Ghana’s Vice President Is a National Leader: POWA Rejects Gender-Specific Expectations

The Progressive Organisation for Women’s Advancement (POWA) is concerned about the growing tendency to subject the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to disproportionate criticism on issues concerning women and girls, as though her gender made her personally responsible for every challenge affecting them.

While POWA firmly believes that the protection of women’s and girls’ rights must remain a national priority, we reject the notion that being Ghana’s first female Vice President should confine her leadership to gender-related issues or make her the default respondent to every incident involving women and girls.

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is the Vice President of Ghana, not merely the Vice President for women and girls. Her role must be understood within the broader responsibilities of national governance, including economic transformation, education, institutional development, social protection, international relations, and other matters of national importance. She must be recognised and assessed as a national leader.

Her historic achievement should broaden the horizons of women’s leadership, not limit the scope of her responsibilities. It would be contradictory to celebrate that achievement while expecting her public identity and leadership to revolve exclusively around women’s issues. Women must be recognised as capable of leading across all sectors of national life, without being confined to matters traditionally associated with their gender.

POWA acknowledges that women in leadership play an important role in advancing gender equality and protecting vulnerable groups. However, this responsibility must be exercised within the broader framework of institutional mandates, collective governance and the rule of law. A woman’s attainment of high political office must not create additional expectations that would not ordinarily be imposed on her male counterparts.

Ghana has established institutions with specific mandates to address challenges affecting women, children and vulnerable persons. These include the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service; the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ); and the courts. These institutions must be empowered, adequately resourced and held accountable for the effective discharge of their responsibilities.

The Vice President can provide leadership, support policy reforms, promote institutional coordination and advocate for stronger protection for women and girls. However, she cannot and should not be expected to replace the institutions constitutionally and legally mandated to investigate complaints, protect victims, enforce the law and administer justice. Institutional responsibility must be respected.

POWA therefore urges the public and political actors to distinguish between the legitimate expectation that national leaders should care about women’s rights and the unreasonable demand that a single individual must personally account for every incident affecting women and girls.

Accountability should be evidence-based and proportionate to the responsibilities of the office concerned. The Vice President must remain open to legitimate scrutiny, as must every public official. Nevertheless, it is neither fair nor progressive to impose gender-specific expectations on her simply because she is the first woman to occupy the office.

POWA reiterates that the welfare of women and girls is a shared national responsibility involving government, Parliament, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, civil society, traditional authorities, families and communities.

We call on all political parties to place the protection and advancement of women above partisan consideration and to promote a political culture in which women leaders are assessed fairly, institutions are held accountable, and public debate contributes meaningfully to national development.

Signed:

