Muntaka Mubarak – Adomonline.com

Ex-Gaming Commission boss to refund GH₵414k lost to bond breach

Gertrude Okyere — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:55:47 +0000

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has declared that former Gaming Commission boss Peter Mireku will be personally held liable for a GHS414,590.53 loss arising from a breached study leave bond.

The issue was raised during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing in Accra on Tuesday, September 30.

According to the Minister, Mr. Mireku failed to follow established procedures when he approved a study leave with pay for staff member Moses Teye Mensah, who later resigned without serving the mandatory three-year bond period.

“The commissioner at the time, Peter Mireku, did not follow the proper process for granting study leave with pay. Because of that, I will insist he is made to refund the money,” Minister Mohammed-Mubarak told the committee.

He explained that safeguards such as requesting semester results and ensuring full documentation were ignored, allowing Mensah to complete his studies and leave the Commission on January 30, 2025, without fulfilling his obligations.

The Minister outlined three actions going forward: “First, Peter Mireku will be required to pay the money. Second, the bond guarantor, who still works at the Commission, will cover part of the amount. Third, Mensah will be placed on a stop list — the day he re-enters Ghana, he will be arrested and made to refund the money.”

Acting Gaming Commissioner Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo told the committee that several attempts had been made to recover the funds directly from Mensah.

“I have written to him multiple times. He claims to be pursuing another Master’s degree but has provided no transcripts or school details. He keeps evading responsibility,” Quainoo revealed.

He stressed that the amount at stake is substantial, noting that it could cover nearly half of the Commission’s monthly salary bill. Letters have already been sent to the Attorney-General and Inspector-General of Police, with the case now elevated to the Interior Minister for enforcement.

Source: Adomonline

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Muntaka recounts Omane Boamah’s reluctant helicopter flight and tragic death

Gertrude Okyere — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:51:22 +0000

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has shared details of the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s deep reservations about using helicopters, a mode of transport he boarded for the first time under the current administration, only days before the crash that claimed his life.

Dr. Boamah was among eight people who perished in the Sikaman helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.

The victims included Minister for Environment Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, Deputy NADMO Director-General Samuel Aboagye, and three military officers.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, August 11, Muntaka revealed that just a week before the fatal crash, he had a personal exchange with Dr Boamah about helicopter travel.

According to him, the President had urgently dispatched him to Tamale on official business, prompting him to request a military helicopter. In the process, he spoke with the Air Force commander, who was well aware of Dr Boamah’s discomfort with helicopters.

“The week before the incident, the President asked me to go to Tamale for something urgent. I called the Air Force commander and asked him to prepare the helicopter for the journey. Normally, if it’s over the weekend, we use it and afterwards document it for the records.”

Muntaka recalled that the request sparked a sharp response from the commander.

“He said, ‘Muntaka, I don’t know what is wrong with you. Why are you using this helicopter? I’ve told you I’m not comfortable with this; why not use the CASA?’”

The Minister said he questioned the logic of using a larger, more stable military aircraft capable of carrying over 40 passengers for a small team of two.

“I said it would be a waste,” he admitted. “But the late Defence Minister replied, ‘Your safety is more important than the cost you’re thinking about.’”

It was that same sentiment, Muntaka noted, that later led Dr Boamah to board a helicopter for the first time, a decision made reluctantly but with determination.

“But because of the fight against galamsey, he was ready to board the helicopter,” Muntaka said.

Despite his apprehension, Dr Boamah joined the mission in support of the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining.

“Despite all his reservations, despite the fact that he had never used it before, the first time he did, he never returned,” Muntaka lamented.

The Interior Minister said Dr Boamah’s commitment to the anti-galamsey campaign outweighed his personal fears.

“You understand why some of us are broken. You understand why we are devastated. We knew how uncomfortable he was with the heli; he made it clear. But he gave the President his word that he would give everything to this fight,” Muntaka concluded.

Source: Emmanuel Tetteh

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How Muntaka escaped helicopter crash that claimed 8 lives

Gertrude Okyere — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:49:26 +0000

Deputy Director of the National Service Authority, Fuseini Donkor, has shared chilling details about how Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak narrowly escaped being aboard the military helicopter that crashed near Sikaman in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of eight people, including high-ranking government officials: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed.

Also among the victims were Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman and former Mayor of Kumasi; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East; and three crew members from the Ghana Air Force—Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Speaking on Accra-based TV3 on Thursday, Mr. Donkor revealed that Minister Muntaka was initially listed as the fifth passenger on the doomed flight alongside Dr. Omane Boamah.

However, a last-minute decision by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson changed that plan.

“But for our Finance Minister, Muntaka would have been on the helicopter. He was all set to board with Dr. Omane Boamah. Then Ato told him, ‘No, you can’t go. We have an urgent meeting with the immigration team, and I need you here in Accra,’” he said.

As a result, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed took his place on the flight.

Mr. Donkor also disclosed that Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, had originally been scheduled to travel with the team but was left out due to the helicopter’s capacity limits.

“Sammy Gyamfi was also supposed to be on that helicopter, but it could only take five passengers,” he noted.

The victims were on their way to Obuasi for a government assignment when their aircraft lost radar contact and crashed into a forested area.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Interior Minister condemns killing of Kusasi chief in Kumasi

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:37:23 +0000

Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has condemned the fatal shooting of Kusasi Chief, Naa Abdul-Malik Azenbe, in Kumasi.

According to the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Asawase F-Line, a suburb of Kumasi. The assailants reportedly approached the victim at close range and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, the MP described the killing as a “heinous act” and extended condolences to the bereaved family, the Kusasi community in the Ashanti Region, and the traditional leadership of the Kusaug area.

“This heinous act is not only an attack on a revered traditional authority but also a grievous wound to the peace and security we all cherish,” he wrote.

Muntaka pledged the commitment of the security agencies to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. He further emphasized the government’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and safeguard all citizens.

Naa Azenbe was initially rushed to the Manhyia District Hospital and later transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His body has since been deposited at the Ebenezer Mortuary in Tafo for autopsy.

The deceased also served as the Kaadi Divisional Area Chief in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region.

Source: Adomonline.com

Below is the full statement:

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Prison Service to produce furniture, uniform for schools – Interior Minister

Gertrude Okyere — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:29:42 +0000

The Interior Ministry is in talks with the Ministry of Education to enable the Ghana Prison Service to produce 30 per cent of all school furniture and 30 per cent of all school uniforms distributed freely by the government to schools and schoolchildren.

Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, Minister for the Interior and National Security, stated that a similar agreement will be signed to allow the Ghana Prison Service to procure and produce 20 per cent of sanitary pads under the free sanitary pad initiative.

“And this we are doing to ensure that our formative programmes within the prisons are completely transformed from the current state, which I call warehousing prisoners — keeping them idle with not much to do,” he said.

Alhaji Muntaka made these remarks during his Mid-Year Review Report for the Ministry of the Interior, presented at a press conference at the Presidency in Accra.

The press conference, organized by the Presidential Communications Bureau under the “Governance Accountability Series,” is part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability in governance.

The Minister revealed that the Ghana Prison Service had rolled out a juvenile and secondary education initiative to support education continuity for juveniles and inmates.

He also announced that the Damongo Correctional Facility had been completed, expanding correctional space and helping to reduce overcrowding.

“I want to take this opportunity once again to thank the Church of Pentecost for the great job they are doing in supporting the Ghana Prison Service,” Alhaji Muntaka said.

He noted that five camp prisons were at various stages of completion, and the recently completed Damongo facility made it the fifth.

“If a church can support the Ghana Prison Service this much, I want to encourage all of us — citizens, individuals, businesses, and corporate organizations — to come to the aid of the security services, especially the prisons, which face huge challenges in managing over 14,000 inmates, including foreigners,” he appealed.

“As you may be aware, the feeding allocation for inmates is GH₵1.80, which is woefully inadequate.”

To address this, the Ministry is focusing on agriculture to improve inmate feeding. The Minister said funding had been secured for a 5,000-layer poultry project, in addition to cultivating about 1,654 acres of crops. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture through the provision of equipment and inputs.

