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NDC fires back at Kpebu over Alfred Mahama mine controversy; Kwakye Ofosu questions lawyer’s financial interests

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Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has challenged private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu over his involvement in Ghana’s disputed mining concessions, questioning whether the lawyer’s public criticism of government actions is influenced by a financial arrangement with a mining company.

The controversy surrounding the takeover of mining concessions has taken another political turn after Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, questioned the financial interests of lawyer Martin Kpebu and his colleague, Kofi Bentil, in their advocacy for indigenous mining companies.

The exchange followed comments by the two lawyers concerning the Minerals Commission’s decision to terminate the mineral rights of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited at Konongo in the Ashanti Region.

During a discussion on TV3’s The KeyPoints programme on October 31, Mr Kwakye Ofosu alleged that the lawyers had accepted commissions to represent the mining company and referred to what he described as a success-fee arrangement involving Mr Kpebu.

He argued that their financial interests should be made clear to the public, particularly as they were criticising the Minerals Commission and demanding the removal of its Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Tandoh.

Alfred Mahama’s name enters the mining controversy

The discussion also touched on allegations involving Alfred Mahama, brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and the controversy surrounding mining concessions.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu challenged the basis of claims linking politically connected individuals to the disputed mining arrangements, insisting that allegations should be supported by verifiable evidence.

However, the controversy involving Alfred Mahama and the Nawara concession at Osino is separate from the Northern Ashanti Mines dispute at Konongo. Companies associated with the subsequent acquisition of the Nawara concession have denied that Mr Mahama was involved in its revocation or held shares in their businesses.

Franklin Cudjoe defends Kpebu and Bentil

The comments have attracted criticism from IMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe, who described the minister’s remarks as disrespectful.

In a social media response on November 1, Mr Cudjoe criticised the suggestion that the lawyers were being paid to speak against what they considered unfair treatment of indigenous mining companies.

Mining takeover dispute remains unresolved

Northern Ashanti Mines has challenged the termination of its mining rights in court, disputing the Minerals Commission’s claims about unpaid fees and regulatory breaches. The Commission maintains that it followed the law.

The dispute has therefore expanded beyond the legality of the takeover into questions about political influence, professional representation and transparency in Ghana’s mining sector.

Notably, the reports reviewed do not establish that the NDC formally accused Kpebu of stealing. The documented exchange concerns alleged financial interests and a success-fee arrangement, claims that should not be presented as proof of theft.

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THE CHAIRPERSON CONGRESS ELECTIONS COMMITTEE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (NDC)

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PETITION FOR PERMISSION TO SUBMIT NOMINATION WITHOUT FORMS A AND C DUE TO PORTAL ACCESS CHALLENGE

Dear Chairperson,

I respectfully petition the Congress Elections Committee to permit me to submit my nomination without Forms A and C pending the restoration of my access to the online nomination portal.

I have successfully paid the GH¢80,000 filing fee and complied with the other prescribed nomination requirements. However, yesterday evening, I discovered that my portal login credentials had been changed without my consent preventing me from accessing my account.

I have since notified the Elections Directorate and the IT Department and taken all reasonable steps to resolve the issue. Furthermore, all my proposers and seconders are members of the party in good standing and meet the eligibility requirements.

In view of these circumstances, I respectfully request the Committee to accept my nomination pending the submission of Forms A and C and assist in restoring my access to the portal so I can complete the outstanding requirements.

I trust that the Committee will consider this petition favourably to ensure that I am not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond my control.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours faithfully,

STEPHEN DONKOR
Candidate for General Secretary
National Democratic Congress (NDC)

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Money is not wealth, credibility is – Janet Nabla warns Ghanaian politicians

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Former People’s National Party (PNP) presidential candidate Janet Asana Nabla has urged Ghanaian politicians to place greater value on credibility, transparency and accountability than personal wealth, insisting that public office should be used to improve lives rather than accumulate fortunes.

Janet Nabla made the remarks during a panel discussion on Joy Prime while commenting on the controversy surrounding government expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

The former presidential candidate argued that a politician’s true legacy should not be measured by the money or properties acquired while in office, but by the trust they earn through responsible leadership.

“Money is not wealth. What is wealth is your credibility. What is wealth is your transparency, accountability. These are big, big wealth that when you have it, it helps your legacy,” she said.

Nabla challenges politicians over public resources

Nabla maintained that politicians must remember that money entrusted to government comes from the hard work of ordinary citizens and should therefore be handled responsibly.

She referred to people engaged in difficult, low-income activities, including water sellers and kayayei, arguing that public officials should not use resources generated from their struggles to build personal fortunes.

She warned politicians against treating public office as an opportunity for self-enrichment, stressing that credibility and accountability are qualities that remain important long after a person leaves office.

Comments come amid evacuation expenditure controversy

Her remarks were made against the background of questions surrounding the government’s expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa previously disclosed that the operation, which brought home 1,964 Ghanaians between May and September 2026, cost approximately GH¢49.72 million.

The expenditure has attracted scrutiny from the Minority in Parliament, which has called for further explanations and an independent examination of some of the records. Ablakwa has rejected suggestions of missing funds and has maintained that the expenditure can be accounted for.

