TIG Post

Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

  • We pray Ghana never gets a disrespectful President like Akufo-Addo – Krontihene of Akyem Asuom

    We pray Ghana never gets a disrespectful President like Akufo-Addo – Krontihene of Akyem Asuom

    Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III, the Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, has emphatically called on divine intervention to prevent Ghana from ever enduring another presidency like that of Nana Akufo-Addo.

    He condemned the tribulations faced by the nation under Akufo-Addo’s regime, accusing government officials of brazen pillaging and describing the administration as catastrophically ineffectual.

    Addressing journalists, Nana Abodade III conveyed his profound relief that President Akufo-Addo’s time in office would finally conclude in just over a week.

    “Overall, we thank God that the good Lord is about to hand the mantle to President Mahama. As stated in Luke 10:29, Ghana has been stripped naked. Ghana is bleeding; the robbers have stolen all the goodies. But now, a good Samaritan has come to rescue her, restore her to good health, and recover the stolen loot. It was quite clear, but some people just didn’t realize it. Some of us are happy that his reign is coming to an end,” he said.

    Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III further noted that numerous chiefs are glad to witness the departure of President Akufo-Addo, whom they believe showed disrespect toward some of their peers during his tenure.

    “A lot of chiefs are happy. A good friend of mine, who is also a chief, told me, ‘Let’s see if he [Akufo-Addo] will now go around and instruct chiefs to stand up and greet him.’ It is not a good legacy. He could have achieved much more. He had so much revenue and so many opportunities to do good for this country. We pray we never have another Akufo-Addo as President of Ghana. Overall, we thank God that the good Lord is about to give the mantle to President Mahama.”

  • How can a lawyer like you be so greedy? – Martin Kpebu to Akufo-Addo

    How can a lawyer like you be so greedy? – Martin Kpebu to Akufo-Addo

    A private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has expressed disbelief over what he terms the greed of outgoing President Akufo-Addo.

    Speaking on TV3 during a panel discussion on Saturday, December 28, 2024, Mr Kpebu questioned how someone of Akufo-Addo’s stature could exhibit such tendencies.

    “…I mean, look at the greed. You come in at age 73, and you are so greedy—greedier than John Mahama, who is not even a lawyer,” lawyer Kpebu stated.

    He criticized President Akufo-Addo for what he viewed as a disappointing tenure, highlighting the stark contrast between the high expectations of his leadership and the lackluster outcomes in advancing Ghana’s prosperity.

    “In 2016, I openly voted for Akufo-Addo and supported him because they said he had been prepared for 40 years. So, I keep saying, can you imagine how Akufo-Addo would have been if he had prepared for only 10 years? The story was that Akufo-Addo had been prepared from birth to be president—for 40 years. What would his performance have been like if he had prepared for only ten years? I am sure that by now, Ghana would have ceased to exist.”

    President Akufo-Addo ascended to power after securing victory in the 2016 general election on his third bid for the presidency.

    He will leave office on January 7, 2025, after completing two terms and serving Ghana as president for eight years.

  • EC to declare Dome-Kwabenya MP-elect after Abokobi polling station election re-run

    EC to declare Dome-Kwabenya MP-elect after Abokobi polling station election re-run

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has ordered a rerun of the election at the Abokobi Women’s Development Centre 2 polling station in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency.

    This move follows the completion of the collation process for 367 polling stations, which revealed discrepancies in the results from three stations.Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the EC’s Director of Training, offered an explanation regarding the issue.

    “The report from the returning officers was that they have concluded collating 367 polling station results. They were left with three of the results, and the three results were brought later.“The commission rejected one of them outrightly on the stance that it was declared on a wrong statement of poll because they used training sheets, which is not the one that they should use.

    So the commission has rejected one, so we decided to come and add the two and see what happens.”After factoring in the two valid results, the gap between the top two candidates narrowed to only 165 votes. However, the rejected result accounted for 669 voters. If all of those votes had gone to the trailing candidate, they would have overtaken the leader, leading the Electoral Commission to call for a rerun at that polling station.Dr.

    Quaicoe confirmed the polling station in question: “The polling station’s name is Abokobi Women’s Development Centre 2. We are sending our report to the commission, and then the commission will take the decision on when it should be done, but we are assured that it will be done before they are inaugurated.”The rerun plays a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary race, where each vote is crucial.

    Elikplim Akurugu of the NDC was previously announced as the victor in the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary race, successfully overturning a seat that had long been regarded as a stronghold for the NPP.Nevertheless, her win was overshadowed by allegations of irregularities, with accusations that certain pink sheets were altered following a crowd of party supporters converging on the collation center.

  • Dome-Kwabenya: EC to rerun election at Abokobi polling station

    Dome-Kwabenya: EC to rerun election at Abokobi polling station

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has ordered a rerun of the election at the Abokobi Women’s Development Centre 2 polling station in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency.

