FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The Electoral Committee of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is pleased to announce the official closure of nominations for the 2025 National Executive Elections scheduled to take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 8:00am to 3:00pm at the PRINPAG Secretariat.
At the close of nominations at 5:00pm on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, a total of eleven (11) members had successfully picked up nomination forms to contest for five (5) key executive positions. The list of aspirants for the respective positions is as follows:
LIST OF ASPIRANTS
President
1. Awudu Mahama
2. David Tamakloe
Vice President
1. Michael Antwi-Agyei
2. Roger A. Agana
Organizing Secretary
1. William Sarpong
2. Prince Kawuunda
3. Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri
Public Affairs & External Relations Officer
1. Emmanuel Opare Djan
Financial Secretary/Treasurer
1. Naana Aklerh Kubi I
2. Kofi Ahovi
3. Adnan Adams Mohammed
In accordance with the Committee’s earlier press release, vetting of all candidates will be conducted on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:00am sharp at the PRINPAG Secretariat. Aspirants are reminded to report promptly and are required to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and all relevant supporting documents, if not already submitted.
In the interest of fairness and transparency, members who have legitimate concerns or objections to any of the listed nominees are encouraged to submit a formal petition with supporting evidence to the Election Committee on or before 9:00am on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Following the vetting process, the Committee will announce the outcome and conduct the official *balloting for positions.
The Electoral Committee extends its best wishes to all candidates and expresses its commitment to a free, fair, and transparent electoral process that strengthens the democratic culture of PRINPAG.
Issued by:
PRINPAG Electoral Committee
MEMBERS OF THE PRINPAG ELECTION COMMITTEE
Lawyer Ken Kuranchie – Chairman – 0244206890
Desmond Darko – Vice Chair – 0277445161
Nimatu Yakubu Atuoyese – Secretary – 0245998282
A growing groundswell of support among New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in the Ashanti Region is propelling Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) into pole position to take over from current Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
From defeat to dominance?
COKA’s rise comes just two years after he was defeated by Chairman Wontumi in the hotly contested 2022 Ashanti Regional Chairmanship race.
Despite the loss, the former constituency chairman and regional financial secretary maintained a strong presence in the region’s political circles, often calling for party unity and post-election reconciliation.
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah aka COKA
Now, many believe the tide has turned
“COKA has shown he is not bitter about the past. He has continued to engage the grassroots and our elders, and he has supported the party even outside leadership,” a delegate from Mampong said.
“He is not just experienced; he is a man of peace. That is what the party needs now.”
Experience and business acumen
With over two decades of service to the NPP in the region—first as a constituency chairman and then as a regional executive—COKA brings deep institutional knowledge to the table. Delegates point to his dual identity as a seasoned political operative and successful businessman.
As Director of Longford Royal Group Limited, COKA’s private-sector background is seen as an asset in a region that remains the NPP’s political stronghold and economic heartbeat.
“COKA combines the wisdom of an old hand and the fresh energy of a businessman,” one delegate noted.
“He knows the terrain, and he knows how to get results.”
A call for unity
COKA has frequently spoken about the need to unite the party after the 2024 general elections, in which the NPP suffered setbacks in some strongholds, despite narrowly retaining power.
His message of reconciliation has resonated with delegates, many of whom blame internal divisions for the party’s shrinking vote margins in the region.
“He has always emphasised unity and forgiveness among party members,” another delegate said.
“We believe he is the right man to bring all factions together and rebuild for victory in 2028.”
COKA is also said to be enjoying the backing of several notable party leaders in the Ashanti Region who view his leadership as key to repairing strained relationships between the regional office and local party structures.
Momentum builds ahead of regional polls
While the formal timeline for regional elections has not yet been announced, COKA’s name is already dominating discussions in constituency meetings and WhatsApp platforms across the region.
Many insiders believe Chairman Wontumi’s influence has waned following criticisms over his leadership style, alleged sidelining of party elders, and the declining enthusiasm among grassroots supporters.
Wontumi, who famously won the 2022 contest against COKA in a polarising race, has not publicly declared his intention to seek re-election.
