The party insists that the removal of the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, is insufficient to address allegations that official government correspondence was used to facilitate visa applications for individuals falsely presented as public officers.

Addressing a news conference at the NPP headquarters at Asylum Down, Accra, the party’s National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, accused the government of attempting to shield senior officials from accountability.

According to him, the scandal extends beyond the NSA to the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, whose correspondence allegedly supported questionable visa applications.

“The removal of one Director-General is not accountability. It is a single step that the government is trying to turn into a destination,” he stated.

Alleged visa irregularities

Mr Aboagye referred to a 49-page dossier presented by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, on October 7, 2026.

He claimed the documents revealed that a supplementary agreement between the NSA and TRIBE Culture Fest, dated January 19, 2026, required the Authority to pay the private company US$3,000 per applicant for US visa processing and US$2,000 for Canadian visas, regardless of whether applications succeeded.

According to the NPP, applicants were allegedly charged between US$8,000 and US$14,000 each, with total collections reportedly exceeding US$600,000.

The party further alleged that correspondence dated January 28, 2026, introduced 22 individuals to the US Embassy as NSA employees, although some reportedly occupied nonexistent positions.

It claimed that the US Embassy’s Fraud Prevention Unit subsequently questioned the employment status of four applicants in March.

Mr Aboagye also alleged that, following concerns raised by Canadian authorities, the NSA submitted a list of 102 applicants in June, of whom only 15 were verified as employees.

These allegations remain subject to independent verification.

Minister must step aside

The NPP questioned why the Sports Ministry forwarded approximately 90 names to the US Embassy on May 28, 2026, without adequately verifying the applicants’ identities.

Mr Aboagye rejected the Ministry’s explanation that forwarding the list amounted to a technical review rather than an endorsement.

He argued that correspondence bearing the Ministry’s letterhead and requesting ministerial support could reasonably be interpreted as official backing.

The party also dismissed the Ministry’s defence that there was no evidence the Minister personally benefited financially, arguing that investigations should examine possible administrative failures and abuse of office.

It consequently demanded that Mr Adams step aside or be relieved of his duties pending independent investigations.

The NPP further called for the Chief Executive Officer of the GTA to step aside while allegations concerning the Authority’s involvement are investigated.

NPP demands independent probe

Mr Aboagye disclosed that Mr Assafuah had petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Presidency, seeking accountability and a commission of inquiry.

The party demanded the involvement of the OSP and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), alongside the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), to trace payments allegedly made by applicants.

It also called on Parliament to summon the Sports Minister and GTA Chief Executive Officer for questioning.

Additionally, the NPP demanded the publication of agreements between the NSA, GTA and TRIBE Culture Fest, together with correspondence submitted to the American and Canadian diplomatic missions.

The party urged the government to protect affected applicants, recover any unlawfully collected funds and refund victims where appropriate.

Mr Aboagye further alleged that some World Cup tickets purchased with public funds had been resold to Ghanaian supporters, promising to release supporting evidence.

He maintained that the visa controversy had implications for Ghana’s international reputation and required investigations extending beyond the NSA leadership.

“Ghana’s name is not for sale. Not at the US Embassy, not at the Canadian High Commission, and not anywhere else,” he declared.

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Sumaila pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to commit crime, namely defrauding by false pretences, and defrauding by false pretences.
The court adjourned the case to October 26, 2026.

According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences occurred at Achimota in the Greater Accra Region.

The prosecution alleges that on September 12, 2026, Sumaila and his accomplice, with the intention to defraud, induced Jona Damoah Afari and Adamu Damtal to part with $200,000.

The accused persons allegedly represented to the complainants that they could supply them with two kilogrammes of gold in exchange for the money, a claim the prosecution says they knew to be false.

The first charge accuses Sumaila and Mustapha of agreeing to act together with a common purpose to commit the alleged fraud, contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The second charge, defrauding by false pretences, is contrary to Section 131 of the same Act.

