In a tribute read on his behalf by Joyce Bawa Mogtari at the state funeral held at the Black Star Square, Mahama praised Nana Konadu as “far more than a former First Lady, but a pioneering leader, an unwavering champion of women’s empowerment, and a trailblazer in our political landscape.”

He highlighted her transformative work in literacy, maternal health, childhood education, and economic empowerment—particularly for women and girls in rural communities.

“She transformed the role of First Lady into a platform for national development,” he noted.

Mahama further described her as courageous, principled, and deeply devoted to her family, adding that her legacy will continue to inspire current and future generations.

“May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy guide us toward a more just, inclusive, and equitable Ghana,” the tribute concluded.

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Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, she emphasised the administration’s readiness to deliver on its 2024 campaign pledge.

“The time has come not just to revisit this idea, but to realise it with clarity of vision, institutional discipline, and strong political will,” she stated.

The re-establishment of a national airline was one of President Mahama’s key promises ahead of the 2024 elections—a pledge which has already seen action with the inauguration of a 10-member task force.

Madam Bawah Mogtari noted that this move is more than a political gesture; it is a strategic national imperative.

“This is not about nostalgia or symbolism alone—this is about creating jobs, opening up Ghana to the world, and asserting our leadership in West African aviation,” she said.

The proposal has sparked nationwide discussions, with opinions divided on ownership models.

While some experts push for full government control, others advocate for a public-private partnership that leverages global expertise while preserving Ghana’s national identity.

Madam Bawah Mogtari acknowledged these debates, stating, “It’s healthy for our democracy to have these conversations, but what must not be lost is the clear need for a reliable national carrier.”

According to her, Ghana’s strategic location in West Africa offers natural advantages that have been underutilised due to the lack of a national airline.

“We are geographically positioned to be a regional hub. With the right airline infrastructure, we can attract business, tourism, and investment in ways we’ve never done before,” she asserted, adding that the new carrier will be designed with sustainability and efficiency at its core.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari concluded by underscoring that this initiative is not about repeating the past but about building a future-facing airline.

“We’ve learned from past challenges. What we need now is a sound business model, strong regulatory oversight, and professional management. Ghana deserves an airline that reflects our ambition, self-reliance, and readiness to lead,” she said.

In a sharp criticism of the ruling administration, Mrs Mogtari condemned the arrest of protesters who were exercising their democratic right to voice dissatisfaction with the current state of governance.

She noted that, such actions will have lasting political consequences when the nation heads to the polls.

According to Mrs Mogtari, the government’s crackdown on peaceful demonstrators reflects a broader attempt to stifle dissent and intimidate citizens.

She emphasised that rather than resorting to arrests, the government should listen to the concerns of the protesters, many of whom are highlighting issues such as economic mismanagement, unemployment, and corruption.

Mr Mahama’s Special Aide warned that the frustration of ordinary Ghanaians would play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the next election.

She further stated that the arrests of Democracy Hub protesters will serve as a reminder of the ruling party’s authoritarian tendencies.

She cautioned that such actions are a direct attack on the country’s democratic values and that the government’s approach to suppressing protests will fuel voter anger.

She predicted that on December 7, Ghanaians would hold the government accountable for its record of governance, including its treatment of dissenters.

“Rather than stop us from exercising our democratic rights, these anti-freedom actions by Akufo-Addo and Bawumia should convince you to look harder at their failures and break through the carefully curated public relations visage they have created.”

“They have failed miserably in almost every arena, and rather than listen to the voice of the people, they hide behind the police and the courts.”

“They will be remembered on December 7th for this alone. We will vote against the NPP, Akufo-Addo and Bawumia. We will vote for John Mahama.”

“Our nation cannot afford a government that is scared of its people,” she added.

Source: Adomonline

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Her comment comes in response to calls from the Majority in Parliament for Mahama to accept Bawumia’s challenge for a debate ahead of the December elections.

Speaking on Adom TV’s morning show, Badwam, Joyce Bawa dismissed the call for a debate, noting that Dr Bawumia has nothing new to offer.

“Bawumia has nothing else to offer; he should go to journalists for the debate. In 2020, they won without a debate and the same in 2016. The debate is not a big deal for John Mahama. Even me, I can debate Bawumia. We can bet on it; I can debate him for free.”

Joyce Bawa further criticized the NPP, accusing them of corruption and dishonesty.

