🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Eric Opoku open to leading NDC in 2028 general election if chosen by party
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has expressed his readiness to contest for the flagbearership of the National Democratic Congress NDC and lead Ghana in the 2028 general election, should party members deem him the most suitable candidate. In an interview on Asempa FM on June 2, 2026, Opoku stated his political involvement is driven by a desire to serve the nation, emphasizing his commitment to solving challenges and delivering results. He described himself as a "troubleshooter" capable of resolving problems. Opoku affirmed he would not hesitate to lead the NDC if the party believes he is the best person to succeed President John Mahama and manage both the party and the country. He highlighted that his primary focus is making a meaningful impact through public service and creating positive changes for people and future generations. His comments come amidst discussions about potential NDC presidential candidates for the 2028 election, including Julius Debrah, Cassiel Ato Forson, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and Haruna Iddrisu.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Minority in Parliament has urged the Mahama administration to stop the second prosecution of TikToker Camilla Alhassan and cease using what it terms "outdated laws" that criminalize free speech. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, speaking at a press conference on Friday, July 17, 2026, called for an immediate halt to all prosecutions under Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, arguing these provisions are not suitable for a modern democracy. This follows an Accra Circuit Court sentencing the 43-year-old TikToker to one year in prison with hard labor for offensive conduct after she pleaded guilty to making derogatory remarks about President John Dramani Mahama in a TikTok video. Despite her conviction, the Ghana Police Service indicated she would face a separate charge of false communication under the Electronic Communications Act. Afenyo-Markin demanded the withdrawal of all pending prosecutions under Sections 207 and 208, including the second prosecution against Camilla Alhassan. The Minority also requested the release of individuals currently serving sentences under these provisions, citing the case of Kwame Nkrumah II. Furthermore, Afenyo-Markin urged Parliament to fast-track legislation to repeal the two sections, noting the Minority has already presented a bill to the House. He also appealed to President Mahama to instruct law enforcement agencies to stop prosecuting Ghanaians under these contested provisions. The Minority believes repealing these
Must ReadPresident John Dramani Mahama has urged former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to voluntarily return to Ghana as the government pursues legal processes for his extradition. Speaking in the Volta Region on July 17, 2026, President Mahama referenced Ofori-Atta's past statement about not abandoning his 'children' Ghanaians and called on him to face the issues. He questioned why a public official who believes they acted properly would flee the country. President Mahama emphasized that any extradition must adhere to international legal standards and respect individual rights. He confirmed that the Attorney General’s Department has initiated the process by filing an application and providing additional requested documents, with a US court ultimately deciding on the extradition request.
Must ReadAlhaji Nasir Mohammed Ibrahim, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation NADMO, has expressed alarm over 23 deaths from drowning in abandoned illegal mining galamsey pits between January and June 2026. The fatalities, comprising 12 adults and 11 children, occurred across 19 districts in the Ashanti Region. NADMO recovered 19 bodies, with four victims still missing. Alhaji Ibrahim noted that illegal mining continues in 23 districts, increasing accident risks, especially during the rainy season. He urged miners, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies MMDAs, and other stakeholders to collaborate with NADMO to establish, train, and equip rescue divers and emergency swimmers. The Director also highlighted the public health benefits of ongoing drainage desilting and clean-up exercises, which reduce disease spread and promote cleaner communities by improving stormwater flow and raising sanitation awareness. He mentioned that NADMO headquarters, along with NGOs and faith-based organizations like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Qatar Foundation, and Stanbic Bank Ghana, are supporting disaster victims in other parts of the country. Alhaji Ibrahim appealed for similar support for the Ashanti Region to enhance disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery efforts, emphasizing that sustained collaboration among various entities is crucial for reducing disaster risks and protecting lives and property.