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Phase one of nationwide voter registration exercise – the twists and turns
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After a long tussle of the political parties over whether or not the Electoral Commission (EC) should compile a new voters register, the exercise finally took off across the country on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
Phase one of the exercise, which is expected to last six days, progressed steadily in some areas whilst some registration centres encountered technical hitches.
As expected, some residents queued at dawn for the exercise with the hope of going home with their cards on time. However, technical delays caused some people to stay longer than anticipated.
A major concern was how officials were going to ensure safety during the exercise while controlling participants amid the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Though some registrants adhered to social distancing and other safety protocols at the designated centres, those who monitored the commencement of the exercise observed that other individuals threw caution to the wind.
Officials, as promised, had put in place the necessary safety measures ahead of the exercise but observers said non-compliance of social distancing guidelines was evident at some centres.
Of course, thermometer guns were available to arrest those with extremely high temperatures and suspected symptoms of COVID-19.
Our photographer, Ms Lizzy Okai, was at some registration centres in the Ablekuma West Constituency in Accra, where no major incidents were recorded at the time of her visit.
The long queues were obvious but registration officers performed their duties without hindrance. Special seats were made available to the aged as the exercise proceeded. Majority of those spotted at the centre wore nose masks, and were patient enough for their turn.
Despite initial concerns, some registrants expressed satisfaction about the exercise as they walked home with their new voter identification cards.
Those who were yet to take part in the exercise, however, urged the authorities to fix the challenges ahead of the second round of the exercise scheduled from August 1 to August 6, 2020.
By Spectator Reporter
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