    This move follows the completion of the collation process for 367 polling stations, which revealed discrepancies in the results from three stations.

    Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the EC’s Director of Training, offered an explanation regarding the issue.

    “The report from the returning officers was that they have concluded collating 367 polling station results. They were left with three of the results, and the three results were brought later.


    “The commission rejected one of them outrightly on the stance that it was declared on a wrong statement of poll because they used training sheets, which is not the one that they should use. So the commission has rejected one, so we decided to come and add the two and see what happens.”

    After factoring in the two valid results, the gap between the top two candidates narrowed to only 165 votes.

    However, the rejected result accounted for 669 voters. If all of those votes had gone to the trailing candidate, they would have overtaken the leader, leading the Electoral Commission to call for a rerun at that polling station.

    Dr. Quaicoe confirmed the polling station in question: “The polling station’s name is Abokobi Women’s Development Centre 2. We are sending our report to the commission, and then the commission will take the decision on when it should be done, but we are assured that it will be done before they are inaugurated.”

    The rerun plays a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary race, where each vote is crucial.

    Elikplim Akurugu of the NDC was previously announced as the victor in the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary race, successfully overturning a seat that had long been regarded as a stronghold for the NPP.

    Nevertheless, her win was overshadowed by allegations of irregularities, with accusations that certain pink sheets were altered following a crowd of party supporters converging on the collation center.





  • Chaos erupts at IPAC as EC attempts to re-collate Dome Kwabenya results

    Chaos erupts at IPAC as EC attempts to re-collate Dome Kwabenya results

    The re-collation of parliamentary results for the Dome Kwabenya constituency has been fraught with confusion and disputes between political parties, notably the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    On December 21, the Electoral Commission (EC) halted the re-collation process for both the Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North constituencies. The delay was due to the unavailability of pink sheets from political parties for specific polling stations in these areas.

    Dr. Benjamin Bannor-Bio, the Director of Electoral Services, stated that the re-collation process would be paused until the Commission decides on the next steps.

    Dr. Bannor-Bio mentioned that, in Ablekuma North, while the results from most polling stations have been re-collated, 37 polling stations still have unresolved results.

    He clarified that neither the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nor the New Patriotic Party (NPP) submitted their pink sheets for the specified polling stations. Consequently, the issue has been forwarded to the Electoral Commission for further guidance.

    The re-collation process for the Dome Kwabenya constituency was started to verify the parliamentary results, following the absence of some party representatives during the declaration on December 8.

    However, three polling stations were without physical copies of the pink sheets. As a result, the EC used the soft copies provided by presiding officers and later requested the hard copies for verification.

    The parties, however, stated that they lacked the necessary physical copies. As a result, the Electoral Commission halted the re-collation process to determine the way forward.

    Following an IPAC meeting on Saturday, December 28, the EC has chosen to proceed with the re-collation. Fred Tetteh, the Deputy Director of Research at the Electoral Commission (EC), provided an explanation of the situation.

    “From the IPAC meeting, a whole lot of things came up. The commission requested the parties to submit copies of their pink sheets. Some did, others could not. Others also wanted the candidates with the materials to be there.

    “We couldn’t wait for any candidate to appear and therefore we decided to come, and the NDC came with two copies of the three polling stations that they were talking about. The NPP said they remember about 11 or so that were flagged at the collation process and it didn’t end. We said okay then let’s come here and we continue the process.

    “The re-collation exercise has been further complicated by the absence of pink sheets from certain polling stations, with both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) failing to provide all the necessary documents. This has led to disagreements over the number of polling stations with discrepancies and the validity of the results.

    Despite these challenges, the EC remains committed to completing the re-collation process. “The final decision rests on the commission,” Tetteh stated.

    The re-collation of results for Dome Kwabenya is vital for finalizing the constituency’s parliamentary representation. The Electoral Commission (EC) has assured the public that all steps will be taken to address the issues and ensure the accuracy of the results.




  • Govt secures GHS21.5bn in T-Bills auction for November

    Govt secures GHS21.5bn in T-Bills auction for November

    The total amount of bids submitted for the treasury bills auction in November 2024 was projected to reach GH¢21.5 billion.

    This did not meet the government’s ambitious target of GH¢22.8 billion.

    While the government allocated all bids to surpass the refinancing requirement by 8.3%, it still missed the goal by 5.5%.

    This shortfall poses an ongoing risk of an uncovered auction in December 2024, as the refinancing obligation rises to GH¢26.1 billion.

    Notably, investor demand for the T-bills rose by 27.2% month-on-month in November 2024, yet it was still inadequate to meet the elevated auction target for the month.

  • Your decision to re-collate results unnecessary – MP to EC

    Your decision to re-collate results unnecessary – MP to EC

    The former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and legal practitioner, Inusah Fuseini, has slammed the Electoral Commission (EC) for hastily re-collating results from contested constituencies.

    He claims that the Commission has disregarded established legal protocols.

