🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Ayariga and Afenyo-Markin clash over presidential meetings with parliamentary caucuses
via GhanaWeb3 min read
An exchange occurred in Parliament on June 23, 2026, between Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga. Afenyo-Markin accused President John Dramani Mahama of discrimination for planning a meeting solely with members of the Majority Caucus. He argued that all 276 Members of Parliament deserve equal inclusion in discussions concerning welfare matters, questioning why the President would meet only one caucus and describing the move as unfair. In response, Ayariga defended the planned engagement, stating that during former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure, neither he nor his colleagues on the Minority side at the time were invited to the Flagstaff House to discuss welfare issues. Ayariga emphasized that MPs’ conditions of service are determined by an established emoluments committee, not through direct meetings with the President, though he acknowledged that presidents do meet with the leadership of both sides of Parliament.
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The Ghana Police Service arrested 186 suspects, including 86 Ghanaians, 96 Nigerians, and four Togolese nationals, during intelligence-led operations targeting organized crime in the Ashanti Region between June 8 and June 17, 2026. These operations, conducted by the Inspector-General of Police Special Operations Team and the Ashanti Regional Police Command, aimed to dismantle criminal networks involved in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, narcotics trafficking, and unlawful possession of firearms. Coordinated raids took place in areas such as Asafo, Kenyase Aframa, and Asokwa. A significant arrest occurred on June 9 at Kenyase Aframa, where Gladys Ibrahim, also known as “Mama Gee,” was apprehended along with 96 Nigerian and four Togolese nationals. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are part of a transnational criminal network. Several victims, including minors, were rescued and placed under protective care. Foreign national victims are being processed with the Ghana Immigration Service for immigration and repatriation. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other network members, with suspects remaining in custody or assisting with inquiries. The Ghana Police Service reiterates its commitment to intelligence-led policing to combat organized crime and ensure public safety.
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