News
Ntim Fordjour criticizes Foreign Affairs, Defence and Interior Ministers over Burkina Faso killings briefing
The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has expressed disappointment that key government ministers have not briefed Parliament on the reported killing of eight Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso.
He noted that more than a week after news of the incident emerged, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, and the Interior had not appeared before the House to provide updates.
“We have waited for over a week, yet none of the ministers had the courtesy to come before Parliament to brief us,” he remarked.
According to him, the Minority members on the relevant parliamentary committees have formally written to the ministers, requesting their presence before a joint committee sitting.
He explained that the request involves the Defence and Interior Committee, the Security and Intelligence Committee, and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
He stated that the purpose of the meeting is to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the attack, the factors that may have contributed to it, and the government’s response so far.
“We want to understand what occurred, what contributed to the attack, what has been done, and what measures must be put in place,” he indicated.
The lawmaker argued that the incident points to gaps in preventive mechanisms, stressing the need for stronger security and diplomatic arrangements to protect Ghanaian citizens both at home and abroad.
“There was clearly a failure somewhere, and the right measures must be implemented to prevent a recurrence. Never again should such a terrorist killing happen,” he emphasised.
He added that while the Minority acknowledges the complex security and political dynamics within the sub region, Parliament expects government policies that ensure the safety of Ghanaians.
“We are aware of the geopolitical challenges, but our focus is on the right policies, proper mechanisms, and effective collaboration with partners to protect our citizens,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that the proposed free primary healthcare policy is designed to support the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), not to take its place.
He explained that the initiative will work alongside the NHIS to improve access to basic healthcare services across the country.
He made the remarks at the official launch of the free primary healthcare programme held on Wednesday April, 15th 2026 at the Shai Osudoku District Hospital in Dodowa.
According to him, the introduction of free primary healthcare does not mean Ghanaians should stop registering for the NHIS.
He urged citizens to continue obtaining their NHIS cards, stressing that the scheme remains important for healthcare delivery beyond the primary level.
He further explained that under the new arrangement, patients seeking care at polyclinics, health centres, CHPS compounds, and health kiosks will not be required to present an NHIS card at the point of examination and treatment.
Instead, individuals will only need to show a Ghana Card or any valid form of identification to prove they are Ghanaians and residents within the community to access services.
He noted that the policy aims to remove barriers to basic healthcare and ensure that more people can receive treatment at the primary level without difficulty.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Police Service has arrested three (3) suspects in connection with a case of possession of narcotic drugs and engaging in prohibited drug-related activities within the Accra metropolis.
On April 10, 2026, the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector General of Police received intelligence that a group of individuals were planning to engage in the sale of suspected narcotic drugs at Dzorwulu in Accra.
A surveillance operation was mounted and on 11th April 2026, a Police team proceeded to the area and arrested two suspects, Bright Ayivor and Ifeanyi Ijeoba.
The suspects were found in possession of twenty-two (22) compressed substances suspected to be cocaine, which were being prepared for sale to a prospective buyer.
Further interrogation of the suspects led to the identification of a third suspect, Kwabena Botwe as a key figure in the drug trade.
A follow-up operation at Caprice resulted in his arrest after Police mounted surveillance during a planned transaction involving proceeds from the sale of the suspected drugs.
The suspect later led Police to his residence at Greda Estates, where a search resulted in the retrieval of an amount of GHc400,000 and a counting machine.
According to the police, during the operation, he attempted to bribe the arresting officers with an additional GHc420,000, which has been retained as evidence.
All the suspects are currently in Police custody assisting investigations and will be put before the court.
