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Vitus Azeem Slams GH¢200 Security Recruitment Fee, Protocol Slots

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem is raising concerns over the ongoing nationwide security recruitment.
The exercise covers the Police, Prisons, Fire Service, Immigration Service, and the Armed Forces.

He warns that high application fees and protocol allocations could undermine the entire process.
The Interior Ministry opened the recruitment portal from November 15 to December 15.

The Ministry says the online process will strengthen internal security and enhance public safety nationwide.
It also aims to attract disciplined, qualified, and patriotic citizens into the various security agencies.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Azeem questioned the process.
He criticised both the fairness and transparency of the recruitment, starting with the GH¢200 fee.

He argued that putting application forms online should not come with exorbitant charges.
“You wonder whether this is a tax on the unemployed. I’m coming to look for a job, and I have to pay Ghc200 just to fill the form when my chances of getting the job are very slim.

“In the past, it was 100 cedis, and some of us complained, but nothing happened. Parliament has been very quiet because it doesn’t affect them.

“These agencies already have websites. You simply upload the forms, and applicants complete them. If you are talking about 60,000 applicants paying 200 cedis each, that’s about 12 million cedis. Do you need that much just to run a portal?” he argued.

Beyond the fees, Mr. Azeem is even more worried about protocol recruitment practices.
He describes protocol allocations as a stain on the entire recruitment exercise.

He questions why politicians and influential persons receive large recruitment slots without clear criteria.
“They make it look open and transparent, but protocol allocation mars everything. Virtually everybody who matters in government has protocol slots. So, after people struggle to apply, those selected are not necessarily the best qualified. Protocol has become the only way to get a job in this country.

“If a parliamentarian gets two slots from the military, two from the prisons, two from the police, and two from immigration, how are those people chosen? Are they really the best candidates in the constituency? Is it fair? Is it honest?” he said.

Mr. Azeem is urging the security agencies to tighten their screening criteria significantly.
He says stricter, merit-based screening would stop unqualified applicants from slipping through the process.

He believes numbers at the body selection stage would fall with stronger initial screening.
Without reforms, he warns, public distrust will continue to plague security recruitment exercises.

He cautions that this distrust undermines efforts to attract the best candidates into key security roles.

Protesters in Accra Demand Removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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A group of citizens, led by Apostle Abraham Lincoln Larbi and lawyer Martin Kpebu, has protested in Accra to demand the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. The protesters argue that he has failed in his duties and want President John Mahama to either fire him or shut down the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) entirely.

The main complaint centers on the Special Prosecutor’s statements about former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Martin Kpebu, speaking to the media, accused Mr. Agyebeng of not telling the truth to Ghanaians. He claimed the SP lied about seeking help from state institutions to arrest Mr. Ofori-Atta before he left the country.

Kpebu listed several claims he says have been proven false. He stated that the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Immigration Service, and National Security all denied the SP’s requests for assistance. “When your Special Prosecutor comes to lie to Ghanaians… that alone is sufficient grounds for him to resign,” Kpebu stressed.

He also referred to Ghana’s constitution, explaining that ultimate power belongs to the people. He argued that if state agencies were frustrating the SP, Mr. Agyebeng should have reported directly to the Ghanaian public instead of making false claims.

Apostle Larbi echoed these concerns, urging the President to act quickly to restore public trust in the fight against corruption. He warned that the group would intensify its actions if no steps are taken.

The protesters submitted a formal petition to the Presidency. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim received it, praising the group for their peaceful demonstration and assuring them that the President supports citizens’ right to express their views.

How the Removal of a Special Prosecutor Works

The process to remove a Special Prosecutor is set by law. It begins with a petition to the President. The President must then refer the petition to the Chief Justice within seven days. The Chief Justice has 30 days to determine if there is a strong initial case. If so, a committee is formed to investigate and make a recommendation to the President within 90 days. The President is then required to act on this final recommendation.

IGP Yohuno to Continue Police Reforms with New Term

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

President John Dramani Mahama is set to approve a two-year extension for the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno. This decision follows a formal recommendation from the Police Council.

The extension means IGP Yohuno will continue to lead the Ghana Police Service beyond his original retirement date. This move is seen as a strategic step to ensure stability and continuity within the country’s security architecture.

