Gabby Otchere-Darko Warns Technology Is Outpacing Media Regulation and Eroding Professionalism
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), has sounded an alarm over the growing challenges posed by rapid technological advances in Ghana’s media landscape. During an appearance on the Upside Down Show with Frema Adunyame on February 1, Otchere-Darko, himself a seasoned media owner, explained that the explosion of digital platforms and bloggers has dramatically changed the way information is shared, often at the expense of professionalism and effective regulation. He reflected on how the evolution of the media sector has left regulatory frameworks trailing behind technology, making it increasingly difficult to manage content without trampling on free expression. “Technology is always ahead of regulation. I think we are getting there. There is some sort of self-regulation, not with those who put out the content, but the ones who receive it,” he remarked. Otchere-Darko insisted that any move towards tighter regulation must tread carefully to avoid suppressing freedom of speech, a value he stressed must be preserved, even as its abuse is curtailed. “If you get into the area of regulation, and you are not careful, then you stifle the freedom of speech. It doesn’t mean freedom of speech means you can get away with anything,” he cautioned. He also addressed the darker side of digital media, particularly the reputational harm caused by the viral spread of unverified stories on social media. “They put things about you on social media, and others will Google your name, and your image is tarnished. When you try to correct it, it does not have the same traction, and it’s not sensational,” Otchere-Darko noted, adding that sometimes even responding to such content can exacerbate the situation. Looking to the future, he urged media owners to embrace new technologies and adapt to shifting industry practices to remain competitive, or risk being left behind altogether. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Unveils Plans for New Wa Airport After Passage of Infrastructure Levy
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major boost for the Upper West Region, revealing that construction of a brand new airport for Wa will soon begin. The announcement follows the recent passage of the Airport Infrastructure Levy Bill by Parliament, a move set to transform the aviation landscape across Ghana. Speaking at the launch of the SheaPark Resource Hub Project in Wa, President Mahama explained that the newly established levy, which applies to both domestic and international air tickets, including African and ECOWAS regional flights, will feed into a special fund dedicated to airport development nationwide. “Now that money is going to go into a fund. And that fund is going to be used to develop the airports around the country,” he said. The President assured residents that the Upper West Region would be among the first to benefit, emphasizing that the planned new airport would fully replace the current facility. “And I’m pleased to announce to you that Wa is going to be a beneficiary of this fund with the construction of a new airport, not the old airport,” he declared. President Mahama highlighted the limitations of the current site, noting that its location and design are no longer fit for modern aviation needs. “As you yourselves can see, the road was diverted around the runway. And so, the Airport Company has decided on a site that was allocated years ago,” he explained. He also revealed that a team from the Ghana Airports Company Limited had recently visited Wa to assess the new location ahead of construction. “Staff of the Ghana Airport Company were in Wa to inspect the site for the construction of the new airport,” the President shared. The ambitious project is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity, stimulate economic growth in the Upper West Region, and improve access to Wa as part of the government’s wider infrastructure drive. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Disunity is NPP’s “Slow Poison,” Afenyo-Markin Warns, Urges United Front for 2028 Victory
The Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has issued a stark warning to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP): internal division is a “slow poison” that has repeatedly cost the party dearly at the polls. His admonition came during a convention of key NPP stakeholders in the Effutu Constituency, following the party’s flagbearer contest. Afenyo-Markin told party faithful that disunity has been the common thread in every major electoral defeat the party has suffered, regardless of how popular its policies or leaders have been. He called on all members to rally behind the newly-elected flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and to put aside differences for the sake of victory in the 2028 general elections. He urged delegates to embrace a unified purpose, message, and vision, stressing that the party’s agenda must be carried to the grassroots with a single voice. Afenyo-Markin warned against a repeat of the 2024 elections, when so-called “skirt and blouse” voting, where members split their ballots between presidential and parliamentary candidates, contributed to the NPP’s defeat. “History has taught us harsh but clear lessons about disunity,” he remarked, recounting the party’s electoral setbacks in 1979, 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012, each time when unity faltered. He pointed to the party’s historic losses, such as the split of the Danquah-Busia tradition in 1979, which allowed the PNP under Hilla Limann to take power, and similar scenarios that led to other NPP defeats. “But look at the other side of our history, when we stood together as one and rallied behind our leader, victory stood with us,” Afenyo-Markin said, referencing the party’s successes in 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2020. He described unity as the “lifeblood” of the NPP, and disunity as its “slow poison.” He concluded with a rallying cry, urging supporters nationwide to work tirelessly for Dr Bawumia and the party, warning that failure to support the flagbearer would be a failure of the party as a whole. “We must not allow the 2024 result to repeat itself. If Dr Bawumia fails, it is we who have failed him. Let us work for the party and for our country,” he said. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Chairman Pledges End to Protocol Recruitment in Security Services and State Institutions
