News Guide Africa

Tag: New Patriotic Party (NPP)

  • Battle for NPP Reorganization Begins as Party Sets Date for National Elections

    Battle for NPP Reorganization Begins as Party Sets Date for National Elections

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced October 3, 2026, as the date for its crucial National Executive Elections, while simultaneously throwing open the nominations process for aspiring party leaders.

    The announcement sets off a high-stakes internal campaign as candidates prepare to compete for key national leadership positions ahead of the party’s upcoming political reorganization.

    According to a timetable released by the party’s National Election Committee, prospective candidates across all national portfolios including National Chairman, General Secretary, National Organiser, and Women’s Organiser can now pick up nomination forms to register their candidacies.

    “The National Executive Committee, in consultation with the National Council, has formally approved the timelines for the internal elections. Nominations are officially open, and polling for national officers will take place across designated centres nationwide on October 3,” a statement from the NPP leadership confirmed.

     

    Party administrators stressed that the election schedule is designed to ensure a transparent, fair, and orderly transition of power within the party structure.

    “We are calling on all prospective aspirants and party faithful to strictly adhere to the guidelines provided in the election rules,” the committee noted. “Our commitment remains to conduct a seamless, democratic process that unites and strengthens the party behind a shared vision.”

     

    Following the close of nominations, all aspirants will undergo thorough vetting by the National Vetting Committee to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements before campaigning officially begins.

     

  • Race Against Time: Majority urges Mahama to sign cocoa bill ahead of new season

    Race Against Time: Majority urges Mahama to sign cocoa bill ahead of new season

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Parliament’s Majority Caucus is making a final push to secure presidential approval for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Amendment Bill, urging President John Dramani Mahama to sign the reform into law despite mounting resistance from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The legislative battle centers on a critical economic baseline for Ghana’s agricultural backbone: a legally binding guarantee that COCOBOD must pay cocoa farmers no less than 70% of the world market price obtained by the Board.

    With the new cocoa season fast approaching, the Majority argues that any pause in enacting the law directly harms farmer livelihoods.

    Clashing Visions Over Agriculture Reform

    While the legislation passed under a certificate of urgency, the Minority Caucus has petitioned the President to refuse assent and remit the bill back to the House. Opposition members argue that rushing the law through bypassed essential consultations with key industry actors and broader agricultural stakeholders.

    However, key parliamentary leaders involved in drafting the bill have rejected those concerns as mere political delay tactics.

    In an interview with Citi News, Kwami Dzudzorli Gakpey, Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee and MP for Keta, fired back at the opposition’s claims.

    “Even in other jurisdictions, if you plant a tree and want to cut it, you seek permission or authorisation from the environmental agencies before you uproot or cut the tree. Is that not so? They are just doing cheap propaganda,” Gakpey stated.

     

    A Critical Window for Farmers

    With global cocoa markets fluctuating and harvest preparations underway, the Majority insists that time is of the essence. Supporters argue that the 70% threshold provides a crucial safety net that shields rural communities from global economic turbulence.

    Highlighting the tight deadline facing lawmakers and the executive branch, Mr. Gakpey pressed the President to prioritize the bill’s final sign-off.

    “I will urge the President, as a matter of urgency, to sign the Bill into law, and then we move on because the season is just coming. That is why we took the Bill under a certificate of urgency to satisfy the need,” he noted.

     

    A Waiting Game at the Presidency

    The presidential decision now represents a pivotal juncture for Ghana’s cocoa sector. On one side, the Majority frames the bill as an immediate imperative for economic justice and income stability. On the other, the Minority demands a step back for further consensus-building.

    As both political factions hold their ground, the final decision sits firmly in the hands of President Mahama, whose signature or lack thereof will set the financial rules for the country’s most vital cash crop heading into the new season.

