The family of the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, one of Ghana’s most distinguished diplomats and statesmen, has officially notified President John Dramani Mahama of his passing.

During a courtesy call at the Presidency, the Gbeho family said it was both culturally and diplomatically appropriate to formally inform the President of the loss before making any public announcement.

Ambassador Gbeho had a distinguished career in public service, serving Ghana in several diplomatic capacities, including at the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. He also served as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Member of Parliament for Anlo, and President of the ECOWAS Commission, then known as the Executive Secretary.

He earned widespread respect for his commitment to regional integration, diplomacy, and international cooperation, making significant contributions to Ghana, West Africa, and the global community.

President Mahama extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and paid tribute to Ambassador Gbeho’s outstanding service, describing his contributions as invaluable to Ghana, the ECOWAS sub-region, and the international community.

The family said details of the funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Consumers across Ghana will pay more for electricity and water beginning July 1, 2026, following the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) latest tariff review.

The Commission has approved a 3.49 percent increase in electricity tariffs and a 0.85 percent increase in water tariffs under its third-quarter tariff adjustment framework.

In a statement issued on Monday, June 22, PURC explained that the tariff review was conducted in line with its quarterly mandate to reflect changes in key economic and operational indicators affecting utility service providers.

According to the Commission, the review considered factors such as movements in the Ghana cedi against the US dollar, inflation trends, electricity generation costs, and the price of natural gas used for power production.

PURC stated that the periodic adjustments are necessary to preserve the real value of tariffs, ensure the financial sustainability of utility companies, and support the continued delivery of reliable services to consumers.

For the third quarter of 2026, the Commission applied a weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to one US dollar, representing a 0.2 percent depreciation of the cedi compared to the previous quarter.

The review also took into account a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 percent, down from 4.17 percent in the second quarter, while the weighted average cost of natural gas decreased by 1.58 percent to USD7.9708 per MMBtu.

The country’s hydro-thermal generation mix remained unchanged at 20.9 percent hydro generation and 79.1 percent thermal generation.

Based on these indicators, PURC approved a 3.49 percent increase in electricity tariffs across all customer categories, including residential, non-residential, and special load tariff users.

Under the new rates, the lifeline electricity tariff for residential consumers using up to 30 kilowatt-hours per month has increased from 86.9Gp per kilowatt-hour to 89.93Gp per kilowatt-hour.

Water tariffs have also been adjusted upward by 0.85 percent for all customer groups, including residential, commercial, industrial, public institutions, and bulk consumers.

The residential lifeline water tariff for consumption of up to five cubic metres has risen from 593.49Gp per cubic metre to 598.54Gp per cubic metre.

PURC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring utility providers to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, improved service delivery, and value for money for consumers.

The Commission further thanked stakeholders for their continued support of the quarterly tariff review process and indicated that the revised rates will be published in the Gazette and on its official platform in due course.

Alternative Headlines:

Electricity and Water Tariffs Go Up Again as PURC Announces July 1 Price Adjustment

Ghanaians to Pay More for Utilities as PURC Increases Electricity and Water Tariffs

PURC Raises Electricity and Water Charges in Third-Quarter Tariff Review

Utility Bills Set to Rise from July as PURC Adjusts Electricity and Water Tariffs

PURC Approves New Tariffs, Electricity Up 3.49% and Water Up 0.85%

The family of the late founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Apostle Emeritus Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Safo, has confirmed that former Member of Parliament for Dome- Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is responding positively to treatment following a shooting incident that allegedly occurred on June 21, 2026.

In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, and signed by Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, the family expressed deep concern over the incident while assuring members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, relatives, friends, and the general public that she remains in stable condition and is receiving medical care.

The family further stressed that, except for Israel Nana Kwadwo Safo, all children of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo remain united and committed to ensuring a dignified and befitting burial for their father.

Family Clarifies Succession Arrangements

The statement also sought to address what the family described as growing public confusion surrounding the succession plans of the late Kristo Asafo, the leader.

According to the family, Apostle Kwadwo Safo appointed his son, Israel Nana Kwadwo Safo, as his successor in 2017 and entrusted him with leadership of the church and oversight responsibility for the various business enterprises established by the founder.

However, the family alleged that during Israel Safo’s tenure, several businesses within the Kristo Asafo conglomerate experienced a significant decline, with some collapsing or nearing collapse. The statement further claimed that foundational principles of the church were altered during this period and that Israel Safo increasingly exercised authority without due regard for the founder.

The family stated that these developments became a source of concern for Apostle Kwadwo Safo, who subsequently revoked the authority previously granted to Israel Safo in 2024. According to the statement, all provisions granting him succession rights were removed from the church’s governing framework.

Following this decision, the late founder reportedly appointed his daughter, Adwoa Safo, as Head of the Family and established a new succession roadmap for the future leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission. The family noted that the revised framework specifically excluded Israel Safo from consideration for the top leadership role.

Since the passing of Apostle Kwadwo Safo on September 11, 2025, the family said Adwoa Safo has continued to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to her by her father and has served as the principal representative of the family with the support of her siblings.

How the Shooting Incident Allegedly Occurred

Providing details surrounding the incident, the family alleged that Israel Safo, together with certain church elders, attempted to organise a private installation ceremony aimed at declaring himself leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission despite what they described as the late founder’s succession directives.

According to the statement, two church members subsequently initiated legal action and secured a court application seeking to restrain the planned installation ceremony.

The family said several attempts were made to serve the court documents on Israel Safo, but they proved unsuccessful.

They further claimed that on the morning of June 21, 2026, Adwoa Safo personally attempted to serve the court documents on her younger brother. During the encounter, the statement alleged that Israel Safo discharged a firearm multiple times in her direction and instructed associates at the scene to open fire on her vehicle.

The matter has reportedly been referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation.

Family Rejects Leadership Claim by Israel Safo

The family categorically stated that it does not recognise any installation or assumption of leadership by Israel Safo that is inconsistent with the directives of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

It further distanced itself from any claims by Israel Safo that he is acting on behalf of the Kwadwo Safo Family or with its authority.

The statement advised the public to exercise caution in any dealings with Israel Safo that purport to involve the interests, assets, leadership, or affairs of either the Kristo Asafo Mission or the Kwadwo Safo Family, warning that anyone engaging in such dealings does so at their own risk.

The family also noted that several matters involving Israel Safo are currently under scrutiny and indicated that it reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies to protect the legacy, assets, and wishes of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

The statement concluded by calling on members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, supporters, and the general public to remain calm, respect the rule of law, and allow the appropriate state institutions to handle the matters before them.

READ THE FULL PRESSER FROM THE FAMILY BELOW

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