President Mahama Orders Probe into Election-Related Deaths
In a move aimed at restoring public confidence and upholding the sanctity of Ghana’s democratic process, President John Mahama has instructed the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to launch an immediate investigation into the tragic deaths of eight Ghanaians during the 2020 and 2024 general elections. Apexnewsgh reports These incidents have left an indelible mark on the nation’s democratic process, demanding swift and transparent action. The government has committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families, with proposed measures including the formation of a dedicated taskforce within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to focus solely on these cases. Thorough interviews with eyewitnesses and victims’ families are also recommended to gather critical evidence. Furthermore, the government has called for a review of electoral security arrangements to identify lapses and responsibilities during the affected periods. This directive is in line with President Mahama’s previous pledge to investigate election-related deaths and injuries, which he made during a courtesy meeting with representatives from the European Union (EU) in Ghana. The President’s commitment to transparency and accountability is a welcome step towards healing the wounds of the past and rebuilding trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions. Read the detailed statement below: Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP’s Upper East Regional Deputy Communication Director Speaks Out Against Party’s Defeat
Andrew Asungiiba Atariwini, the Upper East Regional Deputy Communication Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed his concerns following the party’s dismal performance in the Upper East Region. The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a decisive 15/15 victory, leaving the NPP reeling with no mercy. Atariwini emphasized that although the party’s constitution doesn’t explicitly address this issue, good governance dictates that one person cannot hold two critical positions simultaneously. He stressed that being a party regional secretary or regional organizer is a full-time administrative responsibility, requiring undivided attention to understand the needs of all constituencies. In a landslide victory, Adongo Isaac of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured 35,101 votes, representing a whopping 69.13 percent of the total votes cast. His opponent, Atiah Figo Awonekai of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), trailed behind with 15,470 votes, accounting for 30.47 percent. Meanwhile, in the Nabdam constituency, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the NDC Member of Parliament, successfully retained his seat. He garnered 11,192 votes, defeating his sole opponent the NPP Regional Organizer, Charles T. Ndanbon, who secured 6,680 votes. Notably, the Nabdam constituency is the hometown of a regional party organizer of the NPP, making Dr. Nawaane’s victory even more significant. Atariwini questioned how someone could effectively combine the demands of being a party secretary with those of a parliamentary candidate, particularly in a region where the NPP has struggled. He acknowledged that speaking out may have consequences, but he believes it’s essential to address the wrongdoing that has become rampant within the party. The Deputy Communication Director’s blamed the party grassroots for staying silent despite being aware of the party’s problems is a scathing indictment of the lack of accountability within the party Atariwini’s comments come at a time when the NPP is reflecting on its performance in the Upper East Region. His concerns highlight the need for the party to reassess its strategies and leadership structure to regain its footing in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NALAG President Urges President Mahama to Prioritize Experienced Assembly Members and Women in Key Appointments
The President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Mr. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the appointment of experienced Assembly Members and women in the selection of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and government-appointed Assembly Members. Apexnewsgh reports Mr. Asiedu Adjei commended President Mahama for his commitment to strengthening local governance and decentralization, describing the revocation of the appointments of the previous MMDCEs and government appointees as an opportunity to reinvigorate Ghana’s grassroots governance structure. The NALAG President emphasized the critical role of Assembly Members, citing their deep understanding of community challenges and aspirations. He argued that appointing seasoned Assembly Members to key positions would enhance local development, promote continuity, and strengthen leadership at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Mr. Asiedu Adjei also stressed the importance of gender equity in governance, calling on President Mahama to increase the representation of women among MMDCEs and government-appointed Assembly Members. He highlighted the unique perspectives and resilience women bring to leadership, noting that their involvement is essential for inclusive and sustainable governance. The NALAG President described the moment as pivotal for Ghana’s decentralization journey, urging President Mahama to use these appointments as a transformative precedent. He assured the government of NALAG’s unwavering support for its efforts to strengthen decentralization and promote national development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
National Identification Authority Acknowledges Delayed Salary Payments to Contract Staff
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has owned up to delayed salary payments affecting approximately 500 contract staff. Apexnewsgh reports In a memo dated January 6, 2025, the NIA apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured the affected staff that they are working to resolve the issue promptly. The contract staff in question were engaged in the registration of Ghanaians aged six to fourteen years for the months of October and November 2024. The NIA expressed appreciation for the staff’s dedication and patience during this challenging period, urging them to remain calm as they work to pay the outstanding salaries within the shortest possible time. This is not the first time the NIA has faced issues with salary payments. In October 2024, the staff declared a strike over delayed implementation of a new service scheme, which they claimed undermined their rights and expectations as employees. The NIA has recommended that any further concerns be channeled through immediate supervisors, as they work to resolve the current delay in salary payments. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Operation Recover All Loot Team Uncovers Widespread Looting of State Assets
The Operation Recover All Loot team, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made significant strides in its investigation into state capture and asset misappropriation under the previous administration. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking to journalists in the Eastern Region, Ablakwa revealed that the team has gathered compelling evidence of widespread looting of state assets. Ablakwa emphasized that the team’s findings will be presented in a comprehensive report to President John Dramani Mahama, shedding light on the extent of the alleged malfeasance under the Akufo-Addo government. This report is expected to pave the way for accountability and the recovery of misappropriated state assets. The Operation Recover All Loot team, appointed by President Mahama, includes prominent figures like Nathan Kofi Boakye, Martin Kpebu, Raymond Archer, and Daniel Domelevo. Their mandate is to investigate and document instances of state capture and asset misappropriation, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Ablakwa stressed that the team will not disclose the nature of their findings until they formally present their report to President Mahama. This initiative is a key component of President Mahama’s commitment to strengthening governance, upholding accountability, and restoring public trust in state institutions. The Operation Recover All Loot initiative was first introduced on September 4, 2024, when groups affiliated with the NDC organized a demonstration at the Ministry of Finance to protest what they described as “gross financial mismanagement” under the outgoing Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Professor Kwesi Aning Recounts “Hellish” Experience Under Akufo-Addo Administration
Professor Kwesi Aning, a renowned security consultant, has opened up about the “hellish” eight years he endured under the Akufo-Addo administration. Apexnewsgh reports In a candid interview on Starr FM in Accra, Professor Aning revealed the relentless intimidation and threats he faced, which significantly impacted his ability to express his security analysis freely. He recounted how, in the past, he could speak and write without fear, but the last eight years had been a completely different story. “Nobody threatened to cut my salary, nobody threatened to call my former bosses to dismiss me,” he said, highlighting the stark contrast. “The last eight years have been hell for me, just for doing what I’ve been trained with the Ghanaian taxpayers’ money to do”. Professor Aning shared that he faced intimidation tactics, including threats to his livelihood and attempts to discredit him. This was not his first time speaking out about the threats; in 2018, he disclosed receiving threatening messages related to his media commentary on security issues. Despite the challenges, Professor Aning remains hopeful that the new administration will create a more conducive environment, allowing him to contribute to national security without fear of reprisal. His primary expectation is to conduct his work without facing constant intimidation, and he looks forward to a brighter future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com