My Security Risk is Ultra High– OSP Reveals
Ghana’s Special Prosecutor has made a startling admission about the dangers that come with his role, describing his security risk as “ultra high.” Speaking at the Constitution Day Public Lecture, he painted a stark picture of the perils faced by himself and his team in their relentless fight against corruption. “The position of Special Prosecutor is a thankless job,” he stated. “It fetches you droves of enemies daily and brings you into direct confrontation with the lowest forms of debasement in humans.” He emphasized that the role is not one that he sought out, but rather one that found him. The Special Prosecutor highlighted the paradox surrounding his role, noting that while the public demands accountability and the eradication of corruption, resistance arises when scrutiny is directed at specific individuals or groups. “Everyone wants the Special Prosecutor to do his job, yet no one wants the Special Prosecutor to do his job,” he remarked. He warned that the backlash from corruption investigations is fierce and unrelenting, with individuals and groups pushing back through orchestrated attacks, smear campaigns, and vile publications aimed at discrediting the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). More worrying, he noted, are the threats that sometimes extend beyond reputational damage to life-threatening situations. “Some of the enemies this job attracts will not hesitate to take a life should the opportunity present itself,” he cautioned. As a result, both he and his operational officers live under constant threat, with his security risk deemed “ultra high.” The OSP has been actively investigating high-profile cases, including inquiries into the National Cathedral project and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML). Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UE/R: Gallons Replace Chairs in Sirigu SHS Classroom
A disturbing image of students sitting on yellow gallons and broken furniture to write their end-of-term examination at the Sirigu Senior High School in the Upper East Region has exposed a severe furniture challenge plaguing schools in the area. Apexnewsgh reports The situation is not unique to Sirigu Senior High School, as the majority of schools in the Region face similar difficulties. Students and teachers alike lament that this shortage is significantly impacting the quality of teaching and learning. Despite numerous complaints to the Ghana Education Service and local government, efforts to address the issue have been unsuccessful. In a desperate attempt to find a solution, students were asked to bring their own chairs, but many couldn’t afford to do so. This crisis affects students across all forms, with over half of the school’s 1,375 students – including 734 girls and 641 boys – forced to learn and take exams in harsh conditions due to the lack of furniture. The situation highlights the need for urgent attention and action to provide students with a conducive learning environment. Meanwhile, a concerned citizen of Sirigu who spoke to Apexnewsgh. expressed frustration over the dire furniture situation at the local school. According to the concern citizen, despite the assembly’s awareness of the issue, they claim to lack the necessary resources to address the problem. As a result, students have been forced to bring their own chairs to school, a directive that only a handful can afford. The majority are left without a proper place to sit, highlighting the stark reality of the school’s furniture crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama’s Economic Plan Under Fire: Deputy Minority Leader Calls for Action
Deputy Minority Leader Madam Patricia Appaigyei has launched a scathing attack on President John Dramani Mahama’s economic plan, describing the state of the economy under his administration as “lawlessness and insecurity”. Reacting to the President’s State of the Nation address, Appaigyei urged Mahama to take concrete steps to fix the economy, rather than just lamenting about the challenges. “The true state of the nation is not what the President delivered today,” Appaigyei said. “If we are talking about 50 days in office, the true state of the government is about lawlessness, the true state of the economy is about revocation of employment, the true state of the economy is insecurity.” She also criticized the President’s address, saying it lacked new ideas and was “business as usual.” In his address, President Mahama identified youth unemployment as a major challenge facing Ghana, noting that it threatens national security. He announced the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Development to address the concerns of youth unemployment. Meanwhile, President Mahama has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and their Minority in Parliament not to boycott the upcoming national economic forum. The forum, scheduled for March 3rd and 4th, 2025, aims to bring together key stakeholders to discuss Ghana’s economic challenges and find solutions. Appaigyei’s criticism of the President’s economic plan comes amid growing concerns about the state of Ghana’s economy. With the national economic forum just around the corner, all eyes will be on President Mahama to see if he can deliver on his promise to fix the economy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Cracks Down on National Service Authority Ghost Names Scandal
President John Dramani Mahama has taken a bold step in tackling the National Service Authority (NSA) ghost names scandal, directing that key actors involved be declared wanted. Apexnewsgh reports Their assets will be traced and frozen until investigations are concluded. In his maiden State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025, President Mahama revealed the shocking extent of the scandal. At its peak, over 80,000 ghost names were fraudulently added to the payroll, potentially siphoning a staggering GHS 50 million per month. The President also disclosed that some suspects have fled the country to evade prosecution. To prevent such incidents in the future, Mahama has instructed the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment to draft a Legislative Instrument (LI) to support the implementation of the National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119). This move aims to establish a legally robust framework for managing the National Service Scheme, ensuring transparency and accountability. By taking decisive action, President Mahama demonstrates his commitment to tackling corruption and promoting good governance. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
LGBTQ Bill Reintroduced in Parliament Amid Calls for Presidential Assent
In a significant development, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the LGBTQ bill, has been reintroduced in Parliament for consideration. Apexnewsgh reports The bill, which aims to prohibit LGBTQ activities and criminalize their promotion, advocacy, and funding, was previously passed by the 8th Parliament but didn’t receive Presidential assent under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South Constituency, confirmed the bill’s reintroduction and urged President John Dramani Mahama to sign it into law once it’s passed by the current Parliament. With the bill’s contents remaining unchanged, Fordjour expects a swift passage, citing support from chiefs, imams, clergymen, and the Speaker of Parliament. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Mine Workers Union Clashes with Precious Minerals Marketing Company over Staff Terminations
