High Court Adjourns Bail Hearing of Salomey Baffoe in Ghana Jollof False Information Case
High Court in Accra has adjourned the bail application hearing of Salomey Baffoe, accused of abetting social media personality Ghana Jollof in the publication of false information. The hearing, originally scheduled for earlier this week, will now take place on September 24, following a request from the prosecution for more time to respond. During the proceedings, Assistant State Attorney Carl Afedzi Forson explained to the court that he was not the main attorney on the case and that the Attorney-General’s office had only received the bail application on Friday. With Monday being a public holiday, the application had not yet been assigned to a lawyer, prompting the prosecution to seek a short adjournment. However, Salomey Baffoe’s counsel, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, opposed the request, arguing that matters involving a person’s liberty should not be subjected to the same procedural delays as civil cases. He pointed out that there was proof of service and that the State had not indicated any issue with short service. He further stressed that bail applications could be heard over weekends, and that further delay could see Baffoe spending nearly two weeks in custody before her bail application was even heard. The court acknowledged the seriousness of the liberty at stake and cautioned the prosecution against taking the matter lightly. Ultimately, the case was adjourned to September 24, with the court directing the Republic to file and serve any processes it intended to rely on by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. The story continues to unfold as both sides prepare for the next appearance, with the issue of timely justice and due process at the forefront. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Alexis Ayamdor Joins NDC Upper East Regional Secretary Race
The race for the position of Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region is gathering momentum following the declaration of intent by Hon. Alexis Adugdaa Ayamdor to contest the position. In a statement addressed to the NDC family and media houses, Mr. Ayamdor said his decision was reached after what he described as “careful reflection and extensive consultations.” He said he was offering himself to serve the party at the regional level, with a focus on strengthening its organisational structures and preparing it for future political contests. His campaign agenda centres on unity, organisation, discipline, accountability, effective communication, innovation and grassroots mobilisation. Mr. Ayamdor brings to the contest more than two decades of experience in governance, education, international development, project management, administration and community mobilisation. His professional career includes serving as District Chief Executive of the Bongo District Assembly, Programme Management Specialist and Northern Sector Office Coordinator for USAID, Programme Officer with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Programme Facilitator under the IBIS Public Participation in Local Governance project, and Community Empowerment Programme Officer with TRAX-Ghana. He also served as an ECOWAS Parliament and Commission Intern and previously worked as a pupil-teacher in Bongo. He is currently an Industrial Liaison Officer at Bolgatanga Technical University. Beyond his professional career, Mr. Ayamdor is drawing attention to his longstanding involvement in grassroots politics within the NDC. According to his declaration, his political experience includes serving as a Unit Committee Member, elected Assembly Member, Presiding Member, Branch Secretary and Constituency Campaign Team Member. He also served on the Bongo Constituency Fundraising Committee for the 2024 elections. Mr. Ayamdor is currently the Regional Team-Lead of the Former MMDCEs Forum and serves as Secretary to the Constituency Council of Elders in Bongo. If given the opportunity to serve as Regional Secretary, Mr. Ayamdor says he will prioritise strengthening party structures, improving internal communication and coordination, deepening grassroots mobilisation and promoting accountability within the party. He has also identified greater participation of women and young people in party activities, election preparedness and effective party administration as key areas of focus. Mr. Ayamdor describes himself as a team player, listener, organiser and servant-leader. He says he intends to work closely with regional and constituency executives, branch executives, elected representatives, former leaders, cadres, women, youth and the wider membership of the party. His declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging contest for the NDC Upper East Regional Secretary position, with party organisation, grassroots mobilisation, internal coordination and election preparedness expected to feature prominently in the discussions ahead of the internal election. Mr. Ayamdor is therefore appealing to members of the NDC in the Upper East Region to support his candidature as he seeks to bring his experience, organisational skills and proposed agenda into the party’s conversation about its future direction in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
School Infrastructure, Teacher Accommodation Top Talensi DCE’s Education Agenda
The Talensi District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. John Millim Nabwomya, has pointed out number of interventions and achievements recorded in the education sector since taking over as District Chief Executive Hon. Nabwomya made the disclosure during an exclusive engagement with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh on the “SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST” programme. According to the DCE, the Talensi District Assembly, with support from the government and other stakeholders, has undertaken a number of projects aimed at improving teaching and learning, providing educational infrastructure and addressing some of the challenges confronting teachers and pupils in the district. Hon. Nabwomya said the Assembly has completed a school block at Gazore under the Social Cohesion (SOCO) programme. Although the facility is yet to be formally handed over, he said it is already being used by pupils. He further disclosed that the Assembly has commissioned a three-unit classroom block with an office at Gbey in the Gazore area. Another three-unit classroom block at Gatu is also expected to be handed over shortly, he said. The DCE also highlighted the completion and handover of a three-unit classroom block at the Tongo Senior High Technical School in the Baare Electoral Area. According to him, the facility includes an office for the head of the school and a changing room for girls and was also completed under the SOCO programme. Hon. Nabwomya said the Assembly has also procured educational furniture to improve the learning environment in schools across the district. He disclosed that approximately 1,200 dual desks have been procured, alongside 24 hexagonal tables for kindergarten pupils and about 240 chairs. He said the furniture was being assembled and prepared for distribution to beneficiary schools. The DCE further spoke about the Assembly’s response to rainstorm damage that affected several schools in the district. He explained that a heavy rainstorm in May caused significant damage to a number of school buildings, with some roofs ripped off. The Assembly, he said, used its internally generated funds (IGF) to begin repairing some of the affected schools. However, he noted that the situation at Gare Primary School became particularly challenging after another heavy rainstorm in August caused further damage to a section of the school that had already been affected. Faced with limited resources, Hon. Nabwomya said he sought assistance from benevolent individuals, including Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, the Commissioner in charge of Domestic Tax Revenue at the Ghana Revenue Authority. He said the Assembly’s engineers were instructed to assess the damage and prepare an estimate for the rehabilitation. According to the DCE, the affected school block was eventually reroofed using what he described as high-quality aluminium roofing sheets. He said the facility has since been put back into use. Hon. Nabwomya identified teacher accommodation as one of the major challenges affecting education delivery in the district. He explained that teachers posted to remote communities sometimes come from other regions and are faced with difficulties securing accommodation close to their schools. According to him, where teachers are forced to live in nearby towns and travel long distances to their schools every day, valuable teaching time could be lost. To address the challenge, he said the Assembly is conducting feasibility work towards constructing 10 self-contained rooms for teachers, together with a mechanised borehole, a 3,500-litre polytank mounted on a concrete stand and electricity. The proposed accommodation facilities, he explained, will be located at strategic points to serve teachers from clusters of surrounding communities. He said one such facility is currently being commissioned, while preparations are underway for two additional projects. The DCE explained that the cluster approach would allow teachers stationed in nearby communities to access accommodation without necessarily having to travel long distances from larger towns. The Assembly, according to Hon. Nabwomya, has also been supporting programmes organised by the District Education Directorate to promote girl-child education. He cited recent support provided for a Girl Child Day programme organised by the Girl Child Coordinator at the District Education Office. The initiative, he said, was aimed at encouraging girls to remain in school and supporting efforts to reduce challenges that could lead to girls dropping out. Hon. Nabwomya said the interventions form part of the Assembly’s broader commitment to improving educational infrastructure, teacher welfare and the learning environment across Talensi District. He expressed appreciation to the government, development partners, traditional authorities, individuals and other stakeholders whose support, he said, has contributed to the progress recorded in the education sector. The engagement formed part of Apexnewsgh’s “SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST” programme, which provides a platform for district-level leaders to account to residents on development initiatives, achievements and challenges. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Talensi DCE Outlines Key Health Sector Achievements Under His Administration