However, party operatives believe any attempt at a comeback would face stiff resistance, given the current mood.
“People feel it’s time for a new direction,” said a constituency youth organiser. “And that new direction is COKA.”
As the NPP begins to reposition itself for the 2028 general elections, many believe the Ashanti Region must lead the charge with a reinvigorated and respected team.
For many delegates, COKA symbolises both continuity and renewal—an experienced hand who can also bridge generational divides and mend broken relationships.
For now, the wind seems to be blowing in COKA’s favour. Whether he runs unopposed or faces competition, his name is likely to define the next Ashanti Regional chairmanship race. And, if his support base continues to grow, Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah could soon become a central figure in the NPP’s path to power in 2028.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the various research committees, including all who participated in the just-ended national delegates conference, have been commended for adopting the “PWD COORDINATOR position” within NPP’s structure.
Mr. Ntim Twumasi Kwaku, the former NPP 2nd Vice-Chairman for the Ejisu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, said the party’s decision had set a good pace for other political parties and public organisations to emulate.
Mr. Ntim Twumasi Kwaku, who is popularly known as NTK in the political space, made the commendation in a statement copied to “The New Trust” newspaper dated Wednesday, 23rd July 2025.
Mr.Ntim Twumasi Kwaku aka NTK
NTK, who is a member of the NPP communications team in the Ashanti Region and TESCON patron for several institutions, said, “The NPP has truly set the pace and is worthy of emulation by all other political parties, as well as public and corporate organisations. As the front runners in Ghana’s political space in innovative social intervention policies, the NPP has continually shown the desire to help PWDs live a dignified and respectable life.”
The Constitutional Review Committee leading the conference for the adoption of the various motions
He, however, entreated the leadership of the NPP to ensure that resources are made available for their PWD coordinators for effective and efficient delivery.
He added that the elephant would continue to be a winning symbol and would do everything within their power to help save Ghana.
The full statement is reproduced below:
PWD coordinator:
NPP sets the pace
I want to strongly commend the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the various research committees, including all who participated in our just-ended national delegates conference for adopting the “PWD COORDINATOR position” within our party’s structure.
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are not only marginalised in the area of employment but also in every sector of our society. As a PWD, I must confess that this comes as a great sign of acceptance of the saying “disability is not inability” by the NPP. This also buttresses the call by PWDs for inclusiveness in every aspect of our development as a nation.
The NPP has truly set the pace and is worthy of emulation by all other political parties as well as public and corporate organisations. As the front runners in Ghana’s political space in innovative social intervention policies, the NPP has continually shown the desire to help PWDs live a dignified and respectable life.
The position of the PWD COORDINATOR directly gives access to PWDs to be a part of every decision made in the party from the constituency to the top echelons.
I will entreat the leadership of the NPP to ensure that resources are made available for our PWD coordinators for effective and efficient delivery.
The elephant will continue to be a winning symbol and will do everything within our power to help save Ghana. Kuukrudu…eeeshi 🐘🐘🐘🐘
Ntim Twumasi Kwaku ..NTK
✍🏽
The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Abena Osei-Asare, has expressed deep concern over a startling revelation in the 2024 Audit Report on the Public Accounts of Ghana, an overstatement of the country’s public debt by a staggering GH¢138.91 billion.
The discrepancy, uncovered in the Audit Service’s latest review of the Whole of Government Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2024, points to serious lapses in financial reporting and institutional coordination. According to paragraphs 13–18 of the report, while the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) reported Ghana’s total public debt at GH¢876.01 billion, the Ministry of Finance, the constitutionally mandated body for recording all public borrowing, reported GH¢737.17 billion.
Hon. Abena Osei-Asare
The breakdown of the overstatement includes:
GH¢132.98 billion in domestic debt,
GH¢1.77 billion in external debt,
GH¢4.15 billion overstatement in COCOBOD’s domestic debt,
GH¢2.1 million understatement in COCOBOD’s external debt.
