Parliamentary Leaders Clash Over New Chamber and Exclusive Hospital
A heated debate has erupted between Ghana’s Parliamentary leaders over proposals for a new chamber and an exclusive hospital for MPs. Apexnewsgh reports At the heart of the disagreement are Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who hold vastly different views on Parliament’s priorities. The controversy began when Afenyo-Markin suggested building a dedicated hospital for Parliament, citing concerns over MPs’ health and well-being. However, Ayariga swiftly rejected the idea, arguing that Parliament already has access to excellent healthcare facilities like Ridge Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. “I don’t believe a hospital should be the priority of this Parliament,” Ayariga emphasized. The second point of contention revolves around the construction of a new parliamentary chamber. Afenyo-Markin pushed for a more secure and spacious facility, highlighting the real security threats MPs face in the current chamber. “Here in the public gallery, anybody at all can throw a thing at an MP,” he warned. Ayariga, however, disagreed, describing the current chamber as “fit for purpose” and arguing that security concerns alone don’t justify building a new facility. Despite their differences, both leaders acknowledge that Parliament’s security is a pressing concern. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who chairs the Parliamentary Service Board, echoed Afenyo-Markin’s concerns, emphasizing that securing the Parliamentary enclave is a top priority. “We are insecure here; we are not safe,” Bagbin warned. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how Parliament will address its infrastructural needs and prioritize the welfare of its members and staff. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Kpebu Exposes Cecilia Dapaah’s Contract that Caused Financial Loss to State
Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has found herself at the center of a financial controversy. According to private legal practitioner Martin Luther Kpebu, Dapaah awarded a contract that has resulted in significant financial loss to the state. The contract in question was awarded to Aqua Africa Limited in August 2019 for the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of 450 Integrated R1 nano filtration units. The initial contract sum was 30 million euros, with a completion timeline of 18 months. However, the scope of the project was later renegotiated, reducing the number of nano filters to 150 and adding the construction of 12 small towns water supply systems. Despite making significant payments to the contractor, the project was not executed as agreed upon. The contractor was paid a total of 13,040,397.93 euros but only completed approximately 7.16% of the work. This has raised concerns about the Ministry’s conduct in awarding the contract, with the Attorney-General’s office stating that the Ministry did not exercise due care and diligence. The Attorney-General at the time, Godfred Yeboah Dame, gave an opinion that the money should be returned to the state, but no further action was taken. Kpebu has questioned why Dame did not initiate legal proceedings to recover the money, especially since the contractor has been paid and is in possession of state funds. Dapaah’s financial dealings have also been under scrutiny, with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) investigating her for suspected corruption and money laundering. The OSP had seized assets and cash from Dapaah’s residences, but a court order has since required the OSP to return the seized items. The case has sparked concerns about government accountability and the management of state funds. Kpebu has assured the public that the issues relating to Dapaah are not over, stating, “We are not done with Cecilia Dapaah at all.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Alagumgube Association Boosts Bolga Hospital Maternal Care with Generous Donation
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Alagumgube Association has donated essential items to the Maternity Ward of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. Apexnewsgh reports The donation, facilitated by Naba Asalia Patrick Ayimbilla, Acting President of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, aims to support maternal and newborn care in the region. The donated items, which include 2 walkers, 2 beds, 10 mattresses, and 10 pillows, will undoubtedly enhance the resources available at the facility. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Naba Asalia Patrick Ayimbilla emphasized the importance of maternal health in community development. “The health of our community begins with the health of our mothers and children. Every mother deserves quality care, and every newborn deserves a strong start in life,” he stated. The Alagumgube Association’s commitment to giving back to society and strengthening healthcare services in the region is truly commendable. Their donation serves as a shining example of the power of collective efforts to improve lives. As Naba Asalia Patrick Ayimbilla noted, “We believe this contribution will help improve conditions at the maternity ward and provide much-needed comfort for patients.” Dr. Saanwie Aiden, Medical Director of the hospital, expressed profound gratitude to the Alagumgube Association for their generous gesture. He assured the association that the donated items would be used for their intended purpose to benefit mothers and their newborns. The event, attended by traditional leaders, hospital officials, and members of the community, was a testament to the impact of community-driven initiatives. Other personalities present at donation ceremony include Gambibgo Chief Naba Sadik Ayine Inusah, Madam Habib Asuurebuno Alhassan and more. However, Mr. Gabriel Agambila who was also present during the donation event extended his appreciation on behalf of Alagumgube Association, “We are grateful to everyone who participated in the ceremony and thankful to the diaspora members for their timely contribution to the regional hospital donation.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Asantehene Calls for Reforms to Free SHS Policy
