Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has urged residents of the constituency to reject unverified allegations and social media misinformation and instead focus on the development challenges facing the area.

In a detailed message to the people of Amenfi Central, the MP acknowledged concerns over poor roads, unreliable telephone and internet connectivity, electricity challenges, inadequate healthcare and educational infrastructure, water shortages, unemployment, limited government services, security and a lack of investment opportunities.

She said residents were justified in demanding better services and infrastructure, stressing that she accepted the responsibility of advocating for solutions to the challenges confronting the constituency.

However, she cautioned residents against treating allegations circulated on TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms as facts without evidence.

According to her, genuine criticism, questions and accountability were welcome, but allegations should be verified before they are believed or shared.

She encouraged residents to visit communities, speak to beneficiaries and assess projects, government approvals, interventions and results before forming opinions about her performance as MP.

“Judge Joana Gyan Cudjoe by facts, evidence and results — not social-media noise,” she said.

The MP also argued that many of the problems currently confronting Amenfi Central had existed long before she became Member of Parliament, noting that challenges involving roads, network connectivity, electricity, healthcare, education, water, unemployment, government services, staff accommodation and investment had accumulated over decades.

She said she had been MP for approximately one year, while many of the challenges had built up over about 32 years.

She acknowledged that the scale of the problems meant they could not realistically be eliminated within 12 months, but insisted that this should not be used as an excuse for inaction.

“I did not create these problems, but I accept responsibility for helping to solve them,” she said, adding that work had already started.

According to the MP, interventions during her first year in office had created or facilitated opportunities for more than 300 graduates and non-graduates. She also cited support for teachers and educational initiatives benefiting thousands of children, assistance to students with educational needs, efforts towards schools, boreholes, CHPS compounds and other community projects.

She said her office had also supported women, businesses and farmers, assisted people requiring medical treatment and surgeries and supported electricity-related interventions where possible.

She added that she had used personal resources where possible while lobbying government and other stakeholders for larger interventions that could not be financed by an individual MP.

Cudjoe identified roads, telecommunications and internet connectivity, electricity, healthcare and education as the five most urgent priorities for Amenfi Central.

On roads, she said improved road networks were essential for farmers transporting produce, children and teachers travelling to school, patients accessing healthcare, businesses operating and investors coming into the constituency.

She also described reliable telephone and internet connectivity as critical to communication, education, banking, business, healthcare, emergency services and participation in the digital economy.

On electricity, she called for attention to extensions, transformers, meters and reliable services through government and the relevant institutions, including the Electricity Company of Ghana.

Healthcare, she said, required more than buildings. She called for CHPS compounds, health centres and better hospitals equipped with doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratories, ambulances, medicines and other equipment.

She also stressed the importance of electricity, water, connectivity and staff accommodation to ensure health professionals could work effectively and remain in the constituency.

The MP said Amenfi Central should undertake a professional assessment of its long-term healthcare needs, including the possibility of developing or upgrading several strategically located major health facilities, with an ambition of approximately five major facilities where justified.

Education was another major priority identified by the MP. She said development should cover the entire education chain, from kindergarten, primary and junior high school through senior high school, TVET, STEM, ICT, teacher education, nursing and midwifery training, agricultural, mining, environmental, technical and business education and eventually universities, university campuses and other accredited tertiary institutions.

She stressed that education required more than classrooms, pointing to the need for qualified teachers, libraries, laboratories, computers, internet access, electricity, water, sanitation, teaching materials and technical workshops.

She also called for teachers’ quarters and appropriate staff accommodation, particularly in communities where housing difficulties make it difficult to attract and retain qualified teachers.

As secondary and tertiary education expands, she said the constituency would also require suitable student hostels and boarding facilities with safe accommodation, electricity, water, sanitation, internet access and study spaces.

Cudjoe further called for improved access to clean and reliable water through the relevant government and community-water institutions, including Ghana Water Ltd., where applicable, as well as boreholes and other appropriate solutions.