Victoria Lakshmi Hamah, PhD
Founder & President – POWA

GHANA’S BRICS MOVE A MASTERSTROkE

-NDC ProForum Russia President

By: Seth Addi

Ghana’s decision to pursue closer ties with the BRICS bloc has been described as a strategic and forward-looking move capable of opening new economic opportunities, strengthening the country’s international influence and accelerating its industrial transformation.
The President of NDC ProForum Russia, Mr Micah Y.B. Zing, has hailed the move as a smart diplomatic and economic decision, arguing that Ghana stands to benefit significantly from deeper engagement with some of the world’s major emerging economies.
According to him, Ghana’s relationship with BRICS should not be viewed solely in terms of what the country hopes to gain from the grouping, but also in terms of the strategic value Ghana itself brings to the alliance, particularly through its geographical position and influence in West Africa.
Mr Zing made these observations during an appearance on MyView Show on TodayGhanaNews TV, hosted by Dr Albert Allan Dakyie, where he discussed the potential benefits of Ghana’s engagement with the BRICS countries and the opportunities such cooperation could create for the national economy.
His comments have added to the debate about how Ghana can use international partnerships to expand its economic opportunities, attract investment and reduce its dependence on traditional sources of trade, finance and industrial technology.
GHANA HAS MUCH TO GAIN
Mr Zing believes that closer engagement with BRICS could provide Ghana with a valuable opportunity to strengthen its economic position at a time when the country is seeking sustainable growth, job creation and a stronger productive sector.
He pointed to Ghana’s existing diplomatic and economic relationships with key BRICS countries, particularly China, Russia, India and Brazil, as a solid foundation upon which the country could build mutually beneficial partnerships.
These relationships, he suggested, could be leveraged to attract investment, promote trade and facilitate the transfer of industrial knowledge and technology to Ghana.
For a country seeking to expand local production, create employment for its growing youth population and reduce its reliance on imported finished goods, the opportunity to deepen cooperation with major emerging economies could prove significant.
Mr Zing’s position is that Ghana must approach the relationship with a clear national development agenda, ensuring that diplomatic engagement translates into tangible benefits for businesses, workers, farmers and the wider population.
INDUSTRIALISATION AT THE HEART OF THE BRICS OPPORTUNITY
One of the major benefits Mr Zing expects Ghana to pursue through stronger BRICS cooperation is the attraction of industrial capacity to the country.
He believes Ghana should use the opportunity to encourage companies and investors from BRICS countries to establish manufacturing facilities, expand existing businesses and support the development of local industries.
Such investments could help Ghana move beyond exporting raw materials and importing finished products, a pattern that has long limited the country’s ability to retain greater value from its natural resources.
With the right partnerships, Ghana could seek cooperation in areas such as agro-processing, machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles, construction materials, renewable energy equipment and other manufacturing activities.
These are potential areas for collaboration rather than confirmed investment commitments, but they illustrate the kinds of opportunities that a carefully negotiated partnership could create.
Industrial investment could also generate employment, improve technical skills, support local suppliers and expand the tax base, provided the projects are commercially viable and designed to deliver meaningful benefits to the Ghanaian economy.
Mr Zing’s argument, therefore, places industrial development at the centre of the BRICS opportunity, rather than treating international membership or diplomatic recognition as ends in themselves.
GHANA’S STRATEGIC VALUE TO BRICS
Beyond the benefits Ghana could derive from closer cooperation, Mr Zing also stressed that Ghana has something valuable to contribute to the bloc.
He cited the country’s position in West Africa and its potential influence within the subregion as important advantages that could make it a useful partner for BRICS members seeking stronger economic and diplomatic engagement across Africa.
Ghana’s location could provide opportunities for trade, investment and business partnerships extending beyond its domestic market into neighbouring countries and the wider West African region.
Its established diplomatic relationships and participation in African regional affairs could also help create avenues for dialogue and cooperation between BRICS countries and African economies.
Mr Zing’s comments suggest that Ghana should negotiate from a position of mutual interest, recognising that the country is not merely seeking assistance but can also serve as a partner in expanding economic relations with West Africa.
That approach, if backed by practical policies and credible investment opportunities, could help Ghana improve its bargaining position in international economic engagements.
CHINA, RUSSIA, INDIA AND BRAZIL IN FOCUS
Mr Zing specifically highlighted Ghana’s existing relationships with China, Russia, India and Brazil, identifying them as important countries with which Ghana could deepen cooperation.
China’s industrial and manufacturing capabilities, India’s experience in pharmaceuticals, information technology and other service industries, Russia’s scientific and technical expertise, and Brazil’s agricultural and agro-industrial experience illustrate the broad range of sectors in which Ghana could explore partnerships.
However, the success of such cooperation would depend on the terms of individual agreements, the quality of investments secured and the ability of Ghanaian institutions and businesses to turn opportunities into productive ventures.
For Ghana, the priority would be to negotiate partnerships that support local production, develop skills, create decent jobs and strengthen domestic businesses.
The country would also need to ensure that foreign investment complements its development priorities and does not simply deepen dependence on imported goods, external borrowing or the export of unprocessed commodities.
OPPORTUNITY MUST TRANSLATE INTO RESULTS
While Mr Zing has expressed confidence in the potential benefits of Ghana’s BRICS engagement, the ultimate impact will depend on how effectively the country pursues its interests.
Attracting industrial investment requires more than diplomatic relations. Investors also look for reliable electricity, efficient transport systems, access to finance, predictable regulations, skilled workers and a business environment that supports long-term operations.
Ghana would therefore need to align its international economic diplomacy with domestic reforms that make it easier for investors to establish and operate productive enterprises.
The government and relevant institutions would also need to identify priority sectors, develop bankable projects and establish clear mechanisms for measuring the economic benefits of any agreements reached.
Such measures could help ensure that partnerships produce measurable outcomes, including new factories, increased exports, technology transfer, local employment and stronger industrial capacity.
For ordinary Ghanaians, the real test of the country’s international economic strategy will be whether it contributes to lower production costs, greater job opportunities, improved incomes and a more resilient economy.
A NEW DIRECTION FOR GHANA’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY?
Mr Zing’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the potential role of BRICS in Ghana’s economic future and the importance of building partnerships that extend beyond traditional diplomatic relationships.
His central message is that Ghana should recognise both the opportunities available through cooperation with emerging economies and the strategic value it can contribute to those relationships.
If pursued with a clear national agenda, stronger economic engagement could support Ghana’s ambition to become a more competitive manufacturing and commercial centre in West Africa.
But success will depend on the country’s ability to convert diplomatic goodwill into practical agreements, attract credible investors and ensure that the resulting benefits reach the wider population.
For now, Mr Zing remains convinced that Ghana’s BRICS engagement represents a smart move—one that could open new doors for industrialisation, trade and economic cooperation if the country takes full advantage of the opportunities available.
The challenge ahead is clear: Ghana must turn international partnerships into factories, jobs, technology and lasting economic growth.

