominated by just two major parties. “Now, we seem to have only two strong, vibrant, surviving parties,” he remarked. “For me, I think we need a third force.” His call for broader political competition is rooted in the belief that a vibrant, multiparty system will deepen Ghana’s democracy and offer voters more choices. As the country looks ahead, Bagbin’s words serve as an invitation for new voices and movements to help shape Ghana’s political future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Speaker’s Disappointment: No Female Candidates in Ayawaso East By-Election
On a Wednesday filled with anticipation at the Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, delivered a message tinged with both hope and disappointment. Organized by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), the event was intended to spotlight the path toward greater political inclusion in Ghana. Yet, Bagbin’s remarks cast a shadow over the proceedings. As the Ayawaso East by-election approaches on March 3, Bagbin confessed he had been eagerly waiting for at least one political party to present a woman as its parliamentary candidate. “I was waiting for any party to have fielded a female candidate in the Ayawaso East by-election. I will personally support the candidate because we need more of our women in Parliament. Unfortunately, the parties have disappointed me,” he lamented. Bagbin emphasized that the journey to representation in Parliament begins at the party level. “Political parties are the gateways to representation. Parliament is the arena where representation becomes decision-making. Therefore, inclusion must begin in parties and mature in Parliament,” he said, urging parties to open their doors wider to women and other underrepresented groups. The by-election was called after the unfortunate passing of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, who died in January while receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Now, five men are vying for the seat: Baba Jamal of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds the first spot on the ballot, Ibrahim Iddrisu of the Liberal People’s Party (LPP) is second, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Yussif Baba Ali, is third. Two independent candidates, Alhaji Mohammed Umar Sanda and David Kannor, fill the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. The competition has not been without controversy. The NDC has revoked the membership of Alhaji Mohammed Umar Sanda for contesting as an independent, citing a breach of party rules. As the by-election draws near, Bagbin’s call for greater female participation echoes in the halls of Parliament and beyond, a reminder that true representation starts with bold choices at the party level. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana and Lebanon Forge Stronger Security Ties
On Monday, the office of Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, buzzed with diplomatic activity as he welcomed a high-level delegation of Lebanese security officials to Accra. The meeting marked a significant step towards enhanced cooperation between the two countries, focusing on the pressing challenges posed by transnational crime. The Lebanese delegation, led by Ali Samih Jaafar, Consul General of Ghana in Lebanon, included key figures such as Brigadier General Morshed El Hajj Sleiman, Deputy Director of State Security in Lebanon; Colonel Ayman Machmouchi, Head of the Drug Repression Bureau; and Lieutenant Colonel Salah El Hajj, Head of the Office of the Deputy State Security. Their arrival underscored the seriousness with which both nations viewed the growing threat posed by cross-border crime. Discussions during the meeting focused on the major security concerns shared by Ghana and Lebanon. Topics such as cyber fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering, and other emerging threats dominated the agenda. Both sides explored practical ways to foster closer collaboration, with special emphasis on intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint security operations. Minister Muntaka stressed the importance of global partnerships in the fight against transnational crime, pointing out that sustained international cooperation is crucial for ensuring safety and security. He expressed Ghana’s determination to deepen ties with Lebanon, noting that such engagement is vital for tackling the complex challenges faced by both countries. By the end of the meeting, a renewed commitment was clear: Ghana and Lebanon would work hand-in-hand to address shared security threats and further strengthen diplomatic relations. The day’s engagement set a constructive tone for future collaboration, paving the way for a safer, more secure partnership between the two nations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Caucus Demands Urgent Payment to Cocoa Farmers Amid Growing Crisis
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Isaac Yaw Opoku, has sounded the alarm over mounting hardship in Ghana’s cocoa sector, urging the government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to immediately pay farmers for beans sold since November 2025. Speaking to journalists in Accra on February 5, Mr. Opoku warned that payment delays are driving both farmers and the industry to the brink of crisis. Mr. Opoku revealed that many cocoa farmers have not received payments for over three months, leaving them unable to afford necessities like medication, school fees, or care for sick relatives. Some, he said, were even forced to forgo Christmas celebrations due to financial strain. The hardship has been compounded by Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), who, unable to secure reimbursement from COCOBOD for cocoa already delivered, now owe farmers billions of cedis and have had to halt new purchases. “Farmers are being forced to sell on credit, accept heavy discounts, or return home with unsold produce,” Mr. Opoku said, painting a bleak picture of the human and economic toll. He dismissed claims by COCOBOD that sufficient funds had been released as misleading, stating that the reality on the ground was one of financial distress and broken promises. The Ranking Member also criticized the government for failing to deliver on campaign pledges of higher producer prices, noting that the current farmgate price of GH¢3,625 per 64kg bag falls far short of the GH¢6,000–GH¢7,000 per bag promised to farmers before the 2024 elections. He expressed concern over reports that the government might consider reducing the producer price to settle arrears, describing such a move as a betrayal. Beyond the plight of farmers, Mr. Opoku warned that the survival of indigenous cocoa buying companies and transporters is at risk, with capital locked up and operations grinding to a halt. He attributed some of the financial woes to wasteful spending and administrative mismanagement within COCOBOD. The Minority Caucus is demanding immediate payment to cocoa farmers for all outstanding cocoa beans, full reimbursement of LBCs, and prompt settlement of future deliveries. They are also calling for a formal apology from both the government and COCOBOD, insisting that timely payment is not a privilege but a fundamental duty. “Cocoa farmers are not beggars. Paying them on time is an obligation,” Mr. Opoku declared. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Unveils Ambitious Social and Infrastructure Agenda for 2026
Parliament was abuzz on February 3 as Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga outlined the government’s bold vision for 2026, declaring it a pivotal year for national progress. In his address, Mr. Ayariga painted a picture of transformation, with sweeping social and infrastructure initiatives that promise to translate recent economic gains into tangible improvements for ordinary Ghanaians. Central to the government’s plan is a renewed focus on education. Mr. Ayariga announced that work would resume on 30 Community Day Senior High Schools left unfinished in previous years. But that’s just the beginning. With support from the GETFund, the administration will also embark on the construction of 200 junior high schools, 200 primary schools, and 200 kindergartens across the country. The plan extends beyond mere buildings. Recognizing the importance of a nurturing learning environment, the government will invest in teachers’ accommodation, improved sanitation facilities, textbooks, and classroom furniture. These efforts, Mr. Ayariga stressed, will ensure that the benefits of growth are felt in classrooms and communities nationwide. With these far-reaching initiatives, 2026 is poised to become a turning point in Ghana’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com