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Stop Using ‘Fire Service Approach’ in Fight Against Corruption – Crusaders Against Corruption

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Mr. Emmanuel Wilson

The Chief Crusader of Crusaders Against Corruption (CAC), Emmanuel Wilson, has called on the state to abandon what he described as a “fire service approach” to fighting election-related corruption. He warned that selective and reactive actions only threaten the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking in an interview on Sunyani-based Sompa FM on Monday, February 9, 2026, Mr. Wilson said Ghana must adopt a pragmatic, consistent and proactive strategy to combat vote buying and vote selling, which are criminal offences under the country’s electoral laws.

According to him, the routine issuance of statements condemning electoral corruption, without swift and independent action by law enforcement agencies, only emboldens political parties, candidates and delegates to continue corrupting the system.

“Vote buying and vote selling are criminal offences. Writing statements alone will not stop them. The appropriate law enforcement agencies must act independently and decisively,” he stressed.

Mr. Wilson referenced developments in the recent NDC parliamentary primaries in Ayawaso East, where allegations of vote buying dominated public discourse, arguing that the state’s response once again exposed weaknesses in Ghana’s anti-corruption framework.

He criticised the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for what he described as a delayed and reactive decision to investigate the alleged vote-buying incidents in both the Ayawaso East NDC parliamentary primaries and the recent NPP presidential primaries.

According to him, the OSP only moved to investigate after the Presidency publicly condemned the incidents, describing the action as an afterthought rather than a demonstration of institutional independence.

“The OSP is not being proactive. There have been several reported cases of vote buying over the years, yet no action was taken. Acting only after public pressure undermines public confidence,” he stated.

Mr. Wilson also described the Presidency’s decision to terminate the appointment of Baba Jamal as Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria as “much ado about nothing,” noting that Mr. Jamal was already obliged to resign after contesting in the primaries.

He insisted that symbolic actions alone cannot cure the growing culture of electoral corruption.

To ensure accountability, Mr. Wilson called on the Majority and Minority in Parliament to summon the Special Prosecutor to explain how his office has handled previous and recent allegations of vote buying and selling in Ghana’s elections.

Despite his criticisms, the anti-corruption campaigner commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he described as a bold stance in addressing the vote-buying allegations involving Baba Jamal and other aspirants in the Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries.

He urged other political parties to learn from the NDC’s response, stressing that internal accountability within parties is a critical step in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic process.

Mr. Wilson concluded that Ghana’s democracy can only be protected if institutions act decisively and consistently against electoral corruption, regardless of political affiliation.

By Edmond Gyebi 

 

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Cadres complain of neglect by NDC, Government

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Leaders of the group from left Comrade Sarfo Adu, Elliot Ofosu and Kofi Karikari

Members of a group of 25, constituting themselves as the Concerned Cadres in Ashanti have expressed their disappointment in the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for sidelining cadres whose sacrifices helped bring the party back in government.

The group noted that government appointees and functionaries see them as a threat hence MMDCEs and some CEOs distant themselves from the cadres.

They claimed that rather than help improve the lot of cadres and the NDC youth, “these Later Day political appointees are comfortable helping the NPP youth” at the expense of the old guards.

Messrs Elliot Ofosu, Kofi Karikari and Comrade Sarfo Adu, leader, Organiser and Secretary respectively of the group told “The Chronicle” that the seeming neglect has sent most of their colleagues to their early grave from stress and frustration mentioning Combat, Oppong Fosu and Yaw Owusu both of Bekwai as the dead among them.

The group complained that the party has abandoned the old guards whose sacrifices helped to grow the party particularly in the Ashanti Region.

According to them, the welfare of the old guards and cadres is not the priority of the NDC and the government as a result of which some of them are currently infirmed on their sick bed.

These include Oppong Kyekyeku, Bekwai constituency, Grace Awuah (former Bekwai DCE), Jones Owusu Boateng (former Presiding Member, Bekwai), Yaw Kurankye (former chairman), Awuah Boateng (Essumeja) and Kwaku Gu (Jacobu).

The leadership of the group also raised concerns about the Nkoko Nketenkete citing an instance where a couple in the Bosomtwe District was given a single bird (one chicken) under the Nkoko Nketenkete programme.

The group has, therefore, appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to consider providing cadres with farming inputs to improve upon their livelihood as an interim measure to support them.

It also advised the government to walk the talk on its avowed stance to fight against illegal mining noting that “the illegal mining menace, if not adequately addressed, could send the party to the opposition”.