Mustapha remains at large.
Chief Inspector Kye Peprah is prosecuting the case.

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Kessie, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding by false pretences, was granted bail with two sureties, one of whom must be a salaried worker earning not less than GH¢5,000.

The accused is alleged to have collected the mobile phones from the complainant, Chester Donkor, a phone dealer based in Accra, in August 2026, promising to sell them and return the proceeds.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, told the court that Kessie allegedly failed to return the money after selling the phones and instead used the proceeds for his personal needs.

According to the brief facts of the case, the phones comprised various models of the iPhone 14, 15, 16 and 17 series, with their combined value estimated at GH¢134,500.

The complainant reportedly petitioned the Accra Regional Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on October 5, 2026, following which Kessie was arrested on the same day.

During investigations, the prosecution said, Kessie admitted in his investigation caution statement that he had sold the phones but used the proceeds for his personal needs.

He has been charged with defrauding by false pretences, contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The court is expected to hear the matter as investigations continue.

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The application seeks to secure his release on bail pending the determination of his appeal against his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.

At the hearing, counsel for Wontumi, Samuel Atta Akyea, urged the court to grant the application, arguing that the grounds of appeal had significant prospects of success and that his client needed temporary freedom to assist in preparing and prosecuting the appeal.

However, the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the application, insisting that the defence had failed to demonstrate any exceptional circumstances to justify bail pending appeal.

Defence argues appeal has prospects of success

Moving the application, Mr Atta Akyea relied on the motion, its supporting affidavit and a supplementary affidavit, arguing that the court should consider the grounds of appeal and the principles established in previous appellate decisions.

He cited the Court of Appeal case of Daniel Yaw and Two Others v The Republic, delivered on April 20, 2021, which he said recognised the prospects of an appeal succeeding as a relevant consideration in determining applications for bail pending appeal.

He also relied on the case of Fynn and Another v The Republic (1971), arguing that temporary release could enable an appellant to work closely with counsel in preparing and conducting an appeal.

Mr Atta Akyea said 19 grounds of appeal had been filed and attached to the application, insisting that they were substantial and not fanciful.

Among the grounds he highlighted was an allegation that the trial judge had failed to interpret the Minerals and Mining Act as a whole, particularly the combined effect of provisions relating to mineral rights.

He argued that the law permitted a holder of a mineral right to allow another person to undertake work on the concession and that the mere act of granting such permission did not constitute a criminal offence.

According to him, criminal liability could not automatically be attributed to the holder of a mineral right where another person entered the concession with the holder’s permission but subsequently failed to comply with instructions.

Counsel also challenged the reliance placed on the testimony of an alleged accomplice during the trial, arguing that such evidence had to be treated with caution and corroborated.

He urged the court to consider these and the other grounds of appeal, which he said demonstrated that the appeal had a strong prospect of success.

Defence disputes prosecution’s flight risk argument

Mr Atta Akyea further argued that Wontumi needed to be released temporarily to assist in preparing the appeal, adding that his client was facing another criminal case in which the Deputy Attorney-General was also involved

He said granting bail would facilitate his work in both matters and enable him to prepare adequately for the appeal.

Responding to the prosecution’s concerns that Wontumi might abscond, counsel said the argument was not supported by the circumstances of the case.

He told the court that Wontumi’s passport remained with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), adding that his client had complied with the court’s requirements during the trial.

Counsel maintained that his client was prepared to remain in Ghana throughout the appeal process.

He further argued that if the appeal ultimately failed, Wontumi could return to prison to continue serving his sentence.

Mr Atta Akyea, therefore, urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.

Deputy Attorney-General opposes application

Dr Justice Srem-Sai, opposing the application on behalf of the Republic, argued that bail pending appeal was not a matter to be granted lightly, particularly where an applicant was already serving a valid prison sentence.

Citing Fynn and Another v The Republic, he said the law required an applicant to establish exceptional circumstances beyond mere dissatisfaction with a conviction.

