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Jones Enyamesem Slams NDC for Ignoring Anti-LGBTQ Bill

The Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Kwabre East Constituency, Mr. Jones Enyamesem, has criticized the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for failing to keep its promise on the anti-LGBTQ bill.

Speaking on Orange Sunrise, he said the NDC, while in opposition, assured Ghanaians that it would pass the bill in the best interest of the nation. That promise, he noted, won the hearts of many voters and contributed to the party’s electoral victory.

Mr. Enyamesem expressed disappointment that after gaining power, the government appears to be “playing games” with the issue. He described the NDC’s current attitude as a betrayal of public trust and a clear sign of political inconsistency.

He stated, “The NDC wanted nothing but power, and they were thinking if they get the power, they will dilly-dally and see the four years pass without paying attention to the issue. They are not using the same energy they used while in opposition.”

He warned that the NDC has only three years left in office and may face the same punishment they dealt to the NPP if they continue to disappoint Ghanaians. According to him, the people are watching and will hold the government accountable at the polls.

Mr. Enyamesem further urged the NDC to apply the same level of pressure and energy they used when in opposition to push for the passage of the bill. He stressed that true leadership is measured by consistency, honesty, and the courage to fulfill promises made to the people.

He ended by calling on all political parties to uphold Ghana’s cultural and moral values, emphasizing that governance must reflect the will and principles of the citizens.

Nations Are Built by Ideas, Not Wealth – Bawumia

Bawumia

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said that great nations are built through innovative ideas from visionary leaders, not by how rich a person is.

Speaking in Dormaa on October 22 during his nationwide campaign tour for the NPP primaries, Dr. Bawumia said unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing Ghana’s youth. He stressed that solving it requires creative ideas, not personal wealth.

“Ideas build nations and ideas create jobs,” he said, dismissing claims by some of his fellow NPP flagbearer aspirants that they can create jobs simply because they have money.

Citing his achievements as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia pointed to the success of mobile money interoperability, a system that allows seamless transfers between mobile networks and bank accounts. He said this single policy has helped expand Ghana’s mobile money industry and create thousands of jobs.

“Before mobile money interoperability, Ghana had only 8 million mobile money users. Today, there are about 24 million users. This growth has led to over 900,000 mobile money vendors across the country,” he explained.

According to the Bank of Ghana’s July 2025 report, Ghana had 923,000 registered mobile money agents, with about 423,000 actively operating. Before interoperability, there were just over 107,000 agents nationwide.

Dr. Bawumia said these numbers prove that innovation and smart policy ideas can create lasting employment opportunities.

“Being a great leader and creating jobs is not about how much money you have in your pocket. It’s about your ideas. I have shown through my service as Vice President that I have the ideas to transform this country if given the chance,” he added.

Dormaa West NPP Chairman Predicts Victory for Dr Bawumia

Victory

Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Dormaa West Constituency, Mr. Kwame Owusu, has expressed unwavering confidence in the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as a leader well-positioned to secure victory in the upcoming general elections.

Mr. Owusu made the remarks during Dr. Bawumia’s visit to Dormaa West as part of his regional tour of Bono. He commended the former Vice President for his composed and mature approach to political discourse, particularly in the face of criticism. According to Mr. Owusu, Dr. Bawumia’s emphasis on unity and national development sets him apart from his political rivals.

“Dr. Bawumia’s campaign conduct reflects a deep understanding of leadership. He refrains from engaging in political insults because he recognizes the importance of national unity after the elections,” Mr. Owusu stated.

Reflecting on the party’s internal dynamics prior to Dr. Bawumia’s selection as flagbearer, Mr. Owusu noted that morale within the NPP was low. He credited Dr. Bawumia’s leadership with revitalizing the party’s confidence and electoral prospects.

“To be candid, the party was fragmented before Dr. Bawumia’s election. Had elections been held then, we might not have secured even 20 percent of the vote,” he remarked.

Mr. Owusu also praised the national executives for organizing an early congress, which he believes has provided the flagbearer with ample time to engage with the electorate and strengthen campaign efforts.

“We appreciate the foresight of the party’s leadership in holding an early congress. It has given Dr. Bawumia the opportunity to prepare thoroughly and connect with voters across the country,” he said.

He concluded by urging party members to remain united and dedicated as the campaign progresses, emphasizing that collective effort will be essential to achieving electoral success.

US Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Oil Giants to Pressure Moscow Over Ukraine War

Donald Trump
Donald Trump| Leon Neal/Getty Images

The United States has announced new sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil in a move aimed at forcing Moscow to negotiate peace in Ukraine.