    During an appearance on Joy News’ Newsfile on Monday, December 28, he voiced his dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission’s management of the issue, calling it both unnecessary and preventable.

    “The Electoral Commission has led us into a situation where we are now struggling as a country to extricate ourselves,” he added. 

    His remarks follow the Supreme Court’s decision to annul the results of the re-collated votes in the 2024 parliamentary elections for Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, and Okaikwei Central.

    The Supreme Court clarified that the ruling does not impact the results from Ahafo Ano North and Nsawam Adoagyiri.

    The court ruled that the trial judge infringed on the NDC Parliamentary Candidates’ right to a hearing when they sought action from the High Court.

    He contended that CI 127, the regulation overseeing electoral disputes, provides a clear framework for resolving such matters, and emphasized that the EC should have adhered to these established procedures.



  • Transition team receives subcommittee reports as Ghana prepares for power handover

    Transition team receives subcommittee reports as Ghana prepares for power handover

    On Friday, December 27, 2024, the Transition Team, responsible for managing the transfer of government operations, gathered to receive updates from its various subcommittees.

    The gathering, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, forms part of efforts to facilitate a seamless and effective transition of authority and duties across various sectors of governance.

    A statement released by the team’s spokespersons, Fatimatu Abubakar and Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed that all sub-committees had submitted their reports, except for the Social Sector Sub-Committee.

    The Social Sector Sub-Committee did not provide an explanation for its failure to submit the report.




  • I don’t want an appointment from you – Koku Anyidoho to Mahama

    I don’t want an appointment from you – Koku Anyidoho to Mahama

    The former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has ruled out the possibility of accepting a role in a future government under John Dramani Mahama.

    The founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Atta Mills Institute has stated that he does not require an appointment from the incoming president to thrive, emphasizing that his dedication to preserving the legacy of the late President John Evans Atta-Mills is more than enough for him.

    Taking to the X platform he wrote, “Once again: I don’t want any appointment in John Mahama’s government. God will take care of me for as long as I keep the legacy of the late President Evans Atta Mills alive”.

    Koku Anyidoho, who lost to Johnson Nketiah in the 2018 race for the NDC’s general secretary position, has since been embroiled in conflicts with prominent NDC leaders, including former President Mahama and the current chairman.

    Koku Anyidoho has strongly rejected claims that his long-standing criticism of the party’s leadership stems from bitterness, insisting instead that his critiques are meant to benefit the party.

    “For the record; I never served on any Board under President Mills and President Mahama. So please don’t laugh yourself out of existence if you’re thinking I will not serve on any Board under the 2nd term of JM. God will keep me upgraded,” he added.



  • Re-collated results for Okaikwei Central, Tema Central constituencies annulled by Supreme Court

    Re-collated results for Okaikwei Central, Tema Central constituencies annulled by Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court has invalidated the re-collated parliamentary election results for Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South, effectively overturning the Electoral Commission’s (EC) earlier declarations for these constituencies.

    This decision follows heated legal and political disputes surrounding the re-collation process.

    The court, however, confirmed the re-collated results for Nsawam Adoagyiri and Ahafo Ano North, leaving them unaffected by the ruling.

    This landmark decision emphasizes the judiciary’s critical role in tackling electoral issues and ensuring strict adherence to constitutional and procedural norms.

    The decision comes after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raised a legal challenge against a contentious High Court ruling from December 20. The ruling had instructed the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate results in nine contested constituencies.

    The EC has completed the re-collation process in seven of these constituencies, all of which were won by candidates from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, the results for Dome/Kwabenya and Ablekuma North are still pending.

    The decision comes after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raised a legal challenge against a contentious High Court ruling from December 20. The ruling had instructed the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate results in nine contested constituencies.

    In his ruling delivered in Accra on Friday, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the presiding judge, explained that the orders under review are distinct and separate.

    He stated, “Since the orders which have been brought to be quashed are separate and distinct we have decided to exercise our discretionary power to quash by certiorari having required to the peculiar circumstances of each ruling.

    “Consequently, we hereby quash the orders of mandamus made for collation of results by the EC in the following constituencies Okawkwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central and Techiman South.”

    The court found that the trial judge had breached the NDC parliamentary candidates’ right to a fair hearing when they filed their application with the High Court.

    This ruling directly questions the disputed re-collation carried out by the Electoral Commission and the resulting declarations for the affected constituencies.

    Additionally, the court emphasized that, despite the annulment, the mandamus application is still in effect and will be heard by the High Court on Tuesday, December 31.

  • Tragic accident near Aggrey Memorial School claims 3 lives

    Tragic accident near Aggrey Memorial School claims 3 lives

    Three individuals lost their lives on Friday when a bus traveling from Takoradi to Accra overturned near the intersection by Aggrey Memorial School in Cape Coast.

    The bus, with registration number GW 6231-21, rolled over while carrying around 53 passengers, leaving some trapped. Twenty-three individuals who suffered different injuries are being treated at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, while nine others have been treated and released.

