GHANA TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT 65TH NAM ANNIVERSARY

Serbian President Vučić extends special invitation — Ablakwa engages Serbian Ambassador on preparations

ACCRA, AUGUST 28, 2026: President John Dramani Mahama is set to attend the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Belgrade, Serbia, following a special invitation extended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

The landmark gathering is scheduled for August 31 to September 1, 2026, in Belgrade — the historic birthplace of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The development assumes particular diplomatic significance for Ghana, as the country’s founder, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was among the visionary leaders who played a foundational role in establishing the movement.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed the development after holding what he described as a fruitful meeting with the Serbian Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Milutin Stanojevic, during which preparations for the extraordinary summit were discussed.

GHANA’S HISTORIC ROLE

According to the Foreign Minister, President Mahama will attend the anniversary celebrations as Special Guest of Honour, reflecting Ghana’s historic contribution to the Non-Aligned Movement.

The NAM was formally established in Belgrade on September 1, 1961, in the then Yugoslavia, bringing together newly independent and developing nations seeking an independent path in international affairs during the Cold War.

Among the prominent founding leaders were Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indonesian President Sukarno.

NKURMAH’S LEGACY LIVES ON

Minister Ablakwa noted that, 65 years after the movement’s establishment, its foundational principles remain highly relevant to the contemporary international system.

He highlighted the principles of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in domestic affairs, equality, nuclear disarmament and peaceful coexistence as ideals that continue to be needed in today’s world.

The Minister stressed that Ghana remains committed to preserving and upholding the principles of Non-Alignment as championed by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

“WE FACE FORWARD”

In underscoring Ghana’s enduring commitment to the philosophy of Non-Alignment, the Foreign Minister recalled one of Dr. Nkrumah’s most enduring declarations:

“We face neither East nor West; We face forward.”

The statement, which became synonymous with Ghana’s independent foreign policy outlook under Nkrumah, continues to resonate with the country’s approach to international diplomacy.

DIPLOMATIC SIGNIFICANCE

President Mahama’s participation in the Belgrade commemoration is expected to provide Ghana with an important platform to reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism, sovereignty, peaceful coexistence and international cooperation.

It will also provide an opportunity for Ghana to reconnect with the historical foundations of a movement in which the country played a significant role from its inception.

For Ghana, the 65th anniversary is therefore not merely a commemoration of an international organisation’s history, but also a reaffirmation of the country’s place in the diplomatic tradition established by its first President and founding leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

“Ghana will continue to cherish, hold dear and diligently abide by the enduring principles of Non-Alignment as espoused by our founder, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” Minister Ablakwa affirmed.

GHANA SEEKS CHILE’S BACKING FOR UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL RE-ELECTION

Ambassador Namoale takes Ghana’s human rights campaign to Santiago

By Seth Addi

Ghana has intensified its diplomatic campaign to secure international support for its bid to continue contributing to the work of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with Ambassador to Brazil, H.E. Nii Amasah Namoale, Esq., engaging Chile on the country’s re-election bid.

Ambassador Namoale paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Issa Kort, in Brasília, where the two diplomats discussed Ghana’s human rights record, multilateral cooperation and the need for stronger collaboration between the two countries.

The engagement formed part of Ghana’s broader diplomatic outreach aimed at rallying support for its continued presence on the UN Human Rights Council.

During the meeting, Ambassador Namoale highlighted Ghana’s longstanding commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, democratic governance, the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

He stressed Ghana’s position that the Human Rights Council must remain a credible, effective and impartial platform for advancing universal human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Ambassador Namoale subsequently appealed to Chile to support Ghana’s re-election, while emphasising the importance of sustained cooperation between Ghana and Chile within the multilateral system.

Deepening Ghana-Chile relations

Beyond the immediate objective of Ghana’s Human Rights Council campaign, the diplomatic engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to reinforce the cordial relations between Ghana and Chile.

The two countries also explored prospects for deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly within international institutions where coordinated positions can contribute to addressing emerging global challenges.

Ambassador Namoale’s outreach underscores Ghana’s determination to strengthen its voice within the international human-rights architecture and maintain an active role in shaping global responses to human-rights concerns.

Ghana’s campaign is anchored on the country’s belief that respect for human dignity, democratic values, peaceful cooperation and multilateral diplomacy must remain central to international relations.

The engagement with Chile therefore represents another step in Ghana’s efforts to build international consensus around its Human Rights Council ambitions and reaffirm its commitment to the protection of fundamental freedoms across the world.

Ghana’s message

Ghana’s diplomatic message remains clear: principled diplomacy, respect for human dignity and multilateral cooperation will continue to guide the country’s engagement with the international community.

The outreach to Chile is expected to further strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic ties in Latin America while advancing its broader campaign for continued participation in the UN Human Rights Council.

