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The Deputy Ranking on the Committee on Security and Intelligence Kofi Amankwa-Manu has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for visiting Bawku in the wake of the escalating Bawku conflict.

He was however not enthused about alleged comment by the IGP in which he said to have asked the youth to lay down their tools and they would be considered for recruitments.

“I am reading from social media, if that is true then the IGPs visit is rather going to create more problems. To say that lay down your tools and then we would consider you for recruitment is something that one cannot understand. It is important to get all parties involved to lay down their tools; for me it would be absurd to recruit people into the security based on the fact that they have laid down their tools which means If you do not meet the criteria to be recruited into the security service, you would be given the opportunity because you have laid down your tools?”.

He expressed worry over the burning of the House of the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for the area Mahama Ayariga; and further added that his colleague the Member of Parliament for Pusiga Laadi Ayii Ayamba was also affect and the steps taken by the IGP is a step in the right direction.

The former deputy defence Minister in the Akufo-Addo led administration, who was speaking at a press conference by the Minority in parliament on Friday lamented that the IGP’s call to the youth is not the way to go, because “we all know the sensitivity surrounding the Bawku issue.”

“So, if one ethnic group laid down their tools and they are recruited into the security service, we all know the chaos it is going to create for the nation. The minority would support every move to get solution and bring finality to this conflict in Bawku. As a border town, if care is not taken and we get these armed groupings to use Bawku as a weak point the entire country would be on its knees”.

Meanwhile, the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh adding his voice to the Bawku conflict situation lamented that this is a major statement made by the IGP since he was appointed; and maybe the statement was made just on the spare of the moment and it’s clearly an unfortunate statement. “If any other person says this, no seriousness would be attached to it but from the IGP, the ramification of that statement is so critical”, he added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Minority in Parliament has charged the government to take urgent steps to douse the recent violent clashes in Bawku as the New development is worsening and endangering lives and property in the area.

They assert that the intensity and frequency of attacks including sporadic shootings, arson and home invasions have escalated the death toll with many more people said to be missing than those reported dead.

The Minority is particularly disturbed about the growing sophistication of weaponry used in these attacks, which raised questions about the sources of arms and the effectiveness of measures to curb their proliferation. “Recent developments, including targeted bus attacks and the setting ablaze of the residence of Hon. Mahama Ayariga, reflect the increasing volatility of the situation and the level of frustration among sections of the youth”.

At a press conference addressed by the Ranking Member on the Committee of Defense and Interior, Rev. John  Ntim Fordjour contends that any failure to de-escalate tensions leads to a cycle of reprisals, which, if unchecked, will further entrench insecurity in the area.

As a Strategic border town, Bawku’s instability poses a wider national and regional security risk. The expansion of attacks to other regions, including the North East and Ahafo, further underscores the urgent need for a more coordinated response, he emphasized.

They also expressed deep regret at the devastation the conflict is imposing on critical sectors such as education, health noting that not only are schools been forced to shutdown, depriving children of their right to education, but key institutions and businesses are fleeing the area due to safety concerns while various professionals are refusing postings to the area for sale reasons.

Ghanamps.com

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has condemned the recent violent clashes between the police and youth in Bawku, which resulted in fatalities, injuries, and an attack on his private residence. In a statement issued while abroad on official duties, the MP expressed his condolences to the affected families and urged calm amidst the escalating tensions surrounding the prolonged Bawku conflict.

According to him he acknowledges the frustrations of the youth, citing the slow resolution of the Bawku and Kusaug dispute and concerns over the actions of some law enforcement officers. He reassured his constituents of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s commitment to achieving justice and lasting peace.

He voiced strong support for the peace efforts led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, and praised the involvement of key traditional leaders in the mediation process. Ayariga urged all parties to remain dedicated to the peace process, emphasizing that traditional authorities in the region are actively engaged.

The MP also vowed to continue working towards a resolution based on Ghana’s laws and judicial rulings.
He dismissed a smear campaign against him on social media, urging the public to ignore false claims made by political opponents seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain.

Reaffirming his stance on the chieftaincy issue, Ayariga stated his belief that the youth of Kusaug have the right to dispute another person claiming to be chief in Bawku but left the matter in the capable hands of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for a swift resolution.

Ghanamps.com

Ahead of reforms in Ghana’s transport sector especially the use of motor cycle, Hon. Joseph Azumah, the Member of Parliament for Akrofum in the Ashanti Region has engaged Okada riders, promising to lead them obtain training and licences.

The MP disclosed this when he met with a section of commercial motor cycle users to explain to them the benefits of the new reforms in their type of transport system. According to him, this will help them to be recognised legally and avoid being harassed by the police and also boost their business.

The first term National Democrat Congress Member of Parliament promised to lead them to obtain the necessary training set aside by the government and also get them license.