Alhaji Muntaka further noted that the Ghana Prison Service had begun drafting a 24-Hour Economic Proposal, aimed at aligning prison operations with national productivity goals.

He said the Service had also launched a digital literacy programme under the One Million Quotas Initiative, equipping inmates, officers, and their dependents with digital skills.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency, the Ministry had begun recruiting support staff to augment the Ghana Prison Service’s human resource capacity for non-custodial duties.

The Minister stated that, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ministry had removed and repatriated over 2,241 street beggars to their countries of origin.

This exercise, he said, had restored public order in urban centres while providing humane support for vulnerable populations.

“We are mapping a strategy to eliminate all these challenges on our streets, not only in Accra but across cities in the country,” he added.

Furthermore, he announced a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Youth Development to support security agency internships, enhancing youth employability while boosting agency operations.

The interns, he said, would be deployed across the police, prisons, and fire services, with the first batch commencing training on July 16.

Touching on the Ghana Police Service, the Minister said a 24-Hour Economy Secretariat had been established at the Police Headquarters in Accra to provide round-the-clock security for businesses under the government’s flagship programme.

He explained that this was to ensure the safe movement of goods and people and to foster economic growth without fear of attack.

The Ghana Police Service, he added, had also conducted intelligence-led anti-robbery operations across all regions, achieving breakthroughs in major cases, including the murders of mobile money vendors in Kumasi, Koforidua, and Aflao.

Source: GNA

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Over 500 removed from security services after recruitment audit

Gertrude Okyere — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:55:25 +0000

More than 500 individuals have been removed from Ghana’s security services following a government review that uncovered irregularities in recruitment processes conducted before and after the December 2024 general election.

The announcement was made by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, on Monday, July 14, 2025, during the maiden edition of the Government Accountability Series in Accra.

According to the Minister, a special committee reviewed the records of approximately 5,200 recruits across key security agencies and discovered that hundreds did not meet the basic entry requirements.

The affected institutions include:

Ghana Police Service – about 320 disqualified
Ghana Immigration Service – roughly 730 removed
Narcotics Control Commission – around 50 affected

Mr. Muntaka explained that the review was prompted by public outcry over alleged irregularities in recruitment advertisements released in August 2024, just months before the elections. The Minority in Parliament had accused the previous administration of manipulating the process to favour political loyalists.

The audit examined academic qualifications, age limits, and medical fitness.

“We were able to get out about 320 who were not supposed to be there,” Mr. Muntaka said, referring to the Police Service. “Some were in their forties, diabetic, and medically unfit, but they were picked. We had to explain to them that with their condition, they could not remain in the service.”

He also recounted an incident involving a Member of Parliament who lobbied for a relative close to completing training. Upon further scrutiny, it was discovered the individual had failed all subjects in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE), which is the minimum academic requirement for entry.

“They called and said the person didn’t pass SSSCE—didn’t even record a single subject,” Mr. Muntaka noted. “Once you don’t meet the basic qualification, you have to go.”

He assured that each affected person received a written explanation for their removal.

To restore fairness and transparency, the Minister announced plans for new recruitment guidelines that clearly define technical and support roles. Future recruitment will include non-academic positions for tradespeople such as drivers, dressmakers, cooks, and painters—but those selected will be recruited solely for those roles.

“I know people who went to vocational school and became dressmakers. The services need them to sew uniforms,” he said. “But they must know they’re being recruited as artisans, not officers.”

He emphasized that future job advertisements will clearly outline job roles and minimum qualifications to avoid confusion and ensure public confidence in the process.

Since the 2024 elections, concerns over professionalism and political interference within Ghana’s security services have intensified. The emergence of reports about so-called “party foot soldiers” being enlisted into the services heightened calls for reform during the transition period.

The current recruitment audit is among the most comprehensive in recent years and forms part of the government’s broader effort to raise standards within the security sector.

The Government Accountability Series, introduced by the Presidency, aims to provide regular updates on ministerial performance and governance. Other ministers are expected to present their briefings in the coming weeks.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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Ablekuma North violence: Interior Minister calls Hawa Koomson after assault

Gertrude Okyere — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:34:26 +0000

The Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has expressed sympathy to former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, following her assault during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 13, Mr. Muntaka disclosed that he had personally called Madam Koomson after the incident.

“I called the Honourable Hawa Koomson to empathise with her. I asked what happened, and she explained. I told her I have instructed the IGP to investigate the matter thoroughly. My plea to her is that when they invite you, go and make all your facts available so it will help them to ascertain what truly happened,” he said.

The Minister condemned the violence that disrupted voting in the constituency and vowed that all perpetrators would be brought to justice. He also encouraged Hawa Koomson to fully cooperate with the ongoing police investigations.

“I have spoken to the IGP firmly on all the happenings at Ablekuma North. The videos have been forwarded to him, and we’ve instructed him to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book.

“We are not going to condone wrongdoing, whether it involves people from within our party or from outside,” he added.

Mr. Muntaka further praised the current leadership for taking a decisive and public stance against electoral violence.

“The violence is unacceptable and a scar on all our consciences. As a people who have practised democracy for over three decades, it’s disheartening that we still cannot have violence-free elections.

“Almost all of us at the top have condemned it. In the past, you would not get that. The Vice President has spoken out. The President is out of the country, but the Vice President is leading us, and she has condemned it,” he stated.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Interior Minister gives update on seized dollars, suspected gold bars at Sapeiman

Gertrude Okyere — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:27:23 +0000

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has revealed that no arrests have been made in connection with the seizure of 12 containers filled with gold bars, foreign currencies, and other contraband items at Sapeiman.

The Minister made the disclosure during a briefing to Parliament on Wednesday, July 9, 2025—four months after National Security operatives intercepted the containers following an intelligence-led operation.

“Security operatives acting on intelligence report successfully intercepted suspected counterfeit US dollars and fraudulent gold bars stored in a shipping container located at the Sapeiman area,” he told the House.

He added that the National Security Ministry is collaborating with the U.S. Embassy to authenticate the suspected counterfeit currencies, while the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Gold Board are working to verify the legitimacy of the intercepted gold bars.

Mr. Mubarak confirmed that investigations are still ongoing. “The investigation is ongoing to identify the suspect and their agent and the extent of the operation,” he said.

Broken Scanners at Airport Raise Alarms

In the same briefing, Mr. Mubarak revealed a critical security vulnerability—body and baggage scanners used by the Narcotics Control Commission at the Kotoka International Airport and other key checkpoints have been non-functional for months.

“Baggage scanners are vital tools in the frontline operations of the Narcotics Control Commission, particularly at the airport, where the concealment of narcotic substances has become increasingly sophisticated,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the current state of the broken-down scanner at the key airport and cargo checkpoint significantly hampers effective narcotics detection and undermines national and international security efforts.”

He explained that past attempts to repair the scanners failed due to severe technical faults and the unavailability of key components. A cost-benefit analysis led to a decision to procure new, more advanced scanners under the Security Sector Reform Programme.

Parliament Reacts

Responding to the Minister’s report, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, described the situation as “unacceptable.”

“Anybody can just walk through and go away with or without substances that are illicit. That makes it very porous, which makes it dangerous,” he said.

Rev. Fordjour questioned the government’s funding priorities, asking why “78 million cedis” earmarked for government communications could not be redirected to secure new scanners critical for border and airport security.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mubarak assured the House that National Security is intensifying surveillance efforts and continuing forensic tests on the seized items in collaboration with international and local agencies.

However, he did not provide a timeline for the delivery of the new scanners.

Until then, Ghana’s most valuable intercepted consignment remains secured but unresolved—while the key suspect and potential collaborators remain at large.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Lawra drowning: Parliament summons Muntaka and Jinapor for answers

Joseph Odotei — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:00:40 +0000

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, are scheduled to appear before Parliament next week to address pressing concerns regarding the absence of life jackets in communities reliant on water transport.

This summons comes in the wake of a tragic incident in which seven students from Lawra Senior High School lost their lives while attempting to cross the Black Volta on June 13, 2025.

The inclusion of the Energy Minister is significant, as it will facilitate discussions about the communities situated along the Volta River and their specific needs.

