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Forgiveness

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Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION

Forgiveness is one of the most transformative and powerful acts a human being can experience or extend. At the very heart of the Christian gospel lies this truth: we are forgiven, and we are called to forgive. The entire arc of Scripture — from Eden to the Cross to the new creation — is rooted in the rhythm of brokenness, mercy, and restoration.

This week’s article, culled from BibleGateway.com, compiles key Bible passages that talk about what God says about forgiveness — both His forgiveness of us and our call to forgive others. It is a timely reminder in an age marked by offence, resentment, and woundedness.

Yet many questions arise: Who deserves forgiveness? What qualifies or disqualifies a person from it? Why is it so hard to forgive? This article seeks to address these questions through the lens of Scripture, inviting each of us to lean into grace, extend mercy, and live freely.

 

GOD’S FORGIVENESS

The Bible is clear: we all need forgiveness. As Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Yet, God in His grace and love provides a way of restoration. Forgiveness begins with Him — and it is available to all who confess their sins and turn to Christ.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

God’s forgiveness is not hesitant or partial. It is complete and liberating. Psalm 103:12 beautifully expresses the magnitude of this grace:“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

And through Jesus, forgiveness is not just a legal pardon — it is a relational healing. Ephesians 1:7 affirms:“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (NKJV)

This forgiveness is not earned but freely given. It brings peace, joy, and the confidence to approach God without shame.

 

FORGIVING OTHERS

As recipients of God’s mercy, we are called to reflect that mercy in our relationships. Forgiveness is not optional for believers — it is a direct command of Christ. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:14–15 are sobering:“If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Forgiveness is not condoning wrongdoing. It is releasing the burden of bitterness and entrusting judgment to God. It is a decision to extend grace — sometimes repeatedly. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive, Jesus responded:“I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:22 (KJV)

This implies that forgiveness must be habitual — a posture, not a one-time act. Jesus also taught that reconciliation should precede worship. Mark 11:25 teaches:“When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too.” (NLT)

To forgive is to mirror God’s heart. Proverbs 17:9notes:“The one who forgives an offense seeks love.”

 

PRACTICAL EXPRESSIONS OF FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is not always easy. It often goes against our instincts. Yet, the Bible provides practical guidance on how to cultivate a forgiving spirit:

  • Release revenge.Proverbs 24:29says:“Don’t say, ‘I’ll get back at you for what you did.’” (MSG)
  • Be quick to reconcile.“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” – Ephesians 4:26 (NKJV)
  • Love your enemies.“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 (CSB)
  • Make peace a priority.“If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18 (NASB)

These actions don’t erase the pain, but they transform how we respond to it. Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it does free the future.

WHEN FORGIVENESS IS WITHHELD

Jesus warned about the danger of an unforgiving heart. In Matthew 18:32–35, He tells the parable of a servant forgiven a great debt who refuses to forgive a smaller one. The outcome is tragic: “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”

Unforgiveness invites judgment — not just from others, but from God. Matthew 6:15 reminds us:“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

This does not mean we lose salvation, but it does mean we block the flow of grace in our lives and relationships. Resentment, if left unchecked, becomes a prison of our own making

 

THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN: A HEART CLOSED TO GOD

Jesus also spoke of a sin that cannot be forgiven — blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31–32). This refers to a persistent, willful rejection of God’s Spirit — a heart that refuses to repent, see truth, or receive grace. It is not a sin of action, but of attitude — the refusal to acknowledge one’s need for forgiveness.

But anyone who comes to God in humility and faith will find Him gracious and ready to forgive.

“I am the one who wipes out your wrongdoings… and I will not remember your sins.” – Isaiah 43:25 (NASB)

 

CONCLUSION

Forgiveness is both a gift and a command. God offers it freely to all who turn to Him, and He calls us to extend it just as generously to others.

To be forgiven is to be set free. To forgive is to release the power of grace. And to live in forgiveness is to live in harmony with the heart of God.

