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 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

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

A tense and dramatic confrontation unfolded in Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, setting the stage for a high-stakes vetting session. The spark came when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin referred to Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee,” a remark that instantly provoked a sharp rebuttal from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. The exchange underscored the deep political divisions surrounding Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination. Afenyo-Markin, pressing his concerns during questioning, characterized the appointment as contentious, suggesting a lack of consensus and hinting at flaws in the selection process. This characterization was met with immediate resistance. Rising to the nominee’s defense, Ayariga insisted, “The nominee before us has been duly presented in accordance with the constitutional processes.” He argued that labeling Baffoe-Bonnie as “disputed” was prejudicial and undermined the committee’s decorum. The swift and firm response from the Majority Leader underscored the gravity of the proceedings. Both sides stood their ground, escalating tensions and creating a charged atmosphere in the committee room. The clash over the nominee’s status signals a potentially rigorous and politically sensitive vetting process ahead, as lawmakers prepare to scrutinize Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s record and suitability for the nation’s highest judicial post. Despite the heated exchange, the Appointments Committee is set to continue its hearings amid the heightened political tension. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The  Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has led the committee investigating the August 6 helicopter crash in presenting their findings to President John Mahama. The crucial handover took place during a session of the National Security Council, bringing together top security officials and government leaders. The investigative committee, chaired by National Security Coordinator COP Abdul-Razak Osman, worked meticulously to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Their comprehensive report details the events before, during, and after the crash, as well as recommendations for future safety measures. President Mahama received the report with keen interest, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. In keeping with this commitment, the findings will be made public on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, allowing the nation to learn the facts behind the crash and the steps being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com    

The usually orderly chambers of Parliament descended into chaos on Monday as the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie took an unexpected turn. What began as a routine session at 11:45 a.m. quickly spiraled out of control, culminating in a dramatic walkout by the Minority caucus and halting the high-stakes proceedings. Tensions first surfaced during a heated exchange between Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The spark was struck when Afenyo-Markin labeled Justice Baffoe-Bonnie a “disputed nominee,” accusing the Majority of acting in “bad faith” in steering the vetting process. “This nominee comes to us under a cloud of controversy, and the process has been flawed from the start,” Afenyo-Markin declared, his words echoing through the chamber. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga was quick to counter, denouncing the Minority Leader’s remarks as “inappropriate” and “politically charged.” He argued that such statements threatened the dignity and impartiality of the vetting process. But Afenyo-Markin stood his ground, defending the Minority’s stance. “Expressing our reservations is not only legitimate but necessary,” he insisted. “We have a duty to question the political motivations behind this nomination.” Amid rising tempers, proceedings were temporarily suspended in hopes of restoring calm. Yet, when the session resumed, the Minority caucus made a bold decision: they withdrew entirely from the vetting, leaving the Majority to continue the process alone. The walkout sent shockwaves through Parliament, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process and the future of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Mahama administration stands on the brink of a momentous week, packed with events that are set to shape the nation’s course and culminate in the unveiling of the much-anticipated 2026 Budget. This was revealed by Felix Ofosu Kwakye, a senior government spokesperson, who emphasized the significance of the week’s developments. The week’s proceedings begin on a somber note. On Monday, the government will formally bring closure to the investigation into the tragic August 6 helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of several high-ranking officials, including the Defence Minister. “The report of the August 6 Helicopter tragedy investigation will be presented to the National Security Council tomorrow [Monday],” Mr. Ofosu Kwakye announced. In a move aimed at transparency and public reassurance, the government plans to make the findings of the investigation public the very next day. “On Tuesday, the details of the report will be made public at a media briefing,” Mr. Ofosu Kwakye confirmed. This long-awaited disclosure is expected to provide the answers the nation has been seeking since the incident. By midweek, the government’s focus shifts toward economic and social development. On Wednesday, President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to visit the Ashanti Region to launch an ambitious new programme known as “Nkɔkɔ Nkitinkiti.” While specifics of the initiative remain under wraps, its launch is already being heralded as a major policy event. The week’s crescendo arrives on Thursday, as Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presents the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament. The government is promoting the budget as a pivotal economic blueprint, with Mr. Ofosu Kwakye describing it as “brimming with far-reaching policy initiatives.” This fiscal plan is expected to outline the administration’s legislative and economic priorities for the coming year. This series of events marks one of the most consequential weeks for the Mahama government, as it addresses a national tragedy, launches a new social initiative, and charts the economic path ahead. As the nation watches, the administration’s actions this week are poised to leave a lasting impact. Source: Apexnewsgh.com