Ayariga Blames NPP for Energy Sector Woes, Cites Setbacks to 24-Hour Economy Ambition
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has delivered a scathing critique of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, accusing it of mismanaging Ghana’s energy sector and warning that the country’s much-anticipated 24-hour economy cannot take off until the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is stabilized. Speaking before Parliament on Thursday, November 27, Ayariga specifically cited failures in the Millennium Challenge Account Energy Compact 2, claiming that mismanagement resulted in a US$190 million loss for the nation. He said, “They mismanaged the Millennium Challenge Account Energy Compact 2 and in the process we lost $190 million. By giving the distribution to a certain PDS, which went and forged records in providing a payment guarantee, they caused this country dearly.” Ayariga also referenced a recent investigation into the holdup of ECG containers at the port, revealing that demurrage charges had ballooned to over GH¢909 million due to negligence. He drew attention to irregularities in contract awards, highlighting that contracts worth GH¢159 million were cleared improperly, including a GH¢127.6 million contract awarded to a company without customs house agent registration. The Majority Leader further noted significant deviations between budgeted and actual procurement costs. “This is the record of the NPP in the management of the Energy sector…The situation at ECG is in the budget. The recent container holdup investigations report of the ECG reveals the mess at the ECG. Due to your negligence, demurrage of over GHS909 million was incurred at the port. Corruption was at its height,” Ayariga told the House. He concluded by emphasizing that the NPP’s legacy of mismanagement and procurement irregularities must be addressed if Ghana is to realize the vision of a 24-hour economy. “You stand here, and you ask when is 24-hour economy is starting. 24-Hour economy will start when we have cleared the mess at ECG, and we have created a 24-hour energy system,” Ayariga asserted. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Speaker Bagbin Rules Nyindam Can Remain in Parliament Pending Appeal Window
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has determined that Matthew Nyindam, the Member of Parliament for Kpandai, cannot be barred from participating in parliamentary proceedings at this stage, despite a Tamale High Court ruling that ordered a rerun of the Kpandai parliamentary elections. The ruling comes after the Majority in Parliament called for Nyindam’s exclusion from debates, citing the court’s decision delivered on Monday, November 24, 2025. Addressing the issue before the House convened on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Speaker Bagbin explained that, under the law, it is premature to disqualify Nyindam, as the mandatory seven-day stay of execution of the High Court’s order has not yet expired. Bagbin referenced the Court of Appeal rules (1997 C.I 197, as amended by 2020 C.I 192), which provide a seven-day window during which the losing party may appeal and a stay of execution is automatically in effect. He also cited a Supreme Court precedent—Mensah vs. Ghana Commercial Bank 2025-2026—which held that any enforcement action taken before the expiration of this period is considered premature and void. The Speaker clarified that, as such, Nyindam has a statutory seven-day period following the High Court’s ruling, which expires on December 1, 2025. “During this period, the High Court’s ruling cannot form the basis for the Speaker to instruct the Clerk to notify the Electoral Commission that the Kpandai seat is vacant,” Bagbin stated. Bagbin further explained that should Honourable Nyindam decide to file an appeal or seek a further stay of execution under rule 27(1) of C.I. 19, enforcement of the judgment could be postponed until a final decision is reached by the appropriate court. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Concerned Krobo Youth Group Applauds President Mahama for Extending IGP Yohuno’s Tenure
The Concerned Krobo Youth Group in the Greater Accra Region has publicly commended President John Dramani Mahama and the Police Council for their decision to extend the term of Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, by an additional two years. In a statement signed by Yakubu Ibrahim on behalf of the group, the youth hailed the move as a well-deserved acknowledgment of IGP Yohuno’s outstanding leadership and steadfast service to the Ghana Police Service. Mr. Yohuno’s career spans several high-profile roles, including Divisional Commander for Accra Central, Accra Regional Operations Commander, Deputy Accra Regional Commander, and Director-General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD). His exemplary contributions to law enforcement have earned him numerous accolades, notably the Grand Medal for his distinguished efforts against armed robbery and other crimes. The group highlighted that the extension of his tenure is a testament to his unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order nationwide. They expressed confidence that IGP Yohuno’s ongoing leadership will continue to strengthen the police force and positively impact public safety. On behalf of the Ga-Adangme people and all Ghanaians, the Concerned Krobo Youth Group extended heartfelt congratulations to IGP Yohuno, celebrating his dedication and the trust placed in him for the continued stability and security of the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Hails Ghana-UK Partnership During Prince Edward’s Visit
