NDC

Claim: Several social media accounts and partisan commentators claim that the NPP government took the dollar rate to GH₵17 per USD during their tenure, in response to Dr. Bawumia’s remarks that the NDC has no policy affecting the cedi’s performance.

Verdict: False! Verified data from the Bank of Ghana and other credible platforms show that while the cedi depreciated significantly under the NPP, it never officially reached GH₵17 to the dollar. The peak was approximately GH₵16.41 in November 2024.

Full Text

Over the past few days, following a steady appreciation of the cedi against the US dollar, several social media users and political figures have claimed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government once took the exchange rate to GH₵17 per USD.

This claim emerged prominently after Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and 2024 NPP presidential candidate, commented downplaying the role of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the cedi’s recovery.

Speaking at an engagement with the Young Executive Forum (YEF) in London in May 2025, Dr. Bawumia stated,

“If you ask the NDC to name one policy they have implemented for cedi appreciation, they cannot.”

He further explained that the NDC had only passed its budget in March and had not issued contracts or made any payments, implying that their influence on the currency’s performance was minimal.

These remarks triggered strong reactions across various platforms, with critics focusing on the NPP’s handling of the economy during its administration.

The most common rebuttal was that the cedi had previously depreciated to GH₵17 under Bawumia’s economic leadership, a claim gaining online traction.

Meanwhile, Solomon Owusu, Senior Communicator for the Movement for Change, speaking on TV3 on May 21, 2025, stated,

“I heard Bawumia say that he hasn’t seen any policy that NDC has done… if they are not doing anything, and it’s bringing the dollar down, then it’s a good thing. He that was doing things the right way — where did we find the dollar? 17 cedis… in opposition, he will be giving lectures on economic matters, but in government, he said he is an IT person…”

Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, echoed this claim on his Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) profiles, prompting DUBAWA to fact-check his assertion.

Nonetheless, popular blogger Bongo Ideas also weighed in, posting on X on May 21, 2025:

“Ato Forson took the dollar from 17 to 15 in two months. Took it from 15 to 13 in 1 month and then took it from 13 to 11 in 3 weeks. Projected to hit 9 in 2 weeks. This is what the avowed Economist, Bawumia, could never do! Prices dropping! Aban Papa Aba!” his post garnered over 100,000 views and was widely shared.

Other users also chimed in with viral comments on Facebook:

Nathaniel Dwamena: “NDC does not have one policy, and the Cedi is trading at ₵12 to a dollar. Then they should not have any policy. When Dr. Bawumia listed 33 policies and 170 questions, the Cedi was trading at 17.”

Apiu Beberto: “Dr Bawumia said in October 2020 that the exchange rate would have been 16 cedis if John Dramani Mahama and the NDC were in power, but fast-forward to 2025, JDM and the NDC are in power, and the exchange rate has reduced from almost 17 cedis to 12 cedis. Dr Bawumia, the inconsistent and forgetful talkative, now says what?”

Philip Osei Akoto: “With 100 policies of Bawumia and the NPP, the dollar was trading at 17 cedis. With Zero (0) policy of NDC, the dollar is trading at 12.2 cedis. #CommonSense.”

Edrorlali Apekortu: “If buying a dollar at 11.9 cedis is a failure, then what will buying a dollar at 17 cedis be? If buying a litre of fuel at 12.8 is a failure, then what will buying it at 15 cedis be? You guys don’t have shame. You guys have proven to be bad in government. Clearly, you’re bad, also in opposition. NPP NEVER AGAIN.”

Citizen Sawa Jnr: “Am I the only one who doesn’t find logic in what Opana is saying? U increased the Gold reserve and left the Cedi at almost 17 to a dollar. JM streamlines the Gold sector and exports more gold for dollars to stabilise the cedi. As we speak, a dollar is 11.8 cedis. Between the two of you, who gets sense? These fake IT experts can disturb.”

The frequency of these statements created a widely believed narrative that the cedi had once fallen to GH₵17 under the NPP government. DUBAWA investigated this assertion as part of its campaign to promote truth in public discourse.

Verification

To assess the truthfulness of the GH₵17 claim, DUBAWA examined historical exchange rate data from credible sources.

What was the rate at the time of NDC’s assumption of office?

• Bank of Ghana (January 6, 2025): 1 USD = GH₵14.6927
• Exchange-rates.org (January 7, 2025): 1 USD = GH₵14.7258
• Yahoo Finance (January 7, 2025): 1 USD = GH₵14.6600

Additionally, the Bank of Ghana confirms that on December 31, 2024, the exchange rate was GH₵14.6927 per USD.

These figures show that when the NDC assumed power, the exchange rate hovered between GH₵14.66 and GH₵14.73, not GH₵17.

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Credit: Bank of Ghana

Credit: Bank of Ghana

What was the highest rate under the NPP?

• Exchange-rates.org shows the highest exchange rate in 2024 was GH₵16.415 on November 8, 2024.
• Bank of Ghana records for the same date list the rate as GH₵16.3419

This is the highest official rate on record before the NPP exited office. While it approached GH₵17, it never reached or surpassed that number officially.

Date	Exchange Rate (1 USD to GH₵)	Source
November 8, 2024	16.415 GH₵ 16.3419 GH₵	exchange-rates.org Bank of Ghana
December 31, 2024	14.70050 GH₵ 14.6927 GH₵	exchange-rates.org Bank of Ghana

By the end of December 2024, the rate had declined to GH₵14.6927, further disproving the GH₵17 figure as the last standing rate under NPP leadership.

