President John Mahama of Ghana has reduced the number of ministries in the country from 30 to 23 as part of efforts to cut government spending.

This decision, issued via an executive order, was documented in a gazette dated January 9, just two days after Mahama’s inauguration.

Under the new arrangement, several ministries established during the tenure of Nana Akufo-Addo, the former president, have been dissolved. These include the ministries of information, sanitation and water resources, national security, railway development, parliamentary affairs, public enterprises, and chieftaincy and religious affairs.

To streamline governance, Mahama has retained essential ministries such as finance, health, interior, defence, and education, while creating new ones like energy and green transition, youth development and empowerment, and trade, agribusiness, and industry. Others include ministries dedicated to sports and recreation, communication and digital technology, works, housing and water resources, and gender, children and social protection.

Mahama, who previously led Ghana from 2012 to 2017, returned to office after defeating former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in the presidential election. He secured 6,328,397 votes, amounting to 56.55% of the total, while Bawumia received 4,657,304 votes, or 41.6%. Notably, Bawumia conceded defeat before the official results were declared.

This cost-cutting initiative by Mahama contrasts sharply with the approach of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who expanded Nigeria’s ministries from 44 to 48 in 2023. Tinubu’s decision has drawn significant criticism, especially as Nigeria grapples with a worsening cost-of-living crisis.

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) says refusal to assist officers under attack could result in a fine of N100,000 and a prison term of up to three months.

In a tweet on Sunday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said anyone who fails to assist a police officer in distress is committing an offence.

“Section 98 Police Act 2020: A person who assaults, obstructs or resists a police officer in the discharge of his duty, or aids or incites any other person to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer or other person aiding or assisting the police officer in the discharge of his duty commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both,” Adejobi wrote on X.

“Section 99, Police Act 2020: When a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who is, while in the discharge of his duty, assaulted or resisted or in danger of being assaulted or resisted, and the person refuses or neglects to aid and assist, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or both.

“Section 42 of the Police Act 2020: A person is bound to assist a judge, magistrate or police officer or other person reasonably demanding his aid in arresting or preventing the escape of a suspect whom the judge, magistrate, police officer or other person is authorized to arrest.”

Adejobi’s statement comes after a viral video surfaced, showing a confrontation between a woman and a police officer.

Aminu Babba Dan’Agundi, senior counsel to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, has announced plans to contest the recent Court of Appeal judgment favoring the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, at the Supreme Court.

Dan’Agundi, who also holds the title of Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate, initially sought to enforce fundamental human rights at the Federal High Court, alleging violations during the contentious emirship dispute.

Speaking from the Nassarawa Mini Palace, Dan’Agundi expressed dissatisfaction with the appellate court’s decision and vowed to seek redress. “The emirship crisis is far from over. No one can claim victory yet because we are challenging this ruling at the Supreme Court,” he stated.

He revealed that his legal team had been directed to obtain a certified true copy of the judgment, emphasizing that filing an appeal at the Supreme Court would effectively stay the lower court’s decision until the case is conclusively resolved.

Dan’Agundi explained the appellate court’s judgment, noting that the presiding judge had suggested transferring the case to the state’s Chief Judge to ensure a fair hearing. “The court did not dismiss our claims outright but ruled that it lacked jurisdiction,” he said.

He further clarified: “Two of the judges disagreed with the lead judgment, resulting in the appeal being struck out. This is why I am taking the matter to the Supreme Court. Whatever decision is made there will be final, and we submit to the will of Allah. Until then, no one should celebrate victory prematurely.”

Dan’Agundi urged Kano residents to remain calm and law-abiding as the legal proceedings continue, assuring them that the matter would be resolved through due process.