During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, June 17, Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako endorsed a proposal put forth by Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor for the ministers to appear before the House. He emphasized the critical nature of the issue and the necessity for prompt action.

“If we can look at the budget of the Interior Ministry so that a certain portion of their budget will be allocated to take care of this emergency. It is very critical,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Lawra, Mr. Bede Ziedeng, has formally appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Regional Coordinating Council, and the Lawra Municipal Assembly for the urgent provision of life jackets to communities situated along the Black Volta River.

“I appeal to NADMO, the Regional Coordinating Council, and the Lawra Municipal Assembly to come to the aid of Lawra SHS and the bereaved families,” he added.

Ziedeng has committed to donating ten life jackets to the affected communities and has called upon Parliament to initiate prompt legislative measures aimed at preventing future tragedies.

Gov’t to deport foreign criminals, not prosecute – Interior Minister Muntaka

Gertrude Okyere — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:49:26 +0000

The government of Ghana has announced a new policy focusing on the deportation of foreign nationals arrested for criminal activities, rather than prosecuting them in the country.

This decision, according to the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, is aimed at protecting Ghana’s environment and shielding its citizens from fraudulent activities committed by foreigners.

Speaking during an engagement with the Ashanti Regional Police Command in Kumasi on April 4, 2025, Muntaka outlined that this policy will particularly apply to foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (locally known as galamsey), unlawful logging, and cyber fraud.

He explained that security investigations have revealed criminal networks involving foreign nationals operating within Ghana’s forests, illegally mining gold, cutting down trees without authorization, and defrauding individuals worldwide via cybercrime activities.

“What we found were activities that were destroying citizens globally, with a sophisticated system set up to exploit our resources,” Muntaka said. “Many of them are in our forests, unlawfully cutting trees, engaging in galamsey activities, and committing various other crimes.”

The minister stressed that under this new directive, foreign nationals arrested for these crimes would not face prosecution in Ghana. Instead, their first option will be deportation.

“For these two crimes – illegal mining and cyber fraud – when we arrest any foreigner, we are not interested in prosecuting them. Our first priority is to take them back to their country,” he said.

Muntaka emphasized the importance of collaboration among the police, prosecutors, and the Ghana Immigration Service to implement the policy effectively. He also noted that the prosecutors within the police service have already written to the Attorney-General to facilitate the enforcement of this directive.

He further explained that once deported, foreign criminals will be placed on Ghana’s stop list, which will prevent them from re-entering the country.

“We want to make it clear that we are not interested in prosecuting those who are destroying our environment or defrauding people across the globe. We want them out of our country,” he added.

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Interior Minister orders crackdown on Kumasi’s ‘Tinker Island’ drug den

Gertrude Okyere — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:38:52 +0000

The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, has tasked the Ashanti Regional Police Command to take swift action against Tinker Island, one of the most notorious drug dens in the Kumasi metropolis, in a move to tackle the growing menace of drug trafficking and abuse.

Tinker Island, widely known for its illegal drug trade and abuse, has been a source of concern for residents and law enforcement agencies for some time.

The area has gained a reputation as a hub for drug distribution, attracting dealers and users from various parts of the city.

Speaking during his engagement with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, Minister Mubarak revealed that the den has become a hotspot for the sale of illegal substances, contributing to the alarming rise in drug-related crime and violence in Kumasi.

Reports indicate that the drug operations are running openly, with dealers using the area as a base for their illicit activities.

Minister Mubarak condemned failed attempts to clear the area of drug dealers and directed the Regional Police Command to eradicate the den within the next six months.

He emphasized the need for a robust approach to put an end to the operations at Tinker Island, urging law enforcement to work swiftly and decisively in order to curb the escalating drug crisis in the region.

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Muntaka orders immediate transfer of Police Commanders in mining areas

Gertrude Okyere — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 06:48:19 +0000

The Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately transfer all police commanders stationed in mining areas.

According to the minister, the directive is part of strict measures aimed at cracking down on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking during an engagement with Imams and Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi, the Asawase MP explained that the move is to replace commanders who have been stationed in these areas for a long time but have failed to effectively tackle the menace.

“I have ordered the IGP to transfer all police commanders in all mining areas and send in new ones. So if you are a regional, divisional, or district police commander serving in a mining area, you will be changed with immediate effect.

“The new ones we are sending there will be transferred after three months if they don’t perform. We will keep making changes until we see results,” he stated.

Muntaka reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing the directive despite mounting pressure on the IGP to reconsider.

Under the new policy, affected commanders will be reassigned to areas without mining activities, while their successors will undergo a three-month probationary period to demonstrate their effectiveness in fighting illegal mining or risk being transferred.

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Interior Minister calls for 24-hour policing to support economy initiative

Faridatu Seidu — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:35:56 +0000

The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has emphasized the urgent need for the Ghana Police Service to establish a dedicated 24-hour policing unit to support the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.

According to the Minister, ensuring security and stability for industries, businesses, and organizations operating around the clock is crucial for the successful implementation of the policy.

Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Police Service, Mr. Muntaka Mubarak highlighted the indispensable role of law enforcement in making the initiative effective.

He stressed that businesses adopting the 24-hour economy model will require robust security measures to protect their operations, employees, and assets.

Without adequate security, he warned, the effectiveness of the initiative could be compromised.

“The aim of this Secretariat is to implement a robust and sustainable policing model that ensures security is guaranteed in both urban and rural areas. Activities do not cease, and neither can our vigilance.

“We are laying the groundwork for a system that is dynamic and responsive to the unique challenges posed by the 24-hour economy. As we embrace this new approach, the safety of businesses, citizens, and workers will be prioritized to ensure that every hour of the day is protected,” he stated.

The 24-hour economy initiative is a strategic policy aimed at maximizing economic productivity by encouraging businesses to operate beyond traditional working hours.

The policy is expected to boost employment, increase revenue generation, and improve service delivery across various sectors.

It particularly targets industries such as manufacturing, transportation, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and financial services, which can benefit from round-the-clock operations.

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Muntaka vows to look into excesses in ongoing ‘raids’ on former officials

Gertrude Okyere — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:52:47 +0000

The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has pledged to address concerns regarding excesses in ongoing operations, assuring the public that a thorough review will be conducted to determine appropriate actions.

This follows growing public outcry and demands for accountability after a team of heavily armed National Security operatives raided Dr. Addison’s Roman Ridge home on March 19 in Accra.

The incident, which saw officers disabling CCTV cameras and ransacking the property, has raised concerns about due process and the motives behind the operation.

Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai has explained that all the searches carried out so far were lawfully conducted with proper warrants.

Speaking to JoyNews‘ James Avedzi on the sidelines of the Police Regional Commanders’ Conference, Mubarak acknowledged that while much of the activity being carried out is legitimate, there are occasional excesses that need to be addressed.

“We will look at the magnitude of the excesses, and based on that, we will know what to do. I will not be able to stand here and tell you the exact level, but I have asked for a report,” he explained.

Mubarak further assured that following the review, measures would be taken to ensure that identified excesses are properly dealt with.

Meanwhile, the Minister says he’s yet to confirm the arrest of the former head of the National Signals Bureau.

“Looking at it, we will try to see how to fashion it to make sure that those excesses are taken out,” he added.

While Mubarak acknowledged the legitimacy of most of these actions, he recognised the need for oversight and corrective measures to prevent any overreach.

“Believe me, most of the things they are doing are legitimate, but sometimes it comes with some excesses, which we are taking out,” Mubarak said.

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107 foreigners repatriated over galamsey, other fraudulent activities – Interior Minister

Gertrude Okyere — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:44:14 +0000

Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Minister of Interior, has disclosed that 107 foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) and other fraudulent activities have been repatriated.

He emphasized that any foreigners arrested in future operations will be deported without hesitation.

Speaking at the Police Regional Commanders’ Conference on Friday, March 21, the Minister reiterated the government’s firm stance against illegal mining and foreign involvement in such activities.

“I have written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that from now on, any equipment found at galamsey sites or in forests must have its tax details traced to the owners,” he stated. “If you are renting out your bulldozers or other equipment to galamsey operators while staying at home, we will track the tax records and come for you.”

On the matter of foreigners involved in illegal activities, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s strict approach.

