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Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang commends local government ministry for progress in decentralisation
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Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has praised the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for its key role in bringing governance closer to the people through decentralisation.
She made this known after she visited the Ministry to engage with its leadership and staff.
According to her, the visit was to better understand the progress being made in responsive governance and effective service delivery across the country.
“The Ministry is truly at the heart of government, especially as we work to reset the decentralisation agenda and strengthen our institutions,” she said.
During the meeting, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, briefed the Vice President on several achievements since he took office.
He said the Ministry had successfully organised orientation programmes for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and had issued clear guidelines on how the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) should be used.
He also spoke about the National Decentralisation Dialogue, which he described as an important platform that allows stakeholders to contribute ideas toward the future of Ghana’s decentralisation process.
Ahmed Ibrahim further noted that the Ministry has strengthened its relationship with traditional authorities.
He said engagement with chiefs and queen mothers has increased significantly, adding that the government has approved about a 300 percent increase in allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers.
According to him, this move shows government’s recognition of the important role traditional leaders play in promoting unity, development, and local governance.
The Minister announced the launch of National Sanitation Day work plans.
He explained that this forms part of preparations to roll out a 24-hour sanitation programme aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation across the country.
He added that there is renewed confidence among investors and development partners because of the growing stability and clear direction under the current administration.
In her remarks, the Vice President stressed that decentralisation must be used to improve the daily lives of Ghanaians.
She said social governance is key to maintaining peace and national stability.
She commended the Ministry for its efforts to ensure that public funds, especially the DACF, are used for their intended purposes.
“I appreciate the steps being taken to ensure accountability and that these funds truly benefit the people,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the engagement was not only to encourage the Ministry but also to listen, support, and strengthen cooperation in delivering better results for communities.
She reminded all stakeholders that governance is a shared responsibility.
“Government does not work alone. We must continue to treat every stakeholder, at every level, with the respect they deserve,” she said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