“The NPP should speak the truth; it is also the convictions with which you speak to issues. On corruption alone, the level of stealing and graft, barefaced thievery in the face of barefaced lies,” she asserted.

Watch the video below:

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According to her, the media seems to be very lenient on the Akufo-Addo led administration.

Speaking on Adom TV’s morning show, Badwam on Thursday, Joyce Bawa could not fathom why the media is not criticising government like it did to former President John Dramani Mahama.

“Under the John Mahama administration, there were investigations even by people in the media and all of you were on the bandwagon, Why are you not doing the same now and putting this administration straight? Journalists have made the effort, and you have tried but the elephant is a huge animal that destroys everything in its way. If you try to criticise the NPP, they muscle you,” she said.

Joyce Bawa also suggested that more rigorous media scrutiny, similar to what was experienced under the NDC government, would have led to the downfall of the current administration.

“The NPP has not been able to defend allegations thrown at them. The National Cathedral is still there, 399 billion pit and that’s what we know. It’s obvious we need change. If journalists were to put the spotlight on this current administration as they did on the previous, it would have collapsed by now.

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The donation aims to enhance teaching and provide entertainment for the students.

Madam Bawa Mogtari was represented by the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, and Clement Amegatse, who presented the TV to the school’s headmaster, teachers, the Assembly member of the electoral area, and some constituency executives of Lower Manya Krobo.

The students expressed joy and gratitude, wishing Madam Bawa Mogtari success in her future endeavours.

Mr. Edem Agbana praised Joyce Bawa Mogtari for her dedication to education, emphasizing the TV’s dual role in enhancing learning and offering recreational opportunities.

The school’s SMC chairman expressed excitement about utilizing the TV for educational programs and multimedia lessons.

The students were also thrilled at the prospect of more engaging classroom activities and enjoyable shows during their free time.

This donation follows a previous contribution of desks to the school, further improving the learning environment.

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Joyce Bawa Mogtari said John Mahama was far ahead in the fight against corruption, considering the country’s efforts in this area.

In an interview with JoyNews on Tuesday, May 21, she said that despite the criticisms aimed at Mr Mahama, anti-corruption crusaders have extensively praised the transparency with which he handled corruption issues during his tenure.

“I have not doubted him – I remember in some cases where the Attorney General was asked to report on a matter to generate a report, Mr Mahama handled corruption very swiftly.

“He allowed himself to be investigated by CHRAJ at the time and we were all witnesses to this matter. Did you ever recall Mr Mahama tried to hide any report that came from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, no,” Mrs Mogtari said.

She contrasted this with the current administration, arguing that although the Akufo-Addo-led administration passed the Right to Information Act and the Special Prosecutor’s Act as part of its anti-corruption measures, there have been ongoing concerns about corruption.

The Special Aide to Mr Mahama asserted that, the current government has frustrated the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, who is now facing impeachment proceedings based on a petition from his predecessor.

“Mr Mahama has indicated that his administration was not perfect and also admitted that the criticisms that were directed at his administration were unfair,” she added.

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She emphasised that despite criticisms from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) towards the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the NPP has undertaken similar actions, such as seeking a loan from the IMF. 

Madam Mogtari stressed the importance of IMF agreements for policy credibility and stabilisation, noting Ghana’s contribution to the organisation’s success. 

She concluded by stating her belief that the current government has underperformed, leading to disappointment among the Ghanaian populace.

“But you see, because we do not raise the bar of the debate, we do not raise the conversation higher than it is. We reduce it to all this nitty-gritty of just partisanship.

“No one looks at things very carefully, but why do you want to blame the previous administration for going to the IMF if it is going to come and reduce poverty, and save us from imminent collapse? It is coming to augment what the government is already doing.”

Mrs Mogtari also criticised the media for promoting a biased narrative favouring the current government while unfairly portraying the previous administration in a negative light. 

She highlighted how the media encouraged the current government to discredit the actions of the previous administration as wrong, unacceptable, and unethical.

“Today, look at where the pension bondholders are. For example, we can pay back their investments. People who worked very hard for their money. Who did not enjoy the political patronage that we all experience from other quarters?

“They are the ones now struggling to get their money back. Go and check on people like my mother; at 84, what is the pension that she receives? Where is the investment that she made?

“I hope that she will probably use it to help her grand kids pay for their school fees. These are the conversations that matter to the many Ghanaians who are around. We would never see the seat of power.”