“The foreigners we find in our forests, what do we do with them? Since I became Interior Minister, we have repatriated well over 107 foreign nationals caught in fraud and galamsey operations,” he added.

He further clarified that any foreigner found in Ghana’s forests should be immediately reported to immigration authorities for deportation.

“Our first option is always to send them back to their countries, and we will not compromise on this.”

The Minister also warned police officers who fail to comply with these directives.

“I have written to the IGP, and I insist that if any commander fails to forward arrested foreigners for repatriation, it will mean they do not want to be part of this regime,” he cautioned, adding that such officers would be reassigned to areas where they would not have to deal with galamsey or illegal activities.

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Interior Minister to brief Parliament on raid on former BoG Governor’s home

Gertrude Okyere — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:18:30 +0000

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, is set to appear before Parliament to provide details on the search warrant executed at the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison.

This follows growing public outcry and demands for accountability after a team of heavily armed National Security operatives raided Dr. Addison’s Roman Ridge home on March 19.

The incident, which saw officers disabling CCTV cameras and ransacking the property, has raised concerns about due process and the motives behind the operation.

Lawmakers, particularly from the Minority, have called for full disclosure on the legality and justification for the search, insisting that Parliament must hold the government accountable for the actions of security agencies.

The Interior Minister is expected to clarify the basis for the search warrant, the allegations leading to the operation, and the role of National Security operatives in the exercise.

However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has stated that the minister will not be available on March 25, adding that a later date will be announced for his appearance.

He also refuted claims that the operation was a raid, insisting that it was a legally sanctioned search.

“Law enforcement officers lawfully went there to conduct a search, and it is perfectly lawful. And so using the word ‘raid’ is clearly wrong,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Addison and his family remain distressed after the incident, with close associates describing it as traumatizing and unwarranted.

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Mahama assigns Interior Minister to oversee National Security

Gertrude Okyere — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:22:55 +0000

President John Mahama has appointed Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak as the Minister responsible for National Security.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, announced this through a letter from the President during a sitting on Friday, March 7, 2025.

The decision was made pursuant to Section 64 of the Securities and Intelligence Act, 2020 (Act 1030).

In the letter, President Mahama stated, “I convey to the House that I have assigned ministerial responsibility for national security to the Minister of the Interior, Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak.”

The letter clarified that Muntaka will now oversee national security matters in addition to his existing responsibilities.

This dual role is expected to ensure seamless coordination between the Interior Ministry and national security agencies, fostering a more integrated approach to addressing security challenges.

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Interior Minister pledges to retool Ghana Immigration Service

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:54:55 +0000

The Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to retooling the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) as part of efforts to strengthen national security.

During his maiden working visit to the GIS, he outlined plans to modernize security services by leveraging public-private partnerships (PPP) and technology to enhance operations.

He also disclosed that cash transactions would soon be eliminated across all agencies under the ministry to improve efficiency and transparency.

Acknowledging funding challenges, Muntaka Mubarak emphasized the need for strategic partnerships to enhance service delivery.

“We will be looking at how we can partner private individuals, whether profit or non-profit, to improve the services within the Ministry of Interior,” he stated, assuring that any PPP initiatives would be carefully structured to protect national security.

He further urged immigration officers to remain committed to safeguarding Ghana’s borders and supporting the government’s broader development agenda.

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I have an ‘open-door’ policy; feel free to discuss issues with me – Interior Minister to Staff

Faridatu Seidu — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:07 +0000

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing peace and security across the country.

Speaking during his first interaction with staff at the ministry, he assured them of his dedication to working collaboratively to maintain national stability.

Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, the minister likened the ministry to a chain, where each individual plays a crucial role in achieving its mandate.

“I’m not here as a king, but as a servant,” he stated.

He encouraged staff to feel comfortable discussing issues with him, assuring them of his open-door policy to foster effective communication and problem-solving.

The Asawase MP also expressed gratitude for the warm reception from management and staff, urging everyone to work diligently toward the ministry’s goals.

He reiterated his commitment to continuity and progress in advancing the ministry’s mission.

With this collaborative approach, the minister aims to create a positive and productive work environment, ensuring that peace and security remain at the forefront of government efforts.

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Muntaka hit with sad news

Gertrude Okyere — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 07:27:02 +0000

Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has lost his mother, Hajia Saudatu Sulemana Muntaka.

The Minister, who also serves as the Asawase Member of Parliament (MP), took to his Facebook page to announce Hajia’s demise.

According to him, she passed away after a brief illness.

“May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Jannatul Firdaus,” he mourned.

Following his post, scores of followers began pouring in commiseration messages and tributes in honour of the deceased.

Read the full post below:

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It is time to install CCTV cameras in police stations and cells – Muntaka

Gertrude Okyere — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:11:54 +0000

Interior Minister-designate, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has advocated for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in police stations and cells nationwide.

The Asawase Member of Parliament (MP) emphasized that this initiative will be a significant step toward ensuring transparency and accountability within the police service.

Mr. Muntaka explained that the proposal is part of his broader vision to reform the police service, making it more professional, accountable, and trustworthy.

“I also believe that the time has come for us to put CCTVs in all our police stations and cells. They are not that expensive, but what they do to help us in dealing with all this will be tremendous,” he explained.

He made these remarks during his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday.

“I am going to join a team, and I believe that the team, which comprises experts in their own right, will explore the possibility of emulating other good examples and ensuring that in all our police stations, we have CCTV in the charge office, in the cells, and all its environs,” he noted.

He highlighted that the installation of CCTVs will provide clarity on the activities within these facilities.

“We need to get these CCTVs in every police station as much as possible. They are not expensive, so these are ideas that when I join the team, I will share with the experts and see the possibility of doing this,” he said.

He believes that the police service will also be able to address public concerns about mistreatment, deter potential incidents of abuse, and foster trust between the police and the community.

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Police refusal to use firearms prevented election violence – Muntaka Mubarak

Faridatu Seidu — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:47:51 +0000

Interior Minister-designate, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has lauded the Ghana Police Service for their exemplary handling of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

According to him, the police’s strategic decision to refrain from using firearms during the polls played a significant role in reducing tensions at polling centers, even in the face of provocation.

Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee in Parliament on Friday, January 24, the Asawase MP highlighted his intention to support the police in prosecuting individuals who committed electoral offenses.

‘I commend the police for how they managed the elections. They refused to use firearms despite provocation, choosing instead to record misconduct on video for evidence, which they are now using to prosecute offenders. If given the nod, I will fully support these prosecutions,’ he stated.

He further noted that the police’s restraint helped prevent fatalities linked to their actions during the elections.

‘The decision not to use firearms is why no deaths have been attributed to the police during the elections. Some shootings were recorded from the army, which is on record, but none from the police. This approach deserves commendation,’ he added.

Muntaka Mubarak also praised the National Election Security Task Force for their professionalism and effective coordination during the polls, describing their performance as vital to maintaining peace and order.

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Interior Minister-designate Muntaka Mubarak to be vetted today

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 07:50:01 +0000

Parliament’s Appointments Committee is set to vet Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, the Minister-Designate for the Interior, today, January 24.

Muntaka Mubarak, a seasoned politician and long-serving Member of Parliament for Asawase in the Ashanti Region, has had a notable political journey spanning over two decades.

His leadership and contributions have made him a key figure in Ghana’s politics.

Representing Asawase since 2005, Muntaka has built a reputation as one of the country’s most influential politicians.

He previously served as the Minister for Youth and Sports under the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ administration, where he played a pivotal role in promoting youth empowerment and advancing sports development, despite facing numerous challenges.

As an MP, Muntaka has been a consistent and active participant in parliamentary proceedings, gaining respect across party lines for his insight, dedication, and efforts towards national development.

His nomination for the position of Minister for the Interior signals confidence in his ability to handle one of the country’s most crucial portfolios.

If approved, Muntaka will oversee the Ministry of the Interior, which is responsible for ensuring national security, public safety, and law enforcement.

The Ministry coordinates key agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the Narcotics Control Commission.

As Interior Minister, Muntaka’s duties will involve ensuring the effective operation of these agencies to maintain law and order, address emerging security threats, and uphold the rule of law.

