The Minority in Parliament has reaffirmed its resolve to stand its ground despite being outnumbered in the House.
Addressing the press on Friday, 31st January, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin declared that his caucus would not succumb to intimidation or pressure from the Majority side.
He emphasised that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which won the recent election, must acknowledge the Minority’s role in governance.
“The NDC should know that they have won an election and they are to govern with us,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He stressed that the Minority, though fewer in numbers, remained a significant force in the legislative process.
Reiterating the resilience of his caucus, the Minority Leader insisted that they would not be bullied into submission.
“We are a mighty few and won’t be intimidated. We can’t be bullied,” he asserted, sending a strong message to the Majority side of the House.
His comments come after the chaotic scenes at Thursday’s Appointment Committee sitting where some tables and microphones were destroyed allegedly by some minority MPs over disagreements about whether to continue the vetting deep into the night or not.Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
The Minority caucus in Parliament is demanding the immediate resignation of the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, accusing her of bias and unprofessional conduct in the vetting process.
The opposition MPs allege that the clerk has shown open allegiance to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), compromising the neutrality and fairness of proceedings.
Addressing the media, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insisted that the clerk’s actions had undermined trust in the committee’s work.
“The clerk of the committee has made it clear that she is aligned with the NDC. We will formally write to the Clerk of Parliament to demand her removal from the Appointments Committee. She must either resign as a parliamentary staff or immediately change her approach,” he asserted.
The Minority further accused the clerk of deliberately sidelining them in key aspects of the vetting process.
They claimed that during their time in government, the same clerk ensured that the then-Minority had access to draft reports before they were signed.
However, they argue that this practice has now changed, with reports being finalised without their input.
“When we were in government, this same clerk ensured that the Minority could review reports before they were signed by the Chairperson. Today, reports are signed without our knowledge, and we only see them for the first time when they reach the floor of Parliament,” Afenyo-Markin alleged.
He further criticised what he described as deliberate attempts to obstruct the Minority’s work, citing instances where vetting schedules were allegedly published at midnight without prior notice.
The controversy adds to the rising tensions in Parliament following chaotic scenes during recent vetting sessions.Source:William Narh
National Coalition on Mining (NCOM) – Ghana
C/O Third World Network – Africa
Post Office Box AN19452
9 Asmara Street, East Legon,
Accra
Tel: 0302 511189/503816/500419
Email: environment@twnafrica.org
STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL COALITION ON MINING (NCOM) ON HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES BY STATE SECURITY IN MINING COMMUNITIES IN GHANA
The National Coalition in Mining (NCOM) condemns the recent killing of 12 citizens and the wounding of many more by state security operatives in separate incidents at the Newmont (NGGL) Ahafo South Gold Mine in Ntotroso and the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) mine in Obuasi.
A short video attached below;
In the late hours of Saturday 18 January 2025, soldiers guarding AGA’s concession in Obuasi shot and killed nine suspected small-scale miners who allegedly breached portions of AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi concession.
Some terrible scenes
About 14 others sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving treatment. A week earlier(on 9 January 2025), 3 young men were killed at the NGGL Ahafo concession, allegedly for trespassing and stealing. In both cases the claims of both the Police and Military that the killings took place during a confrontation have been challenged by survivors.
Some scenes of the attacks
These tragic incidents which have been widely condemned, are the latest in the increasing role of state security operatives in violence against citizens in mining communities on behalf of private mining companies. From Ntotroso, Ketu South, Talensi, Ada Songor through to Obuasi, there are harrowing tales of state security being used to brutalise communities on behalf of corporate interest resulting in deaths and the injuring of many .
After a sustained campaign by the National Coalition on Mining, in the 2000s, the state security was withdrawn from mining communities but recent events reveal return to the bad practices of the past.
It is very disturbing that in our constitutional democracy state security agencies have been turned into the default security for private mining firms, ready to use lethal force against fellow citizens who trespass into the concessions of multinational mining companies. Currently almost all of these mining companies in the country have the military on call, with some either hosting military bases or in the process of constructing one. It is interesting to note that AngloGold Ashanti is constructing a military base at Anyankyirem, near Obuasi, at a cost of 6 million US dollars. According to the company, this facility is expected to boost the security of residents of Obuasi as if the multinational company is in charge of the country’s security. It is now evident that this military facility will only serve to protect the company’s interests. Without prejudice to the right of multinational mining companies engaged
in legitimate business to protect their investments, we believe that relying on the state to provide such security is not right, especially when these security agencies end up brutalising the very citizens whose taxes go to fund them.
Over the years a number of community members and suspected illegal miners have been killed and maimed.
