NPP Protests EOCO’s Detention of Former NAFCO CEO
Security has been intensified at the premises of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra ahead of a planned protest by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Minority caucus. The protest is in response to the continued detention of former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hannan, despite him reportedly meeting his GH¢60 million bail conditions. On Thursday, July 3, a group of NPP supporters gathered at EOCO’s premises to demand Hannan’s release. The protest is expected to escalate on Monday, July 7, as more party members, including NPP Members of Parliament and executives, plan to converge at EOCO in a mass action. NPP National Youth Organizer Salam Mustapha confirmed the planned protest, stating that growing frustration among supporters had made a large-scale protest inevitable. In anticipation of the demonstration, police have reinforced security and mounted barricades to prevent protesters from gaining access to the EOCO premises. The party maintains that Hannan’s continued detention despite satisfying his bail conditions is unjust and demands a response from the authorities. Background Abdul-Wahab Hannan was arrested along with his wife on June 25 in connection with alleged financial crimes. While his wife has since been granted bail set at GH¢30 million, Hannan remains in custody. The NPP is standing in solidarity with Hannan, and the party’s protest is expected to draw attention to the matter. As of Monday morning, Hannan’s family is currently at the EOCO premises. The situation is tense, with security personnel on high alert. The outcome of the protest and the response from the authorities remain to be seen. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Nana Agradaa Ordered to Appear in Court
The High Court in Accra has directed prison authorities to produce Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, in court as she and three others face charges related to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Agradaa, currently serving a 15-year jail term for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence, was absent from the courtroom on Monday, July 7, 2025. The court had earlier heard arguments on a submission of no case filed by Agradaa’s legal team. However, the court ruled that the accused persons have a case to answer and must proceed to open their defence. The prosecution informed the court that Agradaa is in lawful custody at Nsawam Prison and requested a warrant for her to be brought to court whenever the case is called. Agradaa’s lawyer, Richard Adade Baffour, pleaded with the court to adjourn the ruling until she could be present. However, the court proceeded and ordered that the prison authorities ensure her presence in court for the next sitting. Nana Agradaa and three others — Enock Owusu Kissi, Charles Omane, and Emmanuel Kofi Gyasi — are facing charges for allegedly sharing nude images of a prophet, Emmanuel Appiah Fomum, without his consent. Agradaa faces four charges, including possession of obscene material and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, contrary to the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038). The judge has instructed that any witness statements be filed within two weeks, and a Case Management Conference (CMC) has been scheduled for July 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Agradaa and her co-accused are expected to appear in court on this date to open their defence. The charges against the accused persons are as follows: – Nana Agradaa: Possession of obscene material, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and other related charges. – Enock Owusu Kissi, Charles Omane, and Emmanuel Kofi Gyasi: Abetment of crime and conspiracy to commit a crime related to the unlawful sharing of intimate images. The case has been ongoing, and the court’s decision to order Agradaa’s appearance marks a significant development in the proceedings. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi Passes Away
The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025. Sources close to the family and party have confirmed the news, although the cause of death has not been officially disclosed. Mr. Kumi’s tenure in Parliament was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding his election in the December 2024 general elections. His victory was challenged by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in court, citing allegations of vote buying, irregularities, and electoral malpractices. The Koforidua High Court issued an interim injunction preventing Kumi from holding himself out as MP and participating in parliamentary activities. However, the Supreme Court later quashed the contempt conviction and barred the High Court judge from proceeding with any sentencing. The Supreme Court’s decision was based on a judicial review application filed by Kumi, arguing that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the election petition since the Electoral Commission had not published a gazette notification of the parliamentary results. The Supreme Court’s ruling effectively cleared Ernest Kumi of all legal encumbrances related to the case and affirmed his legitimacy as MP. Following the ruling, NPP communicator Kwame Owiredu stated, “As we speak now, Hon. Ernest Kumi remains the elected and valid MP for Akwatia. Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi is as free as a bird. He’s a free man, and he will continue his good works as an MP for the good people of Akwatia.” As of now, Parliament and the NPP leadership are yet to issue formal statements or announce funeral arrangements. The news of Mr. Kumi’s passing has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, and tributes are expected to pour in from colleagues and constituents. Background Mr. Kumi’s legal challenge included certiorari and prohibition applications, seeking to overturn the High Court’s ruling and prevent any further action by the judge. His legal team argued that the High Court had committed a jurisdictional error, breached natural justice, and demonstrated judicial bias. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant the application has been seen as a significant victory for Kumi and the NPP. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Ghana’s Mining Sector Witnesses Historic Milestone as Sir Sam Jonah Defends E&P’s Black Volta Gold Project Acquisition