Amongst some of the new reforms for the legalization of the ‘Odada’ business according to government include:
•⁠ ⁠One must be 25 years and above;
•⁠ ⁠Must have a Valid National ID card;
•⁠ ⁠Purchase the right protective gear;
•⁠ ⁠Sit for proficiency exams, eye tests, DVLA Okada riding card, and go for training for a unique yellow plate; and
•⁠ ⁠Users must have helmet for both the rider and passenger with helmet numbers as well as obey all traffic regulations.

Failure to abide by these rules may attract 100 penalty units or jail .The illegalization of Okada was a major policy initiative by the National Democratic Congress during the 2024 campaign period with the view of bringing sanity into their operation to offer job opportunity in a safer and more conducive environment.

As the government has already initiated steps to actualizing this, it would therefore be a promise fulfilled when it finally comes into operation.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The High Court in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, under the leadership of Justice Addae, has ruled in favour of Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Member of Parliament for the Nsawam/Adoagyiri Constituency, by dismissing a petition challenging his election.

The decision came after an application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Director of Legal Affairs, Gary Nimako Marfo, was reviewed and upheld. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) had pledged to exhaust all legal avenues to challenge the parliamentary seat held by the MP.

According to the NDC, the declaration of the MP was not in line with electoral laws and was based on incorrect result sheets, prompting their strong opposition.

On Tuesday, February 25, the Koforidua High Court bailiff issued a substituted order requiring Annoh-Dompreh, the Electoral Commission, and the Clerk of Parliament to appear before the court in Koforidua. This order was in connection with an election petition filed by the NDC, which alleged that the Electoral Commission made an improper declaration in favor of Annoh-Dompreh.

The case, spearheaded by NDC parliamentary candidate Fummey Selorm Philibert and his legal team, contested the legitimacy of Annoh-Dompreh’s election as the MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri. But the court’s ruling on Thursday April 10 not only dismissed the petition but also imposed a cost of GH₵25,000 on the petitioner.

This outcome solidifies Annoh-Dompreh’s position as the elected representative for the constituency, bringing an end to the legal challenge against his election.

Ghanamps.com

I would clean up the Ministry and its Agencies; that’s the pledge the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George made to the President and the people of Ghana when he briefed the media on his first quarter performance at the Ministry.

The Minister’s pledge, he stated follows review of the Ministry’s financial position that unearthed several irregularities, thus prompting a detailed investigation into the contracts entered into through the Ministry and its agencies.

This, he said is in line with the government’s pledge to fight corruption and graft head-on.

“The Ministry is following up with the relevant parties to establish the facts and take corrective action where necessary. We are deeply concerned about the disregard for public interest reflected by the unfavorable terms in some agreements and the resistance encountered in accessing key information from certain service providers. Against this backdrop, I have referred some contracts and agreements to the Attorney-General for his study and advice”, the Minister stated.

The Minister also announced that he would not be extending the Common Monitoring Platform contract, popularly called KelniGVG, beyond its current terminal date; adding that the contract is in two parts – one paid for by the Ministry through the NCA and another component paid for by the Ministry of Finance through the GRA.

“I have instructed the NCA to begin to hold itself in preparedness to carry out the revenue assurance platform on its own. This position is backed by the fact that at the commencement of the contract in 2018, the monthly fee paid represented 28% of the revenue accruing to the State from international inbound traffic. By the end of the first 5-year term of the contract, however, the monthly fee represented about 50% of the revenue accruing to the State. As of October 2024, the fees paid to KelniGVG represent 84% of the revenue accruing to the State. This means the State is paying far more to monitor the revenue than it retains”.

Sam George also disclosed that he inherited some agreements under the National Information Technology (NITA) that he has deep concern about; and he has begun steps to either extricate the government from unreasonable ness or achieve a more favourable arrangement that is in the best interest of Ghanaians.

He said the Ministry also observed some irregularities with regards to operationalising the Digital Services and Payment Platform (DSPP) Call Centre, managed under a contract between NITA and DigitalGOV Limited, involving two companies, Sawtel Ltd and Dataceum Ltd. These irregularities include;

1. NITA is making monthly payments to the two firms despite the firms not being directly contracted by NITA. Instead, they signed contracts with DigitalGOV Limited on March 1st, 2020, for an initial four-year term ending February 29th, 2024. Despite this, NITA has made monthly payments directly to the two firms as service providers throughout the contract period, creating a misalignment in accountability and oversight.

2. Both Sawtel and Dataceum appear to deliver nearly identical project management functions for the DSPP Call Centre, with no clear delineation of roles, responsibilities, or reporting lines.

3. The contracts with both firms expired on February 29th, 2024. No formal renewals or new engagement frameworks are in place, raising questions about continued service provision and NITA’s legal or financial obligations.

The Ministry, he said, is thus in the process of assessing the necessity of continuing with either or both Sawtel and Dataceum in a bid to eliminate duplication and ensure cost-efficiency in future project management support for DSPP and to incorporate project management under the broader DSPP Governance Framework, as recommended in the DigitalGOV contract review, with clear reporting to NITA.

