News
Democracy will not survive by itself if we don’t work for it– Pres. Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has warned that democracy cannot sustain itself unless leaders and citizens take deliberate steps to protect and strengthen it.
He was speaking at the 2025 Democracy League Dialogue, held at the Accra International Conference Centre yesterday.
The event is a high-level forum organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in partnership with the Government of Ghana to examine the state of democracy in Africa under the theme “Why Democracies Die.”
The Dialogue brought together former heads of state, policymakers, civil society leaders, faith figures, and scholars to reflect on the erosion of democratic norms, challenges facing governance in West Africa, and ways to make democracy more sustainable.
It aims to generate practical recommendations to prevent democratic backsliding and to strengthen institutions across the continent.
Recalling his inauguration years ago, President Mahama said the loudest applause at the time was reserved for leaders from countries under military rule, a reaction he described as troubling.
“That should give us a pause for thought. That should make us think and ask ourselves questions,” he said.
He stressed that democracy must deliver opportunities and prosperity to citizens if it is to remain relevant. Quoting Omar Touré, he noted, “Whatever system of government you have autocracy, democracy, theocracy, whatever, if it does not deliver opportunities and prosperity to the people, it will not survive.”
The President also cited surveys such as Afrobarometer, which reveal that many young Africans were losing faith in democratic governance.
He said it was alarming that some young people indicated they would prefer to live under military governments, warning that such sentiments pose a serious threat to democratic stability.
President Mahama urged African leaders and citizens to work together to strengthen institutions, deliver development, and restore confidence in democracy, insisting that the system can only endure if it truly works for the people.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Sammy Awuku urges Fourth Estate to follow GJA Code of Ethics when holding duty bearers accountable
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has called on the Fourth Estate to strictly adhere to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics when reporting on public officials and state institutions.
In a statement issued on 25 September 2025, Mr Awuku said a recent publication by the Fourth Estate about the National Lottery Authority’s (NLA) Good Causes Foundation misrepresented facts about projects undertaken during his time as Director-General.
According to him, the article created the impression that funds meant for the underprivileged were diverted to “glamorous events and questionable enterprises” but ignored many life-saving projects, donations and community interventions funded by the Foundation.
He reminded journalists that Article 1 of the GJA Code of Ethics obliges them to provide factual, balanced and accurate information to the public and to cross-check their facts before publication. “For journalists of the Fourth Estate’s calibre who pride themselves in working in the public interest, it is only appropriate that their publications are factual and not misleading,” he stated.
Mr Awuku explained that the NLA Good Causes Foundation was established in October 2021 to rebrand the Authority’s corporate social responsibility arm and focus on health, education, youth and sports development, and arts and culture.
He said that during his tenure the Foundation built 20-seater toilet facilities with mechanised boreholes in several communities, funded surgery for a baby with spinal bifida, donated incubators and medical supplies to hospitals, constructed a smart laboratory for the Borstal Institute, provided scholarships to needy students, and supported football clubs and cultural festivals, among other projects.
Mr Awuku added that the Foundation was funded through the Caritas Lottery Platform, which generated about GHS11 million between October 2021 and December 2024 after its relaunch.
He dismissed claims that the Authority spent heavily on awards and luxury events, explaining that sponsorships accounted for only about five per cent of expenditure and were intended to attract corporate stakeholders and raise revenue. He also said many award nominations were turned down and that any awards received were not “bought” but recognised the work of his management and staff.
The MP expressed concern about the publication of the names of NLA staff and other beneficiaries, including patients, saying this violated their privacy.
Mr Awuku concluded that he served with integrity and helped turn the NLA’s losses into profits and urged the Fourth Estate and other media houses to present a full and balanced picture when holding duty bearers accountable.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Businessman Richard A. Jakpa has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
He is accusing former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame of trying to get him to give false evidence in court.
In his petition dated July 23, 2025, Mr. Jakpa said he is the third accused person in an ongoing trial involving former Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
According to Mr. Jakpa, Mr. Dame contacted him after the prosecution closed its case and allegedly urged him to cooperate and testify in a way that would implicate Dr. Forson.
He further alleged that on March 26, 2024, Mr. Dame called him and suggested how he should answer questions about Letters of Credit during cross-examination, and even advised him to seek a false medical excuse to delay proceedings.
This, Mr. Jakpa mentioned, he refused to do so.
The businessman is asking the CID to investigate what he describes as an attempt to fabricate evidence and undermine the court process.
The former Attorney-General has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