Prominent Ghanaian business leader Sir Sam Jonah has come to the defense of Engineers & Planners’ (E&P) acquisition of the Black Volta Gold Project, dismissing claims of political favoritism. According to Sir Jonah, the $100 million deal is a merit-based and commercially viable transaction that showcases a long-overdue transformation in Ghana’s mining sector. Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the financing agreement between E&P and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Sir Jonah emphasized that the agreement is a legitimate business move, rather than a politically influenced arrangement. He described the moment as “historic” and a “turning point” in Ghana’s decades-long relationship with the mining industry. Sir Jonah praised the deal as the first large-scale, wholly Ghanaian-owned gold mine, calling it a symbol of what is possible when indigenous vision meets execution. He noted that the deal was signed in October 2023 “with no fanfare, no interference, and no backroom dealing,” further reinforcing the argument that the project’s success is grounded in “merit, backed by a strong balance sheet, and grounded in solid business fundamentals.” Sir Jonah, a longtime advocate for Ghanaian ownership of the mining value chain, praised Ibrahim Mahama, the founder of E&P, for his foresight and persistence. Recounting their first meeting in 1998, Sir Jonah revealed that he had advised Mahama to focus on hard rock mining, which he believed held more promise than alluvial gold mining. “You are living out my dream,” Sir Jonah said, commending Mahama for building a company that has earned the respect of the industry. Beyond celebrating the achievement, Sir Jonah used the occasion to push for policy reforms that favor local ownership and long-term national economic transformation. He emphasized that ownership and equity matter, and national pride demands that Ghanaians be at the heart of their mineral wealth. Drawing a comparison with South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) framework, Sir Jonah called on Ghana to create similar conditions for local entrepreneurs to thrive. Ending with a rallying call, Sir Jonah urged stakeholders to view the Black Volta Gold Project not as an isolated win but as a blueprint for national resource empowerment. “Let this be the dawn of a new era… from resource extraction for others to resource empowerment for ourselves,” he declared. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Constitution Review Committee Engages Citizens in Koforidua
The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) held its fourth zonal public engagement at the Capital View Hotel in Koforidua, Eastern Region, on July 3, 2025. The event drew a diverse group of participants, including the Eastern Regional Minister, traditional leaders, government officials, students, business owners, and civil society representatives. The forum was live-streamed to ensure broader public participation. Citizens expressed their views on various pressing issues, including: 1 Local Resource Governance: Calls for local participation in natural resource governance and benefit-sharing. 2 Election of MMDCEs: Debate over the election of Municipal and District Chief Executives, including associated reforms. 3 Term Extensions: Suggestions to extend the presidential and parliamentary term from four to five years or more. 4 Council of State Reform: Proposals to reform the Council of State to enhance its relevance and effectiveness. 5 Public Service Appointments: Concerns about recruitment and appointments in the public service and state-owned enterprises. 6 Monetization of Politics: Tackling the monetization of politics and elections. 7 Disability Rights: Legal and social protections for persons with disabilities. 8 Law Enforcement: Strengthening the enforcement of enacted laws. 9 Independence of Institutions: Safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, Electoral Commission, and other constitutional bodies. The CRC expressed gratitude for the overwhelming participation and insightful contributions from citizens in Koforidua. The committee’s next zonal public engagement will be held on July 11, 2025, at GNAT Hall in Ho, Volta Regional capital. Ghanaians are encouraged to submit written contributions to the ongoing constitutional review process via email at submissions@constitutionreviewgh.org. The CRC has announced the following schedule for its southern zonal engagements²: Ho: July 11, GNAT Hall Accra: July 15, venue to be confirmed Cape Coast: July 22, venue to be confirmed Takoradi: Date and venue to be confirmed The CRC reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive, participatory, and transparent review process that reflects the voices of all segments of Ghanaian society. “Be a citizen, not a spectator,” the Committee urged. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Oil and Gas Discoveries Spark Political Credit Claims
A heated political dispute has emerged over who deserves credit for Ghana’s recent declaration of commerciality for the Eban and Akoma oil and gas discoveries in the Cape Three Points area of the Western Region. The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako, insists that the achievements should be attributed to the Akufo-Addo administration. According to Adomako, the discoveries were made during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, with Akoma discovered in 2019 and Eban in 2021. The appraisal program for the two fields was approved in July 2022 by the same administration, which also recognized the commercial potential of the fields. “These are not new developments. The Eban and Akoma discoveries, as well as their appraisal, were the direct result of decisions taken by the Akufo-Addo government,” Adomako emphasized. The declaration of commerciality, announced on July 3, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector, paving the way for full field development and production. The Eban-1X well contains predominantly oil, while the Akoma-1X well yields gas and condensates, offering flexibility in future development options. As political actors scramble to claim credit, the issue has taken a partisan turn. Adomako argues that crediting the current administration with the success of these discoveries would be historically inaccurate and unfair. The Ministry of Energy has yet to respond to the competing claims. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Richard Kumodor Slams Culture of Lawlessness