    According to Abdul Wasiu Hudu, the Central Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the accident took place at approximately 6:48 AM on Friday, December 27, 2024.

    He stated that thanks to the joint efforts of the GNFS officers, police personnel, and ambulance service teams, the majority of the passengers were rescued and transported to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and the University of Cape Coast Hospital for treatment.

    He also mentioned that three passengers were tragically pronounced dead at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.


  • 4-year-old amputee girl walks again after Bawumia sponsors her surgery

    4-year-old amputee girl walks again after Bawumia sponsors her surgery

    A heartwarming video circulating on social media showcases young Priscilla, a 4-year-old girl previously afflicted with leprosy, walking confidently after undergoing a life-changing surgery in Italy, funded by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Priscilla, abandoned by her parents at birth due to her condition, had been under the compassionate care of Father Andrew Campbell at the Weija Leprosarium. After numerous failed attempts to treat her severely damaged legs, an amputation was deemed necessary in Ghana.

    As Patron of Lepers Aid Ghana and a frequent visitor to the Leprosarium, Vice President Bawumia personally intervened after meeting Priscilla.

    He generously sponsored her medical journey to Italy, where she received specialized surgery and was fitted with a state-of-the-art prosthetic limb.

    Following five months of recovery and care at a premier medical facility, Priscilla has triumphantly returned to Ghana, now able to walk once more.

    Together with her guardian, Father Andrew Campbell, and other officials from the Leprosarium, they made a heartfelt visit to Dr. Bawumia’s residence immediately after her arrival in Accra to thank him for his invaluable support.

    n the video, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is seen beaming with excitement as he warmly greets Priscilla. The little girl, equally joyful, can be heard saying, “I’m walking for Dr. Bawumia.”

    Dr. Bawumia, who shared the heartwarming moment on his Facebook page, referred to it as a “Christmas gift,” expressing how special and fulfilling the experience was for him.

    “To God be the glory,” Dr. Bawumia said.

  • Court’s order to re-collate results was unfair – NDC

    Court’s order to re-collate results was unfair – NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns over what it describes as bias and procedural flaws in the High Court judge’s decision to order the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate election results in nine disputed constituencies.

    The ruling, issued on December 20, followed a mandamus application filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates, demanding the EC verify results in constituencies where alleged discrepancies had surfaced. The NPP argued that the irregularities necessitated a thorough examination to ensure transparency and credibility.

    While some observers viewed the ruling as reinforcing the EC’s duty to ensure credible elections, the NDC has labeled it as legally contentious and flawed.

    Although the EC has completed the re-collation in seven constituencies, the process for Dome/Kwabenya and Ablekuma North remains unfinished.

    During proceedings on December 27, the NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, argued that the High Court’s decision breached principles of natural justice. He claimed that the NDC had been denied a fair opportunity to present its case, which played a significant role in the outcome.

    The NDC further accused the trial judge of bias and failing to meet essential procedural standards. Tamakloe pointed out a “non-jurisdictional legal error,” claiming the judge ignored Order 55 Rule 5(2) of CI 47, which mandates that parties with an interest in a mandamus application be notified and given a chance to respond.

    These allegations of judicial misconduct and procedural oversights have added complexity to the ongoing legal battle, with the Supreme Court’s forthcoming ruling expected to have far-reaching implications for the case.

    “Our ground for this application is that the orders made by the High Court were made in breach of the applicant’s rights to be heard. The further ground is that the trial judge demonstrated apparent bias and partiality.

    “There was a non-jurisdictional error of law by failing to exercise the court’s powers under Order 55 Rule 5 (2) of CI 47 to direct second to sixth interested parties to serve the mandamus application on the applicant who have interest in the dispute.”

  • Let’s maintain current leadership for a stable Parliament – Majority MPs to NPP

    Let’s maintain current leadership for a stable Parliament – Majority MPs to NPP

    The leadership of the majority caucus in Parliament is calling on the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to maintain the current leadership of the majority for the 9th Parliament.

    This request follows the NPP’s substantial loss in the 2024 General Elections, which will relegate the party to the minority position in the next Parliament.

    Chairman of the Education Committee and MP for Fanteakwa North, Kwabena Amankwa Asiamah, emphasized that the experienced leadership should remain in place, given their in-depth understanding of parliamentary procedures.

    He argued that their leadership is essential for the party’s recovery and success in future electoral contests.

    “It is the decision by chairmen of the committees in parliament to plead to the leadership of our party to maintain the leadership status quo in parliament. Why do we say so? We say this because we are counting on the experience and the nature of parliament that the ninth parliament is going to face now.

    “Our numbers have dwindled and for that matter, we need a front that is experienced to face the enormity of members on the other side and that we have concluded that it will be beneficial to our caucus in parliament and the party in general and for the good of democracy in Ghana to maintain what we have now.

