Government has acquired additional motorcycles for the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to support police escorts for Ayalolo buses operating on designated contra-flow routes in Accra, as authorities prepare for increased passenger movement during the Christmas season.

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has handed over four dispatch motorcycles to the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department to strengthen the operations of the Ayalolo Bus Service.

The motorcycles are expected to help address logistical challenges associated with providing escorts for buses using the contra-flow system, particularly during peak traffic periods.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr Ayariga explained that the number of Ayalolo trips would increase as Christmas approaches, requiring additional dispatch riders to lead the buses through traffic.

He said some routes operate three batches of bus movements, with each batch requiring a dedicated rider to provide escort and traffic support.

Government plans additional support vehicles

The Minister also disclosed that government was in the process of procuring marked pickup vehicles to support the exercise, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama.

The additional vehicles are expected to improve coordination and operational efficiency as the contra-flow service expands to accommodate more commuters.

Mr Ayariga expressed confidence that the logistical support would help minimise disruptions and improve the movement of buses along the designated routes.

Police to support peak-hour operations

The MTTD has been assigned riders to operate the newly acquired motorcycles and work with the Ayalolo team.

The Commanding Officer of the Accra Central MTTD, DCOP Prince Cobbinah, assured the Minister of the department’s commitment to improving traffic flow and reducing travel time for commuters.

Motorists have been urged to exercise caution and cooperate with traffic officers, particularly during the morning peak period of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and the evening period of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Contra-flow arrangement targets congestion

The Ayalolo contra-flow initiative allows authorised buses to use designated sections of lanes normally serving traffic in the opposite direction during specified peak hours.

The arrangement initially covers the Amasaman–Accra, Adenta–Accra and Kasoa–Accra corridors.

Government says the intervention is intended to reduce journey times, improve the reliability of public transport and ease congestion on major roads leading into central Accra.

The acquisition of the motorcycles forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the Ayalolo service and encourage more commuters to rely on mass public transportation.

Ghana Bar Association President Efua Ghartey has cautioned newly enrolled lawyers against hiring videographers to film their first appearances in court, warning that the practice is prohibited and could attract disciplinary action.

The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, has warned newly qualified lawyers to desist from engaging videographers to record their entry into courtrooms as they begin their professional careers.

She expressed concern over the growing trend of young lawyers filming their maiden court appearances and sharing the videos on social media, stressing that such conduct was not permitted.

Speaking on the issue, Mrs Ghartey said the association had observed some newly enrolled lawyers documenting their first steps into court.

“We’ve seen some people take videos of their fresh legal steps into court. Please, it is not allowed. So please don’t find a videographer to follow you as you enter the courtroom. It is not allowed,” she cautioned.

GBA warns of possible disciplinary action

Mrs Ghartey acknowledged that senior members of the legal profession had welcomed the enthusiasm surrounding the newly enrolled lawyers but said some had crossed the boundaries of acceptable professional conduct.

“As seniors, we are enjoying what is going on, but some people have crossed the line, and we don’t want to start calling for disciplinary matters,” she said.

Her remarks serve as a warning that lawyers who disregard the association’s caution could face disciplinary consequences.

Growing trend among newly enrolled lawyers

The caution comes amid a wave of social media videos showing newly qualified lawyers making their first appearances in court while dressed in their wigs and gowns.

Some of the videos feature professionally arranged recordings of lawyers walking into court premises, with videographers capturing the moments for publication online.

The trend has attracted attention as young legal practitioners celebrate the beginning of their careers. However, the GBA President’s comments indicate that such celebrations must be conducted within the standards and expectations of the profession.

Upholding professional decorum

Mrs Ghartey’s warning reinforces the importance of maintaining professional discipline and respecting the rules governing conduct within court premises.

Her comments also highlight the responsibility of newly enrolled lawyers to balance personal milestones and social media visibility with the dignity expected of members of the legal profession.

The GBA has urged the new entrants to respect courtroom protocols and avoid practices that could bring them into conflict with professional disciplinary standards.

From a Ghanaian-American congressman to an Ethiopian-born Gen Z lawmaker and the son of Egyptian immigrants elected to the US Senate, politicians with African heritage have recorded notable victories in the 2026 US midterm elections.

The 2026 United States midterm elections have produced historic breakthroughs for several politicians with African roots, highlighting the growing influence of immigrant communities in American politics.

Among the prominent winners are 32-year-old Ghanaian-American Adrian Boafo, Ethiopian-born Melat Kiros, and Egyptian-American Abdul El-Sayed, whose victories have attracted attention across the African continent.

Ghanaian-American Adrian Boafo heads to Congress

Adrian Boafo, 32, has won Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, succeeding veteran Congressman Steny Hoyer, who retired after more than four decades in public office.

Born in Virginia and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Boafo is the son of Ghanaian immigrants. His political career began in local government, serving on the Bowie City Council before becoming a Maryland state delegate in 2023.

He also worked for Hoyer before contesting the congressional seat. His campaign focused on the cost of living, childcare and protecting federal workers.

Melat Kiros makes Gen Z history

At 29, Ethiopian-born Melat Kiros has become the first Generation Z woman elected to the US Congress.