     

  • ‘Self-serving theater of a politically bankrupt establishment,Hypocritical, wounded party dodging justice’ – Japhet Festus Gbede tears into NPP over “Democracy Under Attack Demo”

    ‘Self-serving theater of a politically bankrupt establishment,Hypocritical, wounded party dodging justice’ – Japhet Festus Gbede tears into NPP over “Democracy Under Attack Demo”

    A member of the Volta Regional Communication Team of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has launched a scathing attack on the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) following its “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, describing the protest as a “desperate, self-serving theater of a politically bankrupt establishment”.

     

    In a post shared on his official Facebook page, the outspoken NDC communicator argued that the demonstration is an attempt by the former governing party to alter political history, evade accountability, and generate synthetic public sympathy out of thin air.

     

    Reacting to the street protest, Gbede noted that after an eight-year tenure characterized by ruinous economic mismanagement, crushing hardship, staggering public debt, and the systematic erosion of public trust, the NPP cannot suddenly rebrand itself as a vanguard of democratic values.

     

    “The NPP cannot opportunistically weaponize the noble rhetoric of democracy as a political fortress whenever legitimate institutional scrutiny approaches,” Gbede wrote. “True democracy guarantees the rule of law, not political immunity; it ensures equality before the law, not aristocratic privilege for partisan elites.”

     

    He further asserted that for nearly a decade, Ghanaians decried rampant illegal mining, widespread environmental degradation, reckless fiscal indiscipline, and allegations of corruption, but those pleas were met with indifference.

     

    Gbede maintained that a political class that suffered a decisive rebuke at the ballot box cannot manufacture public goodwill through street rallies and rehearsed outrage.

     

    “Ghana belongs to its sovereign citizens, not to political elites who believe that executive power should serve as an everlasting shield against public accountability,” he stated.

     

    Taking a swipe at the leadership and members of the opposition party taking part in the march, Gbede remarked that the demonstrators “should be ready for more health walks,” adding that government policies such as Mahama Care demonstrate genuine concern for the health and welfare of Ghanaians alongside the existing national health insurance system.

  • ‘Prepare for more health walks’ – NDC’s Japhet Festus Gbede ridicules NPP’s ‘victimhood performance’

    ‘Prepare for more health walks’ – NDC’s Japhet Festus Gbede ridicules NPP’s ‘victimhood performance’

    A member of the Volta Regional Communication Team of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has launched attack on the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) following its “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, ridiculing the protest as a mere “political performance of victimhood.”

     

    In a fiery post shared on his official Facebook page, the outspoken NDC communicator described the march as the “desperate, self-serving theater of a politically bankrupt establishment” trying to rewrite history, dodge accountability, and manufacture synthetic public sympathy out of thin air.

     

    Reacting to the street protest, Gbede noted that after an abrasive eight-year tenure marked by ruinous economic mismanagement, crushing hardship, staggering public debt, and the systematic erosion of public trust, the NPP cannot hypocritically rebrand itself as a vanguard of democratic values.

     

    “The NPP cannot opportunistically weaponize the noble rhetoric of democracy as a political fortress whenever legitimate institutional scrutiny approaches,” Gbede wrote. “True democracy guarantees the rule of law, not political immunity; it ensures equality before the law, not aristocratic privilege for partisan elites.”

     

    He emphasized that for nearly a decade, millions of Ghanaians decried rampant illegal mining, widespread environmental degradation, reckless fiscal indiscipline, and allegations of corruption pleas that were met by the former administration with calculated indifference.

     

    Gbede maintained that a political class that suffered a decisive rebuke at the ballot box cannot manufacture public goodwill through street rallies and rehearsed outrage, reminding the opposition that executive power was never meant to serve as an everlasting shield against public accountability.

     

    Taking a direct swipe at the NPP marchers, Gbede mocked the demonstration as nothing more than an exercise routine, adding that the opposition should brace themselves for further exercise while praising the current administration’s health interventions.

     

    “They should be ready for more health walks. At least Mahama Care is a policy that shows concern for the health and welfare of Ghanaians, alongside the existing health insurance system,” he concluded.