MAHAMA DEMOTES PELPUO, BROGYA GENFI

—President shakes up Government, Labour Ministry gets new boss

Story: Seth Addi

President John Dramani Mahama has effected fresh changes to his government, with Hon. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo and Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi receiving new assignments in a move that has triggered widespread political interest.

The changes, announced by the Presidency yesterday, see Hon. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo moved from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Job Creation to serve as Minister of State for Special Initiatives.

His position as Minister for Labour, Employment and Job Creation will now be occupied by Hon. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum.

In another major change, Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, has been reassigned to the Presidency as Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness.

The two reassignments take immediate effect, according to a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.

PELPUO MOVED FROM LABOUR MINISTRY

The reassignment of Hon. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo represents a significant change in the composition of President Mahama’s ministerial team.

Mr Pelpuo, who had been responsible for the Labour, Employment and Job Creation portfolio, will now take charge of Special Initiatives as a Minister of State.

His replacement, Hon. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, is expected to assume responsibility for the government’s programmes and policies relating to labour, employment and job creation.

The Presidency gave no specific reasons for the reassignment of the two ministers.

BROGYA GENFI OUT OF DEFENCE

Also attracting attention is the movement of Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi from the Defence Ministry.

The former Deputy Minister for Defence has been reassigned as Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness.

His new role places him directly within the Presidency, where he is expected to advise on issues concerning national resilience and the country’s preparedness and response to emergencies.

MAHAMA CONTINUES GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURING

The latest changes come as President Mahama continues to adjust his administration and deploy members of his government to positions he considers strategically important.

Although the Presidency described the decisions as “reassignments,” the movement of Pelpuo from a substantive sector ministry and Brogya Genfi from the Defence Ministry is likely to fuel discussions within political circles over the President’s evolving governmental structure.

The Presidency, however, provided no further explanation beyond announcing the changes.

The new appointments and reassignments are effective immediately.

DAVID KWAO VOWS TO BUILD NDC UK/IRELAND AN EDIFICE

Chairman hopeful promises party-owned events centre, stronger welfare system for members

A leading aspirant for the Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) UK/Ireland Chapter, Mr David Kwao, has made an ambitious commitment to secure a permanent edifice for the chapter if elected to lead the party.

Mr Kwao says the proposed party-owned facility will serve as a meeting, conference and events centre for the NDC, while also generating sustainable income for the chapter through commercial rentals.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on MyView Show, aired on TodayGhanaNews TV on Monday, the chairman hopeful said acquiring a permanent property for the chapter would be one of the key priorities of his administration.

According to him, the project would provide the NDC UK/Ireland Chapter with a permanent home for its activities and reduce the party’s reliance on hired venues for meetings, conferences and other programmes.

‘WE WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN’

Mr Kwao expressed confidence that, working with elected executives and party members, his administration would lay the foundation and ensure that the long-standing vision of owning an NDC edifice in the UK becomes a reality before the end of his tenure.

He said the proposed facility could also be made available to event organisers for conferences, social gatherings and other programmes, creating a revenue-generating asset for the party.

“This is a vision that, together with the elected executives, we will work to make a reality before our tenure comes to an end,” he said.

He believes that owning a property would not only give the chapter a stronger institutional identity but also provide a long-term financial resource capable of supporting party activities.

WELFARE AT THE CENTRE

Beyond infrastructure development, Mr Kwao said the welfare of NDC members would be at the heart of his administration.

He pledged to work with branch executives to strengthen welfare systems and ensure that party members receive the necessary support when they face difficult circumstances.

According to him, the welfare of members should not be treated as an afterthought, insisting that a strong political organisation must also care for the people who dedicate their time, resources and energy to its activities.

He therefore promised to encourage all branch executives within the UK/Ireland Chapter to place the welfare of their members high on their agenda.

APPEAL TO DELEGATES

Mr Kwao has subsequently appealed to delegates to carefully consider his track record, commitment and standing within the NDC and the UK/Ireland Chapter before casting their ballots.

He urged delegates to support his candidature and give him the mandate to lead the chapter as chairman.

He said his campaign was anchored on vision, development, welfare and building a stronger institutional foundation for the NDC UK/Ireland Chapter.

Mr Kwao maintained that with the collective support of delegates, party executives and members, the chapter could build sustainable structures that would benefit both the present and future generations of NDC members in the UK and Ireland.

GHANA CUTS DEBT SERVICING BURDEN TO BELOW 20% — ATO FORSON

Finance Minister says major fiscal gains freeing resources for development

Story: Seth Addi

Ghana has significantly reduced the proportion of its national revenue used to service public debt, with the country now spending less than 20 per cent of its revenue on debt servicing, Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced.

According to the Minister, the latest development represents a major improvement in Ghana’s fiscal position and provides greater room for government to channel resources into critical sectors of the economy.