The decision came a day after US President Donald Trump said a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been postponed indefinitely. “Every time I speak to Vladimir, we have good conversations, but they don’t go anywhere,” Trump said.

While the economic impact may be limited, the sanctions mark a major shift in Trump’s foreign policy. He had previously avoided sanctions, saying he wanted Europe to stop buying Russian oil first. The Kremlin has dismissed the move, claiming Russia is “immune” to such measures.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions were necessary because of “Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war,” noting that the two companies fund the Kremlin’s “war machine.”

Rosneft and Lukoil export about 3.1 million barrels of oil a day, with key buyers including China, India, and Turkey. Oil and gas are Russia’s biggest exports, accounting for a major share of global supply.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the sanctions, calling them “a good signal” that could help bring about a ceasefire if more countries followed suit.

Trump said he hoped the sanctions would push Russia toward peace talks, calling them “tremendous” but adding they could be lifted if Moscow ended the war.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU leaders praised the move, saying continued pressure was key to bringing Putin to the negotiating table.

The sanctions come as fighting in Ukraine intensifies, with recent Russian strikes killing civilians, including children, in Kyiv.

GH¢2.2 Billion Lost in National Service Ghost Names Scandal

National service ghost names

Attorney General Dominic Akuritinga Ayine has disclosed that a forensic audit conducted by the Auditor General has revealed GH¢2.2 billion was lost in the National Service Scheme (NSS) ghost names scandal  a significant increase from the GH¢548 million initially uncovered in June 2025.

Addressing journalists, Dr. Ayine said prosecutions have begun against former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, and his deputy, Gifty Oware. Additional charges are being prepared for other officials and private vendors linked to the case.

According to Dr. Ayine, about ten separate cases are expected to be filed as part of the prosecution process. “We intend to use some of the implicated public officers and vendors as witnesses,” he explained, emphasizing that smaller offenders may be leveraged to secure convictions against major culprits.

The Attorney General described the scandal as one of the country’s largest corruption cases, involving large-scale embezzlement and money laundering through fraudulent salary payments to non-existent personnel. He assured the public that the government remains committed to recovering stolen funds and bringing all those involved to justice.

Dr. Ayine also noted that forensic audits have been requested for other state projects, including the National Cathedral, All African Games, and Bank of Ghana building projects, to ensure accountability. He urged Ghanaians to remain patient as investigations continue, stressing that “accountability takes time and resources.” He further stated that no political pressure has been placed on him, pledging to pursue all prosecutions without fear or favor.

Parliament to Discuss Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill This Week

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour

Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has announced that the bill will be presented to Parliament for its first reading between today and tomorrow.

He stated that the bill is already listed on Parliament’s Order Paper and described it as a matter of urgent national interest. “Any time between today and tomorrow, I don’t think it should go beyond today because it is already advertised and it’s an urgent matter,” Rev. Fordjour said.

He added that the bill is likely to be among the first items discussed when Parliament reconvenes at 2:00 p.m. Following its first reading, the bill will be referred to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for further scrutiny.

Originally passed in 2024, the bill was halted by a legal challenge that prevented it from reaching the President for assent. It seeks to criminalize specific LGBTQ+ activities and promote what proponents describe as Ghanaian family values.

Supporters argue that the legislation reflects the cultural beliefs of the majority of Ghanaians and safeguard’s national identity. Critics, however, contend that it infringes on human rights and could damage Ghana’s international reputation.

Rev. Fordjour assured that Parliament will adhere to due process and remain responsive to public sentiment. “Parliament will follow the proper process and listen to public concerns,” he affirmed.

The bill’s reintroduction is expected to reignite national debate on issues of culture, morality, and human rights.

Education Ministry Probes GH¢30k Bribery in School Placement

The Ministry of Education, Ghana
The Ministry of Education, Ghana

The Ministry of Education has launched an urgent investigation into alleged bribery within Ghana’s school placement system.

The Ministry of Education, Ghana
The Ministry of Education, Ghana

This follows claims by Joseph Azumah, Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, who said a constituent paid GH¢30,000 to secure placement for a child. According to Azumah, the individual first approached him for assistance at Community 16, and later returned with evidence of the payment.

Similar concerns were raised by Richard Asamoah Mensah, Secretary of the Construction and Building Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), adding weight to the allegations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 22, the Ministry described the claims as “grave” and confirmed that the Education Minister has convened a meeting with National Security to ensure a thorough probe.

