Asonge-Zanlerigu Road Delay Due to Commitment Letter, Contractor to Start Soon – Nabdam MP
The Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark-Kurt Nawaane, has announced that a contractor selected to construct the long-awaited Asonge–Zanlerigu–Damolgo–Tindongo–Pelungu road is yet to receive a commitment letter, which is required before mobilising to the site. The MP disclosed during the commissioning of a maternity block at the Gundug/Wore-Daah health centre in the Nabdam District. He reassured residents that efforts are ongoing to get the project off the ground, stressing that the road has been included under the Department of Feeder Roads and remains a government priority. Dr. Nawaane used the occasion to refute claims that roads in the Upper East Region have been left out of the government’s development agenda, particularly the widely discussed “Big Push” initiative. He explained that many people have misunderstood the scope of the programme, which is largely focused on major highway projects across the country. Most roads in the Upper East Region, he noted, fall under the feeder roads category. “As for roads, this government is committed to working on them. The Big Push is mainly about highways, and many people have heard about that. But resources are also being organised for us to work on feeder roads,” the MP stated. He added that Members of Parliament from the region are actively engaging government agencies and relevant ministries to ensure feeder roads receive the necessary attention and funding. Dr. Nawaane revealed that he had successfully pushed for the inclusion of the strategic road linking Asonge, Zanlerigu, Damolgo, Tindongo, Pelungu, and extending to Sakoti on the list of feeder roads earmarked for intervention. Interested contractors have already been identified, and discussions have been held with the Department of Feeder Roads to pave the way for work to begin. Providing an update on the progress, the MP said: “I was with a contractor about five or six days ago, and we visited the national feeder roads office to find out how far the process had gone. We were informed that the commitment letter is not yet ready.” He explained that government procedures require contractors to obtain a commitment letter before commencing any project. To speed up the process, he indicated that further engagements would be held with the Minister for Roads and Highways. The MP disclosed that he had personally contacted the Roads Minister in Parliament and had been invited to a meeting alongside the contractor to explore ways of securing the release of the letter. Dr. Nawaane urged residents not to conclude that the road project has been abandoned, insisting that continuous behind-the-scenes engagements are taking place to ensure the project becomes a reality. In a pointed remark, he added: “We are not like the NPP government that will bring equipment on the site just to deceive people.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Sam George Stands Firm: No Reopening of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill After Passage
Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, and sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, has firmly rejected calls for Parliament to revisit the legislation following its passage on May 29, 2026. Mr. George’s stance comes after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin urged lawmakers to reconsider the bill, which has sparked ongoing debate within the House. Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Sovereignty and Values, George stressed the importance of adhering to parliamentary procedure. “Everything that we do in this House, Parliament, is a house of rules. Respectfully to Mr Speaker, it’s not a house of appeals. It’s a house of rules. And so if there’s no rule in the rule book that gives us room to do what he wants to do, I’m saying that there is still room in there; the Presidency can come back to us,” George explained. He emphasized that once Parliament has passed a bill, its legislative role is complete and the only remaining duty is to transmit the bill to the President. “When Parliament passes a bill, Parliament becomes functus officio. I think that the only role that Parliament has today is to transmit the bill to the President,” he stated. According to George, the Constitution clearly outlines the President’s options: to assent to the bill, seek advice from the Council of State, or return it to Parliament with specific recommendations for reconsideration. “If he has an issue, he can write back to us and say, ‘I have an issue with this provision, that provision. Parliament should reconsider it with his recommendations.’ He cannot just raise objections; he must make recommendations through his Attorney-General,” he added. George further underscored that Parliament’s Standing Orders do not permit the reversal or rescission of a bill once it has been passed. “The act of rescission of a passed bill is alien to our Standing Orders,” he said. He concluded that any further concerns about the legislation must be addressed through the constitutional processes available to the President, not by reopening debate in Parliament. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, now awaits transmission to President John Mahama for further action. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Embarks on State Visit to Belarus to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
President John Dramani Mahama has begun a four-day state visit to Belarus, seeking to deepen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation across key sectors such as agriculture, education, commerce, and industry. The visit, which commenced on Friday, June 5, follows an invitation from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and is poised to open new avenues for economic and technical collaboration between the two nations. According to a statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, President Mahama’s itinerary features high-level meetings with Belarusian officials and tours of strategic institutions. A major highlight will be bilateral talks with President Lukashenko, followed by expanded discussions involving ministers and senior government officials from both countries. These engagements will focus on strengthening partnerships in agriculture, education, and commerce, areas identified as vital to both nations’ development goals. Upon