Author: johnmahama

Parliament has secured a significant £800,000 funding package from the World Bank to launch a comprehensive 18-month capacity-building programme designed to enhance lawmakers’ oversight of Ghana’s economic and financial governance.The initiative, titled “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance,” was officially launched on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and is being rolled out in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).According to a statement from the Parliamentary Service, the programme is part of a strategic push to equip Members of Parliament—especially new entrants—with the technical expertise to scrutinise economic policies, public expenditures, and fiscal…

The Mamponteng District Police Command has arrested the Proprietor of Big Six Educational Complex, Afoakwa Sarpong, over an alleged case of assault by imprisonment of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates. The incident, which occurred on June 16, resulted in the two candidates missing out on the mathematics paper. According to a press release from the police, the proprietor allegedly imprisoned the students over failure to pay registration fees for the examination. “The arrest stems from a disturbing incident that occurred on 16th June 2025 during the just-ended Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). “Mr. Sarpong is alleged to have…

Elections are a pillar of liberal democracy. Citizens use them to choose their leaders and influence governance. In Nigeria, under the 1999 constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission has the responsibility to organise, undertake and supervise all elections, except local government elections. Local government elections fall under state electoral commissions. Since it was set up in 1998, the Independent National Electoral Commission has conducted seven general elections (every four years) as well as by-elections and supplementary polls. But Nigeria’s electoral body has an inconsistent record of performance over the years. The 2007 vote was widely seen as Nigeria’s worst, while…

Fitch Solutions is forecasting that inflation will cool from an average of 22.9% in 2024 to 17.2% in 2025. According to the UK-based firm, this will ease pressure on household budgets and supporting consumer spending. Fitch Ratings, however, predicted an average inflation of 15% in 2025. Fitch Solutions said that high-frequency indicators reinforce its outlook for robust consumer spending.  The Bank of Ghana (BoG)’s Consumer Confidence Index reached 103.6 in April—substantially above the 87.7 recorded a year earlier—reflecting improved sentiment about personal finances and pointing to increased consumer spending ahead. Furthermore, mobile money transactions (a key indicator of consumer activity)…

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas most affected by illegal mining.According to the group, such a move is necessary to protect the country’s environment from the devastating effects of galamsey.“We are not calling for a nationwide state of emergency. The Constitution allows for a state of emergency in specific parts of the country, and that’s what we are demanding,” said Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, lead convener of the coalition, at a press conference on Thursday, June 19.The group also petitioned the President to order investigations and possible…

play videoChairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa Officials of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) have been summoned by Parliament to answer questions on the 2024 general elections on Thursday, June 19, 2025.The EC officials are expected to address two key concerns submitted by Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, Member of Parliament for South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip of the House.The first question seeks to determine whether the Electoral Commission has awarded any contracts for the printing and supply of ballot papers for the 2024 General Elections.This inquiry aims to assess the transparency of procurement processes and ensure…

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed appreciation to the over 60 Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who have declared their support for his bid in the party’s upcoming flagbearer elections.According to him, securing the backing of more than 60 out of the NPP’s 88 MPs in the current ninth Parliament is a clear indication of strong support for his ambition to lead the party.Speaking to journalists after a courtesy call on him at his office on Thursday, June 19, Dr. Bawumia said the support from lawmakers would play a vital role in his campaign.“A…

Two men have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly engaging in the unauthorised purchase and sale of gold. Benjamin Forkuo, 37, a gold buying clerk, and Felix Aboagye, a cleaner, have both been charged with conspiracy to commit crime and unauthorised trading in gold. The court, presided over by Susan Eduful, did not take their pleas but granted bail of GH¢250,000 each with four sureties, including two earning at least GH¢5,000 monthly and two family members. The case was adjourned to July 30, 2025, with the prosecution instructed to be ready to take pleas. Counsel for the accused…

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is demanding immediate and uncompromising investigations into Aowin Member of Parliament, Oscar Ofori Larbi, and two National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency executives, following serious allegations linking them to illegal mining operations.At a press briefing in Accra, Convener of the Coalition, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, did not mince words as he called on state investigative agencies to launch a swift and impartial probe, warning that political cover should not shield wrongdoers from the full force of the law.“This is no longer just an environmental issue. Communities are being poisoned, our water bodies are being destroyed, and…

Media coverage of Chinese land investments in African agriculture often reinforces narratives of a “weak African state” and the “Chinese land grab”, highlighting power imbalances between the actors involved in these land deals. Are Chinese actors grabbing land in Africa and jeopardising local people’s land rights and food security? China’s “Agriculture Going Out” policy, launched in 2007 as part of its broader “Going Out” strategy, was reinforced by the Belt and Road Initiative from 2013. Backed by these policies, Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa rose from US$74.81 million in 2003 to US$4.99 billion in 2021. By 2020, US$1.67 billion…