    “We say so again that they have experienced whatever has transpired in the previous government and previous parliament and we think that they are the right calibre of people to lead this time around that our numbers are down,” he stated when he addressed journalists in Accra on Friday, December 27.

  • ADB has approved $750K contract under duress from Akufo-Addo govt – Ablakwa

    ADB has approved $750K contract under duress from Akufo-Addo govt – Ablakwa

    North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has denounced what he terms “irresponsible and disloyal” actions by officials within the outgoing Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, accusing them of undermining national interest through questionable financial practices.

    In a Facebook post dated December 26, Mr. Ablakwa unveiled what he called an “alarming surge” in last-minute contract approvals and expedited payments ahead of the January 7, 2025, government transition.

    He claimed leaked documents expose financial irregularities that erode public trust and violate governance principles.

    A key example highlighted by the MP involves the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), where the board purportedly greenlit a controversial $750,000 (GHS12 million) electronic servicing agreement with Virtual Security Africa. Despite being in draft form and amid unresolved negotiations, the deal has reportedly sparked consternation within the bank.

    Mr. Ablakwa alleged that intense political pressure is being exerted on ADB to make the full payment by December 27, 2024, even though the agreement has not undergone mandatory audits or due diligence.

    “Top ADB insiders are shocked at the Board’s decision,” he wrote, stating that the hasty process overlooks due diligence and erodes accountability.

    He further pointed out that the President-elect’s Transition Team had explicitly warned against last-minute financial transactions, reiterating a stance similar to the one the New Patriotic Party (NPP) adopted during the 2016 transition period.

    In his statement, Mr. Ablakwa issued a grave caution, declaring that officials who authorize these “questionable transactions” under political coercion will face legal and administrative repercussions under the incoming administration.

    “For God and Country. Ghana First,” he asserted.

    The exposé has ignited public indignation, with numerous citizens and civil society groups calling for swift investigations and punitive measures against those implicated in these alleged “midnight deals.”

  • Yendi: 184 NPP members suspended for misconduct

    Yendi: 184 NPP members suspended for misconduct

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Yendi Constituency Chairman, Nashiru Abdul Karim, has unveiled the provisional suspension of 184 members for alleged breaches of the party’s constitution.

    This announcement was articulated in an official circular released on Wednesday, December 26, 2024. The circular invoked Article 3 Clause (9)(1), Clause (7)(1), and Clause (8)(1) of the party’s 2017 amended constitution as the legal basis for the disciplinary action.

    The statement outlined that the party’s leadership had been inundated with numerous formal complaints from members, alleging that the suspended individuals had engaged in constitutional violations. These accusations primarily centered on inappropriate behavior during the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections.

    A meticulous investigation carried out by the Constituency Executive Committee, alongside the Disciplinary Committee, corroborated the allegations. As a result, an extensive Constituency Executive Committee meeting was held on December 23, 2024.

    The deliberations, which included representatives from the Council of Elders, the Council of Patrons, and the Disciplinary Committee, culminated in a unanimous decision to suspend the implicated members.

    This action has been characterized as a crucial step in safeguarding the sanctity and credibility of the party’s constitution.

    In the circular, Nashiru Abdul Karim emphasized the party’s unwavering dedication to maintaining its regulatory framework and nurturing a culture of accountability, cohesion, and order within its membership.

    “I write to humbly notify the National and Regional leadership of the party, as well as the general public, that the following members of the party have forfeited their membership or have been summarily suspended with effect from 26th December 2024,” the statement said.

  • Investiture of UPSA’s new Vice-Chancellor postponed

    Investiture of UPSA’s new Vice-Chancellor postponed

    The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has announced the postponement of the investiture ceremony for its newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor.

    Initially set for Friday, December 27, 2024, the event has been delayed, with the university’s registrar confirming that a revised date will be provided in due course.

    “The general public is hereby informed that the investiture ceremony of Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, previously scheduled for Friday, 27th December 2024, has been postponed.

    “A new date for the investiture ceremony will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding,” part of the statement read.

    Although the official statement did not specify the reasons behind the postponement, sources suggest that legal complications may have played a role, following the filing of an injunction by Rashid Ibrahim, an alumnus of UPSA.

    Mr Ibrahim reportedly seeks to prevent the ceremony amid concerns regarding Professor Mawutor’s academic promotion.

  • 591 complaints filed with PURC in from Jan-Dec 2024

    591 complaints filed with PURC in from Jan-Dec 2024

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) handled 591 complaints from consumers in the Upper East and North East Regions regarding service providers in 2024.

    Of these complaints, 550, or 93.06%, were resolved, with ongoing efforts to address the remaining issues in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

    The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) received the bulk of the complaints, with 556 lodged against it. Mr. Pius Ikililu Abdulai, the Upper East Regional Complaint Resolution Officer for PURC, shared this information at the Commission’s year-end gathering in Bolgatanga.

