Disqualified Akwatia Candidate David Ankomah Fights Back, Challenges EC’s Decision in Court
David Ankomah, the disqualified parliamentary hopeful for the Action People’s Party (APP) in the upcoming Akwatia by-election, has rejected claims that he failed to meet his tax obligations, branding the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision as unfair and unjustified. Ankomah’s response comes in the wake of a lawsuit he has filed at the Accra High Court, seeking to halt the by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025. Speaking in an exclusive interview on Citi FM/Channel One TV’s Akwatia Watch on Tuesday, August 26, Ankomah maintained that he has always fulfilled his tax responsibilities and submitted the necessary documentation to the EC during his registration process. “We have completed balloting, and the EC has agreed that I am a candidate. I followed all the due process and qualified. After printing the ballot papers, EC reached out to me to present my tax clearance certificate. Meanwhile, while I was registering to contest the elections, I made it known to the commission that I pay direct tax. Taxes are deducted even before I receive my monthly earnings. The EC accepted my documents. Then I had not gone for my Tax Clearance Certificate from GRA, but I presented my payslip to the commission as proof that I pay tax,” he explained. Ankomah argued that the EC’s reversal of his candidacy after the ballot process was arbitrary and unfair. He insists his payslip served as adequate evidence of tax compliance at the time of registration. The Akwatia by-election was necessitated by the recent passing of Member of Parliament Ernest Kumi. Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) have ramped up their campaigns—NPP aiming to maintain its hold on the constituency, while the NDC seeks to swing it in its favour. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
COCOBOD Boss Dr. Randy Abbey Sues Abronye DC for GHS 20 Million Over Defamation Claims
Acting Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD and renowned broadcaster, Dr. Randy Abbey, has filed a defamation lawsuit against outspoken politician and NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC. The suit, lodged on August 26, 2025, seeks GHS 20 million in damages for what Dr. Abbey describes as false, malicious, and defamatory remarks made by Abronye during a public broadcast and widely circulated on social media. According to court documents, Abronye accused Dr. Abbey of abusing public resources and engaging in corrupt activities during his tenure at COCOBOD. Among the claims, Abronye alleged that Dr. Abbey used multiple state-owned Land Cruisers to transport a personal chair from Accra to cocoa farms, refusing to use chairs provided by farmers. He further accused Dr. Abbey of manipulating internal appointments to facilitate the embezzlement of public funds. Filed by COCOBOD’s Legal Department, the lawsuit contends that these statements have severely damaged Dr. Abbey’s reputation, exposing him to public ridicule and contempt. The suit seeks: – A declaration that Abronye’s statements are defamatory – A full retraction and unqualified apology published on all platforms – Removal of all defamatory content from the internet – General, punitive, and compensatory damages totaling GHS 20 million – A perpetual injunction against further defamatory publications – Legal costs and further relief as the court deems fit Dr. Abbey maintains that the allegations are entirely false and calculated to tarnish his hard-earned professional reputation. His legal team stresses the need for truth and accountability in public discourse, especially regarding individuals in positions of public trust. As of now, Abronye has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit. This case follows a similar defamation action in July by Hugh Clement A. Brown, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Forestry Commission, who is also seeking GHS 20 million in damages against Abronye DC, the NPP Bono Regional Chairman. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Pantang Hospital Director Calls for Special Mental Health Levy and New Facility
The Director of Pantang Hospital, Dr. Yenusuom Maalug, is advocating for the introduction of a dedicated mental health levy in Ghana, citing chronic underfunding as a major obstacle to providing quality care. In an interview, Dr. Maalug emphasized the urgent need for sustainable financial support to strengthen mental health services nationwide. He argued that a special levy would help cushion Pantang Hospital—Ghana’s flagship psychiatric institution—and ensure better treatment for those battling mental health conditions. Dr. Maalug also appealed to the government to include certain aspects of mental health care under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), pointing out that the high cost of psychiatric drugs often forces patients to forgo treatment, leading to relapse and worsening health outcomes. As Pantang Hospital celebrates its 50th anniversary, Dr. Maalug called on the public, corporate bodies, and stakeholders to rally behind the facility, describing mental health as a collective responsibility. In a direct message to President John Dramani Mahama, he proposed the construction of a new, modern Pantang Hospital as a lasting legacy project. Such an initiative, Dr. Maalug said, would not only upgrade infrastructure but also signal a strong national commitment to addressing Ghana’s escalating mental health needs. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Opens Registration for New Delegates Ahead of 2026 Presidential Primary
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially commenced registration for additional delegates ahead of its highly anticipated presidential primary, set for Saturday, January 31, 2026. In a statement released by William Yamoah, Secretary of the Presidential Elections Committee, the party explained that the move follows a resolution adopted at the National Annual Delegates Conference held on July 19, 2025, in Accra. The updated voter register—popularly referred to as the “album”—now includes a broader array of eligible voters. Among those newly added are former regional and constituency executives, members of the Council of Elders and Patrons, former Members of Parliament, ex-ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), TESCON leaders, and both current and former external branch executives. Qualified individuals have been directed to register at their respective regional, constituency, or external branch offices. An online registration portal will also be provided, especially for party members in the diaspora. The deadline for completing the registration process is Friday, September 19, 2025. The party stressed that only those who meet the specified criteria will be eligible to register and cast their votes. A thorough verification and validation exercise will be conducted by the Presidential Elections Committee to guarantee the integrity of the voter list. According to the NPP, this initiative underscores the party’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness in its internal democratic procedures.
President Mahama Woos Global Investors at Africa–Singapore Forum
President John Dramani Mahama has sent a clear message to the world: Ghana is ready for business, day and night. Addressing government leaders and business executives at the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum on Tuesday, August 26, President Mahama outlined his administration’s ambitious economic strategy, emphasizing productivity, exports, and job creation. “Our economic strategy is anchored in productivity, exports, and jobs. We call it the 24-hour economy for a reason. Ghana is open for business 24 hours a day,” President Mahama declared, assuring international investors of Ghana’s commitment to providing a business-friendly environment round the clock. He detailed government initiatives to back this vision, including investment in infrastructure, attractive incentives, and robust skills training for businesses eager to operate beyond traditional hours. From factories and farms to sports facilities and service centres, Mahama said, the government is laying the groundwork for a truly nonstop economy. At the heart of this strategy is the Volta Economic Corridor, described as Ghana’s most ambitious development plan yet. The Corridor is built on four pillars: irrigating over two million hectares for year-round farming; establishing agro-industrial parks for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing; boosting tourism and hospitality along Lake Volta; and transforming the lake into a transport spine to cut logistics costs and connect producers to markets. President Mahama highlighted ongoing flagship projects supporting these pillars, such as the Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park, the Kumasi Machinery and Technology Park, the Akosombo and Juapong Garments and Textiles Park, Digital TVET Centres of Excellence, and the development of Renewable Corridors. With these initiatives, Mahama reaffirmed that Ghana’s doors are open to global investors—24 hours a day, seven days a week. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
12,000 Strong: YEA Graduates Second Batch of Community Police Assistants
The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Mr. Malik Basintale, is set to preside over the graduation ceremony for the second batch of Community Police Assistants today, marking a significant milestone in the agency’s ongoing initiative to empower youth and strengthen public safety. With this latest cohort, the total number of recruits under the Community Police Assistant programme has reached 12,000 nationwide. The programme, a collaborative effort between YEA and the Ghana Police Service, is designed to bolster law enforcement capacity while creating valuable employment opportunities for young people across the country. As part of the government’s broader strategy to address youth unemployment, the initiative also aims to enhance community policing and further public safety objectives nationwide. Officials indicate that the freshly graduated recruits will soon be posted to communities throughout Ghana, where they will assist the police by increasing visibility, participating in patrols, and engaging with residents to foster a safer environment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NLA Rolls Out Sticker System to Clean Up Ghana’s Lottery Industry
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has announced a bold new plan to tighten regulation of Ghana’s lottery industry. This move is part of a sweeping set of reforms designed to boost revenue generation and enhance efficiency within the sector. At the heart of the new measures is the introduction of a sticker system aimed at identifying licensed lottery ticket sellers. Beginning September 1, all authorised operators must enroll in the system, which will make it easier to distinguish legitimate sellers from unlicensed operators. Mr. Abdul-Salam emphasized the importance of this crackdown on unlicensed sellers, describing it as vital to sanitizing the industry and ensuring that lottery revenue is properly directed into government coffers. “The sticker system will provide transparency and accountability in the lottery space. This reform will not only protect the integrity of the industry but also ensure that revenues are properly accounted for and used for national development,” he stated. The NLA is urging all stakeholders—including lottery writers and private collaborators—to cooperate fully to ensure the success of these reforms. The Authority believes that with strong collaboration, it can effectively regulate the sector and open up new streams of revenue. Confident in the impact of the new system, the NLA expects these measures to significantly increase revenue generation and position itself as a key contributor to Ghana’s economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Pedestrian Peril: Accra Road Traffic Deaths Soar by 34% in 2024, Report Reveals
