The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that production of ballot papers for the forthcoming parliamentary by-election in Akwatia is set to begin on Wednesday, August 20. This update follows a pivotal meeting convened by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) earlier today, where representatives from various political parties gathered to deliberate on strategies to prevent electoral violence and finalize essential security protocols for the upcoming vote. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the EC’s Director of Electoral Services, Benjamin Bano-Bioh, confirmed, “As of now, we are going to start the printing of ballots from tomorrow.” “Procurement has already been done. We...
OSP Records Seven Convictions, One Acquittal in First Half of 2025
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has chalked up seven convictions and recorded one acquittal in corruption-related cases since January 2025, marking a decisive step in Ghana’s fight against graft. According to the OSP’s Half Yearly Report released on 31st July 2025, the convictions stemmed from high-profile cases involving public officials, private actors, and corporate entities. The prosecutions targeted offences ranging from extortion and bribery to money laundering and abuse of office. The specific cases are outlined as follows: 1.The republic v. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & nine others On 23 July 2023, the Office initiated criminal proceedings in the High...
OSP Report: 17 High-Profile Cases Now Under Thorough Investigation
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has revealed a list of 17 high-stakes corruption and corruption-related cases now under full investigation, sending shockwaves through Ghana’s political, corporate, and civil service circles. According to the OSP’s Half Yearly Report released on 31st July 2025, the investigations span multiple sectors, from extractives and procurement to payroll fraud and illegal mining to targeting both current and former public officials, politically exposed persons, and private entities. Below are the top highlights from the report: Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding MIIF operations between 2020-2024, especially concerning...
Precautionary Landing in Nkawkaw: Volta River Aviation Affirms Safety Amid Poor Weather
Volta River Aviation has clarified that the helicopter which executed an emergency landing in Nkawkaw on Wednesday, August 13, did so as a precaution due to unfavorable weather, emphasizing that at no time was the safety of the aircraft, its occupants, crew, or the general public at risk. In a statement released by the company’s legal representative, Nana Yaw Ntrakwah, Esq., the organization stated that the landing adhered to established aviation safety procedures and was not triggered by any technical malfunction. “The helicopter touched down safely in Nkawkaw owing to adverse weather conditions, consistent with standard aviation safety guidelines. The...
Government Releases GH¢809 Million for Pokuase–Nsawam Highway
The Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Agyei, has confirmed that the government has released a total of GH¢809 million to the contractor handling the Pokuase–Nsawam Highway project as of August 4, 2025. The announcement comes as construction crews have returned to the site to continue work on the vital roadway, bringing relief to commuters who have faced weeks of intense traffic delays. This progress also aligns with the approaching deadline of a one-week ultimatum issued by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), which is set to lapse on Wednesday, August 20. The GPRTU had previously threatened to halt operations if...
US Revokes Over 6,000 Student Visas Over Legal Breaches and Overstays
The State Department has annulled more than 6,000 visas issued to international students due to infractions of American law and prolonged stays beyond permitted limits, the department confirmed to the BBC. Officials stated that the “overwhelming majority” of these infractions involved offenses such as assault, driving while intoxicated (DWI), theft, and “affiliation with terrorism.” This development aligns with the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to tighten immigration policies and scrutinize foreign students more rigorously. Although the State Department did not elaborate on what constituted “support for terrorism” the Trump administration has previously taken action against students who demonstrated in favor of...
President Mahama Grants Amnesty To 998 Prisoners
His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has granted amnesty to nine hundred and ninety-eight (998) prisoners across the country, following recommendations from the Prison Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State. The decision, made in accordance with Article 72(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, comes after a total of one thousand and fourteen (1,014) inmates were recommended for clemency. The President approved the release of 998 of them, offering a fresh start to many who have served time under various categories of conviction. In a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Directorate and signed by Hon....
GoldBod Launches Strict Enforcement of Receipt Requirement for Licensed Gold Buyers
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially launched a nationwide enforcement campaign requiring all licensed gold buyers to issue GoldBod receipts for every transaction. This move comes after several delays and an extended grace period granted to traders to regularize their operations and secure the appropriate licences to continue trading legally. In a statement issued on Monday, August 18, 2025, GoldBod emphasized that the use of official receipts is now a mandatory condition for all transactions involving licensed aggregators, self-financed aggregators, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 buyers. The initiative is designed to improve transparency and tighten oversight within Ghana’s...
Ridge Hospital Denounces Assault on Nurse, Urges Public Cooperation
The Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) has strongly condemned a recent altercation at its Emergency Department, captured in a widely circulated social media video, involving relatives of an accident victim and hospital staff. The confrontation, reportedly triggered by perceived delays in attending to a critically injured patient, escalated into verbal abuse and physical assault on a nurse. The hospital’s management subsequently called in the Ghana Police Service to restore calm and ensure the safety of staff and patients. In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Ms. Juliana Haruna, the hospital explained,”The Emergency Department of GARH is...
Ntim Fordjour Calls for Ablakwa’s Resignation and Apology to President Akufo-Addo Over Presidential Jet Controversy
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to resign and issue a public apology to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over what he described as politicisation of presidential travel matters. In a statement shared via social media on Monday, August 18, Rev. Fordjour criticised the Minister and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for engaging in what he termed “petty politics” surrounding the use and condition of Ghana’s presidential aircraft. “Mr Principle, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana, is expecting your resignation. NDC must apologise to Ghanaians...