Albert Sore Declares Bid for Upper East Regional GJA Chairmanship
Albert Sore, the Upper East JoyNews Correspondent who doubles as the current Upper East Regional GJA Secretary, has officially announced his intention to contest for the position of Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). Apexnewsgh reports After careful consideration and encouragement from colleagues and members of the GJA in the region, Sore has filed his nomination documents and undergone vetting for the June 30, 2025, National and Regional Executive Elections. The current Regional Chairman, William N. Jalulah, is not seeking re-election due to his new role with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in Accra. Sore, who has served as Regional Secretary for the past three years, believes his experience and dedication make him an ideal candidate to lead the branch forward. Sore’s vision for the Upper East Regional Branch of the GJA is built on six key pillars: 1. Building on the gains made under Chairman Jalulah’s leadership to make the branch one of the most vibrant and visible in the country. 2. Establishing a Regional Secretariat for the GJA. 3. Building partnerships to enhance member capacity, especially for those with limited experience. 4. Initiating programs to increase the number of active and excelling female journalists in the region. 5. Creating a structured welfare system to support journalists in emergencies. 6. Significantly increasing GJA membership in the region. As Regional Secretary, Sore has played a key role in the success of the outgoing Regional Executive. He drafted proposals for funding the Regional GJA Awards and helped organize capacity-building training programs and public lectures. Under his leadership, GJA membership in the Upper East Region has grown from 16 active members in 2022 to nearly 50 active members presently. Sore thanked members and executives of the GJA in the Upper East Region for their support and pleaded for their continued backing in the upcoming elections. He promised to release a detailed policy document outlining his vision and plans for the region soon. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Addresses Concerns Over Fuel Levy
President John Dramani Mahama has moved to allay public fears following the passage of the Energy Sector (Amendment) Bill, 2025, assuring Ghanaians that the new levy will not lead to an immediate increase in fuel prices at the pump. Apexnewsgh reports Addressing the National Economic Dialogue Planning Committee at the Jubilee House, President Mahama explained that the stability of the Ghanaian Cedi and recent improvements in macroeconomic indicators would cushion the impact of the levy in the short term. The President emphasized that the levy forms part of a broader, urgent strategy to rescue the country’s struggling energy sector and ensure a consistent electricity supply. “Our energy sector is saddled with over US$3.1 billion in debt, and we require an additional US$1.8 billion to ensure a continuous fuel supply for thermal power generation in the coming months,” he noted. “If we fail to act decisively, we risk a collapse that would threaten national productivity and industrial progress.” President Mahama revealed that the estimated GH¢5.7 billion in revenue from the levy will be strictly allocated to settling longstanding energy sector debts, financing fuel procurement, and preventing future power shortages. To ensure accountability, the funds will be ring-fenced, independently audited, and excluded from the Consolidated Fund. Audit reports will also be made public to enhance transparency. The announcement has stirred mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some have applauded the initiative as a bold and necessary step to revamp the energy sector, others remain skeptical, fearing it could eventually translate into increased costs for consumers. Despite the varied responses, the President remains confident that the measure will help restore confidence in Ghana’s energy sector and lay the foundation for long-term economic stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/ Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Arsenal in Talks to Extend Thomas Partey’s Contract
Arsenal have confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to extend the contract of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, whose current deal expires on June 30, 2025. The update comes as the club prepares for a major squad reshuffle ahead of the 2025/26 season. Partey, who arrived at the Emirates in 2020 from Atlético Madrid, has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent months, with reported interest from clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia. However, his consistent performances last season appear to have convinced Arsenal to retain him. The 31-year-old enjoyed his most productive season yet in an Arsenal shirt, featuring in 52 matches across all competitions — his highest tally since joining the club — while registering four goals and three assists. In an official club statement, Arsenal provided clarity on the status of players whose contracts are set to run out next year, noting that discussions are ongoing with Partey and other players. “The following players’ contracts also expire on June 30, 2025. Discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course,” the statement read. The contract negotiations with Partey come as Arsenal prepares for a major squad reshuffle ahead of the 2025/26 season. The club is set to bid farewell to four senior players — Raheem Sterling, Kieran Tierney, Neto, and Jorginho — at the end of this month. With Partey’s potential extension, Arsenal fans will be hoping that the Ghanaian midfielder will continue to play a key role in the team’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Minority Leader Slams Biased Camera Coverage in Parliament
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has voiced strong concerns over what he described as biased and unprofessional camera coverage during parliamentary proceedings. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin expressed his displeasure after a cameraman allegedly zoomed in on him when he removed his shoe due to discomfort. According to Afenyo-Markin, the focus on his feet was unnecessary and appeared to be politically motivated. “I am happy the Clerk has just entered. The cameraman, when the Majority Leader was on his feet, was only focusing on him,” Afenyo-Markin pointed out. “If a cameraman would deliberately take shots when I’ve taken my leg out of my shoe… let your cameraman know that if they want to play politics with the camera, we will not take kindly to it.” Afenyo-Markin criticized the act as unprofessional and potentially partisan, stating that such targeted filming undermines the decorum expected in the chamber. He urged for fairness and balance in the coverage of parliamentary sessions, emphasizing that no Member of Parliament should be singled out for ridicule or political gain. “Nobody should take it personally. Nobody should hold a grudge for them. Tomorrow it will be you,” he said, cautioning fellow members about the broader implications of such behaviors in the House. Afenyo-Markin concluded by calling for strict adherence to professionalism by all media personnel covering Parliament, adding that the integrity of parliamentary proceedings must be safeguarded at all times. He warned that if the cameraman were doing partisan politics, then he must be cautioned to maintain the highest standards of journalism. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