Conclusion

The claim that the exchange rate reached GH₵17 per USD under the NPP government is false. Verified data from the Bank of Ghana, exchange-rates.org, and Yahoo Finance confirm that the highest official exchange rate was approximately GH₵16.41, not GH₵17.

Claim: A Facebook post claims that Ibrahim Mahama launched a cryptocurrency in Ghana that makes thousands of people profit.​

Verdict: False. Ibrahim Mahama has not launched cryptocurrency in Ghana. The post shared on Facebook and the website promoting the launch of cryptoexplodeAI have no link with Ibrahim Mahama. Through his aide, the business mogul debunked a similar claim in an AI-generated video linking him to cryptocurrency.

Full Text

A Facebook post claims that business mogul Ibrahim Mahama has launched a new cryptocurrency called cryptoexplodeAI. The post explains that individuals who join the trade could earn up to GHS6000 in 24 hours.

The link posted on Facebook leads to a website that details the purported cryptocurrency Mr. Mahama launched.

According to the publication, the cryptocurrency operates on artificial intelligence. Ghanaian citizens could earn GHS3,800 to start making profits up to GHS62,000 a month and up to GHS750,000 a year, even without financial experience.

The publication included a statement supposedly coming from Ibrahim Mahama.

“I understand how difficult it is for many Ghanaians— low wages, high prices, limited opportunities. That’s why we created CryptoExplodeAI— an AI-powered platform that has already changed the lives of thousands. It’s licensed, fully legal, and allows you to earn from day one,” the statement read in part.

It concluded that “these words are not just promises, but a 100% financial guarantee!”

The publication also alleged that President John Dramani Mahama had endorsed the cryptocurrency.

“Today, I confidently declare that I fully support Ibrahim Mahama’s initiative — the CryptoExplodeAI platform. It is already helping thousands nationwide earn a stable income — honestly, transparently, and legally. CryptoExplodeAI is a licensed, legal tool that opens new financial opportunities for those who previously had none,” a statement attributed to President Mahama reads.

Towards the end of the publication, a step-by-step guide is provided on registering. The form for the supposed cryptocurrency investment collected a user’s phone number and other biographical information before requesting an initial deposit of GHS 3,800.

Verification 

DUBAWA attempted to fill out the form using pseudo-personal details. We noticed that the personal information requested differed from what cryptocurrency platforms require.

Credible cryptocurrency platforms usually require identity verification, which requires potential subscribers to upload their Ghana Card if they are Ghanaians. They also require facial or fingerprint verification. The absence of these verification processes raises suspicion about the authenticity of the cryptoexplodeAI platform.

When DUBAWA entered the contacts provided on the registration page on a mobile application ID, the actual caller, +441613883321, was traced to Manchester, United Kingdom, and the other contact, +27104960658, was traced to Johannesburg, South Africa.

When the provided phone numbers were run through the Truecaller app, they were associated with ‘scam’ based on data from multiple app users who have engaged with the phone numbers. 

DUBAWA also found that the website cloned the appearance of graphic.com.gh, one of Ghana’s most respected news outlets, to lend an air of credibility to their operations. 

Checks on Graphic.com.gh showed that they had not published any cryptocurrency-related articles. 

Screenshot of the home page of Graphic Online (L) and screenshot of the cloned website (R)

Additionally, in a recent Facebook post, Rafiq Mahama, Ibrahim Mahama’s aide denied that Mr. Mahama has launched any cryptocurrency. He described such posts as AI-generated and fake.

Further search on the internet revealed similar claims involving high-profile individuals, including President Mahama.

Conclusion 

From the above evidence, it is clear that the Facebook post and the website promoting the launch of cryptoexplodeAI have no link with Ibrahim Mahama. Through his aide, the business mogul debunked a similar claim in an AI-generated video linking him to cryptocurrency. The claim is, therefore, false.

Claim: A viral Facebook post alleges $349,000 was spent flying Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang from England to Accra on a private luxury jet.

Verdict: False! The claim that $349,000 was spent to fly Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang from England to Accra on a private luxury jet is false. Market data shows that such a flight typically costs between $13,000 and $80,000, depending on the jet type and service level. The figure in the viral post is grossly exaggerated and not supported by any available evidence.

Full Text

The post, which has attracted dozens of reactions and comments, suggests that an exorbitant sum of $349,000 was used for a single private jet trip for the Vice President. Unchecked viral claims can manipulate public sentiment through emotional appeals rather than factual assessment.

The claim suggests extreme government wastage of $349,000, approximately 4-6 times higher than actual market rates for such flights. Financial misinformation about public officials can distort citizens’ understanding of national budget priorities and spending. 

DUBAWA decided to fact-check this claim to help preserve the integrity of public discourse by ensuring that citizens can form opinions based on accurate information rather than exaggerated or fabricated claims designed to provoke emotional responses.

Verification

DUBAWA analysed industry data from private jet charter companies that shows that a one-way flight from London to Accra on a heavy or ultra-long-range jet typically costs between $28,000 and $80,000, depending on the aircraft type and luxury level. For example, PereJets lists ultra-long-range jets for this route at $36,100–$52,800 one way. Another provider, 1FLT, quotes up to $76,200 for the same journey. Even with premium services and last-minute bookings, data states prices rarely exceed $100,000 for a one-way trip between these cities.