Let us therefore:

  • Receive God’s forgiveness with gratitude,
  • Extend forgiveness with humility,
  • And live in the freedom that only mercy can bring.

As Paul encourages:“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Remain Blessed!

Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.

 

Feature: Ablekuma Violence: NPP In Dis Array

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Africanus Owusu Ansah (Hot Issues)

“An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind” – Mahatma Gandhi

Confusion in Ablekuma North election results, December 2024.  The Electoral Commission could not announce the results. For six months, the good people in Ablekuma North had no representation. You would wonder whether it was going to be like SALL – Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi, Likpe – with no representation in the 8th Parliament, after the formation of the new Oti Region, and in Suit No. J6/01/2020 entitled Valentine Edem Dzaste v Henry Ametefe and 5 ors, the Supreme Court had ruled “… Cl 95 is inconsistent with Article 47 (2) of the Constitution to the extent that the traditional areas of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe which fall within the Oti Region are stated to be part of the Hohoe Constituency which is in the Volta Region and to the extent of that inconsistency Cl 95 is unconstitutional…’’

The Ablekuma North Constituency fell into limbo when challenges were thrown at the Electoral Commission over the authenticity of pink sheets and the collation process after the December 2024 election.

In Parliament, the E.C. official had said only 3 polling stations had a problem.

With 49% turn-out, 10th December 2024, the E.C. announced Akua Afriyie had won the election. On 20th December 2024, the E.C. announced that the results were announced under duress.

Then the Electoral Commission announced a re-run of 19 polling stations out of the 281 polling stations. A certiorari application seeking a declaration that the E. C’s decision to conduct a re-run in the 19 polling stations is in violation of the January 4 High Court Order and constitutes an arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, and wrongful use of discretionary powers…. prohibit the E.C. from proceeding with the re-run… an order compelling the E.C. to comply with the January 4 directive… and an injunction restraining the E.C. from conducting the re-run, Justice Ali Baba Abature dismissed the application as unmeritorious: “The respondent as an extension of the executive arm of government, would be in a position to adequately compensate the applicant in damages should Afriyie win the substantive case”.

Then, the NPP/NDC issued an order to boycott the re-run! NPP afraid of Awoshie, Busia Junction, Odorkor … NPP’s stronghold?

24 hours before the elections, Nana Akua Afriyie defied the NPP NEC directives; she went on a door-to-door campaign; on lack of unity, lack of direction an indication that all was not well. The boycott directive assisted in dampening the spirit, energy and enthusiasm of the electorate.  What evidence of development strategy can NPP point at? For NDC, it was simply “me try, ma hwe.”

And the violence? mayhem, brutalities, atrocities. Wham! a senior Police Officer Chief Superintendent Lumor delivers a left hook to a journalist; other security officers rough up two innocent journalists. Then, Hawa Koomson ‘Kasoa Van Damme’ who had lost her Awutu Senya East seat to NDC’s Phyllis Naa KoryooOkunnor by 46,638 to 50,886 was the next victim. When we were young we would call a termagant “Twa mu a eta bon” (She who passes and you smell flatulence). Perhaps she wanted to demonstrate to all and sundry that she was still the “tough” guy quite unlike “soft” Bryan Acheampong who had his hands behind him and addressing the “gathering” including NPP supporters to mellow and leave the cordoned-off perimeter as ordered by the police.

A man in smock sprang like a cougar or a leopard to knock Auntie Hawa down. She could not immediately use the pepper spray in her handbag.

Hannah Bissiw, NDC’s Women Organiser was not sympathetic: “if you live by the sword you die by the sword.” In her own words, Hawa Koomson “deserves it… I don’t feel sorry one bit.” Of course, that should sound like our childhood days; “ate ka – ate ka” or the story of “Ananseyem’ na me nso me yen!”

Exodus 21:23-26 states (just like Hammurabi’s Code) “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe”. That is the “Lex talionis (law of retaliation).