    He noted that 92.8% of complaints against NEDCo had been resolved through the Commission’s intervention.

    Ghana Water Limited (GWL) faced 26 complaints, of which 96.1% were resolved, while nine complaints were filed against consumers.

    Mr. Abdulai also disclosed that GH₡28,000 was recovered from consumers on behalf of the service providers, with GH₡25,000 going to NEDCo and GH₡3,000 to GWL.

    “In the same vein, we have had GH₡22,642,98 passed as adjustment in favour of consumers which otherwise would have been paid by customers if not for the intervention of the Commission.

    “And out of the total amount GH₡20,993.12 was passed in favour of customers of NEDCo while GH₡1,649.86 was passed in favour of customers of GWL,” he said.

    Mr. Abdulai highlighted that the PURC is focused on improving service delivery by conducting sensitization efforts across communities, businesses, and institutions, among others.

    He explained that, with the Commission’s intervention, various maintenance projects, including transformer replacements, upgrades to high-tension wooden poles, and meter changes, have been carried out by service providers.

    He emphasized that these efforts have significantly improved the lives of consumers, enhanced the performance of service providers, and fostered stronger relationships between service providers and their customers.

    Mr. Seth Kponyo, the Upper East Regional Manager, thanked stakeholders for their cooperation with the Commission throughout the year. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working in the best interest of both service providers and consumers in the region.

    He encouraged stakeholders and the public to approach the PURC with their complaints, assuring that the Commission is dedicated to addressing challenges and improving service delivery and customer satisfaction.

    Mr. Eric Boahen, Area Manager of NEDCo, expressed gratitude to the PURC for its assistance in resolving complaints against the company. He reiterated NEDCo’s dedication to providing quality service and called for ongoing cooperation.

    Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Commercial Manager at GWL, reassured customers of improved services and reiterated that their doors are always open for engagement. He urged the public to seek help whenever they encounter challenges.

  • Australian Firm sues Ghana over $277M gold exploration dispute

    Australian Firm sues Ghana over $277M gold exploration dispute

    An Australian gold mining company, Cassius Mining Limited, has intensified its legal battle against the Ghana by filing a $277 million claim with the London Court of International Arbitration.

    The dispute arises from alleged breaches of contract and constitutional issues related to the company’s gold exploration operations in Talensi, in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

    The disagreement dates back to 2019 when the Ghanaian government rejected Cassius Mining’s request for a renewal of its prospecting license, citing constitutional non-compliance.

    Authorities argued that the license had not been properly ratified in accordance with Ghanaian law, making it legally invalid.

    Cassius Mining, however, disputes this and claims the government’s actions have deprived the company of its project’s full potential and future earnings.

    To substantiate its claim, Cassius Mining has relied on assessments from independent experts, including AMC Consultants in Australia and Secretariat in the United States, leading to the $277 million compensation figure.

    Managing Director of Cassius Mining,David Chidlow, conveyed strong confidence in their legal approach. In an interview with the Daily Graphic stated “We look forward to progressing the case and achieving a successful outcome for the benefit of shareholders and the company, whether that be at a hearing or through an earlier settlement.”

    The legal process has been challenging. In 2023, Ghana’s High Court imposed an injunction preventing Cassius Mining from seeking international arbitration.

    The court also ruled that the terms of the prospecting license barred the company from pursuing arbitration outside of Ghana. Despite these rulings, Cassius Mining has moved ahead with its claim in the London Court of International Arbitration, asserting its right to seek resolution in an international forum.

  • We will resist any efforts by EC to rig Ablekuma North results – NDC

    We will resist any efforts by EC to rig Ablekuma North results – NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ablekuma North Constituency has leveled allegations against the Electoral Commission (EC), accusing it of attempting to influence the outcome of the 2024 parliamentary elections to benefit the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The NDC alleges that the EC introduced manipulated pink sheets showing 490 votes, as part of an alleged plot to distort the election results.

    Previously, the EC had invalidated the initial results from the constituency, citing irregularities, and ordered a re-collation of votes.

    However, the results for Ablekuma North remain unannounced, after the EC’s returning officer for the area stepped down, claiming the statement of polls was incomplete.

    During a press conference on Thursday, December 26, Daniel Tornyigah, the NDC’s Director of Elections for Ablekuma North, accused the EC of tampering with the election process, claiming returning officers were instructed to alter results. He strongly asserted that the NDC would not tolerate any efforts to undermine the will of the voters and would fiercely resist such actions.

    “As we speak, a staff from the EC, a lady’s voice to be precise, is calling some presiding officers who aided, or better still, who helped us in the election process during the December 7 elections and requesting figures for their respective polling stations.

    “Now, in some cases, this woman gave out figures for them to record for use. We want to know if this is part of the electoral process 20 days after the elections.

    “We want to bring this rather shameful development and chronology of events to the attention of all well-meaning Ghanaians and the good people of Ablekuma North that at this height of clear attempt to rob the NDC off the seat, we would resist any other outcome other than the true will of the people.”

