Residents of the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region, affected by the Ewoyaa lithium project, have threatened to sue Atlantic Lithium Mining for damages to their properties.
They are also demanding compensation for lost time and for millions of cedis in property damage.
According to the group, they require fair and adequate compensation to be paid immediately so they can repay outstanding loans.
They revealed that since December 4, 2023, their personal construction projects in communities including Abonko, Krofu, Ewoyaa, Kulem, and Krampakrom have come to a complete halt due to the mining activities.
At a press conference, the Secretary of the ConcernedEwoyaa Lithium Affected People, Mr. Frank Acquah, stated that the residents have no choice but to protest against Atlantic Lithium Mining.
“If we are not compensated after our repeated appeals and our planned demonstration, we will return to our sites and resume work but we will still demand compensation for the time lost and for the damage to our properties,” Mr. Acquah said.
He appealed to the Parliament of Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama, legal practitioners, traditional authorities, religious bodies, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to intervene as soon as possible to ensure compensation is paid to affected residents in the Mfantseman Municipality.
“We, the affected people, cannot wait for parliamentary ratification due to the difficult situation caused by the Ewoyaa Lithium Project,” he stated.
“We need fair and adequate compensation paid immediately because our structures and materials on site have been damaged. Our lives have been placed on indefinite hold,” Mr. Acquah added.
He explained that for over two years, Atlantic Lithium Mining Company has prevented them from continuing their developments without offering compensation.
“We have been blocked from continuing our projects and are now living in rented accommodations. We are struggling to service loans taken to fund these projects. Those of us who are farmers are also suffering because the company has banned cash crops, creating further hardship,” he said.
This situation has caused severe financial hardship, emotional distress, fear, frustration, and deep uncertainty among the affected people.
“What is even more painful is that we have not been given any clear timeline or official communication regarding when compensation will be paid. We have been left completely in the dark, and our patience is wearing thin,” Mr. Acquah stated.
He confirmed that the Concerned Ewoyaa Lithium Affected People have written formally to Atlantic Lithium Mining on several occasions, but no action has been taken to pay compensation.
Akufo-Addo Endorses Bawumia After NPP Primaries Win, Praises His Loyalty and Leadership Qualities
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has publicly endorsed Dr Mahamudu BawumiaDr Mahamudu Bawumia following his victory in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, describing him as a loyal party man with a deep love for Ghana and the capacity to lead the party back to power.
Akufo-Addo made the remarks in a statement shared on Wednesday after Dr Bawumia, accompanied by his wife Samira Bawumia, paid a courtesy call on him after emerging winner of the NPP flagbearer race held on January 31.
Reflecting on their long-standing political relationship, the former president recalled selecting Dr Bawumia as his running mate 18 years ago, a partnership that saw them campaign together through four national elections.
“I know his mind, his character, his love for Ghana, and his appetite for hard work. He is loyal to party and country,” Akufo-Addo stated.
He expressed confidence that with the backing of the party’s grassroots and the continued support of its financiers, Dr Bawumia is well-positioned to lead the NPP to victory in the next general election.
“With the full support of our rank and file and the continued generosity of our supporters, I know that he will lead us back to victory,” the former president added.
Dr Bawumia’s victory in the January 31 primaries gives him the mandate to lead the NPP into the next general election as the party seeks to reclaim power following its defeat in the 2024 polls.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has expanded its regulatory requirements for sachet and bottled drinking water to include mandatory testing for heavy metals, as part of efforts to protect public health.
The FDA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of the Food Division, Mr. Roderick Daddey-Adjei, said the new measures will subject all registered water producers to additional laboratory analysis and routine surveillance checks.
Speaking in a radio interview on Citi FM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Mr. Daddey-Adjei said the decision was taken in response to growing public concern about environmental pollution and its potential impact on drinking water quality.
“What we have done is that, for potable water, we have added the requirement to also check for heavy metals,” he said.
According to him, while heavy metal testing has always been part of the standards for mineral water, the requirement did not previously apply to ordinary potable water such as sachet water.
“For mineral water, heavy metal testing is already part of the standard. For ordinary potable water, where that requirement did not previously exist, it has now been added,” he explained.
Mr. Daddey-Adjei said the new policy means all registered sachet and bottled water producers will undergo enhanced testing before and after product approval.
The FDA official said the move was informed by recent national discussions on pollution and its health implications, as well as findings from studies conducted in collaboration with both local and international partners.
“The issue of heavy metals has become a serious concern. Based on recent developments in the country, we have stepped up the requirements,” he said.
He cited research conducted with UNICEF which revealed worrying levels of lead exposure among some children, underscoring the urgency of stricter controls.
“We have done some work with UNICEF, which showed that lead levels in some children are worrying. That points to how serious the matter is,” Mr. Daddey-Adjei added.
The FDA, he said, is also working with other state institutions to improve monitoring of water sources and clarify responsibilities across the water supply chain.
“There are ongoing discussions between the FDA and local government on water suppliers, where they source their water from, the condition of the tankers they use, and whether the water supplied is safe,” he said.
Mr. Daddey-Adjei noted that while the FDA regulates manufactured water products such as sachet and bottled water, oversight of informal water vendors and tanker operators falls under the mandate of other regulatory agencies.
“At the moment, there is no full assurance that water fetched by some suppliers comes from safe sources. These issues are being discussed so clear rules and duties are set out,” he said.
He said the introduction of heavy metal testing is intended to boost public confidence in drinking water safety.
“All registered water, whether bottled or sachet, is now being checked so harmful substances are not passed on to consumers,” he said.
Mr. Daddey-Adjei urged the public to continue purchasing water from FDA-registered sources while enforcement and monitoring efforts are intensified.
Bawumia’s Victory Reflects Party Consensus, Not Surprise – Prof. Osei-Kufuor posits
A keen observer of Ghana’s electoral landscape, Prof. Patrick Osei-Kufuor has said that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s re-election as flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was a predictable outcome, reflecting the entrenched will of the party’s delegate base.
He underscored that his victory underscores the party’s decision at both the collective and individual level to endorse him as leader.
During a telephone conversation on GBC Radio Central’s Morning Show on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Prof. Osei-Kufuor noted that when a party makes a decision based on the aforementioned dynamics, it becomes extremely challenging to anticipate any surprises during the polls, especially when the same individuals are tasked with making the same decision.
“I knew Bawumia would emerge winner, the election observer stressed, adding that “the foundational structure of the party has not changed significantly to warrant any electoral shift at the top”. “The same persons voted in the previous elections, with some few additions”, he explained.
Responding to the potential impact of a bottom-up approach on the NPP elections, the elections observer noted that while there would have been some changes, Dr Bawumia would still have emerged victorious as the party’s preferred candidate.
Regarding Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s performance during the elections, Prof. Osei-Kufuor commended him for his efforts, recommending that the party consider him for future campaign purposes. “He resonates with the youth and had a significant impact on the elections,” he observed. Additionally, he emphasized that Bryan is a candidate for the future, except that the party’s sentiment is “This is Bawumia’s time”.
Seeking his perspective on Jojo Oppong Nkrumah’s assertions regarding how to regain the trust of Ghanaians going forward, he concurred with him, advising the party to develop effective post-election issue management strategies by utilizing dialogue to bring all contestants on board, particularly Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. “They should leverage their Council Elders to bring Ken on board,” he noted, emphasizing its significance in presenting a united front to the Ghanaian electorate.
Regarding trust issues, he stated that most Ghanaians are disenchanted with the NPP’s performance in government. It is essential for them to establish connections to regain the trust of the people. Nevertheless, Prof. Osei-Kufuor revealed that, according to EC statistics, Bawumia’s attainment of 41% of the valid votes cast in the 2024 elections is encouraging.
“It signifies trust for the candidate, but the floating voters had some grievances arising from Nana Akufo-Addo’s governance, which ultimately impacted Bawumia’s chances, he stated.
In summary, he proposed that it was Dr. Bawumia’s responsibility to demonstrate to the electorate how certain policies implemented during his tenure in government are currently benefiting Ghanaians. By achieving this and making Ghanaians recognize that he was not in charge as Vice President but would perform better when given the opportunity, this can enhance his presidential prospects.
DNA Taunt in TikTok Feud Leads to Defamation Suit Against ‘Fire Oja’
Adebayo Adesoka, the former husband of well-known traditional healer Ola Maame, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Prophet Jedidiah Henry Kore, the founder of Zion Prayer Ministries International, popularly called ‘Fire Oja.’
The suit, filed at the Accra High Court under case number GJ/03779/2026, seeks damages for harm caused to Adesoka and his son, Oladela Adebayo.
