Our Government’s Achievements in Upper East Are Very Remarkable” — Jonathan Abdallah Salifu
The Upper East Region is witnessing a new wave of optimism as Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, the Regional Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), shared encouraging updates on the government’s progress in the region. Speaking to Apexnewsgh on Speakout Upper East, , Salifu emphasized that, despite being only a year and a half into President Mahama’s administration, the region is already seeing tangible signs of development and hope for the future. Reflecting on the government’s tenure so far, Salifu stated, “We haven’t even reached half of our term, yet if you look at what has been accomplished, the results are remarkable. Our manifesto was designed for a four-year term, not just for one or two years, so benchmarking our progress now shows we are on the right track.” One of the flagship projects mentioned was the regional airport. According to Salifu, all the necessary documentation and arrangements have been finalized with the Ghana Airport Company. “Within just one and a half years, this is an excellent achievement. During the eight years under the previous NPP administration, we saw nothing but confusion regarding project allocation and land matters,” he noted. “Now, with everything in place, we are hopeful to see the president commission the project soon.” Salifu also highlighted efforts to revive two key local industries: the Pawlungu Tomatoes Factory, now known as Northern Star, and the Zuarungu Meat Factory. He pointed out that, apart from an attempt by President Kufour in the past, little had been done to bring these factories back to life until now. The communication officer revealed that the MCE had reached out to Testy Tom, a well-known tomato processing company, to assess the potential takeover of the tomatoes factory. The hope is that this move will empower farmers to resume large-scale tomato cultivation, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Regarding the Zuarungu Meat Factory, Salifu recounted a recent conversation with the area’s Member of Parliament, Dr. Dominic Ayine, who personally financed a consultant to conduct a thorough assessment of the facility. The consultant’s report outlines the costs involved in reviving the factory and explores alternative options for its use. With this documentation in hand, Dr. Ayine is prepared to approach the president for further direction, a step Salifu described as bold and promising. “These achievements have all taken place within just one and a half years,” Salifu concluded, expressing confidence that the NDC government’s ongoing efforts would continue to bring meaningful development to the Upper East Region. The message was clear: the groundwork is being laid, and the region is poised for continued progress under President Mahama’s leadership. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Champions Inclusion and Leadership in Talks with FES Ghana
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion, leadership development, and social progress during a productive meeting with Mr. Martin Guettler, Resident Director of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Ghana (FES Ghana). The high-level discussion centered on deepening collaboration between the government and FES Ghana in the areas of women’s empowerment, youth development, and inclusive governance. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended FES Ghana for its consistent efforts to improve livelihoods and expand opportunities for marginalized communities across Ghana. Highlighting FES Ghana’s achievements in promoting women’s leadership, the Vice President encouraged the organization to further broaden its training and mentorship programmes, equipping more women with the skills and confidence to participate fully in governance and public service. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang pointed to the passage of Ghana’s Affirmative Action legislation as a significant step forward, but emphasized that the focus must now shift to effective implementation to ensure tangible outcomes. The meeting also stressed the importance of investing in Ghana’s youth through leadership initiatives, practical skills training, and confidence-building. The Vice President noted that the country’s large youth population represents both great potential and unique challenges, making it crucial to empower young people for national development. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at driving inclusion, nurturing leadership, and advancing social progress. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang concluded by reiterating the government’s openness to partnerships that further these priorities and support Ghana’s broader development goals. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GPCC Criticizes Current Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Calls for Stronger Protection of Family Values
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has expressed disappointment with the recently passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, arguing that the legislation in its present form falls short of expectations and lacks the strength needed to safeguard Ghana’s long-standing family values. In a statement addressed to Parliament and relevant stakeholders, the GPCC asserted that the Bill, as it stands, does not adequately protect Ghana’s cultural heritage or the moral fabric of society. The statement, signed by GPCC President Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, underscored the Council’s unwavering commitment to Christian values, national morality, and the preservation of Ghanaian culture. The Council called for the reinstatement of the earlier version of the Bill, passed by the previous Parliament, describing it as more comprehensive and better equipped to address the nation’s moral and cultural concerns. “Its prior endorsement for Presidential Assent is a testament to its legislative merit, and GPCC strongly recommends that it be reinstated and passed without further delay,” the statement read. While reaffirming its solidarity with the Government, Parliament, and people of Ghana, the GPCC emphasized that it remains steadfast in defending the nation’s values and sovereignty, regardless of any domestic or international scrutiny the legislative process may attract. The Council reiterated its dedication to upholding the moral well-being of Ghanaian communities as the debate over the Bill continues. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief Justice Applauds Landmark Legal Education Act, Calls for Institutional Readiness
