Newsfile

2026-04-252026-10-30

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Newsfile

Every mention in the Ghanaian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

October 2026
24 OctJoy Online
… Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Mr Cudjoe stressed the need for a careful assessment of the circumstances surrounding the charter arrangements before determining whether the expenditure was excessive. …
GH¢49.72m S.A. evacuation cost: Flight charter price comparisons alone can’t prove overpricing – IMANI Associate
24 OctJoy Online
… Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, against the backdrop of the GH¢49.72 million spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, Mr Quashie said the mission ensured that evacuees travelling from distant provinces were accommodated before their flights. …
GH¢49.72m S.A. evacuation: Nobody slept in a bus; it cannot be true – Benjamin Quashie
24 OctJoy Online
… Appearing on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, Ms Manu said investigations should extend beyond the current allegations to examine how complaints were handled at the headmaster’s previous institutions and whether officials responsible for student protection fulfilled the …
Obuasi SHTS scandal: Investigate all schools where headmaster previously worked – Akosua Manu
24 OctJoy Online
… Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, Ms Nelson said the practice of elders, chiefs, queen mothers, pastors and imams pleading on behalf of alleged perpetrators of sexual offences undermines accountability and must be discouraged. …
Sexual abuse should trigger police investigations, not community intervention – Felicity Nelson
24 OctJoy Online
… Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, she stressed that although the allegations must be thoroughly investigated, equal attention should be given to ensuring that the affected students receive appropriate medical care, counselling and emotional support. …
Obuasi SHTS scandal: Prioritise victims’ welfare, not just investigations – Felicity Nelson
24 OctJoy Online
… Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 24, Manasseh expressed concern over what he described as the failure of school authorities, education officials and political leaders to ensure that serious allegations of sexual abuse were promptly reported to the police. …
Obuasi SHTS scandal: Manasseh concerned about political interference, attempts to suppress allegations
23 OctJoy Online
This Saturday on Newsfile: three scandals, new revelations, unanswered questions. …
Newsfile to discuss Obuasi SHTS abuse case, GH₵49m SA evacuation, World Cup visa scandal
21 OctThe Chronicle
… The allegation comes barely days after Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, appeared on Joy FM’s current affairs programme, Newsfile, over the weekend to defend the government’s handling of the evacuation exercise and presented documents intended to account for the …
SA Evacuation: Minority Disputes Okudzeto’s Records
17 OctJoy Online
… Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, Mr Suhuyini said the President should have been allowed to start afresh by clearing the Commission and working towards a new framework for selecting its leadership. …
A proper reset would’ve been to clear the EC and set new standards – Suhuyini on EC appointments
17 OctJoy Online
… Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Mr Ablakwa cited President Donald Trump’s recent diesel agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to challenge warnings that Ghana’s engagement with the bloc could attract American sanctions. …
Trump deals with Putin, so why should Ghana fear BRICS? – Ablakwa asks

Politics

GH¢49.72m evacuation cost: Chart comparisons insufficient for overpricing claims

The News

An IMANI Centre associate cautioned that price comparisons alone cannot prove overpricing in the GH¢49.72 million evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, including a reported aircraft charter cost of GH¢27,180,700. He stressed the need for careful assessment of the circumstances surrounding the charter arrangements before determining whether the expenditure was excessive.

24 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 24 October

GH¢49.72m evacuation cost: Chart comparisons insufficient for overpricing claims
An IMANI Centre associate cautioned that price comparisons alone cannot prove overpricing in the GH¢49.72 million evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, including a reported aircraft charter cost of GH¢27,180,700. He stressed the need for careful assessment of the circumstances surrounding the charter arrangements before determining whether the expenditure was excessive.
24 October 2026 · Joy Online →
High Commissioner denies Ghanaians slept in buses during S.A. evacuation
Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa has rejected claims that evacuees from the country slept in buses, stating that hotel accommodation was arranged for the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated in flights that cost GH¢49.72 million. Quashie said evacuees from distant provinces like Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and East London were transported by bus to Pretoria and accommodated in hotels before their scheduled departures to ensure they could rest.
24 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Investigate all schools where Obuasi SHTS headmaster worked—Akosua Manu
Following sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School involving headmaster Zakaria Abdulai, exposed by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, Akosua Manu (Adviser on Gender and Social Protection to former Vice-President Bawumia) has called for investigations into all schools where the headmaster previously worked and scrutiny of Ghana Education Service officials who may have received complaints but allegedly failed to act.
24 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Sexual abuse must trigger police investigations, Nelson urges
Felicity Nelson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, has called for an end to traditional and religious leaders intervening in sexual abuse cases to seek private settlements, saying the practice undermines accountability. Her comments follow allegations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.
24 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Prioritise victims' welfare in Obuasi school abuse probe
Felicity Nelson, Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism Development Company, has called for investigations into sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School to be balanced with prioritising victims' psychological, emotional and physical well-being, including medical care and counselling. She cited UNICEF data indicating that 22 per cent of adolescent girls have experienced sexual abuse and 51 per cent of girls in secondary schools experienced some form of sexual abuse between 2019 and 2021.
24 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Obuasi SHS scandal: Manasseh alleges political interference in abuse case
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has alleged that political figures in the Ashanti Region interfered in sexual abuse allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, including attempts to settle complaints privately and pressure victims' families into withdrawing police cases. He named the Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi East as having allegedly contacted a housemistress and arranged for an alleged abuse victim to meet with individuals presented as her relatives to resolve the matter privately, rather than reporting the allegations to police.
24 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 23 October