Where were the NPP vigilante around the NPP big men and women? A self-acclaimed Chairman of the disbanded NPP vigilante group, Delta Force, came out to celebrate the NPP’s recent misfortunes, in particular the violent disturbances of Ablekuma North Parliamentary re-run. Why? Betrayal and ungratefulness: “We sacrificed our lives to secure power for the NPP in 2016. But when the party won, they turned their back on us.

We were arrested, prosecuted and remanded … The NPP has not seen anything yet … “Without trying to make any allusions, we go and re-read the Chronicle of Friday July, 11, 2025 : “A 53-year oldbusinessman , Seth Otupri Ntim is facing criminal charges before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly stealing

GH¢14.5m from two bank accounts belonging to Sontim Group Limited, a construction firm financially backed by the late Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Ampontuah  Kumah … Sontim Group Limited was established in 2016 through the initiative of Joyce Kumah and was entirely financed by her brother, John Kumah…” and we say “No comment.”

What has happened to the perpetrators of the violence at Akwatia, Atiwa (where Akufo-Addo remarks: “Atiwakoraayekyeree won biribikakra”), Talensi, Techiman South, Chereponi, Ayawaso West Wuogon (where NDC’s Sam George was openly seen being harassed by masked men said to be operatives of the National Security).

In whose interest did the government’s White Paper “rubbish” the Emile Short Report.

Nana Akua Afriyie pleads “apology” for not listening to the NPP bosses to boycott the election at Ablekuma North.  And Akwatia is waiting — this time a bye-electron to get someone to replace the deceased MP, Ernest Kumi.

Prof. Agyekum and Prof. Bampoe want the NDC to simply “dash” the seat to the NPP by not contesting. But Hon. Dafeamekpo says “even the sea enjoys being filled by more rain”. What would make NDC happier than win the Akwatia seat in addition to the 184 they now have?

And who is floating the idea of “top-down” electing the flagbearer of the NPP, before the selection of national, regional, and constituency executives, a blatant departure from the UP tradition. How do we involve the grassroots? So now, NPP does not preach “consensus building “. Boakye Agyarko sees this as “strategically unsound, politically indefensible and organizationally reckless”. Kennedy Agyapong thinks “There is nothing wrong with the system that we have now. It’s because we created monsters in the party. You bring it from the top again; we are going to create another monster”.

Ex-President Kufour should not lament being sidelined by the party: “If this party still has elders … I am one … Have I deteriorated to the point where, after being fed, I’d claim I haven’t eaten … my mind and memory are intact…” He has more followers than he can dream of: who does not see through the rebuttal by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Koduah who will be advised to rebuild the NPP to the level it was when he took over.

He should spare the two aides: Araba Bosompem and Adu Acheampong, Young Justin should learn this Shakespearan truth (King Lear): “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child and learn also from Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”, and Kufuor was given the appellation ‘Gentle Giant’ in his heyday.

 

‘World’s sexiest footballer’ Alisha Lehmann’s has a bodyguard at Women’s Euros, as she faces online hate

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Alisha Lehmann

‘World’s sexiest footballer’ Alisha Lehmann has been given her own bodyguard at the Women’s Euros due to her significant popularity with fans at the tournament.

Lehmann is involved with the Switzerland squad, who will take on Spain on Friday night for a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament. They will, however, go into the match as huge underdogs.

The Juventus forward had been backed to be a key player for her side, having accumulated 60 international caps at 26, but has played just nine minutes so far, with that action coming against Finland.

Therefore, she is not expected to start the match against Spain, but is still by far and away the most famous player in the Switzerland squad, accumulating over 17million Instagram followers.

She has received widespread praise for her apparent good looks, and is often a target for autograph or selfie-hunting fans at games who are keen to meet the players.

As a result, home nation Switzerland have revealed that Lehmann has been given added protection as the tournament reaches the knockout stages and interest is ramped up even higher.

‘We always ensure that the safety of the players is our top priority in all stadiums,’ Sven Micosse, press spokesperson for the Swiss women’s national team, told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. ‘This is organized by UEFA during the tournament, and our head of security is always on site.