  • GoldBod Is Thriving: Sammy Gyamfi rubbishes minority loss claims, points to audited GH¢5.44bn surplus

    GoldBod Is Thriving: Sammy Gyamfi rubbishes minority loss claims, points to audited GH¢5.44bn surplus

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed 

     

    Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi has mounted a fierce defense of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), dismissing recent claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament that the institution is running at a loss and mismanaging funds.

    Setting the record straight following opposition criticisms, Gyamfi described the Minority’s allegations as completely unfounded and driven by political mischief. He urged the public to rely on verifiable financial reports rather than false narratives aimed at undermining the board’s work.

    “It is an incontrovertible fact that the GoldBod declared an operational surplus of GHS 909.7 million and an overall surplus of GHS 5.44 billion for the year 2025,” Gyamfi declared. “These facts are contained in the 2025 audited Annual Report and Financial Statements of the GoldBod prepared by the Auditor-General and published on the GoldBod’s website.”

    He noted that the achievements were realized despite significant external economic headwinds and structural adjustments within the industry over recent months.

    “In spite of the substantial slump in international gold prices by over 23% since February this year, and the significant reduction of GoldBod’s pricing incentives due to the cutting down of baseline program implementation from about 14% to 6%, the GoldBod has remained on course,” Gyamfi stated. He added that the board continues to achieve remarkable success in “the volume of gold purchases, foreign exchange generation, support for gold reserve accumulation, local value addition, support for sustainability initiatives, and the achievement of our surplus target for the 2026 financial year.”

    Turning his attention directly to the opposition, Gyamfi criticized the Minority leadership for spreading what he termed misinformation intended to mislead the public regarding state institutions.

    “The media and general public are respectfully advised to treat with utmost contempt, the discredited cacophony of lies being rehashed in recent times about GoldBod’s operations by certain elements in the Minority Caucus in Parliament,” he urged.

    “Led by their pathetically ignorant Leader, Afenyo-Markin, these Members of Parliament continue to make spurious claims to the effect that the GoldBod is recording losses and siphoning public funds. These ridiculous claims can only be a figment of the imaginations of these incorrigible MPs who ought to know better,” Gyamfi added. “Sadly, they have no interest in learning nor any regard for the truth. You take them serious at your own peril.”

    Concluding his address, Gyamfi reiterated that the GoldBod remains steadfast in executing its strategic objectives and will not be sidetracked by political commentary.

    “The GoldBod remains focused on the delivery of its mandate for the benefit of Ghanaians. We will not be distracted by misguided noise,” he asserted. “For we know, that the impact of the success story of the GoldBod shall outlive the hate-driven campaign of calumny being waged by our detractors.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Growing Revolt Against Frank Asiedu Bekoe: Supporters Fear NPP Could Lose Suhum Seat

    Growing Revolt Against Frank Asiedu Bekoe: Supporters Fear NPP Could Lose Suhum Seat

    Story By: Felix Ernest Odamtten / Muhammed Faisal Mustapha

     

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Suhum Constituency of Ghana’s Eastern Region is facing increasing internal unease as a section of party supporters and grassroots members voice concerns over what they describe as growing divisions under the leadership of the area’s Member of Parliament, Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, popularly known as “Protozoa.” They warn that unless urgent efforts are made to restore unity, the party could face significant political challenges in future elections.

     

    The concerns surfaced during the constituency’s electoral activities, where supporters from different polling stations and electoral areas spoke openly about what they believe is a widening gap between the parliamentary leadership and the party’s grassroots structures. Many described the current atmosphere as one of uncertainty, frustration and declining confidence among long serving party faithful.

     

    Several supporters appealed directly to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NPP and the Office of the party’s 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to facilitate an intervention aimed at reconciling the various factions within the constituency before the situation escalates further. According to them, rebuilding trust should become an immediate priority if the party intends to remain electorally competitive in Suhum.

     

    In separate interviews, party members alleged that internal cohesion has steadily weakened since Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe assumed office as Member of Parliament. They claimed that disagreements which were once manageable have gradually evolved into entrenched divisions that now threaten the party’s organizational stability and morale.

