*Gov’t Cites Structures on Waterways as Cause of Ofankor Barrier Floods* The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, says the persistent flooding at Ofankor Barrier is mainly caused by structures built directly on major water drains. Responding to questions in Parliament, Mr. Speaker, the Minister noted that his Ministry is “fully aware of recurring flooding challenges within the Trobu constituency and its surrounding areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.” Hon. Adjei said the floods continue to threaten lives, property, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure, including the Achimota-Ofankor highway. “Mr. Speaker, the persistent flooding at the Ofankor Barrier is primarily due to structures constructed directly on major water drains obstructing the natural flow of water,” he stated. According to the Minister, the Ghana Hydrological Authority has conducted a technical assessment under the Greater Accra Drainage Planning Studie

*Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Was Not in Prison Until June 24, Minority Alleges* Madam Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was not in prison custody from her return to Ghana on June 9 until June 24, 2026, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, has claimed. Speaking on behalf of the Minority in Parliament, Hon. Baffour Awuah said the party conducted its own checks to verify the whereabouts of the former MASLOC CEO following her return to the country. “A fortnight ago, speaking as the spokesperson for the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the New Patriotic Party, I stated that we would do an independent check to confirm the whereabouts of Madam Sedina Tamakloe. Indeed we have done so,” he said. “We can categorically state that until yesterday, the 24th of June, Madam Sedina Tamakloe was not in prison custody. And so from the 9th of June when she arrived to the 24th of June yesterday, she was not in prison custody. That is a matter of record,” the

*Gov’t to Compile National Database of Mosques, Religious Sites – Ahmed Ibrahim* The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the Ministry does not have the exact number of mosques in Ghana readily available. Answering a question in Parliament today, Mr. Speaker, the Minister said while a full national count is pending, there are several “easily identified” mosques across the country. These include the National Mosque in Accra, Bole Mosque in the Savannah Region, Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission mosques in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, Tamale Central Mosque, Kumasi Central Mosque, Madina Mosque, Nima Central Mosque, Tudu Central Mosque, Accra Newtown Mosque, Fadama Mosque, Laribana Mosque, and numerous community/neighbourhood mosques. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim said the Ministry is currently working to develop a comprehensive database of all religious organisations in Ghana. The database will record all faiths, their places of worsh

*FAMILY AND CONCERNED CITIZENS OF HON. ADWOA SAFO CALL FOR JUSTICE, URGE PUBLIC PRAYER* Family members and supporters of Hon. Sara Adwoa Safo have publicly appealed for justice and collective prayer, citing a matter of "great personal and communal significance." Dr. Boakye Yiadom, speaking as the family’s communication head, addressed the media and called on citizens and the general public to join in "fervent prayer" for Hon. Adwoa Safo. While details of the situation were not disclosed, Dr. Yiadom stressed the "serious situation she is currently facing" and emphasized the strength found in communal faith during challenging times. "The importance of collective support cannot be overstated," Dr. Yiadom said, noting that the family is leaning on public solidarity. Adding to the family’s message, Kwadwo Safo Jnr, son of the late Apostle Kwadwo Sarfo, made a separate but related appeal to church members. He urged them to honor and protect the legacy of his late father. He

*Gov’t Intensifies Fight Against Child Hawking, Links Poverty to Child Labour – Gender Minister* The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has told Parliament that poverty remains a key driver of child hawking in Ghana, and government is scaling up interventions to address its root causes while strengthening enforcement. Delivering a statement in the House, she said: “Poverty remains a key driver of child hawking. The Ministry continues to implement social protection interventions such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty programme, the School Feeding Initiative, and complementary livelihood support programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability and discouraging child labour practices.” Hon. Dr. Lartey added that the Ministry, together with stakeholders, is intensifying public awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of child hawking, child labour and exploitation. The campaigns also promote the importance of education and