Kiros moved to the United States as a baby and grew up in Denver, Colorado. Despite having no previous experience in elected office, she defeated a 15-term incumbent in the Democratic primary before securing victory in the general election.

Her campaign focused on the cost of living, universal childcare and healthcare. She has also drawn attention for her criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and her calls for changes to US immigration policy.

Abdul El-Sayed wins historic Senate seat

Abdul El-Sayed, 42, the son of Egyptian immigrants, has won Michigan’s Senate race, becoming the first Muslim American elected to the US Senate.

The former public health administrator campaigned on policies including universal healthcare, affordable housing and reducing corporate influence in politics.

His campaign also faced controversy over his Muslim identity and criticism of US military support for Israel.

Other African-rooted politicians record victories

Somali-born Ilhan Omar, 44, secured a fifth term in the US House of Representatives. First elected in 2018, she made history as the first Somali-American elected to Congress.

In Texas, 27-year-old Junior Ezeonu, who was born in Nigeria, won a seat in the State House after previously becoming Grand Prairie’s youngest city council member.

Pennsylvania legislator Carol Kazeem, 34, of Nigerian heritage, also retained her seat in District 159.

The victories have sparked conversations about political representation and the participation of younger generations in public leadership, with observers across Africa following the achievements of politicians whose family histories connect them to the continent

Director of Passports Yahaya Amantana Mahama has reportedly been interdicted pending investigations into alleged irregularities surrounding the acquisition of a service passport, following a petition submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Director of Passports, Yahaya Amantana Mahama, has been interdicted as authorities investigate alleged misconduct involving the acquisition of a service passport and related matters.

Sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development to MyNewsGh.com, which reported that the action followed a petition submitted by a prominent Ghanaian pastor and his wife, whose identities have not been disclosed.

A five-member committee chaired by Ambassador Alexander Grant was constituted on October 13, 2026, to investigate the matter. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the sector minister by the close of this week, barring any last-minute changes.

Acting Director appointed

While the investigation is ongoing, Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia has reportedly been assigned to take over as Acting Director of Passports.

The interdiction is intended to allow the investigation to proceed while the allegations are examined. No findings establishing wrongdoing by the Director have been reported.

Development amid parliamentary passport controversy

The development comes amid a heated debate in Parliament over allegations of irregularities in the issuance of Ghanaian diplomatic and service passports.

On November 3, Damongo MP and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, alleged that diplomatic passports were being sold for between US$10,000 and US$50,000.

His claims triggered a disagreement in Parliament after Majority Leader James Agalga challenged him to provide evidence. Speaker Alban Bagbin subsequently directed Jinapor to withdraw the allegation or substantiate it, leading to his removal from the chamber and a walkout by Minority MPs.

However, Agalga has maintained that the investigation involving the interdicted official concerns service passports and should not be conflated with the separate allegations about the sale of diplomatic passports.

Calls for independent investigation

Following reports of the interdiction, Jinapor renewed calls for a comprehensive, independent and transparent investigation into the issuance of both diplomatic and service passports.

He said Parliament had a responsibility to establish the facts and ensure accountability wherever wrongdoing is uncovered.

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

Several drivers have reportedly sustained gunshot wounds and other injuries during an alleged military operation, with the National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association demanding an investigation and accountability.

The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association has accused some military personnel of shooting and physically assaulting its members during an operation at Afienya in the Greater Accra Region.

The alleged incident reportedly left several people injured, with some said to be in critical condition and receiving treatment at the Tema General Hospital.

According to the association, the security personnel also subjected truck operators and some residents to physical abuse, seized their mobile phones and impounded and damaged several tipper trucks.

The Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman of the association, Abdul-Moomen Mohammed, popularly known as Kowa Naso, said some members had been prevented from accessing their businesses despite possessing valid licences and operating permits.

He maintained that the affected operators had obtained the necessary clearance from the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly but were still facing what the association described as excessive military action.

Drivers recount alleged shooting and assault

Earlier reports identified two affected drivers as Annor Apetogbo and Ibrahim Morro, who were reportedly receiving treatment at the Tema General Hospital after an alleged confrontation involving uniformed personnel.

The drivers claimed that about 10 men, believed to include military and police personnel, had stormed their operational site and seized their trucks.

They further alleged that the confrontation escalated after they questioned the authority behind the operation and sought clarification at the Afienya Police Station.

Sam George demands military action

The incident has also attracted the attention of Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament and Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.

Sam George publicly confronted an army lieutenant over the alleged seizure of trucks and called on the Chief of Defence Staff to take disciplinary action against the officer.

He also indicated that he would raise the matter with the Defence Minister, accusing the personnel involved of acting without proper lawful authority.

Association demands investigation

The National Sand and Stone Tipper Truck Drivers Association is appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure the protection of operators engaged in legitimate business activities.

It wants authorities to investigate the alleged shootings, assaults, seizure of mobile phones and destruction of property, and hold any personnel found culpable accountable.

The Ghana Armed Forces’ response to the allegations was not included in the reports reviewed. The claims have not yet been established through an independent investigation.