NDC

Claim: An NPP communicator, Awal Mohammed, on Facebook claims President John Dramani Mahama has extended Ghana’s IMF loan programme for another three years because his administration does not trust Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to manage the economy independently.

Verdict: Misleading! Ghana did not extend its IMF bailout programme. The country’s three-year Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement officially ended on May 15, 2026, after all six reviews were completed. Ghana subsequently requested a new 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), which is a non-financing IMF policy support framework and not a loan extension or bailout programme.

Full Text

A pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) Facebook account operated by political commentator Awal Mohammed shared a post on May 15, 2026, shortly after reports emerged that Ghana had concluded its 2023 IMF bailout arrangement.

The post featured a reel from Citi FM discussing Ghana’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Accompanying the video was the caption: “Ghana is still under the IMF programme. President Mahama has extended it for three years. He doesn’t trust that Ato Forson can manage the economy without them. Watch the simple explanations from Citi FM.”

The post generated considerable traction online, recording approximately 16,000 views, 327 reactions, 175 comments, and 69 shares at the time of DUBAWA’s checks.

Some commenters argued that the Mahama administration had secretly negotiated a continuation of Ghana’s IMF bailout, while others questioned whether the announcement merely represented a technical policy arrangement rather than a fresh loan programme.

Because of the post’s significant reach and the confusion surrounding the IMF announcement, DUBAWA investigated the claim.

Verification

What happened on May 15, 2026?

DUBAWA reviewed the official statement issued by the International Monetary Fund on May 15, 2026.

The IMF announced that Ghana had completed the sixth and final review under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, which began in 2023 during the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo amid a severe debt and economic crisis.

The IMF statement did not state that Ghana had extended its IMF bailout programme. Instead, it explained that Ghana had requested a 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) after the successful completion of the existing ECF arrangement.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu described the development as “the definitive end of Ghana’s financial bailout relationship” with the IMF.

Similarly, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson said the conclusion of the programme represented a major milestone in restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

What is the PCI?

DUBAWA found that the claim largely stems from confusion between the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI).

Unlike the ECF, the PCI is not a bailout arrangement and does not provide direct IMF loans or financial disbursements.

According to the IMF, the PCI is intended to support countries that seek policy credibility, technical guidance and reform monitoring without borrowing money from the Fund.

The IMF statement specifically noted:

“The authorities have requested a 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) to help anchor their post-programme reform agenda.”

IMF Mission Chief for Ghana, Ruben Atoyan, also clarified the purpose of the arrangement.

Mr Atoyan described Ghana’s economic recovery as “remarkable” and stated that the PCI would help Ghana sustain reforms and macroeconomic discipline after the end of the bailout programme.

He further noted: “Ghana’s economic performance in 2025 exceeded expectations, reflecting strong policy and reform implementation under the IMF-supported programme.”

DUBAWA found no indication in the IMF statement that Ghana had negotiated another bailout or extended the existing ECF arrangement.

Did Ato Forson say Ghana still needed IMF management?

The viral post also claimed President Mahama supposedly extended the programme because he did not trust Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to manage the economy independently. However, DUBAWA found no evidence supporting this assertion.

At a joint press conference with IMF officials, Dr Forson clearly distinguished the PCI from the bailout arrangement.

He stated: “Unlike the ECF programme, the PCI does not provide financial bailout support. It will, however, offer continuous policy guidance, capacity development, and help build confidence in Ghana’s economic management.”

The Finance Minister further stated that Ghana was “not in a hurry” to return to international capital markets and that the 2026 budget did not depend on external commercial borrowing.

These remarks contradict the suggestion that the government lacked confidence in its own economic management.

Was the IMF programme extended?

DUBAWA’s checks show the original ECF arrangement was not extended.

The three-year IMF programme began in May 2023 and concluded after all six scheduled reviews were completed.

Even the opposition NPP, while disputing the government’s political messaging around the programme’s conclusion, acknowledged that the IMF arrangement had ended.

There was also no evidence of renegotiation, waivers, programme rollover or additional loan disbursements and developments that would typically accompany an IMF extension.

Ghana’s economic indicators at programme completion

DUBAWA also reviewed economic indicators cited in multiple reports at the conclusion of the ECF programme:

• Inflation reportedly declined to 3.4% in April 2026 from above 31% in 2022.
• Ghana’s GDP growth for 2025 was estimated at 6%.
• Gross international reserves reportedly rose to approximately US$14.5 billion.
• Public debt-to-GDP reportedly declined significantly compared to levels recorded at the beginning of the IMF programme.
• Ghana’s sovereign credit ratings also improved during the programme period.

These indicators formed part of the IMF’s assessment of Ghana’s recovery progress.

Conclusion

The claim by Awal Mohammed that President John Dramani Mahama has extended Ghana’s IMF bailout programme for another three years is misleading. DUBAWA found that Ghana’s US$3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme officially ended on May 15, 2026, after all scheduled reviews were completed.

Claim: An X user, @kduahjr, has shared a post showing Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress, allegedly describing the government’s explanation for the current power outages as “lies.”

Verdict: Misleading. The video is old. It was originally published in 2021 by Joy News and is being recirculated out of context, falsely presented as a recent comment on ongoing power issues in Ghana.

Full Text

An X user @kduahjr has shared a video of  Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, purportedly describing the government’s explanation for recent power outages across the country as “lies.”

According to the government, the outages are planned interruptions, not a return to full “dumsor.” The government explained that it is replacing old, overloaded transformers across the country to improve long-term reliability, which is why there have been intermittent power outages. The outages have also been linked to a fire that gutted the Akosombo substation control room. 

The caption to the claim on X says, “Engineer Johnson Asiedu Nketia says the government should stop lying that a so-called systems upgrade is what is causing the DUMSOR. I really like honest people.” The post has gained significant traction, amassing over 137,000 views on X, 200 likes, and 400 reposts. 

Given the ongoing power fluctuation issues and Mr Nketiah’s prominence as a leading member of the NDC, DUBAWA decided to verify the claim.

Verification

DUBAWA conducted a reverse image search to determine whether the video and the statements attributed to Mr Nketiah were recent.

The search revealed that the video is not recent. It was originally published on Joy News’ YouTube channel on April 12, 2021, during an episode of The Probe. The exact statement can be found from 2 minutes and 28 seconds onwards. 

Further analysis confirmed that the statements made by Mr Nketiah in the viral clip are identical to those in the 2021 broadcast, indicating that the video has been recirculated out of its original context.

Additionally, the host, Emefa Apawu, featured in the video, no longer works for Joy News. She was appointed Corporate Communications Manager at the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation on April 22, 2025. This further supports the conclusion that the footage is outdated.

There is no evidence that Mr Nketiah made these comments in relation to the current power outage situation.

Conclusion

The viral post is misleading. It recycles an old 2021 video and falsely presents it as a recent comment on ongoing power issues in Ghana.

Claim: A Facebook user has shared a clip in which President John Dramani Mahama cautioned Ghanaians against voting for his own party, the National Democratic Congress.

Verdict: Misleading! DUBAWA’s checks show that while the audio is authentic, it has been selectively edited and stripped of context, creating a misleading impression.

Full Text

A video circulating on Facebook (archived here) claims President John Dramani Mahama cautioned Ghanaians against giving power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Isaac Y. A. Brown captioned the video, “John Mahama warned Ghanaians. They never listened.”

The clip features Mahama saying in Twi: “If we make a mistake and we give NDC the mandate, we will regret what will happen…” — a statement that appears contradictory, given his position as the party’s former flagbearer.

This case is a textbook example of decontextualisation, a frequent disinformation method in the information ecosystem.

By fact-checking it, DUBAWA is not just correcting one claim; it is educating audiences on how misinformation works, strengthening media literacy.

Verification

DUBAWA traced the video to a campaign address (17:10 mins) delivered by Mahama on November 25, 2024, at Daboase Community.

A review of the full speech shows that Mahama misspoke briefly but immediately corrected himself. In the extended version, he states:

“If we make a mistake and we give NDC the mandate, we will regret what will happen… because in the future someone will come and tell us that we’ve sold the country…….

He immediately retracted his statement by noting, “If you make a mistake and NPP comes back to power, they’ll sell the whole country.”

