Rising Tensions in Bawku: MP Mahama Ayariga Condemns Police Actions
Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, strongly condemned the police following alarming reports of officers shooting at youths in Bawku. Apexnewsgh reports This incident has escalated tensions in the community, prompting the MP to clarify his position amidst the unrest. Ayariga firmly rejected allegations that he had instructed the police to allow residents access to the local market. “I totally condemn the actions of the police in shooting some youth in Bawku today. Also, I have never had any discussion with any police officer and directed them to allow anyone to attend any market or purchase anything from anyone. Such matters are not my responsibility,” he asserted. The MP emphasized that operational decisions are strictly within the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies, making it clear that he has no control over their actions. “They are matters within the purview of law enforcement officers, and no decision of a law enforcement officer should be blamed on me because I don’t control them operationally,” Ayariga explained. In light of the ongoing unrest, the MP called upon security forces to collaborate with traditional authorities to restore peace and maintain order in the area. He urged law enforcement officials to work closely with Abugrago Azoka II, the Zugran and overlord of Kusaug, to facilitate a resolution and ensure the safety of the community. As the situation in Bawku continues to unfold, Ayariga’s statements underscore the need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating tensions and promote harmony in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Sam Nartey George defends dismissal of several staff members
Digital Technology and Innovation, Minister Sam Nartey George recently defended the dismissal of several staff members, deeming it essential for the institution’s integrity. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on April 9, 2025, he emphasized that this action was necessary to combat potential corruption and improve transparency in the ministry’s operations. Minister George explained that this decision aligns with broader governance reforms targeted at enhancing efficiency and accountability within the public sector. “When I took office, I took decisive action, in consultation with the World Bank office in Accra, to terminate the contract of 13 staff under the project implementation unit of the World Bank-funded Ghana Digital Acceleration Programme,” he stated. He underscored the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, insisting that the dismissals were a patriotic effort to shield the state from any actions that could tarnish Ghana’s international reputation. “This termination was a patriotic action to save the state from any representation that affects our international image,” he added. Moreover, the Minister announced that the ministry had received clearance from the World Bank to initiate a new recruitment process to replace the dismissed staff. He assured that this recruitment would be conducted with utmost diligence, ensuring that only candidates who uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity would be considered. “Whatever it takes to restore and uphold the integrity of this ministry, we will pursue it rigorously,” Minister George concluded, reiterating his commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable public service. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Stop Harassing MPs Doing Their Duty! – Minority Condemns NIB’s Attempted Arrest of Rev. Ntim Fordjour
Parliament’s Minority Caucus has raised alarm over what they describe as a brazen attempt by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to intimidate Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, following his explosive allegations about suspicious flights at Kotoka International Airport. Apexnewsgh reports The political tension reached new heights on Wednesday when NIB operatives attempted to arrest the outspoken lawmaker at his Accra residence, a move Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin characterized as “a crude intimidation tactic meant to silence parliamentary oversight.” Addressing journalists after foiling the arrest attempt, an visibly angry Afenyo-Markin declared: “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our colleague and will not tolerate this blatant harassment of an MP simply for performing his constitutional duty of demanding accountability.” The confrontation stems from Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s recent claims that two mysterious aircraft landed at KIA carrying suspected narcotics and large sums of cash – allegations that have triggered widespread public debate and demands for investigation. The Minority Leader accused the Akufo-Addo administration of weaponizing state security agencies against opposition MPs, stating: “This isn’t about national security – it’s a desperate attempt to cover up the truth and punish those daring to ask tough questions.” Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Minority remains committed to proper parliamentary procedures in investigating the flight allegations, while warning against any further harassment of their members. The Minority Leader called on Ghanaians to “remain watchful” as the situation develops, stressing that “the fight for transparency and justice requires collective vigilance from all citizens.” As the standoff continues, political analysts warn this latest development could further escalate tensions between government and opposition MPs, with potential implications for parliamentary proceedings and public trust in state institutions. Security sources maintain they were acting on legitimate concerns, while civil society groups are demanding immediate clarification from the NIB about the botched arrest operation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region’s Airport Project Hindered by Stephen Yakubu’s Actions– Gabriel Agambila
