Controversy Erupts Over Upper East Regional Airport Project as Alagumgube Association Cries Foul Over Betrayal
A simmering controversy has erupted over the much-anticipated Upper East Regional Airport project, with the region’s leading advocacy group, the Alagumgube Association, accusing the Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, of sidelining them at a critical stage of the project’s development. The dispute has cast a shadow over what many hoped would be a unifying milestone for the Upper East, threatening to undermine the hard-won cooperation between local communities, traditional leaders, and government agencies. At the heart of the storm is Mr. Gabriel Agambila, the founder of the Alagumgube Association. Since the inception of the airport agenda, Agambila and his group have been the driving force behind the project, mobilizing funds for land documentation, facilitating community engagement, and overseeing technical preparations. Their efforts have included everything from extending the proposed runway and repairing access roads to performing traditional rites when construction encroached upon a sacred grove. “We have gone far beyond advocacy,” Agambila said in a recent interview on Apexnewsgh’s ‘SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST.’ “We funded the extension of the runway, performed necessary rites, bought gravel for road repairs, and kept the community together.” However, Agambila now alleges that the Association has been unfairly excluded from the latest and most crucial stages of documentation. According to him, the Regional Minister orchestrated the signing of key documents in Accra without Alagumgube’s knowledge or consent. “I haven’t signed any document. Yet the documents are in Accra with all signatures. The landowners told me they signed, and I personally confirmed in the office of the CEO of the Ghana Airport Company that the documents had arrived,” Agambila recounted, his voice laced with frustration and disbelief. He claims that although his name appeared as a signatory, he never appended his signature to the final paperwork. The fallout has been immediate and intense. Chiefs and landowners, who have worked hand-in-hand with the Association for years, were reportedly so angered by the perceived betrayal that some threatened to withdraw their lands from the project. “I had to personally plead with them to keep faith in the process,” Agambila revealed. For him, the pain of exclusion is not just personal—it is communal. “It’s like an insult. We invested energy, money, and our reputation. Only to be treated as though we don’t matter.” Agambila’s personal sacrifices underscore the depth of his commitment. He gave up his job in the United States and spent nearly a year in Ghana, living among the communities, negotiating with landowners, and smoothing the sometimes-rough edges of local politics. “I confronted the Minister. He told me the documents were needed urgently. But who could have done it faster than someone who left his job and family abroad to fight for this project?” he asked, still incredulous at the turn of events. The Association’s exclusion, Agambila suspects, may be rooted in political maneuvering. According to him, the individual who submitted the documents on behalf of the region was introduced as a “party person,” suggesting that loyalty to political interests may have trumped years of grassroots engagement. “We are doing this for the region. Ministers come and go. This project outlives politics,” he insisted, reaffirming Alagumgube’s non-partisan stance. “Our advocacy is not for any party or individual. It is for the benefit of the whole Upper East.” Despite the setback, Agambila and the Alagumgube Association are not giving up. He disclosed that new investors have already shown interest in the airport project and are awaiting meetings with the Minister for Roads and the Ghana Airport Company to discuss the way forward. “We won’t relent. The region is fighting, and Alagumgube is fighting. If we secure the benefits, they are for the people, not for any individual,” he declared. The Association’s continued commitment has been welcomed by local stakeholders, many of whom see Alagumgube as the glue holding together the complex coalition of chiefs, landowners, business leaders, and residents who have championed the airport agenda for years. “Without Alagumgube, this project would not have come this far,” said one local chief, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They have been at the forefront, ensuring that everyone is consulted and every concern addressed.” As the controversy unfolds, residents across the Upper East are watching with a mixture of hope and apprehension. The airport is widely regarded as a potential game-changer for the region, promising improved connectivity, economic growth, and new opportunities for trade and tourism. However, there are fears that political disagreements and exclusionary tactics could derail the project at the last minute. “We need unity now more than ever,” said a community elder in Bolgatanga. “The airport is for all of us, not for a select few.” Observers say the dispute highlights the delicate balance between grassroots advocacy and political authority in major infrastructural projects. While government support is essential for securing funding and regulatory approval, the sustained involvement of local champions like the Alagumgube Association is often what ensures long-term success and community buy-in. For now, the future of the Upper East Regional Airport project hangs in the balance. Agambila remains optimistic but cautious, urging all parties to put aside personal and political interests for the greater good. “This is about the region’s future. Let us not lose sight of what brought us together in the first place,” he concluded. As negotiations continue and fresh investors prepare to engage with government agencies, the people of the Upper East region are left hoping that wisdom will prevail, and that the airport project, years in the making, will finally take flight without leaving its original champions behind. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Demands Legal Action Over Ministry of Transport’s GHS10 Million Overspend
The Minority in Parliament is demanding urgent legal action against officials of the Ministry of Transport following allegations of unauthorised spending of nearly GHS10 million above the ministry’s approved 2025 budget. According to the Minority caucus, Parliament sanctioned GHS83 million for the ministry’s capital expenditure, but reports indicate that the ministry exceeded this figure by approximately GHS10 million, a move the caucus says constitutes a breach of the Public Financial Management Act. During debate on the ministry’s 2026 budget allocation on December 2, 2025, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin insisted that those responsible must be held accountable. He described the overspend as a serious violation warranting immediate investigation and consequences. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Afenyo Markin questioned whether any officials had been referred to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, warning that the gravity of the breach could result in prosecutions. The Minority caucus is now calling for a thorough probe to ascertain how the excess funds were spent and why the ministry operated well beyond its authorised budget. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Putin hosts Trump negotiators at Kremlin for ‘constructive’ Ukraine talks
Russia’s Vladimir Putin hosted US negotiators at the Kremlin on Tuesday for five hours of talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov said the discussions – held behind closed doors with US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner – were “constructive” but “a lot of work lies ahead”. Hours earlier, Putin had said European demands over a US-Russia draft peace place were unacceptable, adding that “if Europe wants to fight with us, we are ready to do so”. The US envoys went to Moscow after similar talks with delegates from Kyiv in the last fortnight. Ukraine’s President Zelensky said he expected a briefing by the US team after the meeting. He said there was an opportunity to end the war “now more than ever” but that elements of the proposals still needed to be worked out. “Everything depends on today’s discussions,” Zelensky told a press conference in Dublin during an official visit to Ireland. Kyiv representatives have twice met US negotiators, including Witkoff, Kushner and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, since the 28-point peace plan was circulated in November. It sparked shock in Ukraine and around Europe for appearing to favour the demands of Moscow, which invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago. After talks with Ukraine over the weekend, the White House said the proposals had been “very much refined”, although details of the updated plans have not been confirmed. Some key disagreements between Moscow and Kyiv remain – namely regarding Ukrainian sovereignty over the territories Russia partly controls and security guarantees. Zelensky said on Tuesday there were “no simple solutions”, repeating his country’s insistence that Kyiv take part in peace discussions, and that clear security guarantees be agreed, such as Nato membership – a move long opposed by Russia and ruled out by Trump. “We have to stop the war in such a manner that in one year, Russia would not come back”, Zelensky added. Putin appeared immovable on its demands as recently as last week, while Zelensky has repeatedly said he would never relinquish control of eastern Ukrainian regions. While Tuesday’s talks were under way, Trump told his cabinet in Washington that the conflict had not been easy to resolve. “Our people are over in Russia right now to see if we can get it settled,” he said. “What a mess.” Kyiv’s European allies had countered the 28-point plan with their own document – removing many of the most contentious elements, such as Washington’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as de facto Russian. Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, Putin told reporters Europe’s demands were “not acceptable” and that they were trying to hinder efforts towards peace. Zelensky had met French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, with several European leaders joining the meeting virtually. Macron said there was “no finalised plan to speak of” and that it could only be achieved with input from Ukraine and Europe. Meanwhile, fighting continued on the front lines on Tuesday. Ukraine’s military said it was still engaging Russian troops in the key eastern city of Pokrovsk – contradicting Moscow’s claim to have captured it. Russia’s Ministry of Defence shared a video on Telegram claiming to show its troops holding up flags in the strategically important city, which they have been trying to seize for over a year. Ukraine’s eastern military command claimed Russia had tried to “flag-plant” in the city so that “propagandists” could say it had been captured. “They fled in a hurry, and the mopping up of enemy groups continues,” it said in a statement on social media. Ukraine’s military said its forces still controlled the northern part of the city, with Russian units suffering heavy losses, while international observers also disputed Russia’s claim to the area. The military in Kyiv also dismissed Russia’s claims to have captured the north-eastern Ukrainian border town of Vovchansk and said it had “significantly improved” its position in the northeastern city of Kupyans, which Russia claimed to have conquered a fortnight ago. Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, tens of thousands of soldiers have been killed or injured – alongside more than 14,000 civilians, according to the UN. Civilian targets including kindergartens, hospitals and residential buildings have been destroyed or heavily damaged by nightly drone or missile attacks. The conflict between the two ex-Soviet states stretches back to 2014 when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was overthrown and Russia responded by annexing Crimea and supporting armed uprisings in eastern Ukraine. Source: bbc.com
Drop in WASSCE 2025 performance – Reality check and opportunity for correction?
