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Frustration is mounting among traders and pedestrians across major markets in Kumasi as persistent vehicle shortages and fare hikes during rush hours continue to disrupt their daily businesses, forcing many to arrive late, lose customers, or pay more just to move goods. Amid the growing public outcry, the Station Chairman of the Sofo Line Lorry Terminal, Albert Boamah, has rejected claims by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, that transport unions such as the GPRTU and PROTOA are to blame for the recurring transport crisis. According to Chairman Boamah, blaming transport unions ignores the real causes of the hardship traders and commuters face daily. He argued that weak enforcement of transport regulations by state authorities has allowed indiscipline among some trotro drivers to flourish, particularly during peak hours. “For traders who depend on early-morning transport to get to the markets, the situation is unbearable,” Boamah said. “Drivers stop anywhere to load passengers, create congestion, and then charge whatever fare they want because nobody is enforcing the rules.” Many traders, especially those transporting perishable goods, say the rush-hour scarcity of vehicles and sudden fare increases cut directly into their profits. Some are forced to pay inflated fares to avoid losing customers, while others arrive late to already crowded markets. Chairman Boamah explained that the lack of strict policing has emboldened some drivers to flout traffic and transport rules openly. He insisted that consistent arrests and sanctions would significantly reduce congestion, improve vehicle availability, and stabilize fares. “Once the police enforce the law without fear or favor, drivers will stop loading passengers indiscriminately and charging arbitrary fares,” he noted. He also blamed the proliferation of unauthorized lorry terminals for worsening the problem, saying individuals are allowed to set up stations anywhere without regulation, further choking key roads and disrupting orderly transport operations. Boamah urged the government to stop shifting blame to transport unions and instead focus on measures that would directly ease the burden on traders and commuters. These include enforcing transport laws, properly regulating lorry terminals, and engaging transport stakeholders in finding lasting solutions. Until such steps are taken, traders say they will continue to bear the brunt of a transport system that fails them most when they need it—during the critical rush hours that determine whether their businesses thrive or suffer. Source: www.kumasimail.com / Kwabena Antwi Boasiako 3:23
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Rush-hour chaos hits traders hard as transport union leader rejects gov’t claims

Ghanaians in possession of illegal firearms have been warned to surrender them before January 15 or face arrest and severe punishment when the ongoing national weapons amnesty expires. The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Dr. Adam Adamu Alhassan Bonaa, said persons found with illegal weapons after the deadline will be prosecuted for a first-degree felony, which carries the possibility of lengthy prison sentences. Dr. Bonaa assured the public that the amnesty programme allows individuals to voluntarily surrender firearms at any police station across the country without fear of arrest, questioning or payment. He explained that the exercise covers all categories of illegal weapons, including prohibited and stolen firearms such as AK-47 rifles. According to him, thousands of weapons have already been retrieved nationwide since the start of the amnesty, with the Volta Region recording particularly high numbers. He noted that the process has so far been peaceful, with no reports of intimidation or arrests. Dr. Bonaa cautioned that once the amnesty period ends, security agencies will begin enforcement operations. He added that informants who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegal weapons will be rewarded. He further warned that individuals found in rooms or homes where illegal firearms are discovered could be treated as suspects under the law. The Acting Executive Secretary linked the proliferation of illegal weapons to violent crimes, chieftaincy disputes, land guard activities, and attacks on schools and places of worship. He appealed to chiefs, assembly members and other community leaders to assist residents who may be afraid or uncertain about how to surrender their weapons. Dr. Bonaa stressed that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse once enforcement begins and urged the public to take advantage of the amnesty to help safeguard lives and maintain peace. The nationwide disarmament campaign is expected to intensify across all regions in the coming days. Source: www.kumasimail.com 2:12
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Illegal gun holders warned ahead of January 15 deadline for weapons amnesty

Three people, including a journalist, are reported to be in critical condition following a violent confrontation between personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and civilians during a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. The incident occurred while firefighters were working to contain a major blaze that had engulfed sections of the busy market. According to eyewitnesses, tensions flared when some local youth joined efforts to help control the fire, while others recorded the operation on their mobile phones. Media report from the scene, said officers from the Kasoa Fire Station allegedly assaulted some of the civilians, including individuals who were filming the firefighting exercise. The situation reportedly escalated after an altercation broke out between fire service personnel and traders affected by the blaze. Among those allegedly attacked was Samuel Addo, a journalist with the Class Media Group, who was reportedly assaulted while recording a confrontation between firefighters and traders. The clash quickly degenerated into a scuffle, resulting in serious injuries to three people. The injured journalist later spoke to the media, recounting his ordeal and condemning the alleged assault on media practitioners carrying out their lawful duties. The incident has since sparked public outrage, with civil society groups, media advocates and members of the public calling for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the fire service personnel involved. There have also been renewed calls for the protection of journalists and civilians during emergency operations. As of the time of filing this report, the Ghana National Fire Service had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Source: www.kumasimail.com 1:43
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Fire Service personnel assault civilians and Journalists, three critically injured at Kasoa

