Accra, June 18, 2025 – The Member of Parliament for the Okaikwei Central Constituency, Hon. Patrick Yaw Boamah, has questioned the narrative surrounding the reduction of passport fees in Ghana, insisting that the Minister for Foreign Affairs did not have the authority to implement such a move unilaterally.
Speaking to members of the Parliamentary Press Corps after the Foreign Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, appeared before the House to respond to urgent questions and provide updates on the Washington D.C. Mission scandal, Hon. Boamah said the Minister’s responses had only confirmed what the Minority had previously asserted.
“I said the other time that the Minister did not have the authorization to unilaterally reduce passport prices. From the answers he gave today, it confirms that passport prices have not been reduced,” Hon. Boamah stated. “He is now going to come to Parliament in August when the Finance Minister presents the new fees and charges legislation.”
He emphasized that the impression created earlier—that passport fees had already been reduced—was misleading. “It still remains a pledge of the government, not an implemented policy. We must make it clear to the Ghanaian public not to be carried away.”
According to the MP, any decision to reduce or increase passport fees must be backed by legislation and fall within the government’s overall revenue projections as determined by the Finance Minister.
“Ghanaians are patiently waiting,” he added. “We all hope for life and good health by August so we can see whether the Minister will follow through.”
Minority Endorses Anti-Corruption Moves but Seeks Clarity on Recruitment Timeline
Hon. Boamah also weighed in on the ongoing investigations into the multi-million-dollar corruption scandal at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., where a locally recruited staff member, Fred Kwarteng, allegedly ran an unauthorized enterprise for visa and passport services.
While acknowledging that the investigations were ongoing, he noted that the Minority supports efforts to weed out corruption within Ghana’s foreign missions. However, he clarified misconceptions surrounding the staff recruitment timeline.
“Our ranking member put it on record that the said individual had engagements with the embassy as far back as 2013, not just during the NPP administration,” he pointed out, adding that while political affiliation should not shield wrongdoers, context matters.
“We support the Minister’s approach to get rid of any miscreants within our missions abroad. That, we support,” he concluded.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1750332142 [post_date] => June 19, 2025 [post_modified] => June 19, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/passport-fee-reduction-still-a-pledge-mp-boamah-challenges-ministers-claims-in-parliament/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2186] => Array ( [post_id] => 2186 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2188 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/foreign-affairs-minister-updates-parliament-on-washington-d-c-mission-amid-sweeping-reforms/ [post_title] => Foreign Affairs Minister Updates Parliament on Washington D.C. Mission Amid Sweeping Reforms [post_title_attribute] => Foreign Affairs Minister Updates Parliament on Washington D.C. Mission Amid Sweeping Reforms [post_excerpt] => Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the full reopening of the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington D.C., following weeks of intense investigations, technological upgrades, and institutional reforms. [post_content] =>Accra, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the full reopening of the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington D.C., following weeks of intense investigations, technological upgrades, and institutional reforms.
Delivering a statement to Parliament, the Minister disclosed that significant progress had been made between May 27 and June 13, 2025, including the processing of 4,472 visas and the dispatch of 3,588 passports. A total of 3,729 new visa applications were also received during this period, with all backlog cases from April and May fully addressed.
The Minister outlined a series of directives that were swiftly implemented to restore order and public confidence in the Mission. These include the establishment of an Internal Investigative Committee, the overhaul of the Mission’s IT systems, the streamlining of the Client Services Centre, the implementation of a secure mailing system, and the introduction of a biometric clock-in system to monitor staff attendance.
Additionally, the Minister reported that Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has been officially notified to pursue Mr. Fred Kwarteng—implicated in alleged financial misconduct—with the aim of tracing proceeds of crime and facilitating his extradition for prosecution.
“Contrary to propaganda out there, no new recruitment has taken place at our Washington D.C. Mission,” the Minister stressed. “All replacements are Foreign Service Officers of distinguished integrity and experience. This decisive intervention reflects the Mahama administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office, and client exploitation.”
To tackle logistical challenges, particularly related to mailing delays caused by the United States Postal Service (USPS), the Mission has staggered its package dispatches to a maximum of 200 per day to ensure better tracking and delivery reliability. Approximately 490 visa packages dispatched on June 6 and 9 were reportedly not scanned properly, leading to confusion among applicants.
