The United Party has petitioned key state institutions to investigate allegations that Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, attempted to obtain US$1 million from Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi.

The petition, dated August 23, 2026, was jointly signed by Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications and Spokesperson of the United Party, and Andrew Appiah-Danquah, Director of Legal and Constitutional Affairs. It was addressed to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Special Prosecutor, the Speaker of Parliament, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The petition, titled “Joint Petition for the Investigation of Allegations of Attempted Extortion, Corruption, Abuse of Public Office and Related Conduct Involving the Minority Leader of Parliament,” said the allegations were serious enough to warrant an independent and evidence-based investigation.

According to the petitioners, the allegations arose from comments made by Mr Gyamfi during the Government Accountability Series on August 19, 2026, where he responded to claims made by Afenyo-Markin concerning the operations and financial position of GoldBod.

The petition said Mr Gyamfi, towards the end of his statement, alleged that individuals could engage in what he described as a calculated campaign of reputational attacks by making false allegations against their targets, with the expectation that the targets would eventually submit to what he called “compulsory arbitration” for financial benefit.

It further stated that Eric Adjei, Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and a publicly known associate of Sammy Gyamfi, subsequently made additional allegations against Afenyo-Markin.

Mr Adjei was alleged to have accused the Minority Leader of engaging in extortionist conduct and of establishing or being associated with a team that allegedly used requests under the Right to Information Act to obtain information from public institutions before persons connected to the alleged operation assumed the role of “negotiators.”

The petitioners said it had subsequently been alleged and publicly attributed directly to Sammy Gyamfi that Afenyo-Markin attempted to demand or obtain US$1 million from him.

They said the cumulative effect of the allegations suggested that the alleged demand may have been connected to actual or threatened reputational attacks, adverse publicity, political pressure, threatened official or parliamentary action, or an offer to discontinue or moderate such conduct in exchange for payment.

However, the United Party stressed that it did not possess the communications, recordings, electronic messages or other evidence upon which the allegations were based and therefore could not determine whether the claims were true.

The petitioners argued that allegations of such magnitude, particularly when made publicly by persons holding high public office and concerning a serving parliamentary leader, should not simply be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric.

They said that if the allegations were proven, they could point to an attempt to use political influence, parliamentary standing, access to information or threats to a person’s reputation to extract a substantial private financial benefit.

Conversely, if the allegations were false or could not be substantiated, the petitioners said they would constitute a serious attack on the reputation of Afenyo-Markin and the integrity of Parliament.

The United Party cited several constitutional and legal provisions in support of its call for an investigation.

It referred to Article 1(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which provides that sovereignty resides in the people of Ghana and that governmental powers are exercised in their name and for their welfare.

The petitioners argued that public power is therefore fiduciary and should not be transformed into a tool for private enrichment, political retaliation or coercion.

They also cited Article 35(8), which places an obligation on the State to take steps to eradicate corrupt practices and abuse of power, as well as Article 41(f), which requires citizens to protect public property and expose and combat the misuse and waste of public funds and property.

The petition further cited Article 218 of the Constitution and Section 7 of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice Act, 1993 (Act 456), saying these provisions empower CHRAJ to investigate complaints involving corruption, abuse of power and unfair treatment by public officers.

It also referenced the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), which provides an institutional framework for investigating and prosecuting certain corruption and corruption-related offences involving public officers and politically exposed persons.

The petitioners also pointed to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), particularly Sections 17, 18 and 151.

They argued that Section 151 criminalises obtaining property through threats, while Section 17 recognises threats of libel or slander and an offer to refrain from carrying out such threats.

The petition said that if evidence established that a demand for money was accompanied by an express or implied threat to publish, repeat or intensify damaging allegations, or an offer to stop such conduct in exchange for payment, the conduct could potentially fall within the legal definition of extortion.

Where a demand and qualifying threat were made but no money or property was obtained because the intended victim refused to pay, the petition said Section 18 could potentially apply to an attempted extortion offence.

The petition also said Sections 239 to 247 of Act 29 could become relevant if the alleged demand was made under the colour of public office or involved the exercise or threatened exercise of parliamentary or official authority.

Sections 20 and 23, it added, could also become relevant if an intermediary, political operative or other person intentionally assisted or facilitated the alleged conduct.

The United Party emphasised that a request for money by itself does not necessarily amount to extortion.

According to the petition, investigators must determine whether the alleged demand was accompanied by an express or implied threat, or an offer to stop reputational, prosecutorial, parliamentary, political or other harmful conduct in exchange for payment.