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Mob attacks Police at TW Mines football final in Obuasi

The General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, has strongly criticised party members and supporters calling for a third presidential term for former President John Dramani Mahama, describing such actions as “pure sycophancy and bootlicking.” Speaking at a party engagement, Mr. Kwetey expressed concern over what he described as growing sycophantic tendencies within the NDC, where individuals, in his view, believe their political survival depends solely on proximity to party leaders. “It saddens me when I see so much sycophancy creeping into our party,” he said. “Some people think that being in the presence of a leader is the only way they can survive politically, and that is why you hear statements suggesting there should be a third term. That is nothing but sycophancy.” Mr. Kwetey stressed that the NDC’s ideology and strength are rooted in collective action rather than individual personalities. According to him, the party’s “revolution” is enduring and transcends any single leader. “The revolution has come to stay. It is not about individuals; it is about us as a collective,” he stated, adding that leadership within the party should always be guided by constitutional principles and internal democracy. While commending former President Mahama for his contributions and dedication to public service, the NDC General Secretary maintained that no individual, regardless of performance, should be elevated beyond the party’s structures and values. “President Mahama has done his best, and we bless him for that. But his time, like everyone else’s, will come. Leaders will come and go, but the great NDC will remain,” he said. Mr. Kwetey warned that excessive praise and personality cults undermine democratic ideals and national development, arguing that such behaviour reflects a lack of genuine commitment to the country. “When people spend their time praising individuals just to gain favour, it shows they do not love this country enough,” he added. The comments come amid renewed public discourse following recent political debates and speculations surrounding leadership succession within Ghana’s major political parties. 2:30
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Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey condemns calls for third Term for Mahama, labels them ‘Sycophancy’

Constituency Communication Officers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region have issued a strong caution to presidential hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, urging him and his campaign team to exercise restraint and decorum in their public utterances as he campaigns in the region. In a press statement signed by Communication Officers from 40 out of the 46 constituencies in the region, the group welcomed Mr. Agyapong to the Ashanti Region but expressed growing concern over what they described as “intemperate language, tribal insinuations, religious and ethnic undertones, and other divisive statements” attributed to him and members of his campaign team. The officers, who described themselves as front-line communicators of the party, said such comments have made it increasingly difficult for them to defend the party’s image and respond to criticisms from grassroots supporters and the wider public. “These recurring challenges undermine our work and weaken the Party’s public image, particularly at a time when unity, discipline, and message coherence are essential,” the statement said. The group contrasted Mr. Agyapong’s conduct with that of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, noting that defending Dr. Bawumia’s public engagements poses no difficulty because his communication style remains “respectful, issues-based, and appealing to the Ghanaian public.” As Mr. Agyapong begins his campaign in the party’s traditional stronghold, the Communication Officers warned that they would not tolerate hate speech, insults, or attacks against other aspirants. “The Ashanti Region remains the stronghold of the NPP, and we will not countenance comments or actions that sow division, damage party cohesion, or provide ammunition to our political opponents,” the statement emphasized. They called on all flagbearer aspirants and their supporters to uphold the party’s values of respect, unity, and responsible communication in the lead-up to the January 31 contest. The statement was signed by several Constituency Communication Officers, with Chief Anokye of Old Tafo serving as spokesperson, alongside Nicholas Ansere Boateng of Ahafo Ano South East, Agyemang Emmanuel of Offinso North, Wilfred Nana Gyasi of Nhyiaeso, Wahab Adams of Obuasi West, and Ofori Farried of Kumawu. The officers concluded by reaffirming their commitment to the unity and success of the New Patriotic Party, Asanteman, and Ghana. 3:20
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Ashanti NPP communication officers caution Kennedy Agyapong over campaign conduct