In terms of staff accountability, the internal committee has already interviewed 25 locally recruited staff, some of whom have resigned. A comprehensive report is expected upon completion of the inquiry.
On the technology front, unauthorized access points have been removed, a live chat system has been launched, and official email accounts have been upgraded to promote professionalism. The Minister also highlighted the introduction of three additional phone lines to reduce call congestion and announced the launch of a mandatory training programme for staff focusing on client service and ethics.
The Minister commended the dedication of officers, some of whom have worked late into the night to clear the service backlog. Working hours at the Mission have been extended from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with some staff staying beyond 10:00 p.m.
“The Washington D.C. Mission is now fully reopened, operations are stabilizing, and confidence in Ghana’s diplomatic presence in the United States is being restored,” the Minister affirmed. “As Minister, I remain committed to ensuring justice is served, institutional reforms are sustained, and the highest standards of integrity and service delivery are upheld across all our Missions abroad.”
He assured Parliament that continuous updates would be provided as both the investigations and reforms advance.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1750283212 [post_date] => June 18, 2025 [post_modified] => June 18, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/foreign-affairs-minister-updates-parliament-on-washington-d-c-mission-amid-sweeping-reforms/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2183] => Array ( [post_id] => 2183 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2184 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/inside-the-4-8-million-racket-ghanas-embassy-staff-under-investigation/ [post_title] => “Inside the $4.8 Million Racket: Ghana’s Embassy Staff Under Investigation” [post_title_attribute] => “Inside the $4.8 Million Racket: Ghana’s Embassy Staff Under Investigation” [post_excerpt] => The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has revealed startling new details about a multi-million-dollar corruption scheme that operated within Ghana’s Washington D.C. Mission, implicating more than just a “lone wolf” at the lower ranks of the diplomatic post. [post_content] =>Accra, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed startling new details about a multi-million-dollar corruption scheme that operated within Ghana’s Washington D.C. Mission, implicating more than just a “lone wolf” at the lower ranks of the diplomatic post.
In his update to Parliament, the Minister outlined a scheme allegedly spearheaded by Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a locally recruited staffer, who exploited a lack of digital integration and oversight to operate an unauthorized visa and passport dispatch and support business through a company known as GTC.
The revelations come as part of the broader institutional reform efforts undertaken after the temporary closure of the Mission due to irregularities and public dissatisfaction with service delivery.
Unmasking the Digital Loophole
According to the Minister, efforts to standardize the websites of Ghanaian Missions under a contract with EMH Global—initiated in 2020 and renewed in 2024—were rebuffed by the Washington Mission. This failure to synchronize web platforms allowed GTC to embed links that redirected applicants from the official embassy portal to GTC’s private website, where they were charged extra fees for services.
“Had this integration been implemented, this illicit redirection would have been curtailed,” the Minister stated, emphasizing that the attempt to dismiss the scandal as the work of a single rogue actor was untenable.
A Business of Exploitation
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mission moved to a fully online system for visa and passport processing, with delivery handled via courier services managed by Fred Kwarteng. Under this setup, GTC charged each applicant an additional $29.75 for mailing services and between $60 to $100 for assistance in filling out forms. Startlingly, 99% of all applicants used GTC's services.
On average, GTC dispatched around 250 visas/passports daily—amounting to roughly 62,500 annually. This translated into about $1.86 million a year from courier fees alone. Including form-filling assistance, Fred Kwarteng is estimated to have generated over $4.8 million annually through this unauthorized operation.
“There was no record of any of these funds being remitted to the Ministry,” the Minister emphasized. “This is nothing short of exploitation of desperate applicants and a blatant abuse of public trust.”
Calls for Prosecution and Wider Investigations
The Ministry has since invited the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Attorney General to trace the proceeds of this scheme and prosecute those involved. “This directive was issued by the President, and we have acted on it without delay,” he noted.
The Minister also revealed that the Auditor-General had flagged irregularities at the Embassy as far back as two years ago. These included procurement anomalies and broader financial mismanagement that were either ignored or insufficiently addressed.
Network of Complicity
The investigation further revealed that GTC was initially co-owned by Fred Kwarteng and his ex-wife—raising serious concerns about conflict of interest. Admissions from current and former Embassy staff, along with Fred Kwarteng’s own statements, confirm he did not act alone.