The broader context indicates that Mahama was criticising the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and urging voters not to return them to office, not warning against the NDC.

What’s misleading about the claim?

The viral clip isolates a slip of the tongue, removing the clarification that follows. This alters the meaning of the statement and falsely frames it as a warning against his own party.

Conclusion

Although Mahama did utter the words in the viral clip, the video is misleading. It omits the immediate correction and surrounding remarks, which clearly show he was criticising the NPP and campaigning for the NDC.

Claim: A viral video circulating on social media shows former vice president Mahamudu Bawumia alleging that individuals within his party are sabotaging his 2028 presidential ambitions.

Verdict: False! There is no credible evidence that Bawumia made the statement. Technical analysis and lack of corroboration from credible sources suggest the video is AI-generated.

Full Text

A video circulating widely on Facebook (archived here) claims to show former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia making explosive allegations about internal sabotage within his party ahead of the 2028 elections. 

In the clip, he is purported to question whether Ken Ofori-Atta’s alleged application for U.S. residency forms part of a deliberate attempt by “faceless people” within the party to undermine his political ambitions.

The claim draws on recent developments involving former Finance Minister, Ofori-Atta, who is facing  legal scrutiny, including corruption charges during  his tenure. He was reported to have been arrested in the United States in January 2026 on immigration-related charges, amid ongoing extradition concerns.

Given the potential political implications of such a statement and the sensitivity of the issues referenced, DUBAWA examined the authenticity of the video.

Verification

No credible media coverage of the claim exists. DUBAWA found no reports of such remarks by Bawumia in Ghana’s major media outlets.

Given the highly sensitive nature of the alleged claim, it would have attracted widespread coverage if it were genuine.

This lack of verifiable details raises questions about the claim’s authenticity.

A review of the video reveals several indicators consistent with manipulated or AI-generated content:

• Lip-sync inconsistencies, including blurring around the mouth
• Mismatch in audio and video quality, with unusually clear audio over low-quality visual

Screenshot of the video claim

• AI detection analysis, Bitmind, indicates a 75% likelihood of AI-generated content

Screenshot of the analysis conducted on the video’s audio clip on Bitmind.

When we again used Undetectable AI to analyse the speech, it revealed a 73% probability that it was AI-generated.

Screenshot of the analysis conducted on undetectable AI.

We then analysed the audio using an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-detecting tool, ISFAKEAI, and the results indicated that the clip had been digitally manipulated.

The tool revealed that about 96% of the audio’s visual elements were either generated or enhanced by AI, indicating a high level of manipulation.

Screenshot of the analysis conducted on the video’s audio clip on isfake.ai.

Additional verification using SynthID further supports the likelihood that the video is manipulated. 

The tool also flagged lip-sync irregularities, unnatural voice cadence, and visual distortions around the mouth, all common traits of deepfake content. 

Pattern consistent with known misinformation trends

DUBAWA has previously identified similar cases involving AI-generated voice cloning, fabricated political statements, and content designed to create internal political tension. This viral video aligns with these patterns.

Conclusion

There is no credible evidence that Mahamudu Bawumia made the statements attributed to him in the viral video. The absence of media reports, lack of verifiable context, and multiple technical indicators of manipulation suggest the video is AI-generated.

Introduction

An investigative report by The Fourth Estate, an independent media outlet in Ghana, has stoked a never-ending debate in the West African country about sole sourcing of government contracts.

The report published on Mar. 24, 2026, highlighted the breach of the promise made by the country’s governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reduce sole sourcing in the award of government contracts while in opposition between 2017 and 2024.

The facts of sole sourcing

Sole sourcing of government contracts in Ghana has become highly politicised, with both the NDC and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) taking strong positions. However, the stance of these two dominating political parties often depends on whether they are in power or opposition.

Sole sourcing is a procurement method in which the government, agency, or ministry selects a single contractor directly, rather than inviting several companies to compete.

Under Ghana’s procurement system, competitive tendering is the preferred method of procuring goods and services. The Public Procurement Act, 2013 (Act 663), makes the competitive tendering process the default method because it promotes transparency and value for money. However, sole sourcing is allowed as an exception, not the norm. 

According to the country’s procurement guidelines, institutions must justify why only one supplier is suitable and must obtain approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to use that procurement method. 

The Politics – NPP vs NDC

Debates over sole sourcing in Ghana have often taken on a strong political tone, particularly between the NPP and the NDC. Each party has, at different times, advanced arguments shaped largely by whether it is in government or in opposition.

Within the NPP, several figures, including the former President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, criticised the widespread use of sole sourcing, arguing that it creates room for abuse and undermines transparency in public procurement. 

While campaigning as the NPP Presidential candidate in 2016, Nana Akufo-Addo announced that the “era of sole sourcing will come to an end.” However, his government was accused of awarding public contracts through sole sourcing, despite having announced its end.

While in opposition, the NDC consistently accused the Akufo-Addo administration here and here of overusing the method and bypassing competitive tendering processes, thereby weakening accountability in the award of public contracts. 

But barely two years into government, the NDC has been accused of sole sourcing 81 road contracts worth GH₵73 billion within seven months under President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship programme ‘Big Push,’ despite speaking against the procurement method while in opposition.

The investigative report came barely a month after President Mahama told Ghanaians during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) that sole sourcing would be used only in exceptional circumstances. 

“Mr Speaker, we are bringing legislation to this House to tighten our procurement processes by banning sole-sourced contracts, except in exceptional circumstances,” the President said.

“…in what appears to be a bold and complete disregard and defiance of the President’s vow and promises to the nation, the Ministry of Roads and Highways has literally become a factory for sole-sourced road contracts. The Ministry has been churning out what translates into almost 12 sole-sourced contracts per month,” The Fourth Estate reported.

Meanwhile, the President has requested the Fourth Estate’s investigative report and directed the Ministry of Roads to respond to the allegations. 

The Law – what Section 40 of Act 663 says

The legal basis for sole sourcing in Ghana is found in Section 40 of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) (as amended). This provision makes it clear that sole sourcing is not the standard method for awarding public contracts, but rather an exception that may be used only under clearly defined circumstances.

Under Section 40 of Act 663, a public entity may resort to sole sourcing where only one supplier possesses the required expertise or holds exclusive rights to provide the goods or services in question. It is also permitted in situations of urgency, where the time required for competitive tendering would be impractical, as well as during emergencies or disasters that demand immediate action. 

Additionally, the law allows sole sourcing where further work must be carried out by an existing contractor to ensure compatibility or continuity, in cases involving specialised or research-based services, and where national security considerations arise.

However, even in these limited situations, the law imposes strict safeguards. The procuring entity must provide proper justification for choosing the sole sourcing method, obtain approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), and demonstrate that the contract offers value for money. These requirements are intended to prevent abuse and ensure that public funds are used responsibly.

In essence, while the law recognises the practical need for sole sourcing in certain situations, it tightly regulates its use. Sole sourcing is therefore permitted, but only within carefully controlled boundaries designed to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement.

The controversy – opinion from experts

The use of sole sourcing in public procurement remains highly controversial, largely because it sits at the intersection of efficiency and accountability. Experts argue that awarding contracts without competitive bidding undermines one of the core principles of procurement, competition. 

Private legal practitioner and lecturer at GIMPA Law School, Lom Nuku Ahlijah, has urged caution in the use of sole sourcing, which is permitted under Ghana’s procurement laws.

“The term that the Act uses is single-source procurement… what it means is that whereas you could use a competitive process… You choose a single source, effectively inviting a single company. But if you want to do it, you must do it under certain circumstances and get the approval of the Public Procurement Authority,” he told Accra-based Metro TV.

But policy analyst Professor John Osae-Kwapong has called for a political consensus on procurement practices to address their wider political implications. “Maybe we need to come back to the table and say, ‘You know what, let’s build a political consensus around this,’” he said on Accra-based Joy News.

Despite these concerns, supporters of sole sourcing maintain that it serves important practical purposes. In emergency situations, such as natural disasters or urgent national needs, the time required for competitive tendering may be impractical, making sole sourcing a faster and more effective option. 

Conclusion

Sole sourcing is a lawful method of public procurement in Ghana, but it is intended to operate as an exception rather than the norm. The legal framework recognises that there are limited circumstances where competitive tendering may not be practical, and in such cases, sole sourcing provides a necessary alternative. However, expert says that its legitimacy depends not merely on its legality, but also on its practice.

CLAIM: A Facebook user named “Nation watcher” claimed that NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey said Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga should “step aside” from probing the Ayawaso East primary because he is “not fit,” describing this as “clear political bias” and “internal intolerance.” 

VERDICT: False! Fifi Kwetey never said Mahama Ayariga is “not fit” or should “step aside.” Ayariga voluntarily withdrew from the committee investigating vote-buying in the Ayawaso East primary after the Majority Caucus called for the election’s cancellation, making his position “untenable.” Kwetey simply announced the replacement. 

Full Text

A Facebook post by “Nation watcher” has circulated claims (archived here) about NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey allegedly calling Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga “not fit” in connection with the investigation into vote-buying allegations during the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary.

DUBAWA Ghana investigated these claims to establish the facts.

On February 7, 2026, the NDC held parliamentary primaries in the Ayawaso East constituency, which were marred by widespread allegations of vote-buying and inducement. Reports emerged that some aspirants distributed 32-inch televisions and boiled eggs to delegates to influence their votes. Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, won the primary with 431 votes.

That same day, the NDC constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations. The committee was chaired by former Minister of Information, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and lawyer Emefa Fugah as members. 

The committee was given until Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to submit its findings.

Did Fifi Kwetey say Ayariga is “not fit”?

No. This claim is entirely false. On February 8, 2026, Mahama Ayariga himself voluntarily withdrew from the committee on X. In a post on his social media, Ayariga stated:

“In view of the position taken by the Caucus of the NDC in Parliament regarding cancellation of the Ayawaso East primary, it has become untenable for me to serve on the Investigation Committee set up by the National Executive of the NDC. I have therefore notified the party that a suitable replacement should be appointed.”

A screenshot of Ayariga announcing his step down from the committee on X

The Majority Caucus in Parliament had publicly called for the immediate cancellation of the primary and disqualification of candidates found to have engaged in vote-buying. 

As the leader of that caucus, Ayariga recognised that his continued service on an investigative committee would create a conflict of interest, given that his caucus had already taken a public position on the outcome.

Following Ayariga’s withdrawal, Fifi Kwetey announced the appointment of former MP and Minister Inusah Fuseini as his replacement. 

According to Kwetey’s statement on February 8, 2026:

“The NDC has appointed former MP and Minister, Hon Inusah Fuseini, to replace Hon Mahama Ayariga on the committee investigating the reported vote-buying incidents in the Ayawaso East Primaries. Hon Ayariga had to step down because his position on the committee became untenable following the declared position of the Majority Caucus. The party remains committed to upholding the highest integrity in its internal electoral process.”

Kwetey’s statement clearly indicates that Ayariga “had to step down” because his position became “untenable” due to the Majority Caucus’s public stance, not because Kwetey deemed him “not fit.” The replacement was aimed at “safeguarding the fairness and credibility of the committee’s work,” according to a report by GBC Ghana Online.

At no point did Kwetey use the words “not fit” or call for Ayariga to “step aside.” 

The decision was Ayariga’s own. Meanwhile, efforts to obtain supporting evidence to verify the claims were unsuccessful, as no documentation or material was made available at the time of filing this report. 

Conclusion

The claim that Fifi Kwetey called Mahama Ayariga “not fit” and asked him to “step aside” is FALSE. Ayariga voluntarily withdrew from the Ayawaso East investigative committee due to a conflict of interest, following his Majority Caucus’s public call for the cancellation of the primary. 

Kwetey’s statement simply announced the replacement and explained that Ayariga’s position had become “untenable” due to the caucus’s stance, not because of any assessment of Ayariga’s fitness. The characterisation of this as “clear political bias” and “internal intolerance” is inaccurate. 

The replacement was a procedural necessity to maintain the credibility and impartiality of the investigation, following Ayariga’s own recognition of the conflict of interest.

Claim: A Facebook user alleged that “fresh cracks” are rocking the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and posted a picture of the party’s office with scenes of vandalism. 