MAHAMA VISITS KUFUOR

President checks on former leader, discusses national and international issues in show of statesmanship

By: Seth Addi

President John Dramani Mahama has paid a visit to former President John Agyekum Kufuor at his residence to check on his welfare and engage him in discussions on matters of national and international importance.
The visit, which President Mahama disclosed in a personal statement, underscores the importance of dialogue and engagement among Ghana’s political leadership, particularly between serving and former presidents who have occupied the highest office of the land.
In his brief account of the encounter, President Mahama said he had passed by the residence of the former president that afternoon to find out how he was doing and to discuss some national and international issues.
Although the President did not provide details of the specific matters discussed, his statement highlighted both the personal and broader national dimensions of the meeting.
The engagement brings together two prominent figures in Ghana’s Fourth Republic whose political traditions differ but whose experiences in government place them in a unique position to exchange perspectives on the country’s development and its place in the international community.
A MEETING BEYOND PARTY POLITICS
President Mahama’s visit to President Kufuor offers a reminder that political leadership can extend beyond party competition and electoral contests.
In Ghana’s democratic system, former presidents remain important national figures whose experiences in governance, diplomacy and public administration can contribute to discussions about the country’s future.
President Kufuor, who governed Ghana from 2001 to 2009, and President Mahama, who first served from 2012 to 2017 before returning to office, have both played significant roles in shaping the country’s political and economic direction.
Their meeting provides an opportunity for engagement between leaders with different governing experiences and perspectives on national development.
While the President’s statement did not disclose the substance of their conversation, his reference to national and international issues suggests that the discussion went beyond a routine welfare visit.
The encounter may also serve as an example of the value of maintaining communication among political leaders, especially at a time when Ghana faces important economic, social and diplomatic questions.
NATIONAL ISSUES IN FOCUS
Ghana continues to confront a range of policy challenges requiring sustained attention, cooperation and long-term planning.
Issues relating to economic recovery, employment creation, industrial development, education, healthcare, infrastructure and public-sector reform remain important to the country’s development agenda.
Former presidents possess firsthand experience of the opportunities and difficulties associated with governing the nation. Their insights can provide useful perspectives on policy implementation, institutional continuity and the lessons that can be drawn from previous administrations.
However, President Mahama has not publicly identified which domestic matters were discussed during his visit to President Kufuor. It would therefore be premature to attribute specific policy recommendations or agreements to their meeting.
Nevertheless, the President’s decision to mention the discussion of national issues highlights the continuing relevance of conversations among Ghana’s political leadership.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ALSO DISCUSSED
Beyond domestic matters, President Mahama disclosed that he and the former president also discussed some international issues.
Ghana’s foreign relations, regional security, economic diplomacy, trade partnerships and cooperation with international institutions are among the broad areas that can shape the country’s interests abroad.
As a country with a longstanding commitment to multilateral cooperation and African regional engagement, Ghana must continually assess developments within the West African subregion and across the wider international community.
Former presidents can offer valuable perspectives on diplomacy, international partnerships and Ghana’s engagement with other countries, drawing on their experiences in office.
President Mahama, however, did not specify the international developments raised during the conversation, and no particular diplomatic position or agreement was announced in his statement.
SYMBOL OF DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT
The meeting also draws attention to the importance of cordial relations among Ghana’s political leaders.
Democratic governance is strengthened when leaders can engage respectfully despite differences in political affiliation, ideology or policy priorities.
Such interactions can help sustain a culture in which national interests remain central to public discourse and where experience from previous administrations continues to inform present-day leadership.
Although a single meeting cannot resolve the country’s complex challenges, engagements between current and former presidents can provide opportunities for reflection, consultation and the exchange of ideas.
For many observers, the significance of President Mahama’s visit lies not only in the personal gesture of checking on President Kufuor’s welfare but also in the broader message of dialogue between generations of political leadership.
DETAILS OF DISCUSSION NOT DISCLOSED
President Mahama’s public account of the visit was brief and did not indicate whether any formal decisions were taken or whether further engagements were planned.
There was also no detailed account of President Kufuor’s response or of any specific proposals discussed during the meeting.
The encounter should therefore be understood on the basis of the information made public: a visit to check on the former president’s welfare, accompanied by discussions on national and international issues.
Even without further details, the visit provides a glimpse into the continuing interaction between Ghana’s current and former leaders.
As the country navigates its domestic priorities and changing international circumstances, such engagements can serve as a reminder that national leadership involves not only governing in the present but also learning from the experiences of the past.
For President Mahama, the visit was an opportunity to check on a former head of state and exchange views on issues affecting Ghana and the wider world—a gesture that places personal concern and national dialogue at the centre of presidential engagement.