The plaintiffs’ statement of claim asserts that Prophet Kore has been engaged in a protracted public feud with Adesoka’s ex-wife on TikTok. This dispute allegedly culminated in a December 2025 live broadcast on the prophet’s TikTok account (@fireojaofficial), where he made what the suit describes as “serious, false, and defamatory” statements.
During the broadcast, the prophet is said to have displayed pictures of Adebayo Adesoka and his son while speaking in Twi. The suit quotes him as stating: “The picture I’ve shown is your husband, the man you’re currently living with… Let me repeat myself clearly… If there is any doubt, your husband can proceed to have a DNA test on his son.”
Adebayo Adesoka contends these words were “false, malicious, and reckless,” intended to damage his reputation, subject him to public ridicule and contempt, and imply he is not the biological father of his child. The suit argues the prophet knew or should have known the statements were false and published them without justification.
This lawsuit marks the latest in a series of legal entanglements for Prophet ‘Fire Oja.’ He is currently defending a separate defamation case brought by veteran musician Mzbel and is involved in a pending arbitration with Ola Maame at the Nae We Traditional Court.
The mounting litigation raises questions about the prophet’s recurrent involvement in public disputes and the making of “unsavory comments” that lead to court action, casting a shadow over his ministry as these cases proceed.
Devex cites President Mahama’s leadership in pushing for a “new deal” for African development, particularly his advocacy for debt relief, fairer global trade rules, and climate finance that reflects Africa’s realities rather than donor priorities.
President John Dramani Mahama has been ranked 5th on the 2026 Devex Power 50 list, placing him among the world’s most influential figures shaping the future of global development at a time when traditional aid systems are undergoing profound transformation.
The annual Devex Power 50 is a highly regarded global ranking that identifies individuals wielding exceptional influence over development policy, financing, and innovation. The 2026 list comes amid what Devex describes as a “post-aid era,” marked by declining foreign assistance from traditional donors, especially the United States and parts of Europe, and the rapid emergence of new actors such as philanthropy, development finance institutions, private capital, and middle-income country donors.
President Mahama’s inclusion in the top five underscores his growing stature not only as Ghana’s leader but also as a major political voice redefining Africa’s role in the global development architecture.
Power beyond money
According to Devex, power in global development today is no longer measured solely by financial contributions. Instead, it is increasingly defined by the ability to shape narratives, influence policy direction, mobilise coalitions, and reimagine how development is financed and delivered.
“Power is about influence – who sets the agenda, who reframes the debate, and who can mobilise action across borders,” Devex noted in its 2026 assessment.
It is within this context that President Mahama’s ranking is seen as particularly significant. Having assumed office in January for a non-consecutive second term, Mahama has positioned himself as one of Africa’s strongest advocates for systemic reform rather than short-term aid dependence.
Why Mahama Ranked 5th
Devex attributes Mahama’s high ranking to his consistent and forceful advocacy for what he describes as a “new deal” for African development.Central to this vision are calls for comprehensive debt relief for African countries, fairer global trade rules, and climate financing frameworks that reflect Africa’s realities rather than donor-driven priorities.
Rather than urging African governments to simply adjust to shrinking aid flows, Mahama has argued that the continent must fundamentally renegotiate its place in the global economic system.
“Africa must move away from dependency toward sovereignty, ownership, and sustainable financing models,” Devex paraphrased Mahama’s position.
This approach has resonated strongly at a time when many African economies are grappling with high debt burdens, climate shocks, and reduced fiscal space following the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic disruptions.
The Accra Reset Initiative
One of the major initiatives cited by Devex is Mahama’s leadership in launching what has become known as the “Accra Reset” a bold framework aimed at ending what critics describe as “development-as-usual.”
In August last year, Mahama convened African leaders, policymakers, global health experts, and development partners in Accra to advance a new vision for African health sovereignty, rooted in national leadership, regional manufacturing capacity, and more equitable global cooperation.
The initiative gained further international attention at the United Nations General Assembly in September, where discussions expanded beyond health to encompass development financing, governance reform, and Africa’s strategic positioning in a world of declining U.S. foreign aid.
The Accra Reset calls for new governance, business, and financing models that reduce Africa’s vulnerability to external shocks while strengthening domestic capacity and regional integration.
President Mahama serves as the initiative’s chief political advocate and works closely with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who plays an advisory role in shaping the process.