On the bustling fourth day of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) “Thank You Tour” in the Western Region, National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah delivered a major policy announcement that drew cheers from supporters in Sekondi-Takoradi. Addressing party faithful after the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah declared the party’s intention to abolish protocol arrangements in the recruitment of personnel into the security services and other public institutions. Speaking as the tour made its way through Effia, Kwesimintsim, Takoradi, and Sekondi constituencies, the NDC Chairman emphasized the need for discipline and dedication at the grassroots. He urged delegates to prioritize commitment and results when selecting constituency executives, insisting that only those who genuinely worked for the party’s success should be retained in leadership positions. Turning to public sector recruitment, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah criticized the existing protocol system, describing it as opaque and discriminatory. He argued that such arrangements unfairly benefit a privileged few and undermine meritocracy. To rectify this, he announced that under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, all recruitment processes would become open and competitive, with no special allocations or political favors—including the withdrawal of recruitment quotas currently reserved for Members of Parliament. Mr. Asiedu Nketiah explained that this move was part of a broader vision to ensure fairness and equal opportunity in public sector employment. He reassured supporters that only merit and qualification would determine access to jobs in state institutions in the future. The NDC Chairman’s visit also featured an engagement with traditional leaders, including a heartfelt appeal from the Chief of Takoradi, Nana Obo Kojo Atta IV. The chief urged the swift completion of the long-delayed Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment, highlighting the hardship experienced by traders, particularly women displaced from Jubilee Park. The call underscored the ongoing challenges facing local communities and the importance of responsive leadership as the NDC moves forward in government. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Celebrates Brother’s Hard-Earned Success at UMaT Honorary Doctorate Ceremony
At the 18th Special Congregation of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa on January 31, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama offered heartfelt remarks as his younger brother, Ibrahim Mahama, received an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the mining industry. Addressing the assembled guests, President Mahama took the opportunity to clarify a common misconception: his brother’s rise to success was not a product of political privilege, but of determination and enterprise. He pointed out that Ibrahim Mahama, founder of Engineers & Planners, had often faced even greater scrutiny whenever he himself was in public office. Notably, the company’s most impressive growth came during periods when he was not president—evidence, Mahama said, of its independence and resilience. Reflecting on their childhood, President Mahama recalled Ibrahim’s early curiosity for machines, a fascination that deepened while their family lived in England. This passion led Ibrahim into engineering and eventually to establish Engineers & Planners, which began as a subcontractor, often for African Mining Services, before expanding into one of the largest mining subcontractors in West Africa. President Mahama also spoke about their family’s tradition of hard work, noting that while their late father balanced politics and entrepreneurship, he and Ibrahim chose different routes. “I took the political path, and my brother took the entrepreneurial path,” he quipped, adding that his brother could “do many things better” and highlighting the vital role of enterprise in Ghana’s progress. He praised Ibrahim’s philanthropy, commitment to indigenous ownership, and his leadership in opening doors for Ghanaian companies to secure direct mining contracts. President Mahama was quick to acknowledge the guidance of mentors such as Mr. Sam Jonah, crediting their support for Ibrahim’s achievements. Addressing UMaT’s graduating class, President Mahama called on them to treat their education as both a privilege and a responsibility, and to pursue innovation, discipline, and service in their future careers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Embarks on Diplomatic Mission to Dubai and Zambia
President John Mahama has boarded a special aircraft provided by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), setting his sights on the vibrant city of Dubai. The President’s journey comes at the invitation of the UAE government, which welcomed him to participate in this year’s World Government Summit, a prestigious gathering where world leaders, influential policymakers, and key business executives converge to explore the future of governance, innovation, and global development. After sharing ideas and forging international connections at the summit in Dubai, President Mahama’s diplomatic mission will continue. He is scheduled to travel to Zambia for a three-day state visit, answering the call of President Hakainde Hichilema. The visit promises to deepen ties and foster collaboration between the two nations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Youth Demand Stronger Role in Peace and Security Governance