Verdict: False! There is no evidence of fresh violence or escalating national tensions within the NDC, nor any suspension of Hamza Suhuyini. The image attached to the claim is outdated and relates to a 2021 incident in the Salaga South constituency, not to a current event.

Full Text

On February 5, 2026, a Facebook user, Umar Faruk Sabonjida (archived here), shared a post claiming that internal divisions were deepening within one of Ghana’s major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The post read, “BREAKING: Fresh cracks rock the NDC Party as tension escalates! Party national executives are reportedly moving to suspend Hamza Suhuyini. A major showdown may be unfolding; stay tuned for unfolding details.”

The claim was accompanied by a photo showing plastic chairs smashed and scattered in front of an NDC-branded office, suggesting recent political violence.

The post generated reactions and shares, with some commenters expressing concern about possible clashes within the party.

Because the post insinuates that political violence and disciplinary action are imminent against a prominent party communicator, DUBAWA decided to verify the claim.

Verification

DUBAWA conducted a reverse image search on the photo attached to the claim. The results indicate that the image is not recent. The photograph matches pictures from May 2021 documenting a violent disturbance at the NDC’s Salaga South constituency office in the Savannah Region.

Media reports at the time stated that some party supporters vandalised the office and destroyed property following internal disagreements during a constituency meeting.

The incident occurred five years ago, not in 2026 as the post implies.

DUBAWA searched for:

• Recent reports of violence within the NDC,
• Any announcement or disciplinary action involving Hamza Suhuyini,
• Statements from the party’s national executives.
  

We found no credible media reports, official statements, or party communications confirming:

• Fresh unrest,
• Any national-level “showdown,” or
• A suspension or attempted suspension of Hamza Suhuyini.
  

If such an action were underway against a national communications figure, it would likely be reported by mainstream Ghanaian media. However, no such coverage exists.

Reacting to the claim, the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Yusif Sulemana, told DUBAWA that there is currently no unrest within the party in any constituency and dismissed the viral post as misleading.

“There is no violence or tension in the NDC here. Nothing of that sort is happening. The image being circulated is old and does not reflect the current situation,” he said.

This suggests the old image is being recycled and misrepresented to create the impression of current instability.

Conclusion

DUBAWA’s findings show that the claim is false. There is no evidence of fresh violence or escalating tensions within the NDC, and no confirmation that Hamza Suhuyini is being suspended. The image used to support the claim is from a five-year-old incident in Salaga South, not a recent development.

Claim: A Facebook post claims Asiedu Nketiah stated that Mahama supporters have seen no change in their living conditions and are “still wearing the same slippers since 2024,” while encouraging them to vote for someone else.

Verdict: False! The claim misrepresents the politician. The “same slippers” comment was not his personal criticism but part of a description of mockery by opponents.

Full Text

A Facebook post by user Nana Djan [archived here] claims that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairperson, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, criticised the Mahama government, telling supporters that their lives had not improved despite the party’s campaign.

The post quotes him as saying, “We all campaigned for Mahama. Now, Mahama is in government, and your lives haven’t changed. You are still wearing the same slippers you were wearing in 2024. Vote for someone who will change your lives.”

The post also describes him as an “NDC flagbearer aspirant.” DUBAWA investigated the claim because of its potential to mislead. Such distortions can inflame partisan narratives and spread misinformation.

Verification

The quote is taken out of context. DUBAWA reviewed the full recording of Asiedu Nketiah’s speech delivered in Twi. In the address, he did not criticise Mahama or urge supporters to vote for someone else.

Instead, he described how NPP opponents mocked NDC supporters.

Translated from the verbatim Twi transcript:

“Our companions, the NPP, the best thing they know how to do is mocking…
If you vied for a position such as DC and you are not successful, when they see you passing by, they will clap and tease you…They will say, ‘Hajia, aren’t you the one who didn’t let us rest during the campaign… since Mahama came, your scarf remains the same, you haven’t changed your footwear/slippers.’”

This shows he was quoting insults and mockery allegedly used by opponents, not making those remarks himself or criticising the government.

The Facebook post removes this context and falsely presents the mockery as his personal statement.