Mr. Gabriel Agambila, leader of the Alagumgube an international recognized Association, reminisced about his group’s determined efforts to construct an airport in the Upper East Region. Apexnewsgh.com His experience with the former Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, illustrates both the challenges faced during the NPP administration. Narrating his experience with the former Regional Minister, He said, the initiative began with a respectful request. Mr. Agambila and his group sought permission from Minister Yakubu to organize a “durbar,” a gathering aimed at rallying support for their vision at the airport site. Understanding the minister’s stature as the “father of the region,” they approached him with hope. However, Minister Yakubu’s response was a setback. He declined their request, instructing them not to hold the event at the airport site due to its sensitivity. Yet, undeterred by the minister’s directive, Mr. Agambila and his team decided to forge ahead. They organized the “durbar,” which remarkably drew a massive crowd, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm and support for the airport project. The turnout did not go unnoticed. Minister Yakubu, gauging the overwhelming attendance, hurriedly departed from a program at CK Tedam University in Navrongo and made his way to the airport site. Seeing the sizeable gathering and feeling the pressure of public perception, he insisted on being included in the program. Respecting his position as the head of the region, the group graciously afforded him a speaking slot. Despite the minister’s eventual appearance, Agambila was left feeling disappointed by the lack of substantial support from the former administration. He contrasted this experience sharply with their current interactions, noting that the present administration seems more cooperative in helping realize their vision for the airport. However, when opportunity was offered former Minister Stephen Yakubu to give a speech, he said: “Am very glad that now, I will not be fighting for the airport alone, I will be fighting it with all these people behind me and am very pleased. Now, I know that the chiefs and the people of Upper East are all behind me, I know that NPP, NDC, CPP and those who don’t even belong to any party are behind me. So, let us fight together, let us bring airport to Upper East because we also deserve to also drive for few kilometers to come here and also take a plane to Accra or anywhere else”. Meanwhile, following the current development, Mr. Agambila believes if the former administration had giving them the opportunity what happened yesterday during the visit of the Ghana Airport Authority CEO would have done years ago. “What we did yesterday would have been done 2 years. Because the same group went to the site, we organized a durbar and even when we wanted to organize the durbar, the then Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu told us not to go to the site, but we still went to the site to organize our durbar and all the chiefs came, they gave us their support. Then, the regional minister was at CK. Tedam University for a programme, but he had to abandon that programme and rushed to the airport site because he had the crowd was so massive and they told him that if he didn’t appear there, it would look bad for the then NPP government. When he came, he insisted we put him on the programme. Though he was not part of the programme once he was the head of the region, we gave him a slot and he spoke. After that, we thought that since he came to the durbar and saw what happened he would be on our side. We visited him in RCC and told him, we wanted to go back to the site and start clearing and again, he told us not to go to the site because it was so sensitive, and we left it. So, if we had done it, by now we should have an airport”. “And this time around, we just decided that we are not going to fold our hands to wait for the government to do it. We are going to bring something to the table and that is why we decided to do what we did and thank God the country and nation are currently behind us. And whatever it will take for the president to make it happen; I believe in the shortest time we will have an airport in the region”. Mr. Agambila stressed Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Galamsey Fight Must Be Lifelong Commitment, Not Short-Term Campaign – Gov’t Spokesman
The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has called for a fundamental shift in how Ghana approaches its battle against illegal mining (galamsey), stressing that the fight requires sustained, unending commitment rather than time-bound campaigns. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face program on Tuesday, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the notion of setting rigid deadlines to eradicate galamsey, arguing that illegal mining will always resurface if vigilance wavers. “The conversation shouldn’t be about timelines. Combating galamsey must be a continuous, lifelong responsibility of the state,” he asserted. “We must accept that there will always be those who try to exploit our resources illegally—our duty is to stop them every single time.” His remarks come amid growing public frustration over the persistent destruction of water bodies, forests, and farmlands by illegal miners, despite numerous government interventions. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged that Ghanaians are tired of empty assurances and want visible, decisive enforcement. “What matters is that people see real action—whenever someone engages in galamsey, they must face immediate consequences. That’s the commitment the public expects, not unrealistic pledges like, ‘We’ll end it in two months,’” he emphasized. He stressed that only consistent enforcement, stronger monitoring, and community involvement can gradually reduce the menace. While the government has deployed military task forces and high-tech monitoring systems, Kwakye Ofosu’s comments suggest a shift toward sustained policy rather than temporary crackdowns. Civil society groups, however, remain skeptical, demanding more transparency in anti-galamsey operations and stiffer penalties for offenders, including public officials involved in the trade. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Digital Payments Struggle in Ghana: Only 37% of Businesses Embrace Cashless Transactions
A new report has revealed that just 37% of Ghanaian businesses currently accept or use digital payments, with the agricultural sector showing the lowest adoption rate. Apexnewsgh reports The findings come from the Adoption of Digital Financial Services by Business Firms in Ghana report, jointly released by Retail Finance Distribution (ReFinD) and the Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), with support from the Ghana Statistical Service. The report highlights a stark urban-rural divide, with digital payment usage concentrated in Greater Accra and regional capitals, while smaller towns and rural areas lag behind. Interestingly, businesses managed by women showed higher revenue growth and greater adoption of merchant accounts, suggesting that female leadership may drive digital financial inclusion. Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER, noted: “Adoption remains low due to business environment uncertainty, costs, taxation, and other constraints. However, digital financial inclusion remains one of the best ways to bring the unbanked into the formal financial system.” Kwame Oppong, Director of Fintech & Innovation at the Bank of Ghana, emphasized the report’s importance in shaping policy: “Despite progress, financial inclusion gaps persist, especially in gender and digital access. This research will help refine our strategies to make financial inclusion more effective.” With Ghana pushing toward a cash-lite economy, these findings highlight the urgent need for policy reforms, private-sector collaboration, and public awareness campaigns to accelerate digital payment adoption—particularly in underserved sectors like agriculture. Will Ghana overcome these hurdles and achieve full digital financial inclusion? Stakeholders are now under pressure to act swiftly. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CDM Sounds Alarm Over U.S. Tariffs, Calls for Urgent National Response to Protect Ghanaian Jobs
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has issued an urgent appeal for a coordinated national strategy following the United States’ sudden imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports, a move that threatens to cripple key sectors of the economy. Apexnewsgh reports In a fiery statement released Wednesday, the pro-democracy group warned that the new trade barrier could devastate Ghana’s cocoa farmers, textile industry workers, and small businesses already struggling with economic challenges. “This isn’t just about trade numbers – we’re talking about the survival of thousands of Ghanaian families,” the CDM declared, framing the tariffs as a direct assault on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. The group projected severe consequences including mass layoffs and dangerous foreign exchange shortages if the situation remains unresolved. The controversial tariffs, reportedly implemented in response to Ghana’s 17% average tariff on U.S. imports, have raised eyebrows regarding their compliance with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The preferential trade agreement has historically allowed Ghana duty-free access to the lucrative American market. The CDM has challenged the legal basis of the U.S. action, demanding clarity on whether Washington has formally withdrawn AGOA privileges through proper congressional channels. “This blanket tariff appears to violate the fundamental spirit of our trade agreement unless proper revocation procedures were followed,” the statement noted. “This demands more than bureaucratic responses – we need strategic, decisive action to defend Ghanaian jobs and businesses,” the CDM emphasized, calling for an emergency meeting of trade experts, business leaders and government officials. As tensions escalate in this brewing trade dispute, all eyes turn to the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Affairs for Ghana’s next move. Economic analysts warn the tariffs could not only hurt export revenues but potentially trigger retaliatory measures if not resolved diplomatically. Business leaders and worker unions are expected to hold emergency meetings in coming days as the nation braces for the tariff’s impact. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
No Approval, No Contract! – Finance Minister Ato Forson Tightens Government Spending Controls
