NPP Communications Director Says Minority’s Protest Over Kpandai Seat Is “Expression of Democracy”
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has characterised the actions of Minority MPs in Parliament over the Kpandai parliamentary seat dispute as a demonstration of democracy in action. On Tuesday, December 9, Minority MPs staged a day-long protest in Parliament to voice their strong disapproval of the declaration that the Kpandai seat was vacant. Their demonstration disrupted parliamentary business and blocked Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga until the evening, with Parliament forced into two suspensions during the heated standoff. The Minority continued their protest even after Speaker Alban Bagbin deferred ruling on the matter and government business resumed. Discussing the events, Ahiagbah said, “The conduct of the Minority is democratic. That is the look and feel of democracy. To describe it otherwise would be to characterise something other than democracy. But what they are doing there is democracy, and people in a democracy ought to do that when they feel that people are using other means to end the fundamental basis of democracy, which is election.” Ahiagbah’s remarks highlight the NPP’s perspective that protest and dissent, even when disruptive, are integral to a functioning democratic system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Chief Whip Warns Government Business Will Stall Over Kpandai Seat Dispute
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has issued a stern warning that government business in Parliament will stall until concerns over the Kpandai parliamentary seat are resolved. Addressing the House on Tuesday, December 9, Annoh-Dompreh declared that the Minority caucus would refuse to cooperate with the Majority in conducting government business until the contentious issue is settled. “Until the Kpandai seat issue is resolved, government business will suffer. I put it to you. Go and marshal your numbers and come do your business. We are not obstructing government business; we believe that governance is a continuation, and we must continue with government business. But to conspire and twist our hands will not work. We will not cooperate with you until the Kpandai seat issue is resolved. Government business is going to suffer, and you are going to suffer,” he cautioned. His remarks followed a chorus of hooting from the Majority side, but Annoh-Dompreh remained resolute, insisting that Minority MPs would continue to be present in Parliament. The Minority’s defiant stance stems from their protest over a letter dated December 4, 2025, written by the Clerk of Parliament to the Electoral Commission Chair, Jean Mensa, officially declaring the Kpandai seat vacant. Annoh-Dompreh described the action as “out of place” and “unfortunate,” arguing that it violated the rule of law and called for its immediate withdrawal. Minority MPs, dressed in black, demonstrated their disapproval by banging tables, chanting patriotic songs, and hooting at Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, as he attempted to restore order in the chamber. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Amid Tension, Speaker Bagbin Presses On With Government Business Despite Minority Protest
Amid tense scenes in Parliament, Speaker Alban Bagbin pressed ahead with government business, undeterred by persistent efforts from Minority MPs to halt proceedings. The confrontation unfolded after the Majority caucus rejected a bid by the Minority to adjourn the House, following heated debate over the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacancy. Minority MPs, dressed in black as a sign of protest, demanded an adjournment and attempted to block Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga from addressing Parliament. Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh insisted that no government business should continue until the controversy surrounding the Kpandai seat was resolved. However, after a voice vote, Speaker Bagbin ruled that the House would proceed with its legislative agenda. This decision sparked a fresh wave of protest, with Minority MPs escalating their demonstration through chants and vocal disruptions. Tensions peaked as members from both sides converged in the center of the chamber, resulting in a chaotic stand-off and loud exchanges. Parliamentary marshals were called in and struggled to restore order. Despite the unrest, Speaker Bagbin stood firm, emphasising that the legislative agenda must continue and underlining his commitment to ensuring the operations of Parliament are maintained. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chaos Erupts in Parliament as Majority, Minority Clash Over Speaker’s Ruling on Kpandai Seat
Parliamentary proceedings descended into chaos as tensions flared between the Majority and Minority over the Speaker’s decision to continue the day’s business despite unresolved controversy surrounding the Kpandai seat vacancy. The disruption began when Minority MPs demanded that the House be adjourned after Speaker Alban Bagbin deferred ruling on the disputed Kpandai seat. Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh insisted that no government business should proceed until the matter was settled. However, after a voice vote, the Speaker ruled that proceedings would go on. In response, Minority MPs erupted in protest, chanting and attempting to disrupt the session. The situation quickly escalated as Minority members, dressed in black, moved toward the front of the chamber, with some Majority MPs meeting them in a tense standoff at the center. The chamber filled with loud shouts and chants as Speaker Bagbin repeatedly called for order, while parliamentary marshals struggled to restore calm. Despite the uproar, the Speaker pressed ahead with government business, determined to keep the House on schedule amid the disorder. Earlier, the Minority had blocked Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga from responding to calls for the withdrawal of a letter by the Clerk of Parliament declaring the Kpandai seat vacant. The letter, dated December 4, 2025, had been sent to Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa after a High Court order for a rerun of the Kpandai election. The chaotic session has drawn national attention, highlighting the deep divisions in Parliament and the high stakes surrounding the Kpandai seat dispute. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry of Roads and Highways Launches Crackdown on Substandard Bitumen in Road Construction
