The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and his wife Lordina Mahama on Monday commiserated with the Rawlings family following the passing of former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.Mr Kofi Adams (right) with Mr Kurt Okraku (middle) and one otherMr. Bagbin (left) interacting with president Mahama and his wife, Lordina MahamaPresident Mahama signing the book of condolence with his wife Lordina
President Mahama signed the book of condolence opened in her memory. In his message, he said,
“Ghana is proud of the late Konadu-Agyeman-Rawlings’ achievement in her 19 years as ‘Mother of the Nation.’ While we are all saddened by your passing, we celebrate your life.”Dr. Zanetor Rawlings (left) with President Mahama and wife, Lordina
Since her demise, a number of high-profile personalities, including the Vice President of Ghana, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, have visited the Ridge home of the former first family to pay their respects.Dr. Charity Binka (left) with other sympathisersDr Bawumia and wife Samira exchanging pleasantries with other sympathisers
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President and aspiring New Patriotic Party candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and his wife Samira Bawumia were also present to mourn with the family.President Mahama consoling Dr Zanetor RawlingsPresident Mahama exchanging pleasantries with the family head
Others sighted at the premises included the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Adams, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Simeon-Okraku, and his delegation, along with many other dignitaries. All signed the Book of Condolences in her memory.Kimathi Rawlings (left) in a handshake with President Mahama
The former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, passed away at Ridge Hospital in Accra at the age of 76. She served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1979 to 2001 during the leadership of her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings.Speaker of parliament Rt. Hon. Alban S.K Bagbin consoling Dr Zenator RawlingsVice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang comforting Dr Zenator
She was widely recognized for her work in women’s empowerment and political activism, most notably as the founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, which played a significant role in improving the lives of women and communities across Ghana.
The founder of the Base Movement and former Financier of the New Patriotic Party, Dr George Oti Bonsu has cut the sod for the opening of the new movement headquartered in Accra.
The launch, held on Monday, April 20, 2026, saw multitudes of supporters gather at the Obra spot at the Kwame Nkrumah interchange, adorned in The Base Movement T-shirts and colours symbolising Ghanaian heritage.
Supporters marched in the hot sun from the Obra Spot through Caprice, Avenor and to Tesano, where the party headquarters is based.
The event also saw a good number of supporters register to be part of the movement.
During the event, leaders and sub-leaders took turns calling for an end to the duopoly of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, advocating for the Base Movement to take over the country’s leadership.
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In his opening remarks, the founder of the party, Dr George Oti Bonsu, indicated he preferres a businessman, either Ibrahim Mahama or Kennedy Agyapong, take over the reigns of the country.
He noted that as long as such individuals bring job opportunities to the youth, he would support that direction.
According to him, he has nothing to lose in life but wants to see the youth succeed in the future.
He added that The Base Movement has 98 branches across the country.
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He appealed to supporters to welcome potential members rather than discard them.
He urged supporters to form as many branches as possible in their various constituencies to increase support for the movement.
He called for unity in the new movement and prayed for a good leader to lead it in the future.
The launch drew participants from the clergy, traditional leaders, academia, grassroots and many others.
Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has been granted a final deadline to file his witness statement.
This was after he appeared before an Accra High Court today and prayed the court to stay proceedings pending an appeal before the Court of Appeal.
Against this backdrop, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, was granted a final deadline of May 5, 2026, to file witness statements in the Samreboi illegal mining case after missing an earlier court-ordered deadline.
This was after the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, prayed the court to convict Mr.Antwi Bosiako for failing to file his witness statement.
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Speaking to the media after court proceedings, the lawyer for Mr.Antwi Boasiako said it was very unfortunate for the Deputy Attorney General to pray the court to convict the accused person, who has not even opened his defence.
He said coming from him (Justice Srem-Sai) left much to be desired because he is a Minister of Justice who should preside over fair decisions from the court.
According to Andy Appiah-Kubi, this is unbecoming of the AG, who is in a hurry to seek a conviction of someone in a criminal trial.
He said they did not file a witness statement because of a process filed at the Court of Appeal, whose determination may affect the matter at the High Court.
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According to him, the constitution has a provision that requires an accused person to to be given adequate time, preparation and resources to be able to defend themselves when they are on trial.
He said, having filed this, they thought the High Court should will stay off proceedings until their application at the Court of Appeal is heard.
Chairman Wontumi and his company are facing six counts of allegedly permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the company’s concession without prior approval from the sector minister, as well as facilitating unlicensed mining activities.
It wil be recalled that in March this year, the High Court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused persons and directed them to file their witness statements, on or before April 14, 2026.
