Chairman Wontumi Reports to EOCO Today Over Money Laundering….
Embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to report to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) today, June 4, as part of his bail conditions. Chairman Wontumi was released on bail on Monday, June 2, after spending days in custody following his arrest on May 27. The bail was set at GH₵50 million, with stringent conditions attached, including regular reporting to EOCO while investigations continue. Chairman Wontumi’s release comes after he was granted bail by the court, which also imposed other conditions to ensure his compliance with the investigation. Chairman Wontumi is currently being investigated for a range of serious offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. The investigation is ongoing, and EOCO is expected to gather more evidence and interview relevant witnesses to determine the extent of Chairman Wontumi’s involvement in the alleged crimes. As part of his bail conditions, Chairman Wontumi is required to report regularly to EOCO, which will likely provide an opportunity for the investigators to gather more information and clarify any discrepancies in the case. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether Chairman Wontumi will face charges or be cleared of any wrongdoing. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Interior Minister Defends Raid on Former BoG Governor’s Residence
Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has defended the controversial raid on the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, describing it as a lawful operation carried out under a valid court warrant. The raid, which took place on March 19, 2025, was conducted by a team of armed men led by Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat. The operatives, some of whom were masked and wielding AK-47 rifles, reportedly disabled the home’s CCTV system and demanded access to alleged “vaults.” However, Dr. Addison denied the existence of any vaults or large sums of cash in his residence. Despite this, the team ransacked the property, leaving with the CCTV monitor and control unit. No vaults or significant amounts of cash were discovered during the operation. Addressing Parliament on June 3, 2025, Minister Muntaka insisted that the operation followed due legal procedure. “Mr. Speaker, prior to the operation, an ex parte search warrant was duly filed before the High Court in Accra on March 12, 2025, and was obtained in accordance with established legal procedures,” he said. “The search was carried out in strict adherence to due process and in full compliance with the laws of the state. It was meticulously conducted in the presence of the former governor.” The incident has been widely criticized by elements within the opposition, with a former central bank official calling the episode “unprecedented and disturbing.” The criticism highlights concerns about the use of force and the potential for abuse of power in such operations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Energy Minister explains GH¢1 Fuel Levy, says is not enough
Energy Minister John Jinapor has explained that the recently introduced GH¢1 fuel levy is expected to generate between GH¢5 billion and GH¢6 billion to support the procurement of liquid fuel. However, he stressed that this amount will still fall short of what is needed to address Ghana’s mounting energy sector debt. Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Minister Jinapor justified the levy as a necessary intervention to ensure continuous fuel supply to power plants. “This amount, if you look at the object clearly, we talked about the debt that we have and how unsustainable the debt is,” he said. “But when you look at the real object, it is to help us first to procure liquid fuel, and within the veil of the liquid fuel, it will be about GH¢1.2 billion.” The Minister noted that even with revenue from the levy, the Finance Ministry would still have to step in to bridge the gap. “So, even with this GH¢1, the Finance Minister will still have to assist us in getting some additional money to buy liquid fuel,” he added. Addressing the debt issue, Mr. Jinapor said the government is actively renegotiating terms with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and developing a payment plan to stabilise the sector. “As for the debt, we are renegotiating with the IPPs, and having a payment plan with them so that we stop the bleeding, reduce the inefficiency, and turn the sector around,” he stated. Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainable Energy, Benjamin Nsiah, has raised concerns over the government’s newly approved GH¢1 fuel levy, describing it as regressive, uncreative, and detrimental to already strained consumers. He argued that the levy merely adds to a history of ineffective fiscal interventions that fail to resolve the sector’s structural inefficiencies. “This approach is not only tired but unfair,” Nsiah said. “We’ve seen this playbook before. It’s not about collecting more. It’s about managing what’s already collected.”