Young people in Ghana’s Upper East Region are calling for urgent, concrete measures to institutionalise youth participation in peace and security governance, as momentum builds toward the development of Ghana’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). Their message is clear: youth must not only be seen as beneficiaries of peacebuilding efforts but as equal partners in shaping them. This call emerged strongly during the Upper East Youth Consultation on Ghana’s National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, held at the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs in Bolgatanga. The multi-sectoral forum brought together young people from across the region, alongside representatives of government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners, to examine the role of youth in building sustainable peace. Organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the consultation forms part of Ghana’s broader commitment to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which recognises the positive role of young people in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. It also aligns with the African Union’s Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security and ECOWAS regional strategies that promote youth inclusion in governance and security processes. A Platform for Youth Voices Participants engaged extensively on the five pillars of the Youth, Peace and Security framework: Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnership, and Disengagement and Reintegration. Discussions provided a platform for young people to share their lived experiences, concerns, and practical recommendations for ensuring that peacebuilding efforts reflect the realities of communities in the Upper East Region. Throughout the engagement, youth participants stressed that while they are often at the forefront of community mobilisation and local peace initiatives, they remain largely excluded from formal decision-making spaces. They argued that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without deliberate policies that recognise young people as legitimate stakeholders in governance. A recurring theme was the need for sustained political will, adequate funding, and genuine youth partnership. Participants noted that youth inclusion must go beyond symbolic representation and translate into structured involvement in policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring. Representation Gap in Peace Structures One of the key concerns raised during the consultation was the limited representation of youth in statutory peace and security bodies. Participants observed that although young people form a significant portion of the population, their voices are often missing in critical institutions responsible for conflict resolution and national security. Several contributors called for amendments to the National Peace Council Act to make youth inclusion mandatory in peace governance structures. According to them, formalising youth representation would ensure that policies better reflect the needs and perspectives of younger generations, who are frequently at the centre of both conflict and peace efforts. The absence of youth voices in decision-making processes, they argued, has led to missed opportunities in addressing emerging threats such as political vigilantism, chieftaincy disputes, and land-related conflicts that disproportionately affect young people. Protection Concerns and Gender Dimensions The consultation also shed light on the vulnerabilities young people face, particularly young women. Participants highlighted the growing exposure of youth to violence, political manipulation, and economic exploitation. Cases of sexual and gender-based violence, especially during periods of political tension or communal disputes, were cited as major concerns. Many participants pointed to inadequate access to justice for victims of violence, calling for stronger protection systems and support services. They stressed the need for community education programmes that address harmful cultural norms, promote gender equality, and empower young women to participate safely in civic life. Youth and Conflict Prevention Discussions under the Prevention pillar focused on the role of young people in early warning systems and community peacebuilding efforts. Participants noted that youth often have first-hand knowledge of emerging tensions within their communities, yet their insights are rarely integrated into formal conflict prevention mechanisms. They advocated for stronger youth engagement in early warning networks, training in peace education, and capacity-building initiatives that equip them with the skills to mediate disputes and promote dialogue. According to participants, empowering youth with these tools would significantly reduce the risk of violence and foster long-term social cohesion. Economic Empowerment as a Peace Strategy Economic vulnerability emerged as another critical issue linked to youth involvement in conflict. Participants argued that unemployment and limited livelihood opportunities increase young people’s susceptibility to manipulation by political actors and criminal networks. To address this, the consultation recommended prioritising skills training, entrepreneurship support, and income-generating ventures as part of the national peace strategy. Economic empowerment, they noted, is not only a development issue but also a powerful tool for conflict prevention. Strengthening Partnerships The Partnership pillar underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, and youth-led groups. Participants called for improved coordination to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure efficient use of resources. They emphasised that youth-focused organisations should be treated as equal partners rather than mere implementers of externally designed programmes. Building trust between institutions and young people, they argued, is essential for the success of the National Action Plan. Reintegration and Rehabilitation Under the Disengagement and Reintegration pillar, discussions focused on supporting young people who have been involved in violent activities or political vigilantism. Participants advocated for targeted reintegration programmes that provide psychosocial support, education, and livelihood opportunities. They stressed that addressing the root causes of youth involvement in violence is crucial to preventing recidivism and promoting community healing. Commitment from Stakeholders The Upper East Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Francis Takyi-Koranteng, assured participants that the outcomes of the consultation would inform the final National Action Plan. He emphasised that youth-driven recommendations would play a vital role in strengthening peace and security governance across the country. On his part, a representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Mr. Hamza, revealed that the project being implemented in the Upper East, Upper West, and North East Regions is funded by the Peacebuilding Fund. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to empower young people as agents of peace.
