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Ghana Urges AU to Address Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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samuel okudzeto ablakwa

Ghana has officially requested that the African Union (AU) prioritise the issue of recurring xenophobic attacks on African nationals in South Africa at its upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. In a letter dated May 6, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa addressed this urgent matter to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa. The meeting is scheduled to take place in El Alamein, Egypt, from June 24 to June 27, 2026.

In the letter, the Ghanaian government expressed profound concern over the ongoing xenophobic incidents in South Africa, highlighting that these attacks have led to loss of life, destruction of businesses, and significant threats to the safety and well-being of numerous African nationals residing in the country. The letter denounced the persistence of xenophobic violence and stated, “It is particularly troubling that manifestations of xenophobia, including violent attacks against fellow Africans, have persisted in recent years.”

Ghana’s government further argued that such attacks undermine the principles of African solidarity and brotherhood, which are core tenets of the AU and the broader Pan-African movement. The letter asserts that these actions not only violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights but also contradict the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to facilitate free movement and reduce barriers among African nations.

As part of its proposals, Ghana has requested that the AU enhance its monitoring mechanisms to ensure that member states adhere to their commitments under both the AU Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Additionally, the Ghanaian government called for the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the root causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa and to recommend suitable interventions to the AU.

Moreover, Ghana proposed the implementation of dialogue and reconciliation initiatives designed to promote tolerance, inclusion, integration, and a renewed commitment to continental unity among African peoples. The letter encapsulated the importance of building a future for Africa based on shared dignity, prosperity, and mutual respect, despite the continent’s historical challenges of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid.

Citing the vision of Ghana’s first President and renowned Pan-Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah, the government underscored that Africa’s complete emancipation and potential can only be achieved through unity and the assurance that no African is dehumanised on African soil.

This petition by Ghana signals a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding human rights and safety for all Africans, urging the AU to take decisive action against xenophobia and foster a culture of unity across the continent.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Kumasi Kejetia Phase 2 Cost Jumps to Ghc305 Million From Original Ghc248 Million — Ahmed Ibrahim

By
Ivy Hollys
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kumasi kejetia market phase 2

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that the cost of the stalled Kumasi Kejetia market phase 2 project has increased from the original Ghc248 million approved in 2018 to Ghc305 million due to delays, suspension costs, and contractor demobilization.

Speaking at a press briefing, the minister said the government was compelled to address growing public concerns following recent demonstrations over delays in completing the Kumasi Kejetia Market Phase 2 and the Takoradi Central Market projects.

According to him, the government decided to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the stalled projects to ensure Ghanaians understood the real causes behind the delays.

“Last week, there was a demonstration against the government on the delay in the completion of Kumasi kejetia market phase two and the Takoradi central markets. As a ministry responsible, we need to let Ghanaians know what actually has happened,” he stated.

Ahmed Ibrahim explained that officials from the ministry, including the Chief Director, policy planning team, general administration director, consultants for the Kejetia project, and the Kumasi mayor, have been holding extensive meetings aimed at finding solutions to complete the projects.

He described the Kumasi Kejetia and Takoradi Central Market projects as critical national infrastructure investments intended to improve urban commerce, support traders, and boost local economic growth.

“These two market projects are not merely infrastructure initiatives. They are strategic investments in transforming urban commerce, improving livelihoods, and promoting inclusive economic growth,” he said.

The minister noted that both markets serve as major commercial hubs that support thousands of traders, transport operators, artisans, and small-scale businesses.

However, he blamed the delays on the non-payment of Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) by the previous administration and the subsequent demobilization of contractors in 2024.

According to him, Ghana’s debt restructuring programme under the previous government also contributed to the situation, leading to the accumulation of suspension costs claimed by contractors.

He said the stalled projects have resulted in congestion, unsafe trading conditions, loss of income for traders, underutilization of public investments, and slower economic activity in key urban centres.

Providing details on the Kumasi Kejetia project, Ahmed Ibrahim said Phase 1 of the market was completed under the first tenure of President John Dramani Mahama at a contract cost of Ghc197 million.

“We gave the contract of 197 and we completed the contract with the 197. What we signed was 259 because there were other costs, so 259 was signed and we completed with that amount,” he explained.

He added following that the Phase 2 contract was originally awarded at Ghc248 million in 2018 during the previous administration. However, prolonged delays and contractor-related costs caused the amount to increase significantly.

“By the time they (NPP) left office, because of delay, demobilization, suspension costs, the contract cost has now ballooned up to 305 million euros,” he disclosed.

The minister said government is currently engaging consultants to determine the best way to complete the Kumasi Kejetia Market Phase 2 project while addressing the additional financial burden.

Government evacuates Ghanaian following alleged xenophobic attack in SA

By
Ivy Hollys
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Xenophobia in south africa; ghanaian evacuated to Ghana

The Government of Ghana has taken steps to evacuate a Ghanaian national, Emmanuel Asamoah, after a viral video showed him being harassed in South Africa in what has widely been described as a xenophobic attack.

The video, which circulated widely across social media platforms, captured tense scenes in which Emmanuel Asamoah and several other foreign nationals were confronted and intimidated by individuals accusing them of taking jobs meant for South African citizens.

The footage sparked outrage among many Ghanaians both at home and abroad, reigniting concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaians living in other African countries.

Government officials say swift action was taken to ensure the safety of Emmanuel Asamoah following the incident.

Mr. Agyeman reiterated that the protection of Ghanaian citizens abroad remains a top priority for the government, especially in situations where their safety is threatened by hostility or violence in host countries.

The incident has once again brought renewed attention to concerns surrounding xenophobic attacks in South Africa and their impact on foreign nationals living and working in the country.

EOCO Re-Arrests Former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab and Wife After Court Discharge

By
Ivy Hollys
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EOCO

Legal debates have intensified following the re-arrest of former National Food and Buffer Stock Company Chief Executive Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, shortly after they were discharged by the High Court on Monday, May 5, 2026.

The couple had been standing trial over their alleged involvement in a reported GH¢78 million loss to the state.

The lawyer for the couple, Godfred Yeboah Dame, speaking on JoyNews Prime, argued that the fresh arrest by operatives of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, EOCO, raises serious constitutional and procedural concerns.

The development follows the High Court’s decision to discharge the couple in a case that had lasted nearly a year, during which they consistently complied with all bail conditions.

Speaking on Orange Sunrise, an NDC communicator, Collins Dauda argued that this was not the first time such a development had occurred, explaining that while some cases may be withdrawn based on merit, fresh charges can also be filed where necessary.

However, an NPP communicator, Seth Asante, maintained that Ghana’s democratic system is governed by the rule of law and stressed that fairness and due process must always remain central to the administration of justice.

Ministry of Health Explains Delay in Opening Weija Paediatric Hospital

By
Ivy Hollys
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ministry of health logo

The Ministry of Health has attributed delays in the operationalization of the Weija Pediatric Hospital to procurement irregularities and unresolved contractual issues following protests by residents demanding the immediate opening of the facility.

The fully furnished 120-bed Weija Pediatric Hospital, completed in early 2025, is expected to serve as a major referral center for child healthcare in the Weija-Gbawe municipality and surrounding communities. The facility is also expected to ease pressure on existing hospitals and improve outcomes for critically ill children.

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, residents staged a protest at the premises, calling on the government to commission and operationalize the hospital without further delay.

In a statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Tony Goodman, the Ministry explained that the hospital project, funded by the World Bank and initiated in 2023, was originally expected to be completed by December 2025.

However, the statement noted that the project encountered setbacks after the World Bank raised concerns over alleged “misprocurement.” According to the Ministry, some medical equipment costs were allegedly inflated to as much as eleven times their actual value, leading the World Bank to withhold settlement of outstanding payments.

The Ministry further explained that although steps had been taken to engage stakeholders and prepare the facility for commissioning, the contractor halted the process, insisting that all outstanding issues be resolved before access to the hospital could be granted.

“The Ministry of Health is actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the matter in the best interest of the public,” Tony Goodman stated.