A renewed spirit of friendship was on display at the Jubilee House as President John Dramani Mahama welcomed the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, reaffirming Ghana’s deep and enduring ties with the United Kingdom. The occasion, marked by ceremonial warmth and diplomatic candor, underscored the shared values, historic bonds, and mutual interests that continue to unite the two nations. Addressing dignitaries gathered at the forecourt, President Mahama reflected on the shifting landscape of international relations. He emphasized that, in the face of mounting global challenges, strengthened multilateralism and close collaboration remain more crucial than ever. The President lauded the UK’s leadership on climate change and called for even greater cooperation to address pressing environmental issues. President Mahama also highlighted the transformative impact of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award in Ghana. He described the programme as a catalyst for growth among young people, fostering discipline, creativity, and ambition. He assured Prince Edward of Ghana’s commitment to supporting and expanding the initiative, expressing confidence that the Duke’s visit would further boost its reach and positive influence. Prince Edward, in his remarks, echoed his passion for the Award, describing it as a powerful vehicle for empowering the next generation. He noted that the programme continues to instill confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose in young participants, qualities needed to thrive in today’s complex world. The day’s events not only reinforced the goodwill between Ghana and the UK but also spotlighted their shared investment in the future of youth, cooperation, and global progress. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Urges AU–EU Leaders to Unite Against Violent Extremism
At the 7th African Union–European Union Summit, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang delivered a powerful message on behalf of President John Mahama, calling on African and European leaders to intensify their joint efforts against violent extremism. Highlighting the growing insecurity in West Africa, she proposed a dedicated regional meeting to find targeted solutions to the pressing threat. “Extremist groups continue to exploit poverty, marginalisation, and political fragility across our sub-region,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang warned. “Ghana is proposing a focused meeting on violent extremism to tackle the root causes of insecurity through regional unity and community-based peace-building.” Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to a revitalised AU–EU partnership, the Vice President emphasised the importance of shared values, equity, and mutual respect. She recalled the vision adopted at the 2022 AU–EU Summit, reiterating Ghana’s role in Africa’s transformation agenda, the strengthening of governance systems, and support for regional economic communities. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also pointed to Ghana’s recent progress in stabilising its economy, mentioning declining inflation, a steadying cedi, and ongoing public financial management reforms. Outlining Ghana’s national development priorities for 2026, she listed: Infrastructure and connectivity to accelerate economic growth Job creation and human capital development for inclusive prosperity Enhanced stability and confidence in governance and fiscal management On the broader security landscape, the Vice President praised the African Peace and Security Architecture as a significant achievement but cautioned that climate change, political unrest, and maritime threats are deepening humanitarian challenges across the continent. She called for renewed commitment to peace-building and resilience. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative, which pledges €150 billion to Africa, particularly in renewable energy and digital infrastructure. She highlighted Ghana’s own priorities under the programme, such as the hydro dam and Wongbo water facility, and advocated for support of an AU waiver on offshore patrols to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. In a historic announcement, she revealed Ghana’s intention to introduce a United Nations resolution on reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade, inviting European partners to join as co-sponsors. She described the slave trade as “one of humanity’s gravest injustices.” Citing the late Kofi Annan, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reminded summit attendees: “There can be no development without security, no security without development, and neither without respect for human rights.” She concluded her remarks by urging Africa and Europe to transform policy commitments into concrete action, insisting that peace, opportunity, and stability must drive the next phase of the AU–EU partnership. Only through a strong and collaborative relationship, she asserted, can the two continents deliver sustainable prosperity for their people. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
A Section of Ghanaians to Stage Protest Demanding Removal of Special Prosecutor
A section of Ghanaians gathered with a single mission: to demand the removal of the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng. Their reason was clear; they believed he had failed to fulfill the mandate of his office. The previous day, Apostle Abraham Larbi Lincoln, the lead convener of the protest, addressed the media. He asserted that the group had lost confidence in the Special Prosecutor and called on President John Dramani Mahama to terminate Mr. Agyebeng’s appointment. The protest, themed “Agro Ne Fom,” was intended to shine a spotlight on what the group described as inefficiency within the Office of the Special Prosecutor. “We will be in our reds, and we will be there to present our case. If he doesn’t listen, then we know the kind of person he is. We are marching straight to the Jubilee House, and we will petition the President,” Apostle Lincoln declared, emphasizing the group’s determination. Apostle Lincoln was quick to clarify that their demonstration was not driven by personal animosity. “We do not hate Mr. Agyebeng,” he explained, “but we believe the office must be either reformed or dissolved entirely, with all staff removed.” Adding to the chorus of criticism, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu revealed that 15 separate petitions had already been filed seeking the Special Prosecutor’s removal. “When was the last time you heard of other persons subject to Article 146 proceedings ever having 15 petitions filed against them? That tells you that there is something wrong,” Mr. Kpebu asserted, highlighting the growing public dissatisfaction with the office. As the protestors prepared to march to the Jubilee House to present their petition, the nation watched to see how the President would respond to their demands and whether the calls for change at the Office of the Special Prosecutor would be heeded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tension in Talensi NDC, as Party Members claimed MP is diverting a Training College to his house
Tension is running high in the Talensi NDC party, particularly among members from the East, over a decision made by their Member of Parliament, Daniel Mahama Dung, to divert a training college promised to the people of Talensi in Yameriga by President John Dramani Mahama to his own house. The controversy came to a head at a meeting held on Sunday at Sheaga Primary School, where aggrieved party members from the East gathered to express their displeasure over the MP’s decision. The MP himself was not present at the meeting, but sent three representatives, led by Michael Zoogah the former Shega Electoral Area. According to sources, the meeting was heated, with party members from the East arguing that the President had specifically promised the training college to the people of Yamiriga during the 2024 campaign period, and that it was originally designated to be located in the East. They alleged that the MP had “smartly” taken it to the Central part of the constituency, specifically to his own house. According to our source, the representatives of the MP attempted to defend the decision, but the aggrieved party members were not convinced. They insisted that the training college was a vital development project for the East, and that the MP’s actions were a betrayal of their trust. After much debate, it was resolved that a committee would be formed to look into the matter. However, the youth who were present at the meeting expressed their dissatisfaction with the MP’s approach to the development and vowed to take action. The meeting ended with a sense of unease and mistrust among the party members, with many wondering if the MP’s actions would ultimately benefit the people of Talensi. As the controversy continues to simmer, one thing is certain – the people of Talensi are watching closely to see how the situation will unfold. However, the Member of Parliament for Talensi Constituency, Daniel Mahama Dung, addressed the allegations from the aggrieved party members, accusing him of diverting a proposed training college to his personal residence. In an interview with Apexnewsgh, the MP explained the sequence of events and his motivations, aiming to set the record straight for his constituents. According to Mr. Dung, he initially advocated for the use of the constituency’s E-block facility in Yameriga as the site for the new training college, hoping it could be converted for that purpose. However, he was informed that the E-block, constructed with the approval of the UNDP, was designated specifically to relieve pressure on existing secondary schools and could not be repurposed for a college. “They told me it was a policy and that E-blocks were meant to remain secondary schools, especially in rural areas,” Dung explained. Undeterred, the MP suggested alternative locations, including Duusi and the Lamanteng School near the district assembly. However, these too were rejected by the accreditation authorities, who cited issues ranging from insufficient space to the lack of qualified tutors and support staff required by the National Accreditation Board. Mr. Dung expressed his determination not to let the opportunity slip away for Talensi. “My biggest concern is the lack of teachers in our lower primary schools, which is affecting the standard of education. Having a teacher training college in the constituency would help address this challenge,” he said. Faced with repeated setbacks, the MP decided to offer his own newly constructed 14-bedroom hotel as a temporary campus for the proposed training college. “I told them, ‘If all these options are not viable, I have my house, a hotel with executive rooms, that can be converted for classroom use.’ The accreditation team inspected the facility and agreed that four of the rooms could meet the required standards, but advised that at least nine classrooms would be needed for the school to operate fully.” To meet this requirement, Mr. Dung purchased 10,000 blocks and began constructing an additional five-unit classroom block with eight washrooms. He established a committee to oversee the project and reached out to community members and well-wishers for further support. He stressed that this initiative is a private effort, not a government allocation. “There’s no provision for a training college in the government budget for our area. We are starting this privately, and I’ve promised to donate a pickup vehicle and provide seed capital of $300,000 to get things running. I’m also reaching out to others to support with funding and resources, because we need to pay lecturers and administrative staff until the government can absorb the school in the future.” Mr. Dung also addressed rumors about the siting of a 24-hour market project in the constituency, clarifying that decisions about its location are made by government consultants and not influenced by local MPs or district chiefs. “It is the government and consultants who decide where public projects go, not me or the DCE,” he emphasized. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the development of Talensi and called on all stakeholders to work together for the benefit of the community. “I want the best for our people. This training college is not about personal gain; it’s about making sure our children have access to quality education and better opportunities for the future,” he said. Through his detailed account, Mr. Dung hopes to dispel misconceptions and rally community support for the training college project, which he believes will be a game-changer for education in Talensi. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Speaker Bagbin Calls for Bold Constitutional Reform at Parliamentary Book Launch