She also proposed bringing government services closer to residents through stronger institutional presence and improved facilities.

Among the institutions she mentioned were the Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Water Ltd., Lands Commission, Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, Forestry Commission, Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, National Road Safety Authority, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, National Ambulance Service and NADMO.

She also called for stronger local services in health, education, agriculture, cocoa-sector development and business support.

According to her, an institutional audit should be conducted to determine which institutions already have a presence, what is missing, which facilities require renovation or expansion and which services need to be brought closer to residents.

She suggested that government could renovate existing facilities, expand them, rent suitable premises, acquire appropriate properties or construct purpose-built facilities where necessary.

She also proposed exploring the development of an Amenfi Central Government Services and Administrative Complex in the long term.

Cudjoe stressed that establishing government offices alone would not be enough, saying institutions needed the resources required to perform their mandates effectively.

These, she said, included proper offices, qualified personnel, accommodation where necessary, vehicles, motorbikes, equipment, technology, electricity, water, internet connectivity, operational resources, maintenance and appropriate funding.

She said police officers, teachers, doctors, nurses, firefighters, ambulance personnel, engineers, regulators, agricultural officers and other essential workers needed suitable working and living conditions.

According to her, the constituency must become a place where professionals are willing to live, work, raise families and build careers rather than an area they immediately seek to leave after being posted there.

She also called for operational vehicles, motorbikes and logistics for government agencies because communities are spread across the constituency.

She said police must be able to respond to calls, ambulances must reach patients, the Fire Service must respond to emergencies, agricultural officers must reach farmers, health workers must access communities and environmental and technical officers must be able to conduct inspections.

The MP further highlighted Amenfi Central’s natural resources, including gold, cocoa, rubber and agricultural land, and said these resources should contribute to responsible investment, job creation and sustainable development while protecting communities and the environment.

She said residents needed accessible information on legal requirements, mining licences, land registration, environmental regulations, taxes and lawful fees, and where to obtain reliable government information.

She also called for stronger services from institutions such as the Minerals Commission, Lands Commission, EPA, GRA, Forestry Commission and Ghana Geological Survey Authority.

Cudjoe said road development should also be accompanied by improved road safety and emergency-response services, including appropriate DVLA services, road-safety education, policing, Fire Service, ambulance and disaster-response capacity.

She said the police also needed adequate personnel, accommodation, vehicles, motorbikes, communication equipment and other logistics to protect residents.

The MP linked infrastructure and institutional development directly to job creation, explaining that road projects would require workers, hospitals would need health professionals and support staff, schools would employ teachers and other workers, government offices would require staff and construction projects would create opportunities for masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drivers and suppliers.

She also appealed to banks and regulated financial institutions to expand their services in Amenfi Central to support farmers, women, young entrepreneurs and businesses.

She said the constituency was open to responsible investment in agriculture and processing, mining-related services, healthcare, education, technology, housing, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality and other suitable industries.

However, she noted that investors would require an enabling environment, including good roads, electricity, water, internet connectivity, security, healthcare, education, skilled workers, housing, banking services and accessible government institutions.

Cudjoe stressed that the scale of the development agenda meant that one Member of Parliament could not finance the transformation alone.

She therefore called for partnerships involving the Government of Ghana, ministries and government agencies, the private sector, banks, responsible investors, contractors, telecommunications companies, mining and agricultural companies, universities, healthcare organisations, NGOs and foundations, embassies and diplomatic missions, development partners, international organisations, philanthropists and the Amenfi Central diaspora.

She urged potential partners to bring expertise, investment, connections, technology, opportunities and practical solutions to the constituency.

The MP also called for political unity, saying development should not be divided along NDC and NPP lines.

She noted that bad roads, poor network connectivity, electricity challenges and inadequate healthcare affect residents regardless of their political affiliation.

She therefore urged residents to treat poor roads, inadequate connectivity, electricity problems, healthcare challenges, poor education, water shortages, unemployment, poverty and lack of opportunities as common problems that require collective action.

