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“Former Spy Chief Hints at Explosive Secrets Amid Embezzlement Trial” – Bright Simons

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The former head of one of the three main agencies constituting Ghana’s national security system is under trial for stealing public funds designated for intelligence operations.

He has written a letter from detention darkly hinting at two things:

  1. The monies that his private companies received from national security accounts and other government agencies were to be used for sensitive intelligence and security operations.
  2. Unless his continued trial and detention are halted, he shall be forced to disclose some of these operations, details of which could embarrass senior politicians from both major political parties.

He tried to insinuate that national security agencies bribed members of parliament to facilitate the passage of laws of interest to the government.

He is alleging that even the then opposition party, now ruling party, received funds, vehicles, and other forms of support from the national security agencies ahead of recent elections.

The stated intent of all these murky expenses is the cohesion and stability of the country. In previous commentary, I have warned how the murky way in which national security operations are funded has led to the some of the few instances of overt embezzlement in Ghana.

Ghana is a country where public officials rarely embezzle public funds. They tend, instead, to prefer kickbacks.

At some point, serious conversations must be had about the setup of the national security auditing regime. The auditor general is not currently fit for this purpose. In fact, it is not fit for tackling most organised modes of misusing public funds.

However, as far as the criminal charges against the former spy boss is concerned, this letter is irrelevant.

If national security agencies wish to set up a special corporate vehicle for confidential operations, why would they do so in the name of one of the seniormost spy bosses in the country? Highly implausible. Why are there no actual classified records of any of this?

If the national security establishment wants to efficiently disburse funds for “dirty operations”, why would it do so through illiquid real estate investments and the purchase of luxury items, for instance? How does that facilitate undercover payments for national security objectives?

Most vitally, the theories and allegations being urged on us by the former spy boss are up against the work of one of Ghana’s most formidable investigators, Raymond Archer. Even as a private citizen, his craft was of daunting precision. Now that he has the full apparatus of the security state at his beck and call, I would be very surprised if he will leave any gaps of the kind suggested by the former spy boss.

Even what fragments we know about the investigation so far, if put together, shows that many payments from the bank account of the shady companies set up by the former spy boss have been traced to purely commercial activities and numerous luxury purchases.

What has the buying of a lamborghini for a high-end car rental service, for instance, got to do with bribing MPs to pass laws in parliament favorable to the government?

Hence, while the letter from the former spy boss makes for titillating reading and raises serious concerns about potential rot in national security, I do not see any real impact on the substantive charges laid against him.

Furthermore, the cryptic way he has presented the information, to maximise its sensational value without presenting any actual evidence, means that it is not even usable by the anti-corruption agencies.

If he is alleging actual wrongdoing by the national security agencies, then he can present clearer, actionable, evidence to any of the anti-corruption agencies. Otherwise, this looks like an attempt to blackmail the state to back off under vague and veiled threats of embarrassing some important people.

Obviously, the state would give credence to the insinuations if it relented for even a second. My analysis is that, for that same reason, the letter will only encourage the prosecution to double up their efforts.

If the state continue to put out information that folks like myself can independently verify, the public would be better served. It would make attempts to throw mud at the picture harder.

Bright Simons Twitt

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NLC Orders Immediate End to NIA Divisional Union Strike, Declares Action Unlawful

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The National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered the immediate suspension of the strike initiated by the Divisional Union of the National Identification Authority (NIA), labelling the action as illegal and procedurally incorrect.

 

This directive came after a hearing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, involving representatives from the Divisional Union, the National Union of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), and key government agencies including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.

 

During the proceedings, it was revealed that the strike had been declared solely by the Divisional Union without approval from the National Union—an act deemed a violation of Ghana’s labour laws. The laws prohibit local or divisional branches from declaring industrial actions independently.

 

The National Union admitted to the procedural breach and issued an apology to the Commission.

 

“The Commission observed that it received notification of a strike declared by the Divisional Union, NIA of PSWU, and asked the National Union to confirm same. The National Union confirmed the Divisional Union called the strike, which the Commission ruled was improper. The Union acknowledged the error and apologized,” the NLC stated.

 

Consequently, the NLC directed the immediate cessation of the strike and instructed the National Union to initiate negotiations with the NIA, Ministry of Finance, and FWSC concerning unresolved issues, particularly the demand for a 20% operational support allowance.

 

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for July 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., during which all parties are expected to report on compliance with the NLC’s orders and provide updates on negotiation progress.

 

The Commission emphasized the need for all labour-related grievances to be addressed through the appropriate legal frameworks to maintain order and protect the rights of all stakeholders.

 

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Ghana Confirms 188 Citizens to Be Deported from U.S.; Government Vows Humane Reintegration

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The Government of Ghana has confirmed that 188 of its nationals have been marked for deportation by the United States, as part of a renewed immigration enforcement effort under President Donald Trump’s administration.

 

At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, June 26, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that U.S. authorities had officially communicated the deportation list to the Ministry. He emphasized Ghana’s full cooperation with American agencies to ensure the deportation process is handled humanely and with dignity.

 

“We have been formally notified of 188 Ghanaians on President Trump’s deportation list,” Mr. Ablakwa said. “Our embassies in New York and Washington are coordinating with U.S. counterparts, and travel certificates are being issued promptly.”

 

The Minister assured the public that the government is taking every measure to ensure deportees are welcomed respectfully and supported upon arrival. A reintegration programme, in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ghana Immigration Service, has already been activated.

 

“We will be at the airport to welcome our compatriots and assist them in starting afresh. Many are returning under distressing circumstances, some without possessions or money. Our support will be discreet and dignified,” he added.

 

This development follows a Washington Post report indicating that the Trump administration is considering expanding visa and travel restrictions to cover up to 36 countries—almost doubling the number from Trump’s first term. Although Ghana has not been named on the prospective list, the government remains cautious.

 

“We’ve held constructive discussions with the U.S. State Department and the White House,” Ablakwa said. “Ghana’s longstanding strategic relationship with the U.S. positions us well. We expect fair treatment, given our consistent record of cooperation.”

 

He further noted that 56 of the 188 individuals listed have already been repatriated, with the remainder in various stages of processing. While acknowledging the U.S.’s sovereign right to enforce immigration laws, he called for respect for the fundamental rights of the affected individuals.

 

In a related update, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana had recently assisted U.S. authorities in the arrest and extradition of suspects involved in a $100 million fraud case. He highlighted this as evidence of the strong, mature ties between both nations.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining diplomatic engagement and ensuring that any actions taken by the U.S. conform to international human rights standards.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Visit Ghana July 2–3 to Deepen Bilateral Ties

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The Presidency of Ghana has announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day official visit to Ghana from Wednesday, July 2, to Thursday, July 3, 2025.

 

The visit, which underscores the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between Ghana and India, is aimed at enhancing their strategic partnership across key sectors.

 

According to a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Prime Minister Modi will engage in a high-level bilateral meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House.

 

Their discussions are expected to focus on boosting cooperation in critical areas including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, education, healthcare, and energy. The leaders will also address regional and international matters of shared concern.

 

One of the key highlights of the visit will be the signing of several bilateral agreements, designed to expand and formalise frameworks for collaboration between the two countries. A joint press conference will follow the signing ceremony.

 

To honour the Indian Prime Minister, President Mahama will also host a State Dinner in his honour and that of his accompanying delegation.

 

The presidency affirmed that the visit is anticipated to “strengthen bilateral ties, foster deeper economic cooperation, and solidify the bonds of friendship between the peoples of Ghana and India.”

 

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