They disclosed the involvement of some NDC gurus of in the galamsey business which is ongoing at Asamang and Adumasa in the Bosome-Feeho District and Asuadei in the Ahafo Ano South East District where illegal mining is eating into a Forest Reserve.

The Cadres bemoaned what they called “extortion of GHc3,000” from those of them who applied for consideration as MMDCEs and demanded a refund of the GHc3,000 because payment of the said amount did not serve any better purpose besides impoverishing them.

 

 

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Greater Accra Regional Minister Stops Building Of Structure At Legon Overpass

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Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo supervising the demolition work

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has ordered the immediate suspension of construction works on a structure being erected near the East Legon Police Station overpass, citing concerns over public safety and violations of spatial planning regulations.

An Excavator clearing the site of construction materials

The directive followed an unannounced site inspection conducted by the Regional Minister earlier on Monday, accompanied by a technical team.

Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley

According to her, the structure, though reportedly backed by a permit, poses serious concerns due to its location and possible encroachment on the right-of-way, with the potential to obstruct critical public infrastructure.

The Building Structure close to the Overpass

Speaking after the inspection, Madam Ocloo disclosed that workers at the site claimed the project had received the necessary approval.

However, she said preliminary assessments raised red flags about the legitimacy of the permit and the suitability of the location for such a development.

Excavator clearing the site of construction materials

As part of immediate measures, the Minister ordered a complete cessation of all construction activities at the site. She further directed the developers to dismantle any existing framework and remove all construction materials from the area without delay.

Construction materials at the site

In addition, the Regional Minister has formally engaged the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the relevant Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly to begin processes to reverse and revoke any permit that may have been issued for the project at that location.

Madam Ocloo reaffirmed the commitment of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council to ensuring orderly and lawful development across the capital. She stressed that developments that compromise public safety or sidestep established planning regulations will not be tolerated.

“The sanctity of our public spaces must be preserved,” she noted, urging full cooperation from developers and other stakeholders as authorities enforce planning and safety standards in the region.

Tepa Forestry Commission boss petitions board over alleged unlawful entry 

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SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Edem Koku - In police grip

Two persons claiming to be officials of the Forestry Commission have been accused of causing damage and unlawful entry into the official Bungalow of colleague official amid guns shots and threats.

Edem Koku and Elikem Kotoko, who identified themselves as the Liaison Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission respectively, have been accused of the offence which are contrary to sections 172 and 152 of the Criminal Offence Act 1960 (Act 29).

On July 15, 2025 at 1.30 am, the accused allegedly invaded the Range Quarters of the Forestry Services Division of the Forestry Commission at Tepa.

Amid guns shots and threats, a group of persons, led by Edem Koku and Elikem Kotoko forcibly broke into the bedroom of Mr. Albert Yeboah Ninson, the Range Supervisor stationed at Tepa.

The two accused persons dragged Mr. Ninson out of his room and took batteries of two vehicles, which had been impounded and started the engines of the seized vehicles, while they recorded the events on camera.

Vehicles with registration number GC 2837-16 (Rhino), GN 1754-22 and GG 3237-16 (both Man Diesel) had been impounded and kept at the Range Supervisor’s bungalow on suspicion of transporting illegally chain-sawn lumber without necessary documentation and permits.

It took the intervention of the local Police Commander and the Patrol Team to contain the situation.

A complaint was later lodged with the Tepa Police, upon which Edem Koku, who had earlier been declared wanted by the Tepa Municipal Police, was arrested with a warrant issued by the Tepa Magistrate Court on July 16, 2025.

He was arrested recently and charged with the offence. The Court has adjourned to March 18, 2026 to decide the fate of Edem Koku, currently on bail, while efforts are being made to arrest Elikem Kotoko, who allegedly headed the operation at the wee hours of July 15, 2025 at Ninson’s bungalow.

Believing that the incidents on the night of July 15 breaches Ninson’s constitutional rights to privacy, criminal trespass, threats of harm and death, abuse of office and power and unlawful interference of his official duty, which he sees as serious matters, Adjei Bediako @ Law, Solicitors of the complainant, Albert Ninson, have petitioned the Board chairman, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, as well as the Regional and District Managers of the Forestry Service Division of the Forestry Commission to cause a thorough investigation into the unlawful entry, threats, assault and removal of impounded vehicles from the complaint’s official bungalow.

The complainant has assured of his readiness and willingness to appear before any Committee to assist in investigations.

Complainant Ninson wants the Forestry Commission to clarify if the unfortunate incident and attack of July 15, 2025 was sanctioned by the FC and whether it (FC) authorised Elikem Kotoko who identified himself as the Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission to undertake such activities, which breached the Laws of Ghana.