Cudjoe proposed a 13-to-20-year development roadmap for Amenfi Central, arguing that the scale of the constituency’s needs required long-term planning rather than short-term political promises.

She said the roadmap should cover roads, telecommunications, electricity, healthcare, education, water, government institutions, staff accommodation, security, jobs, agriculture, responsible mining, environmental protection, land administration, banking, housing, investment, skills development and universities.

She stressed that a long-term roadmap would not mean residents would have to wait 20 years before seeing results.

Instead, she said work should begin immediately, with one-year, four-year, medium-term and long-term targets established and measured.

“Every year must show progress,” she said.

She also called for regular accountability through development scorecards that would show what the constituency inherited, what had been started, what had been approved and funded, what had been completed, what remained ongoing, what was outstanding and what would come next.

She said such assessments should be based on facts, evidence, timelines and measurable results.

Cudjoe also criticised the use of social media as a platform for political arguments that do not contribute to development.

She said TikTok arguments could not build hospitals, Facebook insults could not extend electricity and WhatsApp rumours could not construct roads or create jobs.

She therefore urged residents to stop spreading misinformation, verify claims, recognise genuine progress and focus on solutions.

She invited residents to contribute constructively by bringing ideas, connecting the constituency to investors and development partners and offering technical expertise.

“Don’t only tell us what is wrong — help us build what is right,” she said.

The MP acknowledged the importance of faith alongside planning, discipline, diplomacy, lobbying, investment, partnerships, government support and hard work.

She prayed for God’s wisdom, grace, protection and favour for Amenfi Central and asked for genuine partners and responsible investors to support the constituency’s development.

Cudjoe concluded by acknowledging that residents were tired of underdevelopment and had every right to expect progress.

She, however, appealed to them to recognise the scale of the task and work with her to turn their expectations into measurable results.

She urged residents not to expect approximately 32 years of accumulated challenges to disappear within one year, but said her performance should be measured through a clear plan and actual results.

“Our answer to rumours: FACTS. Our answer to misinformation: EVIDENCE. Our answer to division: UNITY. Our answer to political distraction: FOCUS,” she said.

She added that the response to decades of challenges must be planning; unemployment must be addressed through opportunity; while underdevelopment requires infrastructure, institutions and investment.

Cudjoe ended her message with a call for residents and stakeholders to bring ideas, partnerships, investment and solutions to Amenfi Central.

She said the development agenda was bigger than her, bigger than the NDC and NPP and ultimately about the future of Amenfi Central.

She described the vision as one people, one vision, one roadmap and a stronger Amenfi Central, stressing that the goal was not simply to prepare for the next election but to build for the next generation.

She signed the statement as Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central.

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has petitioned Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to ensure that the established rules and traditions governing Ghana’s legal vacation are respected, particularly in cases where lawyers have indicated that they are unavailable to appear in court.

In a letter dated August 10, 2026, and signed by GBA National President Mrs Efua Ghartey, the Association raised concerns over notices served on lawyers requiring them to appear before specific judges to continue part-heard criminal cases during the legal vacation.

The GBA said the concerns followed petitions brought to its attention by Zoe, Akyea & Co., Dame & Partners, and Sam Okudzeto & Associates, whose lawyers expressed displeasure over the notices issued pursuant to warrants authorising particular judges to continue hearing the cases during the vacation.

The Association referred to Order 79, Rule 4 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47), which provides for three annual court vacations.

According to the GBA, Rule 4(b) provides that the second and longest vacation in the legal year runs from August 1 to September 30.

The Association explained that the purpose of the vacation is to give lawyers, judges and judicial staff a deserved period of rest after the rigorous court schedule, particularly following the second term, which is the longest term of the legal year.

The GBA’s intervention also comes after the Judiciary’s celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876, which the Association said ran from April 16 to July 31, 2026. The Bar congratulated the Chief Justice and the Judiciary on the anniversary celebrations.