He argued that the grounds of appeal filed by Wontumi did not demonstrate such circumstances and were similar to grounds commonly raised by convicted persons challenging their convictions.

The Deputy Attorney-General also distinguished Wontumi’s case from the circumstances in Fynn v The Republic, in which bail pending appeal was granted.

He explained that the appellants in that case faced relatively short prison terms, while delays in preparing the appeal records at the Kumasi Circuit Court Registry raised concerns that they could serve their sentences before their appeals were determined.

According to Dr Srem-Sai, those considerations did not apply to Wontumi’s case, which involved a 20-year prison sentence and a trial that was concluded within a relatively short period.

He further submitted that the grounds of appeal had no substantial prospects of success and warned that granting bail could result in Wontumi being released only to return to prison if the appeal failed.

Prosecution raises concerns over possible absconding

Dr Srem-Sai also challenged the defence’s argument that Wontumi’s conduct during the trial should weigh in favour of granting bail.

He pointed to two other criminal cases Wontumi was facing, arguing that the possibility of additional prison sentences could provide an incentive for him to abscond.

The Deputy Attorney-General further referred to video recordings exhibited by the prosecution, which he said contained comments by Wontumi’s counsel about the circumstances surrounding his client’s arrest.

According to Dr Srem-Sai, the recordings supported the prosecution’s concerns about the possibility of Wontumi evading the law.

He maintained that the defence had failed to establish exceptional circumstances to warrant the grant of bail pending appeal.

The prosecution consequently urged the court to dismiss the application.

Court seeks update on appeal process

During the proceedings, the court asked Mr Atta Akyea about the progress made in preparing the appeal following the filing of the notice of appeal.

Counsel told the court that he was working with the registry to compile the record of appeal and that the process of photocopying the relevant documents was almost complete.

He said the defence was eager to have the appeal heard and that Wontumi’s assistance was needed to facilitate its preparation.

After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Kocuvie-Tay adjourned the matter to November 4, 2026, at 9 a.m., when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the application for bail pending appeal.

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While in opposition, Mr Mahama strongly criticised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for appointing individuals with alleged political affiliations to the EC, particularly Dr Peter Appiahene, whose appointment in 2023 attracted controversy over his reported association with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

President Mahama has also appointed Emelia Afi Agbenyo, who served as a governance spokesperson during the NDC’s 2024 election campaign, to one of the Commission’s highest offices.

The development raises questions about whether the President is applying the same standards of political neutrality he demanded of his predecessor.

Mahama’s criticism of Appiahene

In March 2023, then opposition leader John Dramani Mahama criticised the Akufo-Addo administration over the appointment of Dr Peter Appiahene and two other members to the Electoral Commission.

Dr Appiahene’s appointment became particularly controversial following reports linking him to the NPP, including his alleged role as a patron of the party’s Tertiary Education Students Confederacy (TESCON) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.

Mr Mahama questioned the wisdom of appointing individuals with known political associations to an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting elections.

He described such appointees as politically exposed individuals and questioned whether they could discharge their responsibilities impartially.

Speaking at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on March 22, 2023 Mr Mahama criticised the appointment of persons perceived to be associated with the governing party to the Commission.

He subsequently advocated an amendment to Article 43(2) of the 1992 Constitution to introduce parliamentary approval of EC Commissioners as an additional safeguard against partisan appointments.

The NDC also petitioned the Council of State over the appointments of Dr Appiahene and Hajia Salima Ahmed Tijani, citing concerns about their alleged political affiliations.

Mr Mahama maintained that the credibility of the Electoral Commission depended on the independence and perceived neutrality of its leadership.

In opposition, Mr Mahama and the NDC frequently engaged the diplomatic corps, international missions (such as European Union ambassadors) and civil/religious bodies to express strong reservations about the independence and neutrality of the EC, under the Akufo-Addo administration.