‘After the matches, he is always there when the players approach the fans, and due to Alisha Lehmann’s fame, he sometimes accompanies them a little further.’

Lehmann has often been dubbed the queen of the Switzerland national team due to her social media following.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Newcastle turn to Wissa after ending Ekitike pursuit

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Yoane Wissa

Newcastle are expected to accelerate their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa in the next 24 hours after withdrawing from their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike.

The Magpies want to sign a new centre-forward but their £70m offer to Eintracht Frankfurt for 23-year-old Frenchman Ekitike was rejected.

Liverpool have also targeted Ekitike as a possible alternative to their first-choice target, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

And with Newcastle adamant Isak is not for sale, the Anfield club are now expected to step up their interest in Ekitike.

Sources have told BBC Sport that with Newcastle’s efforts to land Ekitike hitting complications in the last 24 hours, the Magpies have turned their attentions to Wissa.

Brentford attacker Wissa, 28, is also a target for Tottenham and Nottingham Forest

It is understood Newcastle’s interest in the Democratic Republic of Congo international is less advanced than that of those clubs as things stand, but it is now set to ramp up as the club from north east England increase their efforts to sign a striker.

Brentford are adamant they do not want to lose Bryan Mbeumo, who is coveted by Manchester United, and Wissa this summer – but Wissa is open to leaving the Bees for a chance to play in the Champions League.

He has scored 45 goals in 137 Premier League appearances since joining from Lorient in 2021.

Credit: bbc

Man Utd make third bid for Brentford’s Mbeumo

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Bryan Mbeumo

Manchester United have made a third bid for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo that could be worth up to £70m.

The offer is understood to be an initial £65m, with £5m in add-ons.

Brentford are yet to respond to the offer.

United have remained confident about getting Mbeumo and had been hopeful of adding the Cameroon international to Ruben Amorim’s squad before they head to the US on Tuesday for three pre-season games.

Although United have been strongly linked with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in recent days, it has always been the priority at Old Trafford to get the Mbeumo deal done in time for Amorim to work with him in the Chicago, where United will largely be based for their 13-day trip.

The 25-year-old scored 20 Premier League goals last season and a number of clubs were interested in him, including Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

However, Mbeumo’s preference was to join United.

Brentford’s other main goal threat, striker Yoane Wissa, is the subject of interest from Newcastle.

Last season Amorim repeatedly spoke about United’s failure to convert their chances.

Their 44 Premier League goals was their worst return in a domestic campaign since they were relegated in 1973-74.

United have signed forward Matheus Cunha and defender Diego Leon in the summer transfer window.

If the transfer goes through, it is likely to mean skipper Bruno Fernandes playing in a deeper role as Cunha is earmarked for one of the two inside forward slots behind a main striker that Amorim prefers.

It will also mean there is even less chance of the four forward players presently in first-team exile – Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony – being brought back into the fold.

United open their league season against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 17 August.

Credit: bbc

Liverpool close in on Ekitike in £70m-plus deal

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Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth more than £70m.

Multiple sources have indicated that Liverpool aim to have the transfer wrapped up by this weekend.

Newcastle have had a £70m offer for Ekitike rejected by Frankfurt, with Liverpool’s offer expected to surpass it.

Ekitike is open to joining the Premier League champions, who want to sign a central striker.

The 23-year-old scored 15 goals in 31 starts as Frankfurt finished third in the Bundesliga last term.

However, Ekitike is a provider as well as a scorer, with his eight assists ranking him within the top 6% among forwards for creating chances in Germany last season.

Ekitike registered 117 shots on goal in the Bundesliga last term – more than any other player. His expected goals figure of 21.6 was the league’s second highest.

Liverpool have also shown a major interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, but the Magpies are adamant the Swede is not for sale at any price.

Liverpool have signed midfielder Florian Wirtz in a potential British record £116m deal this summer and paid £40m and £30m respectively for full-backs Milos Kerkez wand Jeremie Frimpong.