“The disruption is not coming from medical laboratory scientists” – Dr. Solomon Kwarshie

By
Ivy Hollys
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medical laboratory scientists

A growing dispute between doctors and medical laboratory scientists at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is threatening to escalate into a major institutional standoff, with patients already feeling the effects of the ongoing tensions.

The disagreement, reportedly linked to the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy and its possible implementation within hospital laboratories, has intensified friction between the two professional groups. At the center of the issue, however, is a struggle over management, operational control, and leadership of the hospital’s central laboratory.

The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union, known as MELPWU, has issued a seven-day strike ultimatum over what it describes as the unlawful reversal of an agreed leadership appointment at the facility.

The latest development further deepens the conflict within the Central Laboratory and comes after a brief strike action by doctors earlier this week.

In a notice dated May 5, 2026, and issued under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), MELPWU informed the Office of the President, the Ministry of Health, and the National Labour Commission of its intention to embark on a nationwide strike beginning Tuesday, May 12, should its demands remain unresolved.

Speaking in an interview earlier today, Dr. Solomon Kwarshie, general secretary of the Ghana Medical Laboratory Scientists, maintained that medical laboratory science is an independently regulated profession, separate from medicine.

He further argued that the current disruptions are not being caused by the Medical Laboratory Science Association but rather by the Korle Bu Doctors Association and the hospital’s board.

He said, “The disruption is not coming from medical laboratory scientists but rather from the Korle Bu Doctors Association and the board of management to create chaos.”

According to him, there has been a lot of misinformation to create disaffection for the medical laboratory scientists. According to him, all that has been happening is to discredit them. He assured the public, however, that medical laboratory scientists in Ghana are competent and capable and willing to provide quality service to Ghanaians. 

Korle Bu doctors strike “needless” – Wonder Madilo

By
Ivy Hollys
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korle bu teaching hospital doctors strike needless; wonder madilo

Wonder Madilo, a political analyst and development specialist affiliated with the NDC communications team, says although the strike by Korle Bu doctors has been suspended, the 

Madilo argued that no single group within the hospital has ownership over its operations and therefore cannot unilaterally resist policy direction.

“The facility does not belong to doctors. It doesn’t belong to laboratory technicians or scientists… and we need to call them out,” he said.

His comments come amid a heated back-and-forth between medical professionals over the proposed implementation of a 24-hour economy within critical hospital services, including laboratories.

According to Madilo, the resistance by Korle Bu doctors to the 24-hour economy policy is based on a misunderstanding of its intent. He stressed that the policy does not automatically mean compulsory extended working hours for existing staff. He further pointed to ongoing government efforts to strengthen the health workforce, including the recruitment of thousands of nurses, as evidence that expansion plans are being backed by structural support.

“Government is finalizing the recruitment of about 6,000 nurses. That tells you there are plans to support the system,” he added. Madilo also raised ethical concerns about the actions of Korle Bu doctors, especially in relation to the potential consequences for patients.

He criticized what he described as a tendency to resort to strike action instead of engaging authorities through dialogue.

“If you are asked to do something more that will be paid for, and you go on strike and somebody loses their life, should we condone that? I don’t think it’s right,” he said.

Rather than confrontation, Madilo believes the appropriate response from the Korle Bu doctors should have been to seek clarity and engagement with the government on how the 24-hour economy would be implemented.

“The process should have been to engage the government and ask, What are the plans? Then the government explains the rollout,” he suggested. While some stakeholders argue that concerns about workload, compensation, and working conditions are valid, others, like Madilo, maintain that resistance without full engagement undermines both reform efforts and patient care.

Korle Bu Doctors and Lab Scientists in Bitter Row

By
Ivy Hollys
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korle bu teaching hospital doctors strike needless; wonder madilo

A simmering dispute between Korle Bu doctors and laboratory scientists, fueled in part by government’s proposal to run the hospital laboratory on a 24-hour basis, has degenerated into an institutional standoff, with patients bearing the brunt. 

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Bernard Tutu Boahene expressed deep concern about what he described as internal conflict overshadowing the real priorities of healthcare delivery. According to him, the unfolding situation suggests that Korle Bu doctors are increasingly at odds not with the government, but with their own management.