PROPHETESS ABIGAIL TOBY SET FOR GOSPEL MUSIC COMEBACK WITH ‘NYAME TUMI ADE NYINAA’ ALBUM

Ghanaian gospel star based in France promises soul-stirring melodies, powerful lyrics and a renewed wave of praise and worship.

Story: Seth Addi

Ghanaian gospel musician and preacher, Prophetess Abigail Toby, who is based in France and is the founder of True Vine of God Church, is preparing for a major comeback to the gospel music scene with a new album titled “Nyame Tumi Ade Nyinaa.”
The highly anticipated project is expected to bring a renewed wave of praise, worship and spiritual inspiration to gospel music lovers in Ghana, across Europe and around the world.
The album, whose title reflects the greatness and limitless power of God, will feature the popular gospel song “I Will Praise Your Name,” alongside other inspiring tracks designed to uplift souls, strengthen faith and encourage believers to give glory to God through music.
After making her mark on the Ghanaian gospel music scene 13 years ago, Prophetess Abigail Toby is preparing to reconnect with her fans and introduce her ministry through music to a new generation of gospel lovers.
In an exclusive interview with TodayGhanaNews TV, the France-based gospel musician disclosed that she is currently working in the studio on new songs while also preparing to remix some of her earlier recordings.
According to her, the project forms part of her renewed commitment to using music as a tool for evangelism, encouragement and the propagation of the word of God.
Her return is expected to rekindle interest among her longtime followers while opening new opportunities for her music to reach a wider international audience.
The “Nyame Tumi Ade Nyinaa” album is expected to be made available on major digital music streaming platforms, giving gospel music lovers across the globe the opportunity to listen to, enjoy and share the songs.
Prophetess Abigail Toby is calling on her fans, supporters and gospel music enthusiasts to prepare for what she describes as a refreshing musical experience filled with powerful messages, uplifting melodies and lyrics dedicated to the glory of God.
She believes that gospel music goes beyond entertainment, serving as a source of hope, healing, encouragement and spiritual renewal for people navigating the challenges of everyday life.
With her background as both a gospel musician and the founder of True Vine of God Church, her forthcoming album represents an opportunity to combine her musical passion with her Christian ministry, reaching people both inside and outside the church.
As anticipation builds for the release, “Nyame Tumi Ade Nyinaa” is poised to mark an important new chapter in Prophetess Abigail Toby’s musical journey, bringing her message of faith and praise to audiences in Ghana, France and beyond.
Gospel music lovers are encouraged to stay connected to Prophetess Abigail Toby and TodayGhanaNews TV for further announcements regarding the album’s official release date and streaming live on all music platforms.