arrival in Minsk, President Mahama will pay tribute by laying a wreath at the Victory Monument, honoring Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who fought during World War II. Furthering Ghana’s industrialization and food security agenda, the President will travel to the western city of Brest to tour a major milk, cheese, and baby food processing facility, to facilitate knowledge exchange and explore partnerships in agro-processing, a sector crucial to adding value to Ghana’s agriculture. President Mahama’s programme also includes a visit to the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, commemorating the Soviet defense against Nazi forces in 1941, and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that highlights both countries’ commitment to environmental conservation. The state visit is expected to culminate in the signing of at least four bilateral agreements designed to promote mutual growth and strengthen institutional cooperation between Ghana and Belarus. President Mahama will return to Accra on Tuesday, June 9, concluding a trip focused on forging new partnerships and advancing Ghana’s development agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Arrest 80 Suspects in Major Anti-Crime Sweep Across Upper East Region
The Upper East Regional Police Command, backed by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team, has apprehended 80 suspects in a sweeping, intelligence-led anti-crime operation across several hotspots in the Upper East Region. The operation, which took place between May 25 and June 3, 2026, targeted areas known for criminal activity, including Zuarungu, Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo, and the Nabdam District. According to a police statement, the coordinated raids were aimed at dismantling networks involved in narcotics and other crimes. In Zuarungu, 12 individuals, eight males and four females (with three Nigerians and one Ghanaian among the women), were arrested. Bongo saw the largest number of arrests, with 34 suspects (32 males and two females) taken into custody. In Pelungu, Kongo, and Nangodi within the Nabdam District, 14 suspects were rounded up, while Bolgatanga accounted for 20 additional arrests. Preliminary investigations suggest that those apprehended were engaged in narcotics peddling, consumption, and a range of other criminal activities. The crackdown also resulted in significant seizures: in Tongo, police retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarettes, male condoms, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Bongo operations yielded three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes. The Nabdam District operation uncovered parcels and sacks of dried leaves believed to be narcotics, assorted drinks suspected of containing illicit substances, an unregistered motorbike, foreign cigarettes, and components of a casino jackpot machine. In Bolgatanga, further seizures included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarettes, three motorbikes, two with registration numbers and one unregistered, and a casino jackpot machine. All 80 suspects remain in police custody and will be prosecuted in court. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying such operations to rid communities of crime and safeguard public safety across the region. Read the statement below: The Upper East Regional Police Command supported by the IGP’s Special Operations Team conducted an intelligence led swoop operation at Bolgatanga, Tongo, Bongo and Nabdam District from 25th May to 3rd June, 2026. The team arrested twelve suspects comprising eight males and four females at Zuarungu. The female suspects comprised three Nigerians and a Ghanaian. In Bongo, a total of thirty-four (34) suspects comprising thirty-two (32) males and two (2) females were arrested. Subsequently, the operation at Perlungu, Kongo and Nangodi led to the arrest at fourteen (14) suspects comprising twelve males and two females in the Nabdam District. Twenty (20) suspects were also arrested in Bolgatanga. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were involved in narcotic peddling and consumption as well as other criminal related activities. The team also retrieved a motorcycle, assorted foreign cigarette, male condoms and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp in Tongo. In Bongo, three rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition and two motorbikes were retrieved and in Nabdam, parcels and sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be Narcotic substances, assorted drinks suspected to contain narcotic content, one unregistered motorbike, assorted foreign cigarettes and pieces of casino jackpot machine were retrieved. Suspects arrested in Bolgatanga were in possession of dried leaves substances suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted cigarette, a Yamaha black Sirius motorbike with registration no. M-19-UE 2688, black Luojia motorbike with registration no. M-13-UE 7181, an unregistered Haojue motorbike and a casino jackpot machine. All suspects are in Police custody and will be put before court to face the full rigours of the law. Signed Chief Inspr. Abdul-Rahman Sumaila Public Relations Officer Upper East Region
Strategic Leadership and Electoral Reclamation: The Necessary Calling for the NPP
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) stands at a critical historical junction. Navigating a highly competitive political landscape requires recognising that traditional partisan rhetoric and legacy campaigning are no longer sufficient to guarantee victory. The contemporary Ghanaian electorate is younger, more discerning, digitally connected, and increasingly impatient with standard political promises. For the NPP, “Electoral Reclamation” is not merely about winning the next election cycle; it is about reclaiming the party’s core identity as the pioneer of property-owning democracy, economic competence, and institutional development. To achieve this, the party must treat strategic leadership not as an abstract ideal, but as an immediate operational necessity. To reclaim lost ground, the NPP must first objectively diagnose its recent electoral vulnerabilities. A clinical look at recent voting patterns reveals three distinct challenges: The Squeezed Centre and Floating Voters: The party has faced significant pushback from middle-class, urban, and independent voters who historically favoured the