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Norway have gone a step further than the football associations of England, Wales, Croatia and Albania, all of whom have withdrawn support for Infantino without explicitly calling for him to resign.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
Johnson Ayine: A Voice Demanding Development for Upper East
Johnson Ayine, an outspoken contender for the Communications Director position of the Upper East branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has become a prominent advocate for development in the region. His unfiltered criticism and bold advocacy have resonated with many residents who feel let down by the slow pace of progress. Ayine, drawing from his experience as the former Regional Deputy Communication Director, has openly challenged the Upper East Regional Minister. He insists that, with his extensive network and political influence, the Minister has no excuse for failing to secure the region’s fair share of national development. “With his links, you have bargaining power. Your bargaining power is 15 MPs, 100% score. So, you have also given me the development. We are not seeing it,” Ayine declared, underlining his frustration. The aspiring Communications Director’s criticism extends to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament. According to Ayine, the people’s faith in the NDC’s “Agenda 15-15” has not been rewarded. “They campaigned on Agenda 15-15 and delivered it well. Now, compare the votes that they had to what we are receiving as a result of it. It’s nothing to write home about,” he said, reflecting the widespread disappointment across the region. Ayine pointed to specific examples of unfulfilled promises, such as the stalled regional airport project. He recalled a particularly disappointing moment when the Buffer Stock Regional boss announced that President John Dramani Mahama would soon inaugurate the airport, a promise that remains unfulfilled to this day. But Ayine’s concerns go beyond unfinished projects. He accused some politicians of sidelining key community leaders, including Gabriel Agambila and Alagumgube, from the Airport project. This, he argued, has led to the hijacking and mismanagement of development efforts. He also challenged seasoned political figures, like Donatus Akamugri, to use their influence more effectively. “Every government comes in this Akamugri’s life. So, you mean the man is not actually living up to his expectations? He should make good use of his network,” Ayine remarked. Despite the Upper East Region being home to parliamentary heavyweights such as the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Isaac Adongo, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Ayine lamented the region’s continued lack of major development projects. “How can you have a Majority Leader from the Upper East, the Chairman of the Finance Committee from the Upper East, and still not get your share of major projects?” he questioned. Ayine’s message is clear: the people of the Upper East Region deserve better. He called for urgent, effective leadership and strong advocacy to secure the region’s rightful share of national development, especially in crucial sectors like roads, agriculture, and infrastructure. His words serve both as a warning to current leaders and a rallying cry for citizens to demand more from those in power. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The New Patriotic Party (NPP): A History and Leadership Directory (1992 to Present) – Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a major centre-right political party in Ghana, established on 28 July 1992 during the national transition to multi-party constitutional governance under the Fourth Republic. Rooted in the historic Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition—named in honour of founding figures Dr J. B. Danquah, Chief S. D. Dombo, and Dr K. A. Busia—the party advocates liberal conservatism, a property-owning democracy, free-market economics, and individual freedom. With the elephant as its symbol and red, white, and blue as its colours, the NPP operates under the motto “Development in Freedom”. Alongside the National Democratic Congress (NDC), it forms one of the two primary forces in Ghanaian politics. The party contested its first presidential election in 1992 under Professor Albert Adu Boahen, subsequently achieving national executive governance under Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor (2001–2009) and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (2017–2025). The party’s administrative leadership is anchored by its National Chairman and supported by the General Secretary. Over the years, the party has elected capable individuals to these key positions. National Chairmen 1. B. J. da Rocha (1992–1995): Inaugural National Chairman 2. Peter Ala Adjetey (1995–1998) 3. Samuel Odoi-Sykes (1998–2001): Led the party through the 2000 election victory 4. Harona Esseku (2001–2005) 5. Peter Mac Manu (2005–2010) 6. Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey (2010–2014) 7. Paul Afoko (2014–2015): Suspended by the party’s National Executive Committee in October 2015 8. Freddie Blay (2015–2022): Served in an acting capacity from October 2015; elected substantively in July 2018 9. Stephen Ntim (2022–present): Elected at the National Delegates Conference in July 2022 General Secretaries 1. Joseph Agyenim Boateng (1992–1998): Inaugural General Secretary 2. Dan Botwe (1998–2005) 3. Nana Ohene Ntow (2005–2010) 4. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John) (2010–2014) 5. Kwabena Agyapong (2014–2015): Suspended by the party’s National Executive Committee in December 2015 6. John Boadu (2015–2022): Served in an acting capacity from December 2015; elected substantively in July 2018 7. Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK) (2022–present): Elected at the National Delegates Conference in July 2022 Hafiz Bin Salih (PhD) Member of the National Council of NPP Former Upper West Regional Minister Former Upper West Regional 1st Vice Chairman Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Democratic-Led States Sue Trump Administration Over New Tariffs