He will also play a critical role in shaping policies that promote stability, peace, and sustainable development in Ghana.

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Ashanti Regional NDC commends Mahama for Ministerial appointments

Faridatu Seidu — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:50:42 +0000

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing two individuals from the region to key ministerial positions.

In a statement signed by the Ashanti Regional Communications Officer, Abass Nurudeen, the party lauded the nominations of Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak as Interior Minister-Designate and Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as Minister-Designate for Works, Housing, and Water Resources.

The NDC described the appointments as a reflection of President Mahama’s commitment to inclusivity and regional balance in governance.

“We wholeheartedly congratulate Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak and Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei on their nominations. Their leadership, dedication, and competence make them ideal for these critical roles,” the statement read.

The Ashanti Regional NDC pledged its support to the nominees and called on all Ghanaians, particularly party members, to rally behind them to ensure their success in advancing the President’s development agenda.

The party also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Mahama’s leadership and vision for a better Ghana.

Read the statement below:

STATEMENT BY THE ASHANTI REGIONAL NDC ON THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO MINISTERS FROM THE REGION

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region wishes to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the President of the Republic of Ghana, for the recognition and trust reposed in the people of our region by nominating two distinguished individuals to serve in his government.

The appointment of Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak as Interior Minister-Designate and Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as Minister-Designate for Works, Housing, and Water Resources is a testament to President Mahama’s commitment to inclusivity and regional balance in national governance.

We wholeheartedly congratulate Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak and Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei on their nominations to these critical portfolios. Both individuals have demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication, and competence in their respective fields, and we are confident they will continue to serve the nation diligently in their new roles.

The Ashanti Region NDC pledges its unwavering support to the nominees as they prepare to take on these responsibilities. We also encourage all Ghanaians, especially members of the NDC, to rally behind them to ensure their success in advancing the development agenda of His Excellency President Mahama’s administration.

Once again, we thank President Mahama for this recognition and pledge our continued support to his leadership and vision for a better Ghana.

Signed,
Abass Nurudeen, Esq.
ARCO

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2024 polls: NPP cannot secure 85% votes in Ashanti Region – Muntaka

Faridatu Seidu — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:36:07 +0000

Former Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has dismissed the governing New Patriotic Party’s ambitious goal of securing over 80% of votes in the upcoming December election in the Ashanti Region.

According to him, the NPP’s target is unattainable.

The former Minority Chief Whip believes that, the NPP’s poor performance in the region will not go unnoticed, predicting repercussions at the polls.

Addressing reporters in Kumasi, Muntaka expressed scepticism about the NPP’s electoral prospects, questioning their ability to achieve such a high percentage amid visible socio-economic challenges.

“With all the struggles that are so glaring, are you going to deny us from voting? Or how are you going to get the 85%? I heard somebody screaming about 85% and I said this guy is coming from some kind of place.

I’m very optimistic that this time around the NDC should be able to get at least about 32% of votes in the Ashanti Region,” he said.

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How is Korle Bu unable to operate? – Muntala quizzes

Emmanuella Holomah — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:07:53 +0000

A member of the Health Committee of Parliament, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak says the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital’s (KBTH) inability to run and sustain the renal unit must be investigated.

According to him, the health facility might have self-inflicted its debt situation because it wrongly entered into an agreement with a supplier who provided machines and consumables at a cost twice as much as sold on the market.

Speaking on the Midday News on Joy FM, he wondered how it is that Korle Bu could not operate.

“The committee when we took the initiative with our leadership, we realised that Korle Bu went and signed an agreement where the dialysis machine was offered by a manufacturer who signed a contract that they would be the only people to provide the consumables to them [KBTH]. That consumable that they are buying from this supplier is excessively more expensive than when you are buying it from the open market.”

The Asawase MP explained that despite the demand by the Health Committee for the Management to submit documents for review, “Up till date Korle Bu has not (provided them). The question is, why is the government sitting down and allowing individual facilities to be able to sign such a contract without government involvement?

“So as government, we must have a system where no individual facility can go ahead and sign something like this without the Ministry of Health or government knowledge, since that is what has created the problem in Korle Bu.”

He added that, the government did not have a problem disbursing money to support the facility, however, once the government begins to give out money without demanding proper accountability, all other units might also demand funds.

Touching on recommendations for dialysis treatment to be migrated onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), he said the scheme was overstressed and was currently surviving on “one- foot”, hence adding the cost of dialysis treatment may not solve the problem.

He added that he did not understand how private facilities could run the dialysis services at an amount of GHȼ500, and yet Korle Bu was insisting that they need about GHȼ900.

Also, medical practitioner Dr Titus Beyuo said the reopening of the hospital’s Renal Unit will lead to further complications in the near future.

The Unit after five-and-half months of closure due to a GHȼ4 million cedis debt, opened to outpatients on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of the NHIS, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye says a five-member committee has been tasked to advise on a long-term solution to renal services.

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Muntaka and Asawase NDC executives smoke peace pipe

Emmanuella Holomah — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 17:51:49 +0000

Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asawase constituency, Alhaji Muhammed Muntaka Mubarak, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have reconciled after a heated primary.

The legislator was joined by constituency and ward executives to actively engage with various aggrieved branch executives and listened to their concerns, grievances, and perspectives in order to find a common ground that would lead to harmonious and coherent party unity.

According to the MP, the initiative would bring open communication and emphasize shared values, collaboration, inclusive decision-making, and leadership commitment.

According to him, political primaries were an integral part of the democratic system, which served as a platform for parties to select their candidates for general elections.

He stated that, in the heat of the competition, these primaries could often become intense, divisive, and polarising, for which reconciliation and unity were required after the elections.

Alhaji Mubarak explained that he had taken a proactive approach to facilitate a grassroots reconciliatory mechanism in adherence to modern democratic tenets.

He was of the view that, in order to build on the success of the NDC party going into the 2024 general election, it was important to encourage individuals from different backgrounds to come together and openly share their views on the happenings in the constituency.

This, he said, would foster a path of forgiveness and unison, which was essential for creating a strong and unified political community.

The MP noted that the NDC could build on its existing support base and create a powerful platform that could be used to secure victory in the next election.

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Asawase: Asiedu Nketia reacts to alleged plot to unseat Muntaka

Gertrude Okyere — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:04:17 +0000

Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has dismissed Asawase Member of Parliament (MP) Muntaka Mubarak‘s claims that there was a plot to remove him in the primaries on May 13, 2023.

The former Minority Chief Whip alleged that certain individuals within the NDC leadership had been planning his ouster from Parliament for a considerable period.

Although he did not mention names, he said the change in the Minority Leadership in Parliament was a crucial part of their overarching agenda.

But reacting to the allegations on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen, General Mosquito, as he is widely known, stated the comments were from a place of pain.

According to him, no party executive, including himself, has the power to impose a candidate on a constituency.

“You are a lawmaker and know the law, so if someone is not qualified, you know what to do, but to just say the person should be disqualified for you to go unopposed, will not happen.

“We want a contest, but that doesn’t mean we should do that needlessly, and that is why there is a vetting process to access the aspirants. Just talking about it and making false claims doesn’t help you or the party,” he stated.

He explained that the party constitution and the processes are very clear on such things and wondered why the lawmaker did not petition the leadership on the development.

“He should have filed a petition, but there was no such thing. During the national congress, everyone selected their own candidate, so can’t people also have the right to choose in the parliamentary primary?

“Some things are not even necessary to respond to because how many of these national executives vote in your constitution? nobody. Which executive did he see in such a plot, and why didn’t he come and say anything?” he quizzed.

During the election, Muntaka faced a tough challenge from Masawudu Mubarick.

Muntaka, however, emerged triumphant after he secured 1,063 valid votes, while Masawudu, trailed behind with 735 votes.

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KMA ‘pragya’ restrictions: Asawase MP threatens to lead demo if…

Gertrude Okyere — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:57:44 +0000

Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase Constituency has assured commercial tricycle operators in Kumasi of his preparedness to lead a peaceful demonstration against recent regulations to restrict their operations.

Muntaka Mubarak says this will happen when ongoing deliberations with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to review the ban of ‘pragya’ from the Central Business District fail to yield positive results.

