In a landmark 5-2 majority decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the delegate system is inconsistent with democratic principles and directed political parties to replace it with a more democratic electoral framework within one year.

Speaking on Almighty FM’s Morning Light programme on Thursday, Nana Egya Kwamena XI said the ruling should mark the beginning of a shift away from transactional politics towards national development.

“The Supreme Court has taken a bold decision that will strengthen our democracy. Political participation should not be about a few delegates benefiting during elections while the majority of Ghanaians are left behind,” he said.

The traditional leader called on party delegates across the country to invest in acquiring employable skills instead of depending on politicians for financial inducements and other favours during election seasons.

“Delegates must now focus on learning skills that will make them economically independent rather than waiting for politicians to distribute money and gifts whenever elections approach,” he stated.

Nana Egya Kwamena XI also urged political leaders to channel their resources into creating sustainable employment opportunities rather than spending heavily on delegates to secure political power.

“Our political leaders must be intentional about creating jobs that benefit everyone. When citizens have decent livelihoods, the politics of vote-buying and handouts will gradually disappear,” he added.

He expressed hope that the court’s ruling would encourage political parties to adopt more inclusive internal electoral processes while promoting accountability, fairness and equal participation in Ghana’s democratic governance.

Responding to the allegations, the MP maintained that the mining pits cited in the reports were excavated several years ago, long before the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration took office with H.E John Dramani Mahama as the president and Kofi Bentil as the MP for the people of Mpohor Fiase.

According to him, attempts to link him and the government to the alleged activities are politically motivated.

“Those pits were dug years ago before this government came into office. Some known NPP faithfuls are now trying to create the impression that this government and I are behind the illegal mining activities. That is simply not true,” he said.

Hon. Bentil disclosed that security agencies have stepped up efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the illegal mining operations, assuring residents that anyone found culpable would face the full rigours of the law.

He also challenged anyone with evidence linking him to illegal mining to make it public.

“If anyone can prove that I am engaged in illegal mining, I will vacate my seat as the Member of Parliament,” he stated.

Meanwhile, checks by Almighty News have confirmed that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested 19 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining at Mpohor Fiase on Thursday afternoon.

The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are yet to announce when they will be arraigned before court.

The Western Regional Manager of the NPRA, Mr. Ken Herbert Han, said workers should not leave their pension matters entirely in the hands of their employers but should periodically verify that contributions deducted from their salaries are paid into their pension accounts.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kojo Ennimil Arthur on Almighty FM’s Morning Show, Mr. Han noted that many workers only become concerned about their pensions when they are nearing retirement, a situation he described as unfortunate.

According to him, pension contributions are a legal obligation and a critical investment in every worker’s future, stressing that employees must make it a habit to monitor their contribution records to avoid unpleasant surprises after retirement.

“Workers must be intentional about their pensions. Don’t assume your employer is paying your contributions simply because deductions are made from your salary. Make it a point to verify your records regularly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NPRA has served notice that employers who fail to remit their workers’ pension contributions will face sanctions in accordance with the National Pensions Act.

The Authority’s Standards and Compliance Manager, Mr. Seth Sackey, warned that the NPRA would not hesitate to enforce the law against defaulting employers, insisting that pension contributions are statutory obligations and not optional payments.

He explained that employers who delay or fail to remit contributions not only violate the law but also jeopardise the retirement security of their employees.

“Employers who fail to pay their workers’ pension contributions are breaching the law and will be dealt with accordingly. We will continue to enforce compliance to protect the pensions of Ghanaian workers,” Mr. Sackey warned.

The NPRA continues to encourage both employers and employees to comply with the country’s pension regulations to ensure a secure and sustainable retirement system for all Ghanaian workers.

The directive forms part of a broader strategy by the Assembly to improve road safety, enhance transport services, and strengthen collaboration with transport stakeholders to promote orderly and safe transportation across the municipality.

The announcement was made during a stakeholder engagement held on Thursday at Agona Nkwanta between the Assembly and members of the Pragia Owners and Drivers Association as well as the Aboboyaa Riders Association in Ahanta West.

Addressing the gathering, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Adu, stressed that only riders with a valid Class “A” driver’s licence will be permitted to operate Pragia and Aboboyaa tricycles within the municipality.

He further emphasized that persons below the age of 18 are prohibited from riding either Pragia or Aboboyaa anywhere in the municipality, in line with existing road traffic regulations.

The MCE also announced that all qualified operators must obtain and display the Assembly’s official sticker on their tricycles as proof that they are legally registered and operating under the municipality’s regulatory framework which is their bye-law.

Hon. Ing. Adu reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to working closely with transport operators to address challenges confronting the sector while ensuring the safety of commuters and other road users.

He urged all riders and transport operators to comply fully with the new measures, stressing that the Assembly will strictly enforce the regulations in the interest of public safety and orderly transport operations in the municipality.

