Livestream: Newsfile discusses Ghana Jollof case, cocaine shipment, COVID audit, constitutional reforms

Newsfile, JoyNews' flagship current affairs programme, is set to dissect four major national issues that have dominated public discourse in Ghana over the past week. Among the topics to be discussed are the arrest of nursing officer Salomey Awiti Bafoh, a massive cocaine shipment seized by French customs, questions surrounding COVID-19 fumigation expenditures, and constitutional reforms.

Bafoh, 40, was arrested on September 13 for her alleged involvement in the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account and pleaded not guilty to charges related to spreading false news. The programme will delve into the legal and democratic implications of her case, as well as the broader debate on freedom of expression and the role of state security agencies.

Meanwhile, the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine, concealed in a container of plastic waste originating from Ghana, has raised questions about Ghana's port and border security systems. Six individuals, including four linked to the Ghana Revenue Authority, have been denied bail. The programme will examine the circumstances surrounding the shipment, the proposed measures to strengthen security, and the implications for Ghana's drug trafficking prevention efforts.

The programme will also scrutinize discrepancies between the Auditor-General's special audit and investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni's findings on COVID-19 fumigation expenditure. While the Auditor-General reported GH¢96.3 million in fumigation costs, Mr. Awuni's investigation uncovered at least GH¢780 million spent by various ministries between 2020 and 2022. The programme will explore the reasons for the discrepancy and the accountability measures required to address the issue.

Lastly, the programme will address the ongoing constitutional review process, which has sparked a nationwide debate. The NPP has called for a broader deliberation on proposed amendments, including the extension of presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years. More than 100 civil society organizations, labor groups, and professional bodies have also criticized the review process, calling for legislation, clear timelines, and increased citizen participation.

The government, however, maintains that the proposal is without merit. Newsfile will examine the competing perspectives and the path towards consensus on Ghana's constitutional future.