Urgent Security Concerns Affecting Honourable Members of Parliament

Najat Adamu
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Urgent Security Concerns Affecting Honourable Members of Parliament

By Samuel Nyamekye Jnr.

The security and personal safety of Honourable Members of Parliament (MPs) have become a matter of urgent national concern following growing dissatisfaction within the Parliamentary Protection Unit (PPU) of the Ghana Police Service.

The PPU, which is mandated to provide close-protection services to Members of Parliament, is currently experiencing a serious morale crisis that poses a direct threat to the effectiveness, reliability, and continuity of parliamentary security operations.

Key Concerns

At the centre of this challenge is a perceived inequity in the distribution of allowances within the unit. Officers assigned as close-protection bodyguards have expressed deep dissatisfaction over their exclusion from the “medorfo” allowance, which is paid to officers on general duty.

This disparity has generated frustration, resentment, and declining motivation among officers who perform some of the most demanding and high-risk security functions in the Police Service.

Unlike general duty officers, PPU bodyguards routinely work extended and irregular hours, often far exceeding the standard eight-hour workday stipulated under Constitutional Instrument (CI) 76. Despite this, they are not entitled to overtime allowances provided for under the same instrument, leaving many officers feeling undervalued and unfairly treated.

Compounding the problem are reports of alleged disrespect and lack of appreciation from some Honourable Members toward their assigned security personnel. Such conduct, if left unaddressed, further erodes morale and undermines the professionalism and effectiveness of parliamentary security arrangements.

Security Risk Implications

Disturbingly, there are indications that several bodyguards are considering withdrawing from close-protection duties to seek reassignment to general police duties. Should this occur, it would create a serious security gap, expose Members of Parliament to heightened risk, and weaken the institutional protection framework of the Legislature.

Call for Immediate Intervention

In light of these developments, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the allowance structure, welfare conditions, and operational support systems within the Parliamentary Protection Unit.

Fair compensation, recognition of service, improved working conditions, and respect for officers performing close-protection duties are essential to restoring morale and sustaining high security standards for the nation’s lawmakers.

I respectfully call on His Excellency, the President of the Republic, the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Police Council to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.

The men and women assigned to protect Honourable Members of Parliament make significant personal sacrifices—often separated from their families and exposed to danger—in service to the nation.

A sustained lack of motivation, whether from institutional neglect or poor interpersonal treatment, risks diminished performance and could ultimately compromise national security.

This matter requires swift, decisive, and coordinated action to prevent irreversible damage to parliamentary security and to uphold the safety and dignity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Apologise to Ghanaians Over IShowSpeed Jollof Verdict – Madugu to Chicken Man Pizza Man

Najat Adamu
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Apologise to Ghanaians Over IShowSpeed Jollof Verdict – Madugu to Chicken Man Pizza Man

Atinka TV journalist Ebenezer Madugu has called on popular food brand Chicken Man Pizza Man to issue a public apology to Ghanaians following what he described as a disappointing outcome in the much-publicized Jollof rice tasting involving American streamer IShowSpeed.

The event, which formed part of IShowSpeed’s visit to Ghana, reignited the long-standing Ghana–Nigeria Jollof debate after the influencer reportedly rated the Ghanaian Jollof below its Nigerian counterpart. It has since emerged that the Jollof rice served to IShowSpeed was prepared by Chicken Man Pizza Man.

According to Madugu, the result should not be taken lightly, given Ghana’s long-standing dominance in the Jollof rivalry. He noted that over the years, numerous tastings and public opinions have consistently ranked Ghanaian Jollof ahead of Nigeria’s, a reputation that has significantly boosted the country’s catering and hospitality industry.

Madugu cited several high-profile endorsements of Ghanaian Jollof, including Nigerian music star Ayra Starr, who chose Ghana Jollof over Nigeria’s during a BET “21 Questions” segment, as well as Nigerian comedian Carter Efe, who has openly praised Ghanaian Jollof. He explained that such endorsements have drawn tourists and food lovers into the country, eager to experience what many regard as superior Jollof.

Commenting on the decision to use Chicken Man Pizza Man instead of some of Ghana’s well-known chefs, Madugu suggested that the choice appeared to be driven by branding and marketing considerations rather than culinary excellence.

“The fact that renowned Ghanaian chefs were ignored points to a deliberate marketing strategy,” Madugu said. “If the outcome had been positive, the brand would have enjoyed the praise. Since it has gone the other way, they must equally take responsibility for the embarrassment caused to the country.”

Beyond an apology, Madugu called on Chicken Man Pizza Man to conduct a public survey to assess current perceptions of their Jollof rice, stating his belief that IShowSpeed’s judgment may reflect broader concerns about the brand’s food quality.

