President Mahama Pledges Unbiased Development for All Regions at Juapong Groundbreaking
Chiefs in regal attire, market women with hopeful smiles, energetic youth groups, and residents from all walks of life gathered as President John Dramani Mahama arrived to break ground on a project many had awaited for years: the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Market. But the day was not just about bricks and mortar. Standing before the crowd, President Mahama addressed a concern that has echoed across Ghana’s regions for years, the perception that national development favors certain areas based on how they vote. With conviction, he declared, “Let me assure you that this government that I lead does not regard the Volta Region merely as a region of loyal political support. We reject the notion that any part of Ghana should be taken for granted or left behind because of its electoral choices.” He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and equity, emphasizing that every citizen, regardless of location or political affiliation, deserves equal opportunity. “Our mandate given to us by the people of Ghana is to govern the country for every Ghanaian and our commitment to the Volta Region is founded on fairness and equity,” he said. The Juapong market project is part of a broader government plan to modernize trading infrastructure, boost trade, create jobs, and extend economic activity beyond the usual working hours in key commercial hubs. For the people of the South Tongu District, the event was more than a ceremony, it was a promise that their region, like all others, would not be left behind. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Cabinet Reverses Course: Achimota Forest to Regain Full Protected Status
It was a decision that sent ripples through Ghana’s environmental and civic circles. On May 1, 2022, Executive Instrument 144 (E.I. 144) came into effect, carving out 361.5 acres, about 146 hectares of the cherished Achimota Forest from its protected status. Detailed survey maps outlined the precise areas to be removed, raising alarm among environmentalists and citizens alike. The move triggered immediate and widespread debate: many feared that lifting protection would open the door to commercial and residential projects, threatening one of Greater Accra’s last urban forests. Environmental advocates, civil society organisations, and concerned residents spoke out, warning of the consequences for the city’s ecological balance and the generations to come. Now, the tide has turned. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced a dramatic policy reversal: Cabinet has ordered the immediate repeal of Executive Instrument 144. This decision clears the path for Achimota Forest to be fully restored to its original status as a Forest Reserve. The revocation also covers subsequent amendments, such as E.I. 234, ensuring that every acre previously excised will once again be protected. Minister Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the government’s priority is to safeguard Achimota Forest, highlighting its critical role in protecting Accra’s environment. The forest, he noted, is not just a green space, it is a vital ecological buffer for the capital, supporting biodiversity, enhancing air quality, absorbing carbon, regulating temperatures, and serving as a beloved recreational haven for city dwellers. With this decision, Achimota Forest is set to remain a sanctuary for both nature and people, securing its place in the heart of Accra’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Paul Afoko Forgives NPP Over Suspension, Urges Unity Amid Party Challenges
A national chairman aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, has declared that he has forgiven those involved in his suspension from the party, despite initially feeling anger and disappointment over the decision. Afoko was suspended as NPP National Chairman in October 2015, a year after his election, following a recommendation from the party’s Disciplinary Committee and subsequent approval by the National Executive Committee (NEC). During the formal launch of his chairmanship bid and vision for the NPP on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Afoko reflected on the emotional impact of his suspension. “I wouldn’t lie that I wasn’t angry at some point. I was. Because I was angry that a mandate given to me by the party was yanked away from me by a few people,” he admitted. However, Afoko emphasized that he had moved on, stating, “I have forgiven completely. God knows my heart. My heart is clean and clear.” Afoko stressed that the party’s current challenges require members to put aside personal grievances and focus on collective recovery. “The state of the party will not allow us to dwell on emotions. Emotions must give way to thinking, to strategic thinking, to how we can help our party to come out of this situation,” he said. He cautioned against negative factionalism, warning that internal divisions could undermine the NPP’s prospects. “Anybody who sits within this party and thinks that factionalism is good for the party, and I mean the negative aspects of factionalism, that person doesn’t love NPP,” Afoko noted. He urged for healthy debate within the party, arguing that respectful disagreements can generate stronger policies and strategies. Reflecting on the NPP’s declining parliamentary seats in recent elections, Afoko said the party must prioritise unity over personal differences. “We came from 169 seats to 137 to 87. Is this a wonderful place to be for the NPP? It cannot be,” he said, calling on members to work together to rebuild the party. “As a party, let’s be true to ourselves. Let’s be truthful and speak to each other with love and understanding that we want to bring ourselves out of this hole in which we are,” Afoko urged. “I’m ready to serve. There’s no more bitterness. There’s no more anger.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
EOCO Links Dennis Miracles Aboagye’s Arrest to GH¢55 Million Financial Probe
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has revealed that the recent arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye, former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), is connected to alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving approximately GH¢55 million. Aboagye was arrested along with Gerald Appiah, the former accountant of the IMCCoD Secretariat, following ongoing investigations into suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion, and theft of public funds at the Secretariat. EOCO’s statement, issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, explained that the probe was initiated after the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD petitioned for further inquiries into a forensic audit covering August 1, 2022, to February 2, 2025. According to EOCO, Aboagye, Appiah, and others are being investigated for offences including conspiracy to steal, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the State, fraud, and money laundering. EOCO stated that Aboagye was arrested after new findings emerged last week regarding suspected fraud and theft. The agency noted that Aboagye was already aware of the investigation and had previously visited EOCO. He was placed on a stop order a week prior to his arrest but had left the country. Upon his return at the Accra International Airport on Saturday, July 11, Immigration officers executed the stop order and handed him over to EOCO investigators on Sunday morning. Aboagye subsequently accompanied EOCO officials on a search operation, which is ongoing. EOCO confirmed that he would be granted bail according to Ghanaian law. Appiah is also expected to complete bail procedures and be released as investigations continue. EOCO disclosed that Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding funds linked to the alleged offences but clarified that such recoveries do not conclude the investigation or absolve suspects of wrongdoing. The agency assured the public that investigations would be conducted professionally and impartially, with respect for the constitutional rights of all involved. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Okatakyie Kwame Afrifa Mensah Hospitalised Under Police Guard After Election Disturbances