“There appears to be a network of individuals who facilitated or benefited from this operation,” the Minister stated, adding that the complexity and scale of the operation suggest an organized system of collusion rather than isolated misconduct.
A Wake-Up Call for Diplomatic Reform
The scandal has triggered an urgent rethink of how Ghana’s diplomatic missions operate, especially regarding financial accountability, transparency, and digital integration.
The Minister affirmed that these revelations only strengthen the government’s resolve to ensure thorough reform across all Missions. “We must reflect deeply on how a system was created to enrich one man at the perceived bottom of the hierarchy,” he remarked. “But clearly, he had help.”
The full report from the Internal Investigative Committee is expected soon, alongside potential prosecutions and further administrative action.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1750279633 [post_date] => June 18, 2025 [post_modified] => June 18, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/inside-the-4-8-million-racket-ghanas-embassy-staff-under-investigation/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2180] => Array ( [post_id] => 2180 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2181 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/okaikwei-central-mp-warns-of-ghanas-exposure-to-iran-israel-conflict/ [post_title] => Okaikwei Central MP Warns of Ghana’s Exposure to Iran-Israel Conflict [post_title_attribute] => Okaikwei Central MP Warns of Ghana’s Exposure to Iran-Israel Conflict [post_excerpt] => The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Hon. Patrick Boamah, has raised serious concerns about the potential repercussions Ghana could face as a result of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. [post_content] =>The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Hon. Patrick Boamah, has raised serious concerns about the potential repercussions Ghana could face as a result of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Parliament on Monday, June 16, 2025, Hon. Boamah noted that Ghana’s economy—particularly its oil revenue projections—is at risk due to the geopolitical tensions.
“Ghana will, one way or another, suffer from the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel,” he stated. “Twenty-five percent of global oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which lies within the conflict zone.”
He warned that the 7% increase in global crude oil prices could significantly distort Ghana’s revenue expectations if the government fails to act swiftly. “If a government bases its oil revenue projections on a certain price, and the price has now surged, then immediate steps must be taken to adjust,” he emphasized.
The MP also disclosed disturbing developments affecting Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Iran. He confirmed that the Minister for Foreign Affairs had directed the temporary shutdown of Ghana’s embassy in Tehran due to growing security threats.
“Information reaching me indicates there are six Ghanaian foreign officers stationed at our Tehran Embassy. A nearby shopping center was hit, there’s been no water for days, and telecommunication services are unstable,” he revealed.
While withholding some sensitive details for security reasons, Hon. Boamah confirmed that the embassy staff are in the process of exiting Tehran via a secured route to a neighboring country.
He added that about 50 Ghanaian nationals are currently residing in Kome, a religious city in northern Iran, and are reluctant to leave due to safety concerns. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain in close contact with these citizens and provide them with all necessary support.
Calling for global de-escalation efforts, Hon. Boamah appealed to both Iran and Israel to return to the negotiation table. “The world deserves peace, and economies like Ghana’s need stability to recover and thrive,” he concluded.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1750150255 [post_date] => June 17, 2025 [post_modified] => June 17, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/okaikwei-central-mp-warns-of-ghanas-exposure-to-iran-israel-conflict/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2177] => Array ( [post_id] => 2177 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2178 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/atiwa-west-mp-urges-completion-of-near-finished-abomosu-hospital-under-agenda-111/ [post_title] => Atiwa West MP Urges Completion of Near-Finished Abomosu Hospital Under Agenda 111 [post_title_attribute] => Atiwa West MP Urges Completion of Near-Finished Abomosu Hospital Under Agenda 111 [post_excerpt] => The Member of Parliament for Atiwa West in the Eastern Region, Hon. Korkor Asante, has called on the Mahama-led administration to prioritize the completion of the Abomosu Hospital, one of the health facilities under the government's flagship Agenda 111 initiative. [post_content] =>The Member of Parliament for Atiwa West in the Eastern Region, Hon. Korkor Asante, has called on the Mahama-led administration to prioritize the completion of the Abomosu Hospital, one of the health facilities under the government's flagship Agenda 111 initiative.
Speaking to Parliamentnews360.com after a response to her parliamentary question by the Minister for Health, the MP emphasized the urgent need to allocate resources to complete several health projects that remain at various stages of construction across the country.
