Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has called on New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates to disregard accusations that former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was responsible for the economic mismanagement under the party’s administration, insisting he remains the best candidate to lead the NPP into the next general elections. Speaking to NPP delegates, Adwoa Safo argued that Dr Bawumia should not be held solely accountable for the party’s economic challenges, emphasizing that his influence on key decisions was limited. She highlighted the significant role played by other top officials, especially former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, in shaping the country’s economic policies. “Was Dr Bawumia the finance minister? Were we not in government when some MPs said, because of the way our economy is being mismanaged, we should change the finance minister, did we? Didn’t he damage everything before he was changed, so how can we blame this on Bawumia?” she questioned. Adwoa Safo further explained that Dr Bawumia did not have the authority to overrule decisions taken at the highest levels of government. “He was only the driver’s mate and could not overrule the driver, even if the driver was not performing well,” she remarked. Her comments come in response to criticism from some flagbearer aspirants in the ongoing NPP presidential primaries, who have blamed Dr Bawumia for the party’s economic record while in government. Dr Bawumia is currently one of five aspirants vying for the NPP flagbearer slot, with the party scheduled to elect its presidential candidate on January 31, 2026. He faces competition from former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

A key prosecution witness in the ongoing Sky Train trial has produced multiple email exchanges contradicting his earlier testimony about the Accra Sky Train project’s consideration by the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Board and Investment Committee. Yaw Odame-Darkwa, former GIIF board member and chairman of the Audit Committee, presented the emails during the fourth day of cross-examination at the High Court in Accra. This followed a court order directing him to retrieve, verify, and submit the relevant correspondence. On the previous day, Mr. Odame-Darkwa was permitted to review emails presented by counsel for the first accused, which challenged his claim that the Sky Train project was introduced only once at board level. Upon examination, Mr. Odame-Darkwa confirmed the authenticity of at least 16 emails exchanged between July and September 2018 among board and Investment Committee members. These emails, which included attachments, agendas, and investment memoranda, were admitted into evidence without objection from the prosecution. Several referenced the Accra Sky Train project and were circulated ahead of scheduled Investment Committee meetings, alongside updates on other GIIF projects such as the Safari Hotel, Woodfields Tank Farm, and Mahama Hotel. Among the admitted documents were minutes from the Investment Committee meeting on July 31, 2018, which recorded a presentation on the Sky Train Monorail Project. The minutes noted that members expressed support for the initiative but requested further details before making any recommendations to the GIIF Board. During Monday’s cross-examination, Mr. Odame-Darkwa admitted he could not confirm whether a subsequent Investment Committee meeting scheduled for September 28, 2018, actually took place. He also acknowledged that he had not referred to Investment Committee minutes before giving statements to the National Investigations Bureau in March 2025 or before preparing his court witness statement. Nonetheless, he maintained that the Investment Committee did not formally recommend the Sky Train project to the Board, a position he said was consistent with the committee minutes submitted to the court. The court also admitted into evidence extracts from the 2021 Auditor-General’s report on GIIF and the Fund’s 2019 audited financial statements, which confirmed Odame-Darkwa’s role as chairman of the Audit Committee, bearing the signatures of the former Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer. The trial involves former GIIF Board Chair Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi and former CEO Solomon Asamoah, who are facing charges including causing financial loss to the state and dissipation of public funds over a US$2 million payment for the Sky Train project. Prosecutors allege the payment was made without board approval and without any work being done. The case has been adjourned to December 16, when cross-examination is set to continue. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved emergency security funding for five member countries as part of intensified efforts to combat terrorism and growing insecurity in the region. During its 68th Ordinary Session held in Abuja, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government directed the ECOWAS Commission to allocate $2.85 million each from the Regional Security Fund to Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. The disbursement is contingent upon a review of the approved Plan of Action. The decision follows escalating security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings across West Africa. ECOWAS leaders strongly condemned the recent surge in attacks, notably the abduction of schoolchildren in northern Nigeria, and expressed solidarity with the Nigerian people. The Authority also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the swift actions taken to secure the release of victims and intensify measures against insecurity. Reaffirming their commitment to eradicating terrorism, ECOWAS leaders called on the international community, including the African Union and United Nations Security Council, to respond urgently and coordinate support for countries most affected by terrorism. The Authority further urged ongoing engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to enhance cooperation and address the worsening security situation, particularly in the Sahel. Additionally, ECOWAS instructed the Commission to expedite the operationalisation of the Regional Counterterrorism Brigade by convening urgent meetings of intelligence and defense chiefs to advance the activation of the force. These emergency measures and renewed security initiatives underscore ECOWAS’ determination to safeguard lives, restore stability, and strengthen collective security throughout West Africa. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

At a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 15, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama made a passionate appeal to the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging them to remain steadfast in dialogue and engagement with the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES). His call came during his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, a moment that gathered dignitaries and traditional leaders from across the region. Addressing the gathering, President Mahama highlighted the growing security and political challenges facing West Africa. He cautioned that the decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS and establish the AES should not undermine ongoing efforts at regional integration. “Our sub-region is facing serious challenges, and we all know what is happening in the Sahel,” President Mahama stated. “Three of our members have decided to break away and form the AES, but I do not believe this development should deter us.” He emphasized the enduring historical, cultural, and economic bonds that unite West African nations, warning that exclusion and isolation would only exacerbate existing tensions. “God put us together in this sub-region for a purpose,” he noted. “Instead of ostracising our brothers, we must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel, because our destinies are tied together.” Drawing on a Ghanaian proverb, President Mahama reminded the audience that regional security is a shared responsibility: “In Ghana, we say that when there is fire burning in your neighbour’s house, you take water and help to quench it. If you stand by and allow your neighbour’s house to burn down, the fire will eventually spread to your own house.” He concluded by urging ECOWAS leaders to sustain diplomatic engagement and encourage the AES countries to return to the fold, insisting that only through unity can the region secure lasting peace, stability, and prosperity. President Mahama’s remarks come at a critical time, as ECOWAS seeks to redefine its relationship with the Sahel states following a spate of military takeovers and their withdrawal from the regional bloc. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Former President John Dramani Mahama has been ceremonially inducted into the esteemed Yoruba chieftaincy as the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. The grand traditional ceremony took place in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, and was attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community. The honour, which translates as “a leader who reshapes the global order for the benefit of humanity,” was bestowed upon President Mahama in recognition of his exceptional leadership, commitment to international cooperation, equity, and sustainable development. This latest accolade puts him among a distinguished group of personalities whose influence reaches far beyond their home countries. The conferment came after several days of ancestral rites and traditional preparations at the Ooni’s palace. The palace was transformed with elaborate cultural decorations, and the event was celebrated as a moment of profound significance for both the Yoruba people and their guests. This is not President Mahama’s first recognition by Yoruba traditional institutions. In October 2015, he was installed as the Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, a title acknowledging his contributions to leadership, peace, and diplomacy across Africa. Observers suggest that this latest title will further strengthen the cultural and diplomatic bonds between Ghana and Nigeria, highlighting the enduring historical and social ties between the two nations. As the Ooni of Ife—one of the most revered custodians of Yoruba tradition, continues to promote cultural preservation, religious harmony, and socio-economic progress, this ceremony marks another milestone in fostering unity and cooperation across the African continent. Source: Apexnewsgh.com