  • My decision to concede early was opposed by my campaign team – Bawumia

    My decision to concede early was opposed by my campaign team – Bawumia

    The presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has revealed that his decision to concede defeat in the December 7 election was met with opposition from members of his campaign team.

    Despite the ongoing vote count, Dr. Bawumia announced his concession on December 8, just hours after the process began.

    The following day, the Electoral Commission officially declared John Dramani Mahama as the winner with 6,328,397 votes, which amounted to 56.55% of the valid votes cast.

    In a meeting with NPP supporters at his residence on Thursday, December 26, Dr. Bawumia explained that his decision to concede so early was motivated by his dedication to maintaining peace and safeguarding the nation’s stability.

    “So, even though the Electoral Commission had not yet pronounced [the winner], in fact some of my people in my team were saying, you can’t go out to concede, we don’t know if all this data is right, let’s wait. But I said, look, we know this data is right from our own system.

    “You know, so if you wait, you build up more tension and violence could come because people would think we are trying to rig the election because that is the message that was coming, that we were trying to rig the election.

    “But nobody has ever conceded an election without the EC coming out to pronounce, and I said there is a first time for everything.”

  • Court to hear NDC’s lawsuit against EC over re-collation of parliamentary results today

    Court to hear NDC’s lawsuit against EC over re-collation of parliamentary results today

    The Supreme Court has scheduled today, Friday, December 27, to hear motions filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenging the parliamentary election results in six constituencies.


    The NDC is requesting the court to annul the High Court’s ruling that allowed the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-collate and announce the results of the elections in Ablekuma North, Okaikoi Central, Tema Central, Dome-Kwabenya, Techiman South, and Ahafo Ano North constituencies.


    The controversy stems from a decision made on December 20, by the High Court, led by Justice Rev. Joseph Owusu-Adu Agyemang, which granted a Mandamus application filed by six parliamentary candidates from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).


    The NDC has since contested the legality of this ruling, prompting them to seek redress from the Supreme Court to reverse the High Court’s decision.


    As a result of the High Court’s order, the EC has already re-collated and declared results for seven out of the nine contested constituencies, with the NPP emerging victorious in all.


    The NDC’s petition to the Supreme Court includes a request for a Certiorari order, asking the High Court (General Jurisdiction 13) in Accra to submit its December 20 ruling for review and possible quashing.


    Additionally, the NDC seeks a prohibition order to prevent the EC from further re-collating, counting, or declaring election results in the disputed constituencies.


    Furthermore, the NDC is also requesting an interlocutory injunction to stop both the EC from continuing its processes and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare from providing security for these actions until the case is resolved.

    Meanwhile, the Director of Electoral Services at EC, Dr. Benjamin Bannor-Bio, has indicated that the commission has not received any court orders preventing them from proceeding with the re-collation of election results.

    “We have no knowledge of any such petition,” Dr. Bannor-Bio clarified.
    At a press briefing the Deputy Chair for Operations at the EC, Samuel Tettey, explained that the initial results did not meet the criteria set out in CI 127.
    The EC reassured the public that the outstanding results from two constituencies will be declared before the new Parliament convenes on January 7, 2025.

  • WAEC receives additional GHC35m from govt

    WAEC receives additional GHC35m from govt

    The Head of Public Affairs for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), John Kapi, has confirmed that the Ministry of Education has released an additional GHC 35 million to support the council’s operations.

    The government’s latest financial injection, channeled through the Ministry, is aimed at facilitating the continued marking of the 2024 WASSCE exams.

    Previously, GHC 25 million had been disbursed as part of the government’s efforts to address WAEC’s GHC 118 million debt.

    Mr Kapi emphasized that these funds will play a crucial role in accelerating the marking process, with the goal of ensuring that the results are available by the end of December.

    “It is true that the Director of Finance and the Head of the National Office of WAEC have confirmed receipt of a cheque for 35 million Ghana cedis from the Ministry of Education.

    “We are going to see how best we can work around the clock and ensure that we will be able to release the results by the end of this month.”

  • Truck veers off lane, damages vehicles at Dzorwulu

    Truck veers off lane, damages vehicles at Dzorwulu

    A container truck lost control and veered off its lane near the Dzorwulu traffic light, close to the Allied Filling Station, on Thursday morning.

    Eyewitnesses reported to Adomonline.com that the driver blamed the incident on a brake failure.

    The truck collided with a streetlight, crossed into the opposite lane, and eventually came to a halt after smashing into a fence at a nearby garage.

    Although no casualties were reported, the accident left at least three parked vehicles damaged, with shattered windows and other visible harm.

    As of the time of reporting, authorities had not yet arrived at the scene, which remained disorganized.