No credible evidence, such as government expenditure records, flight manifests, or reputable news reports, confirms that $349,000 was spent on a private jet to transport the Vice President from England to Accra. The figure quoted in the viral post is more than four times the highest published rate for this type of journey.

 Could Any Special Circumstance Justify the Amount?

• While costs can rise due to extra stops, repositioning fees, or luxury add-ons, DUBAWA can confirm that even the most exclusive private jet charters for this route do not approach the $349,000 mark.

When DUBAWA checked flight tracking websites (like FlightAware) for any records of private jet flights arriving in Accra from England on the relevant dates, we found that the Vice President used a VistaJet charter, specifically a Bombardier Global Express (GLEX), a large, ultra-long-range business jet.

Flight Details:

• Departure: 10:18 AM BST from England (scheduled for 09:07 AM BST)
• Arrival: 03:40 PM GMT in Accra (scheduled for 02:29 PM GMT)
• Flight Duration: Approximately 6 hours and 22 minutes

Flight tracking on FlightAware

What Is the Realistic Cost of This Flight?

Industry Rates for Bombardier Global Express (GLEX) Charter

• VistaJet and other providers typically charge between $8,000 and $12,000 per hour for this aircraft.
• Total Flight Time: ~6.5 hours (rounded up for possible taxiing and delays)
• Estimated Cost Calculation:
  • $8,000 × 6.5 = $52,000
  • $12,000 × 6.5 = $78,000
• Typical Range for This Route:
  $52,000–$78,000 (one-way, London to Accra, on a Bombardier Global Express)

Other Considerations

• Even with extra fees (landing, handling, crew), the total rarely exceeds $90,000–$100,000 for a one-way trip.
• There is no credible scenario where the cost would reach $349,000 for this specific flight.

Conclusion

After thorough verification, DUBAWA finds the claim that $349,000 was spent to charter a private jet for the Vice President’s flight from England to Accra is false. Industry data, flight tracking records, and market rates for the Bombardier Global Express used on the trip show that such a flight typically costs between $52,000 and $78,000, with even the highest estimates rarely exceeding $100,000. No credible evidence supports the viral figure, which is grossly exaggerated and not reflective of private jet charter costs for this route. 

Claim: YEA boss, Malik Basintale, says the US Dollar exchange rate to the Ghanaian Cedi has decreased from GH₵17 to GH₵12.45 within 4 months since the NDC assumed power.

Verdict: Malik Basintale’s statement is misleading, as the rate was approximately GH₵14.70 when the NDC assumed power on January 7, 2025, though the current rate of GH₵12.45 is accurate.

Full Text

Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and leader of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, posted on his social media pages (Facebook and X) suggesting a significant improvement in the Ghanaian Cedi’s value against the US Dollar under the NDC government.

He attributed the drop from GH₵17 to GH₵12.45 to their economic policies within a short period, showcasing it as a positive development for Ghana’s economy.

Meanwhile, Malik Basintale’s post, claiming a drop in the US Dollar exchange rate from Ghc17 to Ghc12.45 within four months under the NDC, gained significant traction across his social media platforms.

On X, where he has 79.8K followers, the post garnered 7.9K likes, 795 retweets, and an impressive 196K views within 17 hours of being shared.

With his 145K followers on Facebook, the post amassed 2.5K comments, 373 shares, and additional engagement from 11K others.

The high engagement metrics reflect the post’s widespread reach and the polarising nature of the economic claim among his audience. Thus, DUBAWA decided to investigate further to check against misinformation.

Verification

To assess the accuracy of this claim, DUBAWA needed to verify two key components:

1. The current exchange rate as of May 15, 2025.
2. The exchange rate was when the NDC “inherited” power, which refers to when they assumed office on January 7, 2025, following their victory in the December 7, 2024, presidential election.

Current Exchange Rate (May 15, 2025)

Multiple reputable sources confirm the current exchange rate:

• Bank of Ghana reported the exchange rate as 1 USD = 12.3938 as of May 15, 2025.
  
• Yahoo Finance reports the exchange rate as 1 USD = 12.4000 GH₵ as of May 15, 2025.
  
• Exchange-rates.org indicates 1 USD = 12.45868 GH₵.
  
• XE.com shows 1 USD = 12.424242 GH₵.

These figures align closely with Basintale’s claim of “GH₵12.45,” confirming that the current exchange rate is accurate.

Exchange Rate When NDC Took Power (January 7, 2025)

The NDC, led by President John Mahama, was inaugurated on January 7, 2025, after winning the 2024 general election. To determine the “inherited” exchange rate, we examined historical data for that date:

• Bank of Ghana records the exchange rate on January 6, 2025, as 1 USD = 14.6927
  
• Exchange-rates.org records the January 7, 2025 exchange rate as 1 USD = 14.72577 GH₵.
  
• Yahoo Finance lists the January 7, 2025 closing rate as 1 USD = 14.6600 GH₵.

Additionally, the exchange rate just before the NDC took power, on December 31, 2024, was 1 USD = 14.6927 GH₵, according to the Bank of Ghana. These figures consistently show that the exchange rate at the time of the NDC’s inauguration was approximately 14.6927 GH₵ per USD, not GH₵17 as claimed.

Credit: Bank of Ghana

Credit: Bank of Ghana

Historical Context and Possible Misinterpretation

To explore whether the GH₵17 figure could refer to a different period, DUBAWA investigated the highest exchange rate under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government:

• According to exchange-rates.org, the highest exchange rate in 2024 was 1 USD = 16.415 GH₵ on November 8, 2024. Likewise, the Bank of Ghana records 16.3419 per USD for the same date.
  