His political status is also incorrectly stated.

The post calls him an “NDC flagbearer aspirant.” However, Asiedu Nketiah currently serves as National Chairperson of the NDC. Even though there are signals that he may contest the party’s flagbearer position, the party itself has neither opened nominations nor has he publicly and officially confirmed the decision to contest as the party’s flagbearer. 

Conclusion

The claim that Asiedu Nketiah said Mahama supporters have seen no improvement in their lives and are “still wearing the same slippers since 2024,” while urging them to vote for someone else, is false.

A review of the speech shows that he was quoting political opponents’ mockery, not criticising Mahama or NDC supporters. Additionally, he is not an NDC flagbearer aspirant, as stated in the post, but the party’s National Chairman.

CLAIM: Social media posts claim that vote buying in political party primaries is “a crime punishable by law” following allegations that a candidate in the NDC’s Ayawaso East primary distributed 32-inch television sets, cash, and other items to delegates.

VERDICT: Misleading! While vote-buying in public elections is a crime under Ghanaian law, party primaries may not be classified as “public elections” under existing legislation, creating a legal grey area.

Full Text

Following the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ayawaso East parliamentary primary held in January 2025, widespread allegations emerged on social media that Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed distributed inducements to delegates, including television sets and cash amounts of GH₵10,000.

Multiple Facebook posts, including those by Adda DyNelson, alleged that this constitutes criminal vote-buying. One viral post stated: “Vote buying is a crime punishable by law” and criticised the NDC leadership for not annulling the elections.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor announced investigations into allegations of vote-buying involving both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). 

The NDC itself established a three-member committee to investigate the allegations in Ayawaso East.

As part of our mandate to promote truth and accurate information in public discourse, DUBAWA decided to verify the claim and to ascertain if indeed vote-buying in internal elections is indeed a crime in the country’s criminal jurisprudence.

Verification

DUBAWA examined the relevant legal provisions governing electoral offences in Ghana.

The Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDCL 284), both contain provisions criminalising vote-buying, bribery, and electoral inducements. Convicted persons face fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from voting.

However, these statutes specifically refer to “public elections.”

According to Article 49 of the 1992 Constitution, public elections include:

• Presidential elections
• Parliamentary elections
• District Assembly elections
• Unit Committee elections
• Referenda

Notably absent from this list are political party primaries and internal party elections.

A legal practitioner, Kofi Opare Hagan, consulted on the matter and confirmed: “I do not think party primaries are classified as public elections under the relevant legislation.”

The lawyer noted that while Article 55(5) of the Constitution requires political parties to conform to democratic principles in their internal organisation and activities, violations of this provision would not automatically constitute a criminal offence.

“If an internal election is so flawed by vote buying that it would be contrary to that positive duty under Article 55.5… But that still won’t make it a crime,” the lawyer explained.

The High Court or the Supreme Court could exercise oversight of party organisation under Article 55(5), but this would constitute administrative or constitutional enforcement rather than criminal prosecution.

Ghanaian lawyer Ace Ankomah also highlighted a critical loophole in the country’s electoral laws, revealing that while vote buying is a crime in national elections, no such criminal sanctions exist for the same conduct during internal party primaries and elections.

In a statement on the issue, Ankomah warned that the normalisation of vote-buying in party contests poses a grave threat to Ghana’s democratic system, yet remains legally unpunished due to ambiguities in electoral legislation.

“The reality is that although vote-buying is a crime in public elections, it is not a crime in intra-party elections,” Ankomah stated.

The lawyer explained that both the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDCL 284) contain elaborate provisions criminalising vote-buying, with convicted persons liable to fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from voting.

However, these statutes refer only to “public elections,” which, under Article 49 of the Constitution, may not include party primaries and intra-party elections.

“This might explain why we see no prosecutions when these happen,” Ankomah observed, noting that the provisions are “hardly seen to be enforced” even in public elections.

Key findings:

1. Vote buying in public elections is criminalised under Acts 29 and PNDCL 284
2. Party primaries are not explicitly included in the constitutional definition of “public elections.”
3. While party primaries may violate constitutional principles under Article 55(5), this does not make them criminal offences under current legislation
4. Enforcement mechanisms exist primarily through party disciplinary processes and potential judicial oversight, not criminal prosecution

Conclusion

The claim that vote buying in party primaries is “a crime punishable by law” is misleading. 