Hon. Osei-Asare described the situation as “no ordinary mistake” and emphasised the gravity of such a miscalculation in the nation’s fiscal records. “This is about protecting the integrity of our public financial systems and rebuilding public confidence in the institutions that manage our resources,” she stated.
In her capacity as Chair of PAC, Hon. Osei-Asare has pledged a thorough investigation into the anomaly. She outlined the committee’s planned actions, which include:
Engaging the CAGD, Ministry of Finance, and other relevant institutions to determine the root causes of the misstatement;
Scrutinising the internal controls and reporting systems that led to the error;
Ensuring that the Audit Service’s recommendations for improved institutional collaboration and data harmonisation are fully implemented.
“The responsibility of preparing the accounts of Government lies squarely with the Controller and Accountant-General. A misstatement of this scale cannot be taken lightly,” Hon. Osei-Asare said.
“As public servants, we must demand precision not approximation especially when it comes to our national accounts.” she said
She reaffirmed the PAC’s commitment to constitutional mandate of promoting transparency, accountability, and value for money in the use of public funds.
The 2024 Audit Report has already triggered nationwide conversations about the accuracy of Ghana’s financial reporting, and Hon. Osei-Asare’s leadership in this matter signals Parliament’s readiness to act decisively in the public interest.
Below is the full write up by Hon Abena Osei-Asare On her Facebook page
OVERSTATMENT OF PUBLIC DEBT-GHC 138.91 BILLION-NO ORDINARY MISTAKE.
The 2024 Audit Report on the Public Accounts of Ghana (Whole of Government Accounts) for the Year 31st December , 2024 has brought to light a significant overstatement in the nation’s debt figures — to the tune of GH¢138.91 billion.
According to the report (paragraphs 13–18), while the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) reported Ghana’s total public debt as GH¢876.01 billion, the Ministry of Finance — which has the official mandate to account for all public borrowing — recorded a much lower figure of GH¢737.17 billion. This discrepancy includes:
• GH¢132.98 billion overstatement in domestic debt;
• GH¢1.77 billion overstatement in external debt;
• COCOBOD’s domestic debt overstated by GH¢4.15 billion, while its external debt was understated by GH¢2.1 million.
The responsibility for preparing Government of Ghana accounts lies solely with the Controller and Accountant-General. A misstatement of this magnitude therefore raises important questions about internal controls, data harmonisation, and institutional coordination within our public financial management framework.
The Audit Service, in paragraph 17 of the report, has rightly recommended enhanced collaboration between the CAGD, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant agencies to ensure accurate and reliable Whole of Government reporting going forward.
As Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, I wish to assure the public that the Committee will take these matters seriously. The PAC will:
• Engage with the relevant institutions to understand the root causes of the misstatement;
• Scrutinise the processes that allowed such a divergence in figures;
• Ensure that the Audit Service’s recommendations are not only acknowledged but implemented.
This is about protecting the integrity of our public financial systems and rebuilding public confidence in the institutions that manage our resources.
As public servants, we must demand precision — not approximation — especially when it comes to the national accounts. The PAC remains fully committed to its constitutional mandate of ensuring accountability, transparency, and value for money in the use of public funds.
The Attorney-General (AG) has today, July 22, entered a nolle prosequi in the high-profile case involving former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and seven others, who were facing charges related to the collapse of uniBank.
The decision, announced by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, effectively discontinues the criminal proceedings against the accused, a move the AG’s office attributes to the significant recovery of state funds.
The case, formally known as The Republic v. Kwabena Duffuor & 7 Others (CR/0248/2020), was a key part of the broader financial sector clean-up exercise initiated by the State in 2018.
Dr.Kwabena Duffuor
The primary objectives of these prosecutions, as outlined by the Attorney-General’s office, were to ensure accountability for public funds and, critically, to recover losses incurred by the State due to alleged acts of financial impropriety
The decision, announced by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, effectively discontinues the criminal proceedings against the accused, a move the AG’s office attributes to the significant recovery of state funds.
The case, formally known as The Republic v. Kwabena Duffuor & 7 Others (CR/0248/2020), was a key part of the broader financial sector clean-up exercise initiated by the State in 2018.
