Awal Mohammed, a member of the New Patriotic Party, has challenged the government’s portrayal of Ghana’s economic strength, questioning whether recent global events have exposed underlying vulnerabilities.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, Mohammed described it as contradictory for an economy deemed stable to be heavily affected by events occurring thousands of kilometres away. “An economy they say is doing so well has been hit hard by just two weeks of bombing 6,200 kilometres away,” he remarked.

He further alleged that gold reserves amassed under former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia have been largely depleted by the current administration, claiming the country now holds around 18 tonnes of gold, with some reserves reportedly converted into dollar holdings. This comes as the government continues to emphasize a 5.7-month import cover.

Mohammed argued that the administration is benefiting from reserves built by its predecessors, especially at a time when gold prices are performing strongly on the global market. “They are enjoying because someone left something behind, and today gold is doing well so they are benefiting from it,” he said.

He also pointed to perceived inconsistencies in political messaging. During the Russia–Ukraine conflict, he noted, the current government—then in opposition—minimized the potential impact of distant global conflicts on Ghana. Yet now, it attributes domestic economic challenges to tensions in the Middle East, including Israel–Iran developments.

“This shift raises questions about how economic difficulties are being communicated to the public,” Mohammed concluded.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has formally withdrawn allegations of fraud he levelled against the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, regarding the ongoing security services recruitment exercise.

The retraction and apology were delivered on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, 4 March, following a directive by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who had referred the Minority Leader to the Privileges Committee over claims deemed potentially contemptuous.

The referral was prompted by a complaint from the Interior Minister, who described the allegations as unfounded and harmful to his reputation.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had earlier alleged that the involvement of a third-party IT firm in the recruitment process amounted to a scam and imposed an unfair financial burden on applicants.

Addressing the House, the Minority Leader clarified his position and withdrew the claims.

“Mr Speaker, I will not do that to hurt him or tarnish his reputation, and if the text of my concern reflected so, it is hereby accordingly withdrawn. I assure you that concerns that will arise out of any matter shall be properly brought to his attention,” he stated.

In response, Mr Muntaka said the accusations had been distressing, particularly given their seriousness.

“It is painful to be wrongly accused and be labelled differently from the intention that you have, especially when it is connected with heavy wrongdoing. I am heavily hurt and heavily worried, but who am I to say that I will not accept when my colleague comes to apologise? I accept it wholeheartedly,” he said.

The Interior Minister further appealed to the Speaker to have the matter expunged from the official parliamentary record, expressing the hope that it would be treated as though it had not occurred.

The development brings a temporary close to the dispute, as both sides signal a willingness to move forward.

The Electoral Commission on Tuesday declared Baba Jamal of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, as the winner of the Ayawaso East by-election held on March 3.

According to official results announced Tuesday evening, the MP-elect secured 10,884 votes, comfortably ahead of his closest contender, Baba Ali Yussif of the New Patriotic Party, NPP, who obtained 4,009 votes.

Independent candidate Mohammed Umar Sanda garnered 1,885 votes, while David Kanor received 104 votes. Ibrahim Iddrisu, representing the Liberal Party of Ghana, recorded 43 votes.

Out of 17,048 ballots cast, 16,928 were deemed valid, with 120 rejected.

The by-election was conducted to fill the parliamentary vacancy following the passing of the late Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama, in January.

Voting took place across multiple polling stations in the constituency. Although early turnout appeared modest, some observers suggested that the Ramadan fasting period may have influenced the pace of participation during the initial hours.

Security arrangements featured prominently throughout the exercise. Ahead of polling, the Ghana Police Service assured residents of adequate measures to maintain law and order before, during, and after the vote. Officers were deployed to designated polling stations and other strategic points within the constituency.

Police officials described the process as calm and orderly, indicating that security presence was sufficient as counting and collation proceeded. The Inspector General of Police also toured selected polling centres as voting concluded.

Following the official declaration, supporters of Baba Jamal gathered in parts of the constituency to celebrate the outcome.

Pre-election projections had pointed to a strong showing for the NDC candidate, a trend that was reflected in the final results announced by the Electoral Commission.