News
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.
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.
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
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.
News
President Mahama nominates Zanetor Rawlings, Ayariga as Ministers of State in latest Government shake-up
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a new round of ministerial nominations and reassignments aimed at strengthening governance and improving delivery on key government priorities.
In a statement released on, the President nominated Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, MP for Klottey-Korle, as Minister of State at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, has also been nominated as
Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Both nominations are subject to parliamentary approval.
As part of the reshuffle, the President has also reassigned two current ministers to new ministries.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has been moved to the Ministry of Defence, while Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda, has been reassigned to head the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
According to the statement from the Presidency, the changes form part of efforts to “enhance the effectiveness of government and ensure the delivery of the administration’s development agenda.”
The latest appointments signal President Mahama’s focus on placing experienced legislators in strategic sectors ahead of the mid-term of his administration.
The nominations have been forwarded to the Speaker of Parliament for consideration by the Appointments Committee.
Parliament is expected to vet the nominees in the coming days.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Upper West Regional Police Command has secured custodial sentences against two men convicted in separate stealing-related cases in the region.
The convictions were handed down by the Wa Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Samuel Boafo Amewuho.
The first convict, Nasiru Muftawu, 20, was arrested on Saturday, July 11, 2026, following intelligence-led investigations into a series of motorbike thefts in various parts of the region.
He was charged and tried for multiple counts of stealing.
After a full trial, the court on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, found him guilty and sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment in hard labour.
Police say Muftawu had been linked to several motorbike theft cases that had caused concern among residents and riders in Wa and surrounding communities.
In a separate case, Eric Salia, 36, was arrested on Sunday, July 26, 2026, for unlawfully breaking into the residential accommodation of a public officer and stealing valuable personal belongings.
He was also arraigned before the same court, convicted, and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in hard labour.
The Upper West Regional Police Command says the sentences demonstrate its commitment to dealing firmly with crime in the region.
“The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to creating a safe, secure, and conducive environment for all law-abiding residents of the Upper West Region,” a statement from the Command said.
It assured the public that it will continue to “pursue criminals relentlessly and bring offenders to justice.”
The Command is also appealing to residents to support policing efforts by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities.
“Public cooperation remains vital in preventing crime and enhancing the safety and security of communities across the region,” the statement added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