“One of the Agenda 111 hospitals is in Abomosu in my constituency. It is huge, and if fully operational, it will serve not only Abomosu and other parts of Atiwa West, but also residents across the Eastern Region and even beyond,” she said.
The MP revealed that the Abomosu hospital is approximately 92 percent complete and questioned the Health Minister on the government's commitment to finishing the facility.
“The Minister assured Parliament that all hospitals under Agenda 111 that are over 90 percent complete will be prioritized, pending an AESL (Architectural and Engineering Services Limited) assessment to verify their progress,” she explained. “I am pleased with the assurance, and I intend to share it with my constituents.”
Citing the financial implications, the MP disclosed that the total cost of the project stands at about GH₵11.6 million, with roughly GH₵10.5 million already spent. “So what’s left is just over a million Cedis. Will the government let that stand in the way of completing such a critical health facility? No, it shouldn’t,” she said.
She concluded by urging the government to stay true to its word and ensure that the hospital is completed and equipped. “I understand that the equipment has already been procured, and suppliers are ready. We’ll be holding the Minister and government accountable to see this through.”
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1750097819 [post_date] => June 16, 2025 [post_modified] => June 16, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/atiwa-west-mp-urges-completion-of-near-finished-abomosu-hospital-under-agenda-111/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2174] => Array ( [post_id] => 2174 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2175 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/akontombra-roads-in-deplorable-state-mp-rejects-ministers-report/ [post_title] => Akontombra Roads in Deplorable State – MP Rejects Minister’s Report [post_title_attribute] => Akontombra Roads in Deplorable State – MP Rejects Minister’s Report [post_excerpt] => The Member of Parliament for Sehwi Akontombra, Hon. Pious Kwame Nkuah, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the statistics provided by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, regarding road construction projects in his constituency. [post_content] =>The Member of Parliament for Sehwi Akontombra, Hon. Pious Kwame Nkuah, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the statistics provided by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, regarding road construction projects in his constituency.
Responding to a parliamentary question filed by Hon. Nkuah, the Minister outlined what he described as progress on several road projects. However, in an interview with Parliamentnews360.com, Hon. Nkuah said the Minister’s account does not reflect the situation on the ground.
“Road construction in the Akontombra Constituency is bad—very bad,” he stressed. “I would say that about 80 to 90 percent of our roads are in a deplorable state. Unfortunately, many of these roads were said to have been awarded to contractors—some as far back as 2019, others in 2020, 2021, and 2022. But in reality, no contractor has spent more than three weeks on any of the roads. They arrive, spend two to three weeks, and then disappear.”
Hon. Nkuah questioned the accuracy of the progress figures presented by the Minister, which included project completion rates of 17% and 32% for some roads. “I challenge those figures. As the MP who lives in the constituency and knows every corner of it, I find those numbers hard to believe. Some of the roads cited don’t even deserve those percentages.”
He indicated plans to consult with regional and district engineers of the Highways and Feeder Roads Departments to verify the data submitted to the Minister. “We will go back, do some analysis, and I will return to the Floor to seek further clarification,” he said.
The MP also raised concerns about the social impact of the stalled projects. “The saddest part is that many of these roads lead to farmlands and other economic areas. During the so-called construction periods, some properties were destroyed, yet no compensation was paid.”
Despite his misgivings, Hon. Nkuah acknowledged the complexity of the Minister’s role. “It’s a tedious job. You rely on primary data, process it, and sometimes get conflicting outcomes. I appreciate the effort, but I still have serious challenges with the report.”
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that accurate information about road development in Akontombra is brought to light.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1750067122 [post_date] => June 16, 2025 [post_modified] => June 16, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/akontombra-roads-in-deplorable-state-mp-rejects-ministers-report/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2171] => Array ( [post_id] => 2171 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2172 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/national-integrity-awards-committee-inaugurated-to-champion-ethical-leadership/ [post_title] => National Integrity Awards Committee Inaugurated to Champion Ethical Leadership [post_title_attribute] => National Integrity Awards Committee Inaugurated to Champion Ethical Leadership [post_excerpt] => In a significant step towards promoting ethical governance and transparency, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has inaugurated a 13-member National Integrity Awards Committee to oversee the newly established National Integrity Awards Scheme. [post_content] =>Accra, Ghana – June 13, 2025
In a significant step towards promoting ethical governance and transparency, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has inaugurated a 13-member National Integrity Awards Committee to oversee the newly established National Integrity Awards Scheme.