The Ghana Mine Workers Union has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the management of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) over plans to terminate the employment of approximately 50 staff members. Apexnewsgh reports This move follows a government directive ordering the termination of appointments made after December 7, 2024. According to Abdul Moomin Gbana, General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers Union, the union has initiated discussions with PMMC management to address the issue. Gbana emphasized that the union will strongly oppose any action that contravenes labor laws. “We’ve told PMMC that they must ensure their actions align with the law. Anything contrary to the law will be resisted by the Ghana Mine Workers Union,” he stated. The union’s stance is clear: despite the questionable timing of the recruitments, the current government should not repeat the same mistakes. With the union’s history of advocating for workers’ rights, this development is likely to escalate into a full-blown labor dispute if not handled carefully. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Energy Sector Gets a Boost as Minister Jinapor Meets with Key Partners
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, held crucial discussions with key partners of the 1,560-square-kilometre East Cape Three Point Block on Wednesday, 26th February 2025. Apexnewsgh reports The meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Energy Week in the United Kingdom, with a focus on developing Ghana’s offshore oil and gas sector. The East Cape Three Point Block, located in the Offshore Tano Basin, is currently operated by Medea Development Ltd and Cola Natural Resources. Potential partners, including Strategic Fuel Fund, Safri West Energies, and Jade Energy, reaffirmed their commitment to exploring the field, aiming to achieve first oil production by 2028 or 2029. Preparations are underway to commence the first exploration well drilling, either later this year or early next year. Minister Jinapor emphasized the Ghanaian government’s dedication to implementing investor-friendly policies while safeguarding the country’s interests. He stressed the importance of a balanced and sustainable approach to developing Ghana’s natural resources. Jinapor assured investors that Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector remains open to business, highlighting the nation’s strong regulatory framework and conducive investment climate. He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate effectively to drive innovation and efficiency within the industry. The meeting served as a platform to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to enhancing its energy sector. With exploration efforts set to advance, the East Cape Three Point Block is poised to contribute significantly to Ghana’s long-term energy strategy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Unveils Plan for Mandatory Military Training as Part of National Service
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana’s youth will soon undergo military training as part of their national service after completing tertiary education. Apexnewsgh reports This revelation came during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces emphasized that this unprecedented move aims to instill discipline and keep the youth fit. “We will introduce short military training as part of our national service scheme. This will instill a sense of fitness, and discipline into our youth,” he stated. To ensure a smooth implementation, Mahama has tasked the Minister for Youth Development & Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, to coordinate and present a Legislative Instrument to Parliament. This instrument will support the implementation of the newly-passed National Service Authority Act 2024, also known as Act 1119. The National Service Scheme (NSS) was transformed into the National Service Authority (NSA) under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. This transformation enables the NSA to take on a more expansive role in nation-building, mobilizing and deploying personnel, and equipping them with employable skills for future success. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Reaches Out to Zanetor Rawlings Amidst Cabinet Criticism
President John Dramani Mahama has asked Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle Constituency, to reach out to him for a discussion. Apexnewsgh reports This request came after Mahama delivered his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025. As Mahama exchanged pleasantries with MPs after his speech, he specifically asked Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings to call him. Although the reason behind the request remains unclear, it follows criticism from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Afenyo-Markin accused Mahama of failing to fulfill his promise to appoint more women to his Cabinet, with only two women appointed out of 19 Cabinet ministers, representing a mere 10%. Afenyo-Markin suggested that capable women like Zanetor Rawlings and Helen Ntorsu were overlooked for key roles despite their dedication and competence. Interestingly, Zanetor Rawlings was initially rumored to be in the running for the Health Minister position, but Kwabena Mintah Akandoh was ultimately appointed. It’s worth noting that Zanetor Rawlings has been nominated as a Minister of State for the Ministry of Health, as part of President Mahama’s third batch of ministerial nominations. The request for a discussion may be related to her potential role in the government or other matters. Only time will tell what this meeting may entail. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Isaac Adongo Confident of Future Ministerial Appointment
Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central Constituency, has expressed confidence that his time for a ministerial appointment will come, despite being overlooked for now. Apexnewsgh reports In a recent statement, Adongo said, “President John Mahama has not forgotten me, maybe my time is not yet up. But when my time is up, nobody can stop me.” Adongo revealed that he had expected to be appointed a Minister of State, citing his capacity and temperament as qualifications for the role. “Everybody wishes the best for himself. I believe I have the capacity and temperament to do it,” he stated. As a key figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Adongo has been a vocal critic of the previous administration’s economic policies. He has also challenged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to a debate on digitalization and economic policy. With his experience and expertise, Adongo remains optimistic about his future prospects, believing that his time for a ministerial appointment will eventually come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com