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Mahama Calls for Stronger Ghana-EU Trade and Investment Partnership to Drive Economic Growth

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President John Dramani Mahama has called for a new phase in Ghana’s partnership with the European Union (EU), urging both sides to move beyond a relationship primarily focused on aid and development assistance towards one driven by trade, investment, innovation, industrialisation and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the opening session of the Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra on Thursday, June 11, 2026, President Mahama said the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the EU had evolved into a strategic partnership founded on democratic values, mutual respect and shared interests.

The dialogue brought together key government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, his deputy James Gyakye Quayson, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, and EU ambassadors accredited to Ghana.

Partnership Built on Shared Interests

President Mahama noted that the meeting was taking place at a time of significant global transformation, stressing that partnerships anchored in trust and common interests were now more important than ever.

He described Ghana-EU relations as one of “interconnected destinies,” explaining that Ghana’s economic success creates opportunities for European businesses, while Europe’s prosperity benefits Ghana through increased trade, investment, innovation and technology transfer.

According to the President, both parties must work towards strengthening and modernising their cooperation to address emerging global challenges.

“Our objective should not be merely to maintain existing cooperation, but to elevate it to a whole new level,” he stated.

Economic Recovery Showing Positive Signs

Touching on Ghana’s economy, President Mahama said the country was demonstrating encouraging signs of recovery and resilience after emerging from one of its most difficult economic periods.

He highlighted improvements in fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and private sector-led growth, noting that inflation was declining while investor confidence continued to improve.

However, he stressed that economic stability alone was not enough, insisting that the ultimate goal was to improve the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.

The President said the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative and accelerated export development programme would play a central role in boosting productivity across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, transport, tourism and digital services.

“Our goal is simple: Ghana must produce more, export more and create more jobs for our young people. The future of our economy lies in adding value to our products and services rather than exporting raw materials,” he said.

EU Pledges Support for Industrialisation Agenda

The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s transition towards a trade and investment-led economy.

He commended the government for its economic recovery efforts, noting that Ghana had surpassed targets set under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Credit Facility programme.

Mr Skinnebach said the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy would support and finance strategic infrastructure and industrial projects aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

He, however, urged government to address challenges affecting European businesses, including delays in permit approvals, land title acquisition, port operations and concerns over recently introduced e-visa fees for non-African visitors.

Security Cooperation Deepens

The Ambassador also highlighted the Security and Defence Partnership Agreement signed earlier this year between Ghana and the EU, describing it as the first such agreement between the EU and an African country.

Valued at more than €100 million, the partnership focuses on military equipment support, training and efforts to prevent the spread of violent extremism from the Sahel region into coastal West Africa.

Ghana-EU Relations at an ‘All-Time High’

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described relations between Ghana and the European Union as being at an “all-time high,” citing significant achievements over the past year.

He noted that Ghana had become the first African country to formalise a Security and Defence Partnership Agreement with the EU and the first on the continent to secure sustainable timber certification under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process.

Mr Ablakwa said the partnership had expanded significantly beyond development cooperation to include trade, investment, governance, climate action, peace and security, and human development.

Focus on Reparatory Justice

The Foreign Affairs Minister also highlighted Ghana’s leadership role in advancing reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent.

He said Ghana’s efforts under President Mahama’s leadership contributed to the adoption of United Nations Resolution A/RES/80/250, which recognises the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans as one of the gravest crimes against humanity.

According to him, cooperation with the EU on the issue has remained constructive, with countries such as France, the Netherlands and Germany showing support for discussions on reparations and the return of cultural artefacts.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to participate virtually in a high-level conference on the next steps towards implementing the resolution, scheduled for June 17 to 19.

Government Open to Dialogue on E-Visa Fees

Responding to concerns raised by the EU regarding Ghana’s new e-visa fees, Mr Ablakwa said government was prepared to engage in discussions based on reciprocity.

He explained that visa charges are determined by Parliament under the Fees and Charges Act but indicated that the government would consider reviewing the fees should EU member states also reassess visa charges imposed on Ghanaian travellers.

The Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between Ghana and the European Union in areas of economic transformation, security, governance and sustainable development. :::

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NPP Leadership Holds Emergency Meeting Over Wontumi Court Judgment

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The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has convened an emergency meeting following the High Court’s judgment in the case involving the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over the Samreboi mining matter.

The meeting is being attended by the party’s national leadership, its Flagbearer, and the NPP’s legal team. According to the party, the purpose of the meeting is to conduct a thorough review of the court’s decision and determine the appropriate legal and political steps to take.

In a statement issued on behalf of the party, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said the NPP is carefully assessing the judgment before announcing its official position.

“The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), together with our Flagbearer and the Party’s legal team, is currently in a meeting to thoroughly review the judgment delivered by the Court… and to determine the appropriate next course of action,” the statement said.

The party indicated that an official communication outlining the outcome of the meeting and any decisions taken will be released in due course.

Justin Kodua Frimpong also appealed to party supporters and members across the country to remain calm and united while the leadership completes its deliberations.

He urged members of the NPP to rally behind the party’s leadership during what he described as a challenging moment, stressing the need for calm, discipline, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the party’s values and interests.

The emergency meeting comes after the High Court delivered its judgment in Chairman Wontumi’s case relating to alleged illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession, a ruling that has generated significant political interest nationwide.

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Nana B Declares Bid for NPP National First Vice Chairman Position

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The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has officially announced his intention to contest for the position of National First Vice Chairman of the party ahead of its upcoming internal elections.

In a statement addressed to party executives, elders, patrons and members of the NPP, Nana B said his decision was inspired by a deep sense of duty and gratitude after serving the party for 26 years in various leadership positions.