• By December 31, 2024, the rate had decreased to 14.70050 GH₵ and remained around 14.66–14.73 GH₵ by January 7, 2025.

The peak rate of ‘16.3419 to 16.415’ GH₵ is close to 17, and Basintale may have rounded this figure up or referred to this high point when mentioning “GH₵17 inherited.”

However, the term “inherited” typically denotes the conditions when taking office: January 7, 2025, when the rate was 14.6927–14.72577 GH₵. Referring to a peak rate two months earlier as “inherited” is misleading.

Strength of the Cedi as of May 2025

The strengthening of the Ghanaian Cedi from approximately 14.70 GH₵ to 12.45 GH₵ per USD within four months (January to May 2025) is a notable economic achievement.

A lower exchange rate indicates a stronger Cedi, which can reduce the cost of imports and improve economic stability. This aligns with Basintale’s celebratory gesture, suggesting that the NDC’s policies may have contributed to this improvement.

However, no official statements from the NDC or government sources directly corroborate the GH₵17 figure.

Summary Table

Date	Exchange Rate (1 USD to GH₵)	Source
November 8, 2024	16.415 GH₵ 16.3419 GH₵	exchange-rates.org Bank of Ghana
December 31, 2024	14.70050 GH₵ 14.6927 GH₵	exchange-rates.org Bank of Ghana
January 7, 2025 January 6, 2025	14.6600–14.72577 GH₵ 14.6927 GH₵	Yahoo Finance, exchange-rates.org Bank of Ghana
May 15, 2025	12.4000–12.45868 GH₵                                         12.3938 GH₵	Yahoo Finance, exchange-rates.org, XE.com Bank of Ghana

Conclusion

Malik Basintale’s claim that the US Dollar exchange rate dropped from GH₵17 to GH₵12.45 within 4 months is misleading. The current exchange rate of approximately GH₵12.45 is accurate, and the Cedi has strengthened significantly since the NDC took power. However, the claim that the rate was GH₵17 when the NDC “inherited” power is incorrect.

As part of celebrating its 120 achievements, the government, through the Information Services Department, posted a flyer with a narrative about achieving a promise of a lean government. DUBAWA intends to subject the narrative to critical scrutiny.

The government agency circulated a flyer on its Facebook page claiming that the ruling party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has cut the number of presidential staff from 336 to 30 and the country’s ministries from 30 to 23.

This flyer, which was reshared several times on the agency’s X account, claimed former president Nana Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party(NPP) administration ballooned the size of his government by increasing the number of ministries to 30 and presidential staffers to 336. 

The post, which celebrates Mahama’s 120 days in office, suggests that the sitting president has taken a markedly different approach from his predecessor. 

The hashtag #120dayssocialcontractdelivered references Mahama’s governance promise to run a lean administration within his first 120 days in office. 

As of May 15, 2025, the flyer had attracted 213 shares and over 110 comments on Facebook and appeared on X here, here, and here.

As part of efforts to promote truth in public discourse, DUBAWA decided to investigate the two claims and the narrative accompanying them. 

Claim 1: Nana Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration increased the number of ministries to 30

According to official government records and a 2021 press release from the Office of the President, the number of ministries under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was streamlined from 36 during President Akufo-Addo’s first term to 28 in his second term. 

This contradicts the claim in the flyer, which inaccurately states that the NPP created 30 ministries.

The 28 ministries include longstanding portfolios in finance, education, health, and interior, and restructured or newly introduced ministries. For instance, the Ministry of Energy emerged after a merger involving the former Power Ministry, while Lands and Natural Resources remained distinct entities. 

During the first term, new ministries were created, including the Ministry for Business Development, the Ministry for Monitoring and Evaluation, the Ministry for Regional Reorganisation and Development, the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives, the Ministry for Zongo and Inner City Development, and the Ministry of Railway Development.

However, many of these were either realigned or scrapped in the President’s second term, leading to the official reduction in the total number of ministries. 

The flyer’s claim not only inflates the count by two but also overlooks the realignments and reductions acknowledged in the 2021 press release, thereby misleadingly suggesting a more expansive administrative structure than was officially maintained.

Verdict: Misleading. The flyer overstates the number of ministries under the Akufo-Addo administration, claiming 30 instead of the officially recorded 28. 

Claim 2:   Nana Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration employed 336 presidential staffers, while Mahama had only 30.

Data available via the Parliamentary Repository presents different data. 

According to official records submitted to Parliament by the Office of the President, 44 senior presidential staffers were appointed during President Akufo-Addo’s administration. 

These included core presidential advisers, directors, and secretaries. Additionally, 315 other political appointees, such as executive assistants, liaison officers, personal aides, and technical staff, were engaged in supporting various departments. 

Two Ministers of State at the Presidency were also listed, bringing the total number of political operatives working to over 361.

In contrast, under President Mahama’s administration, exactly 30 presidential staffers were appointed, a number he publicly confirmed. Of these, 27 were appointed to direct staff roles, while three were directors of key governmental initiatives. 

The flyer confuses total political appointees with core presidential staff. 

According to the Deputy presidential spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, there’s a distinction between actual presidential staff and supporting staff. She confirmed the data for the actual staff, but stated that data on supporting staff was not yet available.