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In an interview on JoyNews AM Show on Thursday, April 4, she urged politicians and individuals who are financially capable to refrain from seeking state scholarships for their children’s education.

According to her, these scholarships are intended for those who are in genuine need of financial assistance, and diverting them to well-off individuals tarnishes the integrity of the Scholarship Secretariat.

The former Deputy Transport Minister stressed that failure to adhere to this principle would result in undue hardship for deserving but disadvantaged students.

“It is for very good reason the scholarship secretariat was created. It’s for those who are brilliant but cannot afford but it is sad that persons who are doing well and can fund their ward’s education are now taking over. My advice to them is that they should leave it for those who need it.”

Her comments follow a recent expose by the Fourth Estate, which claimed that scholarships are disproportionately awarded to well-connected affluent individuals in the nation.

Meanwhile, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, the registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat, has urged the swift enactment of legislation to regulate the allocation of scholarships.

Dr Agyemang highlighted the existing challenges encountered by officials in determining eligibility due to the lack of clear legislative guidelines defining the criteria for needy individuals.

He stressed the importance of scholarship legislation to clarify eligibility standards and eliminate any ambiguity in the distribution process.

“I think a scholarship legislation is so eminent and that will set out everything that we need to do or how the funds need to be managed.”

“It’s been managed over the years by the dexterity of leaders. What I think is so important – so in conjunction with maybe National Development Planning Commission and DPC to really identify priority areas that as Ghanaians, we need to.”

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In the 2020 elections, NDC flagbearer John Mahama chose former Education Minister Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate.

During the launch of the Obaasima Academy in Accra, the legal practitioner spoke to the media, highlighting the importance of supporting women in leadership roles to address gender disparities.

Stressing that the NDC’s constitution provides guidelines for the flagbearer’s decision on a running mate, she expressed confidence that Naana Opoku-Agyemang would be considered significantly.

Former President Mahama has set February 2024 for the running mate selection.

Bawa Mogtari, in her statement, urged for consideration of the female factor in Ghanaian politics during this decision-making process.

“I pray that in all the conversations that we are having, the choice of a running mate should at least consider the factor of the female in Ghanaian politics. There must be great examples out there as to why we can offer such platforms to women, both old and young, who will do enormous things to support the course of men,” remarked Madam Joyce Bawa Mogtari.

In November, John Mahama provided a strong indication of the identity of his running mate for the 2024 election, stating that the individual had previously served in his administration.

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According to her, she was diagnosed with secondary infertility which cause was unknown after visiting several hospitals.

In her quest to find a solution for her condition, she engaged medical specialists for direct insemination and In Vitro fertilisation (IVF), which she said exceeded 15 before she finally conceived her triplets after her first son.

Joyce Mogtari made these revelations in an exclusive interview with Roselyn Felli on Joy Prime’s morning show on Wednesday.

“When I tell you my journey through secondary infertility, whose cause nobody could establish, the hospitals I’ve been to, the specialists I’ve had to engage, and the number of times I’ve had to have direct insemination or In Vitro fertilisation, I think with the IVF, I probably went through about 15 or 16 of them between 2008 and maybe even more, and just as many surgeries, maybe about three or four in between, just to be sure that everything was okay,” she revealed.

However, before having her first child, she underwent extensive surgery to rectify several medical difficulties with her immune system. She had no complications during her pregnancy.

After that experience, she tried several ways and means to have an additional child for over 15 years, but to no avail.

“There’s absolutely nothing we didn’t do. There’s nowhere we didn’t go, no amount of money we didn’t spend, no amount of prayers and fasting that we didn’t engage in, and all of that, nothing happened until these blessings were bestowed upon me.”

When she was finally confirmed to be pregnant, she almost collapsed because she was overwhelmed.

Given the age at which she had her children, she believes some happenings in life do not operate equally for everyone at the same time.

The former minister says her children, especially the triplets are blessings upon her life. She urged women never to give up on themselves if they do not have children soon after marriage but to hope in the Lord for the right time.

“There’s only one thing that we shouldn’t give up on, and that’s hope. Life will always throw something at you, no matter who you are,” she advised.

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This follows comments made by the Dean of the University of Ghana Law School, Professor Atuguba, at a forum at the Ghana School of Law, Legon.

“We do not want coup in this country but if we do not act quickly, we may have one in our hands. There is one thing to do now, prevent coup in Ghana since the climate and the environment, national and immediate international, are conducive for one. We must compel the government to acknowledge the current economic mess,” he said.