The Talensi District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. John Millim Nabwomya, has outlined a number of interventions and achievements recorded in the district’s health sector since he assumed office. Hon. Nabwomya made the revelations during an exclusive engagement with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh on the “SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST” programme. According to the DCE, the health sector in Talensi District has witnessed significant improvements through the completion of critical infrastructure, restoration of essential services and collaboration between the assembly, traditional authorities, communities and private sector actors. One of the major achievements highlighted by the DCE is the completion of the Tindongo CHPS Compound, which he said was constructed ahead of schedule. He explained that construction of the facility commenced following a sod-cutting ceremony on October 25, 2025, with the contractor initially given nine months to complete the project. However, the project was completed in six months and subsequently handed over. Hon. Nabwomya noted that the project had particular significance for the Tindongo community, as an earlier attempt to complete it had stalled after the NDC government left office in 2016. He explained that one of the challenges that affected the project was the facility’s distance from the nearest electricity connection point. The assembly therefore used internally generated funds to procure and install electricity poles to connect the CHPS compound to the national grid. The facility, according to the DCE, has also been equipped with a mechanised borehole and polytank to provide a reliable water supply. He said the 20-bed facility also includes a daycare centre and a casework room equipped with a projector, providing additional support for healthcare delivery and community activities. Another major intervention highlighted by the DCE was the restoration of the district’s only ambulance, which had reportedly remained out of service for about three years. Hon. Nabwomya said the ambulance had been left grounded after its engine was removed and sent to Kumasi for repairs, but despite repeated assurances, the engine was not returned. Concerned about the impact of the situation on emergency healthcare delivery, the DCE said he sought support from Unity Mining, a group of small-scale miners operating in the area. He explained that rather than accepting cash directly, the assembly instructed the group to pay the money into the assembly’s official account to ensure transparency and accountability. The funds, he said, were subsequently used to procure a new engine and other necessary parts to restore the ambulance. According to Hon. Nabwomya, the ambulance is now fully operational and has become a major emergency response asset serving Talensi and neighbouring districts. The DCE also spoke about measures taken to address accommodation challenges confronting health professionals in the district. He cited the case of a newly posted doctor who was reportedly evicted from his residence, saying the district leadership responded by renovating an unused government bungalow. The renovation, he said, was completed within 72 hours, allowing the doctor to secure accommodation and continue working in the district. Hon. Nabwomya further attributed some of the improvements in healthcare delivery to regular field visits by himself and his team. He recounted a visit to the chief’s compound at Wakii, where health workers reportedly complained about unstable electricity supply and inadequate water. The challenges, he said, were addressed promptly, contributing to improved working conditions and helping facilitate the return of a midwife to the facility. He noted that the presence of the midwife has contributed to the safe delivery of newborns in the community. The DCE stressed that his administration places considerable emphasis on monitoring projects and health facilities to ensure that public resources are used appropriately. He said joint inspections are conducted with relevant sector directors and engineers to assess ongoing projects and ensure that contractors adhere to approved specifications before facilities are handed over. Beyond infrastructure and emergency healthcare, Hon. Nabwomya said the assembly has also continued to support vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. He explained that funds have been distributed to persons with disabilities to enable them to establish income-generating activities and improve their livelihoods. The DCE said the combination of health infrastructure, emergency response, staff welfare, regular monitoring and support for vulnerable groups forms part of the assembly’s broader efforts to improve the wellbeing of residents. He maintained that the progress recorded in the district has been made possible through collaboration among the assembly, traditional leaders, communities, health workers and development partners. The engagement formed part of Apexnewsgh’s “SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST” programme, which provides a platform for district leaders to account to residents on development interventions, achievements and challenges. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dangote Launches Africa’s Biggest IPO, Opening Oil Refinery to Public Investment
In a landmark move for African capital markets, billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote on Monday launched Africa’s largest-ever initial public offering (IPO), opening a roughly 3% stake in his state-of-the-art oil refinery to public investors. The offering, dubbed a “people’s IPO” by Dangote, aims to raise as much as $2.1 billion to fund further expansion of the refinery, already the continent’s largest. Dangote, Africa’s richest man, said the IPO is designed to “democratise wealth creation,” giving ordinary Nigerians a chance to share in the refinery’s success. The minimum investment is set at just 10 shares, about $4, making entry accessible through fintech and digital investment platforms. The IPO is expected to raise at least 2.15 trillion naira ($1.6 billion), but could reach $2.1 billion if oversubscribed and the company issues more shares. The launch comes on the heels of a July private placement that raised $2.5 billion for a 6% stake, valuing the company at $40 billion. The IPO, however, moves the refinery’s valuation closer to $49 billion. While retail investors will pay a higher price per share than the institutional buyers in July, company officials say the earlier discount was due to lockup periods and other conditions. Interest in the IPO is high: Nigerian investment app Bamboo reported record traffic, with some users temporarily unable to log in as excitement surged. “I’ll buy 2,000 shares,” said Lagos business owner Chris Chijioke, citing Dangote’s track record despite concerns over pricing. Institutional investors in the refinery already include the Africa Finance Corporation, sovereign wealth funds, and development finance institutions. The United Arab Emirates’ ADNOC has also shown interest, according to Dangote, though details remain under wraps due to confidentiality agreements. Built at a cost of $20 billion and operational since 2024, the refinery has redefined Nigeria’s fuel market. It processes 700,000 barrels of crude daily, with ambitions to double that by 2029. Analysts say the plant has transformed Nigeria from a net importer to a net exporter of refined petroleum products, cementing its role as an economic powerhouse. Dangote revealed plans to eventually list all his conglomerate’s companies, including cement, sugar, and salt divisions, and suggested a possible secondary listing for the refinery in the United States within three to four years. “This IPO is a huge event for Nigeria and a symbol of African self-reliance,” said Charles Robertson, head of macro strategy at FIM Partners. With excitement running high and Nigeria’s equities market booming, the Dangote refinery IPO is poised to reshape the continent’s investment landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Sets October Dates for Constituency Elections, Urges Calm and Order
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that its constituency-level elections will be held on October 24 and 25, with party officials emphasizing the importance of peace and order throughout the process. Mahdi M. Gibrill, the party’s Director of Elections and IT, shared the news in a recent media engagement. According to Mr. Gibrill, the electoral guidelines have been carefully crafted to ensure that the upcoming polls are smooth, transparent, and free from conflict. “The arrangements and guidelines put in place are intended to ensure that the constituency elections are conducted smoothly, peacefully, and without unnecessary misunderstandings or conflict,” he stated. Mr. Gibrill also appealed to party members and supporters to exercise restraint in their language and behavior during the electoral period. “We are appealing to all party members to be mindful of their language and conduct and to avoid insults or actions that could create tension and undermine the peace of the elections,” he cautioned. Urging broad participation, he encouraged all members to respect the laid-down procedures and contribute to a peaceful, transparent, and orderly election. “We expect all members to conduct themselves responsibly and ensure that the elections are peaceful, transparent, and orderly,” Mr. Gibrill concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Calls Urgent Security Summit to Tackle Ghana’s Border Vulnerabilities
In response to rising concerns over the use of Ghana’s ports, airports, and land borders for trafficking illicit drugs, President John Dramani Mahama has summoned a high-level meeting of key security and regulatory agencies. The urgent summit is set for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Jubilee House, Ghana’s seat of government. According to an invitation from Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the meeting will bring together the nation’s top security, intelligence, port, and aviation authorities. The agenda is focused on identifying vulnerabilities in Ghana’s border security system, strengthening intelligence-sharing, enhancing cargo and passenger screening, improving inter-agency coordination, and deploying advanced technologies to disrupt narcotics trafficking. Amid growing concerns about Ghana being used as a conduit for narcotic drugs, the heads of several key institutions have been asked to attend in person, each accompanied by a relevant technical officer. Invitations have gone out to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Navy, National Intelligence Bureau, Ghana Police Service-Criminal Investigations Department/Interpol, Narcotics Control Commission, and Ghana Airports Company Limited. Terminal scanner operators, Meridian Port Services Limited and Ghana Link Network Services Limited, have also been summoned. Each institution is required to present a brief assessment of current security gaps and propose actionable recommendations for improving intelligence sharing, surveillance, screening, and joint enforcement operations. The invitation underscored the urgency of the gathering, citing the serious national-security implications of narcotics trafficking and calling for the personal attendance of the heads of all invited organizations. As Ghana seeks to safeguard its borders and reputation, the meeting is expected to produce decisive strategies for tightening security and curbing the flow of illicit substances through the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MP Sosu Urges Protection of Ghana’s Image Amid Major Cocaine Seizure