The committee, unveiled on Thursday at Parliament House in Accra, comprises a diverse mix of eminent personalities drawn from religious bodies, anti-corruption institutions, government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
Speaking at the inauguration, Speaker Bagbin—who serves as the interim chairperson of the committee—described the initiative as a bold move to cultivate a national culture of integrity. He emphasized the importance of recognising individuals and institutions that have exhibited exceptional ethical standards and commitment to integrity in public and private life.
“We need to celebrate what is right and denounce what is wrong with equal vigor,” he remarked. “The committee’s work will have a lasting impact on our nation, inspiring both current and future generations to uphold integrity as a core value.”
Committee Members
The full list of members includes:
Justice William Atuguba – Retired Supreme Court Judge
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu – Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam
Dr Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari – Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam
Professor Akosua K. Darkwah – President, Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana
Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II – President, National House of Chiefs; Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anwiaso
Nana Amponsah Dokua III – President, Queen Mothers' Platform (Ghana); Paramount Queen Mother of Osudoku Traditional Area
Right Reverend Dr Lieutenant Colonel Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (Rtd) – Chairman, Christian Council of Ghana
Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh – Executive Secretary, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition
Madam Mary Awelana Addah – Executive Director, Transparency International Ghana
Mr Daniel Nii Korley Botchway – President, National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS)
Nana Osei-Bonsu – Executive Director, Private Enterprise Federation
Mr Joseph Whittal – Commissioner, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)
According to Speaker Bagbin, the National Integrity Awards Scheme is a strategic initiative designed to enhance the ethical conduct of public officeholders and foster good governance, transparency, and accountability in Ghana.
He reiterated his hope that the committee would live up to its mandate and the expectations of the Ghanaian people by promoting a culture that places integrity at the heart of national development.
The announcement of the Awards Scheme was initially made by the Speaker on the Floor of Parliament on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1749845155 [post_date] => June 13, 2025 [post_modified] => June 13, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/national-integrity-awards-committee-inaugurated-to-champion-ethical-leadership/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2168] => Array ( [post_id] => 2168 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2169 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/30-day-clemency-granted-for-defaulting-radio-stations-to-regularize-licenses-and-fees/ [post_title] => 30-Day Clemency Granted for Defaulting Radio Stations to Regularize Licenses and Fees [post_title_attribute] => 30-Day Clemency Granted for Defaulting Radio Stations to Regularize Licenses and Fees [post_excerpt] => The Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has announced on the floor of Parliament that 64 defaulting radio stations have been granted a 30-day grace period to regularize their authorisations and settle outstanding fees. This directive follows an intervention by President John Dramani Mahama aimed at ensuring fairness and regulatory compliance. [post_content] =>Parliament House, Accra – June 12, 2025
The Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has announced on the floor of Parliament that 64 defaulting radio stations have been granted a 30-day grace period to regularize their authorisations and settle outstanding fees. This directive follows an intervention by President John Dramani Mahama aimed at ensuring fairness and regulatory compliance.
The Minister explained that the grace period is part of a phased enforcement of broadcasting regulations by the National Communications Authority (NCA), which had identified significant breaches among several stations across the country. The violations include expired authorisations, failure to complete inspections, non-payment of provisional fees, and unlawful operations without final authorisations.
While the clemency was lauded by some MPs, it drew mixed reactions from across the House.
Hon. Charles Asuako Owiredu, MP for New Ebirim, questioned the impartiality of the enforcement, alleging that the process disproportionately targeted politically affiliated media houses.
On the other hand, Hon. Philip Fiifi Buckman, MP for Kwesimintsim, commended the President’s intervention, emphasizing that adherence to broadcasting rules is essential for maintaining order in the media landscape. “The airwaves ought to be sanitized,” he said.
MP for Kpandai, Hon. Matthew Nyindam, raised concerns about the duration of the clemency, arguing that the 30-day window may be insufficient. He also criticized the President’s involvement, stating that such intervention undermines the independence of the NCA.