Three years later, his own appointment of a former NDC campaign spokesperson to the Commission’s leadership has revived the very concerns he raised while in opposition.

Agbenyo’s NDC Connection

On Monday, October 12, 2026 President Mahama swore in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr Joseph Kweku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission.

The appointments were made pursuant to Article 70(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which provides for the appointment of the EC Chairperson, Deputy Chairpersons and other members by the President, acting on the advice of the Council of State.

Information available to The Chronicle indicates that Ms Agbenyo served as a Spokesperson on governance, during the NDC’s campaign for the 2024 general elections.

She was associated with the party’s Manifesto Committee on Governance and reportedly participated in activities connected with the 2020 and 2024 election campaigns.

Although there is no evidence available to The Chronicle establishing that she held an official position within the NDC’s organisational structure or was a registered party member, her involvement in the party’s election campaign raises questions about perception of political neutrality.

Before her appointment, Ms Agbenyo worked as a gender advocate, technical adviser and gender analyst with GIZ Ghana. She also served as Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations at the Ghana TVET Service.

Her professional experience notwithstanding, the central political question is whether her previous involvement in the NDC’s campaign is materially different from the political associations President Mahama criticised when Dr Appiahene was appointed.

No Preferential Treatment

Interestingly, President Mahama used Monday’s swearing-in ceremony to caution the two Deputy Chairpersons against partisan conduct, insisting that the Electoral Commission must not favour his administration, the governing NDC or any other political party.

He charged them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with impartiality, fairness and strict adherence to the law.

“Your duty is to the Republic of Ghana and its people. You must discharge your responsibilities without favour towards any political party, any candidate or government,” President Mahama said.

“As President, I expect no preferential treatment from the Electoral Commission for myself, my party or my government. I expect an institution that applies the same standards to everyone and protects Ghanaians’ right to choose their leaders freely.”

The President emphasised that the Commission’s independence was essential to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s electoral processes and maintaining public confidence in democratic governance.

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The company further claims that mining plants and other infrastructure worth over US$2 million have been destroyed, resulting in substantial financial losses and disruption to its operations.

It has consequently called on the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Minerals Commission and other relevant state institutions to investigate the alleged occupation, identify those responsible and restore its access to the concession.

Addressing a news conference in Accra, the Head of Corporate Affairs of NARAWA Company Limited, Mrs. Doris Addo, said the concession had been under unlawful occupation since August 12.

According to the company, the occupation has resulted in extensive damage to its assets and violent confrontations that have reportedly claimed lives and left several people injured.

She maintained that the continued presence of unauthorised persons had prevented its management from accessing the concession to assess the full extent of the damage.

Assets allegedly taken

Mrs. Addo claimed that gold-bearing materials and concentrates valued at approximately GH¢100 million had been removed from its concession, while mining plants and other infrastructure worth more than US$2 million had been destroyed.

According to the head of corporate affairs at NARAWA, the continued occupation has also prevented it from undertaking its environmental management and mitigation responsibilities.

It disclosed that the Chief Inspector of Mines and the Environmental Protection Agency were being notified of the alleged destruction and the circumstances preventing the company from accessing its operational areas.

She further alleged that some individuals, including persons believed to be foreign nationals, were undertaking illegal mining activities on the concession.

The company called for investigations into these activities and the determination of any resulting statutory, civil and environmental liabilities.

Security intervention

Mrs. Doris Addo called on the security agencies to investigate the identities of individuals allegedly occupying the concession and establish whether any persons or corporate entities had unlawfully facilitated their activities.

The company also requested clarification from the military command regarding the mandate of personnel reportedly seen at the mining sites.

It maintained that it had never authorised any third party to undertake mining activities on its concession.

“We have never given express or implied consent for third parties to operate on our concessions,” the Mrs. Doris Addo stressed.

She urged the authorities to conduct independent investigations and ensure that anyone found culpable is dealt with in accordance with the law.