Police in the Ashanti North Region have confirmed that media personality Okatakyie Kwame Afrifa Mensah and another suspect, Osman Awuni, are under police guard at the Mampong Government Hospital following disturbances during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ejura Sekyedumase East Constituency executive elections at Wiamoase. According to a statement from the Ashanti North Regional Police Command on Monday, July 13, both Afrifa Mensah, 43, and Awuni, 44, complained of ill health after their arrest on Sunday, July 12, and were admitted for treatment. “The two suspects remain under police guard while receiving treatment. Investigations are ongoing, and the public will be updated on any further developments,” the statement said. Afrifa Mensah was arrested with six others after a violent disruption at the SDA Church polling station, where the constituency elections were taking place. Police allege that at about 7:45 a.m., Afrifa Mensah led about 30 men to the polling station. When questioned by security personnel, the group allegedly became aggressive, attacked police officers, and disrupted the process by throwing electoral materials on the ground. The remaining members of the group reportedly fled, and police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. Preliminary police investigations revealed that Afrifa Mensah claimed some of his supporters had been sidelined in the electoral process and that he had secured an interlocutory injunction to halt the elections. However, police and the Electoral Commission reported that no such court order or injunction had been received. Calm was eventually restored after police intervention, allowing voting to continue under tight security. The election ended peacefully at about 4:00 p.m., with the Electoral Commission duly declaring the results. The Ashanti North Regional Police Command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided as the case progresses. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP to March to EOCO Over Arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has announced that the party will march to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Monday, July 13, to demand answers regarding the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye. Nana Boakye stated that the demonstration aims to seek clarity on the circumstances of Miracles’ arrest, which the party views as an attempt to intimidate opposition members. Speaking to the media, he alleged that Miracles was detained without any prior invitation or notice from EOCO about an investigation or alleged misconduct. He voiced concern over what he called the growing use of state institutions to harass political opponents, arguing that such tactics threaten Ghana’s democratic values. “Miracles has not received any invitation from EOCO. He has not been informed of any wrongdoing. He has not been told that he is under any form of investigation,” Nana Boakye said. He emphasized that while the NPP supports accountability and will cooperate with legitimate investigations involving its members, due process must be observed. His remarks follow a Facebook post by the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, who claimed that Dennis Miracles Aboagye was arrested by EOCO officers, assisted by Immigration officials, at the Accra International Airport. The post indicated that Miracles’ lawyers have been denied access to him, his whereabouts are unknown, and no charges have been filed. As of publication, EOCO had not publicly commented on the arrest or responded to the allegations from the NPP. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah Remains in Police Custody After Arrest at NPP Elections
The communications team of broadcaster and political commentator Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah has confirmed that he remains in police custody at the Asante Mampong Divisional Police Command following his arrest on Sunday. In a statement titled “For The Records” and shared by the team, it was revealed that Afrifa was arrested at about 7:40 AM. According to the team, Afrifa’s family, lawyers, and campaign team were not informed of his whereabouts for several hours after the arrest, causing anxiety among his supporters. He was eventually transferred to the Asante Mampong Divisional Police Command around 5 PM, where he remains in custody pending what the team described as “further lawful processes.” The communications team clarified that Afrifa was accompanied by peaceful, unarmed supporters and denied allegations of his involvement with any vigilante group. The statement also alleged that four members of Afrifa’s team sustained severe gunshot injuries during the incident and are currently receiving treatment. The team urged supporters and the public to remain calm and law-abiding, expressing confidence that due process would be followed. Further updates, they said, would be communicated through Afrifa’s legal representatives and authorised spokespersons. Background Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah was arrested during disturbances at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executive elections in Afigya Sekyere East, where violence broke out. Reports indicate that Afrifa had gone to the election venue to present a court injunction to halt the process over concerns about the delegates’ register. The situation escalated into chaos, prompting police intervention and his subsequent arrest. Afrifa is also reported to have intentions to contest for the parliamentary seat in the Afigya Sekyere East constituency. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Alleges Arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye by EOCO
