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NPP finalises position on proposed constitutional reforms

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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NPP Bantama constituency election disturbance

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is finalising its position on the proposed amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution as the government moves ahead with plans to implement recommendations from the Constitution Review Committee (CRC).

The party said its Constitutional and Legal Affairs Policy Committee has completed its assessment of both the CRC’s report and the government’s Position Paper on the proposed reforms.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 28, 2026, the NPP said its policy committee had prepared a position paper after reviewing the two documents.

The paper will now be submitted to NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for consideration and adoption.

Once that process is completed, the party says it will publicly announce its official position on the proposed constitutional amendments.

NPP says it participated in review process

The NPP noted that it was involved in the constitutional review process from the outset and submitted its views to the CRC before the committee presented its recommendations to the government.

The party said its latest review was prompted by the release of the government’s Position Paper on July 30, 2026.

According to the NPP, its eventual position will be guided by its commitment to an inclusive and transparent constitutional review process.

It said the reforms should ultimately contribute to strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions, promoting political stability and supporting national development.

Key reforms proposed by government

The government’s Position Paper, released on July 30, accepted several recommendations contained in the CRC’s report.

Among the major proposals is a five-year term for both the President and Parliament, replacing the current four-year term.

Government has also accepted a proposal for District Chief Executives (DCEs) to be elected, potentially changing the way local government leadership is selected.

Other proposals include a 300-member ceiling for Parliament and reducing the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35 years.

The government has also accepted a proposal allowing Ghanaians by birth who hold dual citizenship to contest parliamentary elections.

Another major reform is the proposed abolition of the death penalty, alongside other constitutional changes outlined in the government’s response to the CRC recommendations.

Implementation committee begins work

While the NPP prepares its position, the government has taken steps to move the review process into the implementation phase.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has inaugurated an 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) to help advance the proposed reforms.

The committee is chaired by Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Presidential Legal Counsel and a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

Its membership includes Justice Srem Sai, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, Charlotte Osei, Dr Rainer Akumperigya, Emelia Ankomah, Kwame Ayimadu Antwi, Samuel Passah, Oliver Baker Vormawor, Salamatu Iliasu and Eric Owusu-Mensa.

The committee brings together representatives from Parliament, local government, political parties and other areas relevant to the constitutional review process.

Broad representation on implementation committee

Emelia Ankomah represents the Majority in Parliament, while Kwame Ayimadu Antwi represents the Minority.

Samuel Passah represents local government, while Eric Owusu-Mensa represents Parliament. Salamatu Iliasu serves as the draftsperson, with Oliver Baker Vormawor serving as secretary to the committee.

The formation of the implementation committee signals the government’s intention to move beyond reviewing the Constitution towards developing mechanisms for translating accepted recommendations into concrete reforms.

The NPP’s forthcoming position is therefore expected to be an important contribution to the next phase of the debate, particularly as discussions continue over which proposed amendments should ultimately be adopted.

Mahama swears in Ayariga, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as new ministers

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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0
President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Mahama Ayariga and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as new ministers

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Mahama Ayariga and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as ministers following their approval by Parliament.

The ceremony, held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, formally marks the beginning of their tenure as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, respectively.

The two ministers took their oaths after Parliament unanimously approved their nominations following their appearances before the Appointments Committee.

Ayariga takes charge of Local Government Ministry

Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, now assumes responsibility for a ministry whose mandate includes local government administration, decentralisation, chieftaincy affairs and engagement with traditional and religious institutions.

During his parliamentary vetting on August 27, Ayariga identified improved cooperation between Members of Parliament (MPs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as one of the areas he intends to focus on.

He is also expected to work closely with local authorities and traditional institutions as the government seeks to strengthen governance and development at the local level.

Ayariga also addressed concerns surrounding his ties to the Mamprugu traditional area during his vetting.

He assured the Mamprugu Traditional Council and the wider public that he would discharge his duties fairly and impartially, regardless of his personal connections to the area.

Zanetor assumes Environment, Science and Technology portfolio

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has meanwhile taken charge of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.

Her new portfolio covers a broad range of national priorities, including environmental protection, scientific research, technological advancement and policies designed to support sustainable development.

She is expected to work with government agencies, researchers, industry players and development partners to advance initiatives within the sector.