Court orders

The company maintained that it holds valid mining and possession rights, which it said were protected by existing High Court orders sealed on February 19, 2020.

She argued that the alleged takeover, removal of assets and continued occupation of the concession were inconsistent with those orders.

NARAWA disclosed that its legal team had brought the alleged breaches to the attention of the High Court and instituted proceedings concerning the activities of individuals and corporate entities allegedly involved.

The company indicated that it would pursue legal remedies for the alleged loss of assets, interruption of business activities and interference with its mining operations.

“Our objective is accountability through the law,” the company stated.

Fatal violence

Touching on reported violence at the concession, Mrs. Addo expressed condolences to families who had lost relatives and sympathy for persons injured during the disturbances.

The company referred specifically to a security-related incident on October 5, which reportedly resulted in fatalities and injuries, including an injury to a police officer.

She explained that its management had been conducting background checks and recruitment interviews to strengthen its authorised civilian security teams.

NARAWA, however, acknowledged that preliminary assessments by law enforcement authorities concerning personnel at the site differed from its own records.

It said it was cooperating with police investigations and welcomed the reported arrest of three suspects.

The company appealed to the government and relevant security agencies to issue immediate written directives for the removal of all unauthorised persons from the concession.

She maintained that restoring lawful access to the mining site was necessary to protect lives, preserve assets, prevent further environmental damage and enable the company to resume its operations.

It pledged to cooperate with state institutions to ensure that the dispute was resolved through lawful processes.

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The ceremony steeped in Akan tradition and custom was witnessed by Denkyirahemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, and several Chiefs of the Denkyira Traditional Council.

He pledged to remain allegiant to the paramount chief of Denkyira, Odeefuo Boa Amponsem IV at all times.

Administering the oath on behalf of the Denkyirahene, the Denkyira Akyeamehene, Nana Akomea Ntrakwa III, assured the newly sworn-in chief of the paramount chief’s continued support, provided he remained loyal to him and the queen mother of the Denkyira Traditional Council.

Odeefuo Boa Amponsem IV also advised the newly installed Denkyira Kronkohene to be  truthful at all times and avoid litigation, particularly with kingmakers while urging him to accord the kingmakers the respect they deserved while remaining committed to his mandate.

The Denkyirahene further called on chiefs and elders in the area to support the newly installed Kronkohene Nana Kwadaapim lll to sustain peace and promote development in the area.

For her part, the Denkyirahemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, congratulated the newly installed Denkyira Kronkohene, Nana Kwadaapim lll and urged him to remain faithful to his oaths, collaborate with other chiefs and serve as a worthy ambassador of the Denkyira Traditional Area.

The Denkyira Kronkohene who expressed profound gratitude to the Denkyirahene and Denkyirahemaa for the confidence reposed in him also thanked the kingmakers of Denkyira Nyinawusu, chiefs, elders for their continuous support.

“I bring unity to serve in my new role as the Denkyirahene’s Kronkohene and I will need the support of everyone irrespective of your age as long as it’s in the interest of our community,” he added

Nana Kwadaapim lll disclosed that he is in consultation with the chiefs of Denkyira Nyinawusu to establish an educational endowment fund to support brilliant but needy students in their quest for higher education while pledging to discharge his duties and respect the customs and traditions of Denkyira traditional area.

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Barely fourteen months after the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno cut sod for its construction, President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 commissioned a new 85-bed ultra-modern ward at the Police Hospital in Accra.

The state-of-the-art facility, which now stands as a towering addition to the Police Hospital Complex, was conceived following a passionate appeal by the IGP over the acute pressure on the hospital’s existing infrastructure.

At the sod cutting ceremony on August 11, 2025 MrYohuno had bemoaned the overstretched nature of the hospital, which serves not only the thousands of police personnel and their families, but also the public and called for urgent support to expand its capacity to meet modern healthcare demands.

Sources close to the project indicate that the Chief Constable’s appeal attracted swift response from all corners.

What stunned many observers, according to the sources, is the speed of execution.