Dr. Ato Forson said that in the past, more than 50 per cent of Ghana’s national revenue was consumed by debt servicing, leaving limited resources available for essential public investments.

He explained that the high debt-servicing burden had placed considerable pressure on the national budget, affecting the government’s ability to adequately finance schools, hospitals, roads and other critical infrastructure.

“Today, I am proud to say that we have made significant progress. We now spend less than 20 percent of our revenue on servicing debt!” the Minister stated.

The reduction, he said, marks a significant shift in Ghana’s fiscal management and could create more fiscal space for government to pursue development programmes and address the needs of citizens.

The Minister’s comments highlight government’s efforts to restore fiscal stability and reduce the pressure that debt obligations have historically placed on public finances.

With debt servicing consuming a smaller share of government revenue, the Finance Ministry is expected to have greater flexibility in allocating resources to priority sectors while maintaining efforts to strengthen the country’s economic recovery.

FROM OVER 50% TO BELOW 20%

THEN: More than half of national revenue went into debt servicing.

NOW: Less than one-fifth of national revenue is reportedly being used to service debt.

IMPACT: More fiscal space for schools, hospitals, roads and other essential infrastructure.

GOVERNMENT INAUGURATES NEGOTIATIONS TEAM FOR VALCO MODERNISATION

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has today, August 21,2026 inaugurated the government’s Negotiations Team for the modernisation of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO).

The team has been tasked to lead discussions and negotiate definitive terms of engagement with the strategic partner or investor for the retooling, expansion and long-term sustainability of VALCO as part of Ghana’s Integrated Aluminium Industry agenda.

Inaugurating the team, the Sector Minister emphasised Government’s commitment to revamping VALCO to make it efficient, profitable and globally competitive, while protecting the strategic national interest in the aluminium value chain.

He charged members of the committee to be transparent, diligent and to ensure value for money, noting that VALCO remains a critical national asset that must not be allowed to collapse.

The negotiations are expected to focus on the technical capacity, financial strength, experience in smelter operations, and commitment of the prospective investor to long-term investment in the aluminium sector.

This move comes at a time when VALCO is facing severe operational challenges, with active cells dropping from 127 in 2025 to about 90 as of August 2026 due to aging equipment and power and supply chain constraints.

Members of the Negotiations Team include representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Ministry of Finance, Attorney-General’s Department, and the Chief Executive Officer of VALCO.

The Ministry has assured workers, stakeholders and the general public that Government will not privatise VALCO outright but will bring on board a credible partner to modernise the plant and secure jobs.

BACKGROUND

The Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) was established in 1964 as part of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s vision to use power from the Akosombo Dam to drive an integrated aluminium industry in Ghana.

The smelter, located in Tema, was designed to operate over 200 pots with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum. At its peak, it was a major industrial employer and foreign exchange earner.

In 2008, Government of Ghana acquired 100% shares of VALCO after Kaiser Aluminium exited. Since then, the plant has struggled with inconsistent and expensive power, aging rectifiers and carbon plant equipment, and lack of capital for retooling.

The process to find a strategic investor is not new. It follows a longstanding policy direction which dates to 2022 when Cabinet approved GIADEC and its subsidiary VALCO’s request for approval to secure a strategic equity investor for the modernisation project. 

In the same year, an independent comprehensive technical and financial assessment conducted by KPMG in 2022 recommended equity investment as the most commercially viable option for reviving the smelter. 9194

In 2025, a 12-member cross-sectoral committee, comprising representatives from VALCO, GIADEC, Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources, Energy & Green Transition, Finance, and Trade, was inaugurated to evaluate proposals* from interested entities. 

The committee was inaugurated in November 2025 by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and submitted its options analysis report on January 7, 2026.

In 2018, Government established GIADEC to lead the development of the full bauxite to aluminium value chain, with VALCO as the anchor smelter. GIADEC has reiterated that Government has no intention to sell VALCO, but will cede a portion of its equity to a strategic investor in exchange for capital injection and retooling.

VANDERPUYE APOLOGISES TO SAMMY GYAMFI, NDC

“I Take Full Responsibility For My Comments”

By Seth Addi

National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman hopeful, Hon. Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has rendered an unreserved apology to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, the leadership and grassroots of the NDC over comments he made during a television discussion on Citi TV.

Mr. Vanderpuye, in a statement issued following the controversy generated by his remarks, said he had listened carefully to his own presentation and reflected on the discussion, leading him to acknowledge that he failed to communicate his intended position appropriately.

“I take full responsibility for that,” he stated.

The former Member of Parliament stressed that he never intended to undermine or condemn Sammy Gyamfi or support attacks being levelled against him and GoldBod by the political opposition.

According to him, his political record, convictions and commitment to the NDC would not permit him to knowingly strengthen the hands of the party’s opponents against one of its own.

