Lawyer Urges President Mahama to Remove MP Isaac Adongo from Bank of Ghana Board
A private legal practitioner, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, has called on President John Mahama to withdraw the membership of Bolga Central Member of Parliament (MP) Isaac Adongo from the Board of Bank of Ghana (BoG). Apexnewsgh reports Brako-Powers argued that Adongo’s membership on the Board would hinder Parliament’s ability to effectively exercise its oversight responsibilities over the central bank. The lawyer emphasized that if President Mahama is committed to combating official corruption, he should end the practice of including Members of Parliament (MPs) on boards of state institutions. This, he believes, is crucial for strengthening the processes of checks and balances in the country. President Mahama had announced a newly constituted 12-member Board of the Bank of Ghana on February 26, 2025, which includes Adongo as an Economist. Other members of the Board include Dr. Johnson Pandit Kwesi Asiama, Governor (Chairman), and Dr. Zakari Mumuni, 1st Deputy Governor. Brako-Powers questioned how Parliament could effectively exercise its oversight responsibilities knowing that one of its members is on the BoG Board. He stressed that MPs should have no seat on boards of State institutions to prevent conflicts of interest and promote accountability. The lawyer’s call for Adongo’s removal from the Board has sparked a debate on the need for greater transparency and accountability in the appointment of members to state institutions. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether President Mahama will heed Brako-Powers’ call and withdraw Adongo’s membership from the BoG Board. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Hosts Constitution Review Committee, Calls for Key Amendments
In a significant step towards strengthening Ghana’s governance arrangements, President John Dramani Mahama hosted the Constitution Review Committee at its maiden stakeholder engagement today. Apexnewsgh reports The committee, chaired by Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, sought the President’s thoughts on the review of the constitution and areas he believed required amendment. During the engagement, the committee briefed the President on their progress and areas where they needed additional support. President Mahama expressed his appreciation and satisfaction with the progress made so far and pledged his government’s continued support. The President highlighted several thorny issues that require amendment, including: Election of MMDCEs: The President emphasized the need for reforms in the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives. Emoluments of Article 71 office holders: He called for a review of the emoluments of Article 71 office holders, which has been a contentious issue in Ghana’s governance. Appointment of Ministers from Parliament: The President also highlighted the need for reforms in the appointment of Ministers from Parliament, which has been criticized for creating conflicts of interest. These amendments, according to the President, are crucial for strengthening Ghana’s governance arrangements and promoting accountability and transparency. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Launches Special Passport Centre for Hajj Pilgrims
In a bid to streamline and expedite the passport application process for Ghanaian pilgrims, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the establishment of a special passport centre exclusively for Hajj applicants. Apexnewsgh reports This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless travel experience for Muslims undertaking the sacred pilgrimage. Speaking at the Hajj Village on Tuesday, March 4, Mr. Ablakwa explained that the centre will operate from March 4 to March 13, 2025. He highlighted the government’s commitment to improving accessibility to essential services, stating that securing travel documents in a timely manner has been a major challenge for many. To address this challenge, the ministry has set up the special passport centre, which will serve only Hajj applicants. The cost of expedited passport processing has been subsidized to make it more affordable for pilgrims, maintaining the usual ¢500 flat rate. The Foreign Ministry has assured applicants of smooth and efficient service delivery throughout the period. To ensure wider access beyond Accra, the Ministry is also setting up dedicated kiosks at various regional passport application centres to cater to applicants across the country. This move has been widely welcomed by the Muslim community, with many praising the government’s proactive approach in easing travel preparations for Hajj pilgrims. The initiative reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s dedication to ensuring that all Ghanaians, regardless of their background, receive timely and efficient government services. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
State-Owned Enterprises Drowning in Debt, Exceeding GH₵200 Billion