A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states has launched a legal challenge against the Trump administration’s latest round of tariffs, alleging that the former president exceeded his legal authority in imposing the new levies. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, August 3, in the US Court of International Trade, targets double-digit tariffs placed on 60 trading partners last month. The administration justified the tariffs by accusing those countries of failing to curb the importation of goods produced with forced labour. The move came just as earlier temporary tariffs expired, after the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s signature “liberation day” levies in a February ruling. “After losing at the Supreme Court, the administration is once again trying to illegally raise taxes on families and businesses with a new round of tariffs,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. States participating in the lawsuit, including Oregon and New York, are all led by Democratic attorneys general or governors. Responding to the lawsuit, White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the administration’s actions, stating, “A foreign country’s failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor is unreasonable and burdens US commerce, including American workers, and must be addressed.” The legal battle comes as Trump continues to argue that high tariffs are necessary to revive US manufacturing. Last year, he broke with decades of US policy favoring low tariffs and open trade, citing the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as justification for double-digit tariffs on imports from nearly every country. Trump claimed that the nation’s trade deficit constituted a national emergency. However, the Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA did not authorize such tariffs, forcing the administration to refund importers who had paid them. To make up for lost revenue, the administration imposed temporary 10 percent tariffs, which expired on July 24. The newest tariffs, announced in July under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, are aimed at countering unfair or discriminatory practices by other countries and now affect more than 99 percent of US imports. The coalition of states, echoing arguments from previous lawsuits by small businesses, contends that the Trump administration is using concerns about forced labor as a pretext to reimpose tariffs already deemed illegal by the courts. They argue that sweeping import taxes will not effectively address the global issue of forced labor and instead harm American families and businesses. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
One Dead, Several Communities Cut Off After Bridges Collapse in Tempane District
A tragic incident has struck the Tempane District of the Upper East Region after the collapse of a bridge at Bugri claimed one life and left several communities isolated. According to residents, the victim lost his life on Monday when the bridge linking Bugri and Bugri Corner suddenly collapsed. The incident has thrown the affected communities into distress, with fears that more lives could be at risk if urgent action is not taken. The situation has been worsened by the collapse of another bridge connecting Bugri to Pusiga, which has also been washed away. The destruction of the two key bridges has disrupted transportation, leaving residents, traders, farmers and commuters stranded and making it difficult to access essential services and markets. Community members are now appealing to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Member of Parliament for Tempane, and the Tempane District Assembly to intervene immediately by reconstructing the damaged bridges. They warn that unless swift measures are taken, the continued isolation of the affected communities could lead to further hardship, economic losses and the risk of additional casualties. Residents are therefore urging the authorities to treat the reconstruction of the bridges as an emergency to restore safe movement and prevent further loss of life. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Supreme Court Ruling: Opening Party Primaries Won’t End Money Politics, But Will Curb Electoral Corruption
In a landmark decision, Ghana’s Supreme Court has ruled that although opening political party primaries to all registered members will not abolish money politics, it will make electoral corruption significantly more difficult. This pivotal stance was set out in the judgment of Prof. Frimpong-Boateng & 2 Others v NPP & 4 Others, in which a seven-member panel, by a 5–2 majority, declared the delegates system used by political parties to elect their presidential and parliamentary candidates unconstitutional. The panel, comprising Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, and Justice George Kingsley Koomson, emphasized that while corruption may not be eradicated overnight, broadening participation is an essential step toward strengthening Ghana’s democracy. An excerpt of the judgment, shared on Facebook by Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai, addressed concerns that expanding participation would not automatically wipe out vote-buying. Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie candidly stated that the Court was under no illusion that such corruption would simply vanish. “True, opening party primaries to every party member is no guarantee that money politics will disappear. Corruption is remarkably adaptable. It often changes its form rather than vanish altogether. Yet constitutional adjudication rarely offers perfect solutions. The Court is often required to choose the course that best promotes constitutional values in imperfect circumstances,” he noted. Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie explained that the delegates system, by concentrating power in the hands of a select few, made targeted inducements easier and more attractive to those seeking to influence outcomes. “Concentrating decisive electoral power in a relatively small body of delegates inevitably increases the value of each delegate’s vote. It creates a smaller market, a more identifiable electorate and, therefore, a more attractive environment for targeted inducements. A broader electorate may increase campaign costs, but it also disperses political power among thousands of ordinary members, making it considerably more difficult for electoral outcomes to be shaped by a relatively small number of transactions,” he explained. For the Supreme Court, the critical question was not whether the new system would entirely eliminate corruption, but whether it would better advance the democratic values enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution. Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie concluded that the nation’s constitutional democracy requires political parties to adopt a broader, more inclusive model for internal elections. “For that reason, this Court may legitimately conclude that, at this stage of Ghana’s democratic development, fidelity to the Constitution requires political parties to embrace the model of democracy that the Constitution itself consistently prefers for the purpose of constituting political authority.” With this judgment, the Supreme Court has mandated political parties to abandon the delegates system in favour of broader participation by their members in the selection of party executives and candidates, a move seen as a milestone in Ghana’s evolving democratic journey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com