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has firmly opposed a proposal to grant queenmothers formal participation in the sittings of the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, describing the move as a threat to Asante custom and traditional governance. Speaking at the final 2025 meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on Friday, December 19, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II rejected proposed amendments to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), which seek to create a “Chamber of Queenmothers” and allow their inclusion in deliberations alongside chiefs.  The proposal is being advanced by the National House of Chiefs under the leadership of Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, with proponents citing gender equity and inclusiveness. Asantehene cautioned that the proposal amounts to a dangerous overreach that could undermine long-established customs of the Asante Kingdom. While acknowledging the vital role queenmothers play particularly within the matrilineal Asante system where they hold the authority to nominate and select chiefs Otumfuo insisted that tradition clearly distinguishes their advisory role from the public leadership exercised by chiefs. “In Asante, the queenmother is the mother of the stool, but the chief is the public voice,” he said. “We must not collapse different traditional systems into a single law that ignores our customs.” Speaking in Twi, Otumfuo stressed that customs vary across Ghana and should not be subjected to uniform legislation. “We have to let Ghanaians know that traditions and customs differ from place to place. No one should create rules that bind everyone,” he said. “Our tradition is that queenmothers give advice behind closed doors. I will not allow anyone in Ghana to change my culture.” He added that all chiefs owe their positions to queenmothers, but that respect, he argued, does not require altering the structure of the Houses of Chiefs. “We respect them for selecting chiefs. All of us in this room were selected by women who are queenmothers,” he explained. The Asantehene’s position comes amid increasing advocacy for greater inclusion of queenmothers in traditional governance. The All Regions Queenmothers Association, led by Nana Otubea II, has been campaigning for representation on the Judicial Committees of the Houses of Chiefs, arguing that it is discriminatory for disputes involving queenmothers to be adjudicated by all-male panels. Their demands have gained traction following the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which mandates a minimum 30 percent representation of women in decision-making bodies. Legal analysts say Otumfuo’s comments signal a potential constitutional confrontation, particularly between proposed changes to the Chieftaincy Act and Article 270 of the Constitution, which protects the institution of chieftaincy as defined by customary law. Should the government proceed with the amendments, observers warn it could provoke strong resistance from the Ashanti Region, widely regarded as the most influential traditional authority in the country. For now, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has drawn a clear line: the formal sittings of the Houses of Chiefs, as practiced in Asante, will remain the preserve of chiefs alone. Source: www.kumasimail.com 6:14
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Otumfuo rejects move to admit Queenmothers into House of Chiefs sittings

Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), assuring the United Nations of ongoing efforts to modernise and strengthen legislation governing the country’s digital economy. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, gave the assurance while addressing the United Nations General Assembly during the high-level World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) review. Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, the Minister highlighted the country’s progress in digital transformation, noting that Ghana remains committed to building a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society, in line with the vision established by the WSIS process two decades ago. Mr. George said Ghana has implemented a comprehensive national digitalisation agenda, guided by the WSIS action lines, with significant investments in fibre-optic infrastructure, expanded 4G coverage and the deployment of rural telephony sites to extend connectivity to previously unserved communities. According to him, these interventions underscore Ghana’s belief that universal access to digital services is fundamental to sustainable development. He further outlined advancements in digital public infrastructure, including the Ghana.gov platform, the Ghana Electronic Procurement System, the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System, the National Health Information Exchange and the Ghana Health Information Management System. He said these platforms have enhanced efficiency, transparency and equitable access to public services. On digital security, the Minister noted that Ghana has strengthened its cybersecurity and data protection frameworks and operationalised national and sector-specific computer emergency response teams to build trust within the digital ecosystem. He disclosed that the country has adopted a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to guide the ethical and responsible deployment of AI across government, while also developing frameworks to address misinformation and disinformation without undermining freedom of expression online. Mr. George said digital inclusion remains a central pillar of Ghana’s digital agenda, citing nationwide digital literacy campaigns, community information centres, the One Million Coders programme and the Girls in ICT initiative as key interventions aimed at empowering women, youth and underserved communities. As the global community prepares for the next phase of the WSIS process, the Minister called for stronger international cooperation, stressing the need for universal connectivity, robust digital public infrastructure, equitable AI governance and increased capacity-building support for developing countries. He concluded by stating that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana is ready to collaborate with member states, the private sector, civil society and development partners to build an inclusive, secure and sustainable digital future aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Source: www.kumasimail.com 3:10
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Ghana reaffirms commitment to ethical AI use at UN General Assembly

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Minority criticises joint Military-Police show of force as wasteful

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