According to him, the experience and lessons he has gained over the years have prepared him to help strengthen the party’s structures, reconnect with the grassroots and contribute significantly to the NPP’s mission of returning to power in the 2028 general elections.

Nana B highlighted his extensive political journey within the party, beginning at the polling station level where he served as a Polling Station Agent during the 2000 General Elections in the then Manhyia Constituency. He later became Polling Station Chairman in both the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Oforikrom constituencies. He also served as a member of the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency Campaign Team and as Communications Officer for the Oforikrom Constituency.

At the regional and youth level, he served as TESCON President at both the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He also served as a member of the Ashanti Regional Communications Team, a member of the 2016 Ashanti Regional Campaign Team, Director of Events and Programmes for the National Youth Wing, National Youth Organiser, and Vice Chairman of the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU).

At the national level, Nana B has served in several strategic roles, including Member of the NPP National Communications Team, Member of the 2020 Presidential Election Petition Legal Team, Member of the 2020 and 2024 National Campaign Teams, National Organiser, Vice Chairman of the 2025 National Delegates Conference Planning Committee, Member of the National Steering Committee, National Executive Committee and National Council.

He stated that his ambition is rooted in the belief that unity, renewed determination and effective leadership will reposition the New Patriotic Party for victory in the 2028 elections.

Nana B appealed to party faithful to support his bid with their prayers, guidance and encouragement as he embarks on what he described as an important journey for the future of the NPP.

He signed the statement as Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), Next National First Vice Chairman, NPP,” and adopted the campaign slogan Bold, Fearless and Experienced.

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Dr. Charles Dwamena Sues Hubtel for GH¢5 Million Over Alleged Campaign USSD Sabotage

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Dr. Charles Dwamena, the National Treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a candidate for the party’s General Secretary position, has filed a lawsuit against Hubtel Limited at the Commercial Division of the High Court in Kumasi, seeking GH¢5 million in damages over what he describes as a breach of contract, negligence, and unlawful interference with his campaign donation platform.

According to the writ of summons and statement of claim filed in July 2026, Dr. Dwamena, a former Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to China and former Director of Finance and Administration at the NPP headquarters, alleges that Hubtel unlawfully activated a separate USSD shortcode bearing his personal name and later deactivated his official campaign donation shortcode without his knowledge or consent.

The suit states that in January 2026, Dr. Dwamena engaged Hubtel to provide a USSD-based payment platform to collect donations for his campaign for the NPP General Secretary race scheduled for September 18–20, 2026. Hubtel allegedly assigned him the shortcode 7132028#, which was configured by his campaign team and integrated into his official campaign website, www.drdwamenaelections.org.

According to the claim, Dr. Dwamena invested significant time, effort, and financial resources into developing the donation platform, including creating multiple donation categories and payment options for supporters.

The lawsuit states that Hubtel later onboarded his software developer and provided technical support through a dedicated WhatsApp group involving Hubtel officials identified as Ms. Benedicta and Mr. Makafui.

Dr. Dwamena argues that Hubtel was contractually obligated to maintain and operate the campaign shortcode, refrain from activating any other shortcode bearing his name without his approval, avoid linking his campaign platform to any other shortcode, and ensure that his campaign payment infrastructure remained operational.

However, the suit alleges that on April 21, 2026, Stephen Forson, identified as the Deputy Director of Information Technology at the NPP headquarters, requested Hubtel through a WhatsApp integration platform to activate another shortcode, 7142028#.

The plaintiff claims he immediately objected in writing, warning that activating the new shortcode would create confusion because 7132028# had already been assigned exclusively to his campaign. Despite the objection, he alleges Hubtel proceeded to activate the new shortcode.

According to the statement of claim, Hubtel also linked the newly activated shortcode to Dr. Dwamena’s existing campaign platform, causing users making payments through 7142028# to see his name as the designated beneficiary.

The court documents include allegations that payment prompts displayed messages such as “Enter Amount to pay to Dr Charles Dwamena” and payment confirmation screens identifying him as the recipient of transactions.

Dr. Dwamena further claims Hubtel subsequently deactivated his original campaign shortcode, 7132028#, without his authorization, effectively shutting down his official donation platform during a critical stage of his campaign.

He argues that Hubtel’s actions breached both contractual obligations and its duty of care as a licensed payment service provider under Ghana’s Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987).

The plaintiff also accuses Hubtel of failing to implement proper authorization procedures before activating a shortcode bearing his name and of giving priority to instructions from third parties over those of its own client.

Dr. Dwamena says the actions severely damaged his reputation after publications circulated on official NPP WhatsApp platforms and social media allegedly portrayed him as someone involved in diverting party membership dues into his personal account.

He further claims the alleged actions resulted in the loss of campaign donations, damaged his political standing ahead of the NPP National Executive elections, and negatively affected his professional reputation.

As part of the suit, Dr. Dwamena is seeking declarations that Hubtel breached its contract by activating the unauthorized shortcode and deactivating his official campaign shortcode.

He is also asking the court to order Hubtel to immediately restore shortcode 7132028# and permanently deactivate shortcode 7142028#.

Additionally, the plaintiff wants the court to compel Hubtel to provide a full account of all transactions processed through the disputed shortcode and pay over any sums found to be due.

Dr. Dwamena is seeking GH¢5 million in general damages for breach of contract and negligence, exemplary damages for what he describes as Hubtel’s reckless and high-handed conduct, special damages for lost campaign donations and other consequential losses, interest on all monetary awards at the prevailing Bank of Ghana rate, and legal costs.

The case is yet to be heard, and Hubtel is expected to respond to the allegations before the court determines the merits of the claims.

Dr. Charles Dwamena

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