Attorney General Warns Against Sponsored Online Attacks, Vows to Uphold Justice
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has issued a strong caution to individuals and groups allegedly paying bloggers and social media commentators to malign his office, declaring that such tactics will not sway his determination to deliver justice fairly and diligently. Speaking at the Accountability Press Series in Accra on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Dr. Ayine reaffirmed his office’s unwavering commitment to professionalism and transparency in all ongoing investigations and prosecutions. He stressed that the Office of the Attorney General (AG) operates strictly by due process, undeterred by external influences or shifting public opinion. “I want to make it clear that the orchestrated online ridicule and sponsored attacks will not work. The law will take its course, and justice will soon be served in all cases currently under investigation and prosecution,” Dr. Ayine asserted. Addressing criticism about his competence, Dr. Ayine dismissed such claims, pointing to his solid track record as a legal practitioner. “I have never been incompetent in my private practice, and I will not be incompetent in public service. I understand the law and the responsibilities that come with this office,” he stated. Dr. Ayine also acknowledged that many individuals under investigation have significant resources and access to top legal representation. As such, his office is meticulous in gathering all necessary documents and evidence before proceeding to court. He concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law, promising that anyone found culpable will face the full force of justice without fear or favor. The Attorney General’s remarks come amid heightened public scrutiny of the judiciary and increased calls for accountability in Ghana’s legal system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Attorney-General Alleges Ex-Buffer Stock CEO and Wife Acquired Lavish Properties with Proceeds of Crime
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has brought serious allegations against Alhaji Wahab Abdul-Hannan Aludiba, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company, and his wife, accusing them of unlawfully acquiring a string of high-value properties across Ghana between 2018 and 2024 using funds derived from criminal activities. Speaking at the Government Accountability series at Jubilee House, Dr. Ayine revealed that investigations uncovered a trail of misappropriated finances during Alhaji Aludiba’s tenure at the state-owned company, which were allegedly channelled into purchasing luxury homes, prime lands, and commercial real estate worth millions of dollars and Ghana cedis. Among the properties identified were: A five-bedroom house at Chain Homes, valued at US$1,625,000 A three-bedroom house at Cantonments, valued at US$600,000 Plots of land at the Airport Development Area, valued at US$750,000 A 17-bedroom boutique hotel at Gumani, Tamale, valued at US$250,000 A four-bedroom bungalow at Dzorwulu, Accra, valued at GHS4,142,451 0.32-acre government land purchase, valued at GHS307,200 The Attorney-General indicated that the funding sources for these acquisitions were traced directly to illicit financial dealings connected to the operations of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company during the period in question. Dr. Ayine further stated that legal proceedings are being launched to recover the properties and prosecute those involved, in accordance with Ghana’s Anti-Money Laundering Act and Public Property Protection laws. The revelations have sparked renewed debate on corruption and accountability in State-Owned Enterprises, with public calls for stronger oversight and increased transparency in the management of public resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Gold Board Opens Applications for New Jewellery and Refinery Licences
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially opened the window for applications for Jewellery and Fabrication Licences—spanning Categories A, B, and C—as well as Refinery Licences, starting Wednesday, October 22, 2025. This initiative, GoldBod explained, is a key step in its broader mission to formalise the downstream gold value-addition sector, bolster regulatory compliance, and foster sustainable growth in accordance with the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). Under the new legal framework, only individuals and businesses with valid GoldBod licences will be permitted to engage in gold trading, jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication, and gold refining in Ghana. The Board cautioned that operating without the proper licence is now a criminal offence punishable by law. “All existing licences issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for gold refining and fabrication are no longer valid under the current legal framework,” GoldBod clarified in its statement. In light of these changes, the Board has instructed all current jewellery manufacturers, fabricators, and refineries to regularise their operations by applying for the appropriate GoldBod licence before the firm deadline of December 31, 2025. Any entity found operating without a valid GoldBod licence after this date will face criminal sanctions. GoldBod has outlined four categories of licences: Jewellery & Fabrication