“It is surprising that they are actually not fighting the government. It means government is doing something well, but the management of Korle Bu is doing everything wrong,” he stated.

The ongoing disagreement, reportedly linked to the proposed 24-hour economy and its potential implementation in hospital laboratories, has sparked friction between doctors and laboratory scientists. At the heart of the matter lies a struggle over control, management, and operational timelines within the facility.

Dr. Boahene criticized the situation as lacking both strategic and professional direction. He argued that such disputes should not escalate to the point where patient care is compromised.

“The whole narrative of this argument, who is supposed to take control, who is supposed to manage, who is supposed to use this laboratory, it doesn’t make strategic sense,” he emphasized.

The most troubling aspect of the situation, according to Dr. Boahene, is the potential risk to patients. He warned that actions taken by Korle Bu doctors, particularly if they lead to service disruptions, could have dire consequences for Ghanaians who depend on the facility for critical care.

He questioned the ethics of industrial action in the healthcare sector when lives are at stake.

“If somebody dies, what have you achieved? If you go on strike and people lose their lives because you want to improve your conditions, then you are punishing Ghanaians,” he said.

Calls for Leadership and Accountability

Dr. Boahene placed significant responsibility on the management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, urging them to act swiftly and decisively to resolve the impasse. He suggested that management explore alternative solutions, including mobilizing internally generated funds, rather than allowing tensions to escalate into full-blown crises.

“There may be more to it than what we are hearing,” he stated. 

ECG Rolls Out 300 Transformers in Ashanti, Pledges Improved Power Stability

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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ECG

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has assured customers in the Ashanti Region of improved electricity supply, announcing a series of upgrades aimed at resolving recent power fluctuations and low voltage challenges.

The intervention, set to take effect from May 6, forms part of a major deployment of 300 new distribution transformers to communities currently experiencing unstable power due to overloaded equipment.

Speaking to Citi News, the Public Relations Officer for ECG’s Ashanti West Region, Benjamin Obeng Antwi, said the company is investing more than GH¢1 billion to strengthen power distribution infrastructure across the region.

According to him, the upgrades are designed to provide immediate relief to households and businesses affected by inconsistent electricity supply.

“We want to assure our customers that there is no need for panic. ECG is undertaking this large-scale upgrade to improve service delivery, and it is part of a broader set of projects,” he said.

Mr Obeng Antwi added that the initiative aligns with the government’s renewed focus on the Ashanti Region, as highlighted in recent briefings by the Energy Ministry and ECG’s leadership.

He further explained that the project includes upgrading conductors to increase network capacity from 265 megawatts to 400 megawatts, a move expected to significantly enhance power stability and distribution efficiency.

The ECG noted that the investment is part of ongoing efforts to modernise the power network, reduce outages, and ensure a more reliable electricity supply across the Ashanti Region.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

REGSEC Launches Demolition at Sakumo Ramsar Site to Tackle Flood Risk

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Sakumo Demolition

A joint task force led by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Tema West Municipal Assembly has begun a three-day demolition exercise targeting unauthorised structures at the Sakumo Ramsar Site.

The operation, which will commence today, Tuesday, May 5, is aimed at clearing illegal developments within the Golf Course section of the Ramsar site to restore the natural flow of waterways and mitigate the risk of flooding as the rainy season sets in.

Authorities say the proliferation of unapproved buildings on key drainage paths has significantly obstructed water movement, worsening flooding in nearby communities during heavy rains.

Officials emphasised that the exercise is part of a sustained enforcement strategy rather than a one-off intervention. Over the years, multiple warnings, eviction notices, and previous demolition efforts have been undertaken, but encroachment has persisted.

The Sakumo Ramsar Site, recognised internationally for its ecological significance, continues to face pressure from human activities, particularly unregulated construction. Authorities warn that such developments not only degrade the environment but also increase vulnerability to floods, putting lives and property at risk.

Security personnel have been deployed to maintain order throughout the exercise, while affected individuals have been urged to cooperate with officials to prevent confrontations.

The latest action underscores renewed efforts by authorities to enforce planning regulations and safeguard critical wetlands that play a vital role in flood control and environmental protection.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

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