In other jurisdictions, the killing of one citizen is enough to marshal state resources to investigate and unravel the truth. Sadly, in our case, it appears the state investigative bodies are not interested in unravelling the truth so as to underline the sanctity of life, the accountability of themilitary and Police and ultimately seek justice for the bereaved families. Often in the past the security agencies involved in the incidents are the same bodies that purport to investigate them. Until independent investigations are conducted and the incidents brought to closure, we risk seeing a recurrence.
In the early-2000s the National Coalition on Mining (NCOM), a grouping of over 30 civil society organisations and individuals working on diverse thematic areas carried out a campaign to address human rights violations in mining areas including such brutalities meted out to citizens by state security acting on behalf of some multinational corporations in the country.
The campaign led to an investigation by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) which published a comprehensive report in 2008. CHRAJ recommended the withdrawal of the Military and Police from the mines.
The NCOM campaign led to the withdrawal of security forces from the premises of most of these multinational companies.
It is therefore distressing that almost twenty years on, this canker has reared its head again, even much fiercer than before.
NCOM believes that the state must do more to protect its citizens, especially those living in marginalised mining communities. In the light of this we make the following demands:
Demands:
1. We welcome President Mahama’s directive for a probe into what happened in Obuasi. We
however call on the Government to establish a Commission of Enquiry to probe the deaths in
both Ntotroso and Obuasi. This will unravel the truth behind the killings the guilty can be
brought to justice, and the bereaved families properly compensated.
2. We call on the Ministries of Defence and Interior to oversee the immediate withdrawal of the
military and police from all mining sites across the country. Their presence has caused more
harm than good, and led to killings and community agitations. Mining companies in the
country must resort to the use of constructive dialogue to redress all grievances
The Ministries of Defence and Interior must make a full public disclosure of the terms on which
the security services have been deployed around the mines and the rules of engagement
under which they operate and use their arms.
The government of Ghana must respect its commitments to international human rights
protocols by ensuring that communities are protected from all forms of harm, including from
state security agencies.
NCOM believes that every Ghana deserves to live in a safe and secure environment while going about their duties. The state has a responsibility to ensure that this is possible. Not only should the state be seen to be protecting corporate interests, it must ensure that its citizens are well protected from the state security agencies.
Thank you
Third World Network – Africa (TWN – Africa)
Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS)
Livelihood and Environment, Ghana (LEG)
Alhassan Atta-Quayson, PhD
Savannah Research and Advocacy Network (SRAN)
HELP Foundation Africa
Innovation Development Alternatives (IDEAS)
GOCAP
Tano Women Empowerment and Development Association (TWEDA)10. Centre for Climate Change Advocacy and Development
Women Empowerment and Advocacy Network
Network for Health and Relief Foundation (NHRF)
Muthashie Foundation Africa
For more information, kindly contact:
Richard Ellimah
0244514559
Obuasi
Richard Adjei-Poku
0243388290
Kenyasi
3.Cornelius Adedze
0244591764
Accra
Information reaching this portal indicates that tension is currently building up across some district assemblies in the Ashanti Region, especially concerning those that are yet to elect presiding members (PMs) ahead of Council of State election.
This follows alleged manipulation and violation of the 1992 Constitution by some officials of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) with the support of some district co-ordinating directors to nominate delegates without going through the necessary procedures.
The Association of Presiding Members has, therefore, sent a strong petition to the Electoral Commission (EC) to reject any two nominees from the various assembly members who are not properly approved by the elected assembly members.
In a petition dated Friday, 31st January 2025, and signed by the executives of the Association, they want the Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Director and District Co-ordinators to act according to the law.
The executives of the Assassination of Ashanti Presiding Members (PMs)
The petition comes on the same day the EC is expected to close the reception of nominees from various metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies ahead of Council of State election.
The full statement is reproduced below:
PETITION AGAINST VIOLATION OF THE 1992 CONSTITUTION TO NOMINATE TWO ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO FORM THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE FOR THE COUNCIL OF STATE ELECTION IN ASHANTI REGION.
We, the undersigned, respectfully petition your reputable office that some National Democratic Congress (NDC) party officials, in collaboration with some co-ordinating directors, are attempting to send different names other than those nominated by the various assemblies to the Regional Co-ordinating Council for onward submission to the regional office of the Electoral Commission to form the Electoral College for the upcoming Ashanti Regional Council of State election.
The executives of the Assassination during their swearing in last year
This would be a direct violation of the paragraph (c) of clause(2) of Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution and will undermine the principles of democratic representation and the Rule of Law. In order to prevent total rejection of the President’s MMDCEs nominees in Ashanti Region, we urge you to take immediate action to address this constitutional breach by:
i) Rejecting any nomination of the two(2) Assembly members apart from those nominated by the various Assemblies on the Assembly’s letter head and signed by the Co-ordinating Director.
ii) Confirming the two(2) nominees from the Presiding Members of the respective Assemblies
iii) Making sure the co-ordinating directors liaise with the elected Assembly members to nominate the two(2) representatives where there are no presiding members.
iv) Holding accountable those responsible for this constitutional violation.