Licence – Category A: For Ghanaian sole proprietor artisans and small-scale businesses fabricating jewellery and castings exclusively for local sale. Jewellery & Fabrication Licence – Category B: For fully Ghanaian-owned medium-sized companies fabricating for both local sale and export. Jewellery & Fabrication Licence – Category C: For large-scale companies, local or foreign, manufacturing jewellery and castings for local and international markets. Refinery Licence: For entities wishing to operate gold refineries in Ghana. Applications for all categories must be submitted exclusively online through the Board’s official website at www.goldbod.gov.ghOpens a new window. GoldBod’s move marks a new era for Ghana’s gold industry, aiming to ensure compliance, boost value addition, and protect the integrity of the precious metals sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Leader Slams Mahama Administration Over Delayed Submission of Flagship Programme Documents
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has taken the Mahama administration to task for failing to submit critical documents on its signature programmes to Parliament, months after their highly publicised launches. Addressing journalists at a press conference organised by parliamentary leadership on Wednesday, October 22, Mr. Afenyo-Markin voiced growing frustration over what he described as a worrying lack of transparency and accountability. According to the Minority Leader, despite the government unveiling several ambitious initiatives—including the 24-Hour Economy, Big Push, Feed Ghana, Committee on Youth Exports, National Apprenticeship Programme, and the One Million Coders programme—Parliament has yet to receive any of the official policy documents necessary for scrutiny. He noted that Parliament had already approved substantial budgetary allocations for these programmes, yet lawmakers remain in the dark about their operational details and implementation strategies. “The government has failed to furnish Parliament with programme documents for the flagship programmes it has launched. Since the swearing-in, Parliament has approved billions of cedis for various ministries ostensibly to execute these programmes. Sadly, to date, none of the documents have been presented to Parliament to enable us properly commence oversight,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin lamented. The Minority Leader stressed that the absence of these documents undermines Parliament’s essential oversight function and raises serious questions about the executive’s commitment to transparency. He added, “The 24-hour economy programme, the One Million Coders programme, the Agri-for-Economic Transformation initiative, the labour export programme, and the National Apprenticeship Programme, among others, have all not seen parliamentary scrutiny. These are projects funded with public resources approved by Parliament. Why Parliament is being kept in the dark can best be explained by the executive.” While acknowledging the potential benefits of the initiatives, Mr. Afenyo-Markin insisted that robust oversight is impossible without the relevant documentation. He concluded by reaffirming the Minority’s resolve to hold the government accountable: “We will not relent in our demand that the government make these flagship programmes available for scrutiny to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money. Oversight cannot happen when the basic programme documents are not laid before Parliament. It is imperative that the government demonstrates commitment and avails these documents for proper parliamentary oversight.” The call from the Minority Leader highlights growing concerns over transparency in the implementation of government programmes and Parliament’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Engages US and Canada on Visa Facilitation for Black Stars Fans Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has taken significant steps to ensure that Ghanaian football fans can support the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with greater ease. In a series of high-level meetings held in Accra, Mr. Ablakwa met separately with officials from the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to initiate discussions on visa facilitation for supporters traveling to the tournament. The engagements brought together representatives from Ghana’s key sports and foreign affairs institutions, including the Technical Advisor to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Miss Betty Krosbi Mensah; Ghana Football Association (GFA) President and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku; and senior directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports. The US delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian team. According to Mr. Ablakwa, the purpose of these meetings was to foster mutual understanding of expectations and requirements, improve coordination, and develop roadmaps for streamlined visa processes. “These engagements are about building practical frameworks that make it easier for Ghanaian fans to travel, celebrate, and support the Black Stars during the World Cup,” he noted. The discussions explored the possibility of special visa arrangements for football supporters and delegations—separate from the standard application process. The Minister also welcomed the recent reversal of US visa restrictions, which now allows for multiple-entry visas, enabling flexible travel between the tournament’s host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The meetings ended on a cordial note, with GFA President Kurt Okraku presenting Black Stars replica jerseys to US and Canadian officials as gestures of appreciation. Mr. Ablakwa revealed that similar discussions were scheduled with the Mexican Embassy, completing Ghana’s diplomatic outreach to all three host countries. This initiative underscores Ghana’s proactive diplomacy and commitment to ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for its fans and officials as preparations for the global football showpiece intensify. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GWCL Boss Raises Alarm Over Developer’s Encroachment on Pewe Treatment Plant
The Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Adam Mutawakilu, has sounded the alarm over a developer’s persistent encroachment on the intake area of the Pewe treatment plant. According to Mutawakilu, the developer’s construction activities have led to severe siltation, which is now threatening the plant’s capacity to produce clean water for the community. Despite repeated directives to cease work, the developer has pressed on, accelerating construction and causing further siltation and increased turbidity in the water. The consequences have been immediate and severe: the Pewe plant was forced to shut down for three days, leaving residents without water and resulting in significant revenue loss for GWCL. The encroachment not only hampers the current operations of the facility but also jeopardizes its future expansion. With increased turbidity, the plant faces operational challenges, and there is growing concern about potential damage to critical equipment. Faced with this growing crisis, Mutawakilu has appealed to National Security to step in and halt the developer’s activities. He emphasized that the situation goes beyond a local water supply issue, warning that it poses a broader threat to the country’s water security. GWCL is now awaiting action from National Security to reclaim the affected land. The company is also urging authorities to safeguard all water intake points to prevent similar incidents in the future. Mutawakilu underscored the urgency of the matter, stressing that GWCL cannot continue to operate under such conditions. He called for immediate support to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water to the people and to protect the integrity of the nation’s water resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Self-Styled Prophetess Jailed for Defrauding Victims Under Guise of Spiritual Guidance
Ama Salifu, a self-proclaimed prophetess, will spend the next five years behind bars after a Kumasi Circuit Court found her guilty of defrauding unsuspecting victims out of cash and valuables totaling GHS27,270. The sentence, handed down by Mrs. Gloria Mensah Bonsu, followed Salifu’s admission of guilt in deceiving two individuals through separate incidents in Abuakwa, Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality. The court heard how the 45-year-old first targeted Josephina Owusuaa near the Abuakwa SDA Junction. Introducing herself as a prophetess with a divine message, Salifu instructed Owusuaa to leave her bag—which contained GHS1,200 in cash and an iPhone XR worth GHS3,000, with a nearby trader while she was led away for a supposed “spiritual revelation.” When Owusuaa returned, Salifu and the bag had both vanished. In another instance, Salifu approached a 16-year-old girl at the Abuakwa Market, warning that the teenager’s mother was under spiritual attack and urgently needed deliverance. Spooked by the alarming prophecy, the girl handed over a bag with an iPhone 6s, money, and other personal items. Salifu disappeared once again, leaving the young victim empty-handed. The court was told that Salifu had made a habit of exploiting the faith and fear of her victims, pretending to offer spiritual guidance and deliverance while making off with their belongings. Her activities came to a halt on October 13, 2025, when police, acting on community tip-offs, arrested her at Abuakwa-Manhyia. Officers described her as a “confident trickster” who preyed on trust and vulnerability. Ama Salifu’s conviction on charges of defrauding by false pretence was met with a five-year prison sentence. The court emphasized that the punishment should serve as a warning to others who might attempt to exploit religious faith for personal gain. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Bars Executives, MPs from Endorsing Presidential Aspirants Before 2026 Primary
