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
Ken Ofori-Atta Faces U.S. Immigration Hearing Amid Ghana’s Extradition Request
A sense of anticipation hangs in the air as former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta prepares to stand before a U.S. court in Virginia today, January 20, 2026. The hearing, convened by American immigration authorities, will determine Ofori-Atta’s legal status in the United States, a decision with significant legal and diplomatic implications stretching from Washington to Accra. Ofori-Atta’s appearance follows a period of detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who have held him at a secure facility in Virginia since he arrived in the country. His case has become a touchstone for both U.S. and Ghanaian officials, as its outcome could shape the future of high-level extradition proceedings between the two nations. At the heart of the matter is Ghana’s formal request for Ofori-Atta’s extradition. The former minister faces 78 counts related to corruption back home, and Ghanaian authorities are eager to have him returned to stand trial. Dr. Dominic Ayine, Ghana’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, has assured observers that the United States will respect the legal process and not obstruct Ghana’s efforts. Yet, he concedes that the final decision rests in the hands of the U.S. judicial and immigration system, which must now weigh both the extradition request and the merits of Ofori-Atta’s case to stay in the country. As the proceedings unfold, Ofori-Atta’s personal anxieties have also come to light. Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S., Victor Smith, has revealed that the former minister harbors deep concerns about his fate should he be returned to Ghana, a reminder that beyond the legal arguments and diplomatic negotiations, a very human story is at play. Today’s court session is expected to focus on Ofori-Atta’s current immigration status, deliberating whether he will be allowed to remain in the United States, at least temporarily, or be subject to removal proceedings. The outcome will not only affect the former finance minister’s immediate future but could also set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the years ahead. As the hearing begins, all eyes are on the Virginia courtroom, where questions of justice, international cooperation, and personal fate converge in a case that has captured attention on both sides of the Atlantic. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Campaign Manager Sets the Record Straight: The Real Story Behind Eastern Region Campaign Funds
In the thick of political intrigue and campaign fervor, a storm brewed within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Eastern Region. Rumors had begun to swirl, painting a picture of Dr. Bryan Acheampong as the sole financier of the region’s Members of Parliament (MPs) during the 2024 elections. The whispers grew louder after a viral video emerged, showing the Eastern Regional NPP Chairman, Mr. Jeff Konadu, chastising MPs such as Mr. Akwasi Acquah of Akyem Oda and Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. He accused them of ingratitude, claiming they had benefited financially from Dr. Acheampong’s generosity. Stepping into the fray to clear the air was Mr. Frederick Opare-Ansah, campaign manager for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former MP for Suhum. Mr. Opare-Ansah dismissed the swirling claims as misleading, determined to set the record straight. According to Mr. Opare-Ansah, while it was true that some MPs in the Eastern Region received financial support during the campaign, the story was far more nuanced than the rumors suggested. The funds, he clarified, were not personal gifts from Dr. Acheampong. Instead, they were campaign contributions gathered from various donors, which Dr. Acheampong distributed on behalf of the Bawumia campaign. He explained that Dr. Bawumia had put in place a system to coordinate campaign donations across key regions, including Ashanti, Eastern, Central, and Northern. In the Eastern Region, Dr. Acheampong was tasked with receiving and distributing the funds, but the money itself came from a broad base of supporters. Notable contributors included Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, Mr. Amoako Atta, private individuals, and direct transfers from the national campaign finance directorate. With these facts laid bare, Mr. Opare-Ansah called on Mr. Jeff Konadu to refrain from spreading misinformation. He urged party leaders to remain truthful and measured in their public statements, warning that unity within the party depended on it. In the end, the campaign manager’s clarification brought much-needed perspective to a heated debate, reminding all involved that the strength of the party lay in transparency and collective effort—not in the ambitions or generosity of a single individual. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Kennedy Agyapong Emerges as Frontrunner—A Story of Shift and Strategy in NPP’s Flagbearer Race
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its crucial presidential primary, a fresh wind of change is sweeping through its ranks. The story begins with a meticulous study led by Dr. Evans Duah, a respected financial economist and lecturer, who set out to capture the pulse of over 40,000 NPP delegates across all 16 regions of Ghana. After three waves of polling and careful validation of more than 31,000 responses, the tale took a decisive turn. The final chapter of Dr. Duah’s report revealed Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the clear frontrunner, commanding 52.59% support from party delegates. Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, once considered a heavyweight, now trailed behind with 36.24%. The numbers, however, only tell part of the story. Agyapong’s rise was not accidental. His campaign, marked by relentless ground-level engagement and targeted outreach in delegate-rich regions like Ashanti and Greater Accra, generated what Dr. Duah described as the “largest positive net movement” among the candidates. Delegates, weary after the party’s 2024 electoral defeat, were now seeking a leader with coalition-building skills and the ability to rejuvenate the party’s prospects. Meanwhile, Bawumia struggled to extend his influence in the southern regions, and the emergence of Dr. Bryan Acheampong as a contender chipped away at the margins but failed to seriously threaten the top two positions. “This isn’t just numbers; it’s a narrative of resilience,” Dr. Duah reflected. The story, he argued, is about a party at a crossroads, and a candidate whose direct approach and rapport with delegates could rewrite the NPP’s future. As the January 31 primary approaches, the suspense builds. In this unfolding drama, success will hinge on each candidate’s ability to consolidate their support and win over the still-undecided delegates. For now, the momentum, and perhaps the future of the NPP, rests in the hands of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Detained in U.S. Pending Extradition to Ghana
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), is currently in custody at the Nevada Southern Detention Centre in the United States, according to a statement issued by Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S., Emmanuel Victor Smith, on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Mrs. Tamakloe-Attionu was apprehended by U.S. Marshals on January 6, 2026, following an extradition request from Ghanaian authorities submitted in July 2024. She now awaits court proceedings that could see her returned to Ghana. The development comes after Mrs. Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in April 2024 on 78 counts, including causing financial loss to the state, theft, money laundering, conspiracy, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act. She was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison with hard labour, after failing to return to Ghana from an approved medical trip abroad. Her co-defendant, former MASLOC Chief Operating Officer Daniel Axim, received a five-year sentence with hard labour, having chosen not to call any witnesses in his defence during the trial. The convictions stemmed from offences committed between 2013 and 2016, where public funds intended for MASLOC programmes were misappropriated. The trial, which began in 2019, heard testimony from six prosecution witnesses and uncovered a series of financial irregularities. These included a GH¢500,000 loan to Obaatampa Savings and Loans Company that was never properly accounted for, and over GH¢1.7 million allocated for a public sensitisation programme that was largely diverted, with only a fraction reaching its intended beneficiaries. Further investigations revealed that of the GH¢1.4 million set aside to aid victims of the Kantamanso fire outbreak, just GH¢579,800 was actually disbursed, with the rest unlawfully appropriated. The case also exposed inflated procurement costs for vehicles and Samsung mobile phones, with MASLOC paying well above market rates despite bulk purchases. Mrs. Tamakloe-Attionu remains in U.S. detention as legal proceedings continue, marking a significant chapter in Ghana’s efforts to recover public funds and enforce accountability for financial crimes. Source: Apexnewsgh.com