Why the Extension Matters

According to sources, the government believes keeping IGP Yohuno in his role is crucial for national security. His extended term will allow him to see through ongoing police reforms and strengthen key security operations. The main goal is to build on the progress the Police Service has already made under his command.

Since his appointment earlier this year, IGP Yohuno has been praised for several key achievements. These include:

  • Increased Police Visibility: Putting more officers on the streets to deter crime.
  • Improved Crime Response: Enhancing strategies for how the police react to and manage criminal incidents.
  • Community Policing: Advancing initiatives that build stronger, more trusting relationships between the police and the communities they serve.

What the Future Holds

While an official announcement is still pending, the two-year extension will provide IGP Yohuno with the time to oversee critical projects. His continued leadership is expected to focus on modernizing the police service, developing personnel, and deepening the reforms started during his tenure.

This decision highlights the government’s confidence in his leadership and its commitment to maintaining a consistent security strategy for Ghana. The extension ensures that the current momentum in improving safety and police effectiveness is not disrupted.

Ghana’s Economy Shifts From Recovery To Expansion – BoG

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
Bank of Ghana (Adum, Kumasi)
Bank of Ghana (Adum, Kumasi)

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiamah, has announced that Ghana’s economy is firmly transitioning from a phase of recovery into a period of real expansion, with growth now broader, more stable, and increasingly diversified across key sectors.

Speaking at the opening of the 127th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on November 24, 2025, Dr. Asiama highlighted stronger-than-expected economic activity this quarter, noting that growth momentum is no longer concentrated in a few industries but is widely distributed. “What stands out this quarter is the broad momentum in economic activity. Growth has been stronger and more diversified than anticipated,” he remarked.

Official figures show that the first half of 2025 recorded a GDP growth rate of 6.3 percent, driven largely by robust performances in services and agriculture. Non-oil GDP rose even higher, reaching 7.8 percent. High-frequency indicators confirm this trend, with the Composite Index of Economic Activity climbing by about 9 percent. Business and consumer confidence have also improved significantly, underscoring optimism about the country’s economic outlook. Dr. Asiamah explained that these gains demonstrate a narrowing of the negative output gap, signaling that Ghana is steadily shifting from recovery to expansion.

The Governor attributed the progress to deliberate policy choices, including sustained fiscal discipline, a cautious but firm monetary policy stance, and structural reforms aimed at strengthening foreign exchange operations and rebuilding external buffers. He emphasized that the 2026 Budget builds on this foundation, placing growth and job creation at the centre of Ghana’s next phase of economic transformation.

The MPC’s 127th meeting is expected to deliberate on key macroeconomic developments shaping the recovery trajectory. The meeting comes at a time when inflation continues to ease, falling to 8 percent in October. This decline has been supported by tight monetary policy, fiscal consolidation, and improved food supply conditions.

Dr. Asiamah’s remarks signal growing confidence in Ghana’s economic resilience, as policymakers prepare to consolidate gains and drive inclusive growth in the years ahead.

Ghana Gains Relief as U.S. Removes 15% Tariffs on Cocoa

By
Ivy Hollys
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The United States has lifted the 15 percent tariffs placed on Ghana’s cocoa and several major agricultural exports. Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the development, noting that the reversal took effect on November 13, 2025, after a new executive order issued by President Trump.

Mr Ablakwa stated that American diplomats informed the government about the update. He explained that the revised policy now covers cocoa beans and a wide range of produce. The exempted items include cashew nuts, avocado, banana, mango, orange, lime, plantain, pineapple, guava, coconut, ginger and assorted peppers.

The Minister highlighted the major economic relief this decision will bring to Ghana’s export sector. Ghana exports about 78,000 metric tons of cocoa beans to the United States each year. With spot prices averaging 5,300 dollars per metric ton, the tariff removal could generate an estimated 60 million dollars, equivalent to roughly 667 million cedis, in additional annual revenue.

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana welcomes the policy shift. He noted that both countries will continue to strengthen their long-standing diplomatic and economic relations.