NPP’s technocratic appeal but have grown weary of macroeconomic pressures. The Youth Demography: Ghana’s demographic tilt means first-time and young voters hold the balance of power. This cohort is less moved by historical party loyalty and highly motivated by immediate economic survival, job creation, and digital governance. Grassroots Apathy: Internal friction, perceived elitism, and communication gaps between leadership and local party faithful have occasionally dampened the enthusiasm of the party’s most vital asset: its grassroots mobilisers. Strategic leadership begins from within. If the NPP is to present itself as the fit instrument to lead Ghana forward, it must demonstrate peerless organisational discipline internally. – Institutionalising Unity and Healing Factions: Political transition and internal primaries invariably leave bruises. Strategic leadership demands a deliberate, structured reconciliation mechanism that integrates aggrieved factions into the mainstream campaign machinery. – Merit-Based Party Administration: Transitioning party operations from ad-hoc electioneering to a continuous, data-driven corporate structure. Constituency and regional executives must be equipped with modern management tools, KPIs, and resource flows that do not dry up between election cycles. – Balancing the Technocrat and the Politician: The NPP’s greatest strength has often been its policy depth. However, policy must be translatable. Leadership must ensure that complex socio-economic interventions are coupled with empathetic, grassroots-friendly political marketing. Reclamation requires a proactive strategy to dominate the national narrative and re-secure critical voting blocs. – Message Discipline and Narrative Control: The party must move away from defensive politics. The narrative must aggressively focus on forward-looking solutions, contrasting the party’s structural development achievements with the alternatives. Every party communicator must speak from a unified, fact-checked script. – Aggressive Digital and Youth Mobilisation: The battle for the minds of the youth is happening online. The party must deploy sophisticated, decentralised digital campaign structures-utilising micro-influencers, localised content, and interactive platforms- to meet young voters where they live. – Grassroots Empowerment: Reclaiming lost constituencies requires decentralising resources directly to the polling station level. When local foot soldiers feel valued, adequately resourced, and respected, their capacity for door-to-door mobilisation remains unmatched. The NPP has historically been the party that rises to meet national challenges with intellectual rigour and democratic resilience. The current political climate does not favour the complacent. By embracing a renewed framework of disciplined leadership, internal unity, and modernised voter engagement, the NPP can successfully answer this calling, not just to win an election, but to secure its legacy as the definitive architect of Ghana’s progress. Hafiz Bin Salih (PhD) Member, National Council (NPP) Former Upper West/East Regional Minister Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Reassures: Win-Win Mining Partnerships Not Nationalisation
Amid renewed public debate over the renewal of mining leases and the future of resource ownership in Ghana, the government has reiterated its stance that fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with investors should not be mistaken for nationalisation of the country’s mines. Speaking at the 19th West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) on Wednesday, June 3, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah addressed concerns about Ghana’s mining policy and the investment climate. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, assuring stakeholders that Ghana remains open for business. “To our partners and our investors, I wish to reaffirm that Ghana remains committed to providing a stable, predictable, fiscal, legal certainty, and transparent environment for investors. So, forget about all the noise you’re hearing. You are hearing it from me. That is what we are focused on,” the Minister declared. Buah clarified that a partnership model where investors earn competitive returns while contributing to local empowerment, value addition, and skills transfer is not the same as nationalising the mining sector. “A win-win partnership where investors get a good return on their investment and, in return, leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, value addition, and expertise cannot be nationalism of mines. It cannot,” he stated. The Minister also called on investors to strengthen collaborations that foster value addition and urged policymakers and regional institutions to align development frameworks for accelerated progress. “So, let me conclude by reemphasising Ghana’s commitment to building a mining sector that is modern, responsible, resilient, and globally competitive. The opportunity before us is very important. Therefore, if we act with vision, discipline, and partnership, we can turn West Africa’s natural wealth into jobs, industries that guarantee security and lasting prosperity for our people,” Buah urged. The government’s message comes at a pivotal moment for Ghana’s mining sector, as it seeks to balance investor interests with sustainable development and local empowerment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Court Clarifies Presidential Powers Over Security Appointments
The Court has drawn a clear distinction between the appointments of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of Prisons, and those of other high-ranking security officials, clarifying the extent of presidential authority under Ghana’s Constitution. The case, brought before the Court in 2024 by IMANI Africa and security analyst Professor Kwesi Aning, sought a declaration that the President does not possess unfettered power to terminate or remove the heads of specific security agencies. The plaintiffs argued that Article 191 of the Constitution provides certain protections for public office holders, which should extend to these agencies. However, the Court’s decision stated that the offices of the IGP and Director-General of Prisons do not fall within the categories protected by Article 191. Instead, the Court found that the appointments of the Chief Fire Officer and the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service are governed by statutory provisions. These positions, the Court held, remain within the President’s discretion, as the Constitution mandates the President to constitute and oversee the country’s security architecture. The ruling provides clarity on the constitutional and statutory frameworks governing key security appointments in Ghana, reinforcing the President’s role while also affirming the limits set by the law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
