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Mahama scales down celebration of independence anniversary

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President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the rotational celebration of the Independence Anniversary across various regions to save cost. 

The president has also directed the National Planning Committee to revise the programme of activities for the national celebration in Accra to scale down the scope of the celebration and reduce the amount of money spent annually.

Addressing a press conference, Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the government in 2024 spent almost fifteen million Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 15,000,000) on the celebration in Koforidua.

“For that reason, he has decided that this year’s celebration will not take on the spectacular form that we have been used to over the years. Rather than a major event at the Independence Square, where there are contingents of men from the various security agencies and hundreds of schoolchildren, there will be a scaled-down commemoration at the forecourt of the Presidency,” the Minister said.

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PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON 68TH INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMEMORATION

1. There’ll be a scaled-down commemoration of this year’s commemoration at the National & District Levels ONLY.

2. There’ll be no commemoration at the Regional Level.

3. The scaled-down National Celebration will take place at the forecourt of the Presidency.

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4. ⁠There will be no parade or match past of security agencies and school children during the National Celebration.

5. The Regional Ministers are to ensure that MMDAs scale down the commemoration in their Districts.

6. Other activities approved by the President are the 28th February Crossroads Shooting Incident and the President’s Special Awards for Children.

REVISED ACTIVITIES FOR THE NATIONAL CELEBRATION

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1. Mounting of a Guard of Honour by the Security Agencies

2. ⁠Cultural Performances & Recitals

3. National Address by the President and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

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I don’t take NPP for granted— Afenyo Markin insists

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, says he has discharged his duties with the dignity and responsibility demanded by the office, stressing that he does not take the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for granted.

He made the remarks during a media briefing, where he also dismissed claims that there are compromising videos or audio recordings of him that could embarrass him, his family or the party.

Mr Afenyo Markin acknowledged that he is not perfect but insisted that he would not act recklessly, particularly given the responsibility attached to his position as Minority Leader.

“I have discharged my duty as a Minority Leader with all the dignity that must go with the office. I’m not a perfect guy, but I won’t be reckless,” he stated.

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He said he was conscious of the history of the position he occupies, noting that it had previously been held by senior members of the NPP, including J.B. Danquah, J.H. Mensah and Busia, Dumbo.

According to him, the party’s elders did not entrust him with the leadership of the parliamentary caucus without considering the responsibility involved.

“I don’t take NPP for granted. It’s a tradition I respect. The elders of this party, they don’t just get up to say, ‘Our son, lead the caucus.’ From day one, they entrusted me with this position,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo Markin said he has always recognised the weight of the party’s history and the need to conduct himself in a manner that protects the image of the NPP.

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He rejected claims that individuals have videos or audio recordings of him engaging in activities that could be used to embarrass him.

“Nobody has any video of me doing anything. Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family and the party,” he insisted.

He described the claims as part of the challenges politicians face in the era of social media, where allegations and rumours can spread quickly.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that despite such claims, he would continue to carry out his responsibilities with caution and respect for the office he occupies.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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GoldBod concerns are about implementation, not individuals- Afenyo-Markin

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has denied that his concerns over the GoldBod and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme are aimed at any particular individual.

He explained that his criticism has always been directed at the institution and the way the programme is being implemented, rather than at any person.

“I have never, on any occasion, mentioned anyone’s name. I have always been talking about the GoldBod institution,” Mr Afenyo Markin stated.

He made these remarks today during a press briefing August 31, 2026,Speaking to when cultural troupes from Winneba visited his residence in Accra

the Minority’s position is that although the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme is a good initiative, its implementation has created challenges that need to be examined.

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He described the programme as an initiative introduced under former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to use Ghana’s gold resources to help stabilise the economy.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that the Minority supports the idea but is concerned about what he described as losses arising from its implementation.

He referenced concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding losses associated with the programme, arguing that such issues should be properly investigated.

He therefore rejected suggestions that the matter had become a personal attack.

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“We need to elevate the conversation so that it doesn’t become a personality contest,” he added.

Responding to arguments that the reported losses could instead be exchange rate losses on the Bank of Ghana’s own accounts and that the central bank was following international best practices, Mr Afenyo Markin called for patience.

He indicated that the planned parliamentary probe would provide an opportunity for all sides to present their positions and establish the facts.

“When October comes and we start the discussion, wherever the truth is, we will all get to know,” he stated.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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