His comments have met backlashes from political leaders as well as opinion leaders expressing their disappointment.

However, Ms Mogtari has opined that Professor Atuguba has spoken the truth and reality to power since all the promises of the current government during their campaign have been futile.

“We have serious deep cracks in our system, the promises of $1 million for each constituency, 1 factory in each district and solving power situation have failed.
“The reality is that everything they spoke about has exposed them,” she said on TV3.

She said that he spoke in context, indicating that authorities that disagree with him should rather debate on the issues raised on the economic crisis.

“Let them mount a robust platform and debate the issues he has raised,” she urged.
Ms. Mogtari said courageous leaders such as Professor Atuguba are what Ghanaians need in this time of economic mess.

“We must start as Ghanaians to look for courageous leaders,” she stated.

It is Madam Mogtari’s hope that Mr Barker-Vormawor will also be able to secure his freedom on bail within the week.

She took to her Facebook page to make these statements, adding reliable information indicates Oliver is still on hunger strike.

However, she has urged him to reconsider the decision as it puts his health at risk, stating he needs to be strong and healthy to fight the case against him.

She added: “And also be able to continue to advocate for the things he says he believes in. Ghana needs strong and Courageous Men and Women!!.”

Her comment comes on the back of his arrest on February 11, 2022, over a social media post to stage a coup if the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) is passed.

He was subsequently put in court on Monday and charged with treason felony, an offence provided for in section 182(b) of Ghana’s Criminal offences Act.

Lawyers for Mr Barker-Vormawor, led by Anthony Akoto Ampaw, urged the court to grant him bail but he was denied.

The judge, hearing the matte, Eleanor Barnes, remanded the accused person into police custody pointing out that the nature and severity of the crime meant the court could not grant bail.

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He is expected to reappear on Monday, February 28.

Read the full post below:

According to her, the love has not been reciprocated by the team for at least 40 years despite the high hopes Ghanaians have in the players.

Bring back the love, how can this love be reciprocated when the said love has remained unrequited for at least 40 years !!! #BlackStars

— Joyce Bawah Mogtari (@joyce_bawah) January 11, 2022

Her comment comes on the back of the defeat the team suffered in their first match in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] against Morocco.

The coach, Milovan Rajevac and his side were hoping to make a bright start to the tournament but that was not to be.

An 83rd-minute Sofiane Boufal goal gave the North African giants a crucial win over Ghana at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Monday.

Taking to her Twitter page, Madam Mogtari has lamented the team has had the same outcome over the years regardless of having a foreign or local coach.

She wrote: Ghanaian Coach, Foreign Coach, Local player vis-a-vis foreign player same outcome… how do we bring back the love…#AFCON2022 #BlackStars.

Ghanaian Coach, Foreign Coach, Local player vis-a-vis foreign player same outcome… how do we bring back the love…#AFCON2022 #BlackStars

— Joyce Bawah Mogtari (@joyce_bawah) January 11, 2022

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The #BringBackTheLove campaign was initiated by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after football activities came to a halt in June 2018 following the revelation made in the ‘Number 12’ video by Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

Though details of the birth and the kids remain sketchy, photos of Mrs Mogatri and the babies have gone viral on social media.

The photo captured Mr Mahama and his wife, Lordina in a reunion with the Mogtaris.

Clad in white outfit, Mr Mahama held one of the babies while Mr and Mrs Mogatri also had two of them.

Basking with euphoria, they beamed with smiles as they pose for the camera.

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The photo, which has since gone viral, has attracted congratulatory messages for the couple.

The letter was to eulogise Madam Mogtari as she turned a year older on Friday, January 1, 2021.

The Minority leader among other things described the celebrant as a woman after his own heart.

“Joyce Bawah Mogtari is a woman after my own heart as a language enthusiast, sapiosexual and conscientious feminist.

“I first got fascinated and hypnotised by her eloquent and well-reasoned political communication on TV. Since then, I have come to admire and adore her greatly with capital G,” he lauded.

Mr Haruna backed his sweet words by posting an adorable photo of Madam Mogtari on his Facebook page to mark the day.

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He added Madam Mogtari stands on her own clouts and checks a generous number of boxes of a complete woman.

Haruna Iddrisu’s post has since garnered massive reactions on social media.

Read the full letter below:

“Joyce Bawah Mogtari is a woman after my own heart as a language enthusiast, sapiosexual and conscientious feminist.