On Sunday, July 12, 2026, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) claimed that Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a member of its communications team, was arrested at the airport by officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), with assistance from the Ghana Immigration Service. The party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, made these allegations in a statement released on social media. According to the NPP, Mr. Aboagye was taken into custody, and, as of publication, EOCO had not released an official statement or clarified the reason for the arrest. The party further alleged that lawyers had been denied access to Mr. Aboagye and that his whereabouts were unknown. No charges had been filed against him. Mr. Kodua described the incident as “intimidation,” suggesting that the arrest was politically motivated, especially since Mr. Aboagye recently announced his candidacy for National Communications Officer. He highlighted Mr. Aboagye’s outspoken criticism of the government, particularly on issues like galamsey and the administration’s record. The NPP has demanded Mr. Aboagye’s immediate release and called for him to be granted access to legal counsel and his family, citing Article 14(2) of the 1992 Constitution. The party also urged the government to end what it described as a pattern of politically motivated arrests targeting opposition members. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Leads Tse Addo in National Clean-up Drive to Combat Flooding
On Friday, July 10, President John Dramani Mahama rolled up his sleeves and joined the residents of Tse Addo in the Greater Accra Region for the National General Clean-up Exercise. In a powerful show of leadership by example, the President personally took part in desilting a clogged drain, a critical step toward improving local sanitation and reducing the threat of flooding. President Mahama’s visit began with a briefing from local assembly officials on the ongoing clean-up operations. Without hesitation, he joined community members, security personnel, and other stakeholders in clearing refuse and removing silt from the area’s drainage channels. His presence energized the crowd and reinforced the importance of community participation in the fight against poor sanitation. Addressing the participants, the President expressed his appreciation for the residents’ strong turnout and commitment. “I want to use this opportunity to thank all the residents who have come out to help with this exercise. Clearly, we can see what the cause of our problem is. We’ve just desilted this. Look at the plastics that we are taking out of it,” President Mahama remarked, gesturing at the piles of plastic waste that had choked the drains. He noted that the sheer volume of silt and plastic waste removed was a stark reminder of how years of neglect and inadequate maintenance had compromised the drainage system, making the area more vulnerable to floods. The President highlighted the need for better waste disposal habits and regular drainage maintenance to protect communities from future disasters. President Mahama also cautioned against leaving dredged silt by the roadside after clean-up exercises, warning that rains could simply wash the debris back into the drains, undoing the hard work of volunteers. He commended the involvement of the military and security services, assuring residents that these teams would continue to dredge major waterways to improve water flow into wetlands. The National General Clean-up Exercise, organized by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, is a government-led response to the devastating June 29 floods. The two-day, phased operation targets seven flood-affected regions across Ghana. On the first day, security services, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and waste management companies take the lead, while the second day is reserved for broad public participation. President Mahama’s hands-on involvement in Tse Addo not only inspired those present, but also sent a strong message nationwide: tackling flooding and improving sanitation is a shared responsibility, requiring both leadership and active participation from every citizen. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Commends Ghanaians for Unity and Leadership in National Flood Cleanup Exercise
After devastating floods swept through parts of Ghana, a remarkable spirit of unity emerged across the nation. Over two days, Ghanaians from all walks of life rolled up their sleeves in response to President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for a national flood aftermath cleanup exercise. The massive turnout and dedication did not go unnoticed. At a press conference held to reflect on the exercise, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, praised the people of Ghana for their collective effort and strong leadership. “If Ghanaians want to do something, we can do it,” he declared, pointing to the impressive results achieved when citizens unite for a common cause. He also commended the various political parties for their outstanding participation, underlining the non-partisan nature of the exercise. The Minister extended his gratitude to President Mahama for initiating the exercise, as well as to Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who set an example by personally joining the cleanup in the markets and overseeing the desilting of gutters. He recognized the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Kingsford Alban Bagbin, who suspended Parliament so that Members of Parliament could participate alongside Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traditional leaders, and queen mothers. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim also highlighted the tireless work of Chief Directors, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and ministry staff who worked late into the night to ensure logistics were in place. The exemplary participation of the Military, Police, Fire Service, Immigration, and Prisons Service, as well as the private sector’s contribution of trucks and equipment to clear debris, was applauded. “Every ministry, every office, every institution, everybody was involved, and this is an all-inclusive clean-up exercise,” he emphasized. The Minister described scenes of unity, where people from all political backgrounds, including the bodyguards of both former and current presidents, worked side by side. To ensure the cleanup effort’s success, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim announced that key waste facilities would remain open 24/7 for two days, with free disposal at locations such as the Achimota, Ashaiman, Pantang, and Teshie Waste Transfer Stations, among others. He encouraged all residents and waste collectors, including those using tricycles, to take full advantage of the free service, urging, “Don’t keep waste in your dustbins in your houses today and tomorrow.” He cautioned MMDCEs not to close their offices early and to ensure that all desilted gutters and sand piles are cleared promptly. The Minister also reminded the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies to uphold a commitment to clear specific waste heaps by Sunday. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim concluded with a strong message: sanitation and cleanliness are a shared responsibility. “Our participation has been outstanding. Let us continue in that mode,” he said, encouraging Ghanaians to maintain the momentum and avoid dumping waste at unauthorized sites. The national cleanup effort, marked by unity and determination, stands as a testament to the collective power of Ghanaians working together for a cleaner and safer environment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com