The Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has lauded the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, describing his latest address as an inspiring and forward-looking statement that reinforces the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s economy.

According to the MP, the Finance Minister’s remarks demonstrated strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a clear roadmap for sustainable economic development, giving renewed confidence in the country’s economic future.
“It has been a great day. The inspiring statement delivered by the Hon. Finance Minister gives renewed hope and confidence in the government’s economic agenda. His vision and commitment to fiscal discipline, development, and inclusive growth deserve commendation,” Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe stated.

The legislator said the Minister’s address reflected a bold vision aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening public finances, and creating opportunities that will improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe further noted that the statement has renewed optimism among citizens and underscores the government’s determination to pursue policies that promote inclusive growth and long-term national development.

Reaffirming her unwavering support for the government’s economic agenda, the Amenfi Central MP expressed confidence that sound leadership, collaboration, and sustained reforms will place Ghana on a path of meaningful and sustainable economic progress.
She also called on all stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy, stressing that collective effort is key to delivering lasting benefits for all Ghanaians.

A constitutional lawyer, Ben Abdallah Banda, has clarified that the parliamentary seat of the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong cannot be declared vacant simply because of his arrest or prolonged absence from Parliament.

Speaking in a Zoom interview on Kessben TV’s Digest program, Mr. Banda said Article 97 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution clearly sets out the conditions under which an MP can lose a seat.

According to him, a parliamentary seat may only become vacant if the MP is convicted of an offence that disqualifies them from serving, resigns from office, or is absent from Parliament for 15 sitting days without the Speaker’s permission and without a reasonable explanation.

He emphasized that even in cases of absenteeism, the Constitution requires due process. An MP who misses 15 sittings must first be referred to Parliament’s Privileges Committee, where they are given the opportunity to explain the absence before any recommendation can be made to the House.
Mr. Banda noted that although the Asante Akyem North MP has reportedly missed more than 15 sittings following his arrest, Parliament cannot automatically declare the seat vacant because the constitutional process has not yet been exhausted.

He added that the MP’s detention presents a unique challenge, making it difficult for him to appear before the Privileges Committee to account for his absence.
The constitutional lawyer further argued that the High Court has the exclusive authority to determine whether the parliamentary seat has become vacant. He added that where constitutional interpretation is required, the matter may ultimately be referred to the Supreme Court for a final determination.

A Banking Consultant, Dr. Richmond Atuahene, has argued that the independence of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) is essential to protecting the country’s financial system from political interference, claiming that government influence over the central bank contributed significantly to Ghana’s recent economic challenges.

In a zoom interview granted on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Dr. Atuahene insisted, the Bank of Ghana should operate independently without interference from any government, stressing that central bank autonomy is a globally accepted principle designed to safeguard sound monetary policy.
He alleged that the previous NPP administration dictated the operations of the central bank, a situation he believes ultimately resulted in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
“The Bank of Ghana should operate as an independent entity devoid of political interference, but the NPP government dictated its mode of operation, and that led to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme,” he stated.

Dr. Atuahene further claimed that the debt exchange became necessary because the central bank had extended substantial financing to the government, weakening its financial position.
He also criticized the currency redenomination exercise, asserting that it was a government-driven policy rather than an independent decision by the Bank of Ghana.”The redenomination was Kufuor’s policy and not Dr. Paul Acquah’s own. It was pure government interference, not Central Bank policy,” he claimed.

The banking consultant warned that Ghana currently lacks the resources needed to fully recapitalize the Bank of Ghana, suggesting that the country’s financial system may continue to feel the effects of the central bank’s losses for several more years unless decisive measures are taken.
Dr. Atuahene maintained that preserving the independence of the Bank of Ghana is critical to preventing future economic crises and restoring confidence in the country’s financial sector.

By Maurice Otoo

Apostle Kwadwo Safo Burial Arrangements: The Head of the Kantanka Family and Leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana (KAMOG), Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, has announced that the family has taken legal steps to ensure that the wishes of the late Apostle Prof. Emeritus Kwadwo Safo are respected in relation to his burial and final funeral rites.