Despite the controversy, Madugu commended the organizers of the event, acknowledging their efforts in hosting a global influencer whose reach and impact cannot be underestimated.
“IShowSpeed’s influence is massive,” he noted.

“His opinion on our Jollof, whether positive or negative, matters greatly, which is why this issue deserves serious attention.”

The Jollof debate continues to stir passionate reactions across Ghana and Nigeria, once again highlighting how food remains deeply tied to national pride and cultural identity.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com

Tamale Rerun: Supreme Court Quashes Tamale High Court Ruling

Ebenezer Madugu
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Tamale Rerun: Supreme Court Quashes Tamale High Court Ruling

The Supreme Court, by a majority decision (4 – 1) delivered today, has quashed the ruling of the High Court in Tamale which nullified the parliamentary election results for the Kpandai Constituency.

The Supreme Court’s decision effectively upholds the election of the NPP’s Mathew Nyindam as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Kpandai.

The High Court subsequently ordered a rerun of the parliamentary election. Following the judgment, the Electoral Commission (EC) scheduled the rerun for December 31, 2025.

However, the process was halted after Mr Nyindam applied to the Supreme Court, invoking its supervisory jurisdiction to quash the High Court’s ruling.

The outcome of the decision by the apex court is expected to determine whether the High Court’s order for a rerun will stand or be set aside.

Nyindam’s Argument: High Court Lacked Jurisdiction

At the heart of Mr Nyindam’s case is the argument that the Tamale High Court acted without jurisdiction because the parliamentary election petition was filed outside the mandatory 21-day statutory period required by law.

His lawyers contend that the Kpandai parliamentary election results were gazetted on December 24, 2024, triggering the timeline. On that basis, the petition filed by Mr Nsala on January 25, 2025, was time-barred and should not have been entertained.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie

Virtual Vetting Option Requested by Widow of Ayawaso East MP

Najat Adamu
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Virtual Vetting Option Requested by Widow of Ayawaso East MP

Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Ayawaso East MP Mahama Naser Toure, has requested to be vetted virtually ahead of the February 7 NDC parliamentary primary, party officials have confirmed.

Hajia Amina Adam is observing ‘Iddah’, a four-month widowhood period prescribed by Islamic law. The party has yet to decide on her request for virtual vetting, according to NDC Greater Accra Regional Secretary Theophilus Tetteh Chaie.

Following her formal nomination to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat, Hajia Amina Adam has requested virtual vetting.

She will go head-to-head with four other aspirants, notably Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, in the contest for the NDC ticket.

Evangelist Awusi Rolls Out GH¢800,000 Monthly Welfare Support for Widows

Ebenezer Madugu
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Evangelist Awusi Rolls Out GH¢800,000 Monthly Welfare Support for Widows

Founder of The Word of Truth and Prayers (TWOTAP) Ministry, Evangelist Francis Awusi, has launched a major welfare initiative aimed at supporting widows and orphans within the Christian community, committing GH¢800,000 every month to the programme.

The initiative, dubbed “Care for Widows and Orphans,” is expected to benefit 2,000 widows and orphans, each receiving a monthly stipend of GH¢400. Beneficiaries will include both members and non-members of the TWOTAP Ministry, as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on vulnerable individuals amid prevailing economic challenges.

The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press briefing in Kumasi, where Evangelist Awusi stressed the need for the Church to complement spiritual teachings with tangible social support.

Evangelist Awusi Rolls Out Monthly Welfare

“This is the Church in action,” he said. “Faith without compassion is incomplete. Where pain is deepest, the Church must be felt.”

Evangelist Awusi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Holy TV, explained that the programme was partly a response to public criticism that churches focus more on enriching leadership than addressing the needs of congregants and society at large.

He noted that beyond financial assistance, the initiative would offer spiritual counselling and continuous monitoring to ensure the holistic well-being of beneficiaries.

According to him, the intervention was inspired by what he described as a divine directive received last year, urging him to take personal responsibility for the care of 2,000 widows and orphans.

Evangelist Awusi called on individuals, corporate bodies and institutions to partner with the TWOTAP Ministry to sustain and expand the programme.

“There are people suffering silently in our society,” he said. “There is more blessing in giving than in receiving. Let us rise to support them.”

The launch has attracted widespread public interest, with observers describing the initiative as one of the most ambitious church-led welfare programmes in recent years, and a bold step towards redefining the role of the Church in social intervention and community development.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ama Gyenfa Ofosu-Darkwah

Bawumia Wraps Up Nationwide Tour, Projects Confidence Ahead of January 31 NPP Primaries

Ebenezer Madugu
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Bawumia Wraps Up Nationwide Tour, Projects Confidence Ahead of January 31 NPP Primaries

It was barely ten months after an election defeat he had been confident of winning.