Asantehene Calls for Reforms to Free SHS Policy The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to revisit the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue to address its shortcomings. Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Otumfuo acknowledged the policy’s importance but highlighted the challenges faced by many senior high schools, including overcrowded dormitories, lack of science and ICT labs, shortage of food, and insufficient school buses. Otumfuo suggested a return to a mixed system of support, where families with the means to pay for their wards’ education are allowed to do so, while government funding focuses on brilliant but needy students. He emphasized the need for effective and sustainable implementation to ensure students benefit fully from the program. The Asantehene also commended the government’s effort to cut waste in public spending to free up resources for stalled education projects. He stressed the importance of expanding STEM education to rural areas, offering students equal opportunities. Expressing support for the Education Minister’s mission, Otumfuo added, “I will pray for him, that he presses on. Not in the short term but the long term so that we know this is the policy we made.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GH₵20 Million Opioid Haul Seized at Tema Port
Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted a container of opioid drugs worth approximately GH₵20 million at the Tema Port. Apexnewsgh reports The seized shipment, destined for Niger, included a staggering array of opioid-based medications: Rahol Tapentadol 250 mg: 26 cartons Tafradol Tapentadol 120 mg: 160 cartons Timaking Tapentadol 120 mg: 40 cartons Loperamide 2 mg: 190 cartons Chlorpheniramine Maleate: 320 cartons Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh assured that the government is committed to preventing Ghana from being used as a transit point for opioid trafficking. “We will not allow Ghana to be a safe haven for opioids,” he emphasized, noting that the president is personally invested in the matter. To curb illicit drug shipments, authorities have pledged to tighten regulations and enhance monitoring at Ghana’s ports. This bold move sends a strong message to traffickers and reinforces Ghana’s commitment to combating opioid trafficking. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Trump begins mass layoffs at Voice of America
President Donald Trump’s administration on Sunday began mass layoffs at Voice of America and other US-funded media, making clear its intent to gut outlets long seen as critical for US influence. Just a day after all employees were put on leave, staff working on a contractual basis received an email notifying them that they were terminated at the end of March. The email, confirmed to AFP by several employees, told contractors that “you must cease all work immediately and are not permitted to access any agency buildings or systems.” Contractors make up much of VOA’s workforce and dominate staffing in the non-English language services, although recent figures were not immediately available. 3 udded weddings, others Many contractors are not US citizens, meaning they likely depend on their soon-to-disappear jobs for visas to stay in the United States. Full-time VOA staff, who have more legal protections, were not immediately terminated but remain on administrative leave and have been told not to work. Voice of America, created during World War II, broadcast around the world in 49 languages with a mission to reach countries without media freedom. Trump signed an executive order Friday targeting VOA’s parent US Agency for Global Media in his latest sweeping cuts to the federal government. The agency had 3,384 employees in the 2023 fiscal year. It had requested $950 million for the current fiscal year. With VOA in limbo, some of its services have switched to playing music for lack of new programming. The sweeping cuts also froze Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, formed in the Cold War to reach the former Soviet bloc, and Radio Free Asia, established to provide reporting to China, North Korea and other Asian countries with heavily restricted media. Other US-funded outlets being gutted include Radio Farda, a Persian-language broadcaster blocked by Iran’s government, and Alhurra, an Arabic-language network established after the Iraq invasion in the face of highly critical coverage by Qatar-based Al-Jazeera. The White House in a statement Saturday said that “taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda,” a charge rarely levelled before Trump at staid VOA, long aimed at countering communism. Trump regularly criticizes media coverage of him and has questioned the wisdom of funding VOA when it has a “firewall” ensuring its editorial independence. The cuts come as China and Russia invest heavily in state media to compete with Western narratives, with China often offering free content to outlets in the developing world. In an editorial on the demise of VOA, China’s state-run Global Times said that “the monopoly of information held by some traditional Western media is being shattered.” “As more Americans begin to break through their information cocoons and see a real world and a multidimensional China, the demonizing narratives propagated by VOA will ultimately become a laughingstock of the times,” it said. AFP