The MP’s intervention halted long hours of street blockades at Aboabo in protest of the decision.

Some commercial tricycle riders blocked the Aboabo high street on Wednesday to protest operational restrictions by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).

Motorists and commuters were left stranded in traffic as leaders in Zongo communities attempted to restore order.

The riders have been facing off against the KMA since the decongestion exercise in the Central Business District of the city kicked in last week.

It took the intervention of the Member of Parliament, Muntaka Mubarak, to clear the protesters from the streets.

The MP who agrees there is a need for the city to be decongested, believes there is a need to enact by-laws regulating the activities of the riders.

Muntaka Mubarak has since called on the riders to exercise restraint as his office leads deliberations with the KMA.

The MP is pushing for the legalisation of commercial tricycles to enhance regulation and expand business opportunities for youth.

Meanwhile, the riders have resolved to halt their agitations and restrain themselves from plying the CBD.

Public Relations Officer for the Pragiya Okada Drivers Union, Al-Asbat Alhassan Sidi, revealed his preparedness to help city authorities enforce the regulations.

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I teach at UPSA now – Muntaka

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:33:41 +0000

The Asawase MP, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, seems to be enjoying the perks that come with losing his position as the Chief Whip of the Minority in Parliament.

According to the legislator, he now has enough time on his hands to take on the role of teaching part-time, a profession that he was about entering before he entered politics.

Teaching a Leadership course at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Mr Muntaka said he believes that it is his way of grooming the young generation for the duty ahead of them.

“It may interest you to know that I’ve picked up teaching. I now teach at UPSA and I teach Leadership.

“So I’m now getting the opportunity to share my experience with the young generation of this country so for me it is a new horizon and you just take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way,” he said on Tuesday.

Mr Muntaka made this revelation when asked on JoyNews’ PM Express.

According to him, going back to the classroom was something he looked forward to after he hanged his political boots.

However, since he lost his Chief Whip position and had a lot of time on his hands he decided to take on the role as soon as possible to share his rich experience.

And for him, these past three months as a lecturer have been a wonderful period.

When asked if he had fully come to terms with being an ordinary Member of Parliament, he said ‘Yes’.

He further explained that as the Minority Chief Whip, he always started his day very early and often had late nights, but all these meetings are no more in his schedule since he lost the role.

Thus, he now has a lot of time on his hands to enjoy quality time with his family and engage in other activities, such as teaching, that hitherto, would have been impossible.

“Believe me, I didn’t know that we were carrying so much load until I ceased to be the Chief Whip. Now, I’m a bit more relaxed.

“I can tell you that I rest more now, I spend more time with the family and I’m able to holiday a little longer. Before, you just can’t,” he told Evans Mensah.

While admitting that the modus operandi used by his party to remove him from the role is questionable, Mr Muntaka was ultimately grateful for the opportunities that accompanied it.

“That is how life is, if you’ve never gone down and risen you may find it difficult but those of us who have fallen and risen several times, you get used to it.

“The first day I got to be a Chief Whip, I knew there will be a day that I would no longer be the Chief Whip. Except for the way it was done but obviously, you have to put all those things behind you, so life goes on,” he said.

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1992 constitution only good at helping us elect dictators – Muntaka

1992 constitution only good at helping us elect dictators – Muntaka

Gertrude Okyere — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:49:59 +0000

The Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, says the country’s 1992 constitution only helps in the election of a dictator as a President.

The lawmaker contends that the constitution offers the President too much power in the discharge of his duties.

“I have always said with the greatest respect that the 1992 Constitution only helps us to elect a dictator because if you look at the Constitution, all it does is create a monster president who is a superhuman and does almost everything and a lot of checks have to be corrected in the current constitution.”

His comment comes on the back of a concern raised by the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu about the delegation of the Vice President as the Acting President in the absence of the President.

In his reaction, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka called for the implementation of the recommendations by the Constitutional Amendment Commission to address such concerns.

“I keep asking what is preventing us from implementing the recommendations of the Constitutional Amendment Commission because since 2013, we have virtually iced it yet a lot of work has been done and it is just left with the implementation and we have left it hanging. Are we anticipating another amendment because the work the Committee did is very extensive?”

The NDC lawmaker further bemoaned the lack of checks and balances in the country’s democratic practice.

“We all know that in a presidential system, checks and balances must exist but that is a system that has been very difficult for us to do for the past 30 years.”

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NDC votes: Heavy security deployed to Asawase constituency

Emmanuella Holomah — Sat, 13 May 2023 09:55:02 +0000

The Asawase constituency is definitely a place to watch in the Ashanti Region.

Over 60 policemen have been dispatched to the constituency to oversee a peaceful election.

Chairman of the Asawase constituency, Faisal Dauda, is supporting a younger contender, Mubarak Masawud, against the incumbent Member of Parliament, Muntaka Mubarak.

Tension mounted in the constituency after the former Minority Chief Whip was substituted as part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC’s) reshuffle in parliamentary leadership.

Voting is yet to start at the Kumasi Central Mosque polling station though it was scheduled to begin at 7 am.

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Muntaka sues 11 executives for defamation, demands GH¢10m

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:45:50 +0000

The Member of Parliament for Asawase in the Ashanti Region, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has sued 11 branch executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency for defamation.

The 11 persons are said to have published and circulated comments deemed libellous against the Member of Parliament.

The Asawase MP is demanding GH¢10 million in damages against the defendants.

Some members of the NDC in the Asawase Constituency, led by the 11 branch executives, issued a Press Statement on March 10, 2023 which contained the said defamatory remarks.

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Counsel for the defendants declined comments on the development when Citi News contacted him, but said he is working to defend his clients in court.

Muntaka mourns after being hit with sad news

Gertrude Okyere — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 21:48:32 +0000

Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, has taken to social media to mourn the death of a member of the Tijaniyya Movement of Ghana, Alhaji Husseini Wofa.

Alhaji Wofa, according to the former Minority Chief Whip, passed on after battling an illness.

The lawmaker took to his Facebook page on Sunday to break the news as he commiserates with the bereaved family and the Kumasi Zongo community.

He eulogised the deceased as a calm-looking man who he visited during his difficult times.

Describing the year as sorrowful, Alhaji Muntaka said Hussein’s death adds to the number of deaths that have shaken the Zongo community.

“I have learned again with extreme sadness the demise of the prominent Alhaji Husseini Wofa after battling some illness.

“A calm-looking man whom I have had the privilege of visiting during his difficult moments, and his death adds to the number of deaths that have shaken the entire Zango community of Kumasi.

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“I send my deepest sympathies to his brother, Sheikh Abdul Wadud Harun Cissey Zaman and may Allah be well pleased with his soul. Ameen. A sorrowful year for us,” he wrote.

I regret challenging Speaker Bagbin – Muntaka [Video]

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 25 May 2022 17:16:20 +0000

The Minority Whip, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has revealed how remorseful he felt after challenging the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin in the chamber.

However, the Asawase Member of Parliament (MP) says he remains committed to fighting for the right of his colleagues irrespective of their political affiliation.

The Speaker on Tuesday, April 5 directed Hon. Muntaka to resume his seat when he was challenging the referral of three MPs to the Privileges Committee over absenteeism for parliamentary duties.

He, however, did not oblige, generating murmuring in the chamber.

Hon. Muntaka argued that, the Speaker does not have the powers to independently refer the conduct of the trio; Sarah Adwoa Safo, Henry Quartey and Ken Ohene Agyapong to the Privileges Committee.

He said it must be a Member of Parliament who takes up such an initiative.

The Asawase MP, therefore, filed a motion seeking to revoke the decision independently taken by the Speaker.

But speaking in an interview with Adom News‘ Ohene Amponsah a month after the brouhaha, Hon. Muntaka said he is yet to receive any response though the MPs have been billed to appear before the Privileges Committee.

The outspoken legislator described as unfair the public perception of MPs.

You don’t determine editorial policy of media houses – Muntaka chides Afenyo-Markin

Gertrude Okyere — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 12:55:42 +0000

Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, has chided the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, for asking Parliament to sanction media houses that had allegedly misreported his comments concerning the possible evacuation of Ghanaian students from Ukraine.

