Former MASLOC Deputy Chief Executive Officer Alberta Afia Akoto has declared her intention to contest the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary primaries in Okaikwei North, citing more than four decades of residence and strong ties to the constituency.

Former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Alberta Afia Asomaniwa Akoto, popularly known as Afia Akoto, has announced her readiness to serve the people of Okaikwei North Constituency.

In a statement shared on Friday, November 6, 2026, the former NPP Deputy Communications Director said the constituency had been her home for more than 40 years, stressing that her decision to step forward was rooted in her longstanding relationship with residents.

“For more than 40 years, Okaikwei North has been my home. I have lived among you, shared in the joys and challenges of our community, and built lasting connections with the people who make this constituency special,” she stated.

‘I am in the race’ – Afia Akoto

Ms Akoto said she was entering the contest because she believed the constituency deserved dedicated representation, a listening ear and a strong voice.

She pledged to work closely with residents, listen to their concerns and contribute to improving living conditions across the area.

“Dear Okaikwei North, your girl is here, one of your own, ready to serve,” she declared.

She also outlined areas she intends to prioritise, including youth empowerment, support for women, the creation of opportunities and development initiatives that benefit communities across the constituency.

According to her, her ambition is to build on existing progress while working towards a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive Okaikwei North.

Afia Akoto returns to the NPP contest

The declaration marks a renewed political push by Ms Akoto in a constituency where she previously contested the NPP parliamentary primaries.

During the party’s 2023 parliamentary primary, she finished second with 228 votes. Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei won the contest with 341 votes, while former MP Fuseini Issah placed third with 114 votes.

Her latest announcement places her back in the conversation over the NPP’s parliamentary representation in Okaikwei North.

With her appeal centred on her long-standing connection to the constituency and promises of inclusive development, attention will now turn to the party’s internal contest and the response of delegates and residents to her renewed bid.

The General Secretary of the Great Consolidated Popular Party Convention (GCPP), Citizen Ato Dadzie, has criticised Ghana’s political leadership over what he describes as excessive blame games and the politicisation of critical national issues.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding the press conference held by NPP’s Nana B, he argued that Gordon Asare Bediako of NPP has blamed President Mahama for headmaster Zakaria Abdulai’s defilement case but disagree that Nana B is held responsible for their press conference statement.

In a hot discussion on Kessben Plus Maakye show in Accra, he insisted, Ghana’s political leaders have developed a habit of shifting responsibility instead of confronting the country’s pressing challenges.
He argued that political leaders in Africa frequently blame their opponents for systemic failures rather than taking practical steps to address them.
“If we don’t find solutions to our national issues, we will end up talking without action,” he cautioned.

Citizen Ato Dadzie further alleged that powerful cocaine cartels operate behind the scenes, disguising themselves as legitimate businesspeople while financing political parties and organisations to influence decisions in their favour.
He warned that such activities undermine governance and allow powerful interests to manipulate the political system.

The GCPP General Secretary stressed that Ghana has far too many unresolved challenges for politicians to continue engaging in unnecessary political battles.
He therefore urged political leaders to prioritise practical solutions, national development and accountability over partisan blame games.

A former NPP organizer in the Ayawaso West Wougon, Kwadwo Yeboah, has accused the Mahama administration of failing to tackle alleged cocaine trafficking at Ghana’s airports, calling for the immediate dismissal of the official in charge.

According to him, the airport Managing Director was appointed under the Akufo-Addo administration, but alleged cocaine trafficking has increased since her appointment.
He questioned why the official should remain in office amid the allegations and declared his support for the NPP’s calls for her removal.

The former organizer further accused the previous Akufo-Addo administration of leaving behind appointees who, he claims, are creating problems within the current system.
He also alleged that diplomatic passports were distributed indiscriminately under the previous NPP government and people queried the practice, warning that such practices must not be repeated.

He urged the NDC government to take decisive action against alleged wrongdoing, insisting that Ghanaians would not tolerate such conduct.

Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah has declined an invitation from President John Dramani Mahama to appear before a committee investigating alleged irregularities in Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup visa arrangements, insisting that the matter requires an independent and transparent inquiry.

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has rejected an invitation to assist a committee established by President John Dramani Mahama to investigate allegations surrounding visa acquisition and fundraising arrangements linked to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mr Assafuah disclosed the decision at a press conference on Thursday, November 5, explaining that the invitation was conveyed through the President’s presidential advisers.

He said he had declined to participate because he questioned the committee’s independence, particularly because the investigation could involve ministers serving under the President.

“I have respectfully boycotted that invitation. I did so on principle. The President cannot be seen to be investigating his own ministers. You cannot be a judge in your own cause,” he stated.

MP questions committee’s transparency

The NPP lawmaker also criticised what he described as a lack of transparency surrounding the committee’s operations.

According to him, its terms of reference had not been made public, its membership was unknown, and its proceedings were being conducted behind closed doors.

He argued that these concerns undermined public confidence in the process and called for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry with powers to summon witnesses, obtain evidence and publish its findings.

Mr Assafuah said he had petitioned both the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and President Mahama to establish such a commission to investigate the alleged irregularities.

Background to World Cup visa controversy

The controversy centres on allegations that more than US$600,000 was collected from individuals seeking visa and travel assistance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Some applicants were reportedly charged between US$7,000 and US$14,000.

The allegations have prompted investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has also been suspended pending investigations. <Cite refs={[“turn320964search0″,”turn320964search6”]}/>

Institutions deny wrongdoing

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Tourism Authority have denied wrongdoing, maintaining that their involvement in the arrangements did not include collecting money in exchange for visa approvals.

Mr Assafuah’s refusal to appear before the presidential committee adds to pressure from the Minority for an investigation they consider independent and capable of establishing accountability.

The allegations remain under investigation, and no final findings have been announced.

Veteran journalist cautions Foreign Affairs Minister against personally handling every ministry issue, while insisting that calls for his dismissal over the South Africa evacuation expenditure must not be based on suspicion alone.

Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has sent a strong word of caution to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa amid mounting pressure from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for his removal over alleged discrepancies in the expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Managing Editor of The Insight Newspaper urged the minister to be more careful in how he handles administrative matters, warning that his tendency to personally front issues could expose him to unnecessary political and administrative risks.

Pratt argued that a minister occupying such a sensitive office should allow the ministry’s established structures to function rather than taking responsibility for every matter.

‘The minister is the last resort’

He pointed to the presence of deputy ministers, chief directors and departmental heads, saying they should be allowed to perform their respective duties, with the minister intervening when necessary.

Pratt questioned why Ablakwa appeared to be the person constantly responding to controversies that could ordinarily be handled by the ministry’s public relations department.

He advised the minister to distance himself from the potential fallout of routine administrative decisions and ensure that officials responsible for particular departments are held accountable for their work.

Pratt rejects calls for dismissal based on suspicion

The journalist also addressed the controversy surrounding the reported GH¢49.7 million spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa.

His comments followed a demonstration by NPP supporters in Accra, led by the party’s National Youth Organiser, Yakubu Fusani, popularly known as NPP Abanga. The protesters petitioned the Presidency, demanding an independent audit of the expenditure and calling for Ablakwa’s removal.

Pratt maintained that inconsistencies in financial records do not automatically establish wrongdoing, insisting that the figures must first be examined and reconciled by competent professionals.

“You cannot actually punish people on the basis of suspicion,” he argued, adding that possible malpractice had not yet been established.

NPP insists minister must account

NPP Third Vice-Chairman Nana Akomea, who also appeared on the programme, agreed that the discrepancies required answers. He argued that failure to provide satisfactory explanations could deepen public suspicion.

Akomea urged Ablakwa to engage Parliament, particularly the Foreign Affairs Committee, and provide supporting documentation on the evacuation costs.

The controversy continues to place the Foreign Affairs Minister under scrutiny, with growing calls for transparency over the use of public funds and questions about his handling of the ministry’s affairs.