     

    According to several respondents, strained relationships between the Member of Parliament and sections of constituency executives, polling station officers and grassroots organizers have contributed to feelings of exclusion among many dedicated party activists. They argued that many committed supporters no longer feel adequately consulted on major constituency decisions, resulting in reduced enthusiasm and weakening the collaborative spirit that has historically characterized the party.

     

    Some supporters further alleged that greater attention has been directed toward consolidating support among selected delegates instead of promoting broad based reconciliation across the constituency. While these allegations remain contested and have not been independently verified, critics insist that perceptions of favoritism have intensified mistrust and deepened existing internal divisions.

     

    A number of interviewees also claimed that Suhum possesses experienced and highly respected professionals including medical practitioners, lawyers, entrepreneurs and other accomplished party members who are willing to contribute significantly to rebuilding the constituency. However, they alleged that many of these individuals have been marginalized because they are perceived as potential political competitors to the current parliamentary leadership.

     

    Supporters further contended that the constituency’s leadership has increasingly relied on a relatively narrow circle of loyalists whom they believe lack the organizational capacity, influence and financial strength needed to effectively support the party, particularly during a period when the NPP is rebuilding from opposition.

     

    Several respondents maintained that excluding experienced professionals has deprived the constituency of valuable expertise capable of strengthening internal administration, improving resource mobilization and enhancing grassroots political organization. They argued that broader inclusion would better position the party for future electoral contests.

     

    Beyond internal party concerns, many residents and sympathizers also questioned the pace of socio economic development within the constituency. They expressed disappointment that several communities continue to face challenges relating to infrastructure, employment opportunities and access to essential public services despite expectations of accelerated development.

     

    Some interviewees further argued that stronger parliamentary advocacy and sustained engagement with central government institutions could help attract greater investment into roads, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth employment initiatives. In their view, visible development remains one of the most effective ways of strengthening public confidence in political leadership.

     

    The Member of Parliament’s visibility in Parliament also featured prominently in the discussions. Several supporters alleged that Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe has maintained a relatively low public profile on issues directly affecting Suhum, arguing that constituents expect stronger representation during parliamentary debates and national policy discussions.

     

    Respondents recalled that during his campaign for the NPP parliamentary nomination, Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe pledged to unite the constituency and restore confidence within the party. While acknowledging the challenges associated with political leadership, they argued that many supporters believe those expectations have yet to be fully realized.

     

    Political analysts observe that internal cohesion remains one of the most critical determinants of electoral success in highly competitive constituencies. They caution that prolonged factional disputes often weaken campaign structures, reduce volunteer participation, discourage financial support and create opportunities for political opponents to capitalize on internal dissatisfaction.

     

    The concerns emerging from Suhum come at a time when political parties across Ghana are reassessing their internal structures following recent electoral outcomes. Reconciliation, grassroots engagement and organizational renewal have become central themes as parties prepare for future national contests and seek to rebuild public confidence.

     

    Several supporters warned that failure to resolve the current disagreements could gradually erode loyalty among committed party members and weaken the constituency’s electoral machinery. As one supporter remarked, “Political victories are built on unity not division. Once the grassroots lose confidence, rebuilding that foundation becomes far more difficult.” Another activist added, “Suhum deserves leadership that brings every stakeholder to the same table because reconciliation must come before any future campaign.”

     

    Supporters are therefore urging the National Executive Committee of the NPP and the Office of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to facilitate an inclusive dialogue involving constituency executives, grassroots members and Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe. They believe that meaningful reconciliation, renewed grassroots participation and a stronger focus on development priorities including infrastructure, education, healthcare and local economic opportunities could restore confidence and reposition the party for future electoral success. Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe had not publicly responded to the allegations and concerns referenced in this report at the time of publication. The claims presented reflect the views of the supporters interviewed and underscore wider debates surrounding leadership, accountability, grassroots participation and party cohesion within the constituency.

  • NPP’S ROAD TO RECOVERY: Bawumia overhauls office, names Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Chief of Staff

    NPP’S ROAD TO RECOVERY: Bawumia overhauls office, names Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Chief of Staff

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    In a bold and calculated move to signal the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) long march back from opposition to relevance, flagbearer Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia has announced a sweeping restructuring of his personal office.

