Minority Rejects Deputy Attorney General Nominee Amid Vetting Controversy
A contentious vetting session in Parliament has led to the Minority’s rejection of Justice Srem Sai’s nomination as Deputy Attorney General. Apexnewsgh reports The dispute began when the Chair of the Appointments Committee abruptly ended the nominee’s vetting, a decision the Minority Caucus deemed unfair and inconsistent with previous proceedings. According to Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the Minority Caucus, the Chair’s actions were “whimsical and capricious.” Afenyo-Markin protested the Chair’s conduct, stating that he refused to withdraw his dissatisfaction with the ruling. The Minority further accused the Chair of handling proceedings with bias, citing an earlier incident involving Weija Gbawe MP, Ahmed Jerry Shaib, who was allegedly unfairly interrupted. Afenyo-Markin also criticized the Majority for attempting to obstruct the process, highlighting disruptions from the Attorney General and the Majority Chief Whip. He noted that the Attorney General interrupted the session, yet the Chair claimed not to have heard him. Similarly, the Majority Chief Whip disrupted the session, albeit not through the microphone. As a result of their dissatisfaction, the Minority has withdrawn support for all nominees vetted on the same day. Afenyo-Markin declared, “The Minority Caucus hereby rejects the nomination of the Deputy Attorney General. That decision will be solely yours as a Majority Caucus.” He warned that if the perceived bias in the vetting process continues, the Minority would reconsider its participation in future sessions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Heated Dance Request Sparks Dispute, Abruptly Ends Vetting Session
A tense exchange between the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, and Ranking Member, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, brought the vetting session of Deputy Attorney General and Justice Minister-designate, Justice Srem-Sai, to an abrupt end. Apexnewsgh reports The dispute began when Afenyo-Markin asked Justice Srem-Sai to demonstrate a traditional dance, citing the importance of learning about Ghana’s culture. However, Chairman Ahiafor deemed the request inappropriate for the setting and overruled it, sparking a sharp disagreement. Afenyo-Markin took offense to the ruling, accusing Ahiafor of being “whimsical and capricious” in his handling of proceedings. The situation escalated further when Ahiafor demanded that Afenyo-Markin withdraw his remarks, but the Ranking Member refused, stating, “Chairman, I won’t withdraw. You rudely overruled me.” As the standoff intensified, Ahiafor firmly asserted his authority, declaring, “To demonstrate to you that I am the chairman of this particular vetting committee, that may be your last question.” The dispute ultimately led to the premature conclusion of the vetting session, leaving the fate of Justice Srem-Sai’s nomination uncertain. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Majority Caucus Approves Four Deputy Minister Nominees Amid Minority Boycott
A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Ghana’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, as the Majority caucus recommended the approval of four deputy minister nominees despite a boycott by the Minority caucus. Apexnewsgh reports The disagreement stemmed from a heated exchange between Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the vetting session. Tensions escalated when Afenyo-Markin asked Deputy Attorney-General and Justice Minister-designate Justice Srem-Sai to demonstrate a traditional dance, a request that Ahiafor strongly opposed. Feeling offended, Afenyo-Markin accused the Chairman of being “whimsical” and “rudely interrupting” him, arguing that the Minority was being treated unfairly. After a brief suspension, the Minority caucus returned but refused to support the approval of any of the nominees, citing concerns over the conduct of the vetting process. Undeterred, the Majority caucus proceeded with its recommendation to approve the following nominees: Yussif Sulemana: Deputy Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources Justice Srem-Sai: Deputy Minister-designate for Justice and Attorney General Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini: Deputy Minister-designate for Roads and Highways Yussif Issaka Jajah: Deputy Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts The approval of these nominees marks a significant development in Ghana’s parliamentary proceedings, despite the controversy surrounding the vetting process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Agenda 111: Nabdam MP Predicts 20-Year Completion Due to Insufficient Funding
Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Member of Parliament for the Nabdam constituency, has expressed concerns that the “Agenda 111” project may take up to 20 years to complete due to the significant costs involved. Apexnewsgh reports The Nabdam MP believes that with the current budgetary allocation, the project’s timeline is unrealistic. According to him, Instead of relying solely on Agenda 111, Dr. Nawaane suggests that the government explore alternative solutions to provide quality medical care. He proposes achieving this through “extensions” by adding new buildings to existing structures and posting qualified medical professionals to these facilities. This approach, he believes, can help provide quality medical care and even reach Level 3 of medical care. Addressing party men and women at Logre community, Dr. revealed that he has plans to make sure Nangode and Logre clinic are elevated to hospital status. According to Dr. Nawaane, the above clinic is not far from reaching hospital status, with the main requirement being the provision of theatre services. This would involve the presence of a doctor, nurses and an anesthetist, as accommodation facilities are already available. The MP, while excited about the prospect, is cautiously keeping details under wraps until the plans are fully realized. “I want to make sure I work on it, and when it’s done, we can all celebrate,” the leader emphasized, hinting at a brighter future for healthcare in Nangode and Logre. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UCC Business School Dean Demands Compensation for Collapsed Indigenous Banks
Professor John Gartchie Gatsi, Dean of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Business School, has issued a pressing appeal to Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, the newly appointed Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), to provide compensation to the owners of collapsed indigenous banks. Apexnewsgh reports This move, Prof. Gatsi believes, would not only heal the wounds of affected bank owners but also restore investor confidence and promote fairness in the banking sector. Prof. Gatsi emphasized that potential investors need assurance that their businesses will not be arbitrarily shut down in the future. He warned that if the issue is not addressed properly, it could create the impression that individuals who invest in banking, insurance, and microfinance could lose their assets unfairly at the behest of the BoG. To rectify the situation, Prof. Gatsi suggested the establishment of a National Reconciliation Commission-style platform, where victims could receive a formal apology for their losses. He also proposed that bank owners who wish to resume operations should have their licenses restored, while those who no longer wish to continue in the industry should receive full compensation. Prof. Gatsi accused the BoG of being inconsiderate in its banking sector cleanup exercise, highlighting that some bank owners had taken measures to address their liquidity challenges, yet their institutions were still collapsed. He also noted that a significant portion of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) recorded in the books of these banks was due to government agencies owing the banks’ clients, further complicating their financial situation. Despite his concerns, Prof. Gatsi commended Dr. Asiama for his pledge to restore confidence in Ghana’s banking sector. He urged the new Governor to take bold steps to rectify past injustices and ensure fairness in the financial sector, thereby fostering a stable and investor-friendly banking environment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Isaac Adongo finally made his way as a Governing Board member for BoG
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a new governing board for the Bank of Ghana (BoG), chaired by Dr. Johnson Pandit Kwesi Asiama, who will also serve as the Governor of the Central Bank. Apexnewsgh reports The appointment was made in consultation with the Council of State and in accordance with Article 70(1)(d)(iii) of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612), as amended by the Bank of Ghana (Amendment) Act, 2016 (Act 918).¹ The newly appointed board members include: Dr. Zakari Mumuni: 1st Deputy Governor Thomas Nyarko Ampem: Representative from the Ministry of Finance Mr. Augustine Fritz Gockel: Economist Nana Akua Ayivora: Accountant/Audit/Risk/Compliance Emma Akua Bulley: Lawyer Evelyn Naa Checher Kwatia: Finance Markets/Treasury Dr. Stephen Senyo Sapati: Finance/Audit Beatrice Feehi Annangfio: Lawyer Kizzita Mensah: Lawyer Joseph W. Asamoah: Fintech Isaac Adongo: Economist and Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central Constituency in the Upper East Region The new board is expected to provide strategic leadership to the central bank in managing Ghana’s monetary policies, ensuring financial stability, and driving economic growth. The announcement was made by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP and Spokesperson to the President, who also serves as Minister for Government Communications. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Cracks Down on Illicit Opioid Trade: FDA Suspends Indian Pharmaceutical Company’s Certification
Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana has suspended the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification of Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian drug manufacturer. This decision comes on the heels of a BBC Africa Eye investigation, which exposed Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ alleged involvement in the illegal distribution of opioid-based medications to West Africa. The investigation revealed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, through its distributor Westfin International, exported unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol to Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. These highly addictive opioids pose significant health risks, including respiratory failure and death when abused. In response to the exposé, the FDA has taken swift action, directing Samos Pharma, a Ghana-based importer, to immediately sever ties with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International. Additionally, the registration process for six pharmaceutical products from Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, which intended to use Aveo Pharmaceuticals as a contract manufacturer, has been put on hold. The FDA has emphasized the importance of strict compliance with drug safety protocols, warning that any company involved in illegal pharmaceutical distribution will face severe consequences. The agency has reaffirmed its commitment to combating opioid abuse, stressing that its enforcement measures include seizures, fines, and legal action against unauthorized drug distributors. This decisive action reinforces Ghana’s stance against illicit drug trafficking and highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to protect public health from harmful and unregulated medications.
NSA Scandal: Former Deputy Director Released from NIB Custody
Kwaku Ohene Djan, the former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), has been released from the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) custody after several days of detention. Apexnewsgh reports His arrest was linked to the ongoing probe into financial irregularities and alleged misconduct at the NSA. The NSA has been under intense scrutiny for alleged fraudulent activities, financial misappropriation, and systemic failures that have resulted in significant losses to the state. The investigation has implicated several high-profile individuals, including former and current NSA officials, sparking public concerns about accountability within the institution. Djan’s detention was part of a broader effort to uncover his potential role in the alleged misconduct. Although he has been released, the NIB has confirmed that he remains a person of interest and may be recalled for further questioning if necessary. Djan’s legal team has assured that he is prepared to cooperate fully with investigators to ensure due process is followed. As the scandal continues to unfold, calls for transparency and accountability have intensified, with many urging the government to take decisive action against those found culpable. The investigation remains ongoing, and further developments are expected as authorities work to unravel the full extent of financial mismanagement at the NSA. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dumelo Denies Membership in Catholic Church’s Secret Societies
Deputy Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has categorically denied being a member of any secret societies within the Catholic Church. Apexnewsgh reports During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on February 25, 2025, Dumelo proudly declared himself a devout Catholic and a firm believer in the rosary, which he brought along to the vetting. However, when Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin questioned him about potential membership in Catholic fraternities or societies, Dumelo vehemently denied any affiliation. “I don’t belong to any society in the Catholic Church,” he stated. Although he acknowledged being familiar with various Catholic societies, such as the Knights and Ladies of Marshall and the Knights and Ladies of St. John, Dumelo claimed he had no knowledge of their specific activities. As a practicing Catholic and a public figure, Dumelo’s clarification on his membership in Catholic societies aims to alleviate any concerns and maintain transparency. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Jonathan Abdallah Salifu Takes Helm as Head of Corporate Communications
In a move to strengthen its communication efforts, the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) has appointed Jonathan Abdallah Salifu as its new Head of Corporate Communications. Apexnewsgh reports With this appointment, Salifu is expected to lead NEDCO’s corporate communications strategy, fostering effective stakeholder engagement, and promoting the company’s brand and initiatives. As Head of Corporate Communications, Salifu will play a crucial role in shaping NEDCO’s public image and maintaining a positive reputation. His expertise in communications will be invaluable in enhancing the company’s relationships with customers, media, and other stakeholders. The appointment of Jonathan Abdallah Salifu is a significant development for NEDCO, and it is expected to bring new energy and ideas to the company’s communication efforts. Source: Apexnewsgh.com