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has lauded the passage of the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170), describing it as a transformative milestone poised to reshape Ghana’s legal education landscape and broaden pathways for aspiring lawyers. The new law, which was approved by Parliament in March and signed by President John Dramani Mahama last month, aims to both widen access to legal education and elevate the quality and relevance of professional legal training in the country. Speaking at a colloquium themed “Implementing the Legal Education Act 2026: Institutional Readiness, Accreditation and the Future of Legal Training,” Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized the importance of collaboration among universities, law faculties, and stakeholders to ensure that legal education contributes meaningfully to national development. He urged institutions offering legal education to proactively embrace the reforms, highlighting that the successful implementation of the Act will require genuine preparedness to meet new standards and expectations. “Readiness must go beyond symbolism and reflect concrete measures that uphold quality, accountability and academic standards,” he stated. The Chief Justice stressed that the emphasis should be on building strong governance structures to safeguard academic excellence and professional integrity, rather than mere regulatory compliance. He also called for substantial investment in modern learning infrastructure, such as technologically advanced moot courts and digital learning platforms, to provide students with the practical training necessary for success in the evolving legal profession. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie concluded by underscoring that such investments and reforms are essential to equipping Ghana’s future lawyers with the skills and experience needed to thrive under the new legal education framework. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi Steps Down from Akonta Mining Case for Chairman Wontumi
Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi has announced his withdrawal as legal counsel for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, in the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Akonta Mining Limited. In an interview with Citi News, Appiah-Kubi revealed that his decision to step down was prompted by concerns over how Criminal Court 4 has managed the case. He stated that he had officially filed a motion to withdraw, supported by an affidavit detailing his reasons for leaving the case. “My disappointment is in the attitude, record and the determination of the court so far in handling these matters before the court. I’m so totally disappointed, that’s why I am withdrawing,” Appiah-Kubi said, making clear that his withdrawal was motivated by dissatisfaction with the court’s conduct and approach. Addressing speculation, Appiah-Kubi dismissed any link between his withdrawal and ongoing plea bargaining negotiations involving Chairman Wontumi in the separate EXIM Bank fraud case. He emphasized that the Akonta Mining prosecution and the EXIM Bank matter are entirely distinct and unrelated. Appiah-Kubi further clarified that he remains a member of Chairman Wontumi’s legal team on all other issues, including the EXIM Bank case, and that his withdrawal applies exclusively to the Akonta Mining proceedings. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Demands Probe Into Ministers of State Excellence Honours Over Bribery Allegations
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the formation of an investigative committee to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the recently held Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours, amid mounting concerns about the credibility of the awards scheme. The call was made on Thursday, June 11, by Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, who argued on the floor of Parliament that a transparent and impartial inquiry is needed to clarify the selection processes, standards, and criteria for honourees. This demand comes after the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, alleged that he was asked to pay GH¢50,000 in exchange for receiving an award. The allegation has sparked widespread public debate and intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in the administration of the honours. Iddrisu asserted that explanations provided so far have not addressed the core issues and stressed that Parliament has a duty to establish the facts behind the controversy. “Listening to the issue and the response given by the Minister for Government Communication, Mr. Speaker, if you can kindly direct to set up a committee to investigate the matter. A bipartisan committee should investigate this matter so that we know the criteria for the awards. We deserve the truth,” he said. The Minority’s call for a bipartisan probe reflects growing concerns in and outside Parliament over the integrity of the awards programme and aims to restore public confidence through a thorough investigation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Begins Repatriation of Citizens Stranded in Côte d’Ivoire After Demolition Exercise
The Government of Ghana has initiated the repatriation of 327 nationals left stranded in Côte d’Ivoire following a demolition exercise in the Port Bouët Municipality of Abidjan. The operation, which destroyed homes and livelihoods, compelled Ghanaian authorities to act swiftly in support of their displaced citizens. In a press release dated Thursday, June 12, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 228 affected Ghanaians had already been safely returned to Ghana as of June 11, with arrangements finalized for the remaining 99 to arrive on June 12. The government’s intervention is aimed at providing immediate relief and facilitating the reintegration of those impacted by the demolition. The Ministry explained that all 327 Ghanaians had been living in the demolished communities and, after losing their homes and sources of income, found themselves without the means to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire. Looking beyond repatriation, Ghana is also advocating for compensation for the victims. According to the Ministry, Ivorian authorities have expressed a willingness to compensate those affected, and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan is actively engaged to ensure the promised support is delivered. The Foreign Affairs Ministry assured that it will continue to work closely with its counterparts in Côte d’Ivoire to coordinate the compensation process and address any ongoing concerns about the welfare of the repatriated citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Proposes Five-Point Plan to Tackle Ghana’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has sounded the alarm over Ghana’s escalating youth unemployment crisis and put forward a comprehensive five-point strategy to address the problem. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah described youth unemployment as one of Ghana’s most urgent socio-economic challenges, cautioning that existing interventions are falling short of expectations. Quoting recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service, he noted that the unemployment rate among persons aged 15 to 24 rose from 32% in December 2024 to 32.5% by the third quarter of 2025, and that nearly two million young Ghanaians are neither in education, employment, nor training. “Mr. Speaker, we do not need more slogans or promises that results are in the pipeline. We need a more effective architecture to solve the worsening youth unemployment problem in our country. The time to act is now,” he declared. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi stressed the need for bold and measurable reforms, arguing that Ghanaian youth demand practical, dignified, and well-paid job opportunities—not rhetoric. Oppong Nkrumah’s five-point proposal includes: Publishing delivery scorecards for all job creation programmes, using clear metrics such as beneficiaries, cost per job, time-to-placement, and employment retention rates; Distinguishing between skills training initiatives and actual job creation efforts, noting that training alone does not guarantee employment; Shifting from government-led financing to increased private sector participation, with government reducing investment risks, co-investing in strategic sectors, and creating a supportive regulatory environment; Making apprenticeship programmes the backbone of the youth employment strategy, anchored by national certification, employer incentives, and structured pathways to jobs or entrepreneurship; Establishing a credible Labour Market Information System to provide real-time data on vacancies, skills gaps, and labour demand. He concluded by urging policymakers to move beyond slogans and promises, and instead adopt practical, accountable solutions to reverse the trend and unlock opportunities for Ghana’s burgeoning youth population. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
DRIP National Coordinator Vanderpuye Signals Bid for NDC National Chairmanship
Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), has announced his readiness to step down from his current role to contest for the National Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), should incumbent chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia choose not to seek re-election. In an interview the media, June 11, 2026, Vanderpuye made clear his respect for Asiedu Nketia, describing him as a “senior brother” and stating he would not run against him. “We started together in Sunyani; he’s one of the people that I respect so much, and so I wouldn’t want to contest him if he decides to contest. But if he’s not contesting, I’m ready to offer myself,” Vanderpuye stated. Highlighting his extensive history with the NDC, Vanderpuye traced his political journey from youth organiser and foundation member of the party to serving as a ward secretary during the party’s formation in 1992, even while working at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. “I was the youth organiser of the Democratic Youth League of Ghana, the Future Leaders Organisation. I’ve always been part of this. I’m also a foundation member of the party,” he recounted. Vanderpuye also pointed to his experience as a parliamentary aspirant, deputy minister, cabinet minister, and campaign official in past NDC administrations. “I was a parliamentary aspirant as far back as 1996. Former deputy minister for trade, former deputy local government minister, former minister for youth and sports, director of operations for President Mills’ campaign, and officer at the presidency in those days.” When asked if he would resign from his current post as DRIP National Coordinator to enter the chairmanship race, Vanderpuye confirmed his intent to step down, stating, “Yes, because I think this party has given me so much. I want to give back to the party.” Vanderpuye’s declaration sets the stage for a potential leadership contest within the NDC, pending the decision of the current national chairman. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi Seeks Plea Bargain in EXIM Bank Fraud Case, Accra High Court Told
The Accra High Court has been formally informed that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is seeking a plea bargain in a high-profile criminal case involving alleged multi-million cedi fraud against the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). The update came to light on June 11, 2026, when the Office of the Attorney-General notified the court that Wontumi, the first accused, had initiated steps toward a plea negotiation process. His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, made the request in a letter dated June 5, 2026, which was communicated to the Attorney-General in accordance with Section 162C(3) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The case lists Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, his brother Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, currently at large, and Wontumi Farms Limited as accused parties. Prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2022, the duo fraudulently obtained GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank using false pretences and the business entity as a front. The charge sheet further accuses Chairman Wontumi of presenting a forged receipt to secure an additional GH¢4 million facility and knowingly benefiting from the alleged fraudulent funds, which forms the basis of a money laundering charge. According to the prosecution, the transactions in question resulted in a financial loss exceeding GH¢30 million to EXIM Bank. The notification of the plea bargain, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, was submitted to the court registry for the presiding judge’s attention. As the case progresses, the court is expected to consider the plea bargain notification and oversee further negotiations between the parties under the applicable legal framework. Source: Apexnewsgh.com