The Effutu MP had, a day before, stated in Parliament that to ensure that government had the needed resources to manage the affairs of the State, including funding the evacuation of Ghanaians stranded in Ukraine, the Minority should support the passage of the E-Levy.

Addressing the House on Thursday, the Deputy Majority Leader noted that evacuating Ghanaians will come at a cost, affecting the limited resources government has generated, thus, the need for the E-levy.

He said: “The call to evacuate Ghanaian citizens from Ukraine will come at a cost. No European country will evacuate our citizens for us. America will not do that. There is going to be pressure on the limited resources that we have… Of course, Deputy Minority Leader, you have not spoken into the microphone, but if you are talking about E-levy, this is the more important reason why we even need it.”

However, following censure from Ghanaians on social media, Afenyo-Markin has denied making any such allusion and has among other things asked that media houses that had allegedly misreported him be sanctioned by the house.

Reacting to his application, Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak noted that Parliament was not the appropriate place to file a complaint concerning such an incident.

He added that even though he understood the anger of the Effutu lawmaker, the MP had no power to determine the editorial policy of a media house.

According to him, calling for media houses to be sanctioned by the House was an abuse of his position and thus advised Afenyo-Markin to seek redress from the National Media Commission.

Meanwhile, Muntaka Mubarak who claimed he had listened to the video more than 20 times stated that the Deputy Majority Leader had indeed said what was reported of him.

“I have listened to the video more than 20 times, you mentioned Ukraine evacuation will cost money and it is the reason we should leave all this politicking. The dollar is having a challenge which is why E-levy must be approved.

“You said it, the video is here, I have forwarded it to all of them so you can disagree with how they framed their headline, but it is not for us to tell a news portal how their headline should be,” he said.

He then added that “You may disagree with how they captured the headline, but it is not for us to determine how the headline should be and so please let’s allow Speakers ruling to stand, let’s meet in confidence look at the thing together and if there’s a reason genuinely why you want what you want to be done then as a house we can come together, but you cannot insist that what you want to be done your way. That cannot be right.”

We have moles amongst the NPP MPs – Muntaka claims

Adwoa Agyeman — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 07:16:56 +0000

The Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak says his side has moles within the cadre of the New Patriotic Party’s Members of Parliament.

A mole is any long-term clandestine informant within an organization, government or private.

According to him, having moles within the rank and file of the opposing side is a necessary evil especially as “information is key.”

“You need to know what the others are planning and what they’re trying to do,” he said.

“How did we get Speaker elected if we didn’t have someone? It’s not one person. It’s the reason why I became the agent myself,” he added.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Wednesday, he explained that both sides of Parliament have moles on the other side and that often disgruntled members of the party are targeted to serve this purpose.

“When you’re provided leadership, it’s the price of leadership. You cannot appease everybody [so the disgruntled elements] whether on our side or on their side, you cannot,” he said.

Describing situations that often lead to members getting disgruntled, he cited the constitution of committees in Parliament, he said “I have finance committee and people come and before they even get sworn in, people are filling the forms to be on finance committee.

“We have only 12 seats on finance committee and I have 78 people who have completed the forms to be on finance committee and I have to take only 12, how can I please [everybody]?

“So by the time I’ll finish selecting 12 out of the 78 somebody will be happy. Somebody maybe he didn’t get Finance he’s on Mines, he may take consolation. Some other person will never forgive you. Are you getting it? So you have that on both sides.”

He, however, noted that not all disgruntled members are easily swayed into becoming moles for the other side.

“Some will be very difficult to get, they may be very disgruntled and not happy on their side but they’ll not, but there are others who are so bitter that they’re willing to.”

Nonetheless, he noted that some members, whether disgruntled or not, have very strong nationalistic tendencies and often await peculiar circumstances like a secret balloting to express their individuality away from the prying eyes of their whips.

“And let me tell you, frankly speaking, there are people on both sides who are very nationalistic but the fear of the party whips and the party system is forcing them to stay at bay.

“So when an opportunity comes for example in a secret ballot, I mean you saw, the shock we had was worse than theirs,” he said.

We have lots of respect for Otumfuo – Muntaka

Abigail Bonney — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 18:41:54 +0000

Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase and Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has reacted to the comments of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, on how MPs are frustrating the work of government.

In an interview on Adom TV’s Sɛdea Ɛteɛ Nie, the MP said “If not the fact that I’m a lawmaker I would not have known the laws and proceedings governing Parliament.”

His comment comes at the back of a caution the Asantehene sent to MPs not to obstruct the work of government.

“Government must also have the humility to acknowledge and embrace the useful inputs from all sources, but our representatives need to bear in mind that it is not their role to either determine policy or frustrate the Executive from performing their legitimate duties,” he said.

The MP, reacting to this, reiterated that his side of the House is not in any way attempting to intimidate or frustrate leadership.

He said: “We use the 1992 Constitution, Standing Orders – rules and regulations for lawmakers in the House.”

He asserted that some people do not know these procedures, therefore, will react when a motion is rejected by the House.

E-levy: Minority will reject imposition; we maintain our original position – Muntaka Mubarak

Gertrude Okyere — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 00:12:32 +0000

The Minority in Parliament has vowed to use every legitimate and lawful channel to resist the 1.75 per cent Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy).

According to the Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, they have not reached any consensus with the Majority over the approval of the 2022 budget.

This comes barely 24 hours after the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, disclosed they will accept the imposition of the levy if pegged at 1%.

He explained they feared for double taxation because “we already have the communication services tax.”

But in a statement, Mr Mubarak, who is also the Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency, said the side right from the outset has argued the E-Levy is regressive, punitive and draconian.

They are, therefore, committed to their calls for its suspension.

“We wish to state unequivocally that no concrete decision or agreement has been reached between government and the NDC Caucus in Parliament on this matter.

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“As we speak, government’s so-called concessions are unknown to us and we have no clear indication that they intend to seriously consider any of the proposals that have come up,” part of his statement read.

He said despite the good faith demonstrated by the NDC team recognising the importance of the Budget to the economy, business and households, the government side out-rightly rejected their proposal for a revision of the E-levy leading to a breakdown of the discussions.

Muntaka recounts how his wedding, father’s funeral were held same day

Gertrude Okyere — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 10:03:32 +0000

Member of Parliament for Asawase, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has recounted his father’s death on his wedding day to his first wife.

As the 14th born of his father who was married to seven wives, it was such a great day of joy for him and the family at large.

However, their joy was cut short after the news of the old man’s demise was made known to the family.

“In the Zongo communities, the would-be bride is isolated on a Thursday prior to the climax of the marriage on Sunday for some rituals to commence so my wife did. But on Friday around 8:30 pm, the old man died and this is about 23 years ago,” he recounted.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi TV, he said though he revealed the old man was sick and undergoing medical attention, the death came as a big blow.

“The Chief Imam then told us one of the two events could not go before the other so the funeral and wedding were held concurrently and we could not hold the big party and other plans we had for the wedding,” he said.

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However, as bad as he said the situation was, he was optimistic that built the foundation of their numerous businesses which include printing centres, internet cafes among others through which he sponsored a lot of people.

Muntaka’s bribery allegation is a calculated attempt to undermine Supreme Court – Oppong Nkrumah

Gertrude Okyere — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:45:02 +0000

Ofoase Ayiribi Member of Parliament (MP) says the bribery allegation against a Supreme Court judge by Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak, is a deliberate attempt to drag the integrity of the Apex Court into disrepute.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah believes the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is fighting a lost cause with its 2020 flagbearer’s election petition before the Supreme Court.

The Caretaker Information Minister said the party has no case to start with.

He, therefore, said party leadership of the NDC is resorting to various allegations to poison the minds of the public against the judges ahead of the hearing of the case.

“The NDC is on a path to smear and undermine the integrity of the Supreme Court and its justices and they are doing that because they are clear in their minds that this petition before the court is a lost one.

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“The first evidence you notice is Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak who goes to national television and alleges that a Supreme Court judge has been involved in calling two NDC MPs-elect and trying to convince same to vote for Speaker Mike Oquaye during the election of the Speaker.