The primary objectives of these prosecutions, as outlined by the Attorney-General’s office, were to ensure accountability for public funds and, critically, to recover losses incurred by the State due to alleged acts of financial impropriety.
Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, who founded uniBank and previously served as Finance Minister from 2009 to 2013 and as Governor of the Bank of Ghana from 1997 to 2001, was among those charged in February 2020 with various offenses, including theft and money laundering.
Court documents at the time alleged that Duffuor received GHS 663.3 million (approximately $122 million at the time) “knowing it had been obtained by means of a criminal offense.”
uniBank was declared insolvent in August 2018 by the Bank of Ghana (BoG), which cited that shareholders and related parties had taken GHS 5.3 billion in loans and withdrawals without following due process.
The charges also implicated other individuals, including a former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Asiama, who faced accusations of facilitating financial impropriety.
According to the Deputy Attorney-General’s press release, the Office of the Attorney-General, in collaboration with other relevant State agencies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), established a threshold of 60% recovery of the alleged losses as a condition for reconsidering prosecution in specific cases.
“Following prolonged negotiations and engagements, the accused persons in The Republic v. Kwabena Duffuor & 7 Others case have met this recovery threshold,” the statement read.
“Accordingly, in furtherance of public interest, and considering the significant recoveries made for the State, the Honourable Attorney-General has satisfied himself that continuing with the prosecution will not serve any additional public purpose.”
A nolle prosequi is a legal term where the prosecution, often the Attorney-General, declares that it is unwilling to pursue a criminal case.
While the law typically does not require an explanation for such a discretionary power, the Attorney-General’s office emphasized its commitment to accountability and transparency in providing the rationale behind this significant decision.
It is important to note that a nolle prosequi results in the discharge of the accused but does not amount to an acquittal; it leaves open the possibility of future re-prosecution should new evidence emerge or circumstances change.
The decision does not, however, “imply an absence of wrongdoing nor a vindication of any conduct.” Rather, it is framed as “a pragmatic step in line with the overarching national interest of recovering State resources.”
The Attorney-General reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the public purse, and pursuing justice in all matters of national importance.
Background to the Financial Sector Clean-Up:
Ghana’s banking sector experienced a significant crisis between 2017 and 2019, leading to the collapse of several indigenous banks, including uniBank, UT Bank, Capital Bank, and others.
The Bank of Ghana embarked on a comprehensive clean-up and recapitalization exercise, citing insolvency, weak corporate governance, related-party lending, and unsustainable business models as key reasons for the failures.
This exercise, aimed at restoring confidence and stability to the financial system, resulted in the revocation of licenses, mergers, and the creation of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) to absorb the assets and liabilities of some of the distressed institutions.
The cost of the clean-up to the taxpayer was substantial, estimated to be in the billions of Ghana cedis, necessitating efforts by the government to recover lost funds and hold those deemed responsible accountable.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) played a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting cases arising from the crisis under the authority of the Attorney-General.Source: David Apinga
The Ashanti Regional Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Francis Adomako, popularly known as Francois in the political space, has raised red flag over the decision of the Mahama government to sack about 210 trained cadets.
According to him, it poses security threat to the society if the government sacks 210 trained cadets, apart from increasing the unemployment rate in the country.
Dr.Francis Adomako aka Francois
Speaking to “The New Trust” newspaper on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025, Francois, who is also the Dean of all Regional Organisers, recalled that not too long ago, the Interior Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asawasi in Kumasi, informed the nation that some trained security personnel from the police and immigration services and others had been sacked.
Dr.Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Defense Minister
“Now, the Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, is also sacking about 210 trained cadets because they don’t meet the qualification criteria,” he added.
The Ashanti Regional NPP Organiser and Regional Secretary hopeful stated, “This is totally unacceptable. Taxpayers’ money have been used to train all these personnel for a year. They have acquired some skills and knowledge about the use of powerful weapons. Releasing them to the street with all this knowledge is dangerous to the society. Can’t we, as a country, use them to perform any other task?” he asked rhetorically.
