Akuapem North MP Warns President Mahama Against ‘Trap’ Amid Term Limit Legal Challenge
Amid mounting debate over Ghana’s presidential term limits, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has sounded a cautionary note to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to steer clear of what he describes as a “trap” intended to tarnish the President’s political legacy. The controversy stems from a writ filed at the Supreme Court by Ghanaian teacher Ganiwu Alhassan, seeking interpretation of Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution. The clause states that no person shall be elected to hold the office of President for more than two terms. The lawsuit, however, argues that the provision only prohibits two consecutive terms, leaving the door open for someone who has served two non-consecutive terms to contest again. This legal challenge has sparked widespread discussion, with analysts and commentators speculating it could pave the way for President Mahama to seek another term in office. Weighing in on the issue, Sammi Awuku took to Facebook to warn President Mahama not to be lured into what he believes is a scheme by some individuals, possibly within his own party, to undermine him. “I have a funny suspicion that those behind the suits are plotting the eventual downfall of President Mahama. Mr President, they don’t wish you well. Don’t fall for this trap and don’t be persuaded to drink a cup of ‘poison’ prepared by detractors in your own party,” Awuku wrote, delivering a pointed reminder that even former President Rawlings, the party founder, did not pursue such a path. Awuku cautioned that with others already campaigning for the presidency within Mahama’s party, there is a risk that internal rivals could join forces with the opposition to damage his reputation. He advised the President to consider retiring with dignity in 2029, warning against actions that could provoke “endless demonstrations” and mar his political legacy. The MP’s comments were issued in response to investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who had earlier emphasized the need for President Mahama to be wary of those orchestrating the legal challenge, regardless of the court’s verdict. Sammi Awuku’s remarks add another layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding Ghana’s constitutional provisions on term limits and the far-reaching political implications of the Supreme Court’s impending decision. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Central Bank Governor Urges Traders to Safeguard Banknotes During National Clean-Up
During the National Clean-Up Exercise on Friday, July 10, 2026, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, delivered an important message to traders and businesses across the country. Joining participants in the nationwide sanitation campaign, Dr. Asiama highlighted a unique angle, linking environmental cleanliness to the quality and lifespan of Ghana’s currency. Addressing traders, Dr. Asiama emphasized the need for better cash-handling practices, especially in markets where physical cash remains king. “We are looking at this from another perspective, which is the condition of the banknotes, particularly the cedi notes used in our markets. We want those notes to remain clean because research has shown that banknotes can harbour bacteria. As people exchange cash, those bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another,” he explained. Dr. Asiama noted that the Central Bank’s involvement in the clean-up campaign extends beyond environmental sanitation. “And for us at the Central Bank, just as I was saying when we went to Agbogbloshie, we want the market environment especially to be clean. We have spoken with officials, we work with them to make sure that the refuse and those other buildups are cleaned constantly,” he stated. He elaborated that the Bank of Ghana is collaborating with market authorities to improve both sanitation and cash-handling habits, underscoring that cleaner markets help preserve the quality of banknotes and reduce the cost of replacing damaged currency. Dr. Asiama called on traders to avoid exposing banknotes to dirt, moisture, and other contaminants, and encouraged market operators to make cleanliness a regular part of their business operations. He assured participants that the Central Bank will continue to back initiatives that foster cleaner commercial environments and responsible handling of cash, all in a bid to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s currency. His message served as a timely reminder that good sanitation practices not only benefit public health but also help maintain the currency that drives the nation’s economy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Leads Tse Addo in National Clean-up Drive to Combat Flooding
On Friday, July 10, President John Dramani Mahama rolled up his sleeves and joined the residents of Tse Addo in the Greater Accra Region for the National General Clean-up Exercise. In a powerful show of leadership by example, the President personally took part in desilting a clogged drain, a critical step toward improving local sanitation and reducing the threat of flooding. President Mahama’s visit began with a briefing from local assembly officials on the ongoing clean-up operations. Without hesitation, he joined community members, security personnel, and other stakeholders in clearing refuse and removing silt from the area’s drainage channels. His presence energized the crowd and reinforced the importance of community participation in the fight against poor sanitation. Addressing the participants, the President expressed his appreciation for the residents’ strong turnout and commitment. “I want to use this opportunity to thank all the residents who have come out to help with this exercise. Clearly, we can see what the cause of our problem is. We’ve just desilted this. Look at the plastics that we are taking out of it,” President Mahama remarked, gesturing at the piles of plastic waste that had choked the drains. He noted that the sheer volume of silt and plastic waste removed was a stark reminder of how years of neglect and inadequate maintenance had compromised the drainage system, making the area more vulnerable to floods. The President highlighted the need for better waste disposal habits and regular drainage maintenance