He is also seeking answers as to whether there is any legal basis for the forceful entry into his official bungalow to breach his constitutional rights having gone to the extent of recording him without his consent and whether or not the FC authorised the removal of the impounded vehicles that were loaded with suspected illegally chain-sawn lumbers.

In reaction, the Board chairman of FC, Isaac Essien Esq., has constituted a five-member Investigation Committee of Enquiry to investigate the allegations.

The proposed Committee has two weeks to submit a report and recommendations for consideration.

The Board chairman, per letter with Ref. FC/8CR/A.52/SF.1/V4/38 dated February 3, 2026 requested that Ninson makes himself available to assist in investigations.

It was further proposed that Complainant Ninson takes steps to withdraw the case from the District court as a sign of good faith and cooperation to achieve lasting resolution of the impasse.

 

 

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Editorial: Construction Under Flyover – This Is Scandalous

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The decisive action taken by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, to halt an illegal construction under the East Legon overpass is not just commendable, it is an indictment of Ghana’s local governance system.

That a structure could rise beneath a major overpass, near a police station, in one of Accra’s prime municipalities, with legal building permit in hand, is nothing short of scandalous. It exposes a dangerous truth, planning laws in Ghana are now violated openly, confidently and with official approval.

Linda Ocloo’s unscheduled inspection, which led to an immediate ‘Stop-Work’ order, dismantling of existing structures and moves to revoke the permit, did what the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly either could not or would not do. This is the heart of the problem.

The Minister herself confirmed that the developers claimed to have valid permits. This raises a far more troubling question than the illegal structure itself: who issued the permit and on what professional basis?

No rational planning officer, engineer, or Municipal Chief Executive can justify authorising construction beneath an overpass, a critical public infrastructure zone meant for safety, visibility, drainage and future expansion. If such a decision was made knowingly, it is criminal. If it was made ignorantly, it is equally disqualifying.

The Chronicle refuses to accept the lazy explanation of “mistakes.” What we are witnessing is a pattern of institutional recklessness that has turned Ghana’s cities into hazards waiting to explode. It is worth recalling that COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye (Rtd.)  had earlier asked the developers to halt work at the site.

This is not an isolated case. Across Ghana, MMDAs have become factories of poor decision-making. From Accra’s flood-prone slums choking the Odaw basin to Kumasi’s ill-advised developments near the Asafo Interchange, the story is the same, permits issued first, disasters explained later.

Even more alarming is the reported approval of shops built beneath High-Tension Transmission lines at Bayere Junction, in Dzorwulu. This is not poor planning; it is state-sanctioned endangerment of human lives. Only a country that treats its citizens as expendable would allow such madness.

Linda Ocloo must go further. She must summon the Ayawaso West MCE, the Municipal planning officer and the Municipal engineer responsible for this approval. They must publicly account for their actions. And if they fail to offer compelling professional justification, they must be removed from office and handed over for prosecution. Without punishment, today’s bold action will become tomorrow’s forgotten spectacle.

The Chronicle believes Ghana cannot build a safe and modern capital with officials who treat planning laws as suggestions and public safety as an afterthought. If sanity is to return to our cities, impunity at the MMDA level must end.

Linda Ocloo has drawn the line. The nation is watching to see whether the system will defend the public interest or once again protect incompetence and recklessness.

The Minister for Local Government must urgently intervene in this matter. He exercises supervisory authority over the MMDAs and must assert that mandate now, before administrative indiscipline translates into avoidable danger.

This moment must not be wasted.

 

Serwaa Amihere wins TV Female Presenter of the Year at 15th RTP Awards

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Serwaa Amihere

Multiple award-winning broadcast journalist and media personality, Serwaa Amihere Esq., has been adjudged TV Female Presenter of the Year at the 15th GoldBond RTP Awards.

The prestigious ceremony was held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Accra International Conference Centre, with the red carpet event beginning at 6:00 p.m. The award recognises her excellence and impact in television broadcasting over the past year.

Serwaa Amihere is the host of GHToday on GHOne TV and also anchors the station’s prime-time news bulletin, making her one of the most recognisable faces in Ghana’s English-language television space.

At the 2025 edition of the GoldBond RTP Awards, she received multiple nominations, including Personality of the Year, Instagram Influencer of the Year, TV Morning Show Host of the Year, TV Female Newscaster of the Year, and TV Female Presenter of the Year, the category she ultimately won.

