Majority Leader Urges Ofori-Atta to Return and Account for Ghana’s Debt, Praises Current Economic Management
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and answer questions regarding the country’s debt situation, accusing him of years of excessive borrowing and poor fiscal management during his tenure. Speaking in Parliament during the debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review on Thursday, July 23, Ayariga argued that Ofori-Atta should be held accountable for the decisions taken under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. He questioned the former minister’s absence from Ghana, suggesting he left after overseeing a period of heavy borrowing that contributed to the nation’s economic challenges. Ayariga asserted that Ghanaians deserve answers on how public finances were managed under the former administration and why the economy deteriorated during that period. In contrast, he commended current Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for steering the economy without imposing burdensome taxes or relying on excessive borrowing. Highlighting policy differences, Ayariga noted that while the former government introduced taxes like the levy on mobile money transactions, the current administration has removed such taxes and still maintains fiscal stability. He praised Dr. Forson’s prudent economic management, saying the Finance Minister’s policies have strengthened the economy while easing the tax burden on citizens. The Majority Leader also criticized the previous NPP government’s spending priorities, arguing that the current administration is focusing resources on infrastructure projects such as schools, roads, and bridges, rather than initiatives like the National Cathedral. He maintained that the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding educational facilities, rehabilitating schools, and investing in major road infrastructure. Expressing confidence in the current economic direction, Ayariga said Ghana’s finances are on stronger footing and urged Parliament to commend Dr. Forson for his leadership. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Speaker Bagbin Pays Tribute to Late President Mills, Celebrates His Humility and Integrity
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has paid glowing tribute to the late President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, remembering him as a leader who ruled Ghana with humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to principle. Speaking during a memorial ceremony at Asomdwe Park marking the 14th anniversary of President Mills’ passing, Mr. Bagbin described the late president’s gentle approach to leadership as a true strength. He recalled that Mills was patient when others were anxious, optimistic in the face of pessimism, and confident amid uncertainty. Bagbin noted that President Mills was always guided by principle over convenience and maintained the same humility and integrity in office that he displayed during his campaign for the presidency. Having served in Mills’ administration as Majority Leader in Parliament, Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, and later as Minister of Health, Bagbin shared insights into Mills’ leadership style. He said Mills listened before making decisions, consulted widely before taking action, and never let the privileges of high office separate him from the people he served. The Speaker emphasized that Mills’ commitment to probity, accountability, and a good heart was not just political rhetoric but fundamental to his conduct in office. He added that the late president believed in the importance of strong institutions and envisioned a Ghana where power would serve the people rather than dominate them. Bagbin also reflected on Mills’ quiet determination to do what was right, even when it was difficult, and his belief that leadership was about trust, not trophies. While some saw Mills’ calm and gentle demeanor as softness, those who worked closely with him recognized it as a rare strength: the ability to remain humble in power and principled under pressure. The commemoration at Asomdwe Park brought together government officials, political figures, family, and admirers to honour the legacy of Ghana’s third President under the Fourth Republic, whose message of probity and accountability continues to inspire the nation’s democratic journey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ofori-Atta Granted US Green Card After Corruption Case Fails
Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Finance Minister, has secured permanent residency in the United States after a federal immigration judge ruled that allegations of corruption brought against him by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) were unfounded. In a decision dated June 15, 2026, Judge David Gardey approved Ofori-Atta’s green card application, citing the OSP’s failure to provide credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing. The judge described the OSP’s affidavit, which included over 70 criminal counts ranging from conspiracy to misuse of public funds, as lacking in “credible or reliable facts” and “full of conclusory allegations.” “The lack of any persuasive evidence indicating any kind of criminal wrongdoing or criminal conspiracy involving the respondent in the OSP’s affidavit is powerful evidence,” Judge Gardey stated in his ruling. Ofori-Atta, who testified before the court, insisted he had never received anything of value from companies or individuals under investigation and had not personally profited from any decisions made while in office. The judge deemed his testimony credible. In granting the green card, the court also considered Ofori-Atta’s deep ties to the US, including his education, professional career, his US citizen son, a clean criminal record, and ongoing medical treatment. Additional factors included the removal of an Interpol Red Notice related to Ghana’s charges, a KPMG review that found only administrative weaknesses and no evidence of criminal conduct, and the US Department of Justice’s decision not to pursue extradition at Ghana’s request. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bawumia Urges President Mahama to Reject Tribunals Bill, Citing Threats to Justice and Democracy
