Former NDC parliamentary aspirant for Bortianor- Ngleshie – Amanfro, Alexander Ackuaku, has launched a fierce attack on the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing the former administration of weakening Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking by allegedly removing the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) from the country’s ports.

According to Ackuaku, the alleged decision created loopholes that emboldened drug traffickers to use Ghana as a transit point for narcotics.
Speaking on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, he questioned the NPP’s credibility in raising concerns about the growing cocaine menace, accusing the party of remaining silent when drug-related controversies allegedly damaged Ghana’s international reputation.

Ackuaku argued that the NDC administration had identified the security gaps and restored NACOC’s presence at the ports to strengthen surveillance and clamp down on suspected drug traffickers.

He further claimed that the government had recently arrested over 200 suspected drug peddlers and was collaborating with Lebanese security authorities to track individuals involved in the illegal trade.
“Drug issues are very delicate and must not be joked about because they can generate gun violence,” he cautioned.

The former parliamentary aspirant also disclosed that NACOC was recruiting additional officers to expand its operations across the country.
Ackuaku insisted that the NPP should rather commend the government’s efforts to combat narcotics trafficking instead of politicising the issue.
He warned that Ghana could face serious security consequences if drug trafficking is not tackled decisively.

Former NDC MP aspirant for Bortianor- Ngleshie- Amanfro, Alexander Ackuaku, has launched a blistering attack on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its criticism of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the government’s handling of accountability on the South Africa evacuation exercise.

In a discussion on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, Ackuaku insisted, the NPP lacks the moral authority to question the government’s accountability drive, accusing the opposition party of attempting to divert public attention from allegations of wrongdoing.

He challenged the NPP to provide evidence proving Ablakwa guilty of any wrongdoing, insisting that the disbursement of funds to evacuees was conducted openly and transparently under camera surveillance.
Ackuaku also questioned why individuals who allegedly failed to receive their expected payments did not immediately raise concerns but waited until the NPP organised what they described as a “Yɛegye Yɛn Sika” protest.

He further described the NPP protest as a mere political keep-fit exercise designed to attract attention, claiming that Ghanaians have seen through the opposition’s actions.
“We in the NDC are not afraid of accountability so bring your empirical evidence to buttress your allegations and stop the noise,” he challenged.

His remarks add another dimension to the political exchanges between the NDC and NPP over transparency, accountability and the handling of public funds.

Former NDC MP aspirant for Bortianor- Ngleshie- Amanfro, Alexander Ackuaku, has launched a blistering attack on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its criticism of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the government’s handling of accountability on the South Africa evacuation exercise.

In a discussion on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, Ackuaku insisted, the NPP lacks the moral authority to question the government’s accountability drive, accusing the opposition party of attempting to divert public attention from allegations of wrongdoing.

He challenged the NPP to provide evidence proving Ablakwa guilty of any wrongdoing, insisting that the disbursement of funds to evacuees was conducted openly and transparently under camera surveillance.
Ackuaku also questioned why individuals who allegedly failed to receive their expected payments did not immediately raise concerns but waited until the NPP organised what they described as a “Yɛegye Yɛn Sika” protest.

He further described the NPP protest as a mere political keep-fit exercise designed to attract attention, claiming that Ghanaians have seen through the opposition’s actions.
“We in the NDC are not afraid of accountability so bring your empirical evidence to buttress your allegations and stop the noise,” he challenged.

His remarks add another dimension to the political exchanges between the NDC and NPP over transparency, accountability and the handling of public funds.

The Ashanti Regional NDC Chairman says he plans to deepen grassroots organisation through constituency zoning and an expanded regional executive committee as he seeks another term.

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Andrew Augustus Nana Kwasi, says strengthening the party’s structures across all 47 constituencies in the region remains his primary focus.

He said his proposed approach would involve reorganising constituency structures to improve grassroots mobilisation and strengthen the party’s communication of government policies and activities.

As part of the plan, Mr Nana Kwasi intends to divide each constituency into zones, with elected and co-opted constituency executive members assigned responsibilities to coordinate party activities and communication within their respective areas.

“I will zone each constituency’s electoral areas and assign the eight elected and five co-opted executive members to head these zones, working in collaboration with constituency leadership,” he said.

Plans expanded regional executive committee

The regional chairman also announced plans to expand the Regional Expanded Executive Committee to create broader participation in the party’s decision-making processes.

Under the proposed arrangement, each of the 13 regional executive members would nominate one representative to attend quarterly meetings of the expanded committee.

He said the arrangement would provide an additional platform for engagement and coordination among party officials.

The proposed changes form part of his broader strategy to strengthen the NDC’s organisational presence in the Ashanti Region, which has traditionally been a strong electoral base for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Nana Kwasi seeks another term

Mr Nana Kwasi is seeking re-election in the NDC’s Ashanti Regional executive elections scheduled for November 14 and 15, 2026.

His campaign has focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and building on its electoral performance in the region.