The earlier tariff hike stemmed from a July 31, 2025, executive order issued by President Trump. That directive imposed a 15 percent reciprocal tariff on several countries, including Ghana. The decision raised concerns among exporters, particularly within the cocoa industry, which remains central to Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings.

Ghana strongly opposed the measure. Deputy Trade Minister Sampson Ahi stressed that the country was ready to engage senior U.S. officials on the issue. He argued that the tariff was unreasonable, since the United States does not produce cocoa. Analysts said the situation highlighted the need for deeper African trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Bawumia Expands Lead in NPP 2026 Flagbearer Bid

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia continues to hold a strong lead in the New Patriotic Party’s 2026 presidential primaries. A new Global InfoAnalytics survey, conducted from 17 to 21 November 2025, gathered responses from 3,500 delegates across all sixteen regions. The findings show a stable but competitive race as the party prepares for its January contest.

The poll reveals a slight dip in support for Dr Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong compared to October. Despite this shift, Dr Bawumia maintains a firm advantage among likely voters. He records 42.7 percent support, followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 17.7 percent. Dr Bryan Acheampong places third with 4.6 percent, while Dr Yaw Adutwum and Kwabena Agyapong each secure 0.3 percent.

A notable share of respondents remain undecided. About 14.9 percent declined to disclose their choice, and 19.3 percent have not settled on a candidate. Their eventual decisions could influence the final outcome.

Support becomes clearer among committed voters. In this group, Dr Bawumia rises to 63.3 percent, while Kennedy Agyapong reaches 28.6 percent. Dr Acheampong follows with 6.9 percent. These numbers highlight strong conviction among delegates who have already made up their minds.

Regional trends show Dr Bawumia leading in thirteen regions. Kennedy Agyapong leads only in the Volta Region. The Central Region remains evenly split, creating room for campaign manoeuvres.

The poll also tracks movement from the 2023 primaries. Eleven percent of Kennedy Agyapong’s previous supporters now favour Dr Bawumia. Dr Acheampong has also gained modest support from both leading contenders.

Dr Bawumia maintains the highest favourability rating at 92 percent. Global InfoAnalytics reports a 99 percent confidence level and a 2.12 percent margin of error, underscoring the reliability of the survey.

Minority Accuses Government of Stalling Anti-LGBTQ Bill’s Return to Parliament

By
Ivy Hollys
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goverment
Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour

The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of deliberately delaying the return of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill. According to the caucus, it has been five weeks since Speaker Alban Bagbin announced that the revised bill was undergoing final fine-tuning to prepare it for passage. Despite this assurance, the legislation has still not appeared before the House for consideration.

Raising the matter on the floor on Friday, November 21, lead sponsor of the bill and Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, expressed concern over what he described as a worrying silence. He urged leadership to place the bill back on the order paper next week. He warned that the delay is creating public suspicion about government’s commitment to the process.

“It is five weeks since Mr Speaker gave that ruling. Since then no attempt has been made by this House to have the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill addressed, even as the cancer of LGBTQ continues to devastate our norms and culture and threaten our family values,” he said. “The House must not create the impression that what was a priority in the Eighth Parliament has been thrown under the carpet. The attempt by the government to block the bill from being featured is a big disappointment. We demand that the bill be added to the order paper so that it will be laid and presented for first reading.”

Responding to the allegations, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga dismissed the claim that the government is obstructing the bill’s reintroduction. He insisted that the Mahama administration remains committed to ensuring the passage of the legislation. He assured Parliament that the revised bill will be reintroduced in accordance with the rules of the House.

Australia To Ban Under-16s From Using Social Media

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Photo by Kerde Severin

Australia will introduce a world-first social media ban for children under 16, beginning on 10 December. Under the new rules, social media companies must take “reasonable steps” to stop under-16s from creating accounts and must remove existing accounts belonging to children.

The government says the policy is intended to reduce the risks young people face online. A government-commissioned study found that 96 percent of children aged 10 to 15 use social media, with seven in 10 exposed to harmful content such as misogynistic posts, violent videos and material promoting eating disorders or suicide. One in seven reported experiencing grooming behaviours, and more than half said they had been cyberbullied.

The ban covers platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch. Gaming platforms like Roblox and Discord are not yet included, though both have introduced age-check features in anticipation of possible regulation.