    At the heart of this high-stakes reorganization is the appointment of one of Ghana’s most seasoned political titans, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, as Chief of Staff.

    The former Majority Leader and long-standing Member of Parliament for Suame has been tasked with coordinating all operational activities within the Bawumia secretariat. Insiders confirm this role effectively positions him as the number-two architect in the burgeoning Bawumia 2028 campaign machinery.

    Political analysts are already interpreting the shake-up as the opening salvo of a meticulously organized comeback strategy—one designed to course-correct after the painful lessons of the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat.

    “We are not waiting for 2027 to get serious,” a high-ranking source within the Bawumia camp stated on condition of anonymity. “The choice of Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is deeply strategic. This appointment puts to rest any speculation that the flagbearer’s post-election office would remain a loose, informal, or fluid arrangement. We are building a single, well-defined command structure anchored by institutional memory and discipline.”

     

    A Titan for the Job

    The choice of Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu brings heavy political weight to the secretariat. With an illustrious 28-year career in parliament, he has served with distinction as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader.

    His clout extends far beyond Ghana’s borders. Globally, he has served as Vice Chairman of the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA International).

    Reacting to the development, political analyst Dr. Emmanuel Kwesi Mensah noted that Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s deep grassroots network is exactly what the party needs to heal.

    “The Bawumia campaign desperately needs to rebuild a shattered coalition,” Dr. Mensah observed. “Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu possesses a rare combination of local grassroots loyalty and international diplomatic gravitas. His depth makes him the perfect man for the job at this specific point in time.”

     

    The 2028 Dream Team Assemble

    The restructuring also features an array of NPP stalwarts, signaling that Dr. Bawumia is assembling a heavyweight “Dream Team” early in the cycle to regain public trust.

     

    Appointee Designated Role

    Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Chief of Staff / Operational Coordinator

    Mr. Peter Mac Manu Director in charge of Political Strategy

    Fred Oware Political Advisor

    Nana Akomeah Director in charge of Communication and Branding

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Policy Coordination (Assisted by Evon Hughes)

    Opare Ansah Director in charge of Identifiable Activities

    Anthony Abayifa Karbo Organization and Youth Inclusion

    Dr. Ekua Amoako Spokesperson

    Commenting on the star-studded lineup, incoming Director of Communication and Branding, Nana Akomeah, expressed fierce optimism about the road ahead.

    “The energy in the camp is entirely focused on restoration and forward momentum,” Akomeah told reporters. “With giants like Peter Mac Manu steering strategy and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah bridging policy, this team is built to listen to the Ghanaian people, correct past missteps, and present a bulletproof vision for 2028.”

     

    With a centralized command now firmly established under Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the NPP has drawn its battle lines early, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense, highly disciplined campaign for the soul of the country.

     

     

     

  • Agyapong slams partisan politics over delayed Afari Military Hospital project

    Agyapong slams partisan politics over delayed Afari Military Hospital project

    Outspoken Ghanaian politician and former Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Interior, Kennedy Agyapong, has launched a blistering critique against partisan political blame games, calling on Ghanaians to put national interest above party loyalty regarding stalled infrastructure projects.

    Speaking to journalists, Agyapong expressed profound frustration over the handling of the Afari Military Hospital project in the Ashanti Region, pointing out the hypocrisy of political factions shifting blame depending on who is in power.

    Stalled Inspections and Political Blame

    Recalling his time as head of the defense committee, Agyapong revealed that attempts by lawmakers to conduct oversight on the long-delayed medical facility were actively blocked.

    “I was the Chairman for Defense and Interior,” Agyapong stated. “When we decided to go and inspect Afari, they stopped us. We didn’t go.”

     

    The hospital project, which has faced numerous delays across successive administrations, recently sparked fresh debate over timelines. Agyapong dismissed the defense mechanisms of partisan commentators who complain about the current administration’s slow pace while ignoring years of previous stagnation.