Beyond broadcasting, Serwaa Amihere is also a lawyer, having been called to the Bar in October 2025. Credit: starrfm.com.gh

 

“I have not been the best dad lately” –2Face

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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2Face

Celebrated Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has admitted that he is lagging behind in his fatherly duties.

The singer, who has eight children from four different women, disclosed this in a recent episode of the Mic On podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.

2Baba said he wants to do better as a father, stressing the importance of a present father figure in children’s upbringing.

He, however, noted that he wishes to keep his personal life private.

“I want to really contribute to society positively. I want to be among those who make something meaningful happen. I want to contribute my own little quota to help society.

“I have not been the best daddy. I want to do more. However, privacy is very important,” he said.

2Face has two children with his first baby mama, Sumbo Ajaba-Adeoye, three with his second baby mama, Pero Adeniyi, two with his ex-wife, Annie Macaulay, and one with his current wife, Natasha Osawaru.

Rex Omar shares how he found his wife –“I saw her spiritually”

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Rex Omar and wife

Highlife legend musician Rex Omar shares how spiritual visions and recurring dreams convinced him he had already met his future wife before their first real-life encounter.

Long before fate arranged their first meeting, Ghanaian highlife icon Rex Omar believes his wife had already been introduced to him in a far more mystical way. According to the veteran musician, recurring dreams and spiritual encounters left him with an unshakeable certainty about the woman he would one day marry, years before they ever spoke face to face.

Reflecting on his decision to marry at the age of 24, Rex Omar dismissed any suggestion that it was rushed or impulsive. Instead, he described it as a carefully guided choice, shaped by what he considers divine insight rather than youthful haste. Those spiritual experiences, he said, gave him clarity and confidence long before reality caught up.

In an interview on Joy Prime, the celebrated highlife Artiste revealed that the moment he eventually met his future wife in person, there was no hesitation or confusion, only recognition. To him, she was already familiar.

He recalled, “I got married to my wife very early, at age 24. I saw my wife spiritually before I met her.”

That prior sense of knowing, he explained, transformed their first encounter into something immediate and decisive. There was no period of doubt or prolonged courtship; the certainty he felt was instant and profound.

He added, “The very day I saw her, I knew she was my wife. I knew her in my visions and my dreams before I met her personally.”

BullGod launches project to revamp police cells

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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BullGod

Ghanaian music executive Lawrence Nana Asiama Hanson popularly known as BullGod, head of Bullhaus Entertainment, has launched a social impact project aimed at improving conditions in police holding cells, starting with a completed makeover at the Adabraka Police Station in Accra.

The initiative, titled Bright Walls, Better Minds, seeks to transform police cells into more humane and mentally uplifting spaces through murals, colour and creative expression. The first phase of the project was completed on Tuesday, 24 December 2025, marking what organisers describe as the official execution stage.

BullGod, who says he has personally experienced life in police cells, has long criticised the poor state of such facilities. He believes the physical environment can play a role in mental wellbeing, even during temporary detention.

In a social media post announcing the project, he wrote:

“BRIGHT WALLS, BETTER MINDS is a social-impact art initiative by Bullhaus Entertainment focused on transforming police holding cells into healing, inspiring and mentally uplifting spaces through murals, color, and creative expression.

On Tuesday, 24th December 2025, the project successfully completed the

transformation of its first police holding cell at the Adabraka Police Station, marking the official execution phase of the initiative.”

The project is being undertaken in partnership with the Ghana Police Service and supported by private sector sponsors.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

W.E.B. Du Bois Centre to undergo $200m redevelopment –Management

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Management of the WEB Du Bois Memorial Centre

The Management of the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture has announced plans to undertake a major renovation of the facility beginning April 1, 2026, at an estimated cost of $200 million dollars.

The redevelopment entails the construction of a new bungalow, an upgraded mausoleum, a modern library, as well as a scholar’s residence and a theatre.

During a visit to the Centre by the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, the Executive Director, Japheth Aryiku outlined the scope of works and the long-term vision behind the facelift.

“That project will start around April 1 and we believe that by February 23, 2027, it would have been completed and the newly restored bungalow will be dedicated. We are concurrently working on the fund raising efforts because the project involves building a new museum that will exhibit the 95-year life of W.E.B. Du Bois. We will have a new library that will contain all the books,” he said.

On his part, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin noted that the modernisation of the facility will firmly place Ghana at the centre of Pan-Africanism and strengthen the country’s historical ties to the global African community.

“It is not going to be easy but it is going to be the centre of the world of Pan-Africanism after the project is completed. Everybody in the world knows that the father of Pan-Africanism is W.E.B. Du Bois,” he stated.

Credit: citinewsroom.com

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