Ghana’s Inflation Rate Drops to 18.4% in May 2025
Ghana’s inflation rate has fallen sharply to 18.4% year-on-year in May 2025, down from 21.2% in April. This marks the lowest rate since February 2022 and extends the country’s disinflation trend into its fifth consecutive month. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) attributes the significant decline to reductions in transport fares and a marked slowdown in non-food inflation. Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, said the recent drop in fuel prices at the pumps, which influenced a nationwide adjustment in transport fares, played a major role in cooling inflationary pressures in May. While food inflation remains elevated, it continued to ease, and services and transport-related costs recorded the steepest drop, providing some relief to household budgets. However, regional disparities in inflation rates persist, with the Upper West Region posting the highest inflation rate at 38.1%, driven largely by higher food prices and transport costs. In contrast, the Ahafo Region recorded the lowest inflation rate at 14.5%. The latest inflation data is likely to bolster market confidence in the ongoing macroeconomic recovery and support the central bank’s monetary policy stance. The sustained easing in the pace of consumer price rises is a positive development for the economy, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if this trend continues. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Dismisses Speculations on Cedi-Dollar Exchange Rate
President John Mahama has shot down speculations that the Ghana cedi will trade at four to one US dollar. Speaking to Ghanaian exporters on trade and economic growth, President Mahama said, “Some say it’d come [down] to four [cedis to one dollar] but of course we know the true value of the cedi is not four.” He warned that if the cedi were to appreciate to four to a dollar, it would have a devastating impact on export businesses. “And if it went as far down as four, it’d kill all your export businesses,” President Mahama cautioned. The President revealed that he had met with the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, to discuss finding the true value of the cedi. According to President Mahama, the trio believes the real value of the cedi is between 10 and 12 to a dollar. “Luckily, the forex option has brought it to just above 10 and it appears to have stabilised there. So I think that going forward, anything between 10, 11, and 12, as a band where the cedi operates, will be a fair value, both to encourage our exports, but at the same time not make imports so cheap that importers will flood our markets with toothpicks, biscuits, and coconuts and all those kinds of things,” President Mahama underlined. The President assured the business community that his government would be prudent in managing the economy to provide a predictable environment for investments. “My government would prudently manage the economy so that you have a predictable environment in which you can make investments knowing that your return on investment would keep your businesses going,” he assured. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Mpox Outbreak in Western Region of Ghana: 19 Confirmed Cases Reported
The Western Region of Ghana is facing a concerning public health situation, with 19 confirmed cases of Mpox (Monkeypox) reported. According to Ms. Vida Nyarko, a public health nurse at the Effia Kwesimintim Municipal Health Directorate, the Effia Kwesimintim municipality currently accounts for 4 of these cases, with 17 additional samples awaiting investigation. Background of the Mpox Outbreak Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that has been reported in various parts of the world, including Africa, where it is considered endemic in some regions. The first cases of Mpox in Ghana were reported in 2022, with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirming several cases across different regions. Symptoms of Mpox Mpox symptoms can vary in severity and typically include: Rash or lesions Fever Swollen lymph nodes Headache and muscle aches Fatigue While there is no specific treatment for Mpox, supportive care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and proper wound care, can help prevent the spread of the virus. The Effia Kwesimintim Municipal Health Directorate, along with other health authorities, is actively investigating the outbreak and working to identify the source of the virus. Contact tracing and surveillance are also being conducted to monitor the situation and prevent further transmission. Ms. Nyarko emphasized the importance of practising good hygiene, avoiding excessive handshakes, and maintaining a healthy diet to boost the immune system. The public is advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. The health authorities are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the virus. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for the public to stay informed and follow the guidance of health authorities. Source: Apexnewsghcom/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Ghana’s Dr. Delese Mimi Darko Elected Director-General of African Medicines Agency
Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana, has been elected as the first-ever Director-General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). The historic election took place at the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties currently underway in Kigali, Rwanda. Dr. Darko’s election follows a highly competitive selection process that began in January 2025, attracting 149 applications from across the continent. Her emergence as the top candidate marks a significant milestone for Ghana and for the continent’s efforts to strengthen the regulation and oversight of medical products and health technologies. Her appointment has been widely celebrated in Ghana and across Africa. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudjeto-Ablakwa congratulated Dr. Darko and “Team Ghana” for what they described as an incredibly successful campaign. Special praise was also reserved for President John Dramani Mahama, who was commended for his strong leadership and unwavering support throughout the process. Dr. Darko is now set to relocate to Rwanda, where she will assume leadership of the AMA — a key African Union body tasked with harmonising medicine regulation across member states to ensure access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medical products. This appointment is a testament to Dr. Darko’s expertise and dedication to promoting public health and safety. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
OSP Withdraws Charges Against Owusu Andy Thomas
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has withdrawn all six charges of corruption and bribery against Owusu Andy Thomas, effectively clearing him of those allegations. Thomas was facing trial alongside Charles Bissue, former Secretary of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, over a total of 15 counts related to corruption and bribery. The charges stemmed from a 2019 investigative exposé by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which implicated several officials in alleged misconduct connected to illegal mining operations. However, the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra discharged Thomas from all six corruption-related charges after a plea bargain agreement was reached and accepted by the OSP. As part of the negotiated settlement, the Court ordered Thomas to pay GH¢200,000 as restitution and reparation to the Republic. This payment settles the remaining three charges, in accordance with Section 71(4) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). The resolution of the case against Thomas marks a significant development in the broader legal proceedings that followed the anti-galamsey exposé, which triggered public debate and calls for accountability within Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. The case involving his co-accused, Charles Bissue, remains pending.
Parliamentary Committee Meets with Amnesty International Ghana
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights has held a strategic meeting with Amnesty International Ghana to explore areas of collaboration and receive updates on key human rights-related legislative efforts. The meeting aimed to promote and protect human rights across various sectors in the country. Led by Country Manager Genevieve Partington, the Country Manager of Amnesty International Ghana, and its partners, provided a comprehensive briefing on their activities and advocacy initiatives. Discussions during the meeting centred on advancing a human rights-based approach to drug use and addressing the rights of vulnerable populations, particularly the poor. The committee received an update on the Witchcraft Bill, with concerns raised about the difficulties in accessing crucial information from the police. Another key highlight was the Community Sentencing Bill, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Interior. Although completed, the bill is yet to be laid before Parliament. Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Ernest Yaw Anim, praised Amnesty International Ghana for its continued commitment to human rights advocacy. He reaffirmed the committee’s willingness to work closely with Amnesty and engage other prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) in public education and the implementation of human rights initiatives. The meeting demonstrates the committee’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Minority MPs Stage Protest Over Delayed Election Results
The Minority in Parliament staged a protest march to the Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra to petition the Inspector-General of Police over the prolonged delay in the declaration of the parliamentary election results for the Ablekuma North constituency of the Greater Accra Region. Apexnewsgh reports Led by Minority Leader Osahene Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the MPs expressed deep frustration over the nearly six-month delay in announcing the outcome of the December 2024 elections in the constituency, leaving residents without parliamentary representation. In their petition, the Minority accused the police of failing to provide adequate security during the collation process, allowing political interference, vandalism, and threats against electoral officers to disrupt proceedings. They argued that despite court directives, the police have failed in their constitutional duty to safeguard the electoral process, contributing to the ongoing stalemate. “The inability of the Electoral Commission to declare the results is a direct consequence of the police’s failure to enforce the law and ensure order at the collation centre,” Afenyo-Markin said during the march. “The situation constitutes a constitutional crisis and a denial of the rights of the people of Ablekuma North,” the Minority Leader added. The Minority demanded immediate action from the police leadership to resolve the impasse and restore public confidence in the democratic process. They also called on the Ministry of the Interior to intervene and ensure that justice and accountability prevail. The protest highlights the growing concerns over the delayed election results and the need for swift action to address the situation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stepehen