NDC’s Hamza Suhuyini Defends Impartiality of Newly Appointed EC Deputy Chairperson
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, Hamza Suhuyini, has voiced support for the impartiality of newly appointed Electoral Commission (EC) Deputy Chairperson, Emelia Affi Agbenyo, despite her known association with the governing party. Speaking in a programme on Wednesday, October 14, Suhuyini acknowledged Ms. Agbenyo’s links to the NDC but maintained that her political affiliation should not be seen as a barrier to performing her official duties fairly. He stressed that professionalism, not party ties, should be the ultimate measure of her performance. Suhuyini pointed to Dr. Bossman Asare as an example of an EC official who, in his view, has managed to fulfill his responsibilities in a neutral manner, even amid concerns about his political background with the NPP. “I told you that she is an associate of the NDC, but when it comes to her job and mandate, if Dr. Bossman Asare could discharge his duties in a neutral fashion, be rest assured that she will do her work. She is politically neutral,” Suhuyini remarked. His comments come at a time when the political backgrounds of newly appointed EC Deputy Chairpersons are under scrutiny, with many emphasizing the need for public trust in the commission’s independence and fairness. On Monday, October 12, President John Dramani Mahama officially swore in Emelia Affi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission. During the ceremony, he urged them to uphold impartiality and safeguard the right of Ghanaians to freely choose their leaders. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
High Court Dismisses Afenyo-Markin’s Defamation Suit Against GoldBod CEO Over Procedural Breach
The High Court has dismissed a defamation suit brought by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, after finding that the writ of summons failed to comply with mandatory procedural requirements for libel actions. The lawsuit stemmed from a heated public exchange between Afenyo-Markin and Gyamfi over alleged losses of US$1.7 billion linked to the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme in 2025. While Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns about the reported losses, Gyamfi disputed his claims and accused the Minority Leader of attempted extortion. The allegations prompted Afenyo-Markin to file a defamation claim. However, Gyamfi’s legal team quickly entered a conditional appearance and sought to have the writ set aside, arguing that it was defective under the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47). Specifically, they pointed to Order 57 Rule 2, which requires that writs in libel cases be endorsed with sufficient particulars of the allegedly defamatory publication. In its ruling, the court agreed, emphasizing that providing these particulars is not a mere technicality but a procedural obligation essential for defamation proceedings. The judge noted that failing to comply with the specific rules governing libel actions means the court’s jurisdiction is not properly invoked. Addressing arguments from the plaintiff, the judge referred to previous Supreme Court cases, including Owusu Domena v Amoh and consolidated suits involving Alex Onuma and Newmont, which highlighted the centrality of procedural compliance in defamation cases. While, in some instances, a statement of claim might cure a defective writ if the defendant does not object and participates in the case, the judge distinguished this case since Gyamfi’s lawyers had promptly challenged the writ through a conditional appearance. Ultimately, the court found that Afenyo-Markin’s failure to endorse the writ with detailed particulars of the alleged defamatory publication rendered the action defective. The judge struck out both the writ of summons and the statement of claim, filed on August 24, 2026, and made no order as to costs. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Inclusivity, Calls Ghana’s Diversity a National Asset
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his dedication to fostering religious inclusivity in Ghana, describing the country’s religious diversity as a valuable national asset that must be preserved to ensure continued peaceful coexistence. Addressing the 10th World Assemblies of God Congress on Wednesday, October 14, President Mahama emphasized that his role as President obliges him to serve all Ghanaians equitably, regardless of their religious backgrounds. He stressed that public office demands respect and concern for Christians, Muslims, traditional religious practitioners, and citizens who profess no faith. “My Christian faith remains a source of strength, but as President, I have sworn a duty to serve every Ghanaian: Christians of every denomination, Muslims, adherents of traditional religion, and even our citizens who profess no faith,” Mahama stated. He acknowledged that his commitment to fairness has sometimes led to questions from some Christian leaders about his religious convictions. However, he insisted that impartiality and equal treatment must guide his leadership. President Mahama urged Ghanaians to nurture the nation’s religious diversity by strengthening relationships that allow people of different beliefs to coexist peacefully and support one another. “Ghana’s religious diversity is our most precious possession, and we must continue to nurture the relationships that enable neighbours of different faiths to live, work, and care for one another,” he said. Drawing on his own upbringing in a multi-faith family, the President noted that differences in religious beliefs had never lessened the love and unity among his siblings. “Nevertheless, our different religions do not affect the love and affection that we share,” he reflected. President Mahama also called on churches and religious organizations to contribute to national development by promoting honesty, compassion, responsible citizenship, and peace, while maintaining their independence to speak out against injustice and suffering. Source: Apexnewsgh.com