Government Moves to Boost Local Manufacturing with PPA Act Amendment
Government has announced plans to amend the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Act. This move is part of the government’s 24-hour economy policy, which aims to transform the manufacturing sector and support local businesses. Apexnewsgh reports Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour economy, Goosie Tanoh, briefed Parliament on the flagship program at the 2025 Post-Budget Workshop. Tanoh explained that the initiative seeks to promote local consumption and support the growth of local industries. He cited the success of Asian countries that prioritized buying local goods, saying Ghana can learn from their example. The amendment to the PPA Act will legislate the purchase of made-in-Ghana goods, providing a guaranteed market for local manufacturers. This move is expected to boost local production and create jobs. Tanoh also introduced the “Go Ghana” program, a mobilization initiative that encourages Ghanaians to support local businesses and communities. The program aims to promote environmental sanitation and encourage citizens to buy made-in-Ghana goods. While the policy will be driven by the private sector, the government will provide minimal funding in the mid-year budget review. This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ofori-Atta Faces Re-Listing as Wanted Person if He Fails to Appear Before OSP on June 2
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a stern warning to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, stating that he will be re-listed as a wanted person if he fails to appear for questioning on June 2, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports. This warning comes after Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit challenging the OSP’s earlier declaration that he was a fugitive from justice. According to the OSP, Ofori-Atta had formally requested to have his name removed from the wanted list, assuring the OSP that he would make himself available for questioning on a definite date. The OSP, acting in good faith, granted his request and removed his name from the list pending his personal attendance on the agreed date. However, the OSP has stressed that Ofori-Atta is now “mandatorily required” to appear in person before the OSP on June 2, 2025. Failure to do so will result in his re-listing as a wanted person and being considered a fugitive from justice. The OSP has also warned that it will take additional measures, including requesting an Interpol Red Notice and initiating extradition proceedings, if Ofori-Atta fails to appear. The OSP remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that Ofori-Atta answers for his role as the prime suspect in five ongoing corruption and corruption-related investigations. Ofori-Atta’s lawsuit seeks to restrain the OSP from making any further public declarations about his status until all legal proceedings have been resolved. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Pass 2025 Budget for Economic Growth– Finance Minister to MPs
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has made a passionate appeal to Members of Parliament to support the passage of the 2025 budget estimates. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the 2025 Post-Budget Workshop in Parliament, Dr. Forson emphasized the importance of implementing key economic policies aimed at fostering growth. The Finance Minister highlighted several transformational measures in the budget, including the Big Push initiative, the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board, and Agriculture for Economic Transformation. These initiatives are designed to drive sustainable economic growth, support inclusive growth and job creation, and boost foreign exchange inflows and gold reserve accumulation. Dr. Forson outlined several key initiatives proposed in the budget, including: 24-hour Economy Policy: to support inclusive growth and job creation GH¢10 billion Big Push Policy: to be rolled out this year Ghana Gold Board: to support foreign exchange inflows and gold reserve accumulation The Finance Minister’s appeal comes as Parliament deliberates on the budget, with expectations for bipartisan support to facilitate the government’s economic agenda. With a total allocation of GH¢44.067 billion, the 2025 budget aims to support various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Spare Parts Dealers Reject Claims of Price Hikes Amid Transport Fare Increase
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has strongly denied claims by the Alliance of Drivers – Ghana that rising spare parts prices are contributing to the announced 20% increase in lorry fares, effective today, March 17, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports In a press statement issued on March 16, 2025, the Association described the claim as “false, misleading, and unwarranted.” Chairman Mr. Henry Okyere Jnr emphasized that there has been no increase in spare parts prices, citing stable import duties and market conditions. “The new government is committed to supporting the spare parts industry,” Mr. Okyere Jnr noted. “Stock levels are stable, and the prices of essential vehicle components, including engine oil and filters, have remained unchanged.” The Association urged the Alliance of Drivers – Ghana to base fare adjustments on factual economic indicators rather than unfounded allegations. They also called for transparency in fare discussions, involving all relevant stakeholders to ensure fairness. The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association reassured the public of its commitment to transparency and truthfulness in issues affecting the transportation and spare parts industries. Source: Apexnewsgh.com