The loss in the 2024 general elections left the New Patriotic Party (NPP) bruised and uncertain. Many party faithful were disheartened, still processing the reality of opposition after eight years in government.

Yet, with urgency defining the moment, the party’s National Council adopted an early rebuilding strategy—electing a presidential flagbearer first, even before the wounds of defeat had fully healed.

For former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the decision meant there was no room to pause.

He dusted himself off and returned to the road.

An Early Start to a Relentless Journey

On October 15, 2025, Dr. Bawumia launched his nationwide campaign from Sene East in the Bono East Region, beginning what would become one of the most extensive grassroots tours in the Fourth Republic.

The campaign, christened “Our Journey Together,” took him to all 276 constituencies, with only brief breaks to attend national and state functions in his capacity as a former Vice President and statesman.

The objective was clear: reconnect with the party base, listen to concerns at the grassroots, and rebuild confidence from the ground up.

Reflection, Unity, and Honest Conversations

Unlike conventional internal campaigns, Our Journey Together was defined by honest reflection rather than recrimination.

At virtually every stop, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the party’s loss of more than two million votes compared to 2020, attributing the defeat largely to economic hardship and voter disaffection. He insisted the loss was collective and cautioned against internal blame.

His message was consistent: the NPP’s recovery depends on unity, humility, and better organisation.

Grassroots Welfare at the Centre of the Campaign

A defining pillar of Our Journey Together was grassroots welfare—an issue Dr. Bawumia elevated across regions.
He repeatedly assured party executives, polling station officers, electoral area coordinators, and foot soldiers that their welfare would be a priority under his leadership.

Dr. Bawumia pledged to:
Prioritise the well-being of party workers who sustain the NPP at the base

Institutionalise regular constituency-level engagements to give grassroots members direct access to leadership.

Ensure that the contributions of party activists are recognised and rewarded.

According to him, a party cannot be strong nationally if its base is neglected.
“Our journey must include everyone—especially those who work hardest for the party,” he told delegates during several engagements.

This message resonated deeply, especially among grassroots members who openly pledged support, saying they felt seen, heard, and valued.

Decorum and Respect as Campaign Principles

From the outset, Dr. Bawumia’s campaign team made it clear that Our Journey Together would be conducted with decorum, discipline, and respect for all aspirants.

True to that commitment, the campaign avoided personal attacks and divisive rhetoric. Dr. Bawumia consistently urged supporters to focus on ideas, experience, and unity, stressing that the party’s internal cohesion would be critical in winning the 2028 general elections.

Experience, Sacrifice, and Ideas Over Wealth

Throughout the tour, Dr. Bawumia grounded his appeal in his long-standing service and sacrifice to the NPP.

He traced his political journey from 2008 through eight years in opposition, his role in the 2012 election petition, and eight years as Vice President.

He also highlighted policy initiatives he championed, including the Ghana Card, Mobile Money Interoperability, and Zipline medical drone delivery services, as evidence of leadership driven by innovation rather than excess spending.
“It is not the money in your pocket that will transform Ghana; it is the ideas in your head,” he reiterated.

Growing Momentum Nationwide

As the tour progressed, Our Journey Together gathered visible momentum.

Across Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Western, Eastern, Northern, Oti, Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, party executives, grassroots organisers, MPs, and former party officials publicly declared their support.

Many projected commanding margins in his favour, while several former supporters of rival aspirants defected to his camp, citing conviction and confidence in his leadership.

Wrapping Up the Journey, Eyes on January 31

Dr. Bawumia wrapped up the Our Journey Together campaign on Tuesday in the Ashanti Region, thanking party members nationwide for their reception and urging delegates to approach the presidential primaries on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with calm, unity, and discipline.

He pledged to immediately bring all factions together after the primaries and refocus the party on rebuilding, renewal, and victory in 2028.

After a painful defeat—and with little time to heal—Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s response was not retreat, but resolve: a demanding nationwide campaign anchored on unity, grassroots welfare, and shared purpose.

As delegates prepare to vote, Our Journey Together closes having reinforced a simple message—the NPP’s future will be built together, or not at all.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie

December Mobile Money Transactions Soar to GH¢518bn – BoG

Najat Adamu
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December Mobile Money Transactions Soar to GH¢518bn – BoG


Mobile money (MoMo) transactions in Ghana rose sharply to GH¢518.4 billion in December 2025, marking the highest monthly value for the year, data from the Bank of Ghana indicates.

The increase was driven by festive-season consumer spending and the continued expansion of digital payment usage. Transaction volumes also grew, reaching 982 million in December, up from 892 million recorded in November.

Mobile money adoption continued to strengthen in December, with active accounts increasing to 26.7 million, compared with 25.5 million in November, while total registered accounts climbed to **80.5 million.