Last week, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) released the 2025 results, sparking intense debate across the country. After years of impressive pass rates under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, this year’s results show a sharp decline in performance. Passes in Core Mathematics pass rates fell from 66.86% in 2024 to 48.73%, while Social Studies dropped from 71.53% to 55.82%. English and Integrated Science recorded slight declines but remained relatively stable, according to the results. For many watching developments in the education sector, this downturn raises a critical question: Is this a sign of falling quality in our schools, or the result of a deliberate crackdown on examination malpractice? For me, this decline is not a failure. It could signal a necessary correction. Historic surge in infractions Between 2017 and 2024, statistics show that the country’s WASSCE results were plagued by systemic malpractice, with the West Africa Education Council (WAEC) data showing sharp increases. From 2021 to 2024 alone, 146,309 candidates were implicated in cheating schemes. Cheating incidence rose by more than six folds, from 10,386 cases in 2021 to 62,046 in 2024. In effect, 13.6% of candidates who sat for the 2024 WASSCE exams were implicated in exam malpractices! The data show that common infractions between this period included collusion, smuggling of foreign materials, impersonation, and digital leaks via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram platforms. WAEC’s five-year statistics further reveal that over 532,000 subject results were withheld and nearly 39,000 cancelled in 2024 alone, with hundreds of entire results annulled annually. Despite these disturbing statistics, prosecutions were historically rare until recent years. Integrity push It can be recalled that following the years of exam malpractices, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education this year vowed a zero-tolerance stance on cheating ahead of the exams. Invigilators and supervisors were warned of immediate dismissal if found aiding malpractice, while candidates were urged to rely on their preparation rather than leaked materials. It appears the exam body, WAEC followed through, given the outcome of the exams. The results showed that WAEC cancelled subject results for 6,295 candidates, annulled entire results for 653 candidates, and withholding results for hundreds more. Outside exams, investigations into alleged collusion in 185 schools are ongoing. Notably, 35 individuals, including 19 teachers, have faced prosecution, with 19 already convicted. This unprecedented enforcement contrasts sharply with previous years, when civil society groups like Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) repeatedly flagged systemic malpractice with little consequence. It does appear that for too long, we allowed a culture of shortcuts to thrive to be able to present a particular image about our education system and its products. Eduwatch’s Executive Director,Mr Kofi Asare, has long argued that unrealistic performance targets for schools and political pressure to showcase the Free Senior High School (SHS) program’s success fueled widespread cheating. Mr Asare once cautioned that the education system had shifted toward prioritising exam scores over real learning and urged the adoption of technology-driven solutions, such as installing CCTV cameras in examination halls, to restore integrity. Free SHS and quality debate The Free SHS policy undeniably expanded access, lifting financial barriers for hundreds of thousands of families. As a son of humble beginnings, I am fully aware of how financial burdens kill dreams, partly explaining why I have supported hundreds of brilliant needy students and underprivileged people to access education and opportunities that fund schooling. But critics say the rush for quantity under the Free SHS and the general attempt to present the program as the best, insulates it from proper critique necessary to strengthen quality and sustain it. It is recalled that university lecturers reported alarming gaps in foundational skills among Free SHS graduates, with some institutions even considering entrance exams to bridge deficits. “We’ve sacrificed quality for quantity,” Professor Martin Oteng Ababio, a senior University of Ghana lecturer, lamented in September 2024, citing overcrowded lecture halls and underprepared students. This year’s results may therefore reflect a system recalibrating from inflated grades to genuine merit as explained by both the GES and the Ministry of Education. That is why this year’s results is not a failure but a painful and necessary correction. Why academic integrity matters Education is the bedrock of national development. When certificates lose credibility, the entire economy suffers, from employers questioning graduate competence to universities lowering standards to accommodate ill-prepared entrants. Ghana cannot afford to produce “excellent grades but hollow minds,” as the nonprofit, LEADIF warned in its call for radical transparency in exam administration. Integrity in assessment ensures that success is earned, not bought or leaked. It rewards hard work, builds confidence, and nurtures a generation equipped for innovation and leadership. For businesspeople and education advocates like us, this is the moment to champion quality over quantity and to invest more in teacher training, infrastructure, and technology that supports honest learning. Way forward While it is important to find the root cause the 2025 WASSCE results to be able to institute measures against a repeat, it is advisable to detach politics and emotions from the debate and focus on how to reset the entire education system to regain the confidence of external stakeholders. In the meantime, we must continue to maintain the crackdown on malpractice with transparent sanctions, invest in stronger teaching through smaller classes, better resources, and continuous teacher training, and remove politics from education so performance reflects learning, not scorecards. At this turning point, one truth stands out: discipline and integrity are non-negotiable if we are to raise a generation capable of leading national progress. The real question is not whether the drop in performance is embarrassing, but whether we have the courage to accept it as the price of restoring credibility to our education system. The writer is a philanthropist and businessman Source: By Seidu Agongo
Obasanjo Hails Mahama’s Vision at G20, Announces Launch of Accra Reset Secretariat in Ghana
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a landmark address at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, announcing the launch of the Accra Reset’s interim Secretariat in Ghana and spotlighting President John Dramani Mahama’s transformative leadership in global development cooperation. Speaking on behalf of President Mahama, the driving force behind the Accra Reset, Obasanjo informed world leaders that the Global South-anchored platform has grown its Circle of Leaders to encompass over two dozen former Heads of State and international organisation leaders spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Caribbean. “President Mahama extends his deep appreciation to H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose leadership has guided this G20 cycle with clarity, courage, and a profound commitment to justice,” Obasanjo said, conveying greetings from the Ghanaian President and African Union Champion for Reparations. Obasanjo described the Accra Reset as a paradigm shift in development, moving away from “an economy of dependency” fostered by traditional aid and loans. “To move forward, we must re-architect our economies based on trade and investment,” he asserted. He stressed that the initiative seeks to transform development cooperation into a system that is “country-led, regionally empowered, and globally coherent,” breaking with decades of top-down North-South dynamics. The establishment of the Secretariat in Accra marks a new era for the initiative, which President Mahama envisions as a means to ensure that global governance reforms are “co-created, not imposed; negotiated with fairness, not inherited from history.” A High-Level Panel will soon prepare a landmark report on restructuring global governance, to be delivered to a commissioning authority of Heads of State representing both the Global North and Global South. Obasanjo also lauded South Africa’s G20 Presidency under President Ramaphosa for championing priorities that resonate with the Accra Reset’s mission—including a fairer global financial system, enhanced global health resilience, equitable technology partnerships, and broader Global South involvement in multilateral decision-making. “The Accra Reset stands ready to work closely with the G20,” Obasanjo affirmed, positioning the platform as “connective tissue interlinking the public, private, and civil factions of Global South societies.” The initiative aims to move international development from “endless aspirational targets to workable business models that drive real and durable change,” embodying President Mahama’s pragmatic vision for economic transformation across the Global South. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GMA President Urges Immediate Action to Address Barriers to Rural Doctor Postings
President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Professor Ernest Yorke, has called on the government to swiftly resolve persistent challenges that deter newly deployed doctors from accepting postings in underserved areas. His appeal comes in the wake of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s decision to grant newly assigned doctors an extra week to assume duty, after data revealed that 70 percent had not reported to their posts. The Minister described the initial turnout as “deeply troubling,” with the Upper East and Upper West regions recording no arrivals as of Friday, November 28. In an interview on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Prof. Yorke explained that reluctance among doctors to move to remote locations stems primarily from poor incentives, inadequate facilities, and limited opportunities for career advancement. He argued that pairing government expectations with meaningful incentives would increase the willingness of doctors to serve in deprived areas. “It’s a chicken-and-egg