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President Mahama Unveils Major Welfare, Equipment Boost for Ghana Armed Forces

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President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has announced a wide-ranging package of welfare improvements and major equipment acquisitions aimed at strengthening the operational capacity and morale of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The President made the announcement while addressing officers, soldiers, defence civilian staff, and invited guests at the West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASA), describing the measures as part of government’s commitment to building a modern, well-resourced military.

“The strength of any armed force lies in the professionalism, welfare, and motivation of its personnel,” President Mahama said. “As President and Commander-in-Chief, I remain firmly committed to ensuring that the Ghana Armed Forces are adequately resourced, well trained, and properly equipped to meet both current and future challenges.”

Major Equipment and Infrastructure Upgrades

President Mahama disclosed that government has begun a comprehensive retooling of all three services of the Armed Forces to enhance mobility, surveillance, and rapid response capabilities.

“As part of our modernisation drive, government is retooling all three services of the Armed Forces,” he stated.

He announced that a fleet of pick-up trucks, buses, and Land Cruisers has already been commissioned to improve operational efficiency, noting that this represents only the first phase of planned vehicle acquisitions.

According to the President, government is also moving ahead with plans to procure armoured personnel carriers, strategic drones, and advanced communication systems, as well as to establish Ghana’s first state-of-the-art Cyber and Electronic Warfare Centre at the Tamale Air Force Base.

“This centre will be responsible for maintaining surveillance of our borders and will also have the capacity to respond decisively in the event that our country comes under attack,” President Mahama explained.

Further equipment upgrades will include the acquisition of offshore patrol vessels for the Ghana Navy, four new Eurocopter helicopters for the Ghana Air Force, and a new executive jet to support executive travel and critical military logistics.

Forward Operating Bases and New Military Units

President Mahama also announced progress on the construction of Forward Operating Bases across the country, particularly in strategic areas.

“Two Forward Operating Bases in the northern part of the country are ready for commissioning, and adequate funding has been allocated in this year’s budget to complete four more before the end of the year,” he said.

He added that government has taken a strategic decision to establish two new military units in the Oti and Central Regions, in response to emerging security dynamics and the need to strengthen the national response framework.

Welfare Boost for Personnel

On welfare, President Mahama announced the implementation of a new salary structure for the Ghana Armed Forces, which will take effect in March, with arrears for January and February to be paid in the same month.

“I bring tidings of great joy,” he told the gathering. “Your new salary structure will start in March, and the arrears for January and February will also be paid in March.”

He also expressed support for the establishment of a Mutual Health Fund for service personnel and their families, announcing that seed funding for the initiative will be provided by the National Security Secretariat.

“The welfare of our personnel remains a top priority, and initiatives that improve healthcare access and financial security deserve our full support,” the President said.

Housing and Personnel Expansion

Addressing accommodation challenges within the Armed Forces, President Mahama acknowledged a housing deficit of about 14,000 units and welcomed a partnership between the Defence Industries Holding Company and FT Global to deliver 10,000 housing units over the next five years.

“Improving the living conditions of our officers and soldiers is essential to morale and operational effectiveness,” he noted.

He further announced that the ongoing recruitment exercise aims to increase the strength of the Ghana Armed Forces by 12,000 personnel over the next four years, to ensure sustainability and enhanced operational capacity.

Commitment to National and Regional Security

President Mahama concluded by reaffirming his administration’s determination to keep the Ghana Armed Forces professional, disciplined, and well-positioned to safeguard the nation.

“As Commander-in-Chief, I remain resolute in ensuring that the Ghana Armed Forces are fully resourced and positioned to serve Ghana, our sub-region, Africa, and the rest of the world with distinction,” he said.

The WASA event brought together senior military leadership, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders to celebrate the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces.

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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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