    “I heard somebody talking about fifteen months. That Afari Hospital has been there for fifteen months? You were there for eight years, you didn’t do it! Don’t blink your eye,” he warned an interviewer.

     

    Critical of Both Sides

    Refusing to shield his own party, the ruling New New Patriotic Party (NPP), from scrutiny, Agyapong insisted that true accountability requires calling out lapses regardless of party affiliation. He argued that Ghana can only progress if citizens and leaders hold both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP to the same standard.

    “See, we are not doing politics. I’m speaking the truth, this is Ghana. Stop that,” he emphasized. “We will criticize NDC, we will criticize NPP. That’s the only way to go.”

     

    Agyapong turned his attention to the historical timeline of the Afari project, noting that the initiative spanned across governments, yet neither side successfully crossed the finish line within their full terms.

    “NDC started this, why didn’t you complete it? You were there for eight years, you didn’t complete it. When somebody comes for fifteen months, then you have a problem? Please, give me a break,” he said.

     

    A Call to Put Ghana First

    Concluding his remarks, Agyapong urged a fundamental cultural shift in how Ghanaians engage with national development, stating that obsessive partisanship is actively harming the country’s growth.

    “Ghana, we should love our nation and stop playing politics with everything, and do the right thing for the country. And that is what I’m doing,” Agyapong concluded.

     

    Observing the reaction of the media crew on-site, he added with a touch of characteristic bluntness: “You see, when I mentioned NPP, he was blinking his eye. Why do you want us to criticize NDC and leave NPP?”

     

  • Mahama’s approval ratings present stark challenges for NPP ahead of 2028 election

    Mahama’s approval ratings present stark challenges for NPP ahead of 2028 election

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    A new wave of political data has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s political landscape, indicating a massive surge in public support for President John Dramani Mahama.

    According to the June 2026 National Tracking Poll released by Global InfoAnalytics, an overwhelming 77% of first-time voters now approve of the President’s performance, setting a formidable benchmark for the ruling administration ahead of the 2028 general elections.

    The extensive survey, which interviewed 8,784 voters across all 16 regions between May 30 and June 12, 2026, shows that President Mahama’s overall approval rating has climbed to a historic high of 71%. This marks a notable four-percentage-point increase from the 67% recorded in March, representing the highest popularity rating tracked by the pollster since 2020.

    The Youth Factor and Key Insights

    The most critical takeaway from the findings is the administration’s deep entrenchment among the nation’s newest electorate. The 77% approval mark among newly registered voters suggests that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is successfully capturing the minds of the youth.

    Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director and Chief Pollster at Global InfoAnalytics, noted that this trend poses a significant threat to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other opposition factions as they strategize for the 2028 cycle.

    “This level of approval among first-time voters, if it stays high going into the 2028 election, will have significant consequences for the opposition,” Dankwah warned during the presentation of the data.

    Dankwah further emphasized the unprecedented nature of the current momentum surrounding the presidency.

    “This is a new high for any president in our regular tracking poll since 2020,” Dankwah added, pointing out that the cross-regional numbers demonstrate popularity stretching far beyond traditional party strongholds.

    Public Sentiment and Polarization

    Beyond the youth demographic, the tracking poll highlights a nation that is growing increasingly optimistic about its macroeconomic trajectory, even as partisan lines remain rigidly defined. According to the survey data:

    ● National Direction: 66% of respondents believe Ghana is moving in the right direction, while only 27% feel the country is on the wrong path.

    ● Standard of Living: 57% of citizens reported that their personal standard of living has improved compared to a year ago.

    ● Future Economic Optimism: An impressive 68% expressed firm confidence that their economic conditions will improve further in the coming months.

    However, the data reveals stark polarization when broken down by party lines. While an overwhelming 91% of NDC supporters express satisfaction with the President, approval drops sharply to 37% among NPP loyalists, with 54% of them actively disapproving of Mahama’s governance. Crucially for future elections, independent and floating voters lean heavily toward the President, with 65% signaling their approval.