Since the newly elected NDC administration has not published its complete list of presidential staff or support staff, it is premature to suggest that it has outperformed the NPP in reducing staff numbers.

Screenshot of the official list of parliamentary staffers for Akufo-Addo

Verdict: The comparison in the flyer is misleading. While the NPP had 336 political appointees to the presidency, 44 of whom are presidential staffers, the NDC only cited the core presidential staffers, who were 30, excluding the political appointees. 

When contacted, a government official, deputy presidential spokesperson Shamima Muslim, acknowledged the distinction between actual presidential and supporting staff. She provided data for the actual staff but stated that data on supporting staff was not yet available. 

As such, it is premature to conclude that the current administration has significantly reduced overall staff numbers compared to the NPP era.

Conclusion

The flyer’s claim that the NPP had 30 ministries and 336 presidential staffers is false. Verified records from Parliament and official government releases show that the Akufo-Addo administration operated 28 ministries, not 30, and had 44 senior presidential staffers, not 336. The flyer misleadingly includes auxiliary staffers in its count.

While Mahama’s administration did maintain a smaller number of ministries and staffers, the comparative data used in the viral post exaggerates the difference. 

Claim: Multiple social media users share a picture claiming various stacks of dollars were captured in  Sammy Gyamfi’s car. 

Verdict: False. DUBAWA’s checks reveal that the image first appeared online in September 2023. 

Full Text 

The National Democratic Congress’ communications director and acting head of Ghana GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, was criticised by the general public several hours after he was seen giving an undisclosed amount of money in dollars to Evangelist Mama Pat, popularly known as Nana Agradaa. 

The rage comes at a time when the new Code of Conduct for government appointees was just launched.

Several social media and political commentators have condemned the act. Some have called on the president to take decisive action against his appointee because they believe it was a wrong act by Sammy Gyamfi. 

In the heat of the moment, an X user, @rgyamfi107, shared an image in a post claiming various stacks of dollars were found in Sammy Gyamfi’s car. 

“NDC’s chief communicator car oooo. Power sweet,” the post was captioned with an alleged image.

The same image was shared on Facebook with the caption “inside Sammy Gyamfi’s car. Hmm Ghana”  to paint the same narrative. 

The claim could misinform, so DUBAWA decided to investigate the claim.

Verification 

Using Google reverse image search, DUBAWA found that the image is old. It appeared online in an Instagram post on Sep. 10, 2023.  

Jennifer Aniston’s private page uploaded the same image with the same car seat colour and background as part of a series of pictures in a Facebook post on Dec. 20,  2024. 

You can find other social media posts where this particular image has been uploaded by several users here, here, here, and here. 

Considering that Sammy Gyamfi’s video giving out dollars is recent, and the picture used in the various stacks of dollars found in his car has been online for years, the image cannot represent cash found in Gyamfi’s car in recent times.

Conclusion

The narrative that stacks of dollars were found in Gyamfi’s car is false. The image used to depict the stacks of dollars is old.

Claim: Several social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok have recirculated a video of Evangelist Mama Pat, also known as Nana Agradaa, counting $10,000. The users alleged that Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of Goldbod and a prominent NDC figure, gave the money to her.

Verdict: False! While a recent video shows Sammy Gyamfi gifting Agradaa some money, the viral video of her counting what appears to be $10,000 is from 2023. It has no connection to the recent incident.

Full Text

A video surfaced on social media on May 10, 2025, capturing a scene where Sammy Gyamfi is seen giving money to Nana Agradaa at an outdoor event.

After an interaction, Agradaa takes the cash, described as “hundreds of dollars,” from Gyamfi and happily flaunts it to the camera. The footage quickly went viral, triggering mixed reactions, particularly due to Gyamfi’s public status and his party’s recent return to power.

Following the backlash, Sammy Gyamfi apologised, explaining that he often supports the less privileged and meant no harm. Nana Agradaa also clarified that the amount given was $800. She added that she had supported the NDC’s campaign and saw an opportunity to be appreciated.

However, alongside the circulation of the real footage, another video resurfaced on social media showing Agradaa counting $100 bills, which many claimed amounted to $10,000 and allegedly came from Sammy Gyamfi.

For instance, Facebook user Joseph Ohene-Dei posted:

“Sammy Gyamfi gave me 100,000 dollars, those hungry NDC foot soldiers should shut up,” attributed to Agradaa. This post received over 70,000 views, 83 comments, and 111 likes.

On Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), a user with the handle @Gen_Buhari_ told his 29,000 followers:

“Agradaa is counting the Dollars Sammy Gyamfi gave to her. It’s made of $100 notes, the cash may be more than $10,000…” The post gathered 57,000 views and hundreds of engagements.

Similarly, TikTok account dmb.2028, which supports Dr. Bawumia, posted the same video, captioning it:

“Agradaa counting the gold board dollars that Sammy Miami gave her [SIC].” A commenter wrote, “So now where are the Ghana Journalists… hypocrite journalist.” The account owner replied, “They have all been bribed.”

Given how widespread and politicised the video had become, DUBAWA investigated the origins of the footage.

Verification

Using a reverse video search and TikTok keyword analysis, DUBAWA discovered that the video in question dates back to August 2023.

In August that year, Agradaa had a public spat with Evangelist Suro Nyame, a controversial online preacher.