“YOU ARE A GUEST IN GHANA—ACT LIKE

Ras Mubarak accuses Roey Gilad of disrespecting Ghana’s sovereignty; insists Accra will not be dictated to on its foreign policy

Former Member of Parliament Ras Mubarak has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to summon Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, over what he describes as disrespectful comments concerning President John Dramani Mahama’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a strongly worded statement, Mr Mubarak accused the Israeli diplomat of crossing diplomatic boundaries by publicly challenging the President’s position on Palestine and questioning Ghana’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.

He argued that Ghana’s foreign policy must be determined by the country’s constitutional framework and national interests, rather than pressure from a foreign government.

Titled “You Are A Guest In Ghana. Act Like It,” the statement urged the government to remind Ambassador Gilad of the responsibilities attached to his diplomatic position and the need to respect Ghana’s sovereignty.

‘Ghana’s foreign policy is set in Accra’

Mr Mubarak maintained that Ghana, as an independent sovereign state, has the right to express its views on international conflicts without being subjected to public criticism by foreign diplomats.

He cited Article 40 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which outlines the principles guiding the country’s foreign relations, and referenced Ghana’s historic non-aligned tradition associated with its first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

According to him, Ghana’s recognition of the State of Palestine and its support for a two-state solution form part of the country’s established diplomatic position.

Mr Mubarak also defended President Mahama’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, where the President reportedly used the analogy that “if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck,” it should be recognised accordingly, in reference to the debate over whether Israel’s actions in Palestine constitute genocide.

The former MP argued that Ghana has a right to speak openly about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Accuses Israeli envoy of repeated confrontation

Mr Mubarak further alleged that Ambassador Gilad had previously criticised President Mahama’s position on genocide following the President’s UN General Assembly address.

He also accused the diplomat of holding a press conference in Accra to defend Israel’s military campaign and explain his government’s position to Ghanaians.

According to Mr Mubarak, the ambassador’s latest comments have reinforced his concerns about what he considers a pattern of public confrontation with Ghana’s leadership.

He contended that diplomatic engagement should be conducted with mutual respect, particularly when disagreements arise over sensitive international issues.

However, the allegations and characterisations contained in Mr Mubarak’s statement represent his position on the dispute. Ambassador Gilad’s response to the latest accusations was not included in the statement provided to the Evening Tribune.

‘Do not drag Ghana into whataboutism’

A major point of contention in Mr Mubarak’s statement is the reported comparison between Ghana’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Palestine and its position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He rejected what he described as an attempt to shift attention away from the situation in Gaza by questioning Ghana’s response to the war in Ukraine.

Mr Mubarak insisted that Ghana’s position on Russia’s invasion was already on public record, arguing that the country had voted at the United Nations to condemn the invasion and had consistently advocated respect for international law and national sovereignty.

He maintained that Ghana should not be required to demonstrate its commitment to international law through a public contest over which international conflict deserves greater condemnation.

The former MP argued that the issues surrounding Palestine should be addressed on their own merits, rather than being used as the basis for challenging Ghana’s diplomatic credibility.

Calls for formal dressing-down

Mr Mubarak specifically appealed to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to summon Ambassador Gilad and formally communicate the government’s concerns over the matter.

He invoked the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which sets out the privileges, responsibilities and obligations of diplomatic representatives and requires diplomats to respect the laws of their receiving states and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs.

Mr Mubarak argued that although ambassadors are entitled to explain their governments’ policies, they should exercise restraint when addressing disagreements involving the head of state of their host country.

He said the proposed meeting should serve as an opportunity to clarify the boundaries of diplomatic engagement and reinforce respect for Ghana’s institutions.

Sovereignty at the centre of the dispute

The controversy highlights the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding Ghana’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader debate over the application of international law to wars involving different countries.

For Mr Mubarak, the central issue is not whether Israel is entitled to defend its position, but whether a foreign diplomat should publicly challenge Ghana’s President over the country’s interpretation of international events.