*Cocobod Debt Crisis: Excess Procurement Left Suppliers Unpaid, Says Deputy Finance Minister* Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has told Parliament that mismanagement of Cocobod’s finances between 2021 and 2024 left the board unable to pay suppliers of fertilisers and agro chemicals, despite record levels of procurement. Speaking in the chamber, “Mr. Speaker,” he said Cocobod contracted quantities far beyond its budgetary capacity during the period. “For the 2021-2022 crop year, Cocobod procured agro chemicals valued at 455.7 million USD, while only 312.8 million USD was provisioned in the budget,” he stated. “Those chemicals were not paid for. Yet Cocobod continued to procure additional quantities in 2022, 2023 and 2024, all above the budgeted amount each year.” He cited the 2023-2024 season as the most extreme example: “While 76.5 million dollars was provisioned in the budget, Cocobod contracted about 668.6 million dollars in agro chemicals.” “Mr. Speaker,

Ministry Raises Alarm Over Growing Child Hawking and Street Homelessness The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey. has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of children engaged in hawking, living, and working on the streets across the country. The Ministry clarified that, under Section 16(1) of the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), the primary responsibility for safeguarding the welfare and rights of children rests with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). According to the law, MMDAs are mandated to protect the rights and welfare of children within their jurisdictions, coordinate the activities of relevant child protection agencies, and lead efforts to remove vulnerable children from street situations, including child hawking. Despite this legal mandate, the Ministry continues to provide national policy direction, coordination, and advocacy on chi

*Loss of Husband Can Be “Dire” – MP Calls for Support Systems for Widows* Second Deputy Majority Whip and Ada MP, Hon. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, says the death of a husband can leave widows disoriented, vulnerable, and forced to fend for themselves under harsh conditions. Making a statement in Parliament to mark International Widows Day, she said the impact on a widow’s life “could be dire,” especially for those who had depended entirely on their spouses. “One could become disoriented, not knowing what to do, while others are left to fend for themselves in a world that is often harsh and unaccommodating,” Hon. Cudjoe said. She noted that widows often endure the trauma of losing a partner while simultaneously facing economic hardship, disinheritance, and social exclusion. “The death of a husband should not become a double punishment for women. We must ensure they do not suffer twice – first from grief, then from poverty and abuse,” she told the House. International Widows

Asokwa MP Calls for Direct, Substantial Funding to Empower Persons with Disabilities The Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has called for concrete and targeted financial support for persons with disabilities, urging policymakers to move beyond symbolic gestures and implement sustainable funding mechanisms. Speaking in Parliament following a recent exhibition organized by persons with disabilities, the MP emphasized the need for clearly defined budgetary allocations dedicated to specific activities and programmes that directly benefit the disability community, rather than relying on general resource pooling. Hon. Patricia Appiagyei noted that many persons with disabilities are entrepreneurs who require meaningful support to expand their businesses and achieve economic independence. She proposed measures such as tax exemptions and other financial incentives to help create an enabling environment for their enterprises to thrive. She further stressed that govern

BREAKING: Gunmen Open Fire on Adwoa Safo’s Vehicle Near Brother’s Residence in Accra Former Dome-Kwabenya MP receiving treatment after alleged shooting amid Kristo Asafo succession dispute Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Hon. Adwoa Safo, is receiving medical treatment after gunmen allegedly opened fire on her vehicle on Sunday near the residence of her younger brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena. The incident reportedly occurred at the premises of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena’s residence, where he was said to be organizing supporters as part of efforts to install him as successor to his late father, Apostle Emeritus Kwadwo Safo, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission. According to preliminary accounts, officers from the Dome District Command were alerted and quickly deployed to the scene as tensions escalated. Witnesses allege that Hon. Adwoa Safo was present when armed men, allegedly acting on the orders of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, opened fi

*Salaga South MP Hajia Zuwera Ibrahimah Rallies Parliament Behind Black Stars* The Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has called on Parliament and Ghanaians to rally solidly behind the Black Stars as they represent the nation on the world stage. Addressing the House, Hajia Zuwera said Ghana’s flag and national anthem, composed by Philip Gbeho, are national icons designed to bring honour to the country. She assured the President that although MPs are seated in Parliament, “spiritually we are praying for the Black Stars to bring honour to Ghana.” The MP commended her colleagues for taking the World Cup excitement to their constituencies. “Most MPs have mounted screens in central places. Some have offered food. My colleague, the Deputy Minister of Agric, is providing kenkey, shito and fish for his constituents to watch on large screens. Those of us who can’t afford kenkey, we’re providing drinks so that together we all celebrate this big tournam