situation. Incentives could motivate sacrifice, or sacrifice could attract incentives. Ideally, we should pursue both,” Prof. Yorke remarked. While the GMA continues to encourage its members to accept rural postings, Prof. Yorke emphasised that the government must recognise their sacrifices by offering suitable compensation and support. He noted that other countries reward doctors who accept assignments in hard-to-reach areas and suggested Ghana could adopt a similar approach. He also revealed that the Ministry of Health already possesses a GMA-designed “Deprived Area Incentive” framework, which is yet to be implemented. Another barrier, Prof. Yorke highlighted, is the limited access to postgraduate training in deprived regions, which often forces doctors to pay substantial fees to specialise. This, he said, is a further deterrent for those considering rural postings. Beyond staffing, Prof. Yorke stressed the importance of completing healthcare infrastructure projects, particularly the abandoned Agenda 111 facilities. “We need more than personnel; we need functional facilities. Why not partner with the private sector to finish these hospital projects?” he suggested. He noted that while reporting rates in Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti regions remain relatively stable, many other regions continue to struggle with severe shortages. Prof. Yorke concluded by urging the government to engage in broader consultations with stakeholders and the public to develop sustainable solutions that will guarantee equitable healthcare delivery across the nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister of Health Denies Claims of Punitive Rural Postings for Medical Officers
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has firmly rejected allegations that newly deployed medical officers are being punished by their postings to rural and underserved districts. Instead, he insists the exercise is a crucial step to ensure equitable access to healthcare nationwide. Addressing journalists in Parliament, Mr. Akandoh clarified that the deployment strategy is focused on prioritising communities with the greatest need, particularly in the Upper East and Upper West regions, where some health facilities have gone months without a single doctor present. “This is not punishment; it is national service,” the Minister stated. “Doctors must be posted where they are needed most. This is how we save lives and strengthen healthcare access for all Ghanaians.” He disclosed that newly posted medical officers assigned to the two northern regions have been given a one-week deadline to report to their duty stations or formally communicate any inability to do so. No exceptions, he added, will be granted outside the established process. Mr. Akandoh appealed to chiefs, Members of Parliament, district assemblies, and other local stakeholders to actively welcome and support the doctors in their new communities. “When they feel welcomed and supported, they stay longer and serve better,” he noted. The Minister further assured that the government remains committed to providing incentive packages to boost morale, especially for those serving in deprived or hard-to-reach areas. These incentives are part of wider efforts to make rural postings more attractive and sustainable. “Incentives are not handouts; they are tools to strengthen service. Doctors serving in hard-to-reach areas deserve support, and the government is listening,” he said. Expressing confidence in the commitment of the newly deployed officers, Mr. Akandoh described the assignments as a vital component of national duty. “Ghana is counting on you. Serve where you are needed most,” he urged. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Ministry of Works and Housing Pushes Forward on Saglemi Affordable Housing Project
The Ministry of Works and Housing has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the first phase of the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, aiming for 8,000 completed units by the end of 2026. This ambitious goal comes on the heels of parliamentary approval of a GHS1.4 billion budget for the initiative. Despite this progress, the Ministry voiced serious concerns about the slow pace of funds released for 2025. As of October 2025, only GHS360 million of the GHS918 million earmarked for capital expenditure had been disbursed by the Ministry of Finance. This significant shortfall, officials explained, has hampered the execution of critical infrastructure projects essential to the housing agenda. During the presentation of the Works and Housing Committee’s report on the 2026 budget estimates, Chairman Vincent Oppong Asamoah outlined major programmes for the coming year. These include accelerating affordable housing construction, expanding drainage systems, and upgrading coastal protection structures. Chairman Asamoah stressed that the timely release of funds will be crucial if the Ministry is to meet its targets, particularly for the flagship Saglemi project. He underscored that the project remains a central pillar of the government’s national housing agenda, making the efficient flow of resources all the more vital for success. Source: Apexnewsgh.com