According to him, pushing these trained personnel back to the society can result in so many evil things, such as armed robbery, prostitution on the part of trained personnel who are women, an increase in the unemployment, etc.
Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against reducing its presidential primaries to a contest of popularity or eligibility alone.
In an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, July 21, the party stalwart stressed that the stakes for the NPP and Ghana are too high for that kind of superficial approach.
“People are coming out there because they satisfy the qualification and eligibility criteria as set out in the party’s constitution or even the national constitution,” he acknowledged.
Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu
The context of his remarks followed a comment by host Evans Mensah suggesting that the party’s limited expansion of its electoral college may have opened the door to heavy monetisation of the primaries.
The host noted that the new system, while larger than before, still leaves room for well-funded aspirants to target delegates and influence outcomes.
“But you see, whoever should be the president of this country, we are not looking at just the qualification, eligibility criteria for whoever should be our president.”
His critique, directed at the party’s internal processes and the character of the emerging contest, signalled a deeper concern: the growing focus on who can contest rather than who should lead.
“We are not just looking for a flagbearer,” the former Suame MP declared. “We are looking for a president or a presidential candidate.”
Referencing a pivotal moment in the NPP’s political history, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu recalled the warning of party elder Kwame Pianim in 2007, when 17 aspirants vied to succeed President J.A. Kufuor.
“Pianim stepped in and made a profound statement that ‘NPP, you’re not looking for a flagbearer. People seem to think that we are looking for a flagbearer. As for the flagbearership, any idiot could become the flagbearer.’ But we are looking beyond the flagbearer, because you are looking for a presidential candidate who ultimately will become the president of this country.”Source: Abubakar Ibrahim
The Ejura Divisional Council, led by Ejurahene Barimah Osei Hwedie II, has handed over an eight-bedroom apartment to the Ghana Police Service.
The accommodation, comprising four two-bedroom self-contained units, was rented for two years at a cost of nearly 200,000 cedis.
The apartments will serve as residences for four senior police officers posted to the Ashanti North Regional Police Command.
Some scenes from the ceremony
Each unit features two bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, washrooms, and utilities for comfortable living.
This gesture follows the chief’s construction of an ultra-modern divisional police headquarters in Ejura, which necessitated the deployment of police personnel to the area.
DCOP Jude Cobina in a handshake with Barimah Osei Hwedie II,Ejurahene
The renowned chief handed over keys to the apartment to the police on Monday July 21, 2025.
The Ejurahene emphasized the need for the public to support the government in providing maximum security to the people.
He revealed that the rent was payed by the Ejura Divisional Council with support from farmers in the area
Barimah Osei Hwedie II pledged the divisional council’s commitment to supporting security and development in the area
The Ashanti North Regional Police Command’s DCOP Jude Cobina on behalf of the commended the Ejurahene for the support, noting that it came at the right time.
He called on the police officers to ensure proper maintenance of the facility and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting lives and properties.
The Sekyere Kusi Sec/Tech school at Sekyere Kontonkyi in the Sekyere Kumawu district is in dire need of infrastructure support.
The Assembly Member for Sekyere Kontonkyi electoral area, Hon. Alex Antwi, has appealed to the government, individuals and NGO to provide adequate infrastructure to support the school.
some scenes from the school
The school has been facing numerous challenges since its establishment, including a lack of dormitories and classrooms, which are essential for promoting teaching and learning.
In a bid to support the school, traditional authorities are organizing a fundraising event on July 27, 2025, to raise funds for school projects.
Sekyere Kontonkyi Assembly Member,Mr. Alex Antwi
The Chief of Sekyere Kontonkyi, Obuohiakuma Osei Onin Pobi II, has also called on key stakeholders to come to the school’s aid and provide support.
Sekyere Kontonkyihene, Obuohiakuma Osei Onin Pobi II
The school’s plea for infrastructure support highlights the need for urgent attention to address the challenges faced by students and teachers.
The community and stakeholders are encouraged to support the school’s development to ensure a better learning environment.