At a landmark book launch in Accra, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, renewed his call for Ghana to embark on a bold constitutional reform process, describing it as essential for advancing governance and enhancing the effectiveness of public administration. The occasion was the unveiling of a new publication designed to demystify parliamentary language and procedures for the public. The book, lauded as a bridge between Parliament and citizens, aims to make legislative terms and practices more accessible and transparent, strengthening civic literacy and deepening democratic engagement. Addressing an audience of academics, legal practitioners, legislators, and civil society members, Speaker Bagbin did not mince words about the urgent need for change. He drew attention to the pivotal—but often underappreciated—role of subsidiary legislation in national governance. These regulations, he explained, shape the frameworks that guide daily life and influence the efficiency of public administration. However, Bagbin cautioned that the promise of effective subsidiary legislation is sometimes undermined by the rigid and detailed nature of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. While acknowledging the Constitution’s service to the nation over three decades, he noted that its prescriptive character can limit the flexibility required to meet the complex challenges of the modern era. “The complexities of subsidiary legislation demand a constitutional environment that is adaptable and responsive,” Bagbin said. “Unfortunately, our current constitutional architecture, due to its rigid and detailed prescriptions, can be constricting.” He therefore called for a comprehensive constitutional rewrite—one that would reflect contemporary realities, strengthen democratic institutions, and encourage innovation in governance. Such reform, he emphasized, must be approached with broad national consensus and thoughtful deliberation to ensure it meets the aspirations of all Ghanaians. The launch drew widespread commendation as a timely effort to promote understanding and participation in parliamentary democracy. As the guests celebrated the new book, Speaker Bagbin’s words set the tone for a national conversation about constitutional change, reminding all present that a forward-looking legal framework is vital for Ghana to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Blames Leadership for 2024 Economic Crisis, Labels It ‘Worst in Ghana’s History’
Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has described the economic downturn that gripped Ghana in 2024 as “the worst crisis in Ghana’s history,” insisting that its severity was both unprecedented and avoidable. Speaking on Friday, November 20, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu attributed the crisis not to global economic conditions but to what he called mismanagement under the leadership of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who served as head of the Economic Management Team during the period. According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the hardships suffered by Ghanaians in 2024 were the direct result of policy failures. He pointed to soaring inflation, currency instability, and difficulties in public finances as factors that combined to create a level of strain unseen in Ghana’s post-independence history. “The numbers and the lived experiences all point to a crisis of historic proportions,” he stated. He further emphasised the stark contrast between the government’s public assurances and the daily realities endured by ordinary citizens. Despite repeated promises from the former Vice President and the then-ruling NPP government, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu argued that the administration failed to implement measures that could have cushioned the population against the worst effects of the downturn. Instead, austerity measures and high living costs pushed many households into severe distress. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu dismissed claims that external factors were primarily to blame, noting that many other countries weathered similar global shocks without experiencing such acute hardship. He maintained that Ghana’s difficulties were amplified by poor decision-making and an overreliance on short-term, unsustainable policies. He concluded that the 2024 economic crisis would remain a central issue in political debate as the nation heads toward its next general election. According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, Ghanaians will continue to demand accountability, particularly from Dr. Bawumia, as he seeks reelection to lead the NPP into the 2028 presidential race. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Defends Aircraft Procurement, Cites Lower Cost Than Previous Luxury Jet Rentals
The government has mounted a strong defense of its plan to acquire six new aircraft, including two presidential jets, arguing that the overall cost will be lower than what was spent on renting luxury jets during the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The explanation followed sharp criticism from the Minority caucus in Parliament, who questioned the government’s priorities regarding the $1.2 billion allocation for the aircraft, particularly in light of outstanding payments owed to teachers, nurses, and road contractors. Debating the 2026 budget in Parliament, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem assured lawmakers that the procurement process would be handled prudently, with careful management of public funds. “I assure you that the cost of one aircraft will be far less than the amount you spent for President Akufo-Addo to rent luxurious aircraft,” he stated. However, the debate also saw former Defence Minister and MP for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, urge the government to apologize to the public for its earlier opposition to the purchase of a new presidential jet while in opposition. “You on the opposite side, need to explain to the people of Ghana why, for five years, you fought against it, and nine months later, you are running not to buy one but two. You need to apologise to the people of Ghana,” Nitiwul challenged. As the controversy over the aircraft procurement continues, the government maintains that the acquisition represents a more cost-effective and transparent approach to meeting the nation’s air transport needs, while the opposition continues to press for accountability and a clear explanation of priorities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com