Her appointment comes at a time when environmental sustainability, scientific innovation and technology are increasingly central to Ghana’s development agenda.

Ministers take constitutional oaths

At Saturday’s ceremony, President Mahama administered the Oath of Office, Oath of Secrecy and Oath of Allegiance to both ministers.

The swearing-in followed Parliament’s approval on Friday, August 27, completing the parliamentary stage of their appointments and allowing the President to formally induct them into office.

With the two ministers now sworn in, Ayariga and Dr Zanetor are expected to immediately begin work on the mandates of their respective ministries.

Their appointments add to President Mahama’s ministerial team as the government continues to implement its policies in local governance, environmental protection, science, technology and sustainable development.

Teacher unions threaten strike over delayed promotion placement

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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Teacher unions has issued a deadline to the government over the delayed placement of newly promoted teachers on appropriate salary scales

A coalition of teacher unions has issued a deadline to the government over the delayed placement of newly promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales, warning that failure to resolve the matter could trigger industrial action.

The unions want all teachers who completed the promotion process to be placed on their new grades and corresponding salary scales by the close of work on Monday, August 31, 2026.

They say the demand follows what they describe as conflicting directives from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department and the Ghana Education Service (GES) regarding the implementation of the promotions.

The unions maintain that GES had previously assured teachers that those who completed the promotional process would be placed on their new grades by August.

General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah, said the unions may be unable to prevent members from taking action if the deadline is missed.

He insisted that teachers who qualified for promotion must be automatically placed on the grades corresponding to their results.

“We, the teacher unions, we have no option than to make it clear that the automatic promotion of teachers or placement of teachers on the required grade as to where they should be on the promotion as of the results that came out, they should be put on their respective scales by close of work on Monday, 31st August, 2026,” he said.

Mr Musah also described the directive attributed to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department as unlawful.

He warned that if the issue is not resolved by the deadline, responsibility for any disruption to teaching and learning should rest with the heads of the agencies involved.

“Failure to do so, whatever happens thereafter, His Excellency should hold the agency heads there responsible. We, the teacher unions, we cannot restrain any teacher from that particular day,” he said.

Unions demand clarity over promotion process

Beyond the salary placement issue, the unions have raised concerns about the information provided by the Ghana Education Service on the outcome of the promotional examinations.

President of the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG), Jacob Anaba, accused the GES of failing to provide sufficient data on the results of the process.

According to him, the Service has not released information showing the total number of teachers who took the examinations, how many passed or failed, or the percentage pass rate.

He said the lack of a detailed breakdown also makes it difficult to determine how successful candidates have been distributed across the various promotional grades.

These include positions such as Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II and Principal Superintendent.

Mr Anaba noted that the situation differs from previous years, when teachers were provided with more detailed information about the outcome of the promotional exercise.

With the August 31 deadline approaching, the unions are demanding urgent action from the relevant government agencies to ensure that qualified teachers receive their correct grades and salary placements.

President Mahama condemns airport tip solicitation

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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0
President Mahama has backed measures by authorities at Ghana’s airports to stop workers from soliciting visitors for tips

President John Dramani Mahama has backed measures by authorities at Ghana’s airports to stop workers from soliciting or begging passengers and other visitors for tips, describing the practice as damaging to Ghana’s international image.

The President said airport workers have a responsibility to ensure that visitors receive a professional and welcoming experience from the moment they arrive in the country.

He made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, at the sod-cutting ceremony for a new Multi-Tiered, Multi-Purpose Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at the Accra International Airport.

President Mahama said the conduct of workers at the airport can significantly influence how international visitors perceive Ghana.

He pointed to interactions with immigration officials, baggage handlers, traffic management personnel and other service providers as important parts of a visitor’s overall experience.

“I’m happy that the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority and other institutions working at the airport are taking a tough stance against soliciting and begging visitors for tips. It reflects very badly on our country,” he said.

According to the President, the aviation sector must strengthen professionalism, discipline and courtesy if Ghana is to improve the quality of service offered to visitors.

He stressed that the airport serves as an important entry and exit point for the country, making the conduct of employees particularly significant.

“Every institution and every worker at this airport contributes to Ghana’s image,” President Mahama said.

He added that factors such as the welcome visitors receive at immigration, the efficiency of baggage handling, cleanliness and the courtesy of service providers can shape both their first and final impressions of Ghana.