The clash stemmed from Suro Nyame’s accusations that pastors misuse church offertory funds. In response, Agradaa posted a video mocking him in which she pulled out a bundle of $100 bills from her bag and counted them, purportedly $10,000. She used the display of wealth to spite him, calling him poor and irrelevant.

TikTok account ‘thisworld026’ also posted the same video on August 25, 2023, discrediting claims that the footage was recent.

This evidence confirms that the video currently being circulated as part of the Sammy Gyamfi-Agradaa incident is, in fact, over a year old.

Conclusion

The viral video of Nana Agradaa counting what appears to be $10,000 is unrelated to Sammy Gyamfi. It was recorded in 2023 during a separate dispute with Evangelist Suro Nyame.

Claim: A TikTok post claims Elon Musk has promised to visit and meet Sam George, Ghana’s communications, digital technology, and innovations minister. 

Verdict: False! The video has been manipulated. DUBAWA’s checks reveal that the original video was Musk’s interview with Chris Anderson on TED in April 2022.

Full Text 

A viral post on TikTok suggests that the wealthiest man in the world, Elon Musk, has promised to visit Ghana to meet Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation. 

In the video, the Tesla Motors owner talks about his willingness to meet the president and the Minister of Communications of the West African country and promises to set up Starlink’s “largest office.” 

“I am Elon Musk. I am very glad to reply to Sam George from Ghana, who said that I will come to Ghana soon. To meet him and President John Mahama. I am ready to establish the largest office for my Starlink company in Ghana and employ more Ghanaian youth in my Starlink Company. Thank you, honourable minister for communication, Samuel Nartey George,” he allegedly said in the 22-second video posted by AGOETV on TikTok. 

As of May 9, 2025, the video had garnered 15,900 likes, 2,232 shares, and 561 comments on TikTok. 

DUBAWA recognises the potential for the viral video to mislead, misinform, and disinform citizens when discussing the government’s achievements after 120 days in office. Therefore, DUBAWA decided to investigate this claim. 

Verification 

Elon Musk is the wealthiest man in the world, and a visit to the West African nation would gain traction from major news outlets. However, no credible media outlet reports Musk’s visit to Ghana.

Also, DUBAWA’s checks reveal that the video is manipulated. Using advanced keyword search and  Google reverse image search, we found another manipulated version of the same video with  Musk in the same attire and background, but used in a different context. Find the video as posted on SERIOUS DANGER AI’s YouTube page.

Further checks revealed that the original version of the video was an interview with Chris Anderson on the TED show. You can find the video uploaded on the TED YouTube page here. In the interview, Musk, in the same attire and background, talked about Twitter, Tesla, and other essential aspects of his life.

The video was uploaded on April 22, 2022, when Sam Nartey George and the current ruling party, the National Democratic Congress, were in opposition. Therefore, Musk could not have promised to visit Ghana to meet Sam Nartey George, as minister of communications, and John Mahama, as president.

Conclusion 

The claim that Elon Musk has promised to meet Samuel Nartey George is false. 

Introduction

On April 1, 2024, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, made startling claims during a press engagement and subsequent media appearances. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour alleged a suspicious aircraft landing in Ghana. According to his statements, an AirMed flight N823AM, explicitly designed as an air ambulance for transporting patients, landed at Kotoka International Airport on March 20, 2025, and remained in Ghana for five days before departing at 1:00 AM on March 25, 2025, back to Gran Canaria.

In his press conference, Ntim Fordjour claimed that “reliable intelligence intercepted by the Minority Caucus” indicated that no patients were transported on this air ambulance either to or from Accra. Instead, he alleged that the aircraft carried “suspicious cargo suspected to be cocaine and cash in US dollars.”

Further allegations expanded to include a second aircraft—a Cavok Air private jet Antonov AN 12 B—which Rev. Fordjour claimed also landed in Ghana during the same period between March 20 and March 25, 2025, similarly carrying suspected cocaine and an undisclosed amount of cash.

This explainer unpacks the timeline of events, responses from key political figures, and the current state of this unfolding situation based on verified information from multiple sources.

The Genesis: Allegations by Ntim Fordjour

Rev. Ntim Fordjour claimed that planes were landing in Ghana under suspicious circumstances involving illicit drugs and cash. Although he did not provide concrete evidence or name specific individuals, he implied the phenomenon was systemic and well-calculated. These remarks were interpreted as a serious indictment of the current administration.

“Airplanes are flying in cocaine and money into this country. People know, yet nothing is being done,” he reportedly said.

The statement went viral, with critics and supporters split over whether he was blowing the whistle on drug trafficking and state complicity or making unfounded accusations for political mileage.

Mahama’s Intervention

Moments later, President John Dramani Mahama issued a statement urging the claim to be fact-checked. While he did not directly address the allegations, Mahama called for investigations into any such claims but cautioned against politicising national security matters.

In a Facebook post, President Mahama said he has directed the investigative agencies to collaborate with the MP and get him to provide them with relevant information to investigate the allegations swiftly.

“Government takes all allegations seriously.” President Mahama noted, adding, “To ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, I have directed all relevant investigative agencies… to immediately and fully collaborate with the honourable member of parliament so he provides all necessary information to investigate the allegations and take all action necessary to expose any drug dealing.”

Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s Rebuttal

Government spokesperson Felix Ofosu Kwakye, a prominent member of Mahama’s team, issued a rebuttal to Ntim Fordjour’s claims.

He dismissed the allegations as “reckless, baseless, and dangerous,” accusing the MP of attempting to smear the Mahama administration without evidence.