Newsfile examines Obuasi school abuse, evacuation, visa scandals
Joy Online reports that Newsfile will investigate three public controversies: the Obuasi Senior High Technical School sexual-abuse scandal with 19 reported complainants, a GH₵49 million South Africa evacuation with disputed records, and a World Cup visa scandal involving returned funds, raising questions about institutional accountability and public trust.
23 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 21 October

Minority MP disputes Foreign Ministry's SA evacuation records
The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of manipulating records relating to the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, citing discrepancies between documents originally supplied under the Right to Information process and newly introduced documents. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has defended the evacuation, disclosing it cost approximately GH¢49.7 million and presenting documentation to account for expenditure.
21 October 2026 · The Chronicle →

Saturday 17 October

Deputy Minister calls for EC commissioner replacement and transparent process
Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways Alhassan Suhuyini has said a proper reset of Ghana's Electoral Commission would have involved replacing existing commissioners and establishing a transparent appointment process for people with proven integrity and credibility, without partisan bias. He argued this would restore public confidence in the Commission's impartiality and independence.
17 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Foreign Minister defends Ghana's BRICS bid against US pressure
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa argued on JoyNews that Ghana should pursue BRICS membership without fear of American sanctions, citing President Trump's own dealings with Russia through a diesel agreement as evidence that countries advance their interests strategically. Ablakwa said Ghana should not let foreign threats deter its foreign policy when the US itself maintains economic agreements with the same BRICS nations.
17 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Foreign Affairs Minister personally funded school fees for evacuees
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that he personally supported some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa with additional assistance, including paying school fees for some children, beyond government-provided transportation and reintegration allowances. He cited the case of a woman who received GH¢5,500 per family member but later approached him for help with her children's school fees.
17 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Minister Ablakwa dismisses Minority's evacuation spending queries
The Minority has questioned GH¢49.7 million spent on an evacuation exercise and the reported 1,964 evacuees, citing a shortfall in publicly announced figures and requesting documentary evidence. Minister Ablakwa responded that documents were provided electronically via email, and characterised the Minority's questions about sign-off sheets as either "pure mischief" or a lack of understanding, explaining that parents signed on behalf of children who received allowances and grants.
17 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 16 October

Newsfile to examine evacuation costs, EC appointments, school abuse
JoyNews' Newsfile programme will discuss the GH¢49.72 million spent evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa, Electoral Commission appointments, allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, and a dismissed defamation suit.
16 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Ablakwa to face questions on Ghana's BRICS bid, evacuation costs
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa will be interviewed on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Ghana's formal application to join BRICS and the GH¢49.7 million spent evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa. The Cabinet approved the BRICS bid to diversify international partnerships and expand trade and investment opportunities, though the decision requires collective consideration by BRICS members.
16 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Newsfile to examine evacuation spending, EC appointments, school abuse
A Saturday episode of Newsfile will investigate GH₵49.72 million spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, scrutinize Electoral Commission appointments by President Mahama, and examine allegations of sexual abuse in schools, while also addressing a GH₵15 million defamation suit against a public official.
16 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 14 October

Afenyo-Markin's lawyers accuse Gyamfi of procedural delays in defamation case
Lawyers for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin have accused Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi of using procedural tactics to avoid responding to a GH¢15 million defamation suit after the High Court set it aside for insufficient specification of allegedly defamatory statements. Afenyo-Markin's legal team contend that Gyamfi's representatives had confirmed willingness to accept service but later rejected the documents, and argue that written undertaking to accept service should constitute valid legal service.
14 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 10 October

NSA director's lawyer denies visa-facilitation money receipt
The lawyer for suspended NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah insisted his client has not received money from individuals connected to an alleged 2026 FIFA World Cup visa facilitation arrangement. The Criminal Investigations Department is investigating the matter, and Ankrah's lawyer urged the public to allow the process to establish facts.
10 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Senyo Hosi condemns La Beach demolition without consultation
The Convener of the OneGhana Movement has criticised the demolition of La Beach, saying it was carried out without proper consultation with the Ga people and threatens the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the area. He argued the beach is vital socio-economic, tourism and entertainment infrastructure and that the Ga people deserve respect and recognition for their historical contributions to Ghana's development, including providing land for the capital.
10 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 7 October