    Lingering Obstacles for the Administration

    Despite the celebratory numbers for the executive branch, pollsters caution that public goodwill is not a blank check. The survey identified critical socio-economic vulnerabilities that the opposition could leverage if the government relaxes its efforts.

    Unemployment continues to be a massive thorn in the government’s side, with 44% of respondents citing it as the area handled least effectively. Furthermore, 54% of the population explicitly identified job creation as their most pressing daily concern, followed closely by 51% who pointed to broader economic stability.

    With the 2028 elections still on the horizon, these figures suggest that while the Mahama administration holds a dominant hand with the incoming generation of voters, maintaining this momentum will depend heavily on turning high approval ratings into tangible, long-term employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth.

     

  • Commercial Reality vs. Political Narrative: Why Chairman Wontumi Opted for Legal Resolution in EXIM Bank Case

    Commercial Reality vs. Political Narrative: Why Chairman Wontumi Opted for Legal Resolution in EXIM Bank Case

    BY Adnan Adams Mohammed

    Recent commentary surrounding the decision of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to enter into plea negotiations with the State over an EXIM Bank facility has generated considerable public debate.

    In response to mounting speculation, the Wontumi Campaign has broken its silence to clarify the context of the legal strategy, framing the move as an act of “responsible leadership” rather than an admission of guilt.

    In an official statement signed by Ewuradjoa Coleman, Director of Media and Communications for the Wontumi Campaign, the camp sought to strip the controversy of its political undertones, urging the public to view the matter through a lens of commercial reality and legal due process.

    From Award-Winning Fields to Financial Headwinds

    According to the campaign, the EXIM Bank facility in question was not a speculative venture or a “paper project.” Instead, it was secured to fund a massive, large-scale agricultural enterprise aimed at boosting Ghana’s food security and creating rural employment.

    Chairman Wontumi’s bona fides in the agricultural sector are well-documented. In 2018, his farming enterprise earned national recognition when he was adjudged the Ashanti Regional Best Farmer, First Runner-Up, at the 34th National Farmers’ Day celebration. His 10,000-acre maize farm in the Sekyere Central District was specifically cited by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as a significant contribution to the state’s agricultural production.

    However, the campaign pointed out that large-scale farming carries inherent vulnerabilities that often elude public scrutiny.

    “Like many agricultural ventures, large-scale farming is exposed to significant operational and environmental risks,” the statement noted. “Market fluctuations, climatic conditions, production challenges, and other unforeseen factors can substantially affect projected returns and the ability to meet financial obligations within anticipated timelines.”

    The Legal Strategy: Why a Plea Negotiation?

    Faced with these commercial challenges, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) chose what his camp describes as a path of constructive engagement over prolonged legal warfare.

    The decision to enter into plea negotiations has been heavily weaponized by political opponents, but the campaign issued a strong reminder of the legal mechanics governing such processes in Ghana.

    ● A Lawful Mechanism: Plea negotiations are fully recognized under Ghanaian law.

    ● No Presumption of Guilt: Entering into negotiations is not, in itself, proof of legal wrongdoing or criminal guilt.

    ● Efficient Resolution: The law expressly provides avenues for parties to negotiate settlements, which can include arrangements that lead to the formal withdrawal of charges where appropriate.

    The campaign argues that seeking a settlement avoids unnecessary, protracted litigation that would drain both public and private resources.

    Evasion vs. Responsibility

    As the story continues to dominate headlines, the Wontumi Campaign has cautioned against the mischaracterization of standard legal procedures for political convenience, emphasizing that public confidence in state institutions relies on respecting due process.

    “Seeking a lawful resolution is not an act of evasion; it is an act of responsibility,” the statement added, reinforcing that Chairman Wontumi remains fully committed to fulfilling his financial obligations, respecting the laws of Ghana, and continuing his contributions to national development.

    The dispatch concluded with a defensive broadside on what constitutes true statesmanship: “Responsible leadership is demonstrated not by the absence of challenges, but by the willingness to confront them transparently, lawfully, and in good faith.”