The expansion was supported by growth in the agent network, which reached 491,000 active agents at the end of the year, reinforcing access to digital financial services.

The value of funds held in mobile money wallets reached GH¢39.6 billion in December, the highest for the year, reflecting stronger liquidity conditions and increased confidence in digital wallets.

Interoperable mobile money activity also strengthened, with transaction values rising to GH¢5.8 billion from GH¢4.9 billion in November, largely due to higher cross-network transfers during the holiday season.

December data shows that traditional payment instruments remained marginal compared with mobile money. Cheque payments amounted to GH¢37.3 billion, while electronic channels, including GhIPSS Instant Pay, recorded GH¢73.3 billion in transaction value.

The figures reinforce mobile money’s position as the cornerstone of Ghana’s retail payments system, with festive-season demand, rising smartphone use and continued agent network expansion expected to support growth in the year ahead.

IShowSpeed to Join Ranks of Ghanaian Passport Holders

Najat Adamu
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IShowSpeed to Join Ranks of Ghanaian Passport Holders

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has approved a Ghanaian passport for American streamer IShowSpeed, following confirmation of his strong ties to the country.

Mr. Ablakwa disclosed the decision on Tuesday, January 27, saying it came after discussions validating the influencer’s connection to Ghana.

Mr. Ablakwa noted that the approval underscores Ghana’s continued openness to members of the African diaspora who enhance the country’s image globally.

“I am pleased to inform you and our compatriots that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to IShowSpeed,” He said.

The Minister called the influencer a deserving ambassador who goes beyond entertainment and challenged him to continue promoting Ghana and Africa around the world.

IShowSpeed’s “Speed Does Africa” tour ended in Ghana on Monday, January 26, drawing huge crowds.

The visit saw him fully immerse in local culture and heritage, attracting both enthusiastic crowds and international media coverage.

A highlight of IShowSpeed’s trip was his enstoolment at Akropong, where he received the name Barima Kofi Akuffo.

He also visited cultural landmarks like Asenema Waterfalls and the Akropong palace, before enjoying supercar drifting, jollof rice, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra.

As part of his cultural immersion, IShowSpeed engaged in boxing exercises in Bukom and later toured the Hammamat Montia Shea Butter Museum, where 10 maidens delivered a traditional farewell massage to conclude his visit.

Health Minister Begins Consultations Ahead of Free Primary Healthcare Rollout in March

Najat Adamu
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Health Minister Begins Consultations Ahead of Free Primary Healthcare Rollout in March

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has begun consultations with health sector stakeholders as government prepares to introduce the Free Primary Healthcare policy in March.

He said the meeting was a listening exercise aimed at gathering technical input to refine the policy ahead of Cabinet and parliamentary consideration.

The initiative is a core manifesto commitment for 2024 and is aligned with the Health Sector Medium-Term Development Plan (2025–2029), which guides health sector priorities over the medium term.

Dr Belinda Afriyie Nimako said the Free Primary Healthcare policy leverages existing primary healthcare infrastructure, including CHPS compounds, health centres and the NHIS, while incorporating reforms designed to expand coverage and strengthen preventive healthcare delivery.

Dr. Nimako claims that the policy’s financing structure uses a blended payment approach that combines population-based and fee-for-service payments with equity and performance adjustments to improve outcomes in underprivileged areas and encourage preventative treatment.

Dr Nimako said the policy will allow people to access primary healthcare services free at the point of use, without registering with the NHIS.

She said the package will cover preventive care, basic treatment, essential medicines, diagnostics, maternal and child health, mental health services and emergency stabilisation, with more consultations planned before the March rollout.

Majority Rebuts Minority, Citing Economic Legacy of Akufo-Addo

Najat Adamu
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Majority Rebuts Minority, Citing Economic Legacy of Akufo-Addo

The Majority Caucus in Parliament has rejected claims from the Minority, saying Ghanaians still remember the economic hardships under the Akufo-Addo government.

The Caucus said the Minority has no moral authority to criticise the current administration, given the condition in which it left the economy.

The Majority recalled that the cedi suffered record depreciation and inflation climbed to historic levels, weakening the financial system.

It said the developments significantly reduced household incomes and deepened economic hardship for many families.

The Majority said social services worsened significantly, with some Senior High Schools unable to reopen because funds for feeding were unavailable.

Hospitals were also forced to turn away patients, it said, due to persistent delays in the payment of NHIS claims.

“The Ghanaian people lived through one of the most difficult economic periods in our history, and no amount of political spin can erase that reality,” Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, mentioned.

The Majority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring confidence, while urging the Minority to acknowledge the challenges left behind and engage constructively in national discourse.

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