We believe that upholding the constitution is essential to maintaining the integrity of our democratic institutions.
We look forward to your prompt response and resolution.
Signed
……….
Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong.
Dean of Presiding Members, Ashanti.
0244227222
Hon. Anthony Kwame Nsiah.
Vice Dean, conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti
0244626417
Hon. Isaac Osei-Duah
Secretary, conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti.
0242773020
PETITION AGAINST VIOLATION OF THE 1992 CONSTITUTION TO NOMINATE TWO ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO FORM THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE FOR THE COUNCIL OF STATE ELECTION IN ASHANTI REGION.
We the undersigned, respectfully petition your reputable office that, some National Democratic Congress (NDC) party officials in collaboration with some coordinating Directors are attempting to send different names other than those nominated by the various Assemblies to the Regional coordinating council for onward submission to the Regional office of the Electoral commission to form the Electoral college for the upcoming Ashanti Regional council of state elections.
Executives led by Hon.Patrick Kwame Frimpong during their swearing in ceremony last year
This would be a direct violation of the paragraph (c) of clause(2) of Article 89 of the 1992 constitution and will undermine the principles of democratic representation and the Rule of law. In order to prevent total rejection of the President’s MMDCEs nominees in Ashanti Region, we urge you to take immediate action to address this constitutional breach by:
I) Rejecting any nomination of the two(2) Assembly members apart from those nominated by the various Assemblies, on the Assembly’s letter head and signed by the Coordinating Director.
ii) Confirming the two(2) nominees from the Hon. Presiding Members of the respective Assemblies
iii) Making sure the coordinating Directors liaise with the elected Assembly members to nominate the two(2) representatives where there are no Presiding Members.
iv) Holding accountable those responsible for this constitutional violation.
We believe that, upholding the constitution is essential to maintaining the integrity of our democratic institutions.
We look forward to your prompt response and resolution.
Signed
……….
Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong.
Dean of Presiding Members, Ashanti.
0244227222
Hon. Anthony Kwame Nsiah.
Vice Dean, conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti
0244626417
Hon. Isaac Osei-Duah
Secretary, conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti.
0242773020
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a government policy to ban the issuance of mining leases in all forest reserves as part of efforts to protect the country’s natural environment from destruction.
Speaking at the swearing-in of the 3rd batch of ministers on Thursday, January 30, he noted that the government would also move swiftly to revoke all licenses issued for the same purpose under the previous government.
Mr Mahama emphasised the need to safeguard Ghana’s forests from illegal mining (galamsey) and unsustainable exploitation.
“It shall be the policy of this government to ban the issuance of leases for mining in all forest reserves. We must also move promptly to revoke all leases issued for the same purpose under the previous government.”
John Mahama
The President further clarified that his administration has not authorised any mining activities in forest reserves, dismissing recent reports to the contrary.
He called on the relevant ministers, including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister for the Interior, and the Attorney General, to take immediate action against those engaging in illegal mining.
“No member of this government is permitted to engage in any form of small-scale mining or galamsey. Any such persons will face swift and severe sanctions,” he warned.
Additionally, President Mahama announced plans for a national stakeholder consultation on illegal mining to develop a collective strategy for addressing the issue.
Key initiatives, he noted will include: the introduction of a River Guard programme to employ youth from affected communities in protecting water bodies, cleaning and removing toxic substances from polluted rivers, reclaiming degraded lands and restoring forest reserves, training small-scale miners in sustainable mining practices, and establishing a Gold Board to ensure Ghana fully benefits from its gold resources.
Data from the Ghana Mining Repository shows that over a hundred mining-related licenses were issued in the last week of former President Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Out of the 103 licenses issued in the year 2025, 102 were granted between January 1st and January 6th, before the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama.
This means only one license has been issued under the current government.
Minister nominee for Communications, Digitalisation, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George
The Minister nominee for Communications, Digitalisation, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has vowed to resume his advocacy against homosexuality by pursuing the controversial anti-gay bill in the 9th Parliament.
Sam George
He reaffirmed his strong stance against LGBTQ+ activities, stating that the bill is necessary to uphold Ghanaian cultural values and societal norms.
Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, Mr George insisted that the bill’s reintroduction is in line with the will of the Ghanaian people.
“This is a matter of principle and national interest. The anti-gay bill is not about discrimination but about preserving our moral and cultural values as a country,” he stated.
He further argued that while Ghana remains committed to human rights, certain practices are not in line with the country’s traditions and beliefs.
He expressed confidence that the bill, once reintroduced, would receive broad support from both Parliament and the general public.