Two airport workers dismissed

The warning comes amid a crackdown by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and other airport agencies on the practice.

GACL has already dismissed two car park workers over allegations that they solicited tips from passengers.

The action forms part of efforts to discourage conduct that airport authorities believe undermines professionalism and could negatively affect the experience of travellers.

New airport complex to expand facilities

President Mahama’s comments came as work on a major airport development project formally commenced.

The proposed complex will include two hotels and more than 2,000 parking spaces, alongside a pedestrian connector linking the development to the airport terminal.

The project will also feature a shopping mall with a food court, retail and office spaces.

Additional facilities will include a sky lounge and sky observatory, providing visitors with designated spaces to view aircraft and experience the airport environment.

The development is expected to expand facilities around the Accra International Airport while improving convenience for travellers and other airport users.

The President’s call for greater professionalism therefore comes alongside efforts to upgrade the airport’s physical infrastructure, with authorities expected to improve both the facilities available to visitors and the quality of service they receive.

Ghanaian scholarship students at University of Memphis face dismissal over unpaid fees

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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0
Ghanaian students studying at the University of Memphis in the US under government scholarships say they risk losing their student status

Ghanaian students studying at the University of Memphis in the United States under government scholarships say they risk losing their student status because outstanding tuition and accommodation fees have not been settled.

The students say the university has issued notices demanding payment of the outstanding charges and warned of further action if the debts are not cleared within the stipulated period.

According to the affected beneficiaries, efforts to secure assistance from the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat have so far failed to resolve the situation.

The students say the unpaid fees have already affected their access to some university services.

They report that restrictions have been placed on their access to the institution’s online portal, making it difficult for them to use essential academic resources and services.

One of the affected students said that the deadline for resolving the matter is fast approaching, leaving beneficiaries increasingly concerned about the possible consequences.

“We have barely a week. If there is no solution to this problem, we are going to be in serious trouble. I don’t think the current administrative climate in the US will favour us in any way,” the student said.

The students fear that failure to settle the outstanding amounts could lead to more severe sanctions, including disruption of their academic programmes and possible dismissal from the university.

The scholarship beneficiaries are appealing to the government and the Scholarships Secretariat to intervene immediately and settle the outstanding fees.

They say resolving the financial obligations would allow them to maintain their student status and continue their programmes without further disruption.

The situation has also renewed concerns among the affected students about the administration of government-sponsored scholarships and the timely payment of financial obligations to institutions abroad.

For the students, an urgent resolution is needed to prevent an administrative funding issue from jeopardising their academic progress.

Parliament approves three Supreme Court nominees despite Minority boycott

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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0
Parliament has approved three Supreme Court nominees despite the minority boycott. The approval is a major step in the constitutional process
Supreme Court-Ghana

Parliament has approved the nominations of Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr for appointment to Ghana’s Supreme Court.

The approval followed a vetting process that was boycotted by the Minority Caucus, which had earlier raised concerns about the timing and urgency of the nominations.

The Minority subsequently withdrew from the committee proceedings, allowing the Majority to proceed with the vetting and consideration of the three nominees.

Despite the absence of the Minority representatives, the committee recommended all three nominees for approval by the full House.

Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah currently serves on the Court of Appeal and has several years of judicial experience. She was previously nominated for elevation to the Supreme Court in 2024, although the process was not completed before the change in government.

Justice Edward Amoako Asante, also a Justice of the Court of Appeal, has significant experience in both Ghanaian and regional judicial administration. He previously served as President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice before returning to Ghana’s Court of Appeal.

Anthony Forson Jnr, a private legal practitioner and former President of the Ghana Bar Association, brings extensive experience from private legal practice and the legal profession.

The Minority’s decision to boycott the proceedings came after the caucus questioned the need to expedite the nominations.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had argued that there was no immediate vacancy requiring the process to be rushed, suggesting instead that Parliament had sufficient time to undertake a comprehensive vetting.

The Minority’s concerns, however, did not prevent the committee from proceeding with the exercise.

Following the committee’s recommendation, the nominees were presented to the full House for consideration and approval.

The parliamentary approval represents a major step in the constitutional process for appointing the three nominees to the Supreme Court.

 

‘My job is to turn minority to majority’ – Afenyo-Markin tells Agalga

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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Afenyo-Markin says his responsibility as Minority Leader is to strengthen the caucus for the minority to become the Majority.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has pledged to work constructively with newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga, while making it clear that his broader political goal is to lead the Minority Caucus to become the Majority in Parliament.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, August 27, after Agalga officially assumed his new role, Afenyo-Markin struck a conciliatory tone, assuring his counterpart that he would not seek to frustrate the work of the Majority.

Instead, he said his role would be to scrutinise government decisions, challenge proposals where necessary and provide perspectives that could help improve parliamentary business.

“I am saying that you can find in me a friend. My job is not to obstruct you. My job is to offer a different lens to things you may not see,” Afenyo-Markin said.

The Minority Leader also promised to bring detailed research and alternative policy positions to parliamentary debates.

He said the Minority would fulfil its constitutional responsibility to hold the government to account by thoroughly examining government policies and decisions.

“I can promise you a well-researched dossier for all my debates. That I can promise you,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin’s comments suggest that the Minority intends to position itself as a strong and well-prepared opposition, rather than simply opposing government proposals without presenting alternatives.

Despite his assurances of cooperation, Afenyo-Markin emphasised that his political objective remains unchanged.

He said his responsibility as Minority Leader is to strengthen the caucus and position it to win enough parliamentary seats to become the Majority.

“My job really, my job really is to turn this Minority into Majority. That really is my job,” he stressed.

He also cautioned Agalga against any attempt to weaken or infiltrate the Minority Caucus as he begins his tenure as Majority Leader.

The remarks highlight the balance Afenyo-Markin intends to strike between parliamentary cooperation and political competition as both leaders settle into their respective positions.

James Agalga formally became Majority Leader after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communicated to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, announcing changes to the leadership of the NDC Parliamentary Caucus.

His appointment follows the nomination of former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Agalga will now lead the Majority Caucus in parliamentary proceedings, while Afenyo-Markin continues to lead the Minority.

The new leadership arrangement sets the stage for a potentially competitive but collaborative relationship between the two leaders, with parliamentary scrutiny and political strategy likely to shape their engagement in the coming months.

Mahama inaugurates Bawku revitalisation committee

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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0
President John Dramani Mahama has tasked the newly inaugurated five-member Bawku Revitalisation Committee with helping restore infrastructure

President John Dramani Mahama has tasked the newly inaugurated five-member Bawku Revitalisation Committee with helping restore infrastructure, livelihoods and economic activity in Bawku and surrounding communities affected by prolonged conflict.

The committee is expected to support the government’s broader efforts to rebuild communities, improve infrastructure and create conditions for residents and businesses to return to productive activities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee on Wednesday, August 26, President Mahama said the government’s focus goes beyond physical reconstruction.

He said the revitalisation programme is intended to help residents recover their livelihoods and ensure that communities in the Bawku area receive their fair share of national development.

“Now we have the opportunity to go back and continue the development so that the people of the area will benefit from all the projects that we have been doing so that Bawku will get its fair share of the national cake,” he said.

Five-member committee

The committee is chaired by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and brings together political, traditional and regional representatives.

Its members are:

  • Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central
  • Cletus Abugre, Tamapani Chief
  • Donatus Akamugri Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister
  • Thomas Anaba, Member of Parliament for Garu

The composition of the committee brings together representatives with knowledge of the affected communities and responsibility for public administration and development in the area.

Revitalisation fund to support development

President Mahama said funding under the initiative would be used to address infrastructure needs and other priorities identified by the committee.

He explained that the revitalisation fund would not be restricted to a single type of project, allowing the committee to determine other areas requiring intervention.

“The revitalisation fund will go to the provision of infrastructure and any other areas that the committee deems fit,” the President said.

He further indicated that the benefits of the programme should extend beyond Bawku itself to other districts within the wider Bawku area.

Mahama backs committee to deliver

President Mahama expressed strong confidence in the committee’s ability to manage the assignment effectively, citing the members’ experience in public service.

He said he expected the committee to approach its responsibilities with integrity and efficiency as it works towards supporting the recovery of communities affected by instability.

The revitalisation initiative is expected to complement broader efforts to restore normalcy in the area by addressing infrastructure gaps while helping residents and businesses rebuild their livelihoods.