“The real object of that allegation is to begin to poison the world ahead of this litigation,” he said.

The comment comes as a response to a member of John Mahama’s legal team, Dr Abdul Baasit Bamba, who has described the seven-member panel to hear the 2020 election petition, as unfair and unbalanced.

Dr Bamba on the AM Show, Friday, insisted that senior judges were not made part of the panel but rather judges who were mainly appointed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) governments.

Mr Mubarak, who is also the Chief Whip of the NDC Caucus in Parliament, on JoyNews’ The Probe alleged that a Supreme Court judge tried to influence the outcome of the Speakership elections for the 8th Parliament.

The Asawase MP stated that a very prominent judge contacted an NDC MP and offered an inducement should the person vote in favour of the NPP Speaker nominee.

Subsequently, Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah in response has assured the general public of a probe into the allegation.

Mr Muntaka has also assured he will assist the apex court with evidence.

Reacting to the comments, the former Information Minister, who is also a spokesperson for President Akufo-Addo’s team, has cautioned the NDC to desist from deliberately making unfounded allegations to mar the reputation of the Supreme Court judges, as such claims, he said are a dent on the country’s democracy.

“I think that if you are serious about building a democracy and building institutions, we ought to be the last persons to undermine the democracy and the institutions of that democracy,” he added.

Muntaka to name Supreme Court Judge at centre of bribery scandal if …

Gertrude Okyere — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:59:24 +0000

Asawase Member of Parliament (MP), Muntaka Mubarak, has threatened to prove with evidence, the bribery allegations he made against Supreme Court Justice if need be.

According to him, he does not take his comments lightly, adding the member involved was promised a number of goodies and also asked to name her price.

“I don’t take what I’m saying lightly; I have heard people saying all manner of things but we know what we are doing and what we are holding.

“Definitely we will provide all those things, the call that he made, the time that the call was made and everything is there so it is not in doubt,” he said.

Hon Muntaka, speaking in an interview on Joy News, alleged a Supreme Court judge led the charge in attempting to bribe some MPs on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) side to vote for Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye.

The judge made the bribery attempt on the night members of the 8th parliament were preparing to vote to elect a speaker, he stated.

Following his allegations, there have been calls from the public, especially the Chief Whip of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus, Frank Annor Dompreh, who have demanded he provides evidence.

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Reacting to the call on Accra-based Citi TV, Hon Muntaka said he stands by his comments, adding he was willing to make the evidence available when the need arises.

“If it comes to the probe of all the things that happened on that day, I am sure if it becomes necessary and it comes up, obviously, it will be made known, the Member on my side who was approached is alive, she is not dead,” she added.

Nomination of Fomena MP as Second Deputy Speaker, the inside story

Gertrude Okyere — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 11:48:45 +0000

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase has detailed processes that led to the nomination of the Fomena MP as the Second Deputy Speaker.

Muntaka Mubarak nominated the only Independent Parliamentarian, lawyer Andrew Amoako Asiamah, for the position on January 7, 2021, and was ably-seconded by Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

He noted that the nomination was to help save time for President Nana Akufo-Addo’s swearing-in, hence the House had to reach a consensus.

“The MPs came to a consensus that we did not want to spend another three hours or more on each round of voting for the First and Second Deputy Speakers of Parliament since this would have further delayed the inauguration of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Bawumia.

“We, therefore, agreed with the New Patriotic Party side to propose the first Deputy Speaker so that we [NDC], would likewise propose the Second Deputy Speaker,” he added.

Speaking on the Probe on Joy News, Mr Mubarak said they had their own people in mind for the position but lawyer Amoako was nominated after their candidate, Alban Bagbin won the Speakership position.

“The party decided to be magnanimous with the victory because we had indicated within the caucus that if Bagbin did not win the Speakership position, Bernard Ahiafor, Akatsi South MP and Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Bolgatanga East MP would be proposed for the Second Deputy Speaker position,” he said.

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However, he indicated the NPP continued to oppose the decision and insisted on proposing nominees for both the First and Second Deputies.

“We didn’t want it to appear like the devil and witch-hunting situation because we had gotten the Speaker who will have a lot of work to do so we needed to reach out.

“We came together and had to convince our General Secretary that the Speaker needs to carry both sides of the House. Let us allow it to go so we will nominate the Independent instead of our own person,” he explained.

Following the decision, Mr Mubarak explained that their nominees in waiting, Dr Ayine and Mr Ahiafor had to be informed about the development and they understood the leadership.

Muntaka’s take on the legalisation of ‘Okada’

Joshua Tigo — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 11:01:17 +0000

Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Asawasi Constituency, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has backed calls for the legalisation of ‘okada’ in Ghana.

Mr Muntaka believes the call is in the right direction, adding that it will help reduce youth unemployment.

He said this on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen with reference to his constituency, stating that the business is the major source of livelihood for the youth.

He argued that the legalisation of ‘okada’ will pave way for the regulation of the business, thereby, reducing its associated risks.

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“The legalisation will come with associated rules and regulations so, for instance, if you are not 18, you can’t ride a motorcycle, you must also be part of a cooperative for registration,” he stated.

“We will also have demarcated lanes for the riders and ensure they stick to it,” he added.

The decision whether to legalise ‘okada’ or not has become a hot debate in the build up to the December 7 polls.

The incumbent government has firmly opposed the decision with the promise of providing jobs while the National Democractic Congress (NDC) has promised to make ‘okada’ business legal in the country.

The NDC argues that ‘okada’ has created more jobs for the youth than any of the recent job programmes put together by the Akufo-Addo government.

CJ Vetting Brouhaha: Dep. Speaker, Minority Chief whip call each other names on live radio [Listen]

Joshua Tigo — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:47:11 +0000

First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu and Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak has branded each other liars over the decision of parliament’s Appointments Committee (AC) to vet Chief Justice nominee, Justice Anin-Yeboah on December 21.

Mr Osei-Owusu who doubles as the Chairman of the AC, claims the consensus reached by the committee to vet Justice Anin-Yeboah on the said date was based on the suggestion of the Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu.

He said Minority Leader’s suggestion was to have parliamentary sitting extend to December 23, to create room for the vetting of Justice Anin-Yeboah.

But, Mr Mubarak has denied the claim of the First Deputy Speaker, saying such a consensus was never reached.

Rather, he accused the First Deputy Speaker of rushing parliamentary processes to approve the nominated Chief Justice because of his personal relationship with the nominee.

Addressing the issue in a heated debate on Joy FM’s News Night, both members of parliament called the other a liar.

“This is shocking, I’m disappointed in the First Deputy Speaker, he is calling us liars, he is the biggest liar,” Mr Muntaka Mubarak said.

“Anybody who says I am sacrificing parliamentary proceedings on the altar of friendship and all that is a liar, Muntaka and Haurna are liars; they are liars I repeat,” Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu said in response.

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According to the Minority Chief Whip, the common practice of the committee is to advertise nominees for two weeks after which they are vetted and subsequently approved by the committee.

But, according to him, in the case of Justice Anin-Yebaoah, Mr Osei-Yeboah wants the advertising, vetting and approval of the nominee to be done in a week.

This, he says, is not allowed, further accusing the Chairman of the committee of sacrificing parliamentary proceedings on the altar of long-time friendship and familiarity.

Reacting to the accusations of his colleague, Mr Osei-Owusu said the committee, when it met, agreed that Justice Anin-Yeboah be vetted on December 21.

He said the Minority has made a u-turn on the decision because they consulted with other party members who do not agree with the decision taken by the Committee.

He added that the decisions of the committee will not be subjected to the directions of persons who are not members of parliament.

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“And if that’s what they call bad faith, then let it be so called,” he added.

He rubbished claims by the Minority in parliament that he was rushing committee proceedings to have Justice Anin-yeboah approved due to the friendship they share.

Further stating in his defence that this was not the first instance the committee had vetted and approved a nominee in a week or even less than a week.

If approved, Justice Anin-Yeboah who is the fourth longest-serving Justice of the Supreme Court, will succeed Justice Sophia Abena Boafoa Akuffo who retires on December 20, 2019.

Listen to the two men accuse each other of lying on live radio in the audio above.