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),has issued a fervent appeal to President John Dramani Mahama: refuse assent to the controversial Tribunals Bill, 2026. Bawumia’s address, delivered live to the nation, warned that the proposed legislation posed a grave risk to Ghana’s democratic foundations, threatened public trust in the judiciary, and could fundamentally alter the nation’s justice system. Bawumia called on the President to halt the bill’s approval and instead initiate extensive, inclusive stakeholder consultations before any sweeping changes were made to Ghana’s legal landscape. His call came after the bill’s legislative journey had already drawn fierce criticism from opposition lawmakers and labor unions. The bill’s passage was expedited when Parliament’s majority leaders waived the statutory 24-hour cooling-off period required between its consideration and final reading. Intense objections from the Minority and widespread protests from Organized Labor were ultimately overridden by the majority’s votes. A major point of concern among legal experts and critics was a provision that would allow regular panels, potentially including individuals with no legal training, to preside over complex criminal cases. Bawumia cautioned that such provisions, rushed through by parliamentary numbers rather than consensus, risked politicizing justice and undermining its impartial delivery. He reminded the nation of the historical abuses of regional and public tribunals in Ghana’s past and referenced the recommendations of the Kwasi Prempeh Constitutional Review Committee, which had advocated abolishing parallel tribunal systems. Instead of creating a new, potentially problematic structure to ease court congestion, Bawumia advocated for modernizing the current judiciary: expanding courtrooms, appointing more qualified judges, and digitizing court operations. Directly addressing President Mahama, Bawumia urged him to use his constitutional powers to pause the bill and invite open dialogue through the Council of State. He stressed that justice in Ghana should serve all citizens, not any one political party or administration. To achieve this, Bawumia called for a national dialogue that would bring together the Ghana Bar Association, civil society, legal experts, organized labor, and the judiciary to forge a broad consensus on the way forward. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
High Court Rejects Bid to Halt Samreboi Mining Judgment, Clears Way for Verdict
In a pivotal development at the Criminal Court 4 Division of the High Court in Accra, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay dismissed an application from lawyers representing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The legal team had sought to halt the court’s judgment in the high-profile Samreboi mining case and refer constitutional issues to the Supreme Court. The courtroom was tense as defence lawyer Charles Boakye, appearing on behalf of lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, announced that the defence had filed their application on July 16, asking for a postponement of the judgment. The defence argued that the Supreme Court needed to interpret certain constitutional issues before a verdict could be delivered. Boakye also informed the court that Atta Akyea was out of the country and would return on July 22, requesting that the matter be adjourned until then. Justice Kocuvie-Tay, however, was unmoved. She ruled that the application lacked sufficient grounds for a delay and noted that any scheduling conflicts should have been communicated well in advance. The judge further explained that oral submissions were not necessary for the court to rule on the pending application, as the motion had been properly filed and could be determined on its merits. With the application dismissed, the court proceeded to deliver its long-awaited judgment. Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Company Limited, and a third accused, Kwame Antwi, all stood trial over allegations of illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region, a charge they have consistently denied. The judge’s decision not only cleared the way for the verdict, but also signaled a commitment to timely justice in a case with national ramifications. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
24-Hour Economy Secretariat Defends Flagship Policy, Highlights Billions in Investments and Job Creation
The debate over Ghana’s ambitious 24-Hour Economy programme intensified this week as the Secretariat firmly rejected claims that the government’s flagship policy has failed to yield tangible results. In the face of criticism from Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, the Secretariat released a detailed statement, asserting that the programme is not only underway but already producing significant outcomes. According to the Secretariat, implementation has moved well beyond the planning stage, attracting billions of dollars in investment and fostering increased industrial activity. By May 2026, Joint Development Agreements worth $5.5 billion had been secured with key co-development partners. The Secretariat revealed that 268 fuel stations and 33 manufacturing companies are currently operating under the programme’s multi-shift, 24-hour model, demonstrating the initiative’s growing reach. Responding to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah’s suggestion that substantial public resources had been committed with little to show, the Secretariat argued that success should be measured by investments mobilised, production capacity, export potential, and jobs created. The programme aims to generate 1.7 million decent jobs by the end of 2028, with four recent investment agreements expected to deliver more than 160,000 direct jobs. The Secretariat also dismissed claims that the 24-Hour Economy has drawn from the GH¢650 billion approved by Parliament, clarifying that the sum represents the nation’s overall budget, not programme spending. Instead, most projects are financed by private investment, with the government focusing on coordination, project preparation, and targeted support. Among the flagship ventures are the $1.45 billion Buipe solar and battery project, set to generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity and create 13,000 jobs, and the $250 million Kambonwule oil palm project, projected to support 120,000 jobs. The 24-Hour Economy has also spurred several state institutions, including the DVLA, Ghana Publishing Company, and GPHA, to extend their operations for round-the-clock service delivery. The Secretariat explained that the phased rollout is deliberate, designed to secure investors, ready viable projects, and address infrastructure, land, and energy challenges. As more investments materialise, factories ramp up production, and new jobs are created, the Secretariat expressed optimism that the programme’s benefits will soon become unmistakably clear. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Prosecution Nears Conclusion in High-Profile GH¢49.1 Million Theft Trial