“The people of Ghana have spoken clearly on this issue, and as their representative, I will ensure that their voice is heard,” he added.
Mr George also dismissed concerns from international bodies regarding the bill, asserting that Ghana has the right to determine its laws without external interference.
He pledged to work closely with Parliament and relevant stakeholders to ensure the bill’s passage, reinforcing his dedication to safeguarding Ghanaian societal values.
Mr George was the lead campaigner among a group of Members of Parliament who pushed the anti-gay bill as private members, but the bill did not see the light of day following the refusal of former President Akufo-Addo to assent to it after its passage by Parliamen
Alexander Kwaku Asafo-Agyei has been named the Registrar of the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat by President John Dramani Mahama.
His appointment is a major step toward enhancing the Secretariat’s ability to support students nationwide financially.
Alexander Kwaku Asafo-Agyei is qualified to supervise scholarship distribution and policy implementation due to his extensive background in public administration and education management.
Alexander Kwaku Asafo-Agyei
His job will be vital in promoting openness, efficiency, and accessibility in Ghana’s scholarship system, helping students at various levels of study.
Helping talented but underprivileged students both domestically and abroad is a major responsibility of the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat.
It is anticipated that under his direction, the Secretariat’s operations will be substantially enhanced, guaranteeing that scholarships be awarded to worthy recipients promptly and without any administrative obstacles.
Colleagues, education stakeholders, and well-wishers have congratulated him on his appointment and expressed their hope that his leadership will have a beneficial effect.
Ghanaian students seeking study at both domestic and foreign universities can receive financial assistance from the Secretariat, which was set up to manage government scholarships. Additionally, it oversees unique scholarship initiatives in collaboration with foreign organizations and governments.
Stakeholders desire increased efforts to improve scholarship opportunities, expedite application procedures, and guarantee equitable distribution of cash to worthy students under the leadership of Alexander Kwaku Asafo-Agyei.
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Professor Ransford Gyampo, political science professor at the University of Ghana, as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority.
He succeeds Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, who was appointed to the role by the Akufo-Addo administration in December 2023.
The appointment of Professor Gyampo is with immediate effect.
His appointment was confirmed in an official letter issued by Dr. Calistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President.
In light of this transition, Mr. Sarpong has been instructed to promptly hand over his responsibilities to Professor Gyampo to ensure a smooth change in leadership.Source: MyJoyOnline.com
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) UK Swindon Chapter Secretary, Roberta Baaba Pobee, has called for a renewed focus on unity as the party prepares for the journey toward the 2028 general elections. Pobee emphasized that the foundation for success in 2028 must be built on a strong, united, and inclusive party structure that transcends personal interests and internal divisions.
She urged members to start laying the groundwork now, even as the party prepares for other electoral milestones in the coming years. According to her, the NPP’s vision of building a prosperous Ghana can only be achieved if the party itself remains cohesive and committed to its core principles.
Roberta Baaba Pobee
“The 2028 elections may seem far off, but the work begins now,” Pobee declared. “We must not wait until the final hour to address issues of disunity and lack of coordination. A united party is a winning party, and the NPP has a duty to show Ghanaians that we are prepared, organized, and focused on delivering development for all.”
Reflecting on the party’s recent experiences electoral defeat, Pobee acknowledged the challenges of maintaining unity in a political environment often fraught with competition and differing opinions. She highlights the importance of embracing diversity within the party while fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
“Unity doesn’t mean we all have to agree on everything, but it means we must prioritize the collective good of the party over individual ambitions. Let us engage in constructive dialogue, address grievances promptly, and ensure that every member feels heard and valued,” she noted.
Pobee also underscored the critical role of the NPP diaspora in shaping the party’s future. She pointed out that members living outside Ghana, such as those in the UK, are uniquely positioned to contribute their skills, resources, and perspectives to the party’s growth and electoral strategy.
To achieve a united front, Pobee called for a focus on inclusivity, particularly in engaging youth, women, and other underrepresented groups within the party. She emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization and the active involvement of all party members in decision-making processes.
“We must create a party where everyone, regardless of their background, feels they have a role to play. The energy of the youth, the wisdom of our elders, and the dedication of our women are all essential to our success,” she said.
As part of her vision for the future, Pobee outlined a roadmap that includes capacity-building initiatives, strengthening internal communication, and fostering closer collaboration between the party’s national, regional, Constituencies, grassroots, international branches and chapters.
While acknowledging the immediate challenges facing the NPP, Pobee expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in the 2028 elections. She urged members to remain focused on the long-term vision and to resist distractions that could undermine the party’s progress.
“Our mission goes beyond winning elections—it’s about building a better Ghana for generations to come. The 2028 elections are another opportunity for us to demonstrate the transformative power of the NPP. But to get there, we must start with a united, disciplined, and forward-thinking party today,” she concluded.