Nabla has also questioned aspects of the evacuation spending in previous public comments, insisting that Ghanaians deserve a clear breakdown because the money involved belongs to taxpayers.

A call for a lasting political legacy

For Nabla, the debate goes beyond one government expenditure controversy. She is urging political leaders across the country to recognise that their reputation, honesty and willingness to account for public resources are central to their legacy.

Her message is that financial success alone should not define a politician; public trust, transparency and service to citizens should matter more.

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BREAKING: Veteran Ghanaian politician Kofi Wayo reported dead at 71

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Ghanaian politician and businessman Charles Eric Kofi Wayo, popularly known as “Kofi Wayo” or “Chuck”, has reportedly died at the age of 71, bringing an end to the life of one of the country’s most outspoken and unconventional political figures.

News of Mr Wayo’s death emerged on Saturday, November 7, 2026, following the circulation of a death announcement indicating that he passed away in the early hours of the day at Nyaho Clinic in Accra.

The politician, who was resident in East Legon, was widely recognised for his blunt political commentary, criticism of successive governments and willingness to challenge established political parties.

Reports indicate that his family had not announced funeral arrangements at the time of publication. The cause of death had also not been publicly disclosed.

From NPP to PNC and the United Renaissance Party

Kofi Wayo’s political journey took him through several political formations.

He first gained national attention through his association with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), under whose ticket he contested the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat in the 2000 general elections.

However, his relationship with the party deteriorated after it assumed power in 2001. He subsequently left the NPP and joined the People’s National Convention (PNC), where he also pursued political ambitions.

He later established the United Renaissance Party (URP), positioning it as an alternative to Ghana’s two dominant political parties.

Although he expressed ambitions of becoming President of Ghana, his political movement struggled to achieve significant electoral success.

Quit politics to concentrate on farming

In March 2017, Mr Wayo announced his decision to withdraw from active politics and concentrate on farming and supporting rural farmers.

He criticised Ghana’s political leadership for what he considered inadequate attention to the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly farmers in rural communities.

He also advocated improved access to agricultural equipment, logistical support and healthcare for farming communities.

His decision marked a significant retreat from the political spotlight, and he maintained a relatively low public profile in subsequent years.

Concerns raised over his absence

In March 2026, a close associate, Ibrahim Zakaria, reportedly raised concerns about Mr Wayo’s prolonged absence from public life after visiting his residence with broadcaster Blakk Rasta.

His reported death has renewed attention on the political career of a man whose outspoken views frequently generated debate across Ghana’s political landscape.

Further details, including official family confirmation and funeral arrangements, are awaited.

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US Midterm Elections: ‘Same could happen in 2028’ – Koku Anyidoho warns NDC

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Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary Samuel Koku Anyidoho has cautioned the governing party against taking its political fortunes for granted, suggesting that developments in the United States could offer lessons ahead of Ghana’s 2028 general elections.

Koku Anyidoho has issued a warning to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), drawing attention to the political implications of the 2026 United States midterm elections and the possibility of a similar electoral setback for the governing party in Ghana.

The warning, captured in the statement that “same could happen in 2028”, comes amid renewed political discussions about the performance of incumbent governments and the ability of opposition parties to capitalise on public dissatisfaction.

The US midterm elections, held on November 3, 2026, have become a subject of political debate following reported gains by the Democratic Party, which was reported to have secured control of both chambers of Congress. The outcome represents a setback for President Donald Trump’s Republican Party and has drawn attention to the challenges facing incumbent administrations.

Anyidoho’s warning to the NDC

Anyidoho’s reported comparison serves as a caution that electoral victories do not guarantee continued political support.

The former NDC executive has previously expressed concerns about the party’s internal affairs and its preparations for the next general election.

In October, he questioned the tensions recorded during the party’s constituency-level executive elections, contrasting the incidents with what he described as peaceful internal electoral processes within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

His latest warning comes as the NDC continues reorganising its structures ahead of the 2028 polls.

NDC faces 2028 electoral test

The governing party returned to power after winning the December 2024 general elections and will face voters again in December 2028.

Its Acting Director of Elections, Mahdi Jibril, has said the party is working to improve on its 2024 electoral performance as it strengthens its grassroots structures and prepares for the next contest.

Meanwhile, a recent parliamentary seat projection by Global InfoAnalytics has estimated that the NDC could secure 154 seats in 2028, compared with 100 for the NPP. The projection is an estimate, not a confirmed election outcome, and 22 constituencies remain unresolved in the model.

A reminder that elections are not guaranteed

The comparison with the United States highlights the uncertainty surrounding electoral politics. Governments can face changing public expectations, political competition and scrutiny over their records in office.

For the NDC, the challenge will be to maintain public confidence, manage internal disagreements and demonstrate progress on its promises before the next general election.

Anyidoho’s warning adds to the growing debate within Ghana’s political space over what the 2028 election could hold.

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‘Okaikwei North is my home’ – Afia Akoto declares readiness to serve, eyes NPP parliamentary ticket

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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.

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