The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service, has launched a full-scale investigation into a fire outbreak that occurred in the early hours of December 17 at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools in Accra. The incident site houses the Ablekuma North Constituency ballot boxes. In a statement, the Police assured the public that individuals or groups found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The authorities further urged the public to remain calm as investigations into the cause of the fire continue. Meanwhile, the Police provided an update on the recent post-election-related disturbances across the country. A total of 132 suspects have been arrested so far, with 45 remanded into custody, 71 granted Police enquiry bail, and 16 released on court bail. The Police assured citizens of their commitment to maintaining law and order during this critical period. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghanaian cedi has begun showing significant gains against major foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, at forex bureaus and some banks across the country. As of November 2024, the dollar was trading at approximately GH₵16. However, in a notable turnaround, the cedi has appreciated, with the dollar now trading at GH₵14 in December 2024. The recent appreciation of the cedi is attributed to improved foreign exchange inflows, reduced demand for the dollar, and possible interventions by the Bank of Ghana to stabilize the currency. Currency analysts believe this trend could help ease inflationary pressures, lower import costs, and boost investor confidence in the local economy as the year comes to an end. Businesses and traders who rely on foreign exchange have expressed cautious optimism about the cedi’s performance and hope the trend will continue into 2025. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The outgoing Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has taken a swipe at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following their heavy defeat in the just-ended 2024 general elections, describing the party's losses as a transformation into a “micro minority.” According to Dr. Ato Forson, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a significant victory by claiming over 50 parliamentary seats, reducing the NPP's dominance in Parliament. In a post on his X page, the Member of Parliament for Ejumako Enyan Essiam stated: “Together, we’ve achieved the incredible—transforming the NPP into a micro minority by claiming over 50 seats. But this victory isn’t ours alone; it’s a powerful statement from the true masters of our democracy—the resilient people of Ghana.” He emphasized that the incoming Mahama administration would prioritize integrity, accountability, and governance that listens to the concerns of Ghanaians. “We hear you, and we will not betray your trust. Unlike the NPP, we will uphold governance rooted in integrity, probity, and accountability,” he added. Dr. Ato Forson assured that the new government would reject “greed, impunity, and disrespect for the rule of law,” promising a leadership that delivers for the people and remains responsive to their needs. Meanwhile, President-elect John Dramani Mahama has urged NDC supporters to temper their celebrations, cautioning that the same standards applied to the NPP will also be used to measure the performance of his administration. Addressing a meeting with the Ghana Pentecostal & Charismatic Council, Mr. Mahama said: “We should not be too happy about the defeat of the NPP because Ghanaians are measuring with the same yardstick. Ghanaians have always held the NDC to a higher standard because we are a social democracy and they are a property-owning democracy.” The NDC’s victory, as highlighted by Dr. Ato Forson, signals a renewed trust from the Ghanaian people as they look forward to a government committed to unity, accountability, and progress. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President-elect, John Dramani Mahama has urged supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to temper their celebrations following the party’s victory in the 2024 general elections. He reminded them that Ghanaians will hold the NDC government to the same high standards with which they evaluated the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Speaking during a meeting with the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Mr. Mahama emphasized the importance of maintaining humility and focus as the party transitions into governance. “We should not be too happy about the defeat of the NPP because Ghanaians are measuring with the same yardstick,” he said. "Ghanaians have always held the NDC to a higher standard because we are a social democracy, while they [the NPP] are a property-owning democracy.” Mr. Mahama’s remarks underscore his commitment to accountability and the expectations placed on the incoming NDC government. Adding to this, Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament Samuel Nartey George, who retained his seat in the elections, highlighted the significant burden of responsibility on Mr. Mahama and his administration. Speaking on an Accra-based television program, he stressed the need for divine guidance to steer the nation out of its current challenges. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he remarked. “The expectations Ghanaians have placed on us are immense. President Mahama and all of us in government must understand that we hold power in trust for the Ghanaian people. Only God can guide him to lead this country right, given the colossal mess and the gargantuan damage we are inheriting.” Mr. George also praised Ghanaians for teaching the outgoing Akufo-Addo government "a lesson in humility" through the polls, while reiterating the need for constant prayer and sound decision-making in the coming years. The comments from both leaders reflect the NDC's awareness of the challenges ahead and their resolve to govern with diligence, humility, and purpose. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has congratulated President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament on their victory in the 2024 general elections. Addressing Parliament on Monday, Speaker Bagbin lauded the NDC MPs for securing an overwhelming majority in the next Parliament, a development that positions them as the Majority side. He emphasized that the resounding endorsement by Ghanaians places a heavy burden of responsibility on the NDC to deliver on their campaign promises. “To whom much is given, much is expected. You cannot afford to disappoint,” he cautioned, urging both the incoming Mahama administration and the NDC MPs to remain accountable and committed to addressing the challenges facing Ghanaians. The Speaker’s remarks come amidst heightened public expectations following Mr. Mahama’s campaign pledge to scrap several taxes within his first 100 days in office, including the e-levy, COVID levy, betting levy, emissions levy, and import duties on industrial and agricultural equipment. Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, however, expressed skepticism about how the incoming government would generate revenue to fund its projects, particularly free SHS and other major initiatives. “We are going to see how you [NDC MPs] will protect the public purse. We have heard from [former Finance Minister] Terkper that you can’t finance the free SHS. We will see where you will raise revenue to fund the Nkokor Nkitinkitin,” the Effutu MP stated. The victory of John Mahama and the NDC has reignited discussions on fiscal policy, governance, and public accountability, as the new administration prepares to assume office in January 2025. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Member of Parliament (MP) of Dome-Kwabenya Constituency and Former Minister for Gender, Women and Social Protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has explained her absence from campaign activities in her constituency ahead of the December 7 general election. Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, December 16, 2024, Adwoa Safo said her decision was to allow the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Mike Ocquaye Jnr., the freedom to execute his campaign strategy without interference. “From the moment I lost that seat in my primary, I made it clear that I would be joining the national campaign. I was not wavering about that. Because when you have been an MP for 12 years, you still have your supporters, you still have people moving around you,” she stated. Adwoa Safo further emphasized that stepping back was a deliberate move to ensure a smooth transition of leadership within the constituency. “I think that my influence is still there. And I want to give my opponent the way and the room and the space to enjoy it and to work the way he wants to work, not the way I want the constituency to follow suit,” she explained. Mike Ocquaye Jnr., who defeated Adwoa Safo in the NPP primaries earlier this year, was confident of retaining the Dome-Kwabenya seat for the party. However, the constituency, considered an NPP stronghold, was surprisingly won by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu. Amidst reported chaos at the collation center, Madam Akurugu was declared the winner with 51,634 votes, while Mike Ocquaye Jnr. secured 50,477 votes. Despite the outcome, Mr. Ocquaye Jnr has rejected the results, describing the declaration as invalid and calling for further scrutiny. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong warning to the public to be vigilant against a recent wave of fraudulent recruitment scams targeting unsuspecting individuals. The scams, often disseminated through fake messages or emails, falsely promise employment opportunities with the FDA in exchange for personal information or payments. Dr. Delese Darko, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, in a statement, emphasized the importance of public awareness in combating these scams. "We wish to notify the general public that the FDA does not charge fees or request personal information as part of its recruitment process,” she stated. She further advised the public to exercise caution when approached with unsolicited job offers allegedly from the Authority. "Be cautious of any messages or emails requesting payments or sensitive information under the guise of FDA recruitment. Such messages are fraudulent," Dr. Darko stressed. The FDA has urged individuals to report any suspicious messages or activities to its Head Office or any of its Regional Offices across the country. This, according to Dr. Darko, will help the Authority collaborate with law enforcement to tackle these fraudulent schemes effectively. Dr. Darko concluded by reassuring the public that the FDA remains committed to transparency and integrity in all its operations, including recruitment processes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Residents of Sekondi-Takoradi woke up to shocking news on Monday, December 16, as the statue of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, located near the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, was discovered vandalized. The statue, which was unveiled by President Akufo-Addo during a recent tour of the Western Region, has been a source of controversy since its installation. Critics have questioned its relevance, citing unfulfilled government promises and stalled development projects in the region. Richard Kirk Mensah, the Western Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been a vocal critic of the monument. He previously suggested that the statue would be more appropriately placed in the President’s hometown of Kyebi, rather than in a region grappling with unmet infrastructural needs. The circumstances of the vandalism remain unclear. Vendors in the area reported seeing the statue intact as late as Friday evening, December 13. However, by Monday morning, it was found damaged. The statue’s location, situated in a relatively isolated area near the hospital with few residential buildings nearby, has left residents puzzled about how the incident could have occurred unnoticed. While some locals initially welcomed the statue as a symbol of the government’s commitment to the region, public sentiment has shifted over time. Speaking to reporters, Nana Adwoa Banko, a roasted plantain vendor near the Effia-Nkwanta roundabout, expressed disappointment. “Someone pointed out the damage to me, and I was shocked,” she said. "I don’t think this is right. They should have at least waited until after the President handed over power.” The vandalism has reignited debate over the statue’s significance, with many questioning whether resources allocated for its construction could have been better used to address pressing local needs, such as healthcare infrastructure at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Investigations are expected to uncover the cause of the vandalism and whether it was a deliberate act or the result of structural flaws. The statue, intended to commemorate the President’s developmental efforts in the Western Region, has now become a focal point for both criticism and support, reflecting broader frustrations and divided opinions among the region's residents. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has questioned the feasibility of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s promises to abolish certain taxes should they win the 2024 general elections. Speaking during parliamentary proceedings, Afenyo-Markin expressed doubt about how a future John Mahama-led administration would generate the revenue needed to fund its ambitious policies after pledging to remove taxes such as the betting tax and certain import levies. “You said you will remove the betting tax, tax at the port, etc.? We will see where you will get money to implement your ‘nkokɔ nketenkete’ policy,” he stated in his opening remarks, sparking debate among MPs. The Majority Leader's comments highlight the ongoing tension between the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC as both parties continue to lay out their competing visions ahead of the elections. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electoral Commission (EC) has described the declaration of parliamentary results in certain constituencies as illegal, citing breaches of electoral laws and violent actions by political party supporters. According to Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chair of the EC in charge of Operations, the Commission has temporarily halted the collation of results for the Ablekuma North Constituency due to ongoing security and legal concerns. Mr. Tettey explained that the decision aligns with the requirements of CI 127, which mandates political parties to present two accredited agents at collation centres, with collation conducted solely by the Returning Officer and designated EC officials. He emphasized that the EC remains committed to concluding the collation process in all outstanding constituencies but insists that this must be done lawfully. “What we are witnessing at some collation centres is unacceptable. Political party supporters have besieged these centres, physically attacking our staff, destroying property, and demanding results that do not reflect the true votes cast. Such actions are illegal and undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” Mr. Tettey stated. The Deputy Chair noted that EC staff have reported feeling unsafe due to the volatile environment, despite the presence of security personnel. Evidence of the disturbances, including the destruction of ballot papers, vandalism of property, and physical assaults, has been widely broadcast on TV and radio. He assured the public that the Commission is taking all necessary steps to restore order and ensure that the collation process adheres strictly to electoral laws. “Until the appropriate security and legal structures are restored, collation at Ablekuma North and similar constituencies will remain suspended,” Mr. Tettey added. The EC has reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections and called on political parties to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electoral Commission (EC) has suspended the ongoing re-collation of Presidential and Parliamentary election results at the Tesano Police Depot. This decision, announced in a press release dated December 13, was signed by Samuel Tettey, Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations. The re-collation exercise was initially scheduled to address constituencies where the collation process on Election Day was either disrupted or did not comply with the legal framework outlined in C.I. 127. However, the EC stated that the exercise had to be "put on hold until further notice." Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the EC said: “The inability to collate and declare results on Election Day, which led to the re-collation at the Tesano Police Depot, was due to disruptions of our collation processes by Political Party supporters on Election Day and the days following.” The Commission noted that the change in venue to the Tesano Police Training Depot was communicated to political parties after consultations with the Inspector General of Police. “Indeed, all the Agents of the Political Parties observed the process yesterday, which resulted in the collation and declaration of results for the Fanteakwa North, Akwatia, and Suhum Constituencies,” the statement added. The EC called on all stakeholders to cooperate with its officials to ensure a smooth execution of its mandate. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A cholera outbreak in Ghana’s Western Region has claimed 15 lives, with several others hospitalized across various healthcare facilities . As of December 7, 2024, a staggering 789 suspected cases have been reported, with new infections exceeding 60 daily. Public and private hospitals are overwhelmed, receiving between 15 and 20 cholera patients each day. Many facilities have resorted to converting waiting areas into makeshift treatment spaces due to overcrowding, according to hospital officials. In response to the escalating crisis, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has deployed a team from its Institutional Care Division to the region. The team is tasked with monitoring the situation, reassessing emergency healthcare strategies, and providing additional staff to enhance patient care. The Western Regional Health Directorate has announced plans to launch a vaccination campaign targeting high-risk areas, including the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and Ahanta West. The campaign, aimed at curbing the spread of the disease, will run from Friday, December 14, to Thursday, December 21. Environmental investigations indicate that 96% of the infections are linked to contaminated vegetables sold by food vendors. As a precautionary measure, authorities have directed vendors selling vegetables to cease operations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has intensified inspections within the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis to ensure compliance with sanitation standards, warning that violators will face strict penalties. Cholera cases have also been reported in Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central Regions, further highlighting the need for swift intervention. Residents have been urged to prioritize hygiene and report symptoms early to prevent further loss of lives. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith