When news broke of a Private Members’ Bill seeking to repeal Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, 2017 (Act 959), Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Policy Advocacy and Engagement at CDD-Ghana, could hardly contain his dismay. For Dr. Asante, a long-time advocate for good governance and transparency, the move felt like a sharp betrayal, not just of promises made, but of the trust of ordinary Ghanaians. The bill, introduced by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, aims to dissolve the OSP and return all prosecutorial powers over corruption cases to the Attorney-General, in line with Article 88 of the Constitution. Supporters of the bill argue that the OSP’s eight years have exposed serious issues: overlapping duties, institutional friction, jurisdictional confusion, and sluggish justice processes. But for Dr. Asante, these justifications ring hollow. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, he took to Facebook to express his outrage. “First thing on my mind today, December 11, 2025. If the NDC majority pushes this bill through Parliament, it will be the greatest betrayal of trust. I am shocked and very angry,” he wrote, his words carrying the weight of disappointment felt by many citizens. He went further, questioning whether Parliament was truly representing the will of the people. “This is not what was promised to Ghanaians in the fight against corruption. Ghanaians do not want this, so who are the MPs representing… themselves? Is that what the large majority in Parliament is going to be used for? Ghanaians must let all the MPs know on their socials that they represent us and not themselves,” he urged. Dr. Asante also challenged the urgency behind the bill, pointing out that a constitutional review process is the proper avenue for making such important decisions about the nation’s anti-corruption strategy. He argued that repealing the OSP would undermine the fight against corruption at a time when public accountability is desperately needed. “Now I am convinced more than ever that we need an independent prosecutor for corruption matters. The fact that politicians on all sides have come out to support repeal, while the rest of society wants to keep the OSP, tells the story,” Dr. Asante reflected, highlighting a growing disconnect between political leaders and the people they serve. He warned that dismantling the OSP would weaken the fight against corruption and threaten Ghana’s stability. “The sad part is that with all the threats to the stability of our state and democracy coming from the looting of public resources and impunity, this is what we think we should do to aid the fight against corruption. We have a much bigger problem for the future of this country,” he cautioned. For Dr. Kojo Asante and many Ghanaians, the fate of the OSP is more than a legislative matter, it is a test of the nation’s commitment to transparency, justice, and the rule of law. As the debate rages on, the hope is that the voices of ordinary citizens will not be drowned out by the vested interests of a powerful few. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has characterised the actions of Minority MPs in Parliament over the Kpandai parliamentary seat dispute as a demonstration of democracy in action. On Tuesday, December 9, Minority MPs staged a day-long protest in Parliament to voice their strong disapproval of the declaration that the Kpandai seat was vacant. Their demonstration disrupted parliamentary business and blocked Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga until the evening, with Parliament forced into two suspensions during the heated standoff. The Minority continued their protest even after Speaker Alban Bagbin deferred ruling on the matter and government business resumed. Discussing the events, Ahiagbah said, “The conduct of the Minority is democratic. That is the look and feel of democracy. To describe it otherwise would be to characterise something other than democracy. But what they are doing there is democracy, and people in a democracy ought to do that when they feel that people are using other means to end the fundamental basis of democracy, which is election.” Ahiagbah’s remarks highlight the NPP’s perspective that protest and dissent, even when disruptive, are integral to a functioning democratic system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has issued a stern warning that government business in Parliament will stall until concerns over the Kpandai parliamentary seat are resolved. Addressing the House on Tuesday, December 9, Annoh-Dompreh declared that the Minority caucus would refuse to cooperate with the Majority in conducting government business until the contentious issue is settled. “Until the Kpandai seat issue is resolved, government business will suffer. I put it to you. Go and marshal your numbers and come do your business. We are not obstructing government business; we believe that governance is a continuation, and we must continue with government business. But to conspire and twist our hands will not work. We will not cooperate with you until the Kpandai seat issue is resolved. Government business is going to suffer, and you are going to suffer,” he cautioned. His remarks followed a chorus of hooting from the Majority side, but Annoh-Dompreh remained resolute, insisting that Minority MPs would continue to be present in Parliament. The Minority’s defiant stance stems from their protest over a letter dated December 4, 2025, written by the Clerk of Parliament to the Electoral Commission Chair, Jean Mensa, officially declaring the Kpandai seat vacant. Annoh-Dompreh described the action as “out of place” and “unfortunate,” arguing that it violated the rule of law and called for its immediate withdrawal. Minority MPs, dressed in black, demonstrated their disapproval by banging tables, chanting patriotic songs, and hooting at Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, as he attempted to restore order in the chamber. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Amid tense scenes in Parliament, Speaker Alban Bagbin pressed ahead with government business, undeterred by persistent efforts from Minority MPs to halt proceedings. The confrontation unfolded after the Majority caucus rejected a bid by the Minority to adjourn the House, following heated debate over the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacancy. Minority MPs, dressed in black as a sign of protest, demanded an adjournment and attempted to block Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga from addressing Parliament. Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh insisted that no government business should continue until the controversy surrounding the Kpandai seat was resolved. However, after a voice vote, Speaker Bagbin ruled that the House would proceed with its legislative agenda. This decision sparked a fresh wave of protest, with Minority MPs escalating their demonstration through chants and vocal disruptions. Tensions peaked as members from both sides converged in the center of the chamber, resulting in a chaotic stand-off and loud exchanges. Parliamentary marshals were called in and struggled to restore order. Despite the unrest, Speaker Bagbin stood firm, emphasising that the legislative agenda must continue and underlining his commitment to ensuring the operations of Parliament are maintained. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Parliamentary Service has officially informed the Electoral Commission (EC) of a vacant parliamentary seat in the Kpandai Constituency, setting in motion the process for a re-run of the 2024 Parliamentary Election as directed by the High Court in Tamale. The notification, dated December 4, 2025, signals the beginning of administrative procedures necessary for the EC to prepare for the fresh poll. This development follows a High Court ruling on November 24, 2025, which annulled the previous Kpandai parliamentary election results over significant irregularities and legal inconsistencies. The letter, addressed to EC Chairperson Mrs. Jean Mensa and signed by Clerk to Parliament Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, stated that the action was taken “in exercise of the power conferred and the duty imposed on the Clerk to Parliament by Article 112(5), as amended, of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.” In the correspondence, the Clerk formally notified the EC of the vacancy “occasioned by the Order of the High Court, Tamale, for a re-run of the Kpandai Parliamentary Elections,” referencing the relevant court suit. By constitutional requirement, a by-election or re-run must be held within 90 days of the vacancy, unless it occurs within three months of Parliament’s dissolution. With the notification issued on December 4, the EC is now mandated to conduct the election by early March 2026. The move is seen as critical to restoring full political representation for Kpandai residents and has drawn national attention, given its potential implications for the balance of power in Parliament. Major political parties are expected to invest heavily in the upcoming contest, which offers the electorate in Kpandai another chance to select their representative in a closely watched process. The EC is anticipated to release a detailed timetable in the coming weeks, outlining nomination procedures and the specific date for the re-run election. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Ghana Air Force has officially taken over guard responsibilities at the Jubilee House from the Ghana Navy, following a vibrant guard-changing ceremony at the seat of government. The event, which marked the 46th rotation since the tradition began, was highlighted by stirring performances from both the Navy and Air Force regimental bands. With this handover, Air Force personnel will now oversee security at the Presidency for the next three months. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Her Excellency Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who was joined by key government and military officials, including Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, Deputy Minister for Defence Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, Chief of the Defence Staff Lt. Gen. William Agyapong, Service Chiefs, and several invited dignitaries. The changing of the guard at the Jubilee House remains a cherished ceremonial tradition, symbolising discipline, unity, and the vital collaborative role of Ghana’s security services in safeguarding the nation’s highest office. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

President John Dramani Mahama is set to receive the official Bawku Mediation Report on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at a ceremony scheduled for the Jubilee House in Accra. The event marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Bawku and neighboring communities. The report, the result of months of intensive mediation led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, encapsulates key recommendations and findings aimed at resolving the longstanding tensions in the region. The Asantehene has played a leading role in the peace process, working alongside local leaders and national stakeholders to foster dialogue and reconciliation. Thursday’s presentation, beginning at 10:00 a.m., will gather senior government officials, traditional rulers, members of the mediation committee, and other distinguished guests. The occasion is expected to underscore the unified commitment of state authorities, faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, and development partners to promote social harmony in northern Ghana. Among the invited institutions are the National Peace Council, the Christian Council, the Office of the National Chief Imam, the Catholic Secretariat, the United Nations Development Programme, the British High Commission, and key regional authorities such as the Ministers for the Upper East and North East Regions. Representatives of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs and the National Security apparatus will also be present. The formal presentation of the Bawku Mediation Report is anticipated to reaffirm Ghana’s dedication to peace-building and inclusive development in conflict-prone areas. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has sounded the alarm over persistent interference from powerful individuals, especially chiefs and politicians, that continues to hamper Ghana’s efforts to curb illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Sekondi on Sunday, December 7, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Satekla, Deputy Director of Operations at NAIMOS, expressed the secretariat’s unwavering commitment to tackling galamsey. However, he pointed out that interference from influential figures remains a major obstacle to success. Addressing 14 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) from the Western Region and two Regional Police Commanders, Lt. Col. Satekla underscored the need for strict enforcement and collaboration at identified illegal mining hotspots. He emphasized that the effectiveness of operations relies heavily on support from local authorities to uphold designated “no-go” zones. Yet, he revealed that such support is often undermined. “Every institution has challenges, and we are no exception. One of our key challenges is interference from influential people. We encounter this from politicians, chiefs, and other stakeholders in areas where we operate, and it is a big problem that must be addressed. Another critical challenge is logistics,” Lt. Col. Satekla stated. Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson reaffirmed the government’s resolve to end illegal mining and called on all MMDCEs to support President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign to eliminate galamsey, urging unity in the fight for Ghana’s environmental future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com  

Former Chief Executive of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hanan, has filed a motion at the High Court seeking to overturn a freezing order placed on four properties linked to him. According to Hanan, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) acted in error and wrongfully included assets in the order that he either acquired before his NAFCO appointment or does not own at all. In his affidavit, Hanan listed the affected properties named in the October 21, 2025 order: a three-bedroom house at Kpalsi, Tamale; an uncompleted storey building at Gumani, Tamale; a 0.27-acre plot at Estate Junction, Tamale; and a 0.29-acre plot at Workers College, Tamale. Hanan insists that EOCO obtained the freezing order ex parte, without giving him the opportunity to be heard, and failed to meet legal requirements under sections 33–35 of the Economic and Organised Crime Act, 2010 (Act 804). He claims that the three-bedroom house at Kpalsi was acquired in 2011 and completed in 2013, well before he joined NAFCO, and even served as a venue for his Islamic marriage ceremony, making it unrelated to any alleged wrongdoing. He further argues that EOCO wrongly attributed ownership of two properties to him: the uncompleted building at Gumani and the 0.27-acre plot at Estate Junction, which he says belongs to Al-Qarni Enterprise and was transferred to OSGAF Furniture Enterprise in 2022, prior to EOCO’s investigations. Hanan also alleges procedural violations, stating that after his arrest on June 25, 2025, EOCO detained him for two weeks and searched his homes in Accra and Tamale without a warrant, violating his right to privacy. He says he was only informed of the freezing order on November 26, 2025, when he reported to EOCO as part of his bail conditions, despite the law requiring prompt notice. Maintaining his innocence, Hanan contends that EOCO has not demonstrated that the properties are tainted or linked to criminal proceeds. He argues that the freezing order infringes his constitutional rights to property, privacy, fair hearing, and the presumption of innocence. The High Court is set to hear Hanan’s motion to review the freezing order on December 18, 2025. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reacted to recent comments by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, describing them as a rare but significant admission of governance failures under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. In a statement signed by Deputy National Communication Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC asserted that Kufuor’s candid reflections validate the party’s longstanding criticisms. According to the NDC, Kufuor’s remarks confirm that the Akufo-Addo administration was plagued by arrogance, poor judgment, and reckless management of national affairs. The statement noted that President Kufuor admitted the NPP leveraged the legacy of his administration to win the 2016 elections, only to later abandon prudent policies. This, the NDC said, led to decisions that worsened the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The NDC further highlighted Kufuor’s claim that he was sidelined from key national decisions, including the controversial National Cathedral project, the Domestic Debt Exchange programme, and scandals such as the Power Distribution Services (PDS) case. “These admissions confirm what the NDC consistently highlighted during the period of governance: that the NPP was driven by arrogance, unilateralism, and disregard for collective wisdom,” the statement read. However, the NDC questioned the timing of Kufuor’s statements, suggesting that his silence during the peak of alleged mismanagement contributed to the hardships experienced by Ghanaians. “His recent comments, though welcome, come only after the NPP has suffered electoral defeat and internal disunity. This raises legitimate questions about why he chose not to speak when Ghanaians most needed his voice,” the party stated. Reiterating its core philosophy, the NDC emphasized that governance should prioritize Source: Apexnewsgh.com