The Acting Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Smith Danquah Buttey, has announced a ban on all party executives and sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) from openly endorsing or campaigning for any of the presidential aspirants ahead of the party’s upcoming primary. Speaking on Pure FM monitored by Apexnewsgh, Chairman Buttey explained that the decision was reached after a high-level meeting between the party’s former leader, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the five presidential hopefuls vying to lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections. According to him, the directive aims to ensure fairness, discipline, and unity as the NPP prepares for its presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026. “NPP executives and sitting MPs have been banned from openly campaigning for any presidential aspirant ahead of the primaries,” Mr. Buttey stated, stressing that the move was one of the major outcomes of the former President’s engagement with the aspirants. He added that former President Akufo-Addo used the meeting to encourage all aspirants to conduct their campaigns with decorum, emphasising that mutual respect and adherence to party values are essential to preserving unity within the NPP. “Former President Akufo-Addo called on the aspirants to comport themselves ahead of the January 31 primaries,” Mr Buttey reiterated. The Acting Chairman further highlighted that maintaining peace, discipline, and cohesion during the campaign period is crucial to ensuring that the party emerges stronger and united after the primaries. He urged all members, executives, and MPs to strictly adhere to the directive and focus on mobilising support to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures as preparations intensify for the 2028 national elections. The NPP’s upcoming presidential primaries are expected to be closely contested, with five aspirants currently in the race to succeed Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the party’s presidential candidate. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Warns Schools Against Unauthorized PTA Levies
It was a busy morning at the Ghana Education Service (GES) headquarters when Daniel Feyi, the Head of Public Relations, sat down to sign an important statement. Reports had been pouring in, some schools across the country, especially second-cycle institutions, were collecting various fees from parents under the name of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) dues. These collections, it turned out, were not authorized. Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, the GES issued a strong warning to all schools: No school, whether basic or second-cycle, had been granted permission to collect PTA or development levies without official approval. The directive was clear, before any levy could be imposed, schools must seek approval through the right educational channels. For basic schools, this meant applying through the District Education Oversight Committee (DEOC) via the District Director of Education. For second-cycle schools, the Regional Director of Education was the authority to approach. But the GES went further. Even if approval was given, the Service emphasized that PTA payments were strictly voluntary. No student, the statement stressed, should ever be denied any service, right, or benefit at school for not paying such levies. To make the distinction even clearer, the GES instructed that no school head, teacher, or GES staff member should be involved in collecting PTA dues. That responsibility, they reminded everyone, belonged solely to the elected PTA executives, whose fundraising activities were separate from official school duties. Regional and District Directors received a special task: to keep watch over all schools, ensuring that the directive was followed. Any violation, the statement warned, would be met with swift disciplinary action. Through this cautionary tale, the GES reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in Ghana’s schools, protecting both parents and students from unauthorized financial demands and maintaining trust in the nation’s educational system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Cabinet Orders Restoration of Original Names for Ghana’s Public Universities
Mahama Ayariga, has announced that Cabinet has directed the restoration of the original names of all public universities that were renamed after individuals during the previous Akufo-Addo administration. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Bawku Central MP revealed that a bill will soon be introduced to formalise the reversal of these changes. “Mr. Speaker, there has been a Cabinet directive to change the names of all the universities that were renamed after individuals back to the original names they were given,” Mr. Ayariga stated. “A bill will be brought to this House to change and reverse all the name changes of the universities,” he added. The previous administration’s decision to rename several public universities and polytechnics in honour of notable national figures sparked considerable debate. Among the affected institutions were the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, renamed the George Grant University of Mines and Technology; Wa Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS), renamed the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies; Navrongo Campus of UDS, renamed the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences; and Ho Technical University, renamed Ephraim Amu Technical University. The renaming exercise was heavily criticised at the time by the then-opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which argued the move was politically motivated, favouring figures associated with a specific tradition. If enacted, the new directive will signal a significant policy reversal, aiming to depoliticise the identities of Ghana’s public universities and restore their original institutional heritage. The forthcoming bill is expected to spark nationwide discussion as it moves through Parliament in the coming weeks. Source: Apexnewsgh.com