Newcastle are expected to accelerate their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa within the next 24 hours after their own attempts to land Ekitike slowed.

Credit: bbc

Fuel Prices Shoot Up … As ‘Dumsor Levy’ Kicks In

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MAXWELL OFORI
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GOIL new fuel prices

Fuel prices at the pump have seen some hikes, depending on the company selling. The increase in prices has been attributed to the rollout of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Law, also known as the Dumsor Levy (D-Levy).

Shell

The government has begun the collection of GH₵1 per litre, which translates to GH₵4 per gallon tax, effective Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

Though the implementation was on June 16, 2025 it was postponed, with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) citing operational and technical readiness as reasons.

The government is expecting to generate GH₵5.7 billion annually from the D-Levy to support the energy sector.

RISE

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Ghana Oil (GOIL) sold petrol for GH₵12.07 and diesel for GH₵13.20. However, yesterday, the prices increased with petrol selling at GH₵12.88 and diesel at GH₵14.38.

CONTRAST

This increase is in contrast with assurances from the government that the introduction of the D-Levy would not affect fuel prices.

The government touted itself as intelligent and one with the acumen to be able to introduce a levy and still maintain prices.

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, on the floor of Parliament on June 3, 2025 refuted claims that the D-Levy would burden Ghanaians as it would lead to an increase in fuel prices.

“Mr Speaker, let me assure you that, unlike the previous administration, we (Mahama government) will use these funds (D-Levy) judiciously for the energy sector. And I tell you, we are determined to turn this sector around,” he said.

Fuel

The minister, who is the MP for Yapei/Kusaugu, continued that, “Mr Speaker, on this auspicious note, let me make it clear that irrespective of the GHC1, we are not going to see an increase in the pump price in the petroleum sector. It is only an intelligent government that can do this. It’s only a smart government. It’s only a government with acumen that can do this.”

THE D-LEVY

Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill, which is now law, has imposed a GHC1 tax on petroleum products.

The argument that supported the new tax was that the energy sector is saddled with debts that must be settled.

Further, the government intends to ensure no break in energy supply to Ghanaians and businesses.

IT IS BAD

Some Ghanaians, as well as the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), have opposed the D-Levy, arguing that if the E-Levy was bad, then the D-Levy is also bad.

The MP for Bantama, Francis Asenso Boakye, in a post on Facebook, has described the fuel tax as catastrophic.

According to him, the D-Levy is worse than the E-Levy the NDC in opposition demonised.

The former Minister for Roads and Highways, Asenso Boakye, in his post yesterday said, “This is the height of political deceit; a desperate bid for power that fed on populism and false promises.

“The Mahama administration knew the truth but chose to mislead the public, vilifying a better alternative (E-Levy) just to win votes, only to turn around and impose a heavier burden on the very people they (NDC) claimed to be fighting for. This is not leadership. It is betrayal.”

In contrast, the D-Levy, he explained, is a blanket tax on fuel with immediate and widespread implications.

“Now, the same Mahama-led NDC, barely six months into office, has slapped a blanket tax on fuel… with direct and harsh consequences for the average Ghanaian, rising transportation fares, food prices and inflation. It is a tax that hits everyone, everywhere — from market women to trotro drivers, farmers to students,” Asenso-Boakye wrote.

Child Custody Blues: Father Wants Baaba Sam Jailed

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Baaba Sam

A bitter child custody dispute between Kwadwo Adjei and his former partner, Karen Baaba Sam, has escalated into a legal showdown, with Kwadwo Adjei now seeking a custodial sentence against Baaba Sam for what he describes as “grave and repeated acts of wilful disobedience” of court orders.

In a motion filed earlier this month at the High Court, Kwadwo Adjei is requesting the committal of Karen Baaba Sam to prison, accusing her of flagrantly defying multiple rulings regarding the custody and welfare of their daughter (name withheld).