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has unveiled new measures aimed at eradicating substandard bitumen from Ghana’s road construction sector. Speaking to industry stakeholders earlier today, Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that only high-quality bitumen is used, especially for the ambitious ‘Big Push’ infrastructure projects. “We are determined to establish a clear policy direction and a robust regulatory framework that guarantees durable and cost-effective road infrastructure,” Agbodza stated. He reiterated the government’s resolve to deliver road infrastructure that offers true value for money to the people of Ghana. The announced reforms include strengthening regulations, introducing a licensing regime, updating technical specifications, and ensuring complete traceability of bitumen from source to construction site. To drive these reforms, the Minister has established a technical working committee tasked with monitoring bitumen quality nationwide and providing evidence-based policy recommendations to enhance regulation, accreditation, and overall management. Mr. Agbodza highlighted that the goal is to guarantee the use of quality bitumen under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, promote a sustainable supply chain, improve transparency in procurement, and align Ghana’s standards with global best practices. Stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the government’s intervention and identified ongoing challenges, including inadequate import regulation, the negative effects of black-market activities, and persistent inconsistencies in product standards among suppliers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
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MTN Ghana Marks 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Under The Theme “Unite To End Digital Violence Against Women And Children.”
MTN Ghana is observing this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Children.” The campaign is taking place in various parts of the country. During the launch event with over 100 students from the Police Depot Cluster of Schools at Tesano, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, emphasized that this year’s campaign aims to protect everyone, especially women and children, from digital violence. She mentioned that MTN is working closely with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) and the Cyber Security Authority to raise awareness about the risks and impact of harmful online behaviors. “We are already familiar with physical forms of gender-based violence. However, as more of our life is spent online, so has abuse also moved to the digital space, showing up as cyberbullying, harassment, and other harmful online actions, most of which disproportionately affect women and girls,” Madam Wiafe stated. Adwoa Wiafe emphasized that while MTN strives to ensure everyone benefits from a modern, connected life, it also bears the responsibility of making the internet a safe space. “Being connected should be a positive and empowering experience. Anything that causes harm or negativity is something we must all work together to eliminate,” she said. ACP Owusuaa Kyeremeh, Director of DOVVSU, highlighted the rising danger of digital violence and its serious effects on women and girls. “With a single click, someone can spread harmful videos, steal personal information, or send threats that infringe on another person’s freedom,” she explained. She emphasized that girls and young women are especially vulnerable to harassment, pressured to share sexual content, experience hacking, and face non-consensual distribution of private images, many of which go unreported. She urged students not to be bystanders and challenged them to become the generation that stops digital violence. MTN and DOVVSU are conducting various awareness activities nationwide to raise understanding of digital safety. These efforts include coordinated radio interviews in the regions, school debates on preventing digital violence, film screenings, victim support information sessions, and community engagement focused on online safety and violence prevention. The launch also featured an interactive session on cyber hygiene and cybersecurity tips, led by Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi, Director of Cybercrime, along with a representative from MTN. The most engaged student of the day was awarded a tablet as a prize. The 2025 campaign reinforces MTN Ghana’s commitment to promoting responsible digital behavior while ensuring that the internet remains a safe and empowering space for everyone, especially women and children. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliamentary Service Notifies EC of Kpandai Seat Vacancy, Paving Way for By-Election
The Parliamentary Service has officially informed the Electoral Commission (EC) of a vacant parliamentary seat in the Kpandai Constituency, setting in motion the process for a re-run of the 2024 Parliamentary Election as directed by the High Court in Tamale. The notification, dated December 4, 2025, signals the beginning of administrative procedures necessary for the EC to prepare for the fresh poll. This development follows a High Court ruling on November 24, 2025, which annulled the previous Kpandai parliamentary election results over significant irregularities and legal inconsistencies. The letter, addressed to EC Chairperson Mrs. Jean Mensa and signed by Clerk to Parliament Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, stated that the action was taken “in exercise of the power conferred and the duty imposed on the Clerk to Parliament by Article 112(5), as amended, of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.” In the correspondence, the Clerk formally notified the EC of the vacancy “occasioned by the Order of the High Court, Tamale, for a re-run of the Kpandai Parliamentary Elections,” referencing the relevant court suit. By constitutional requirement, a by-election or re-run must be held within 90 days of the vacancy, unless it occurs within three months of Parliament’s dissolution. With the notification issued on December 4, the EC is now mandated to conduct the election by early March 2026. The move is seen as critical to restoring full political representation for Kpandai residents and has drawn national attention, given its potential implications for the balance of power in Parliament. Major political parties are expected to invest heavily in the upcoming contest, which offers the electorate in Kpandai another chance to select their representative in a closely watched process. The EC is anticipated to release a detailed timetable in the coming weeks, outlining nomination procedures and the specific date for the re-run election. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mohammed Kudus Confident as Black Stars Brace for Tough 2026 World Cup Group
Black Stars playmaker Mohammed Kudus has expressed optimism and confidence following Ghana’s draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the team is ready for the tough road ahead. During Friday’s draw ceremony in Washington DC, Ghana landed in Group L, one of the tournament’s most competitive groups, alongside England, 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, and Panama. The mix of European giants and a rising CONCACAF side has set the stage for a challenging campaign. Despite the daunting opposition, Kudus believes the Black Stars have already demonstrated their pedigree by securing qualification. “To qualify for the World Cup alone is a big statement from us, and it shows what we can do,” he said, emphasizing the team’s confidence in its abilities. The Tottenham Hotspur forward welcomed the challenge, stressing that Ghana’s mindset remains focused and ambitious. “It’ll be interesting. I’m looking forward to it. We are very much aware of the sides we will be facing. We will definitely be up for it, and we will be ready.” The Black Stars are aiming to restore their reputation on the global stage after missing out on the knockout rounds in their last two appearances. With the expanded 48-team format presenting new opportunities, Ghana hopes to recapture the magic of 2010, when they famously reached the quarter-finals. Preparations will intensify in the coming months, with warm-up friendlies and training camps scheduled ahead of the competition’s kickoff in June 2026. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GTEC Rolls Out National Policy to Curb Abuse and Misuse of Honorary Degrees
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has unveiled a comprehensive national policy aimed at ending the widespread abuse, commercialisation, and improper conferment of honorary degrees by tertiary institutions across the country. Signed by GTEC Director-General Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and issued on December 8, 2025, the policy warns that the unchecked proliferation of honorary awards—often facilitated by unaccredited bodies and questionable collaborations—is threatening academic integrity and tarnishing Ghana’s international reputation. Backed by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), the new framework establishes rigorous national standards for all public and chartered private universities. It affirms GTEC’s authority to investigate, query, or sanction institutions that violate the rules. Under the policy, unaccredited institutions, mentored colleges, and external bodies lacking approval are strictly barred from conferring honorary degrees in Ghana. GTEC stressed that any such awards will not be recognised. The Commission also prohibits universities from granting honorary degrees in exchange for donations, political favours, or material influence. Institutions that confer honorary degrees excessively or without merit will be queried and could lose their right to award such degrees. A key highlight of the directive is a ban on the misuse of honorary titles. The policy clearly states that recipients of honorary degrees cannot use the title “Dr.”, and institutions are required to issue guidance to prevent misrepresentation. Any recipient who misuses the title risks having their award withdrawn. To promote transparency, institutions must document all nomination and vetting processes, conduct integrity checks, and maintain formal registers of all honorary degrees conferred. GTEC reserves the right to withdraw any award that was improperly granted or based on fraudulent information. Describing the policy as a crucial intervention, GTEC said it is designed to “protect the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system,” prevent the commercialisation of honorary awards, and restore public confidence in academic honours. The policy is effective immediately. Source: Apexnewsgh.com