The petitioners said this could not responsibly be determined through press conferences, radio discussions or partisan exchanges, but required examination of witnesses, communications, recordings, electronic data and the circumstances surrounding the allegations.

The petition called on investigators to invite Sammy Gyamfi to provide a comprehensive formal statement detailing the alleged demand, including the amount involved, date and location, the person who allegedly communicated it, the words used, what was demanded in return and any subsequent developments.

Eric Adjei, it said, should also be invited to explain whether his allegations were based on firsthand knowledge, information received from Gyamfi, documentary or electronic evidence, communications with an intermediary or another identifiable source.

Afenyo-Markin, the petition said, should be given the opportunity to respond fully and should be accorded the presumption of innocence and all constitutional protections.

The petitioners further called for any alleged intermediary, negotiator, agent, representative or member of an alleged RTI-related team to be identified and interviewed.

Investigators, they said, should establish whether such persons acted independently or with the authority, knowledge, instruction, approval or subsequent ratification of Afenyo-Markin or anyone else.

They also asked investigators to determine whether the alleged demand was for US$1 million, GH¢10 million or another amount or valuable consideration, and whether it was linked to silence, withdrawal or non-publication of allegations, cessation of political attacks, restraint in parliamentary action, favourable treatment, settlement or “compulsory arbitration.”

They called for investigators to establish whether any payment, part-payment, promise, settlement proposal, financial instruction, benefit or other consideration was made, offered, discussed or contemplated.

The petition asked the Attorney-General and relevant investigative institutions to determine whether the facts ultimately established disclosed attempted extortion, completed extortion, corruption, abuse of public office, conspiracy, abetment or any other offence under Ghanaian law.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor was asked to determine whether the allegations fell within its jurisdiction as corruption or a corruption-related offence involving a public officer or politically exposed person.

CHRAJ was urged to investigate whether the alleged conduct amounted to corruption, abuse of power or a breach of the constitutional code of conduct for public officers.

The IGP and CID Director-General were also asked to open a criminal inquiry into the alleged monetary demand, any accompanying threat and the possible involvement of intermediaries or associates.

The petition also asked the Speaker of Parliament to refer any matter concerning the conduct, dignity and integrity of Parliament to the appropriate parliamentary mechanism without interfering with an independent criminal investigation.

It further called for coordination among the relevant institutions where necessary, while maintaining their constitutional and statutory independence.

If sufficient evidence is established, the petitioners want appropriate criminal, disciplinary, parliamentary, civil recovery or other proceedings commenced without fear, favour or partisan consideration.

Petitioners call for fair outcome

The United Party said that if the allegations could not be substantiated after a proper investigation, that conclusion should also be clearly communicated to protect public discourse and the reputation of anyone who may have been wrongly accused.

The petitioners said their concern went beyond the individuals and political parties involved, arguing that Ghana’s constitutional democracy could be undermined if political or public authority were used as an instrument for private bargaining.

They also warned that failing to investigate serious allegations of criminality could encourage impunity if the allegations were true, while allowing unsubstantiated accusations to stand could promote character assassination if they were false.

In its final request, the United Party called for the recipient institutions to acknowledge the petition, assign it an official reference number, commence a prompt and independent preliminary inquiry, obtain formal statements from Sammy Gyamfi and Eric Adjei, invite Afenyo-Markin to respond, identify all alleged intermediaries and preserve relevant electronic, documentary, audiovisual and financial evidence.

The petition also urged the institutions to determine whether public office, parliamentary position or institutional authority was allegedly used as leverage and, where the allegations are substantiated, institute the appropriate proceedings.

The petitioners stressed that they were not asserting that criminal liability had already been established.

They said their request was simply for those who had made serious and specific allegations to place their evidence before competent state institutions and for Afenyo-Markin to be given a fair opportunity to respond.

They concluded by calling for urgent intervention and written communication on the steps taken in response to the petition.

The petition was signed by Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications and Spokesperson of the United Party, and Andrew Appiah-Danquah, Director of Legal and Constitutional Affairs of the party. Attachments listed with the petition include excerpts of Sammy Gyamfi’s August 19 statement, audiovisual recordings or transcripts of Eric Adjei’s statements, material containing the alleged US$1 million demand, and any additional electronic, documentary or witness evidence available to the petitioners.

Petition on allegations of extortion made by Sammy Gyamfi against Afenyo Markin

Assemblies of God Ghana has fully settled the Ecobank facility that was used to finance the construction of its headquarters, while significantly reducing its bank overdraft by about GH¢3.2 million, according to the church’s 2026 financial report.

The church disclosed that the Ecobank facility was completely repaid ahead of schedule in July 2024, relieving the organisation of a major financial obligation.

The Greater Accra East and Greater Accra West regions of the church have also cleared their indebtedness to CalBank arising from the acquisition of a retreat centre at Shai Hills.

General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, said settling the headquarters mortgage had eased a significant financial burden on the General Council and the church’s local congregations.

According to him, the mortgage previously required the church to make monthly payments of approximately GH¢800,000.

He described the repayment as an important development for the church, given the scale of the financial commitment involved.

The church’s audited accounts further show a sharp decline in its bank overdraft.

The overdraft dropped from GH¢3.45 million in 2024 to GH¢244,921 in 2025, representing a reduction of about GH¢3.2 million, or roughly 93 per cent.

Long-term loans also declined substantially during the period, falling from GH¢9.4 million in 2024 to GH¢4.99 million in 2025.

However, the church continues to carry some long-term financial obligations. These include GH¢1.16 million owed to Ecobank and GH¢3.57 million owed to Prudential Bank through facilities obtained on behalf of Prime Insurance for working capital.

Rev. Wengam also reported significant growth in the organisation’s finances, saying the church had recorded what he described as 200 per cent financial growth between 2024 and 2026.

“Between 2024 and 2026, we have experienced 200% financial growth,” he said while presenting comparative figures from the church’s audited accounts.

The 2025 financial statements indicate that the church’s total assets increased from GH¢66.5 million in 2024 to GH¢67.2 million in 2025.

Property, plant and equipment recorded a more notable increase, rising from GH¢35.6 million to GH¢42.1 million over the same period.

The improvement in the church’s financial position has also been accompanied by efforts to ensure that funds are transferred to its regions and districts on time.

According to the Treasurer’s report, however, the General Council still has several financial commitments to meet, including support for some agencies and departments.

The church is also preparing for the Centenary City project, while outstanding regional levies stood at approximately GH¢1.75 million as of April 30, 2026.

Assemblies of God Ghana said all returns due to regions that had submitted their manual returns had been paid up to June 2026, with payments for July being processed.

The financial disclosures are part of reports being presented at the 32nd Biennial General Council Meeting of Assemblies of God Ghana.

The meeting is being held from August 18 to 22, 2026, at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa Fetteh.

Source: Citi Newsroom

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has announced a planned 15-hour outage on the V19HV and V24H transmission lines on Sunday, August 23, 2026, to allow engineers to continue emergency tower replacement works on the 161kV Volta–Achimota transmission line.

The notice was contained in a letter dated August 21, 2026, addressed to the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

According to GRIDCo, the emergency works involve the replacement of transmission tower T.09(01/02), located on the Ashaiman section of the Volta–Achimota 161kV transmission line.

GRIDCo explained that the tower replacement works were not fully completed during the earlier exercise conducted on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

The company said additional work is therefore required to complete the project and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the transmission line.

“As planned,” the company stated, the tower replacement works will continue on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during which an outage on the V19HV and V24H lines will be granted from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The scheduled duration is 15 hours, covering the period from 3:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

GRIDCo has consequently requested the Electricity Company of Ghana to make the necessary load-management arrangements to facilitate the execution of the emergency works.

The affected areas listed in GRIDCo’s work schedule include Nima Township, Kanda Highway, Kanda Estate, Sulana, Kokomlemle, Circle, Madina Township, Okponglo, Cantonment, Osu Oxford Street, James Town, Mamprobi and Chorkor.

Other affected locations are Sempe, parts of Kaneshie, the North Industrial Area, Okaishie, Adauome, Agbogbloshie, Kantamanto, Adabraka, parts of Ridge, Tesano, Santanna Market, parts of Alajo, Malam Atta Market, Asylum Down, Labone, Kojo Sardine and Teshie Rasta Road.

The information forms part of GRIDCo’s emergency work schedule for the 161kV Volta–Achimota transmission lines, with the affected areas listed under the first day of the emergency works.

The transmission company stressed that the continuation of the work is necessary because the replacement exercise could not be fully completed during the previous outage period.

The letter was signed by GRIDCo Chief Executive, Ing. Frank A. Ochtere, and copied to the Minister of Energy and Green Transition.

GRIDCo, which describes itself as the “Backbone to Power Delivery,” said the additional work is intended to support the safe and reliable operation of the transmission network.

Residents and businesses within the listed areas are therefore expected to make appropriate arrangements for the scheduled outage on Sunday, August 23, while ECG undertakes the required load-management measures during the 15-hour maintenance window.

The exercise is part of ongoing emergency interventions on the transmission infrastructure to address the affected tower and complete the replacement works on the Ashaiman section of the Volta–Achimota 161kV transmission line.

The Government of Ghana has given Adamus Resources Limited a fresh opportunity to revive and restructure its mining operations following a meeting at the Presidency aimed at resolving the dispute between the mining company and the state.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Friday, August 21, 2026, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission and Adamus Resources have been directed to develop a 12-month roadmap to turn around the operations of the mine.

The roadmap is expected to provide a structured plan for restoring the mine’s operations and addressing the financial and operational challenges confronting the company.

As part of the arrangement, a six-member management team will be established to oversee the turnaround process. The team will comprise three representatives from Adamus Resources and three representatives from the Government.

The management team will supervise the implementation of the agreed measures and work towards ensuring the sustainability of the mining operation.

The Presidency said the agreement was reached after a meeting focused on resolving the dispute between the Government and Adamus Resources and finding a way to preserve what it described as one of Ghana’s few operating indigenous large-scale mines.

The 12-month roadmap will also include measures to address financial obligations owed by Adamus Resources.

The company is expected to develop a plan for settling its outstanding liabilities to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), financial institutions and suppliers.

The arrangement is intended to help improve the company’s financial position while creating a more sustainable path for the mine’s continued operation.

The Government and Adamus Resources will also explore ways of injecting fresh capital into the mining operation.

This will include the possibility of inviting additional partners to invest in the company by taking up equity in the mining business.

The move is expected to provide the capital needed to support the turnaround of the mine and strengthen its ability to operate sustainably.

The two sides have been given two weeks to complete the proposed roadmap and present it to the Presidency.

The roadmap will therefore serve as the immediate framework for implementing the new agreement between the Government and Adamus Resources.

The latest development comes shortly after the Government upheld the revocation of three mining leases held by Adamus Resources at Akango, Salman and Nkroful following a prolonged dispute over alleged regulatory breaches.

The leases were initially revoked in April 2026 after investigations by the Minerals Commission, with the Government citing alleged breaches of Ghana’s mining laws. Adamus Resources subsequently challenged the decision and maintained that the revocation process was unlawful.

Following the company’s petition, the Government constituted a review process to consider its concerns. On August 10, 2026, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah upheld the revocation after receiving the review committee’s findings.

The Government subsequently directed the Minerals Commission to assume administrative responsibility for the mine.

The new arrangement announced on August 21 now provides a fresh framework for the Government and Adamus Resources to work together towards resolving the challenges surrounding the mining operation.

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has announced the full restoration of power supply to all areas affected by a system disturbance that occurred on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

In a press statement issued by its Corporate Communications Section on Friday, August 21, GRIDCo said the restoration exercise began immediately after the disturbance, with its engineers and technical teams across the power sector working to return electricity supply to affected communities.

According to the company, power had been fully restored to all affected areas by 12:03 p.m.

GRIDCo said the swift restoration followed the coordinated efforts of its engineers and other technical teams who worked diligently to stabilise the system and reconnect affected areas.

The company expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their cooperation and support throughout the restoration process, as well as to members of the public for their patience and understanding.

“GRIDCo will continue to implement measures to strengthen the reliability, stability, and resilience of the transmission network,” the company said.

The latest update comes after the system disturbance disrupted power supply in parts of the country on Thursday.

GRIDCo, which was incorporated in December 2006, is responsible for the economic dispatch and transmission of electricity from wholesale suppliers, including Independent Power Producers (IPPs), to bulk customers and distribution utilities in Ghana and West Africa.

The company became operational on August 1, 2008, following the transfer of the Transmission System Department and its core staff from the Volta River Authority (VRA) to GRIDCo.

GRIDCo operates Ghana’s National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS) and currently transmits electricity to 33 bulk customers and distribution utilities from 11 wholesale suppliers, including the Volta River Authority.

The company has assured the public that efforts will continue to improve the reliability, stability and resilience of the country’s electricity transmission network.

UPDATE – GRIDCo PRESS RELEASE POWER RESTORATION UPDATE_21Aug26