He insisted that Ghana must retain the freedom to express its views on Palestine without being accused of inconsistency over Ukraine.

In his concluding remarks, the former MP urged the Israeli ambassador to respect the Ghanaian presidency, the Ghanaian people and the country’s sovereign right to determine its foreign policy.

He maintained that diplomatic representation comes with an obligation to engage the host nation respectfully, even when the two countries disagree on major international questions.

GHANA’S DECISION TO APPLY TO BRICS IS AS A PARTNER: OKUDZETO ABLAKWA HAS FURTHER CLARIFIED

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has given further clarification to the announcement he made last week about Ghana’s decision to apply for BRICS membership.

In an exclusive interview granted on Key Points, a Saturday morning TV Talk Show on TV3, on 10th October, 2026, the Minister clarified that, Ghana intends to apply as a Partner Country.

According to the Minister, Ghana already enjoins excellent relations with the BRICS member countries. Therefore, she will be joining natural allies in a bloc that arguably is the largest trading bloc today. He stressed that at the heart of the decision is the desire to seek the national interest first, as enshrined in Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

He also stated that, BRICS brings together eleven major emerging markets and developing countries of the world: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates. It will therefore serve as a useful platform for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global, as well as regional significance, and issues of global political and economic governance.

The Minister also dispelled fears that this decision will affect Ghana’s relations with its traditional partner countries who have ideological differences with the BRICS member countries.

He explained that, on the contrary, the decision affirms Ghana’s policy of non-alignment, which enabled President Kwame Nkrumah, at the height of the Cold War, to navigate the terrain to secure the support of the United States to build the Akosombo Dam, while at the same time getting the then Soviet Union (Russia) to launch Africa’s pioneering atomic energy programme, the Ghana Nuclear Reactor Project (GNRP).

Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa further disclosed that, prior to the announcement, there was some engagement with the European Union Member States, and Ghana was clear in communicating the rationale for its decision, which was within its right to diversify its strategic options for development, and that, it did not mean Ghana seeks to disengage with them.

History
BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) was formalised at the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, in 2006. The inaugural BRIC Summit was convened in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.

It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, in 2010. Accordingly, South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE became full member of BRICS from January 2024 and Indonesia in January 2025.

Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined BRICS as Partner Countries in 2025. Ghana will therefore become part of these countries, in terms of status, if her bid succeeds.

NDC CLAMPS DOWN ON CAMPAIGN POSTERS

FEC sets 5ft x 8ft limit, restricts displays to party offices and election grounds; aspirants given five days to comply or face sanctions

Story: Seth Addi

The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed all members and aspirants participating in the party’s ongoing reorganisation to remove or resize oversized campaign posters and banners, setting a maximum permitted dimension of five feet by eight feet.

The directive, issued following an FEC meeting held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, seeks to enforce discipline, maintain order and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants contesting positions in the party’s internal elections.

Under the new rules, campaign posters and banners must not exceed 5ft in width and 8ft in height. The committee has also restricted the display of campaign materials to designated locations, namely constituency offices, regional offices and election grounds.

The directive, signed by the NDC’s General Secretary, Hon. Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, gives all members and aspirants whose campaign materials do not comply with the new requirements five days, beginning the day after the announcement, to make the necessary adjustments.

The committee has warned that any deliberate refusal to comply will attract appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the party’s constitution, electoral guidelines and other applicable rules.

FEC CITES MODESTY AND DISCIPLINE

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the FEC expressed concern over the mounting of oversized campaign posters and banners at various locations across the country during the ongoing reorganisation exercise.

The committee said its decision was informed by the need to preserve order and discipline within the party while ensuring that all aspirants compete under fair conditions.

It further stressed that the NDC, as the governing party, has a responsibility to lead by example through modesty and restraint.

According to the committee, excessive campaign displays could create an impression of extravagance that conflicts with the party’s stated values and the expectations of the Ghanaian people.

The directive therefore seeks to regulate campaign publicity without discouraging members and aspirants from actively participating in the party’s internal democratic processes.

FIVE-DAY DEADLINE FOR COMPLIANCE

The five-day grace period places the responsibility on aspirants and their supporters to ensure that all campaign materials comply with the prescribed dimensions and location restrictions.

