Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Urges NDC to Focus on Delivering Mandate, Not Succession Politics
Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to set aside premature discussions about presidential ambitions and remain focused on fulfilling the party’s promises to Ghanaians. In a candid interview with comedian and television host KSM, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reflected on the hard work and collective effort that led to the party’s victory in the 2024 elections. “We worked very, very hard,” the Vice President emphasized, recalling the years of extensive consultation that shaped the NDC’s manifesto under the leadership of then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama. She praised Mahama’s dedication, referencing his nationwide Speak Out Tour, and expressed gratitude to the many volunteers who contributed ideas and resources to the party’s vision. “People volunteered and I want to use this medium to thank them. People flew, drove into Accra just coming to share ideas on how we could reset our country. We didn’t have money. It was a very, very good experience but we all felt energised,” she said. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that the party’s campaign was built on the draft manifesto, which became the foundation for securing a decisive mandate from the electorate. “The people of Ghana were merciful. They voted for us, for a reason. They voted massively and we remain grateful,” she stated. She stressed that the mandate was to address the nation’s challenges, not to engage in political succession debates. “They didn’t vote for us today to be talking about going or not going. They said we should come and solve the problems. We have an agenda. What we inherited was a very, very tough situation. We have work to do,” she explained. According to the Vice President, the future of the government depends on its performance and the support given to President Mahama. “Whether we are going or coming depends on the work we are doing. It depends on the support we are giving our president who is leading the charge. And it depends on the quality of support we are giving.” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang warned that engaging in early succession politics would be a distraction, and a betrayal of the people’s trust. “If we are already going left and right and centre and back and it’s not even time, I think it’s a betrayal of the cause of the people and I don’t think it is right.” She closed with a passionate plea for unity and focus: “So, please, help us to fulfill the dreams of the beautiful country that we know can do much better, even than it is doing now. Let us focus on getting the job done. Speaking for myself, that is what I want to do.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Norway call for Infantino to resign as Mexico and Argentina back president
Norway have called on Fifa president Gianni Infantino to resign following his aborted attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors, but Mexico and Argentina have voiced their support for the 56-year-old. Norway have gone a step further than the football associations of England, Wales, Croatia and Albania, all of whom have withdrawn support for Infantino without explicitly calling for him to resign. “He [Infantino] does not have the institutional trust required to govern Fifa stably in the times we are in,” Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) president Lise Klaveness said on Friday. “There is no going back for Gianni Infantino. The international football cooperation is very much in trouble, and we must have a reason to get together now, and we want to ask the Fifa president to resign now. “We will see which other countries eventually join in, if that becomes the strategy from the Uefa board. We are not going to ask for an extraordinary [Uefa board] meeting, we will ask him to resign in our dialogue with Fifa.” Klaveness, who is a qualified lawyer, went through a list of concerns that the Norwegian FA has expressed to Fifa during her four-year tenure. Among them were questions around the awarding of tournaments, the inaugural Fifa peace prize that was awarded to US President Donald Trump in December, and the overturning of a ban for American forward Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup following a phone call from Trump. Fifa has been approached for comment. Meanwhile, earlier on Friday the Mexican Football Federation broke ranks with its regional governing body Concacaf to come out in support of Infantino. Concacaf, which runs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, called for a “comprehensive reckoning” of Infantino’s presidency after he aborted plans to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors. However, 2026 World Cup co-hosts Mexico have backed Infantino’s leadership amid widespread calls for him to resign. “The FMF [Mexican FA] supports president Infantino’s leadership in continuing to promote the development of football through institutional strengthening,” a statement read. It echoed a statement from Conmebol – South America’s governing body – in saying it would reject any attempt to remove Infantino without a vote involving all 211 Fifa members. However, Conmebol did “express its concern about the repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or the institutional mechanisms provided for dealing with this type of situation”. Meanwhile, the football association of 2026 World Cup runners-up Argentina praised Infantino for recognising and apologising for his “errors”. It described his decade-long tenure as Fifa president as “centred on the development of soccer worldwide and institutional strength based on a clear, stable, and transparent governance model”. Infantino is unanimously backed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), but faces opposition from European football’s governing Uefa and Concacaf. European teams could still boycott the World Cup as Uefa said its conditions had not been met, despite Infantino’s plan being aborted. Uefa has already said it has lost confidence in Infantino, calling the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal a “shabby, back room, opaque deal”. The English FA has sent a letter withdrawing its support for Infantino, while Wales, Albania and Croatia are among other individual associations to have turned their back on the 56-year-old. Concacaf described Infantino’s proposal as “a symptom of leadership that has stopped putting football first”, and that “this recent unilateral and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour”. However, unlike Uefa, it did not go as far as to say it had lost confidence in the Fifa president. Before Infantino withdrew his proposal, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it stood “in solidarity” with Uefa and Concacaf in opposition to the plans. How the election of a Fifa president works Ordinarily, Infantino would not be able to stand for re-election in March. The maximum tenure under Fifa statutes is three four-year terms, and Infantino is hoping to be voted in for a fourth time. However, after replacing Sepp Blatter in 2016, his first term lasted only three years. He successfully argued this one should not count, which allows him to stand again. Infantino was re-elected in 2019 and 2023 unopposed, and before the FFE controversy it looked certain the same would apply in 2027. Now Uefa and Infantino’s other opponents must try to find a candidate to stand against him. The deadline for names to be put forward, together with at least five letters of support from member associations, is 18 November. The election, by secret ballot, will then take place at the 77th Fifa Congress in Rabat, Morocco on 18 March. If two candidates stand for election, a simple majority of the 211 member associations is required to win. If there are three or more candidates, 75% of votes is required to win outright. If that threshold is not met, the candidate with the fewest votes is removed and another vote is held. Once the field is reduced to two candidates, it becomes a simple majority. How likely is it that Infantino would win an election? Unless Uefa can find a way to unseat Infantino, he has seven months to cement his supporter base. One way Infantino has always done this is by jetting off around the world and meeting people. When he was elected in 2016, Infantino declared that Uefa gave him a budget of €500,000 (£430,000), external “to fund flights – mainly flights – around the world” to lobby member associations for votes. Following Wednesday’s meeting of the Fifa management board in Rabat, Infantino jetted off to South America for the inauguration of new Colombian president Abelardo de la Espriella. Another key tool will be the funding of the 211 member associations, which has enabled Infantino to build loyalty around the world. This is especially true among developing nations who cannot afford to pay for football development. Crucially, the latest iteration of Infantino’s investment programme, Fifa Forward 3.0, ends in December.
Government Unveils Plan to Use Dormant Bank Balances for National Development
The government is taking steps to introduce a new policy that would allow unclaimed balances in dormant bank accounts to be channeled into national development initiatives while safeguarding the rights of account holders. This announcement was made by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Samuel Akhurst, Coordinating Director (Technical) at the Ministry of Finance, during the Chartered Institute of Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners (CIRIP) Ghana and Bank of Ghana Non-Performing Loans Forum in Accra. According to Dr Forson, the proposed framework is currently under review and will be shaped by international best practices to ensure that dormant financial assets are managed with transparency and in the public interest. Crucially, he emphasized that the policy would not affect the ownership rights of account holders, who would still be entitled to reclaim their funds at any time. “The government recognises the growing global interest in making productive use of dormant financial assets while ensuring that rightful owners can reclaim their funds at any time,” Dr Forson said in his address. The policy, he explained, would be built on three main principles: protecting ownership rights, ensuring transparency and accountability in managing dormant assets, and using eligible dormant funds strictly in the public interest, backed by robust legal safeguards. To ensure the policy reflects the interests of all stakeholders, Dr Forson noted that the government would engage in an inclusive consultative process involving regulators, financial institutions, insolvency practitioners, and other professional bodies before finalizing the framework. On the broader economic front, the Finance Minister highlighted that fiscal discipline, prudent monetary policy, and ongoing structural reforms had contributed to restoring macroeconomic stability. He reported that inflation had declined and exchange rate stability had improved, creating a more favorable environment for business and investment in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei Returns as Defence Minister in Mahama’s Cabinet Reshuffle
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as Minister for Defence, marking a homecoming to a portfolio with which he is already well acquainted. Mr Adjei is set to take over from the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, whose untimely death in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, left the ministry without a substantive head for nearly a year. Mr Adjei’s nomination signals both continuity and a return to familiar territory. He previously served as Deputy Minister for Defence between 2015 and 2016, gaining hands-on experience in Ghana’s defence administration during a period marked by heightened regional security challenges. His understanding of military operations and policy development was further deepened during this time, preparing him for the top job. In the interim, the Defence Ministry was overseen by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who managed its affairs in an acting capacity while the government sought a permanent replacement. Mr Adjei’s appointment, if confirmed by Parliament, will end this period of transition and restore full leadership to the ministry. Mr Adjei is not new to government leadership. Before his latest reassignment, he held the position of Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, where he steered major projects in housing delivery, water management, and public infrastructure since February 2025. His academic credentials also align closely with his new role. Mr Adjei holds a Master of Arts degree in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where he graduated top of his class in 2022. The programme equipped him with vital skills in security strategy, intelligence coordination, conflict management, and policy development — all critical to the responsibilities of a Defence Minister. In addition, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from GIMPA and an Executive MBA from the University of Ghana. Mr Adjei’s return to the Defence Ministry comes at a time when Ghana faces ongoing regional security issues and a need to strengthen the capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces. His blend of institutional memory, hands-on experience, and specialist knowledge positions him to provide steady leadership as the country navigates complex security dynamics. The nomination also brings closure to the search for a substantive Minister after Dr Omane Boamah’s tragic passing, which claimed the lives of eight people on official duty. Dr Omane Boamah was not only a close ally of President Mahama but also a pivotal figure in the government, making the transition particularly significant. With Parliament’s approval, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei is expected to bring a balance of continuity and renewed expertise to the Defence Ministry, steering it through both challenges and opportunities ahead. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chairman Wontumi Seeks Bail Pending Appeal After Illegal Mining Conviction
Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have taken a significant legal step in his ongoing battle for freedom. In a dramatic turn of events, his legal team, Zoe, Akyea & Co., has filed an application at the High Court, requesting bail for Chairman Wontumi as he mounts an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining. Currently, Chairman Wontumi is serving his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, following his conviction for illegal mining activities at Samreboi. The case has captured national attention, becoming a landmark in Ghana’s fight against galamsey (illegal mining). According to the motion submitted to the High Court, Wontumi’s lawyers are urging the court to grant him temporary release from custody while the Court of Appeal reviews both his conviction and sentence. The legal team’s argument, detailed in an accompanying affidavit, asserts that their client should be admitted to bail during the appellate process. They have further asked the court to make any additional orders it deems appropriate given the circumstances. This latest court filing represents another determined effort by the defense to secure Chairman Wontumi’s release, at least temporarily, as the legal process continues. Should the High Court rule in his favor, Wontumi would be granted bail and regain his freedom until the final decision on his appeal is delivered. The High Court’s impending decision will hinge on whether Chairman Wontumi meets the legal threshold for bail pending appeal, a matter being closely watched by the public and political observers alike. His 20-year sentence and conviction for illegal mining have sparked widespread debate, solidifying the case as one of the most significant prosecutions in Ghana’s ongoing battle against galamsey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East NDC Congratulates Mahama Ayariga And James Agalga On New National Roles
The Upper East Regional Communication Bureau of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has congratulated two Members of Parliament from the region, Hon. Mahama Ayariga and Hon. James Agalga, following their elevation to key national positions under the Mahama administration. In a statement issued by the Upper East Regional Communications Officer, Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, the NDC Regional leadership, led by Regional Chairman Alhaji Mumuni Bolnaba and Upper East Regional Minister Hon. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, extended warm congratulations to the two lawmakers. According to the statement, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has been appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Meanwhile, Hon. James Agalga, Member of Parliament for Builsa North, has been elevated to serve as Majority Leader of the Ninth Parliament of the Republic of Ghana. The Regional Communication Bureau described the appointments as a reflection of the two legislators’ experience, leadership qualities and commitment to public service. It further noted that their elevation represents a proud moment for the Upper East Region and demonstrates the region’s continued contribution to national governance. The NDC Regional leadership, on behalf of the Regional Executive Committee and the entire NDC family in the Upper East Region, wished both leaders success in their respective new roles. The statement also urged them to remain committed to serving the people, the party and the national interest. “The Upper East Region is proud of you,” the statement said, while extending congratulations to Hon. Mahama Ayariga and Hon. James Agalga on their new responsibilities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com