Addressing the media at a press conference, Nana Akofena I said recent developments surrounding the funeral arrangements had created uncertainty and misinformation, making it necessary for him to publicly clarify the situation.

He explained that, since the passing of Apostle Kwadwo Safo, he and members of the Aduana Kotoko Royal Family had made several efforts to unite the family and reach an agreement on a dignified burial for their late father.

According to him, attempts were made to reconcile differences among family members, including his sister, former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo, through engagements with church elders, family heads, chiefs, queen mothers and other respected traditional leaders.

However, he stated that despite these interventions, the desired unity and consensus had not been achieved.

Nana Akofena I further revealed that concerns had emerged following the reading of the late Apostle’s last will, which was led by Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo.

He claimed that some aspects of the Will, particularly issues concerning custody of the mortal remains of Apostle Kwadwo Safo, had not been implemented as expected by the Kantanka Family.

“Following the reading of our late father’s last will, I had expected that the wishes and directives clearly expressed by our late father would be faithfully implemented. Regrettably, in my view, the implementation of those wishes has not proceeded in the manner contemplated by the Will,” he said.

As a result, Nana Akofena I disclosed that the family has instructed their legal representatives, Kwame Gyan & Associates, led by Prof. Kwame Gyan, to begin legal proceedings to seek the necessary relief from the courts.

He noted that the decision was taken reluctantly after exhausting all possible avenues for an amicable settlement.

The KAMOG leader appealed to members of Kristo Asafo Mission, the Kantanka Family, sympathisers and the general public to remain calm and avoid actions or statements that could worsen the situation.

He urged the public to allow the legal process to take its course while maintaining the values of peace, unity and respect that Apostle Kwadwo Safo promoted throughout his lifetime.

Nana Akofena I emphasised that the differences surrounding the funeral should not overshadow the legacy of Apostle Prof. Emeritus Kwadwo Safo, whose contributions to faith, innovation, industrialisation and national development remain significant.

He assured Ghanaians that every lawful effort would continue to be made to ensure that the late Apostle receives a befitting burial in line with his wishes, family customs and legal requirements.

Asantehene destools Kenyase No. 2 Chief, Odeneho Dadeako Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio, after the Asante monarch ruled that the chief had breached key Asante customs and traditions.

The decision was announced during a meeting of the Asanteman Traditional Council on July 27, 2026, where Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reportedly stated that the chief’s actions were inconsistent with the responsibilities expected of a traditional leader and custodian of Asante culture.

Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio, who had served as the Paramount Chief of Kenyase No. 2 for nearly 89 years, was reportedly the longest-serving paramount chief in the Asante Kingdom before his removal.

Reports indicate that the destoolment also affected some kingmakers within the traditional area, who were accused of violating their oaths of office. However, some council members, including the Kontihene, were reportedly spared, while certain linguists and other officials were reinstated.

According to reports, the Asantehene accused the chief of creating an unauthorised traditional position known as Hyiawohene, arguing that such a decision was beyond his authority and contrary to Asante customs.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is said to have reminded Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio of previous warnings regarding his conduct and decisions within the traditional area.

The Asante monarch reportedly questioned the chief’s authority to establish the position, explaining that traditional structures within Asanteman must be respected and preserved.

“You were a courtier at Hyiawohemaa’s house, so how can you create that position?” the Asantehene was reported to have said.

Otumfuo further accused the chief of failing to uphold the values attached to his stool and stated that repeated counsel and warnings had not resulted in a change of conduct.

Following the ruling, the traditional process of destoolment was carried out, including the removal of the chief’s footwear, which forms part of the customary procedure. Individuals appointed to complete the necessary rites were also instructed to perform the required rituals to bring the process to a conclusion.

The removal of Nana Kwabena Nsia Ababio brings an end to a reign that lasted almost nine decades and highlights the Asante Kingdom’s continued commitment to enforcing traditional authority and cultural regulations.