Posters and banners displayed outside the approved locations must also be addressed in accordance with the directive.

The FEC expressed confidence that members and aspirants would cooperate fully, acknowledging their enthusiasm and commitment to the party while emphasising the importance of adherence to established rules.

However, the warning of disciplinary action signals that the committee intends to enforce the new requirements against those who deliberately disregard them.

The directive comes as the NDC continues its internal reorganisation, during which aspirants are seeking to build support and position themselves for various party offices.

The extent to which the new restrictions will affect campaign activities across constituencies and regions remains to be seen.

For now, the message from the Functional Executive Committee is clear: campaign enthusiasm must be balanced with discipline, modesty and respect for the party’s electoral guidelines.

GHANA SET TO FORMALLY APPLY TO JOIN BRICS

By: Seth Addi

Ghana is set to formally apply for membership of the BRICS grouping of major emerging economies, following Cabinet approval of the decision, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.

The move, if successfully completed, would mark a significant development in Ghana’s foreign-policy and economic diplomacy, potentially opening another platform through which the country can deepen relations with major economies across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

According to Minister Ablakwa, the decision forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to increase the country’s geopolitical and economic influence on the global stage.

The announcement comes as Ghana continues to pursue a more diversified foreign-policy strategy, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identifying economic diplomacy, international cooperation and participation in multilateral organisations as important instruments for national development.

CABINET GIVES GREEN LIGHT

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that Cabinet has approved Ghana’s decision to join the BRICS bloc and that the country will proceed with the formal application process.

The announcement places Ghana among a growing number of countries seeking closer engagement with the grouping, which has expanded considerably beyond its original five-member configuration.

BRICS originally brought together Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining later. The grouping has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

The expansion reflects BRICS’ growing role as a platform for cooperation among emerging and developing economies.

A NEW DIRECTION FOR GHANA’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

For Ghana, the proposed membership would potentially create additional avenues for economic and diplomatic engagement with some of the world’s major emerging markets.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified economic diplomacy as one of Ghana’s foreign-policy objectives, including efforts to diversify the country’s export base, seek new markets for Ghanaian products, attract investment and take advantage of preferential arrangements and multilateral trade agreements.

Membership of BRICS could therefore provide another framework through which Ghana could pursue those objectives.

It could also create opportunities for discussions around trade, investment, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, finance and other areas of economic cooperation.

However, the precise benefits Ghana would obtain would depend on the terms and conditions of membership and the outcome of the application process.

BRICS HAS GROWN BEYOND ITS ORIGINAL FIVE

The proposed Ghanaian application comes against the background of a major transformation of BRICS.

What began as a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China has evolved into a much broader coalition. South Africa joined in 2011, while the expansion agreed in 2023 brought Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates into the grouping. Indonesia subsequently accepted an invitation to join.

BRICS also created a Partner Country category in 2024. According to official BRICS documentation, countries granted partner status in 2025 included Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan, with Vietnam also listed in subsequent BRICS documentation.

Ghana’s planned application therefore comes at a time when BRICS is increasingly engaging with countries outside its core membership.

GHANA’S GLOBAL DIPLOMATIC PUSH

The BRICS announcement is consistent with a series of diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Ghana under the Mahama administration.

Ghana has recently intensified bilateral and multilateral engagements with countries and international organisations, including political consultations with the Kyrgyz Republic covering trade, investment, agriculture, mining, digital transformation, education, healthcare and other areas. Three memoranda of understanding were signed during those consultations.

The country has also been positioning itself for an enhanced role within the African Union, ahead of President John Dramani Mahama’s planned chairmanship of the AU in 2027. The Foreign Ministry says Ghana’s priorities include regional integration, trade, youth development, peace and security and greater African ownership of continental programmes.

Against this backdrop, the proposed BRICS application adds another dimension to Ghana’s efforts to expand its diplomatic and economic partnerships.

WHAT MEMBERSHIP COULD MEAN FOR GHANA

A successful application could potentially strengthen Ghana’s access to a wider network of emerging-market economies and provide an additional diplomatic platform for advancing national interests.

For Ghanaian businesses, greater engagement with BRICS economies could potentially support efforts to identify new export markets, investment partners and sources of technology and industrial cooperation.