The courtroom was tense as the trial of former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, and two others approached a critical juncture This week, the prosecution is expected to close its case in the matter of the alleged theft of GH¢49.1 million, funds said to belong to the Government of Ghana. Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, took to Facebook to update the public. He revealed that state prosecutors, in collaboration with investigators from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), have assembled what he called a strong body of evidence. Their goal: to prove that the GH¢49.1 million was public money, held securely in a government bank account, before it was allegedly misappropriated. Inside the courtroom, the accused, Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his two co-defendants, listened as charges of theft and causing financial loss to the state were laid out against them. As the prosecution prepares to rest its case, all eyes are on the court, awaiting the next chapter in a trial that has captured national attention. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Initial Steps to Recalibrate the NPP’s Compass for a Positive Outcome in the 2028 General Election–Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih
“When wealth becomes the primary yardstick for choosing our executives, the party itself becomes poorer” These words strike at the very heart of a growing vulnerability within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). As the party works to consolidate its structures, break new ground, and restore its historical fortunes, it faces a critical internal crossroads. The creeping trend of commercialising political leadership, where deep pockets routinely outvote genuine commitment, is an existential threat to the party’s grassroots foundation. The destiny of the NPP is in the hands of those who elect our leaders at the various levels of the executive structure of the party. They must rate competence, loyalty, and commitment to the principles and ideals of the NPP over any other considerations when electing party leaders. When financial capability becomes the sole determinant for entry into leadership, the party compromises its collective future. To build an unshakeable political force capable of winning hearts, minds, and elections, they must urgently shift their focus from wealth back to party loyalty and commitment. When leadership seats go to the highest bidder rather than the most capable strategist, the entire party organisation pays the political cost: Disenfranchisement of the Grassroots: Dedicated organisers who have sacrificed for years feel alienated when sidelined by affluent newcomers who lack a history of local service. Loss of Organic Connection: Wealth can buy visibility, but it cannot buy genuine fellowship. Leaders chosen primarily for their resources often struggle to connect authentically with the everyday realities of ordinary voters. Strategic Deficit: A political party run purely on financial patronage eventually runs dry of intellectual and organisational depth. Money cannot replace strategic planning, conflict resolution, or policy articulation. To continue down this path is to throw caution to the wind, trading long-term institutional stability for short-term material convenience. Restoring the NPP to its glory days requires an uncompromising return to meritocracy. It is my conviction that the evaluation of prospective party executives must be anchored on five non-negotiable pillars: Competence: The proven capacity to manage party administrative structures, resolve internal frictions, and effectively outmanoeuvre political opponents. Mobilisation Power: True leadership is measured by the ability to inspire people to willingly invest their time, energy, and personal resources into the party’s vision. Sacrifice: A documented history of standing firmly with the party during challenging periods in opposition, not just showing up to reap the rewards of incumbency. Empathy: The willingness to listen to, validate, and address the genuine anxieties and frustrations of party stakeholders and foot soldiers. Track Record: A verifiable legacy of loyalty, reliability, and tangible contributions to the growth of the party at the local level. The NPP has a proud legacy of political resilience, intellectual fortitude, and community-first principles. Allowing this rich history to be replaced by a transactional political culture weakens the party from within and damages its credibility with the broader electorate. The time has come for delegates, elders, and stakeholders to do the needful. Reclaiming the soul of the party demands the courage to look beyond immediate material inducements and vote for sustainable institutional strength. By prioritising competence and character over financial influence, the NPP can rebuild an authentic, energised, and unified front ready to restore the party to its rightful glory. Let’s do this together. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Path of Tested and Trusted Continuity: Why Alhaji White is the Safe Pair of Hands for Upper West NPP– Dr Hafiz Bin Salih