According to court documents obtained by The Chronicle, the FamilyTribunal had originally granted Kwadwo Adjei interim custody of the child in April 2024 with Baaba Sam receiving periodic access.

However, Kwadwo Adjei alleges that Baaba Sam repeatedly undermined the authority of the court, culminating in her refusal to return the child after Christmas holiday period that ended on January 4, 2025 – a move that reportedly kept the child out of school for nearly three months.

Karen Baaba Sam

The matter had previously led to a contempt conviction against Baaba in the case – The Republic v. Karen Baaba Sam (CR/0172/2025). Despite that ruling, Kwadwo Adjei claims Baaba Sam’s defiance has only intensified.

Most recently, the High Court on June 11, 2025 quashed a new interim custody order that had temporarily granted Baaba Sam primary care and restored custody to Kwadwo Adjei. He stated that in a direct challenge to this ruling, Baaba Sam unlawfully picked up the child from school the same day and has since gone into hiding with her.

In a sworn affidavit supporting his application, Kwadwo Adjei asserts that Baaba Sam, in collaboration with her partner, Albert Obimpeh Abedi, smuggled the child out of Ghana, aboard a Brussels Airlines flight on June 13, 2025 – in blatant violation of a court-imposed travel restriction and immigration stop list.

He provided photographic evidence and a copy of the flight manifest, which he says confirms their unauthorised departure from Kotoka International Airport.

“The Respondent has now twice flouted binding court orders, undermined judicial authority, violated the child’s right to education and repeatedly demonstrated that she has no intention of submitting to lawful processes,” Kwadwo Adjei stated in the affidavit.

He insists that Baaba Sam’s actions are not borne out of confusion or desperation, but are part of a “premeditated and contemptuous effort to thwart justice.”

Kwadwo Adjei concludes that only a custodial sentence can now uphold the authority of the court, serve as a deterrent to further violations, and protect the rule of law.

The motion is expected to be heard in the coming weeks.

Karen Baaba Sam has yet to respond publicly to the fresh allegations. Her legal team is believed to have filed applications for suspension of the High Court ruling and for a stay of execution, both submitted on June 12 and June 16, 2025 respectively.

EOCO Ordered To Probe Yamin, Frimpong Boateng Report

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SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Joseph Yamin, NDC National Organiser

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to launch full scale investigations into suspected galamsey activities involving two senior officials of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and others.

A letter dated 15th July, 2025 addressed to the Executive Director of EOCO, has mandated the agency to interrogate Mr. Yakubu Abanga, the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the NDC and Mr. Joseph Yamin, NDC National Organiser over their alleged roles in unauthorised mining activities.

The directive follows public concern and section of players in the mining industry. The Attorney-General’s directive emphasised that these activities, popularly known as galamsey, contravene the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.

He noted that aside violating mining regulations, galamsey operations severely harm Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies, forests and the livelihoods of rural communities.

“In line with this national stance and pursuant to your mandate under the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804), I am directing your Office to invite the following persons named in recent credible reports for interrogation, namely Mr. Yakubu Abanga and Mr. Joseph Yamin,” Dr. Ayine stated in the letter.

He further tasked EOCO to widen the scope of its investigation to include any other persons believed to be complicit in similar unlawful mining activities.

The Attorney-General also urged that the investigation incorporate findings from the much-publicised report by Professor Frimpong-Boateng on illegal mining.

Dr. Ayine reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s consistent stance against illegal mining, reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring order in the natural resource governance space.

“The President has consistently reiterated his government’s firm commitment to eradicating illegal mining and restoring sanity to the natural resource governance regime in Ghana,” he emphasised in the letter.

NPP Bigwigs Condemn Top-Down Flagbearer Election Plan

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Boakye Agyarko (L), Kennedy Agyapong (top right) and Patrick Yaw Boamah,

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing internal push-back over a proposed reform that would, for the first time, see the party elect its flagbearer before choosing national, regional and constituency executives.

