Momentum Insights is Momentum Africa’s newsletter covering stories of news in Africa, with interest in policy, governance and corporate spaces from across West Africa, East Africa and South Africa.
Here’s a round-up of the latest headlines from the countries and organisations we follow, curated from top media sources on September 1, 2025.
● Bawumia Returns to Akwatia to Campaign for NPP’s Asumadu Ahead of By-Election
● We’ll Sack Mahama if He Seeks Re-Election – Movement for Change Warns
● President Bio Considers Sharing Power With Political Rivals, Says Adviser Alpha Khan
● Government’s White Paper “Not Enough” to Seize Jammeh-Era Assets, Registrar Says
News in Africa || West Africa
Ghana 🇬🇭
Bawumia Returns to Akwatia to Campaign for NPP’s Asumadu Ahead of By-Election (Joy Online)
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has returned to the Akwatia Constituency, where the NPP is seeking to retain the seat left vacant by the late MP Ernest Kumi. He campaigned for the party’s candidate, Asumadu, urging residents to support him to continue Kumi’s legacy.
I Owe NPP and Ghana a Duty to Give Back’ – Bawumia (Business Ghana)
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has filed his nomination to contest the New Patriotic Party flagbearer slot, assuring supporters that he will not take actions that could divide the party. He said his focus is on building unity and repositioning the NPP to secure victory in the 2028 elections.
We’ll Sack Mahama if He Seeks Re-Election – Movement for Change Warns (Adom Online)
A member of the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, has cautioned former president John Mahama against considering another bid for office, saying it would go against his earlier declaration not to run again. He argued that such a move could create division within the NDC and hinder the emergence of new leadership.
Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
APC Announces New Criteria for Presidential Aspirants in 2028 Elections (Sierraloaded)
Sierra Leone’s All People’s Congress (APC) has released new guidelines for vetting presidential aspirants ahead of the 2028 elections. The process includes a three-phase screening, strict eligibility requirements, and a scoring system aimed at ensuring credible and competent candidates.
Power Sharing: A Roadmap to Return of One-Party State in Sierra Leone – Op Ed (Sierra Leone Telegraph)
An op-ed in the Sierra Leone Telegraph has cautioned against proposals for power sharing, warning that such arrangements could undermine democracy and weaken accountability. The piece argues that Sierra Leone instead needs stronger institutions, credible elections, and respect for constitutional limits to protect democratic governance.
APC’s Minkailu Koroma Questions Lavish Diplomat Salaries While Citizens Struggle for Wages (Sierraloaded)
APC’s Minkailu Koroma has raised concern over Sierra Leone’s growing wage bill, suggesting that the cost of diplomats’ salaries could instead support wages for ordinary citizens. His remarks come amid wider debate about government spending priorities and the balance between foreign service costs and domestic economic needs.
President Bio Considers Sharing Power With Political Rivals, Says Adviser Alpha Khan (Sierraloaded)
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio is exploring a power-sharing initiative that would allow greater collaboration with political parties from the last general election. According to his adviser Alhaji Alpha Kanu, the move is intended to promote inclusivity, reduce tensions, and strengthen democratic governance.
Gambia 🇬🇲
Government’s White Paper “Not Enough” to Seize Jammeh-Era Assets, Registrar Says (The Voice)
The Gambia’s Registrar General, Abdoulie Colley, has told a parliamentary committee that the government’s white paper on Yahya Jammeh’s assets is not enough to enforce their seizure. He said further legal and administrative action is required before the properties can be formally transferred to the state.
Group Says Government Has Betrayed ‘Gambia Has Decided’ Promises (The Voice)
The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice has accused the Gambian government of undermining democratic progress through repression, corruption, and restrictions on civic space. The group urged authorities to uphold fundamental rights and renew their commitment to the democratic promises made in 2016.
Momentum Africa’s newsletter is compiled weekly by the Momentum Africa, covering stories of news in Africa.