I first got fascinated and hypnotised by her eloquent and well-reasoned political communication on TV. Since then, I have come to admire and adore her greatly with capital G.Auntie Joyce is a very beautiful woman of royal mien.

She stands on her own clouts and checks a generous number of boxes of a complete woman. Mother. Role model. Name it.

Of course, she is not just an enchanting spectacle of God’s most valued impressions. But she is a scriptural in-text citation of modesty and magnanimity; too kind to a fault. Say, a bundle of virtuousness! Even more, is the effortless manner in which she expresses her critical thoughts – like a knife through butter.

She communicates critical ideas with impressionable fluidity. But then, her oratory prowess is in tandem with the fine lawyer that she is.

I love to refer to her as the “resplendent” and “evergreen” Joyce Bawah Mogtari. As a logophile with great hesitation for word abuse, I sparingly precede names with these adjectives except for women with an intimidating appreciation of “Calculus”. Happy birthday Auntie Joyce Bawah Mogtari. God bless your new age.”

Joyce Bawa Mogtari, former Deputy Minister for Transport, had sought to suggest that the NDC wouldn’t be bothered, should the New Patriotic Party (NPP) continue to rule Ghana for the next eight years – a statement which has apparently angered the rank and file of the party.

Joyce, speaking on Starr Chat, last Wednesday, Joyce disclosed that for the NPP to rule from 2016 to 2024 is normal and shows the beauty of Ghana’s democracy.

“Well, I don’t really mind if NPP rules for eight years; it’s democracy and really not an issue. When they lost, you can imagine how they felt when we moved into the Flagstaff House and I know the feeling… We’ve all been there and that is the beauty of our democracy,” the former president’s spokesperson stated.

Supporters of the NDC however, were demanding clarification on Bawa’s stance indicating that the party had still not risen up from the humiliating defeat it suffered in the hands of the NPP in the 2016 elections.

Countering the statement made by Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Koku Anyidoho, deputy general secretary of the NDC, posits that the former isn’t the official mouthpiece of the party and entreated the general public to take her comment with a pinch of salt.

“Our own investigations show that we are ready to come back to power in 2020…she has just shared her thoughts which don’t reflect the views of the NDC.  She has no authority to speak for the NDC…Our National Chairman is our leader and the secretariat is still working,” Koku said.

Mr. Anyidoho advised Mogtari to stick to her job of speaking for ex-president Mahama and not to assume a new role of speaking for the party.

“She can speak for the former president but shouldn’t speak for the NDC. The former president only announced she speaks for him but the party hasn’t said so. She only expressed her views and not that of the party,” he said.

The deputy communications officer of the NDC, Fred Abgenyo, said also on Asempa fm that the party’s headquarters was overwhelmed with phone calls and complaints on Thursday after Bawa’s threatening views.

Mr Agbenyo expressed, “As far as the party leadership is concerned, we are well prepared and that, by God’s grace, by 2020 we’ll come back to power and that is what we are focused on. I cannot even tell whether what the spokesperson of the former president said was the position of former President Mahama or her own views that she expressed.”

Motgari’s U-Turn

However, Madam Joyce Bawa Mogtari after being blasted by some of her own party officials, claimed she was misinterpreted over the  statement attributed to her.

According to Bawa, she is not the mouthpiece of the opposition NDC, for which reason she could not claim that the party is not ready for the 2020 elections.
In a statement issued to clarify the matter, she said, “I have read with some disappointment, news reports attributed to some officials of our party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in which I am accused of stating among others that the NDC is not ready for the 2020 national elections.

“While no such statement was uttered by me on the Starr Chat, a personality chat show on March 08, 2017, let me also state that I have never stated or ever claimed that I am the spokesperson for the NDC or that I speak for the party.”

“I remain a proud member of the NDC. My presence on the Starr Chat was, however, in my personal capacity on the occasion of the 2017 International Women’s Day.”

“In response to a question about the plans of HE John Mahama, I indicated that I had no discussions with him about contesting the next elections, and added that whether he contested the 2020 or the 2024 elections, he would still be a relatively young man and be able to contest.”

“The host of the show then interjected to ask whether that meant I ‘know the NPP will have eight years,’ to which I responded that it wouldn’t really matter because among others, that was the beauty of our democracy.”

She added, “The above cannot, by a stretch of anyone’s imagination, be a statement from me, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, that the NDC is not ready for 2020 or that I will be happy with an eight-year rule for the NPP.”