The four-storeyed high-rise, fully- fitted wards, equipped with modern medical equipment, comfortable patient rooms and enhanced emergency services, was completed in record time, transforming from foundation to a fully operational modern block within fourteen months.

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The forum, held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 was organised under the theme: “Shaping Ghana’s 2027 National Budget” and provided a platform for participants to identify development priorities in their communities and make demands they want the government to address through budgetary allocations.

Country Director of SEND Ghana, Harriet Nuamah Agyemang, commended participants for responding to the invitation and urged them to contribute practical recommendations that would help ensure the national budget reflected the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians.

She noted that the Ministry of Finance usually invites inputs from relevant stakeholders and the general public through media advertisements ahead of the presentation of the annual budget.

Ms Agyemang explained that the forum was intended to bring together observations and concerns from districts and regions and translate them into proposals for consideration in the 2027 budget.

She said SEND Ghana would collate the contributions and present them to the relevant ministries to inform discussions on the consolidated national budget.

A presentation on the assessment of national development priorities under the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (2026–2029) examined how far key commitments were reflected in the 2025 and 2026 national budgets.

The assessment focused on health, education, social protection and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). It identified areas where existing allocations and interventions needed clearer targets, stronger implementation and better reporting of results.

In the health sector, the assessment highlighted concerns about the adequacy and distribution of resources, healthcare infrastructure, equipment and logistics, as well as equitable access to essential services.

On education, participants were encouraged to consider issues affecting early childhood education, teacher availability and deployment, teaching and learning materials, and infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities where gaps continue to affect access to quality education.

Social protection discussions focused on domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence, including prevention, survivor support and response services. Under WASH, the priorities included reliable and sustainable water supply, water quality, maintenance of water facilities, hygiene promotion and effective management of waste.

The forum concluded with group work during which participants were tasked to identify priority issues, formulate specific demands and provide justifications to support their proposals.

The exercise was expected to help produce evidence-based recommendations that connect national development commitments to the everyday realities of citizens.

It was also to strengthen efforts to ensure that the 2027 National Budget responds to the country’s pressing development needs and also address the Sustainable Development Goals.

By Edmond Gyebi 

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This is the moment to pause and ask an honest question: what is the purpose of awareness? Awareness is meant to start something. It should move a person from knowing that breast cancer exists to doing something about it. If a flyer is shared thousands of times but nobody walks into a health facility, then we have produced visibility, not protection. Posting without acting solves no problem. We cannot ask others to do what we are not willing to do ourselves. A message about screening carries far more weight when it comes from someone who has actually been screened.

Breast cancer is far more treatable when it is found early. Early detection often means simpler treatment, better outcomes and a greater chance of survival. Screening exists precisely because the disease can develop silently, with no pain and no obvious warning signs in its early stages. When people wait until a lump is large, painful or visibly changing the breast, the disease is often at an advanced stage. By then, treatment is harder, more costly and less likely to succeed. Many of these outcomes can be improved simply by acting sooner.

As a student who studied Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Ghana, I know the importance of early screening in feeding this chain of care. Without it, the chain starts too late.

Breast cancer is not only to one gender; Women are most affected, but men can also develop breast cancer. Everyone should take unusual breast changes seriously, such as a lump, swelling, skin changes, nipple discharge or persistent pain, and report them to a health professional without delay.

I therefore encourage everyone and call to action that if you are eligible and have never been screened, book your appointment with a professional and have yourself examined; tell people about your experience; your story can remove fear from others.

In conclusion, pink ribbons and posters have their place, but they are not the destination. The real measure of a successful awareness campaign is not how many people saw the flyer. It is how many people got screened, how many cancers were caught early and how many lives were saved. Let us look again at what we are doing and let us make this year’s activities move from awareness to action. Get screened and encourage others to do the same. Early detection saves lives.

By Anyorikeya Victor Akenbona

Source: myjoyonline.com

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