Every political party at its crucial turning points must choose between two paths: the path of experimentation or the path of tested, loyal continuity. As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper West Region prepares to elect a new crop of regional executives in 2026, we stand at one of these vital crossroads. To look back at our history in the region is to look at a lineage of formidable, steady leadership. From the foundational years of the late Alhaji Abdulai Issahaque (1992–2005), to the transition to Alhaji Abubakar Abdul-Rahman (Chairman Short, 2005–2018), and through the resilient stewardship of the late Mr S.B. Kangberee (2018–2024), our party’s progress has always been steered by figures of deep loyalty and institutional memory. When Chairman Kangberee unfortunately passed away in June 2024, the mantle of leadership fell upon the Regional 1st Vice Chairman, Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Rahman, affectionately known to us all as Chairman White. In a moment of grief and potential transition anxiety, Alhaji White stepped forward, stabilised the party, and ensured that the work of the NPP in the Upper West Region continued without a single step backwards. As we look toward the future, it is clear that Alhaji White should not merely be a transitional figure. He has earned the right, through decades of quiet service, profound loyalty, and peerless apprenticeship, to be granted a full tenure as our substantive Regional Chairman. An Apprenticeship of Loyalty and Humility Leadership is not a role one should rush into without preparation. Alhaji White’s greatest asset is that he has learned at the feet of giants. He did not seek the chairmanship out of personal ambition; rather, he spent years studying the administrative styles, the unifying strategies, and the grassroots mobilisation techniques of the regional chairmen who came before him. By serving loyally as the 1st Vice Chairman, he proved that he understands the value of subordination, patience, and teamwork. In Ghanaian politics, and particularly within our cherished Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition, respect for hierarchy and patience are the ultimate hallmarks of a true leader. Alhaji White has waited his turn, supported his superiors unconditionally, and absorbed the wisdom required to govern a diverse and politically competitive region. A Unifier in Times of Transition Taking over a political structure mid-stream after the loss of a sitting chairman is one of the most delicate tasks in party politics. It requires a calm temperament, a listening ear, and an inclusive heart. Alhaji White stepped into the vacancy left by Chairman Kangberee not with a spirit of disruption, but with a commitment to preservation and unity. He has kept the regional executive committee cohesive, bridged gaps between various factions, and maintained open communication channels with our constituency executives, patrons, elders, and the grassroots. A vote for Alhaji White is a vote to maintain this hard-won stability. Deep Grassroots Connection You cannot lead the Upper West NPP from an ivory tower. To win elections in our region, a chairman must understand the unique socio-political terrain of all eleven constituencies, from Lambussie to Wa West, and Lawra to Sissala East. Alhaji White is a man of the people. His accessibility is legendary; his doors have remained open to party faithful of all social standings. Because he has walked the dusty roads of our villages during campaigns, sat in the local parlours, and listened to the concerns of our polling station executives, he possesses the authentic empathy needed to re-energise our base. A Safe Pair of Hands The year 2026 is a defining moment for our party in the region. As we prepare to win some parliamentary seats and consolidate our gains, we cannot afford factional friction or the steep learning curves of untested leadership. Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Rahman (White) represents the bridge between our rich party heritage and our modern electoral aspirations. He offers us a safe pair of hands, an unblemished record of loyalty, and a heart dedicated entirely to the service of the Upper West NPP. Let us honour his years of dedication, reward his patience, and secure our party’s future in the region. It is time to give Chairman White a full, well-deserved mandate. Let us elect Alhaji White as our substantive NPP Regional Chairman for the Upper West Region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliament Passes Tribunals Bill, 2026, Paving Way for Judicial Reform
Parliament has passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, clearing the path for the re-establishment of tribunals under a new legal framework designed to improve access to justice. The historic moment unfolded on Thursday, July 16, as lawmakers gathered for the third reading of the Bill. After a robust debate, Members of Parliament adopted the legislation, bringing the months-long parliamentary process to a close. The Bill now awaits President John Dramani Mahama’s assent before it becomes law. The day’s proceedings were marked by a critical intervention from Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine. Recognizing the urgency of the reforms, Dr Ayine requested the House to waive the Standing Orders that typically require a one-day interval between the consideration stage and the third reading. Parliament responded positively, granting the request and allowing the Bill to proceed immediately to its final stage. Dr Ayine first introduced the Tribunals Bill earlier this year, presenting it as a cornerstone of broader justice sector reforms. He emphasized that the new tribunal system would come with stronger constitutional safeguards, aiming to improve access to justice, reduce delays in case resolution, and enhance the efficiency of Ghana’s courts. Following its introduction, the Bill was referred to Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee as well as the Judiciary Committee for detailed scrutiny. After careful examination and debate, the committees returned the Bill to the House, where MPs gave it their final approval. Once signed into law by the President, the Tribunals Bill, 2026 will provide the legal foundation for the re-establishment of tribunals, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing effort to reform and modernize its judicial system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com