“These kinds of statements are how political violence and mistrust fester. He has no proof, and this is just propaganda,” Ofosu Kwakye said.

The public reaction to Rev. John Ntim Fordjour’s allegations

1. Concerns over lack of evidence: Many have criticised Fordjour for making serious allegations without presenting concrete evidence. Critics argue that such claims should be backed by credible information to avoid damaging the country’s reputation and undermining trust in its institution. Media personalities like Kwesi Pratt Jr have highlighted inconsistencies in Fordjour’s statements, questioning whether he speaks for the Minority in Parliament or a parliamentary committee, adding to public scepticism about his claims.
2. Political Polarisation: The issue has become highly politicised, with supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) generally backing Fordjour’s call for transparency and investigation, while those aligned with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
3. Calls for Accountability: Some members have welcomed President Mahama’s directive for an investigation, seeing it as a positive step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.

Kwakye Ofosu returns with further details

The first aircraft, an Antonov 12 VK with registration number CVK 7037, arrived in Ghana on March 12, 2025, after securing a landing permit (GAF/TMAO/25/7863). The cargo plane from Rwanda and Angola carried oil-drilling equipment and lubricants destined for the European Union market.

According to Kwakye Ofosu, the aircraft required a technical stop in Ghana for RA3 scanning and screening. Rwanda lacks this certification, which is necessary for entering the EU. The Swiss cargo facility at Kotoka International Airport is certified to perform this inspection.

DUBAWA’s check

When DUBAWA checked the flight activity history on CVK7037, we found no available data on the flight-tracking platform. The platform last tracked CVK7037 in December 2024, when it moved from Malaga, Spain, on December 18 to a location near Cairo, Egypt, on December 19.

The claims about AirMed N823AM’s arrival and departure times at Kotoka International Airport are consistent with open-source data from the flight’s activity history. However, no evidence supports Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s claim that AirMed N823AM went through Rwanda and Angola before coming to Ghana. Contrary to his claim that the Airmed N823AM passed through Rwanda and Angola to the Gran Canaria, the flight history presents different data. The flight details showed that the Airmed N823AM flew through Santa Maria in Portugal to the Gran Canaria in Spain on 19th March before coming to Ghana on 20th March.

The second aircraft, a Hawker 800XP with registration number N823AM, was operated by AirMed International, a U.S.-based air ambulance service. According to Ofosu Kwaye, the aircraft, handled in Ghana by Tropicana Airlines, arrived from Gran Canaria, Spain, after passing through Rwanda and Angola. 

Its purpose for landing in Ghana on March 20, 2025, was a technical stop for refuelling and crew rest. However, upon landing, the aircraft suffered a tyre burst and additional issues with its landing gear, which required servicing before it could take off again, Mr Kwakye Ofosu indicated.

“On March 22, 2025, another aircraft (registration number N864) arrived with replacement tyres and flight engineers from Rwanda. The necessary repairs were made, and the aircraft departed Ghana on March 25, 2025.

“As with the first aircraft, the Hawker 800XP was subjected to security inspections by NACOC, National Security, Aviation Security, and the NIB, and no illegal substances were discovered.”

Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s assurance of “facts”

In response to suggestions that his allegations were merely a publicity stunt, Rev. Fordjour clarified his position during an interview on Channel One Newsroom with Umaru Sanda Amadu on April 5, 2025. He emphasised that the Minority’s actions regarding the alleged drug trafficking were rooted in their constitutional mandate rather than a desire for attention.

“If I wanted to be popular, I would have released the biggest gospel hit, and then I would have had the biggest viewers,” Fordjour stated, rejecting characterisations of his allegations as attempts to gain popularity.

Rev. Fordjour reaffirmed his allegations, saying he would not be silenced. He expressed faith in God and confidence in his caucus’ support.

4. NPP Caucus Response

“The truth shall stand. I spoke the truth as I know it. I will not be intimidated by men with guns. My conscience is clear, and I remain committed to the fight for transparency and accountability,” he said.

National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) officials, on April 9, engaged in a standoff with Rev Ntim Fordjour in an attempt to effect his arrest at his home.

The move sparked political backlash, with dozens of NPP loyalists protesting at the MP’s house. Afenyo-Markin accused the government of weaponising state agencies against dissenters.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, condemned what he described as a politically motivated attempt by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to “intimidate and silence” Rev. Fordjour.

“We will not be intimidated. Rev. Fordjour does not walk alone. He speaks for the caucus,” Afenyo-Markin said in a press briefing at Ntim Fordjour’s residence  [Watch from 40:30].

The security officers eventually left without incident, but the political temperature escalated.

Where Things Stand Now

• The NIB has not officially confirmed or denied its role in the attempted arrest of the MP.
  
• The government has not commented directly on the incident at Fordjour’s residence.
  
• The NPP parliamentary caucus demands a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into the drug allegations and the actions of the security agencies.
  
• Civil society organisations have renewed calls for transparency in Ghana’s national security operations and accountability for serious claims made by public officials.
  

Conclusion

Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s drug trafficking claims have thrown Ghana’s political and security institutions into the spotlight. While the veracity of his allegations remains unproven, the response by state agents and the resulting political standoff has reignited debates around free speech, state accountability, and democratic governance in Ghana. The controversy continues to develop, with both sides maintaining their positions. Ghanaians await further details as the authorised investigative bodies pursue the veracity of the allegations.