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has declared that no government contract will be valid without prior approval from the Ministry of Finance, effective April 3, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports The directive, announced during a high-level meeting with Chief Directors and senior officials from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), marks a major shift in Ghana’s public financial management. Dr. Forson issued a stern warning against unauthorised contract awards, stating, “You cannot award contracts without the express approval of the Ministry of Finance. No commencement certificate, no procurement.” He clarified that this is not just an administrative change but alegal requirement under the newly amended Public Financial Management Act, 2025. Violators will face serious consequences, as the Ministry of Finance will no longer tolerate fiscal indiscipline. The Finance Minister urged public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity in managing state resources, saying: “We are among the privileged few. We cannot continue to subject our people to hardship through poor governance and financial mismanagement.” He stressed that Ghana’s path to economic stability depends on strict adherence to budgetary rules, transparency, and responsible governance. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Auditor-General Launches Nationwide Payroll Audit to Scrutinize Government Payroll System
The Office of the Auditor-General has announced a comprehensive nationwide audit of all government payrolls, targeting ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and subvented organizations under the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD). Apexnewsgh reports In a letter dated March 28, 2025, Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu disclosed that the audit will cover payroll records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, and will include a physical headcount of all staff on the government payroll. The exercise aims to verify the legitimacy of employees on the government payroll, eliminate ghost names, and ensure proper utilization of public funds. The Auditor-General’s office has called for full cooperation from all institutions, urging them to grant auditors unrestricted access to financial records, books, electronic documents, and other relevant payroll data. The letter cited Article 187(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 11(2) of the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), which empower the Auditor-General to demand such access for effective auditing. All ministries and affiliated agencies have been instructed to prepare for the audit and ensure that their payroll records are readily available. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline and curb irregularities in public sector wage administration. This audit follows previous exercises that uncovered discrepancies in government payrolls, including payments to non-existent workers. The Auditor-General’s office has emphasized the need for timely completion of the exercise to restore confidence in public financial management. With the audit set to commence soon, government institutions are expected to cooperate fully to facilitate a smooth process. The findings will be critical in shaping future payroll reforms and ensuring that Ghana’s public sector compensation system remains transparent and efficient. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Hosts 2025 Africa Land Forces Summit, Strengthening Continental Security Collaboration
The 2025 Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS) was officially opened yesterday at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra by Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, acting on behalf of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. Apexnewsgh reports The prestigious event, which follows a ceremonial Change of Guard at the Jubilee House, has drawn Army Chiefs and senior military officials from over 50 countries—including 40 African nations—to deliberate on pressing security challenges such as violent extremism, terrorism, and cyber warfare. The Africa Land Forces Summit serves as a crucial forum for enhancing military cooperation, operational effectiveness, and intelligence-sharing among armed forces across the continent. With security threats becoming increasingly complex, the summit aims to strengthen both regional and global peacekeeping frameworks through joint strategies and partnerships. U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Evelyn Palmer, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the U.S. government, reiterating America’s unwavering support for African-led security initiatives. “The United States remains committed to deepening military cooperation with our African partners to combat emerging threats,” she stated. The U.S. has played a pivotal role in organizing the summit, providing critical logistical and technical support. The event has brought together an impressive gathering of defence and diplomatic leaders, including: Members of the Diplomatic Corps Ghana’s Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong Service Chiefs of the Ghana Armed Forces Commanding Generals and senior officers from the U.S. Southern European Task Force – Africa (SETAF-AF) Military representatives from Africa, the U.S., and Europe Gallant warrant officers and soldiers Defence industry experts and academics The hosting of this year’s summit underscores Ghana’s expanding influence in fostering continental security and international military cooperation. As discussions progress, participants are expected to develop actionable strategies to counter terrorism, enhance cyber defence, and improve intelligence-sharing mechanisms. With the eyes of Africa’s defence community on Accra, the 2025 ALFS reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to a safer and more secure continent—one built on collaboration, innovation, and shared resolve. Source: Apexnewsgh.com