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Roads Minister explores Partnerships with Local Banks to Fund Road Projects

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The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, has initiated discussions with some local banks to explore strategic and innovative financing models for critical road projects across the country. 

Engagements with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), National Investment Bank (NIB) and Ecobank Ghana Limited focused on addressing the government’s longstanding indebtedness to road contractors, many of whom have outstanding loans with these banks.

Other key areas of the discussions focused on reintroduction of road tolls, negotiations regarding interest on delayed payments, financing major road projects under the government’s “Big Push” initiative, and improving communication between the ministry and financial institutions.

During these discussions, Mr. Agbodza assured the banks of government’s commitment to settling outstanding payments owed to contractors.

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He said, “With regard to the indebtedness, we will pay. The reality is that the health of state-owned banks is adversely affected when the government fails to pay contractors on time, especially those who have taken loans from these banks.”

He urged the banks to consider revising their lending policies and interest rates, encouraging them to adopt innovative approaches to create a supportive financial environment for road contractors.

Additionally, Mr.Agbodza encouraged ADB to explore ways to support stalled Cocoa Roads Projects, which are vital for improving access to cocoa-growing regions and enhancing Ghana’s agricultural exports.

“Let’s not forget that you are the Agricultural Development Bank, so perhaps you should prioritize cocoa roads over urban projects,” he noted.

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The banks expressed their interest in supporting the road sector through syndicated funding arrangements and investing in technologies for efficient road toll collection.

These engagements highlight the government’s commitment to fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) aimed at accelerating road infrastructure development and improving the overall condition of the road network across the country.

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Police arrest former boxer Ayitey Powers over alleged death threat on NSA boss

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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.

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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

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Afenyo Markin sues Sammy Gyamfi, Multimedia for alleged defamation

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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