At a press conference, the group alleged that the directives issued by the General Secretary ahead of the constituency elections contributed to widespread confusion, violence and dissatisfaction among party delegates.

According to the group, a directive from the Office of the General Secretary indicating that the party would not provide transportation, food, drinks or water for delegates attending the elections reflected what it described as a disregard for the party’s grassroots supporters.

“This is an insult to the very people who are the foundation of the NPP. These delegates sacrifice their time, money and energy to build the party at the polling station level. To ask them to ‘arrive, vote and leave’ without even water under this sun is wicked, inhumane and anti-grassroots,” the group stated.

The group argued that delegates form the backbone of the NPP and should not bear the burden of the party’s financial challenges.

It further blamed the General Secretary for what it described as poor planning and inadequate logistical arrangements that allegedly resulted in violence and disturbances during some of the constituency executive elections.

“The constituency elections were marred by violence, confusion and avoidable confrontations in several constituencies across the country. Reports of thuggery, invasion of polling centres and arrests are a direct result of poor planning and lack of adequate security and logistical support,” the statement said.

The group maintained that, as the party’s chief administrator, Mr. Frimpong bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring peaceful, transparent and well-organized internal elections.

Another issue raised by the pressure group relates to the party’s financial management. It questioned what it described as inconsistencies between claims that the NPP is facing severe financial constraints and previous instances in which the General Secretary reportedly supported aspirants with nomination fees.

“Where did that money come from if the Party is broke? Why can one man find money for aspirants, but the Party he leads cannot find money for delegates? This contradiction raises serious questions about priorities, transparency and who the Party truly serves,” the group asserted.

The Grassroots Alliance for Victory 2028 said the developments have eroded the confidence of many grassroots supporters and insisted that new leadership is needed to restore trust within the party.

The group also called on the NPP’s National Council to intervene by providing logistical support for delegates in the remaining constituency elections, conducting an independent audit into the party’s finances and election logistics, and implementing measures to prevent similar challenges in future internal elections.

“The NPP belongs to the polling station executive, the electoral area coordinator and the delegate in the village. We will not sit and watch the Party be run aground. The grassroots are angry, the grassroots are watching, and the grassroots demand better,” the statement concluded.

The leadership of the NPP has yet to publicly respond to the allegations and the demand for the General Secretary’s resignation.

The beneficiaries received a range of items, including deep freezers, fufu pounding machines, industrial sewing machines, laptops, as well as cash support to enable them to establish or expand income-generating ventures.

Presenting the items, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul Majeed Dorkurugu Nassam, said the intervention forms part of the Assembly’s commitment to implementing the government’s social protection agenda for Persons with Disabilities.

According to him, the distribution represents the second tranche of support for 2025, aimed at equipping beneficiaries with the resources needed to become economically self-reliant.

“This support is intended to empower Persons with Disabilities to create sustainable sources of income and improve their standard of living. It is part of government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the national development process,” Hon. Dorkurugu Nassam said.

He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to promoting inclusive development and ensuring that Persons with Disabilities receive the necessary support to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

The Presiding Member of the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly who is also the Assembly Member for Sofon Zongo Electoral Area, Musah Adamu, urged beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment and safeguard the items to achieve the intended impact.

“These items have been provided to help you become financially independent. We encourage you to use them responsibly because the Assembly will monitor their utilization to ensure they serve the purpose for which they were distributed,” he stated.

Musa Adamu stressed that EKMA remains committed to inclusion, empowerment and equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, adding that the Assembly will continue to invest in programs that improve their socio-economic well-being.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke after receiving the support, expressed appreciation to the Assembly and the government, describing the intervention as timely.

They said the equipment and financial assistance would enable them to start or expand their businesses, generate sustainable incomes and better cater for themselves and their families.

The initiative forms part of EKMA’s broader strategy to promote social inclusion, reduce poverty and empower Persons with Disabilities through sustainable livelihood interventions.

According to the DCE, the new law will provide Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with a practical legal framework to address sanitation challenges more effectively by requiring offenders to undertake community service rather than evade accountability.

Hon. Dentu expressed confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to improving sanitation nationwide, stating that the implementation of the bill would complement the government’s broader agenda of ensuring cleaner and healthier communities across the country.

He made the remarks at Inchaban in the Shama District during activities to mark the National Sanitation Day programme.

The DCE noted that indiscriminate littering and other environmentally harmful practices have long undermined sanitation efforts, adding that the Community Service Bill offers Assemblies a stronger enforcement mechanism to encourage compliance with sanitation regulations.

Also addressing participants, the Shama District Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Kudo, welcomed the passage of the bill, describing it as a timely intervention that will strengthen efforts to combat poor sanitation and instill greater environmental responsibility among residents.

He expressed optimism that the legislation would support Environmental Health Officers and other stakeholders in promoting proper waste management and improving public hygiene within communities.

Both officials believe the successful implementation of the Community Service Bill will significantly enhance sanitation standards in the Shama District and across Ghana, while fostering a stronger culture of environmental stewardship among citizens.

He made this call on Friday while overseeing the ongoing two-day National Sanitation Day activities across Sekondi-Takoradi in the Western Region.

This nationwide effort, aimed at improving waste management and promoting environmental cleanliness, brought together security agencies, local authorities, sanitation workers, and community groups to clear clogged drains, sweep streets, and remove heaps of trash from public areas.

The exercise started around 7:40 a.m. at Sekondi Komfoase, where personnel from the Western Naval Command, Sekondi District Police Command, the Ghana National Fire Service, and other security agencies, with logistical support from Zoomlion Ghana Limited, carried out an extensive clean-up effort.

During nearly three hours, the teams desilted and washed several heavily clogged drains while clearing waste from major streets and other public spaces within Sekondi.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting activities at various sites, Mr. Nelson emphasized that environmental cleanliness should not be limited to occasional cleanup campaigns but must become a daily responsibility for every Ghanaian.

He pointed out that while periodic efforts are useful, lasting improvements can only be achieved through ongoing public commitment, increased education, and strict enforcement of sanitation laws.

The Regional Minister also called for harsher penalties for those who dispose of waste irresponsibly, arguing that offenders must be held accountable for actions that threaten public health and environmental safety.

“We cannot keep organizing cleanup efforts while people continue to litter without facing consequences. Those who violate our sanitation laws must be sanctioned. We need stronger enforcement alongside ongoing public education to change attitudes towards cleanliness,” he stated.

Mr. Nelson further urged residents to develop good waste-disposal habits and support the District Assembly’s authorities’ initiatives to keep communities clean.

Meanwhile, the Flag Officer Commanding of the Western Naval Command, Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, reaffirmed the Navy’s support for efforts that promote environmental sanitation.

He urged residents to see cleanliness as a civic duty, stressing that maintaining a clean environment is crucial for public health and sustainable growth.

The National Sanitation Day effort is part of the government’s renewed push to improve sanitation standards and inspire collective action towards building cleaner, healthier communities across the country.

According to him, the activities of illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey, have led to the destruction and pollution of several rivers and streams that serve as major sources of drinking water for many communities.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Almighty News Desk, Nana Poku Bosompim stressed the need for stronger collaboration among traditional authorities, local communities and state institutions to effectively combat the menace.

“The recent trend we are witnessing is largely being driven by foreign nationals who have infiltrated the region to engage in illegal mining. Their activities are causing extensive destruction to our forests and polluting our water bodies, which should be a source of life for our people,” he said.

The Regional Director appealed to chiefs, queen mothers and community elders to support the Forestry Commission by protecting their lands and refusing to offer sanctuary to illegal miners.

“Traditional leaders have a critical role to play. We need chiefs and elders to work closely with us by denying illegal miners access to their lands and by providing timely information that will help us enforce the law,” he appealed.

He also criticised some residents living near rivers and forest reserves for allegedly allowing foreign nationals to settle in their communities and use their lands for illegal mining operations.

“Some community members are facilitating these activities by leasing or giving out land to foreigners for illegal mining. We must all take responsibility because protecting our environment is a shared duty,” Nana Poku Bosompim stated.

The Forestry Commission Director further called on the security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement operations to dismantle illegal mining networks operating in the region.

“The fight against galamsey cannot be won by the Forestry Commission alone. It requires a coordinated effort involving the security agencies, traditional authorities, local assemblies and every Ghanaian who values our natural resources,” he added.

He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s forest reserves and water bodies, urging all stakeholders to work together to eliminate illegal mining and preserve the environment for future generations.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the state-owned gas company said publications alleging that the current management purchased the property located at No. 225 Osibisa Close, Airport West, Accra, were inaccurate and should be disregarded.

According to the company, the property in question was acquired under a previous administration and not by the current management.

“Ghana Gas wishes to state unequivocally that the current Management had no role whatsoever in the acquisition of the said property. The property was acquired under the previous administration and was subsequently the subject of adverse findings contained in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report,” the statement said.

The company further disclosed that the transaction is already under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office and other relevant state investigative agencies.

Ghana Gas said it is fully cooperating with investigators and remains confident that the outcome of the investigations will exonerate the current management from any wrongdoing.

“Ghana Gas remains fully committed to cooperating with these investigations and is confident that the facts will establish that the current Management had no involvement in the acquisition of the property,” the statement noted.

The company also appealed to media organisations and the general public to verify information before publishing or circulating reports on the matter.

“We therefore urge the media and the general public to disregard these false and misleading publications and to verify facts before circulating or publishing such claims,” the company stressed.

Reaffirming its commitment to good corporate governance, Ghana Gas said it remains dedicated to transparency, accountability and the prudent management of public resources.

“Ghana Gas remains steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, good corporate governance, and the prudent management of public resources,” the statement concluded.

The statement was signed by Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, Head of Corporate Affairs of Ghana National Gas Limited Company.