The GBA acknowledged that, over the years, the Judiciary, with the consent of other stakeholders, has designated certain courts as Vacation Courts to deal with emergencies that arise during the vacation.

However, it stressed that such courts have traditionally been limited to urgent and interlocutory matters and not trials.

The Association noted that the same principle applies to Virtual Courts operating during the vacation, saying they also do not conduct trials.

A major concern raised by the GBA is the availability of counsel.

The Association said the overriding consideration in matters brought before a Vacation Court has traditionally been the willingness and availability of counsel to appear.

It argued that lawyers are not under any compulsion to appear before a Vacation Court if they have indicated that they are unavailable during the vacation.

According to the GBA, even where a case has already been listed, the court should not proceed if counsel on either side, or both sides, have indicated that they are unable to attend.

The Association further argued that an accused or other party to a civil or criminal trial should not be forced to represent themselves simply because their lawyer is unavailable during the legal vacation.

It said the absence of counsel during the vacation should not be treated as wilful and that, in such circumstances, the appropriate step should be to adjourn the case to dates proposed by counsel.

The Bar warned that attempts to continue proceedings despite the established vacation arrangements could create the appearance of bias or selective justice.

It said lawyers have already had to extend their working hours because of the demands of the legal year, particularly following the introduction of afternoon court sittings under the new scheme.

The Association maintained that vacations should be observed as provided under the Rules of Court.

It also disclosed that several lawyers have already made plans for the vacation, including preparing written submissions, travelling to other jurisdictions, attending previously scheduled professional engagements and participating in conferences.

The GBA added that some law firms have closed for the entire legal vacation.

The Association also linked its position to the welfare and work-life balance of lawyers.

It argued that lawyers are personally responsible for their well-being and should be allowed to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The GBA therefore insisted that duly earned vacations should not be interfered with.

The Association said it has consistently cooperated with the Judiciary to promote the smooth and speedy delivery of justice and expressed confidence that the Judiciary would, in return, respect the Rules of Court and the long-standing traditions surrounding legal vacations.

The GBA concluded its letter by expressing confidence that the petitions concerning the continued criminal proceedings would be considered favourably by the Chief Justice.

The letter was copied to the Judicial Secretary of the Supreme Court, the Registrar of the High Court, Specialised Division “1”, and representatives of the three law firms involved.

The copied recipients included Samuel Atta Akyea, Head of Chamber at Zoe, Akyea & Co.; Godfred Yeboah Dame, Head of Chambers at Dame & Partners; and Victoria Barth, Managing Partner of Sam Okudzeto & Associates.

The GBA’s position comes amid ongoing challenges over the continuation of selected part-heard criminal cases during the current legal vacation, with lawyers in some cases arguing that proceeding without their availability could undermine established legal practice and the right of accused persons to representation by counsel of their choice.

Executive Director of the Centre for Extractive Development Africa ( CEDA), Samuel Bekoe, has cautioned that completely stopping illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, may be unrealistic, urging authorities to focus on regulating the activity and preventing its harmful effects.

According to Mr. Bekoe, the number of people whose livelihoods depend on galamsey makes an outright ban difficult to enforce.

Speaking via a zoom interview on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, he noted that although communities support galamsey activities, the practice can have serious consequences for the environment and human rights if it is not properly regulated.
Mr. Bekoe also criticised the Minerals Commission for what he described as failures in preventing illegal mining, arguing that some miners have obtained licences but continue to engage in activities that cause environmental damage.

The extractive industry expert proposed increased recruitment and possible weaponisation of wildlife personnel to strengthen protection of forests, stressing that existing forest guards may not be adequately equipped to confront illegal miners.
He also criticised delays by the Lands Commission in processing licences, arguing that prolonged delays can discourage prospective miners from pursuing legal permits.
Mr. Bekoe maintained that people can still engage in mining without destroying river bodies if effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms are put in place.

He warned that even declaring a state of emergency would not necessarily bring galamsey to an end.
“No government can stop galamsey, but can regulate them to eradicate the after-effects,” he stated.