He explained that his intention during the discussion was, in fact, to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of Sammy Gyamfi.

“Unfortunately, in reacting to the sustained propaganda and attacks surrounding the matter, I expressed myself in a way that created a completely different impression,” he admitted.

He described the situation as an “error of judgement and communication”, for which he expressed his sincere regret.

Apology to Sammy Gyamfi

Mr. Vanderpuye offered a specific apology to Sammy Gyamfi, describing him as a dedicated member of the NDC who had served the party with courage and commitment over the years.

He said Mr. Gyamfi deserved the support of party members as he undertook what he described as one of the most important national responsibilities entrusted to him.

“Whatever observations I may have had should never have been expressed in a manner capable of being interpreted as validating the attacks of our political opponents against him,” he said.

Grassroots Also Apologised To

The former MP also extended his apology to the leadership, members and, particularly, the grassroots of the NDC who may have been disappointed or hurt by his comments.

He acknowledged that at a time when NDC members and institutions led by party appointees were facing political attacks, members expected leaders and those seeking higher positions within the party to demonstrate solidarity, sound judgement and loyalty.

Mr. Vanderpuye maintained that he had spent a significant part of his political life standing and fighting for the NDC, including through difficult personal and political circumstances.

He therefore sought to reassure party members that his commitment to the party remained absolute.

“The NDC is my political home, and my loyalty and commitment to its cause remain unwavering,” he declared.

The apology comes as Mr. Vanderpuye seeks to position himself for the position of National Chairman of the NDC, with the party’s internal contest expected to attract considerable attention from the rank and file

NDC IS LOSING ITS COMRADESHIP” — FOYO GBANDE

Deputy General Secretary warns against factionalism, internal destruction

Story: Seth Addi

The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Foyo M. Gbande, has issued a stark warning over what he says is the growing loss of comradeship and family bonds within the party.

He believes relationships that previously served as the foundation of unity among NDC members are gradually being replaced by personal interests, factional loyalties and efforts to bring fellow comrades down.

According to Mr. Gbande, the situation constitutes one of the major threats confronting the NDC and the government going into the future.

He cautioned party members against allowing individual interests and cliques to undermine the collective strength of the party.

“This is the danger ahead of the NDC”

Mr. Gbande said the NDC could face serious challenges if members continue to prioritise personal interests over the unity and survival of the party.

His remarks have sparked attention among party faithful, particularly over the need to strengthen internal cohesion and rebuild trust among members.

He stressed that the NDC’s strength has historically been rooted in its sense of comradeship and shared political purpose, warning that the gradual erosion of that bond should not be taken lightly.

Isabella Diateson engages Internal Audit Agency Director-General

Story: Seth Addi

The Deputy Secretary of the NDC UK/Ireland Chapter, Mrs. Isabelle Peace Diateson, has paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, Hon. Conrad Dumbah, as part of efforts to strengthen engagements on good governance, accountability and responsible leadership.

Mrs. Diateson, who is also contesting to become the first female Secretary of the NDC UK/Ireland Chapter, used the visit to engage the Director-General on matters of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on institutional collaboration, transparency and effective public sector governance.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on issues considered critical to strengthening accountability and promoting efficient and transparent governance within the public sector.

Mrs. Diateson expressed her appreciation to Hon. Conrad Dumbah for the warm reception and insightful discussions during the visit.

She said she looked forward to continued engagement and collaboration in advancing the values of good governance, accountability, transparency and responsible leadership.

Her visit comes as Mrs. Diateson continues her campaign to make history as the first woman to occupy the substantive position of Secretary of the NDC UK/Ireland Chapter.

Her bid has increasingly positioned her as a strong advocate for inclusive leadership and greater participation of women in decision-making within the party’s diaspora structures.

Mrs. Diateson’s engagement with the Internal Audit Agency Director-General also highlights her stated commitment to governance principles that extend beyond partisan politics, particularly accountability, institutional effectiveness and responsible leadership.

H.E. SABAH ZITA BENSON LEADS PUSH TO DEEPEN GHANA–ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES TIES

High Commissioners explore new cooperation in tourism, agriculture, education and blue economy

Ghana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and commitment to deepening bilateral relations following a high-level diplomatic meeting in London.

The Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, H.E. Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, on Monday, August 17, 2026, received her Vincentian and Grenadines counterpart, H.E. Brereton Horne, at the Ghana High Commission in London.

The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in key areas including the blue economy, tourism, education and agriculture, while exploring ways to revitalise existing bilateral agreements and strengthen institutional collaboration.

Both High Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to regular diplomatic engagement, stronger people-to-people ties and practical initiatives that would deliver tangible benefits to citizens of both countries.

They also expressed their readiness to build on the enduring friendship and solidarity between Ghana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with renewed cooperation expected to open new opportunities across several strategic sectors.