From Classroom to Cabinet: Dr Hafiz Bin Salih’s Journey Recognised by ICMP USA
It began with a single classroom in Ghana, a place where young minds were shaped, and where one educator discovered a calling far bigger than textbooks. For three decades, that calling guided a quiet, determined leader through the corridors of schools, the challenges of grassroots educational reform, and eventually into the highest levels of public administration. From leading local institutions to serving as a Regional Minister, every step was driven by the same unwavering belief: that leadership rooted in integrity and strategy can transform communities. Now, that lifelong commitment has earned a new honour. The Institute of Chartered Management Professionals (ICMP USA) has featured this seasoned leader in its prestigious Leaders in Management series, a recognition reserved for those who inspire excellence and advance global management practice. “I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured,” they shared, reflecting on the milestone. “My focus has always been to lead with commitment, integrity, and a dedication to sustainable institutional development.” As a Chartered Management Professional, this feature feels less like a destination and more like a reaffirmation. It underscores a powerful truth: that professional discipline, governance, and strategic vision, when woven together, can create lasting impact in institutions and across entire regions. With heartfelt gratitude to ICMP USA for championing professionals who empower people and elevate leadership worldwide, this leader looks ahead with renewed excitement. The journey that started in a Ghanaian classroom has come full circle, now inspiring a global audience, one story at a time. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Accuses NDC Government of Betrayal Over Changes to Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
Tensions ran high in Parliament as the Minority caucus leveled serious accusations against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, claiming it had broken faith with Ghanaians by significantly altering the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. Speaking passionately at a press conference on Monday, June 1, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and a co-sponsor of the bill, voiced the Minority’s frustration. While reaffirming the caucus’s support for the bill’s objectives, he condemned what he described as sweeping amendments that, in his view, had fundamentally changed the legislation that Parliament originally passed in 2024. Rev. Ntim Fordjour accused the ruling NDC of “mutilating” the bill through extensive deletions, redrafting, and new insertions. He charged that the government’s actions contradicted its earlier stance, reminding the public that the NDC had once demanded the bill be signed into law exactly as passed. “Was that the promise?” he asked, referencing the NDC’s campaign assurances. “Was the promise to come and dilute the bill before he signs? That is a breach of trust. That is hypocrisy, and that is deception.” The controversy arose after Parliament passed the revised bill on Friday, May 30, which introduced several key changes. Under the new provisions, legal professionals offering counsel or representation to LGBTQ+ individuals are now exempt from sanctions. Journalists and media houses reporting on LGBTQ+ matters in their professional capacity are also protected. Additionally, medical professionals, including surgeons, psychologists, and counselors, who provide care to LGBTQ+ persons are shielded from prosecution. Despite the amendments, the Minority insists the government has deviated from its original promise, framing the changes as a betrayal of public trust and a dilution of the bill’s intended impact. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Set to Launch Bold “New Economy” Blueprint in 2027 Budget
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson took to the podium with a vision for Ghana’s economic future. Addressing a diverse audience of investors and business leaders, Dr. Forson unveiled plans for a sweeping “new economy” framework, set to be the centerpiece of the 2027 Budget. This ambitious programme, he explained, is designed to attract investment into sectors with the power to transform Ghana’s economy for generations. “We want to channel resources into productive sectors that can expand the economy and create the capacity to repay investments over time,” Dr. Forson stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable, long-term growth. Central to this new agenda will be a focus on commercial agriculture, the value addition of minerals, energy, and critical transport infrastructure. The framework will pinpoint priority areas where investment can yield the greatest impact, driving industrial development and job creation. Notably, energy projects, particularly gas-to-power and gas-to-fertiliser initiatives, will play a starring role, strengthening Ghana’s energy security and supporting its industrial ambitions. Infrastructure is also in sharp focus. The Western Railway Line, alongside other strategic transport projects, will receive significant attention, with full details to be revealed at the official launch. While the final blueprint is still being fine-tuned, Dr. Forson assured stakeholders that preparations are well advanced. The formal unveiling will be led by President John Dramani Mahama once all elements are in place. To fuel this vision, the government plans to tap into international financing, ranging from UK export finance to hedge funds and private investors. “We want to attract the kind of UK export finance. We want to attract the kind of hedge funds and businesses that you have so that we can get financing to develop the country,” Dr. Forson affirmed, signaling Ghana’s readiness to welcome global partners in its quest for economic transformation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com