to protect communities from future disasters. President Mahama also cautioned against leaving dredged silt by the roadside after clean-up exercises, warning that rains could simply wash the debris back into the drains, undoing the hard work of volunteers. He commended the involvement of the military and security services, assuring residents that these teams would continue to dredge major waterways to improve water flow into wetlands. The National General Clean-up Exercise, organized by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, is a government-led response to the devastating June 29 floods. The two-day, phased operation targets seven flood-affected regions across Ghana. On the first day, security services, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and waste management companies take the lead, while the second day is reserved for broad public participation. President Mahama’s hands-on involvement in Tse Addo not only inspired those present, but also sent a strong message nationwide: tackling flooding and improving sanitation is a shared responsibility, requiring both leadership and active participation from every citizen. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister Commends Ghanaians for Unity and Leadership in National Flood Cleanup Exercise
After devastating floods swept through parts of Ghana, a remarkable spirit of unity emerged across the nation. Over two days, Ghanaians from all walks of life rolled up their sleeves in response to President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for a national flood aftermath cleanup exercise. The massive turnout and dedication did not go unnoticed. At a press conference held to reflect on the exercise, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, praised the people of Ghana for their collective effort and strong leadership. “If Ghanaians want to do something, we can do it,” he declared, pointing to the impressive results achieved when citizens unite for a common cause. He also commended the various political parties for their outstanding participation, underlining the non-partisan nature of the exercise. The Minister extended his gratitude to President Mahama for initiating the exercise, as well as to Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who set an example by personally joining the cleanup in the markets and overseeing the desilting of gutters. He recognized the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Kingsford Alban Bagbin, who suspended Parliament so that Members of Parliament could participate alongside Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traditional leaders, and queen mothers. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim also highlighted the tireless work of Chief Directors, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and ministry staff who worked late into the night to ensure logistics were in place. The exemplary participation of the Military, Police, Fire Service, Immigration, and Prisons Service, as well as the private sector’s contribution of trucks and equipment to clear debris, was applauded. “Every ministry, every office, every institution, everybody was involved, and this is an all-inclusive clean-up exercise,” he emphasized. The Minister described scenes of unity, where people from all political backgrounds, including the bodyguards of both former and current presidents, worked side by side. To ensure the cleanup effort’s success, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim announced that key waste facilities would remain open 24/7 for two days, with free disposal at locations such as the Achimota, Ashaiman, Pantang, and Teshie Waste Transfer Stations, among others. He encouraged all residents and waste collectors, including those using tricycles, to take full advantage of the free service, urging, “Don’t keep waste in your dustbins in your houses today and tomorrow.” He cautioned MMDCEs not to close their offices early and to ensure that all desilted gutters and sand piles are cleared promptly. The Minister also reminded the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies to uphold a commitment to clear specific waste heaps by Sunday. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim concluded with a strong message: sanitation and cleanliness are a shared responsibility. “Our participation has been outstanding. Let us continue in that mode,” he said, encouraging Ghanaians to maintain the momentum and avoid dumping waste at unauthorized sites. The national cleanup effort, marked by unity and determination, stands as a testament to the collective power of Ghanaians working together for a cleaner and safer environment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Medical Trust Fund Unveils Rebuilt Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Korle Bu
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has inaugurated a newly rebuilt and expanded Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, marking a major restoration of a vital resource for advanced cardiac care in Ghana. This state-of-the-art facility resumes operations nearly a year after a devastating fire destroyed the original laboratory, causing a significant disruption in advanced heart procedures and limiting access to specialised treatment for cardiac patients nationwide. The upgraded laboratory is now set to improve access to cardiovascular interventions and further strengthen specialist cardiac services across the country. At the inauguration ceremony, GMTF Administrator Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku emphasized the project’s significance in restoring Ghana’s critical healthcare infrastructure. “Today, Ghana answers that test. We gather to restore a lifeline, reclaim a critical pillar of our national health security, and affirm that we do not abandon what saves lives,” she declared. Commissioned in January 2017, the original Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory enabled complex heart procedures to be performed locally, reducing the need for patients to travel overseas for treatment. The fire incident on March 7, 2025, however, temporarily halted these interventions at Ghana’s main referral hospital. After a thorough assessment in January 2026, the GMTF resolved to not only rebuild the laboratory but also expand and upgrade it to meet the growing demand for specialist cardiovascular services. Construction commenced on February 17, 2026, and was completed in less than five months. Mrs. Darko-Opoku highlighted that the new laboratory features enhanced technology, increased capacity, and improved systems, ensuring more efficient and safer cardiac care. The facility is scheduled to begin a new cardiac intervention programme on July 12, 2026, in collaboration with the National Cardiothoracic Centre, cardiologists from the United States, the Mount Carmel Foundation, Africa World Airlines, and the GMTF. Under this programme, 30 patients from around the country will receive Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device procedures, specialised treatments that would otherwise be out of reach for many. The GMTF, founded to support patients with chronic non-communicable diseases, continues to invest in specialist training, healthcare infrastructure, and medical research. Mrs. Darko-Opoku described the restored laboratory as more than just a facility, saying it is a place “where science meets compassion, where expertise meets equity, and where families can receive lifesaving care with dignity.” She also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his support in the reconstruction, underscoring the project as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ministry of Education Condemns Shooting at Zohe EP Primary School in Yendi
It began as an ordinary school day at Zohe Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Primary School in Yendi, in Ghana’s Northern Region. But the calm was shattered when, according to preliminary reports, two armed men stormed the school premises, firing their weapons indiscriminately. Panic swept through the school as pupils and staff scrambled for safety. Amidst the chaos, the headmaster was assaulted and left with injuries, further intensifying the fear and confusion. News of the incident quickly reached the Ministry of Education. On July 9, the ministry broke its silence, issuing a statement that condemned the attack in the strongest terms. Describing the shooting as disturbing, the Ministry called for swift and thorough investigations. The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, wasted no time in directing the Ghana Police Service to give the matter immediate attention and to leave no stone unturned in unravelling the facts behind the violence. “Schools are dedicated spaces for teaching, learning, and the holistic development of children,” the statement emphasized. It went on to declare that acts of violence, intimidation, and the use of firearms on school premises are unacceptable and pose a grave threat to the safety of learners, teachers, and the wider educational community. The Ministry also called on the public to respect the sanctity of school grounds and refrain from encroaching on these safe spaces. Expressing solidarity with the affected pupils, staff, and the injured headmaster, the Ministry wished the headmaster a speedy recovery and assured parents, guardians, and the public that every effort would be made to ensure schools remain safe and secure environments for teaching and learning. Finally, the Ministry appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to cooperate fully with the Ghana Police Service. The statement, signed by Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Minister for Education, reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s schools from violence and maintaining them as havens for learning and growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Volta Regional Police Destroy 11 Cannabis Farms in Major Anti-Drug Operation
The Volta Regional Police Command, in collaboration with officers from the National Headquarters of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU), has destroyed 11 large cannabis farms in the Peki-Dzake enclave. This decisive action forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs in the region. The operation, conducted on Thursday, July 9, 2026, was prompted by intelligence reports pointing to cannabis cultivation in remote areas within the Peki-Dzake enclave. A total of 60 police personnel from various units, including the Drug Law Enforcement Unit, Police Intelligence Directorate (PID), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Regional Defence Force (RDF), Highway Patrol Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), participated in the raid. The team was led by the Volta Regional Crime Officer, Chief Superintendent Mick Omari Boakye, and the Regional Director of the DLEU, DSP Richard Dotsey Gablah. They were ably supported by Superintendent Alexander Adade Yeboah, Regional Director of the Police Intelligence Directorate; DSP Augustine Awuah, Regional Operations Commander; and other senior officers. After a comprehensive briefing, the police team moved to the targeted locations and successfully located and destroyed 11 cannabis farms. The cannabis plants, already at an advanced stage of growth, were cut down and burnt in a controlled operation to ensure the fire did not spread to nearby bushes. Chief Inspector Francis Gomado, the Volta Regional Police Public Affairs Officer, reported that no arrests were made. Individuals present on one of the farms reportedly detected the security team’s approach and managed to escape due to the challenging terrain. Chief Inspector Gomado highlighted that the scale of illegal cultivation uncovered is a stark reminder that drug farming remains a persistent challenge in parts of the region. He gave assurances that the police would intensify intelligence gathering and operational efforts to apprehend those responsible for the cultivation and trafficking of narcotic substances. He further appealed to residents to provide credible information to support law enforcement efforts, guaranteeing that such reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality. The Volta Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to combating the cultivation, trafficking, and abuse of narcotic substances, and to ensuring the safety and security of communities across the region. This latest operation underscores the Ghana Police Service’s determination to step up the fight against drug-related activities and dismantle illegal narcotics networks operating within the Volta Region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com