He added that protecting community lands from destruction would be difficult without stronger regulatory measures aimed at preventing mining activities from damaging river bodies.
His comments come amid renewed calls for tougher measures to tackle illegal mining and protect Ghana’s forests, farmlands and water resources.

By Maurice Otoo

Energy sector analyst Ben Nsiah has raised serious concerns about Ghana’s power and energy sector, alleging the existence of a coordinated network involving politicians, technocrats, government officials and foreign operators.

In an interview on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, Nsiah recalled Ghana’s major power crisis in 2014, arguing that the country must learn from the experience and protect the national interest in decisions concerning the energy sector.

According to him, many politicians are allegedly self-centred and fail to put the country’s interest at stake.
Nsiah further alleged that there is a “collaborative organized crime” involving some politicians, technocrats, government officials and U.S. operators.

He also accused private power producers of overbilling the state, claiming that some officials allegedly have a portion of their percentage built into the overall cost of power.
The energy sector specialist additionally alleged that some parliamentarians had been offered a $46,000 bribe, and called for greater transparency in agreements signed on behalf of the country.
“We must disclose all agreements signed on our behalf because we have seen that our Parliament cannot protect us,” he stated.

Nsiah also called on citizens to ask questions, suggesting that public scrutiny remains one of the few mechanisms available to protect Ghana’s interests.

He further urged the government to renegotiate energy contracts previously signed between 2014 and 2017, describing such a move as imperative.

Turning his attention to the Attorney General’s reported efforts regarding an energy deal, Nsiah expressed scepticism, alleging that political connections among those involved could undermine attempts to unravel the matter.
He claimed that the parties involved “know themselves” and may cover up for one another, underscoring his call for greater transparency and accountability in Ghana’s energy sector.

The allegations contained in the interview have not been independently verified.

By Maurice Otoo

The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has launched a nationwide furniture donation campaign to help address critical shortages in basic, junior high and senior high schools across the country.

Dubbed the Collective Furniture Appeal, the initiative is being implemented under GETFund’s Education Financing and Partnership Initiative (EFPI). It seeks to mobilise support from corporate organisations, development partners, alumni associations, religious bodies, civil society organisations, philanthropists and individuals.

GETFund said the campaign follows numerous requests from schools across Ghana for essential furniture needed to improve teaching and learning conditions.

Items being sought include metal mono and dual desks, student chairs, bunk beds, teachers’ tables and chairs, and other essential furniture to provide safe, conducive learning environments.

According to GETFund, despite sustained government investment in educational infrastructure, furniture shortages remain a challenge in several communities, with some pupils still forced to share desks or learn under uncomfortable conditions.

The Fund said closing the furniture gap requires a collective national effort to complement government interventions.

“The Collective Furniture Appeal is a response to numerous requests from schools across the country seeking support to provide essential classroom furniture,” GETFund said.

Under the initiative, corporate institutions, non-governmental organisations, development partners, traditional authorities, religious organisations, community groups, alumni associations and individuals are encouraged to donate new or gently used furniture to schools in need.

GETFund said the initiative is aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of transforming Ghana’s education sector through strategic partnerships, innovative financing and shared responsibility.

The campaign also forms part of the broader EFPI programme, which seeks to increase private-sector and philanthropic participation in financing educational development.

GETFund noted that the furniture campaign would complement government investments in school infrastructure, teaching and learning materials and other interventions aimed at improving educational outcomes.

The Fund has therefore appealed to the public to support the campaign, stressing that adequate classroom furniture is essential to creating a dignified and effective environment for both teachers and learners.

“Together, let us support the President’s vision for education by furnishing our classrooms, empowering our teachers, inspiring our learners, and ensuring that no child is left behind,” GETFund said.

Organisations and individuals interested in making bulk donations or partnering with GETFund under the EFPI initiative can contact Ms Adwoa Amankwah Boateng-Appiah on +233 50 865 2073 or adwoa.boateng@getfund.gov.gh for further information.

Source:myjoyonline