Ghanamps.com

 nmThe Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) has called on the public to disregard and treat the allegations of drug trafficking regarding the two aircraft that landed at the Kotoka International Airport some weeks ago.

In a press statement released on April 8, 2025, GACL said there was no evidence of any illegal substances on board both aircraft; and distances itself and its Managing Director from media publications making false allegations concerning the involvement of Ghana Airports Company Limited officials in passing false Information to one Rev. Ntim Fodjour who has made allegations of drug trafficking regarding two (2) aircrafts landing at Kotoka International Airport some weeks ago”.

GACL further contends that:
1. Landing permits of all aircraft entering Ghana are issued by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in conjunction with the National Security and NOT GACL.
2. All security checks were by Aviation Security and National Security while ground
3. The Managing Director, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare does not know or has never met or spoken to Rev. Ntim Fordjour.
4. Therefore, the onus is on the groups or individuals making false allegations to provide evidence of same.
GACL thus, “served notice that the company will not hesitate to seek redress against any media house, individual or any other entity for any intentional or mischievous publication on Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s false allegations and related matters that seek to bring the image of the company, its Managing Director or the government into disrepute regarding the two (2) aircraft.”

Ghanamps.com

The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh, has finally acquitted and discharged the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.

This brings an end to a protracted three-year legal battle over charges including perjury, forgery, and false declaration.

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, comes after the court found that the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence to support the charges brought against the embattled lawmaker.

Gyakye Quayson, who had rejected an offer by the new Attorney General to drop the case, stood trial over accusations stemming from his alleged dual citizenship at the time of filing to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections. The charges included deceit of a public officer, forgery of passport or travel documents, knowingly making false declarations, and perjury.

Had the prosecution made a compelling case, the MP would have been required to open his defence. However, Justice Yanzuh ruled that the evidence was inadequate to warrant such a move.

Mr. Quayson, whose original election in 2020 was nullified by the Supreme Court in 2023 leading to a by-election he subsequently won, expressed relief and vindication following the judgment.

“This is justice for Assin North, and justice for Ghana. This is justice for everybody,” he told the media shortly after his discharge.

Mr. Quayson insisted the case against him was politically motivated and said attempts were made to convict him using falsified documents. But he remained confident throughout the ordeal.

“When you are not wrong, there’s nothing you should be worried about. No matter where you put the person, they will bounce back,” he added.

Ghanamps.com

Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa East and Chairman of the Agric and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, is representing Ghana at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Science Week in Nairobi, Kenya.

This year’s event, scheduled from Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12, 2025, and launched on Monday, brings together global leaders in research, policy, and development to discuss innovative solutions for food, land, and water systems transformation.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Accra, ahead of the conference, Dr. Jasaw said it was an opportunity to strengthen research-policy linkages. “As a key figure in Ghana’s agricultural sector, I will share insights into CGIAR’s new Policy Champions Network.

“This initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and policy in agriculture and food systems, promoting evidence-informed decision-making,” he told the GNA. At the Science Week, the MP will engage with policy practitioners from over 26 countries to identify national policy research needs and enhance collaboration between science and policy.

Dr. Jasaw’s expertise in sustainable food systems will be invaluable in shaping and driving the Policy Champions Network. The Chairman of the Agric and Cocoa Affairs Commitee’s participation will help foster partnerships and inspire change for resilient food, water, and land systems. The event’s plenary program features global and regional leaders discussing ways to harness and scale science and innovation.

Some key topics to be discussed during the CGIAR Science Week will include Climate Action; strategies for mitigating climate change impacts on agriculture; Sustainable Farming; launch of the Sustainable Farming Science Program; Capacity Sharing; enhancing capacity development for agricultural research and innovation and Genebanks Accelerator Strategy; accelerating the development and deployment of improved crop varieties.

Dr. Jasaw’s participation in the CGIAR Science Week underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening research-policy linkages in agriculture and food systems. The MP’s contributions will help shape the future of agricultural research and policy in Ghana and beyond.

CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future, focusing on reducing rural poverty, increasing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources.
GNA

Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has debunked allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering involving two aircraft that recently landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

According to him, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, was peddling falsehood in a bid to undermine the confidence the people of Ghana have in the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government.

According to the Minister, indeed two aircrafts landed at the Kotoka International Airport for genuine reasons.

One of the aircrafts, operated by AirMed, landed at KIA due to technical issues involving damaged tyres on its landing gear; and Engineers were flown in on a separate aircraft to repair the damage, which accounted for the three-day stay at the airport.

With the Cavok flight, he explained that security officials at KIA inspected the aircraft when it landed with its cargo content been oil drills and oil stored in jerrycans.

“Don’t let anyone lie to you and shift the goal post when pressed for evidence”, he added.

Ghanamps.com