Road traffic fatalities in Accra surged by a staggering 34 percent in 2024, with pedestrians bearing the brunt of the tragedy, according to the latest Accra Road Safety Report. The report, officially launched at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) national partners’ meeting on Monday, highlights growing concerns about the safety of the capital’s roads. The findings reveal that pedestrians alone accounted for more than half of all road deaths last year. When combined with motorcyclists and cyclists, these vulnerable road users represented a striking 86 percent of all fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions. Several high-risk crash hotspots were identified, including the Kwashieman intersection (N1), North Dzorwulu intersection (N1), Flat Top junction (N1), Abeka junction, and ABii National junction on J.A. Kufuor Avenue. The report also noted that nearly half of all fatal crashes happened on weekends, with most occurring between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. In a speech read by the Coordinating Director of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr. Douglas N.K. Annoful, on behalf of the Mayor of Accra, Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the statistics were described as “alarming.” The Mayor pledged stronger interventions, emphasizing the AMA’s commitment to pedestrian safety. “These overwhelming numbers must stir us to double our efforts in various interventions. The AMA prioritises pedestrian safety, hence the reintroduction of the ‘red line policy’ to clear pavements of hawkers and safeguard the pedestrian,” he said. Clearing walkways, the Mayor stressed, is not only a matter of safety but also equity, noting that effective leadership sometimes requires “difficult but necessary decisions” to protect lives. Despite the worrying rise in fatalities, the report offered a glimmer of hope. Speeding among drivers—a leading cause of accidents—declined from 49 percent in March 2024 to 44 percent in September 2024, thanks to enhanced enforcement and public awareness campaigns. Looking ahead, the AMA says it will intensify road safety efforts and continue working with partners to drive down fatalities in the years to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Double-Track Debate: Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s Office Rebuts Claims of Lowered Education Quality
The office of Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister of Education, has strongly refuted assertions by current Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu that the double-track system negatively impacted education quality in Ghana. Responding to the remarks made by Mr. Iddrisu at a media briefing in Accra on August 21, 2025, Dr. Adutwum’s spokesperson, Yaw Opoku Mensah, described the Minister’s claims as misleading and contradicted by data. During the briefing, Mr. Iddrisu had argued that the double-track policy reduced contact hours and compromised academic standards, announcing the formation of an 11-member committee to oversee its phase-out. Opoku Mensah, however, offered a different perspective. He explained that the double-track system, introduced in 2018 alongside the Free SHS policy, was a necessary emergency intervention to accommodate an unprecedented surge in student enrollment. Prior to its introduction, senior high schools had capacity for only 277,537 students—falling short by nearly 182,000 students against the expected 472,730. “The system prevented widespread exclusion, averting about 11.5 percent of students in the Northern sector and 35 percent in the Southern sector who would otherwise have missed out due to lack of space,” he said. Contrary to claims of compromised quality, Opoku Mensah stressed that the double-track system actually expanded access to top Category A schools for students from underprivileged backgrounds and increased annual contact hours from 1,080 to 1,134, while maintaining a 180-day instructional calendar. He highlighted that academic performance improved under the policy: WAEC records show over 60 percent of graduates gained admission to tertiary institutions during the double-track period. Additionally, Ghana produced the best WAEC candidates in West Africa for four consecutive years. He further noted that the double-track system was phased out in 2021, making way for the current transitional calendar. Opoku Mensah urged government officials to ground public discourse in facts rather than politicizing education policy interventions that expanded access and improved outcomes. Background The double-track and Free SHS policies were introduced in 2018 under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, with Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Education Minister. Dr. Adutwum later managed the policy until its phase-out. The initiative aimed to expand access to senior high school education while addressing critical infrastructure deficits. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Ministry of Defence Launches an Investigation Board into the Z-9 Helicopter Crash
In the wake of the recent Z-9 helicopter crash, the Ministry of Defence has taken decisive action by establishing an official investigation board to determine the causes of the incident. The newly established board, chaired by the National Security Coordinator, brings together a team of experts from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. To bolster its capacity, the board will also benefit from the advisory support of U.S. Air Force investigators, who will provide technical expertise and assistance throughout the process. The Ministry has stated that the board retains the authority to invite additional experts and institutions, both from within Ghana and abroad, should their input be required during the course of the inquiry. On the day of the crash, August 6, 2025, a preliminary investigation team was swiftly deployed to the scene to gather vital evidence. This team is expected to deliver its findings to the newly formed board by August 25, 2025, paving the way for a comprehensive review. The investigation board has been given a 30-day mandate to complete its work and present its conclusions. In a statement signed by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Acting Minister for Defence, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation, vowing to leave no stone unturned in the quest for answers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com