The Minority Leader added a constitutional dimension to the debate, citing Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution which safeguards media freedoms. He contended that any enforcement measure that appears to infringe on these rights must be reassessed, arguing that the President’s amnesty only came in response to mounting public backlash.
Responding, Majority Leader dismissed claims of political bias and public pressure, stating that the regulations under enforcement were passed by the House during an NPP administration. He urged defaulting stations to comply fully and swiftly with the conditions set out by the NCA.
“The law must be respected, regardless of who is in power,” he stressed. “We, as Members of Parliament, must not be the ones obstructing ministers from executing laws we ourselves passed.”
As the 30-day window ticks down, all eyes are now on the affected stations to see whether they will act swiftly to regularize their status or face permanent revocation of their broadcast licenses.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1749843657 [post_date] => June 13, 2025 [post_modified] => June 13, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/30-day-clemency-granted-for-defaulting-radio-stations-to-regularize-licenses-and-fees/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2164] => Array ( [post_id] => 2164 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2165 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/minoritys-political-spin-on-presidents-amnesty-to-defaulting-radio-stations-backfires/ [post_title] => Minority’s Political Spin on President’s Amnesty to Defaulting Radio Stations Backfires [post_title_attribute] => Minority’s Political Spin on President’s Amnesty to Defaulting Radio Stations Backfires [post_excerpt] => An attempt by the Member of Parliament for Abirim to politicize President John Dramani Mahama’s intervention in halting the planned shutdown of certain defaulting radio stations has faced sharp criticism, following intense media scrutiny. [post_content] =>Parliament House, Accra – June 12, 2025
An attempt by the Member of Parliament for Abirim to politicize President John Dramani Mahama’s intervention in halting the planned shutdown of certain defaulting radio stations has faced sharp criticism, following intense media scrutiny.
This followed a statement delivered earlier in the day on the floor of Parliament by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George. In the address, the Ningo-Prampram MP outlined the Ministry’s ongoing enforcement of FM broadcasting regulations in collaboration with the National Communications Authority (NCA).
According to the Minister, phase two of the enforcement drive targets 64 FM stations found to be in breach of regulatory requirements. He explained that:
- 28 stations continue to broadcast despite having expired authorisations.
- 14 stations failed to establish operations within the mandated two-year period but remain on air unlawfully.
- 13 stations have been granted Provisional Authorisation but have not paid the requisite fees.
- 7 stations paid their fees but are yet to undergo final inspection and receive full authorisation.
To ensure fairness and offer a window for regularisation, the President has directed the Ministry to grant a 30-day amnesty for all affected stations to rectify their status—a move that was largely seen as compassionate and pragmatic.
However, at a hurriedly convened press conference in Parliament shortly after the Minister’s statement, the MP for Abirim, Charles Asuako Owiredu flanked by some Minority members, accused the President of executive overreach, alleging interference in the NCA’s regulatory functions. He further claimed that the shutdowns disproportionately targeted stations affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
But when pressed by journalists to clarify the Minority’s position on the violations cited and to justify their opposition to the 30-day grace period, the MP failed to provide coherent answers and abruptly exited the briefing—raising eyebrows.
The incident highlighted a growing shift in Ghanaian journalism, where media professionals are increasingly holding politicians accountable and resisting the role of passive conveyors of unverified political rhetoric.
The Communications Ministry has reiterated that the enforcement measures are status-neutral, focusing strictly on compliance and the responsible use of the national broadcasting spectrum.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1749828730 [post_date] => June 13, 2025 [post_modified] => June 13, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/minoritys-political-spin-on-presidents-amnesty-to-defaulting-radio-stations-backfires/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) ) [loop_pagination] => Array ( [pagenavi_options] => Array ( [pages_text] => Page %CURRENT_PAGE% of %TOTAL_PAGES% [current_text] => %PAGE_NUMBER% [page_text] => %PAGE_NUMBER% [first_text] => 1 [last_text] => %TOTAL_PAGES% [next_text] => [prev_text] => [dotright_text] => ... [dotleft_text] => ... [num_pages] => 3 [always_show] => 1 ) [paged] => 1 [max_page] => 44 [start_page] => 1 [end_page] => 3 [pages_to_show] => 3 [previous_posts_link] => [next_posts_link] => ) [category_id] => 51 )
