Author: johnmahama

A Demand That Reflects a Deeper CrisisThe recent ultimatum issued by the Ghana Drunkards Association (GDA)—demanding a reduction in alcohol prices or threatening nationwide protests—may initially provoke laughter, but such laughter quickly dissolves when we consider what this moment actually reveals. It reveals a disturbing truth: that alcohol has grown from a substance of leisure into a tool of dependency, a political symbol, and a weapon of slow national self-destruction. With a reported 16 million members, the GDA is not some marginal joke. It is a mirror reflecting how deeply entwined alcohol has become in Ghanaian—and indeed African—life. Their argument…

CUTS International Accra, a research and policy think tank, is calling on the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to address the growing burden of excessive ATM fees that unfairly penalize consumers across the country. Introduced as a cornerstone of modern banking, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) promised Ghanaians 24-hour access to their funds and reduced congestion in banking halls. However, unreliable services and hidden charges are undermining these benefits, prompting urgent calls for reform. Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director for CUTS International Accra, voiced the frustration of many Ghanaians, saying, “It’s deeply unfair to charge people extra for using another…

Ghana international Abdul Baba Rahman has called on authorities to prioritize the improvement of football pitches across the country to support the growth and development of the sport. Poor pitch conditions have long been a concern in Ghana, with the country even facing the risk of hosting some 2022 World Cup qualifiers outside its borders due to substandard facilities. Baba Rahman, who has been absent from the Black Stars squad since July 2023, is urging decision-makers to take the issue seriously and invest in better playing surfaces for the future of Ghanaian football. “This is a serious issue that needs…

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…