A Global Voice Beyond Ghana
Devex noted that the most powerful actors in global development today are often not the most visible. Influence increasingly operates behind the scenes, across governments, multilateral institutions, philanthropy, global health, climate policy, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Mahama’s 5th place ranking reflects his ability to operate effectively across these spaces, bridging political leadership with global policy debates.
While Ghana remains his primary responsibility, Devex observed that Mahama’s influence now extends far beyond national borders, positioning him as a key agenda-setter in global discussions on development reform in 2026 and beyond.
Africa’s Moment in a Shifting World
The 2026 Power 50 list emerges at a time when global development is being reshaped by multiple forces: donor fatigue, geopolitical tensions, climate emergencies, and growing skepticism about traditional aid effectiveness.
Against this backdrop, Mahama’s rise in global influence signals what many analysts see as a broader shift – Africa increasingly speaking for itself rather than being spoken for.
For Ghana, the ranking enhances the country’s diplomatic profile and reinforces Mahama’s long-standing reputation as one of Africa’s most globally engaged leaders.
For the continent, it highlights the growing recognition of African leadership in defining the future of development, rather than merely responding to decisions made elsewhere.
Looking Ahead
As debates over development financing, climate justice, debt restructuring, and global equity intensify, Devex’s recognition of President Mahama suggests that his ideas and leadership will continue to shape conversations well beyond 2026.
In a rapidly changing world order, the ranking places Ghana’s president firmly among the individuals to watch – not just as a national leader, but as a global development influencer helping chart a new course for Africa and the wider Global South.
Over 200 Berekum Market Traders Allegedly Defrauded in GHC500 Loan Registration Scam
BEREKUM, Ghana – More than 200 traders operating at the Berekum Central Market in the Bono Region have reportedly been defrauded after paying registration fees to individuals who promised them access to loans of up to GHC10,000, but later disappeared.
The affected traders, most of whom are women at the Central and Senase markets, said they paid between GHC250 and GHC500 as loan processing or registration fees, with assurances of receiving loans ranging from GHC5,000 to GHC10,000.
According to the victims, the suspected fraudsters moved through various sections of the market – including the tomatoes, fish, fabric, vegetable and tubers lines – registering traders and collecting money before vanishing without fulfilling their promises.
Speaking to reporters, the Market Queen of the dry fish (Mponam) line, Nana Akua Serwaa, said she was asked to help mobilise traders after being told the initiative was meant to support market women with easily accessible loans.
“They assured us the loans were genuine and that only registration was required,” she said. “After the payments were made, they stopped answering our calls.”
A yam trader, Madam Beatrice Boabeng, confirmed that repeated attempts to reach the individuals after payment have been unsuccessful, leaving many traders financially distressed.
Another victim, Abenaa Meayaa, has appealed to the government and the Ghana Police Service to intervene and arrest those responsible to prevent further victims.
The total amount lost is believed to run into millions of Ghana cedis. As of the time of filing this report, the suspects remain at large.
Tyla Wins Best African Music Performance at 68th Grammy Awards
South African singer and songwriter Tyla has once again etched her name in the history books after winning Best African Music Performance at the 68th Grammy Awards.
She edged out strong competition from Africa’s biggest stars, including Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Eddy Kenzo, to take home the prestigious award.
The victory adds to Tyla’s rapidly growing list of accolades, having also won the same category in 2024. Her continued success further cements her status as one of Africa’s most influential global music stars.
Congratulations to @tyla on another remarkable achievement 🎉👏🏾🫶🏾
The Gallant Cadres of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have asserted that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s performance in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership election signals a decline in his political fortunes, noting that over 40% of party delegates rejected his candidacy.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the group argued that Dr. Bawumia was expected to secure a stronger endorsement but instead faced significant opposition from within his own party. “Dr. Bawumia suffered over a 43% rejection from his own people in an internal election,” the statement emphasized. “Even among delegates believed to be on his side – and for whom normal practices should have ensured loyalty – 43.52% rejected him.”
The Cadres contend that this reflects the dwindling fortunes of the NPP flagbearer, who was once promoted as the party’s hero and an economic messiah. “The ‘digital man’s’ message was rejected by his own people,” the statement added. “These delegates had the opportunity to decide on Bawumia twice, and 43.52% of them – including former supporters and members of his own economic team – saw no value in endorsing him again. It is a clear sign of credibility loss.”
Analyzing the 43.52% vote against Dr. Bawumia, the Cadres describe the figure as significant and revealing. They note that the drop from 63% support in 2023 to 56% in this election demonstrates a measurable erosion of trust in his leadership within the party, let alone the country.