While such conduct may violate the constitutional requirement for democratic party organisation and could attract sanctions from party structures or judicial intervention, it does not appear to fall within the scope of existing criminal statutes, which specifically target “public elections.”

Unless legislation is amended to explicitly include party primaries within the definition of public elections, criminal prosecution for vote buying in internal party contests remains legally uncertain.

Claim: Social media users have been sharing posts claiming that Group Nduom (GN) Bank’s banking licence has been restored.

Verdict: False. There is no credible official confirmation that GN Bank’s licence has been restored. The claims circulating online are inaccurate. The Bank of Ghana has also refuted such claims. 

Full Text

Social media posts claiming that the banking licence of Group Nduom (GN) Bank, owned by businessman Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, has been restored have attracted significant online attention. In total, the posts have recorded over 200,000 views and more than 8,000 likes across platforms.

The claims appeared on social media accounts, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). On Facebook, a post by user Bongo Ideas carried the caption: “BREAKING: GN Bank’s Licence Restored.”

On X, the account @urbaninsight_ posted that “the banking licence of GN Bank, owned by Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, has been reinstated, clearing the way for the institution to recommence operations after securing the necessary regulatory approval.”

Other X users, including @prime_rakon, have also published such claims. 

The comment sections of these posts showed mixed reactions, with some users expressing excitement while others questioned the authenticity of the claims.

Verification

DUBAWA’s checks revealed that the claim emerged from an interview with the NDC Deputy National Communications Officer on Accra FM on February 4, 2025. In the interview, he stated that the government had restored the license and that the news would be released very soon. 

“Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom has received his license. You will hear the news soon. As we pray for reduced unemployment in the country, the government has also promised not to be an obstacle to any businessman’s life.”

DUBAWA first reviewed the Bank of Ghana’s official list of licensed banks, published on the central bank’s website. The list currently contains 23 licensed banks; GN Bank is not included.

Also, the Bank of Ghana has denied the claims. In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Governor Dr Johnson Asiama said the licence would not be restored, explaining that “the matter had been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court, leaving no room for further regulatory or legal reconsideration.”

Further checks of the official communication channels of the Presidency, the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, and the Bank of Ghana revealed no announcement or statement indicating that GN Bank’s licence has been restored. Such a decision, if taken, would ordinarily be formally communicated to the public.

Additionally, no major media outlet in Ghana has reported on the alleged restoration. Given the significance of such a development, it would have attracted widespread coverage.

Historical Context

GN Bank was founded in 1997 by Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom and expanded rapidly as an indigenous bank serving largely underserved communities. Over time, the bank faced significant financial and governance challenges, including liquidity issues and rising non-performing loans.

During the financial-sector clean-up initiated by the Bank of Ghana in 2017, GN Bank failed to meet new capital requirements and was subsequently downgraded. In August 2019, the central bank revoked its licence, citing insolvency and persistent regulatory breaches.

GN Bank subsequently challenged the decision in court, arguing that the revocation was unfair. However, the revocation has not been overturned, and no court has ordered the automatic restoration of the bank’s licence. Since 2019, GN Bank has remained without a valid operating licence.

In June 2024, then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama pledged during his campaign to assess and, if elected, potentially restore collapsed banks and financial institutions. In July 2024, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, the bank’s owner, during a courtesy call, appealed to Mr Mahama to consider restoring GN Bank’s licence should he win the December 2024 elections. This remains the last publicly known development on the matter.

Can the license be restored?

Yes. That would only happen if GN Bank successfully appeals the Supreme Court’s decision and the courts rule in its favour. Until then, restoration cannot occur. However, the Bank of Ghana has already stated that banks whose licences were revoked can only be restored by a court order, and only where the institutions involved have active cases before the courts. 

Conclusion

Claims circulating on social media that GN Bank’s licence has been restored are false. The bank remains unlicensed, and there has been no official announcement confirming any reinstatement. Any restoration would require a fresh regulatory process and explicit approval from the Bank of Ghana.