Claim: A member of the NDC Communications team, Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu, stated that President Mahama did not promise to end galamsey within his first 120 days in office.  

Verdict: True! No such promise was made. However, the government promised to ban illegal mining in forest reserves and initiate environmental recovery programs, which it has yet to do.

Full Text

Galamsey, the local term for illegal small-scale mining, has been a persistent challenge in Ghana, causing environmental degradation, water pollution, and social unrest. 

During the 2024 election campaign, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were scrutinised over their plans to tackle the issue.

However, John Dramani Mahama, the NDC flagbearer who won the December 2024 presidential election, made galamsey and solutions for it a key campaign focus by providing a “120-day social contract,” which outlined actions to be taken within his first 120 days in office, starting January 7, 2025.

Following Mahama’s inauguration, some media outlets and public discussions suggested that he had promised to end galamsey within 120 days. This narrative gained traction, prompting Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu, a member of the NDC Communications team, to refute the claim in an article published by 3news.com on April 2, 2025, titled “Mahama did not promise to end ‘galamsey’ within 120 days – Hamza Suhuyini.” 

Mr Suhuyini stated, “There’s nowhere in NDC’s 26 promises that President Mahama has said that ‘I will end illegal mining in 120 days.’”

The 3news.com article was also shared on TV3 Ghana’s official Facebook page on April 2, 2025, under the headline, “Hanza Suhuyini, a member of the NDC Communications Team, refutes claims that President Mahama promised to end illegal mining in 120 days.” 

The post garnered significant engagement, receiving 2.5K likes, 550 comments, and 66 shares. Comments under the post reflected a mix of scepticism and frustration. 

For instance, a user named Old-king Noble Deladem wrote, “Anybody that says NDC promised to end galamsey in 120 days didn’t take reading comprehension seriously in school. Good morning,” while Barima Nana Kwame Essuon I commented, “They’ve started running away from their words ooo.”

Nonetheless, another user, Old-king Noble Deladem, added, “As a Media house, I trust you, so kindly, check the archive and tell us the truth, not what he said.” 

Abukari Alhassan asked, “Why are you guys running away from your previous statement?” Equally,  Mallam V IP Sadick asked, “So if u guys have proof of what the president said, why don’t u prove it? Hamza was right.” 

Other comments, like those from Anthony Toboh and Ohene Nyantakyi, urged a more pragmatic view. Nyantakyi noted, “The NDC needs to sign… Pepe and Sergio Ramos, cos it won’t be easy to defend every nonsense; they just lure some vulnerable Ghanaians to vote for them.”

It was also posted on TV3 Ghana’s official X account on the same day, with the caption, “There’s nowhere in NDC’s 26 promises that President Mahama has said that ‘I will end illegal mining in 120 days’ – Hamza Suhuyini,” garnering 58.6K views, 117 retweets, 1.7K likes, and 15 comments by 10:54 AM on April 2, 2025.

DUBAWA decided to investigate further due to the public’s reliance on accurate information about campaign promises, especially on a critical issue like galamsey, and the potential for misinformation to undermine trust in the new administration. 

The significant engagement on TV3 Ghana’s Facebook post and the polarised comments highlighted the need for clarity on what Mahama promised.

Verification

To verify the claim, DUBAWA examined the NDC’s official 120-day social contract document on galamsey:

NDC’s 120-Day Social Contract: The document lists 26 commitments to be implemented within Mahama’s first 120 days. 

Point 19 states, “Ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves. Roll out our ‘Tree for Life’ and ‘Blue Water Initiative’ to heal and sustainably harness the environment by turning areas and water bodies degraded by illegal mining into economic and ecological recovery hubs.” 

This statement indicates a plan to address galamsey by banning illegal mining in forest reserves and starting environmental recovery programs. 

However, there is no explicit promise to end galamsey within 120 days. The language suggests the initiation of a process, not its completion. 

Additionally, Point 13 mentions instituting inquiries into “Galamsey Fraud” and “missing excavators,” but this refers to investigating related corruption, not ending galamsey itself within the timeframe.

While it is true the NDC did not promise to end galamsey in 120 days in its manifesto, it did promise to ban all mining activities in forest reserves within 120 days.

Having spent more than 120 days in government, DUBAWA can report that the government has yet to meet its campaign promise of banning illegal mining activities in forest reserves.

On March 10, 2025, Defense Minister Dr. Omane Boamah warned illegal miners to stay out of forest reserves following a joint operation by the Forestry Commission and military that seized 10 excavators and a bulldozer in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve, as reported by gbcghanaonline.com. The minister urged miners to evacuate their equipment, indicating enforcement efforts, but no mention was made of a formal ban being legislated or fully enforced.

As of April 3, 2025, no official government statement or report confirms that a nationwide ban on illegal mining in forest reserves has been formally legislated or fully enforced, even though there have been several reports of galamsey in forest reserves. While operations to remove miners and seize equipment have occurred, these actions do not necessarily equate to a comprehensive ban. Additionally, the “Tree for Life” and “Blue Water Initiative” programs were not mentioned in available reports, so their rollout status remains unclear.

With the 120-day promise set to expire on May 7, 2025, it remains to be seen if the ban will be announced and duly enforced.

Conclusion

The claim that Mahama promised to end galamsey within 120 days is false. The NDC’s 120-day social contract commits to banning illegal mining in forest reserves and initiating environmental recovery programs, but Point 19 does not promise to eradicate galamsey within 120 days.