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

The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADC) has described the reports as false, misleading, and without any factual basis, urging the public and stakeholders to disregard the allegations.

In a press statement issued on July 27, 2026, GIADC said it had taken notice of claims circulating in the public domain by individuals purporting to represent staff of VALCO, led by Mr Samuel Watchman Agyeman.

According to the statement, the allegations claimed that VALCO was being sold to Mr Ibrahim Mahama. However, GIADC dismisses VALCO sale claims, insisting there is no truth to the reports.

The corporation clarified that neither Ibrahim Mahama nor any company associated with him has expressed interest in the ongoing strategic equity capitalisation process for the retooling and modernisation of VALCO.

GIADC explained that the Government of Ghana remains committed to a transparent and competitive process through the corporation to attract credible strategic partners capable of strengthening VALCO and positioning it as the anchor smelter in Ghana’s integrated aluminium industry.

The corporation also urged the public, stakeholders, and VALCO employees to ignore the false reports and rely only on verified information released through official channels.

Additionally, GIADC cautioned individuals against making statements that could create public disaffection or undermine the government’s efforts to industrialise Ghana’s aluminium value chain.

The statement assured the public that updates on the strategic partnership process for VALCO would be communicated as developments occur.

The press release was signed by Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, Chief Executive Officer of GIADC.

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.

The spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah, has said that, Bernard Antwi Boasiako’s health and well-being have become the immediate priority over his bid to contest the party’s national chairmanship race due to his improvement.

Speaking on developments surrounding Wontumi’s prison sentence on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, Dr. Boakye Danquah disclosed that the NPP stalwart has spent eight days in Nsawam Prison, describing the experience as emotionally difficult for his family and supporters.

According to him, Wontumi is currently battling three major court cases, including the Samleboi consession, Nimiri Forest and Exim Bank matters, adding that the legal team has been in court continuously since the NPP lost political power.

He praised lawyer Appiah-Kubi for his commitment to Wontumi’s defence and explained that the legal team had expected to secure a favourable outcome in court, but events unfolded differently.

The spokesperson further revealed that lawyer Atta Akyea had earlier sought an adjournment because he was out of the country and had also petitioned the Supreme Court for an interpretation of a constitutional provision, with a response still pending.
He claimed that after the court dismissed their applications and they observed the heavy presence of security personnel, they sensed the proceedings were unlikely to go in Wontumi’s favour.

Describing his emotional state after the hearing, Dr. Boakye Danquah said he left the courtroom in tears and sorrow .

He thanked the NPP leadership for standing by Wontumi, noting that several senior party officials had visited and encouraged him in prison.
On Wontumi’s political future, he maintained that the chairman’s well-being now takes precedence over his campaign, stating that the chairmanship bid has been suspended for the time being. He also argued that the party’s declaration of Wontumi as a political prisoner would insulate his eligibility under the NPP constitution.

The comments come as legal proceedings involving Chairman Wontumi continue to attract significant public and political attention.

By Maurice Otoo

A legal member behind a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on South Africans xenophobic attacks on other African nationals, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has invoked the legacy of Nelson Mandela to call for an end to xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging Africans to embrace love, unity and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking on the issue of xenophobia on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, Dr. Boakye-Danquah said Mandela dedicated his life to uniting South Africans regardless of race, even after spending 27 years in prison under apartheid.
He noted that despite the suffering he endured, Mandela chose forgiveness over revenge, stressing that South Africans must emulate his example by showing love to one another and even other African nationals.

According to him, Mandela had every opportunity to remain in office for a second term but voluntarily stepped down after one term, handing over power in the interest of democracy and national unity.

Dr. Boakye-Danquah also reflected on South Africa’s political history, citing the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Julius Malema as key political forces shaping the country’s democratic landscape.

He lamented that xenophobic attacks have persisted over the years, with migrants allegedly being unlawfully evicted from their homes over documentation issues.
“We rallied against it, but the attacks continued until it’s escalation that compelled the Government of Ghana to begin evacuating its citizens,” he stated.

Describing South Africa and Botswana as two of the Southern Hemisphere’s richest countries in mineral resources, he said South Africa hosts millions of immigrants seeking employment and better opportunities.

He added that unemployment among indigens in South Africa is because most of them are not skilled, noting that people often see South Africans holding placards under traffic light with inscription ” give me work”. However, other African nationals sees job opportunities in the country hence the heavy migration to seek greener pastures.

Dr. Boakye-Danquah further questioned what he described as the silence of the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and other international organizations over recurring xenophobic violence.
He revealed this compelled him and his brother, Emmanuel Kutin, to petitioned the International Criminal Court over the matter, expressing optimism that the case will receive further attention.
“Our petition has received a lot of acclamation across the world. We are optimistic and will pursue the matter to the latter. If we have to visit the ICC, we will,” he said.

By Maurice Otoo