This reversal of the party’s usual bottom-up electoral structure is being described by critics as a “top-down” approach and it is drawing strong opposition from some of the party’s most prominent members who are accusing certain elements of pursuing a self-seeking agenda.

It would be recalled that in June this, the NPP announced that it has fixed January 31, 2026 for the presidential primary for the 2028 election to precede national, regional and constituency elections. 

The decision was taken after the National Executive Committee of the party met on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The General Secretary of the party, Justin Frimpong Kodua, told the press after the meeting that the decision was subsequently endorsed by the party’s National Council.

The upcoming primaries are seen as a pivotal moment for the party, as it begins preparations for a potential return to government.

But, leading members of the party have condemned the approach.

Deputy Protocol Director of NPP

Kwabena Frimpong, the Deputy Protocol Director of the NPP, described the proposal as a betrayal of the party’s foundational values.

In an open letter dated May 16, 2025 he cautioned: “No one begins building a house by installing the roof before laying the foundation.”

Mr Frimpong insisted the party’s electoral strength lies in the traditional hierarchy, polling stations to national, and reversing this would “sideline the base” and encourage internal manipulation.

He further warned that “choosing a flagbearer before electing party executives could lead to favouritism and imposition, damaging transparency and unity.”

Organizationally reckless

Former Energy Minister, BoakyeAgyarko and flagbearer hopeful of the NPP minced no words in June when he described the proposed reform as “strategically unsound, politically indefensible, and organizationally reckless.”

He maintained that without strong party structures in place, selecting a flagbearer first is “a recipe for disaster.”

Fix the party before flagbearer talk

Patrick Yaw Boamah, MP for Okaikwei Central, told Channel One TV’s The Point of View on June 23 that the NPP must address internal cracks before launching into a flagbearer contest.

He said: “I am against this approach… We need to fix the party to make it attractive again. Those declaring to be flagbearers—what are we standing on?”

He stressed that personal ambitions must be secondary to party reorganization, discipline and credibility.

The lawmaker also argued that the top-down approach is not an antidote to addressing growing apathy within its grassroots.

“This will not only enhance ownership and legitimacy but also restore confidence in the democratic principles of the party,” he stated on Accra-based Citi FM.

Kennedy Agyapong

At the June 21 NPP Constituency Chairmen Conference, former Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, was blunt.

He said: “There is nothing wrong with the system that we have… It’s because we created monsters in the party. You bring it from the top again, we are going to create another monster.”

He argued that the party’s defeats were due to unchecked power at the top, and rushing into another top-heavy model would repeat the same mistakes.

The businessman and outspoken flagbearer hopeful firmly rejected the proposal.

According to Mr Agyapong, the party risks repeating its mistakes if it does not fix internal problems from the grassroots. He argues that the party risks staying in opposition for a longer time if the proposed amendment is allowed to stand.

“Our system from the polling station to the national level is sound. If we do not address these underlying problems, even the most qualified candidate will not secure us victory,” he said.

Reforms unpopular among grassroots

Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, a former government spokesperson, echoed the growing disapproval. Speaking to Citi Newsroom, he said the reforms were “unpopular among NPP grassroots” and risked weakening the party’s internal democracy.

No to top-down election proposal

Dr. Charles Dwamena, known within political circles as Dr. China and serving as the NPP National Treasurer, has also rejected the proposal: “It is an affront to the very architecture of participatory democracy that the NPP holds dear.”

He says the current electoral framework is meticulously constructed to reflect the party’s grassroots character.

“At the heart of it lies a multi-tiered electoral college composed of polling station executives, electoral area coordinators, constituency executives, regional executives, national executives, external branch leaders, and TESCON representatives. Each level of this pyramid is democratically elected from the one below it, creating a cascade of legitimacy that flows from the very base of the party’s structure.

“This isn’t just a process; it is a principle. To alter it is to amputate the very limb that gives the party its footing. Any attempt to begin the presidential selection from the apex instead of the base would demand the abandonment of the internal democratic ladder upon which the NPP’s flagbearers have historically ascended,” he said.

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