Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticised the remarks made by a United States immigration judge regarding the criminal case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, describing the comments as an overreach that undermines Ghana’s judicial sovereignty and legal system.
Speaking to Alfred Ocansey on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, Kpebu said the US immigration judge exceeded his mandate by making detailed observations about the merits of charges filed by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The comments follow a ruling by the US immigration judge in proceedings involving Ofori-Atta’s immigration status. In his rul…
[23:21, 21/07/2026] NDC JULIUS BALY JABS: National Service Board Suspends GH¢60 Capacity-Building Levy After Service Personnel Backlash
The Governing Board of the National Service Authority (NSA) has directed the immediate suspension of the controversial GH¢60 capacity-building levy following widespread concerns and objections from National Service personnel across the country.
The Deputy Director-General of the National Service Authority in charge of Operations, Lieutenant Colonel Moses Moknak Bangu, confirmed the decision during an interview with Alfred Ocansey on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on Tuesday, 21st July 2026.
According to Lt. Col. Bangu, the suspension was ordered after the Governing Board considered feedback received from service personnel regarding the deduction from their monthly allowances.
“The Governing Board of the National Service Authority has directed that this exercise be suspended with immediate effect,” he said.
He explained that the decision was taken after consultations by the Governing Board and management in response to concerns raised by personnel nationwide.
Addressing questions about the role of the National Service Authority, Lt. Col. Bangu clarified that the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) is an autonomous body established under the National Service Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1119), with its own elected leadership and executive structure.
He stated that the National Service Authority does not participate in NASPA’s internal meetings or decision-making processes, although it provides guidance where necessary.
According to him, the Authority believes that there should have been broader consultation and engagement with National Service personnel before any decision was taken to deduct GH¢60 from their monthly allowance of GH¢715 to finance the capacity-building programme.
He said many personnel felt they had not been adequately consulted before the deductions were made, prompting the Governing Board to intervene.
Lt. Col. Bangu indicated that while the programme itself was intended to build the capacity of service personnel and remained beneficial in principle, its implementation had generated concerns due to inadequate consultation.
He added that the suspension could remain in place permanently or be reconsidered in the future if National Service personnel themselves support its reintroduction after proper engagement.
On whether personnel who had already had GH¢60 deducted from their allowances would receive refunds, Lt. Col. Bangu said no decision had yet been taken.
He explained that the Governing Board would determine the next steps and, if it directs that the deducted funds be reimbursed, the Authority would comply with that decision.
Responding to concerns about governance following previous controversies involving the National Service Scheme and NASPA, Lt. Col. Bangu said the current leadership has strengthened oversight and continues to engage service personnel through orientation programmes and nationwide visits.
He maintained that the current issue stemmed primarily from inadequate consultation among NASPA’s leadership rather than any wrongdoing by the National Service Authority.
The suspension of the GH¢60 capacity-building levy takes immediate effect while the Governing Board considers the way forward.
By Julius Blay