Global InfoAnalytics Projects Landslide Victory for Bawumia in NPP Presidential Primaries
As excitement builds ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, all eyes are on former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who appears poised for a commanding win. Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, shared this projection during an interview with the media on January 28. Dankwah revealed that, according to Global InfoAnalytics’ latest survey, Dr. Bawumia is set to win 14 out of Ghana’s 16 regions, including a decisive victory in the party’s stronghold, the Ashanti Region. “All the areas we have looked at are pointing in one direction, and that direction is that Bawumia will win this Saturday’s election one-touch,” Dankwah asserted. The predictions are grounded in robust data collected in a nationwide poll conducted from January 20 to 23, 2026. The survey, which sampled 10,133 respondents from all 16 regions and 272 constituencies, projects that Dr. Bawumia’s vote share will fall between 54 and 60 percent, factoring in a three percent margin of error. “I am very confident in Bawumia’s numbers because they are more stable in terms of variability. There is no noise in the data,” Dankwah stated, explaining the reliability of the forecast. While acknowledging that other candidates such as Dr. Bryan Acheampong and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong may gain traction, Dankwah noted that the distribution of votes among the challengers remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the prevailing data points to a landslide for Dr. Bawumia as NPP members head to the polls on January 31. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Closes National Strategic Planning Retreat in Akosombo
As the sun set over the tranquil town of Akosombo, the atmosphere at the National Development Planning Commission’s (NDPC) retreat was one of renewed purpose and determination. The government’s Strategic Planning Retreat had drawn to a close, and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was at the helm of the closing ceremony, delivering a message that resonated with optimism and clarity. For several days, key government officials and policy actors had gathered at the retreat, engaging in deep reflection on Ghana’s development priorities. The agenda was ambitious: to align strategies across sectors, foster strong institutional collaboration, and chart a focused path for the nation’s socio-economic progress. Addressing participants at the final session, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the critical need for coordinated planning and evidence-based decision-making to drive sustainable, inclusive growth. She lauded the retreat as a valuable forum for candid dialogue—where policy direction, implementation hurdles, and ways to enhance collaboration were discussed openly and constructively. This Strategic Planning Retreat, she noted, was part of a broader government commitment to ensure that national development frameworks and sectoral programmes work in harmony. It also reflected the administration’s focus on accountability and results-oriented governance. As the event concluded, participants described the retreat as a strategic convergence—a unique opportunity to strengthen policy alignment and sharpen Ghana’s development agenda. With new ideas and shared resolve, they departed Akosombo ready to address both current and emerging challenges facing the nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Interior Minister Applauds Security Services for Dignified, Transparent Recruitment Process
Under the bright sun at a bustling recruitment centre, hopeful applicants queued patiently, their faces a mix of nerves and anticipation. Overseeing the scene was the Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, on a mission to monitor the ongoing security services recruitment drive. As he moved through the centre, the Minister’s satisfaction was evident. “I’m really, really happy that the wish of His Excellency the President to see these things done in a very decent and respectable manner is being achieved,” he remarked, echoing President John Dramani Mahama’s call for a transparent and corruption-free recruitment process. Throughout the exercise, applicants were treated with dignity, provided with water, snacks, and a courteous environment. The Minister emphasized that those who step forward to serve the nation deserve nothing less. “People who volunteer to serve should not be seen as animals. They should be treated with respect and dignity,” he stressed. Addressing concerns about irregularities, the Minister reassured the public that any anomalies were swiftly addressed. To further strengthen the integrity of the process, strict anti-corruption measures had been introduced, including a dedicated email system for reporting fraud and suspicious activity. Hon. Muntaka appealed to both applicants and their families to report any attempts at extortion or manipulation, assuring them that the process was fair and based solely on merit. “Even if you don’t get selected, you’ll be satisfied that the process was fair,” she added. The comprehensive recruitment process involved an online aptitude test and medical examinations, with final selections made transparently and strictly on merit. As the visit drew to a close, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a credible and professional security service, one founded on transparency, accountability, and respect for every individual who answers the call to serve. Source: Apexnewsgh.com