Author: johnmahama

President John Dramani Mahama has warned Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) that he will not shield them from investigations if they are cited for misappropriating public funds.According to the President, MMDCEs must ensure transparency and prudence in the use of the District Assemblies Common Fund and ensure it benefits the public.Speaking at a training programme for MMDCEs on Wednesday, June 18, Mr. Mahama reminded them that the Auditor General Department and anti-corruption bodies will be monitoring their work closely.“The Auditor-General and other anti-corruption institutions will be watching your work, and as I’ve said previously, if any of these…

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced plans to inaugurate its long-awaited ideological school, the Patriotic Institute, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.The institute is expected to serve as the main political education wing of the party, with a mission to train members—especially current and aspiring officeholders—on the party’s core philosophies, values, and strategies, rooted in its centre-right political tradition.In a statement dated June 18, General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said the launch forms part of broader reforms aimed at institutionalising political education within the party.“The Institute will, among other things, be providing education to party members, particularly…

The immediate past Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has declared his intention to contest for the flagbearership position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He made the declaration on social media on June 18, a day after the party had announced that the presidential primaries will be held on January 31, 2026. “With humility, conviction, and a resolute heart, I, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, declare my intent to run for the Flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), should nominations be officially opened by the party,” he announced. The party is…

African and International Relations Analyst, Nana Yaw Mireku, has cautioned against underestimating Iran’s strategic influence and reach, despite recent setbacks suffered by its regional allies and proxy groups. Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show on Tuesday, June 17, Mr Mireku acknowledged that militant groups backed by Tehran, such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and affiliated militias in Syria, have been significantly weakened in recent months. However, he stressed that this does not equate to a reduction in Iran’s capacity to destabilise global security. “It is true that Hamas in Gaza is weakened. It is true that Hezbollah in…

This opinion piece explains the truth behind responses to Fourie’s critique regarding South Africa’s jobless rate. Thus, this piece is a direct rebuttal to the former Statistician General, Pali Lehohla, who penned an article ‘Debating the labour force survey – a response to Fourie’s critique’ on IOL on 17 June 2025. Lehohla claims that I, through my article ‘Why Capitec’s CEO is forcing SA to rethink its unemployment narrative’ (Business Day, 14 June and City Press, 15 June), have ‘amplified the debate’, leading him to ‘shed light on this before it goes out of hand based on misinformation and speculation.’To…

Ikenna Njubigbo, Country Head, Technology, Digital Innovation and Services, FirstBank Ghana FirstBank Ghana has announced a major leap in its digital transformation strategy, unveiling a series of technology upgrades aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency across its banking network. In a statement delivered by Ikenna Njubigbo, Country Head of Technology, Digital Innovation, and Services at FirstBank Ghana, the bank outlined its commitment to leveraging advanced technology solutions to redefine banking in Ghana and reinforce its “You First” customer-centric philosophy. “At FirstBank, we are steadfastly committed to leveraging the power of technology to empower our customers and deliver unparalleled…

On Tuesday, June 17, the Ghanaian beach volleyball teams, both men’s and women’s, completed their last training sessions for the week leading up to the Africa Beach Volleyball Championship qualifiers in Morocco at La Boma Beach. From June 22 to June 30, 2025, the competition will serve as a qualifying round for the World Championship in Australia in August. Ghana Volleyball Association President George Tetteh said he is confident in the teams, especially following their recent success in Rwanda, and called the present preparations the greatest he has seen. Additionally, Bawa Fusseini, the Association’s Board Chairman, stressed that qualifying in…

International Diplomatic Observer, Adam Zig Na Abdullai, has stated that Africa is no longer viewed as a key ally by the United States, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump.His remarks follow the recent announcement of a U.S. travel ban affecting Ghana and other African countries.Speaking on Happy 98.9FM’s Morning Show with Sefah-Danquah, Mr. Abdullai explained that since President Trump’s induction into office in early 2025, several foreign policies have been introduced that reflect a strong focus on America-first interests, often to the detriment of international relationships, especially with Africa.“With what America is doing, it has been clear right…

Two of the seven Supreme Court (SC) nominees of President John Dramani Mahama —Justice Philip Bright Mensah and Justice Janapare Adzua Bartels-Kodwo — faced the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.The two justices of the Court of Appeal were questioned on a number of controversial issues concerning Ghana’s legal system, including provisions in the 1992 Constitution.As expected, the session was not without drama. Members of the Appointments Committee from both the Minority and Majority sides clashed, with the usual protagonists — Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor and Ranking Member Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin — engaging in sharp exchanges once…

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has inaugurated a nine-member Conference Planning Committee to oversee preparations for its Annual National Delegates Conference, slated for July 18–20, 2025, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.“The committee is tasked with steering all preparations and logistics for the crucial delegates conference, where amendment motions will be formally considered.”The planning team is chaired by Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu, with Henry Nana Boakye, Esq., serving as Vice Chair and Alhaji Haruna Mohammed as Secretary. Other members include Dr. Charles Dwamena, Divine Otoo Agorhom, Hon. Abena Osei Asare, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Hajia Safia Mohammed, and Salam Mustapha.Ahead…