Ghana’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are struggling to stay afloat, with debts exceeding a staggering GH₵200 billion. A JoyNews investigation has revealed that key SOEs, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), COCOBOD, and the Volta River Authority (VRA), are accumulating heavy financial burdens with no clear path to recovery. Speaking at the National Economic Dialogue on Monday, March 2, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson painted a bleak picture of the financial health of Ghana’s SOEs. “Almost all state-owned enterprises are in the red, almost all of them are in the red,” he remarked, highlighting the poor financial performance of key institutions such as ECG and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB). Dr. Forson emphasized the urgent need for reforms to prevent further economic deterioration. The situation is dire, with SOEs struggling to operate efficiently due to mismanagement and lack of accountability. The minister’s concerns are echoed by experts, who warn that the debt burden of SOEs poses a significant risk to Ghana’s economic stability. The government has been urged to take bold steps to address the issue, including implementing reforms to improve the management and governance of SOEs. With the debt burden of SOEs continuing to rise, it remains to be seen whether the government will take decisive action to prevent a crisis. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Gold-for-Oil Program Labeled a Failure Amid Rising Fuel Prices
Kodzo Yaotse, Policy Lead for Petroleum and Conventional Energy at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, has delivered a scathing verdict on the Gold-for-Oil program, calling it a failure. In an interview, Yaotse pointed to significant losses incurred and fuel prices continuing to rise, despite the program’s suspension. Apexnewsgh reports Yaotse laid the blame squarely on the previous government, citing their failure to establish a specialized department with experts to effectively manage the program. This lack of oversight, he argued, led to the program’s downfall. Now, Yaotse is calling on the governor to produce a detailed report outlining what went wrong and the full extent of the losses incurred. To mitigate the rising fuel prices, Yaotse urged the government to take immediate action. He recommended stabilizing the currency and rationalizing taxes on petroleum products. These measures, he believes, would help control prices and alleviate the burden on consumers. The Africa Centre for Energy Policy has issued a statement on the matter, emphasizing that the charges incurred are ultimately passed on to consumers and should be reconsidered. As the debate surrounding the Gold-for-Oil program continues, one thing is clear: urgent action is needed to address the rising fuel prices and stabilize Ghana’s energy sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Renewed Curfew Imposed on Bawku Municipality Amid Ongoing Chieftaincy Conflicts
The Minister for Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has renewed the curfew imposed on the Bawku Municipality and its surrounding areas, effective Monday, March 3, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This decision follows recommendations from the Upper East Regional Security Council, as the region continues to grapple with ongoing chieftaincy conflicts that have resulted in numerous casualties. The curfew hours remain unchanged, from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., and will be subject to review or renewal after a week. Additionally, the minister has reiterated the ban on carrying offensive weapons, arms, or ammunition within the affected areas, warning that anyone found in violation will be arrested and prosecuted. Bawku has been under curfew since November 2021, as the chieftaincy conflicts have led to a surge in violence and bloodshed. The government has urged chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and residents to maintain calm and use non-violent methods to resolve conflicts in the region. The situation in Bawku remains volatile, with reports of regular gun battles and violent attacks. The government’s decision to renew the curfew aims to restore peace and stability to the region, but it remains to be seen whether this measure will be effective in addressing the underlying issues driving the conflict. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former Deputy Director of NSA Returns to Ghana Amid Ghost Names Scandal Investigation
Gifty Oware Mensah, the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), has returned to Ghana, sparking renewed interest in the ongoing investigation into the ghost names scandal at the NSA. Apexnewsgh reports Mensah, who had been in the United States since the elections, arrived at Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, where she was met by family members. Her return comes amid reports that officials of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) had been seeking her arrest in connection with the scandal. The NIB recently detained Kwaku Ohene Gyan, another former Deputy Director of Operations at the NSA, as part of the investigation. The ghost names scandal involves allegations of fraudulent payments made to non-existent personnel on the National Service payroll. Thousands of ghost names were allegedly inserted into the system, leading to significant financial losses for the state. Preliminary findings suggest that some NSA officials facilitated these payments, diverting funds meant for genuine national service personnel. Mensah’s role in the scandal remains unclear, but her return to Ghana signals potential legal proceedings or further questioning by the authorities. The investigation is expected to intensify as security agencies work to unravel the full extent of the fraudulent scheme. The scandal has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in the administration of the National Service Scheme, which enrolls thousands of young graduates annually. As the investigation unfolds, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how the matter is handled and whether those responsible will be held accountable. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nhyiaeso MP Dr. Stephen Amoah Dismisses “Fake” Report on NPP’s Electoral Performance
Dr. Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso Constituency, has vehemently rejected a report on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) electoral performance in the Ashanti Region. Apexnewsgh reports The report, which was issued by some regional executives of the party after the 2024 elections, allegedly accused Dr. Amoah of having an alternative campaign team and not using posters and billboards. Dr. Amoah described the report as “fake” and “baseless,” describing the accusations as “unwarranted” and “unjustified.” He described the report as damaging to the party’s unity and credibility and called for an official apology from the executives behind the report. In an interview with Hello FM on Monday, March 3, Dr. Amoah expressed his frustration with the unfounded allegations. “No one reached out to me, nor did they consult anyone from my constituency to gather the facts. They simply fabricated these claims,” he said. The report has stirred controversy within the NPP ranks in Ashanti, with some party members calling for an internal review of how such claims were allowed to circulate. Dr. Amoah warned that if the executives behind the report do not apologize, he and others will speak out on the real reasons behind the party’s loss. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Urged to Include Ministry of Public Sector in Cabinet
Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to include the Ministry of Public Sector Reforms in his cabinet. Apexnewsgh reports Cudjoe made this plea during an interview with TV3 on the sidelines of the National Economic Dialogue in Accra, stressing that the Ministry is crucial for effective monitoring and evaluation of public sector reforms. According to Cudjoe, the current administration’s efforts to implement public sector reforms are lacking, and the Ministry’s inclusion in the cabinet would be a significant step forward. He expressed concern that the Minister of State responsible for public sector reforms is insufficient, saying, “There is this woman who has been assigned to handle public sector reforms, but that’s all there is to it. Really?” President Mahama had announced his 19-member cabinet on February 20, which includes key ministers such as Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (Finance), Muntaka Mubarak (Interior), and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Foreign Affairs). The cabinet’s maiden meeting was held on February 20, where the Minister of Finance briefed the members on Ghana’s economic situation, describing it as “dire”. Cudjoe’s call for the inclusion of the Ministry of Public Sector Reforms in the cabinet highlights the need for effective oversight and monitoring of public sector reforms. As Ghana continues to navigate its economic challenges, the importance of robust public sector reforms cannot be overstated. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Speaker of Parliament Urges MP to Own Up to “Daughter of a Murderer” Comment
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has advised the Member of Parliament responsible for making the inflammatory “daughter of a murderer” comment to come forward and plead within the week. Apexnewsgh reports This development comes after Bagbin directed an immediate formal investigation to identify the MP behind the comment. The controversy began on February 4, 2025, during parliamentary proceedings when a male voice was heard shouting, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down! Daughter of a murderer, sit down!” The comment was directed at Klottey Korle MP Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings while she was making a submission on the floor of the House. Receiving a petition from the Volta Diaspora Caucus, who organized a protest demanding an apology from the MP responsible, Bagbin condemned the comment as “unwarranted, unjustified, and deeply offensive.” He urged the member responsible to own up, stating, “A lot of work has been done, and I urge the member responsible to own up”. Bagbin warned that the MP responsible, when found guilty of defamation, could face severe consequences, including reprimand, suspension for up to 9 months, or even expulsion from Parliament altogether. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for the MP responsible to be held accountable. The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has also petitioned Speaker Bagbin to investigate the matter. Source: Apexnewsgh.com