“The Ministry wishes to assure the public that it is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness in the school placement process,” the statement read.

It warned that any individual found guilty of bribery, extortion, or manipulation of the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) will face the full rigours of the law.

The Ministry urged Mr. Azumah, Mr. Mensah, and anyone with credible information to cooperate fully with National Security to help uncover the truth.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Ministry emphasized its dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the placement process and ensuring that access to secondary education remains “free, fair, and merit-based for every Ghanaian child.”

Ghana Ranked 5th in Africa for Highest Debt to IMF

IMF
FILE PHOTO: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters building is seen in Washington, U.S., April 8, 2019. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo

Ghana has been ranked as the fifth African country with the highest debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as of October 2025.

According to the latest data from the IMF, Ghana owes 2.59 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to the Fund.

Egypt tops the list with an outstanding debt of 6.89 billion SDR, making it the highest debtor to the IMF in Africa. Côte d’Ivoire follows in second place with 3.10 billion SDR, Kenya is third with 3.01 billion SDR, and Angola ranks fourth with 2.66 billion SDR.

Meanwhile, Nigeria and Morocco are notably absent from the top ten list of African countries indebted to the IMF.

IMF loans are designed to provide short-term financial relief to member countries facing economic challenges. However, experts warn that such borrowing can also add to a nation’s overall debt burden.

High levels of IMF debt require careful financial management to prevent economic strain. The loans often come with strict conditions that limit a government’s flexibility in spending and policy decisions.

Analysts say Ghana’s growing dependence on IMF support highlights the need for stronger domestic economic strategies and more efficient resource management to ensure long-term stability and reduce reliance on external assistance.

Afenyo-Markin Criticizes Government Over Rising Youth Unemployment

Alexander Afenyo-Markin

Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has voiced strong concern over Ghana’s escalating youth unemployment rate, describing it as a troubling indicator of governmental shortcomings in addressing the needs of the younger generation.

Speaking at a recent public engagement, Mr. Afenyo-Markin cited new data revealing that 32 percent of Ghanaian youth are currently unemployed. He characterized the figure as alarming and warned that persistent joblessness among young people poses a serious threat to national development and social cohesion.

“Successive governments have failed to create sustainable employment opportunities despite numerous initiatives and promises,” he stated. “Many skilled graduates remain without jobs, while others are compelled to accept low-paying or unstable work. We cannot continue to ignore the frustrations of our young people.”

The MP emphasized the need for practical, results-oriented solutions, urging a shift away from political rhetoric. He called for enhanced collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and educational bodies to better align academic training with labor market demands.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin also advocated for increased support for entrepreneurship and innovation, identifying them as critical engines for job creation. He stressed that tackling youth unemployment requires transparency, consistency, and strategic investment in sectors capable of absorbing the growing labor force.

“Our young people are the future of this country. If we fail them, we fail Ghana,” he declared.

His remarks have reignited public discourse on the effectiveness of current employment policies and the adequacy of government-led programs aimed at reducing youth joblessness.

Former Majority Leader, Endorses Dr. Bawumia As The Ideal Flagbearer.

The former Majority Leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and long-serving Member of Parliament for the Suame Constituency, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has publicly endorsed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the most qualified candidate to lead the party into the next general elections. Speaking on Orange Sunrise with Alfa Ali, he commended Dr. Bawumia’s exemplary leadership and distinguished service, asserting that these qualities set him apart from other aspirants.

He emphasized that, Dr. Bawumia’s extensive experience, particularly his eight-year tenure as Vice President, has equipped him with a deep understanding of governance and national development. He further praised Dr. Bawumia’s humility, intellectual acumen, and economic expertise, describing them as essential attributes for any leader committed to transforming Ghana.

Addressing concerns that religious affiliation may have influenced Dr. Bawumia’s previous electoral performance, the MP firmly rejected the notion. He shared findings from his own informal survey, stating that voters he interacted with did not consider religion a factor in their decisions.

“I went out to ask people who decided not to vote, whether the decision was made because of his religion, but not even a single person said they voted against or decided not to vote because of his religion. The loss happened due to poor governance and the disappointment they faced from us,” he explained.

Concluding his remarks, the former Majority Leader reaffirmed his unwavering support for Dr. Bawumia, expressing confidence in his ability to unify the NPP and lead Ghana toward sustainable progress. He urged party members and the broader electorate to rally behind Dr. Bawumia’s vision, emphasizing that his leadership offers a promising path forward for both the party and the nation.

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