Social media companies will be responsible for enforcing the ban. Parents and children will not face penalties, but platforms could be fined up to $49.5 million for repeated breaches. Companies must use age-assurance technology, which may include ID verification, facial analysis, voice recognition or age-inference tools. They are prohibited from relying on self-declared ages or parental confirmation.

Meta has already announced it will begin closing teen accounts from 4 December. Users mistakenly removed will need to verify their age using a government ID or a video selfie. Other platforms have not released their compliance plans.

Experts warn enforcement may be inconsistent, and some technologies could wrongly block users or fail to detect underage accounts. Critics also argue the ban may push teens toward riskier online spaces or isolate those who rely on social media for community and support.

The legislation also raises concerns about data privacy, although the government insists that any data collected for age verification must be used only for that purpose and then deleted.

Several countries, including Denmark, Norway, France and Spain, are exploring similar restrictions. Policymakers around the world are expected to watch Australia’s rollout closely.

Teens are already sharing tips online about avoiding the ban, including suggestions to use VPNs or creating accounts with fake ages. The government says platforms will be expected to detect and remove such accounts.

NPP Upholds Ban on Proxy Voting for 2026 Presidential Primaries

By
Ivy Hollys
-
2026
Chairman of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Joe Osei Owusu

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will maintain its ban on proxy voting in the 2026 presidential primaries, despite receiving multiple petitions from members urging a review of the directive.

Chairman of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Joe Osei Owusu, confirmed the decision after the committee completed its consultations with stakeholders across the party. According to him, the committee carefully examined all concerns raised but concluded that the ban was essential to protect the integrity of the election.

“We’ve listened to all kinds of petitions. We’ve read every submission from the various sections of the party. After reviewing them, we reached one clear conclusion,” he said. “For the sake of an election that is incident-free, respected, accessible, and credible, the ban must be maintained.”

He stressed that the party would not permit any form of proxy voting in the upcoming primaries. “We will still not have proxy voting in this 2026 presidential primaries,” he added.

The decision requires all eligible delegates to be physically present at their assigned polling stations on election day. Delegates who fail to appear in person will not be able to vote.

Party officials say the move is intended to prevent electoral disputes, strengthen transparency, and ensure that ballot processes are free from manipulation.

The NPP’s presidential primaries are scheduled for January 31, 2026.

Asenso-Boakye Accuses Government of Violating Constitution in 2026 Budget

By
Ivy Hollys
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constitution
Francis Asenso Boakye

The Ranking Member of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has accused the government of breaking the Constitution and the Local Governance Act in its handling of the 2026 Budget.

Addressing Parliament, Asenso-Boakye said the Budget unlawfully outlines Utilization Guidelines for the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) before Parliament approves the DACF Formula. He explained that, by law, the Ministry of Local Government must prepare such guidelines in consultation with the Ministry of Finance only after Parliament gives approval. Issuing guidelines ahead of time, he argued, is outside the government’s legal mandate.

He referenced the new utilization proposal from the Minister of Finance, approved by Cabinet, which sets out the following allocations:

24-hour economy – 25%
Health facilities – 10%
Educational facilities – 10%
Potable water – 10%
School furniture – 10%
Administration – 7.5%

According to Asenso-Boakye, these allocations could centralize authority that should rest with local assemblies, undermining Ghana’s decentralization system. He noted that the DACF was created to give local communities the power to choose their own development priorities, not to follow directives imposed from Accra. “This Budget seeks to dictate how those priorities should be funded, effectively removing local discretion,” he said.

He cautioned that if Parliament allows the current approach to continue, it will be enabling a constitutional breach and giving the Minister of Finance control over resources that the Constitution assigns to local authorities.

Asenso-Boakye warned that such centralization destabilizes local governance and risks inefficiency. He said that once assemblies lose the freedom to allocate funds based on community needs, development becomes top-down and less effective.

He urged Parliament to protect its oversight role and resist any attempt to bypass legal procedures governing the DACF. The Minority, he said, will continue to push for transparency, legal compliance, and true decentralization.

“We must protect the autonomy of local assemblies and ensure that every cedi allocated through the DACF serves the people for whom it is intended,” he concluded.

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