The country could also seek stronger cooperation in sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and digital technology.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s stated economic-diplomacy objective is to attract foreign direct investment and expand markets for Ghanaian products, making international economic partnerships an important component of Ghana’s foreign-policy agenda.

FROM DIPLOMACY TO DEVELOPMENT

The announcement also places renewed focus on how Ghana can translate international relationships into tangible domestic economic opportunities.

Ghana remains heavily dependent on international trade and investment, while its development agenda requires increased access to capital, technology, markets and productive partnerships.

The BRICS initiative could consequently be viewed within the wider effort to position Ghana as a more active participant in global economic diplomacy.

The country’s diplomatic engagement with major economies has also increasingly focused on practical cooperation rather than political relations alone.

NEXT STEP: FORMAL APPLICATION

With Cabinet approval now announced, attention will turn to the formal application and the subsequent processes required for Ghana’s participation.

BRICS operates through consensus among its members, and the group’s current structure includes both full members and partner countries.

Ghana’s application would therefore need to go through the established BRICS processes before any final membership status is determined.

For the Mahama administration, however, the announcement signals an intention to deepen Ghana’s engagement with emerging powers and broaden the country’s diplomatic and economic options.

As Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa puts it, the objective is to strengthen Ghana’s geopolitical and economic influence on the global stage.

The proposed BRICS application could thus become a significant new chapter in Ghana’s foreign policy, with the coming months expected to reveal how the initiative translates into concrete diplomatic, trade and investment opportunities for the country.

DAMONGO POLICE RECRUITS: WHY ARE POLITICIANS DISTRIBUTING APPOINTMENT LETTERS?

Evening Tribune calls for clarity as former MP says he presented 30 letters on behalf of President Mahama; demands merit-based security recruitment.

Story: Seth Addi

The Evening Tribune has raised serious concerns over a recent social media post by former Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, announcing the distribution of appointment letters to young people selected for admission into the Ghana Police Academy.

According to the former MP in a Facebook post sighted by the Evening Tribune, he had the honour of distributing 30 appointment letters to beneficiaries from the Damongo Constituency on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.

He indicated that 20 of the beneficiaries were from Damongo, while 10 were from Busunu, and congratulated them on their selection while wishing them success in their journey of national service.

While congratulating the successful applicants, the Evening Tribune believes the circumstances surrounding the political presentation of appointment letters to recruits into a national security institution deserve urgent public scrutiny and clarification.

WHO SHOULD PRESENT SECURITY APPOINTMENTS?

The newspaper is particularly concerned about the precedent created when a former political officeholder publicly presents appointment letters to recruits into the security services and attributes the exercise directly to the President.

The issue raises important questions about the independence, transparency and credibility of recruitment into Ghana’s security agencies.

For years, citizens have expressed concerns about the need for recruitment into the Police Service and other security institutions to be based strictly on merit, competence, transparent procedures and equal opportunity, rather than political connections, social status or constituency considerations.

The Evening Tribune therefore believes that every aspect of the recruitment process must be sufficiently transparent to assure the public that successful applicants were selected through established and objective procedures.

POLITICS AND SECURITY RECRUITMENT

The newspaper is not questioning the qualifications or competence of the young people who have reportedly been selected. Neither is it suggesting that their selection was politically influenced.

Rather, the concern is about the appearance and perception created when political actors become publicly associated with the distribution of appointment letters for security-service recruitment.

Security institutions occupy a unique position in the governance of the country. Their personnel are expected to serve the Republic and its citizens without political bias.

Consequently, the recruitment process must inspire confidence among all Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliation, constituency or social background.

CALL ON PRESIDENT MAHAMA

The Evening Tribune therefore calls on President John Dramani Mahama to take a critical look at the development and, where necessary, provide clarification on the proper procedure for the presentation and distribution of appointment letters to new recruits into the security services.

The newspaper also urges the relevant security-service authorities to ensure that recruitment remains transparent, merit-based and free from political considerations.

Ghana’s democracy and national security institutions can only become stronger when citizens have confidence that opportunities within the security services are available to all qualified Ghanaians on an equal basis.

The Evening Tribune maintains that political leaders may celebrate the success of constituents, but the recruitment process itself must remain above partisan politics.

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.