The NDC Cadres have therefore pledged to amplify this message of rejection, describing Dr. Bawumia as a ‘liar’ and vowing to broadcast his internal party setback to a national and international audience.
Below is the full statement:
Press Release
To All Media Houses
The Gallant Cadres of NDC
0208573712
0243179445
0546572070
Dr. Bawumia Suffers Loud Rejection At Npp’s Flagbearership Primaries : A Sign of Credibility Loss
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) went into its primaries to elect a flag-bearer, and the outcome of the elections should be a serious matter of concern to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. In order to “protect” or bring back Dr. Bawumia, the party hierarchy strangely overturned the normal practice of electing polling-station and constituency executives before the flag-bearer (bottom-up election). They believed Bawumia had been widely marketed compared to his contenders. To achieve this, old delegates were used because the loyalty of new delegates could not be guaranteed. Interestingly, same old delegates elected and approved Bawumia for 2024 general elections but turned round to campaign massively against the party’s flagbearer. Almost 1.2 million supporters resigned from the New Patriotic Party last two years.
The Gallant Cadres of NDC will like to posit. Does Npp want Ghanaians to vote for Bawumia as president? What economic problems does Bawumia want to solve? We doubt Bawumia has any economic policies. Ghanaians can distinguish between the economic conditions 8 years ago when Dr Bawumia was the head of EMT for the Nana Addo government, and the economic conditions today. Today’s economic conditions are are better and comforting than Ghana experienced under Npp administration.
One would have expected a bigger endorsement, but the opposite happened. Dr Bawumia suffered over 43% rejection from his own people in an internal election. Even the delegates who were believed to be on Bawumia’s side – and for whom normal practices should have been overturned – 43.52% of them rejected Dr Bawumia . This is a matter of serious concern. A supposed hero, an economic Messiah, the “digital man’s” message was rejected by his own people. These are delegates who had the opportunity to decide twice on Bawumia, and 43.52% of them – including those who hailed him in the past and members of his own economic team – saw no value in presenting him again. It is a clear sign of credibility loss.
Note that 43.52% translates into huge numbers. Thanks to this loud rejection (43.52%), the Gallant Cadres of NDC will help spread the message of rejection to every corner of the world: “Say NO TO BAWUMIA” – he is a liar.
What would the percentage of rejection have been if he hadn’t paid money to delegates and the bottom-up approach of elections had been followed? Bawumia should be crying rather than jubilating. The hope his own people had in him is completely gone. If 43.52% of delegates could “spit out” Bawumia due to his sour taste, then Ghanaians deserve better.
Dr Bawumia should know what awaits him – the bigger picture in the national election. His disgrace will weigh him down; he will be soaked in a pool of shameful defeat come 2028. If before he had 63% to win the flag-bearership and that translated to 38% in the national election, what will 56% translate to? He should work it out and keep the answer.
Bawumia, DADANOAA, same old goods.
Comrade Richard E A Sarpong, Father Casford, The PRO, 0208573712
Prophet Bernard Nelson-Eshun Apologizes Over Failed NPP Primaries Prophecy
Prophet Bernard Elbernard Nelson-Eshun has issued a public apology after a prophetic declaration he made concerning the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries failed to materialize.
In a statement released to the public, the prophet admitted that his earlier prophecy predicting Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong as the winner of the NPP presidential primaries was inaccurate.
According to him, the declaration—made through a book, videos, and several media interviews—did not come to pass, and he takes full responsibility for the outcome.
“That word did not come to pass. I missed it. I was wrong, and I am deeply sorry,” he stated.
Prophet Nelson-Eshun acknowledged that because he spoke with prophetic authority, many people trusted his words and may have been affected emotionally, spiritually, and politically. He expressed particular remorse to individuals who made decisions based on the prophecy.
He emphasized that he does not blame anyone nor shift responsibility, admitting plainly that the prophecy, as declared, failed.
The prophet further revealed that the incident has caused him to reflect deeply and recommit himself to accountability, discernment, integrity, and truth, especially in how prophetic revelations are communicated publicly.
He also apologized to believers who may have been disappointed or whose faith may have been shaken as a result of the failed prophecy.
“I humbly ask for forgiveness from everyone who was hurt, disappointed, or negatively impacted in any way,” he added.
Prophet Bernard Nelson-Eshun concluded by thanking those who have corrected him in love and those who continue to pray for him.