Drone ownership does not permit unrestricted flight, lawyer warns
Lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini cautioned drone owners that ownership does not grant unrestricted rights to operate the devices in Ghana. He noted that drone operations are regulated under the Ghana Civil Aviation Act, 2024 and the Ghana Civil Aviation (RPAS) Directives, 2018, requiring prior approval from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and a permit before flying, with additional requirements for commercial operations, night flights, high-altitude flights, and operations near airports.
7 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 3 October

Mahama's proactive drug-trafficking approach will yield results—Dzimega
NDC Communications Team lawyer Theophilus Dzimega Jr. says President John Mahama's efforts to tackle drug trafficking will produce results, noting the government has engaged security leadership and implemented measures following recent seizures. Dzimega defended Ghana's law enforcement agencies, citing intercepted drug consignments as evidence of active disruption of trafficking networks.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Lawyer questions arrest of Baffour Awuah without clear charges
Kofi Bentil, a lawyer and Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, has raised procedural concerns about the arrest of lawyer Baffour Awuah, stating that authorities have failed to clearly state the charge against him and that he had not been charged after several days in custody.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →
MP's arrest risks appearing as display of state power, MFWA says
The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa says the arrest and investigation of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah risks creating the perception that the case is being used to demonstrate state power, citing the circumstances of his arrest at court premises while representing a client and questions about why investigators did not alert him when he visited EOCO in his capacity as a lawyer.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Lawyer urges evidence-based focus in Baffour Awuah EOCO case
International corporate lawyer Victoria Bright has urged the public to follow evidence rather than assumptions in discussions surrounding the EOCO investigation into the SIC Life Savings and Loans transaction involving Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. Bright distinguished between whether EOCO had legitimate basis to investigate and whether it exercised its powers lawfully, proportionately and fairly, noting that public information raises questions about the settlement, fund movement authorisation, and documentation anomalies that warrant investigation.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Poor commercial judgment alone cannot be criminal, lawyer argues
International corporate lawyer Victoria Bright has cautioned against treating the controversial SIC Life settlement at the centre of EOCO's investigation into Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah as automatically criminal, arguing that unwise commercial decisions involving state entities do not necessarily constitute criminal conduct without evidence of improper authorisation or misconduct.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →
MP Baffour Awuah qualifies for self-recognisance bail, says Kofi Bentil
IMANI Africa's Senior Vice President Kofi Bentil argues that Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah should be granted bail on his own recognisance, citing his voluntary cooperation with the Economic and Organised Crime Office and his public profile as a parliamentarian.
3 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 26 September

Court premises too volatile for attempted MP arrest, lawyer says
Former Tamale Central MP Inusah Fuseini has criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for attempting to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at Accra High Court on September 23, arguing the court complex was too volatile for such an operation. Mr Fuseini also questioned whether EOCO had a lawful basis for attempting a warrantless arrest, noting the agency had not indicated the MP had committed an offence or that there was reasonable suspicion of one.
26 September 2026 · Joy Online →
NACOC leadership will not be compromised in drug fight
NACOC's Deputy Director-General Alexander Twum-Barimah has rejected allegations that the Commission's leadership could be compromised in narcotics trafficking, stating that NACOC remains committed to its mandate and protecting Ghana's image. His statement follows concerns raised by Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee Ranking Member about the handling of narcotics cases.
26 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Law lecturer: EOCO's arrest attempt on MP was legally flawed
A Ghana School of Law lecturer has argued that the Economic and Organised Crime Office's attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah lacked legal basis, stating that Section 19 of the EOCO Act does not criminalise refusing an invitation from the office, only failure to produce required documents.
26 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Former MP questions EOCO's legal power to compel witness appearance
Inusah Fuseini, a former Tamale Central MP, has raised questions about whether the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has legal authority to compel a person to appear for questioning if they refuse an invitation, and whether Section 41 of the Constitution could fill what he describes as a gap in the EOCO Act.
26 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Focus on Ghana's reputation, not partisan blame over cocaine seizure
A Centre for Democratic Development fellow has urged the NPP and NDC to move away from blaming successive governments over a recent cocaine seizure linked to Ghana, and instead focus on addressing the case, protecting Ghana's international reputation, and building a bipartisan response. The cocaine — nearly 3.9 tonnes — was seized by French customs at Dunkirk in a container shipped from Ghana.
26 September 2026 · Joy Online →