The committee’s work will therefore be central to the government’s plans to translate improved stability into renewed development and economic activity across Bawku and neighbouring communities.

Minority demands delay in vetting of three Supreme Court nominees

By
Janice Opoku-Agyemang
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0
The Minority has called for the deferment of the vetting of three nominees to the Supreme Court, questioning the urgency behind the process.

The Minority in Parliament has called for the deferment of the vetting of three nominees to the Supreme Court, questioning the urgency behind the process.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argues that Parliament should not be pressured into vetting the nominees within a few days when, in his view, there is no immediate vacancy on the Supreme Court requiring urgent replacement.

He made the position known ahead of Parliament’s vetting on Thursday, August 11, 2026, insisting that the House needs adequate time to conduct a thorough assessment of the nominees.

“If there is no vacancy to fill, there is certainly no emergency compelling anyone to fill it inside three days. There is no fire here.”

The three nominees are Justice Sophia Bernasko-Essah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal; Justice Edward Amoako Asante, also of the Court of Appeal and a former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice; and Anthony Forson Jr, a private legal practitioner and former President of the Ghana Bar Association.

According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, the nominees are being considered as additional justices rather than to immediately fill existing vacancies on the Supreme Court.

He therefore proposed that the appropriate parliamentary committee could undertake the vetting in September and submit its report for consideration when Parliament resumes in October.

Minority rejects judicial vacation as reason for urgency

The Minority Leader also dismissed suggestions that the ongoing judicial vacation should create pressure for Parliament to expedite the process.

He argued that the Supreme Court remains operational and continues to hear cases requiring urgent attention despite the vacation period.

For the Minority, the absence of an immediate vacancy means Parliament can take the necessary time to scrutinise the nominees without compromising the constitutional role of the legislature.

Minority supports vetting of two ministerial nominees

While opposing what it considers an unnecessary rush over the Supreme Court nominations, the Minority says it is prepared to support the prompt vetting of two ministerial nominees.

They are Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga, nominated as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Korle Klottey MP Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, nominated as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

Afenyo-Markin stressed that the Minority’s position is not intended to obstruct the government’s appointments but to ensure that Parliament has sufficient time to properly scrutinise nominees.

The dispute over the timing of the Supreme Court vetting is therefore likely to centre on whether the nominations require immediate parliamentary action or can wait until Parliament’s next sitting period.

For the Minority, the process should prioritise thorough parliamentary scrutiny rather than speed, particularly where no immediate vacancy has been identified as requiring urgent attention

Early morning inferno destroys dozens of homes in Asawase Pelele

By
AmpemDarkowaa
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0
A devastating fire swept through the Asawase Pelele settlement in the early hours of Thursday, August 27, 2026, destroying dozens of homes

A devastating fire swept through the Asawase Pelele settlement in the early hours of Thursday, August 27, 2026, destroying dozens of makeshift structures and leaving hundreds of residents without shelter.

The blaze erupted around 6:00 a.m. in the densely populated slum located within the Asokore Mampong Municipality of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. Flames quickly engulfed the wooden homes, which primarily housed metal scrap dealers and head porters (kayayei) who had migrated to the region from northern Ghana in search of work.

Ghana National Fire Service personnel responded rapidly after receiving a distress call at 6:03 a.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene by 6:17 a.m., but severe congestion presented immediate obstacles. Narrow pathways and the haphazard arrangement of makeshift structures blocked access, forcing emergency crews to maneuver equipment through tight spaces while frantic residents attempted to save their personal belongings.

Despite these significant spatial challenges, firefighters battled the flames aggressively and brought the incident under control by 7:13 a.m., successfully preventing the fire from consuming adjacent neighborhoods.

Asokore Mampong Municipal Fire Commander, DO III Wikana Daniel, highlighted the operational hurdles his teams faced during the response. He stressed that congested informal settlements complicate emergency efforts and urged community members to provide precise, detailed location details when reporting emergencies to speed up response times.

The disaster has created an immediate humanitarian crisis in the area. Hundreds of displaced residents—including young mothers with small children—now face severe hardship as they search for temporary shelter, food, and clothing after losing their homes and belongings to the flames. Local authorities and community leaders face mounting pressure to coordinate relief efforts and assist the victims as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

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