Ghana’s political landscape is facing a severe crisis, with the country’s democracy hanging in the balance. Richard Kumodor, a prominent figure, has sounded the alarm, warning that Ghana is becoming a society that celebrates lawlessness. Speaking on ABC in the Morning, Kumodor lamented the state of the nation’s political and legal culture, declaring, “We have become a state that glorifies everything, including criminality and fraud.” This scathing critique comes on the heels of President Mahama’s call for swift accountability for electoral violence during the 2024 polls. Kumodor’s concerns are rooted in the lack of justice for past election-related wrongdoing, with cases lingering without resolution. He questioned the effectiveness of the justice system, asking, “From 2020 till now, what has happened? Where are the prosecutions?” Kumodor is urging Attorney General Dominic Akuritinga Ayine to provide updates on investigations, emphasizing the public’s right to clarity and closure. While President Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to justice, referencing the impact of the Vigilantism Act and promising compensation for victims, Kumodor insists that rhetoric alone is insufficient. To restore Ghana’s democracy, Kumodor advocates for urgent reforms and a shift in political will. “Until we stop glorifying impunity and fraud, Ghana’s democracy will remain under threat,” he warned. This sentiment echoes the concerns of many Ghanaians who desire a more accountable and responsive government. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
NPP Takes Legal Action to Block Ablekuma North Election Re-run
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has secured an interlocutory injunction to halt the Electoral Commission’s (EC) planned rerun of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency. The party’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, announced that the injunction aims to restrain the EC from proceeding with the rerun scheduled for July 11, 2025. According to Mustapha, the EC’s decision to rerun the election lacks merit and is unjust. He emphasized that the Electoral Commission doesn’t have the authority to unilaterally decide to rerun elections in selected polling stations, arguing that this could set a troubling precedent. “If we allow this, political parties could abuse the process by creating chaos wherever they are losing,” Mustapha stated. The EC’s decision to organize a partial rerun stems from disputes over the collation and authenticity of results from the December 7, 2024, general elections. However, the NPP maintains that the declared results in Ablekuma North were credible and followed the appropriate channels. The party sees the rerun directive as an unnecessary disruption to the democratic process. The controversy surrounding the Ablekuma North parliamentary election began after the NPP’s Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie was declared winner, narrowly defeating the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Ewurabena Aubynn by 414 votes. The NDC rejected the results, alleging electoral fraud, including falsification of pink sheets and collusion between some EC officials and NPP agents. The NPP’s legal action has brought the election re-run to a temporary halt, pending a court decision. The outcome will determine whether Nana Akua retains her seat or if Ewurabena Aubynn secures victory for the NDC. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Elon Musk Launches ‘The America Party’ Amid Feud with Donald Trump
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced the formation of a new political party, “The America Party,” following a dramatic fallout with his former ally, US President Donald Trump. Musk made the declaration on his social media platform X, accusing both major political parties of fostering corruption and fiscal irresponsibility. In his post, Musk stated, “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.” This move comes after Musk sharply criticized President Trump’s newly signed domestic policy bill, claiming it would balloon the national deficit.¹ The rift between Musk and Trump appeared to calm briefly last month after Musk deleted critical posts, but tensions reignited as the bill advanced through Congress. Trump officially signed it into law on Friday, prompting Musk to escalate his discontent into political action. Trump dismissed Musk’s new party as “ridiculous” and warned it would only create division, saying, “We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party… starting a third party just adds to confusion.” Despite the skepticism, Musk hinted that the America Party would field candidates in select House and Senate races during the upcoming midterm elections. However, legal filings with the Federal Election Commission are yet to confirm its formal registration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GPRTU and COPEC Urge Government to Set Timeline for GH¢1 Fuel Levy
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) are calling on the government to provide a clear timeline for the implementation and duration of the GH¢1 fuel levy set to take effect on July 16. Apexnewsgh reports While the GPRTU has dropped its initial resistance following stakeholder engagements, it insists that the levy must not become a permanent burden. Abass Imoro, Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, pleaded with the government to specify a timeline for the levy, whether it be six months, one year, or a specific date. “We also plead with those in authority to also make sure they come out with a timeline that we are taking this [fuel levy] for 6 months or for 1 year or whichever date they think it will sustain us up to,” he said. Imoro noted that the marginal drop in petrol prices and the slight increase in diesel for the first pricing window of July offer some relief. However, he warned that further hikes could force fare adjustments, emphasizing that drivers need to see tangible benefits from their work. “We are working and we will want to make sure we are making profit out of what we are doing. So when we get to a stage where we see no profit why not, we will start to make sure we also gain something out of what we are doing,” Imoro stated. COPEC is equally firm in its stance, with Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah demanding accountability and a fixed duration for the levy. “This new GH¢1 levy should not be treated as one of those old taxes that we have left on the price build-up forever,” he said. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies says its members are preparing for the rollout but cautioned that the impact on fuel prices remains uncertain due to market volatility. The government is under pressure to provide clarity on the fuel levy, and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a response. Source: Apexnewsgh,com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen