Chief Justice’s Remarks and Tours of State Institutions Stir Controversy
A wave of controversy has swept through Ghana’s political landscape following remarks by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who questioned the country’s progress over the past eight years during visits to state-owned institutions, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Ofoase-Ayirebi MP, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. The Chief Justice made headlines on Wednesday, September 2, while visiting the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), where he lauded the institution’s achievements under the current administration. “I must congratulate you. I mean, you have done marvellously well… sometimes when we hear the things that you have done, the things that some organisations are doing now, we wonder; some of us keep wondering what really we have been doing in the past eight years,” he remarked, appearing to contrast recent performance with that of the previous administration. Earlier in the day, the Chief Justice had visited the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), expressing similar praise for its current operations and drawing attention to past management decisions. “If you compare that to the fact that not too long ago, SSNIT was preparing to sell its prized assets like Labadi Beach Hotel, you wonder how Ghana could have sunk so low,” he noted. These comments, coupled with the Chief Justice’s ongoing tours of state-owned enterprises, have provoked concern from Mr. Oppong Nkrumah. The MP questioned the appropriateness of such visits, noting, “For all the years that I have followed politics and governance, I haven’t heard of such that the Chief Justice will be touring state-owned enterprises. I haven’t heard of that before.” He emphasized the traditional independence of the Judiciary from the Executive and Legislature, arguing that judges typically avoid public and political engagements. “It is a well-known, established practice that the Judiciary doesn’t mingle, so you don’t see judges going around mingling in public,” Mr Oppong Nkrumah said. He further described the situation as “absolutely shocking” and “unprecedented,” expressing bewilderment at both the nature of the Chief Justice’s remarks and his involvement with state institutions. “If upon that now there are official tours that are going on, it’s bewildering, and then I find it strange to hear some of these comments being made by the Judiciary,” he concluded. As debate swirls around the Chief Justice’s actions and statements, questions are being raised about the separation of powers and the evolving role of the Judiciary in Ghana’s public life. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bawumia Hails Nurses and Midwives as Backbone of Ghana’s Healthcare System
Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has placed nurses and midwives at the heart of Ghana’s healthcare conversation, describing them as indispensable pillars in building a resilient health system. Dr. Bawumia’s remarks came during a meeting with the national executives of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) in Accra on Wednesday, September 3, 2026. The engagement forms part of his ongoing stakeholder consultations as he refines his policy agenda ahead of the 2028 elections. Calling the session “fruitful and enlightening,” Dr. Bawumia listened intently as frontline health professionals shared their experiences, challenges, and ideas for policy reforms. “Without nurses and midwives, there is no healthcare system. You are the first point of contact, you are the last line of defence, and you are the heart of care delivery in Ghana. You must be seen and treated as indispensable,” he told the Association’s leadership. The GRNMA executives seized the opportunity to highlight urgent issues facing their members and the sector at large. Their presentation zeroed in on the need to enhance nursing education, invest in continuous professional development, address infrastructure gaps in health facilities, and strengthen leadership and management within the sector. They also advocated for innovative and sustainable measures to improve welfare, motivation, and working conditions, calling for clearer career progression, better recognition, and improved service conditions to match the sacrifices nurses and midwives make daily. Dr. Bawumia commended the group for their candor and depth of insight, assuring them that their feedback would help shape his health policy proposals. “What I have heard today is invaluable. You have given me practical insights that you only get from those who are on the ground doing the work every day. My commitment is to work with you to build a healthcare system that values its workers and delivers for the Ghanaian people,” he stated. He reiterated his vision for a modern, well-managed healthcare system, one that motivates, trains, and supports its health workers to deliver quality care for all. The meeting with the GRNMA is the latest in Dr. Bawumia’s series of consultations with key stakeholders, including professional bodies, youth groups, business leaders, and civil society, as he crafts his 2028 policy agenda. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Presidency Announces Impending Shake-Up of SOE Leadership
The Presidency has signaled a major shake-up at the highest levels of Ghana’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), with an impending reshuffle of Chief Executives on the horizon. In a formal notice addressed to Ministers and political appointees, Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, underscored that the imminent changes, following recent ministerial appointments and the dissolution of selected boards, reflect President John Mahama’s drive to reinforce institutional leadership and sharpen government coordination. “The recent ministerial changes and the dissolution of selected boards, together with the impending reshuffle of Chief Executives, reflect the President’s determination to strengthen institutional leadership, enhance coordination and ensure that every appointee remains fully aligned with the Government’s policies and priorities,” the statement read. The notice stressed that all Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Executives, Board members, and other political appointees are expected to serve with integrity, diligence, humility, and strict adherence to administrative procedures. It warned that any conduct undermining governmental cohesion, institutional authority, or effective policy implementation would not be tolerated. Appointees were reminded that holding public office is both a privilege and a duty to the Ghanaian people. The Presidency made clear that performance will be closely monitored across all sectors, and President Mahama stands ready to take further action to uphold the integrity and effectiveness of his administration. “As we work together to deliver the Government’s mandate and improve the lives of the Ghanaian people, I urge all appointees to cooperate and commit fully,” the statement concluded. This latest move comes after a series of warnings from President Mahama. In March 2025, he cautioned SOE CEOs that their positions depended on performance and alignment with his administration’s reset agenda. The following year, he intensified the pressure, directing CEOs to submit overdue audited accounts and annual reports or risk dismissal, making compliance a key performance indicator. The announcement also follows the release of the State Interests and Governance Authority’s (SIGA) 2025 State Ownership Report, which provides an assessment of the financial and operational health of SOEs, joint ventures, and other state entities. As the reshuffle approaches, all eyes are on who will remain at the helm of Ghana’s major public enterprises and how these changes will shape the future of state-owned institutions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com