It was a week of concern and reflection for Ghana as news broke that French customs had intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, worth about $260 million, from a container of plastic waste shipped from Ghana to the port of Dunkirk. The staggering seizure sent shockwaves through international media, and at home, it led to a firm call for action from the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu. In a recent media interview, Sosu emphasized that Ghana’s hard-earned international reputation must not be tarnished by the misdeeds of a few. “Our nation’s global standing is a precious asset,” he stressed, “and we cannot allow the actions of individuals seeking to enrich themselves illegally to undermine our collective integrity.” Sosu urged authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the shipment and to ensure that anyone found responsible is swiftly brought to justice. He pointed out that under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana had worked tirelessly to position itself as a respected leader in global diplomacy. He further commended the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his ongoing efforts to project Ghana as a beacon of integrity and democracy in Africa. The MP’s remarks highlighted a deep concern: that the actions of a few must never be allowed to overshadow the honesty and diligence of the many. “We must stand united in transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of the law,” Sosu concluded, “to protect the international reputation that Ghana has worked so hard to build.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC’s Hon. Atiah David aka “The General” declares intent to contest Bolgatanga East Communication officer position
A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region, Hon. Atiah David , has declared his intention to contest for the communication officer position. Hon. Atiah David have served in several positions in the National Democratic Congress for over twelve (12) years ranging from Constituency Youth secretary, Constituency deputy secretary, Constituency treasurer, campaign team member, director of party orientation and research, member of Constituency elections committee, TEIN Member, Regional PRO for proforum( teachers front upper East region) and a member of Constituency and regional communications team etc. In student leadership, Hon. Atiah David has served as the SRC financial secretary in Gbewaa training college in 2012 and also as the SRC General Secretary at Valley View University in the year 2016. In a declaration issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Hon. David said the decision follows months of broad and intense consultations with stakeholders and party elders in the constituency and the region. “After months of broad and intense consultation to contest the Bolga East communication officer position, on this day 15th September 2026 I, Hon. Atiah David therefore declare my intention to go ahead with my long-time ambition to assist with the communication strategy and commanding the narrative through simplifying the policies of the party in the Region,” he stated. Hon.Atiah David said his leadership will be rooted in honesty, transparency and accountability. According to him, political communication requires someone with a clear strategy that will help deciminate the policies and programs of the party to the average voter and citizen. He stated that his experience, competency and leadership capacity makes him the right candidate to lead the party’s communication machinery. He pledged to bring on board all communicators within the branches and resource them for prudent and effective communication ahead of the 2028 general elections. The communication officer position is a key role in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for decimination of the party’s ideology, policies and programs. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Finance Minister Pledges Full Funding for Accra-Kumasi Expressway by December 2026
At a pivotal ceremony marking the handover of the 175.6-kilometre right-of-way for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson delivered welcome news: the full amount required for the ambitious expressway project will be ready by December 2026. Addressing officials and stakeholders on Monday, September 14, Dr. Ato Forson underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to securing all necessary resources. He revealed that the government had made significant arrangements to mobilise funding domestically, ensuring the project would proceed smoothly without financial roadblocks. Crucially, Dr. Forson assured the nation that the government would not resort to external borrowing to finance the expressway. “This handover clears the way for an expressway that will cut travel time and transport cost, improve road safety and set a new standard for our infrastructure delivery. As your Minister for Finance, I want to use this opportunity to assure the nation that the entire amount needed for the construction of this expressway will be ready by December 2026. For the avoidance of doubt, we will not borrow a Pesewa for this construction,” he declared. The announcement sets the stage for the next phase of the 198.7-kilometre expressway, a transformative road project expected to bolster connectivity between Ghana’s southern and central regions. The expressway promises to improve the flow of people and goods between Accra and Kumasi, reduce travel times and costs, and alleviate pressure on existing roads. Equipped with modern infrastructure, the project is also expected to significantly enhance road safety and meet rising traffic demands along one of the nation’s most important transport corridors. Dr. Ato Forson’s assurance of full domestic funding signals a new era in Ghana’s approach to infrastructure—one focused on sustainability and fiscal responsibility. Source: Apexnewsgh.com