COMAC Raises Concerns Over GH¢1 Fuel Levy
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has raised red flags over the government’s recently approved GH¢1 fuel levy, cautioning that it could push many downstream petroleum businesses toward insolvency and derail clean energy targets in the country. In a press release, COMAC expressed worry over the passage of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, which raises the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) by GH¢1 per litre. COMAC warned that the cumulative impact of rising taxes, limited margins, and increasing financial obligations threatens the sustainability of many Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketing Companies (LPGMCs) within the sector. A significant number of OMCs/LPGMCs are already burdened by debt, and further fiscal pressure could lead to widespread insolvency, job losses, and broader economic disruption. COMAC also criticized the inclusion of LPG under the revised ESSDRL, describing it as counterproductive to Ghana’s target of achieving 50% LPG penetration by 2030. The Chamber warned that rising LPG prices could force low-income households to revert to biomass fuels, undermining the government’s Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM), public health, and environmental sustainability goals. COMAC is demanding an immediate engagement with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and other relevant agencies to explore more balanced, evidence-based policy solutions. The Chamber urged the government to collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure that fiscal policy decisions reflect operational realities, protecting business survival, promoting energy equity, and advancing Ghana’s development agenda. Industry players are warning that without responsive policymaking, gains made in price stability and energy reforms may be at risk as a result of this levy. The increase in fuel prices could lead to a drop in demand, especially among smaller players, and undermine the government’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce poverty. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Switzerland’s Ambassador Urges Ghana to Diversify Economy
Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, has called for greater economic diversification in Ghana, urging the country to expand its trade and production capacity beyond traditional exports. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking to the media, Ambassador, Giger expressed her optimism about Ghana’s economic potential and encouraged the development of new sectors that could penetrate global markets. “In boosting the economy, I feel that Ghana’s economy and trade should be more diversified,” Ambassador Giger said. “I would be super happy if one day I could go to a Swiss market and buy clothes made in Ghana, handcrafts made in Ghana, or even chocolate made in Ghana.” She emphasized the importance of adding value to local products and expanding the presence of Ghanaian goods on international markets. Ambassador Giger also reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to environmental and climate cooperation with Ghana. “We will continue our cooperation in environmental and climate protection, and I hope other countries will see what we have done,” she noted. “We learn from our experiences, and I hope Ghana will get praise for the work it has done with the EPA in leading some climate initiatives.” Ghana and Switzerland have a long-standing bilateral relationship, particularly in areas such as trade, cocoa partnerships, and environmental cooperation. Ambassador Giger’s call for economic diversification highlights the potential for Ghana to explore new opportunities and strengthen its economic ties with Switzerland and other countries. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
NDC’s Vanderpuye Criticizes Minority MPs, Says they Protest Only to Reduce Fat Belly
The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has criticized Minority Members of Parliament (MPs) for marching to the Police Headquarters over the delay in the Ablekuma North election results. Vanderpuye described the protest as unnecessary and misdirected, suggesting it was more like a publicity stunt than a genuine attempt to resolve a constitutional issue. Speaking to media, Vanderpuye questioned the rationale behind petitioning the Inspector General of Police (IGP) rather than addressing concerns directly to the Electoral Commission (EC), which is constitutionally mandated to declare election results. “Your petition should go to the EC, not the IGP,” he said. “The IGP does not conduct elections, and they should know that. It is the EC that conducts elections, so why do you march to the police quarters? Their action is a misplaced priority.” Vanderpuye advised the Minority MPs to seek legal recourse or petition the EC directly if they believe the commission has reneged on its responsibility. “If they think the EC has reneged on its responsibility, they can go to court and, through the court, ask the EC to fulfil its mandate or petition the EC itself,” he added. Vanderpuye’s criticism of the Minority MPs’ protest highlights the importance of understanding the roles and responsibilities of different institutions in the electoral process. He likened the protest to an exercise routine, suggesting that the MPs were more focused on creating a public spectacle to gain sympathy than seeking a meaningful resolution. “I think it is a simple fact that some of them have developed bellies, and they want to exercise so that they reduce the fat around their bellies,” he stated. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Court of Appeal Acquits Yaw Asante Agyekum After 23 Years in Jail
The Court of Appeal has acquitted and discharged Yaw Asante Agyekum, who was wrongly sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2010 for conspiracy to commit murder. Apexnewsgh reports Agyekum had already spent 23 years in jail, serving 15 years of his sentence, before his conviction was not granted legal representation during his trial. The Court of Appeal has now set aside the sentence, citing the prosecution’s failure to provide sufficient evidence to warrant conviction and sentence. Agyekum was said to be a mechanic of notorious armed robber Atta Ayi, whose crew terrorized the streets of Accra in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Ataa Ayi and his crew were convicted of multiple counts of robbery, and Agyekum was also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. However, Agyekum’s lawyers argued on appeal that the prosecution failed to link their client to any of the crimes. The three-member panel of judges, led by Justice Aboagye Tanoh, Justice Stephen Oppong, and Justice Janapare Bartels Kodwo, agreed with Agyekum’s lawyers and set aside the conviction. The court noted that the prosecution failed to provide enough evidence to warrant conviction and sentence, and therefore, Agyekum’s conviction was unjustified. Agyekum’s acquittal and discharge bring an end to a long and arduous legal battle. Having spent 23 years in jail, Agyekum will now be freed, and his reputation will be restored. The court’s decision highlights the importance of ensuring that justice is served, and that individuals are not wrongly convicted and imprisoned. Source: Apexnewsgh.com