During his tenure, the NDC increased its parliamentary representation in Ashanti from three seats to seven, following gains in the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

The party has also been working to consolidate its presence across the region following its recent constituency executive elections, which involved all 47 constituencies.

Focus on grassroots organisation

The proposed zoning system is expected to bring constituency executives closer to electoral areas and give them specific responsibilities in party organisation and communication.

Mr Nana Kwasi’s plans place emphasis on decentralised leadership, wider participation and regular coordination as the NDC prepares for the next general election in 2028.

By: Daniel Sasu

The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister says Ghana remains committed to peaceful engagement with countries in the Sahel to encourage a return to constitutional and democratic governance while strengthening regional security cooperation.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson has reaffirmed Ghana’s preference for dialogue and diplomatic engagement with Sahelian countries as part of efforts to promote peace, stability and democratic governance in the sub-region.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the Foreign Policy Committee of the Danish Parliament, which paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Mr Quayson said Ghana remained committed to maintaining communication with countries in the Sahel, including through diplomatic missions and visits by government envoys, as part of efforts to encourage a peaceful return to constitutional and democratic rule.

His comments reflect Ghana’s continued engagement with countries facing political and security challenges, particularly Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Diplomacy remains central to regional cooperation

Ghana has continued to engage the three countries through diplomatic channels despite their departure from ECOWAS in January 2025.

The country appointed a special envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2025 to help maintain dialogue and explore areas of cooperation with the bloc.

In October, Ghana’s Special Envoy to the AES, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, said the country was working to strengthen cooperation between the AES and ECOWAS, particularly in addressing regional security threats.

He said continued engagement could help identify common interests and strengthen collaboration among countries in West Africa.

Danish delegation discusses regional security

The meeting with the Danish parliamentary delegation also provided an opportunity to discuss Ghana-Denmark relations, European Union cooperation and developments in the Sahel.

Mr Quayson highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral partnerships in trade, investment, technology transfer and industrial development.

He also encouraged cooperation that would support Ghana’s economic transformation, including local manufacturing, value addition and job creation.

The Danish delegation, led by Foreign Policy Committee Chairperson Karsten Hønge, expressed interest in deepening relations with Ghana and discussed areas of mutual interest, including regional security and cooperation with the European Union.

Ghana seeks peaceful solutions to regional security challenges

Ghana’s diplomatic approach comes amid continuing concerns about terrorism, political instability and humanitarian needs across the Sahel.

The government has maintained that dialogue and cooperation with neighbouring countries are important to addressing threats that cross national borders.

President John Dramani Mahama has also called for sustained engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, stressing the importance of regional cooperation in tackling insecurity and addressing the underlying causes of instability.

Mr Quayson’s remarks reaffirm Ghana’s stated commitment to diplomacy as a means of encouraging democratic governance, preserving regional relationships and advancing collective efforts towards peace and security in West Africa.

The Okaikwei Central MP is demanding answers from the Mahama administration over its job-creation promises, raising questions about whether the flagship initiative is delivering the opportunities promised to Ghanaians.

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has criticised the government over the implementation of its 24-hour economy programme, questioning whether the initiative is translating into the employment opportunities promised to Ghanaians.

Mr Boamah has repeatedly challenged the government to provide evidence of progress on its job-creation commitments, particularly its promise to create 800,000 jobs.

During parliamentary debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in July, he questioned why the government had not provided an update on the promised jobs despite reporting improved revenue mobilisation.

He argued that increased government revenue should translate into better living conditions, timely payment of public sector workers and more employment opportunities.

Questions over programme implementation

The 24-hour economy is one of the flagship initiatives of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, intended to expand economic activity, encourage businesses to operate multiple shifts and create employment.

However, the programme has faced questions from opposition politicians and policy analysts over its implementation and measurable results.

NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has also questioned the initiative, arguing that Ghanaians were yet to see the expected employment benefits nearly two years into the NDC administration.

Government defends the initiative

The government has rejected suggestions that the programme is failing.

In October, Chief Programme Officer of the 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, Abdul-Nasser Suglo Alidu, said aspects of the initiative were already being implemented.

He disclosed that about 268 filling stations were participating in a pilot programme in the downstream petroleum sector, while 33 companies affiliated with the Association of Ghana Industries had confirmed operating multiple shifts.

He also argued that the programme should not be judged solely by whether businesses operate around the clock, but by its broader ambition to transform Ghana’s productive capacity.

Calls for transparency over jobs and funding

The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy has separately demanded verifiable employment figures and a comprehensive account of the programme’s financing and implementation.

The institute has questioned the difference between the GH¢90 million allocation in the detailed 2026 Budget expenditure tables and the GH¢110 million figure stated in the Budget Speech.

It wants government to disclose funds released and spent, projects completed and jobs actually created, distinguishing confirmed employment from projected opportunities.

The debate over the 24-hour economy therefore continues to centre on how government will demonstrate measurable outcomes, account for public resources and show that the initiative is delivering the employment opportunities it was designed to create.