  • Akufo-Addo’s arrogance played a role in our loss – NPP

    Akufo-Addo’s arrogance played a role in our loss – NPP

    Spokesperson for former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Frank Agyekum, has asserted that President Akufo-Addo bears partial responsibility for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) significant defeat in the 2024 general elections.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) triumphed over the NPP with a commanding margin of over 1.6 million votes.

    During an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Mr. Agyekum attributed the party’s electoral misfortune to widespread public disillusionment, exacerbated by what he described as an air of arrogance from certain party members.

    He also criticized the imposition of unpopular parliamentary candidates, a practice he said alienated the grassroots and compounded the NPP’s woes, noting that these issues unfolded under President Akufo-Addo’s stewardship.

    “The signs were there, and the narrative shows that things have been falling apart for a long time. We failed to heed the warnings and take corrective actions, and that’s what has led us here.

    “The leader always bears the ultimate responsibility—it stops with him. When it’s good, we credit him; when it’s bad, he must share the blame,” he said.

    Mr. Agyekum also expressed dissatisfaction with the selection of candidates for both the presidency and parliamentary seats, labeling the choices as suboptimal and contributing to the party’s challenges.

    “There was arrogance, there was hardship in the system, and it seemed those in power failed to fully recognise the discontent. This disconnect between the leadership and the grassroots likely contributed to the significant defeat.”

  • Stop misleading the public with unverified information – MoE to WAEC PRO

    Stop misleading the public with unverified information – MoE to WAEC PRO

    The Ministry of Education (MoE) has urged the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to verify information internally before making public statements that could unintentionally mislead or cast doubt on the Ministry’s ongoing efforts.

    Following a brief visit to WAEC’s offices on Tuesday, Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, informed journalists that the results for the 2024 WASSCE would be released by December 29.

    He clarified that WAEC was nearing the completion of the marking process and working to ensure the timely publication of the results.

    However, WAEC has since disputed the Minister’s comments, clarifying that the claim of an additional GHc25 million being released for its operational activities, and the assurance that results would be issued by or on December 29, 2024, were inaccurate.

    Head of Public Relations, WAEC, John Kapi told Graphic that “Without any formal meeting with the management team of WAEC, he addressed the media present, giving them assurances that results would be released by December 29. We wish to state that apart from a cheque for GH25 million that was issued on December 18, no further releases out of the outstanding GHS118 million have been made.

    “The Council awaits the release of the additional GHc35 million it has requested from the Ministry of Education to enable it to fix the broken-down scanners, conclude scanning of the objective test answer cards, and then process the results.”

    The Ministry of Education provided clarification in a statement released on Thursday, December 26, confirming that WAEC had formally acknowledged the receipt of a GHS 25,000,000 cheque.

    This was detailed in a letter dated December 20, 2024, and signed by the Head of the National Office of WAEC (Ref. No. HNO/GES/MOE/VOL.28/156).

    “This payment represents part of the Ministry’s financial commitment towards the 2024 WASSCE (School Candidates) examination fees,” it added.

    Subsequently, the Ministry stated that WAEC requested an additional GHS 35,000,000 to aid in the processing of the 2024 WASSCE results. The Ministry complied with this request and has since disbursed the necessary funds to WAEC.

    “It is therefore surprising to note that the WAEC PRO has publicly denied the receipt of the GHS 25,000,000 payment, despite official documentation confirming its acknowledgement,” it added.

    The Education Ministry emphasized that public statements of this nature must be grounded in verified information. As such, the Ministry urged the WAEC PRO to confirm facts internally before making any statements that could unintentionally mislead the public or undermine the Ministry’s efforts.

    “For emphasis sake, it is important to highlight that, from July 2024 to date, the Ministry has disbursed a total of GHS 167,976,815 to WAEC, in fulfilment of its financial obligations to the Council. We urge the public to remain calm as we work closely with WAEC to ensure the release of the 2024 WASSCE results,” it added.

  • Directive to submit nominees for appointments is invalid – NDC warns

    Directive to submit nominees for appointments is invalid – NDC warns

    The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, has disassociated himself and the party’s leadership from a contentious communiqué purportedly authored by Regional Secretary Theophilus Tetteh Chaie.

    The controversial letter, which solicits recommendations for government appointments from party leaders, has been dismissed as unauthorised, unratified by the regional executive committee, and devoid of approval from the party’s apex hierarchy.

    In a firmly worded statement dated December 25, 2024, Ashie Moore vehemently denied any prior awareness of the document and repudiated its association with the regional executives. He stressed that the directive was issued without the endorsement of the party’s upper echelons and failed to align with established regional protocols.

    “Let me state explicitly that I am not aware of such notification from the apex level of the party. Neither has the regional executive committee been consulted nor have we approved such a directive,” he clarified.

    Ashie Moore denounced the letter as an independent and unauthorized move by the Regional Secretary, undertaken in clear violation of the party’s established procedures.

    He appealed to party members and the public to completely disregard the letter, stressing its illegitimacy and lack of official endorsement.

    “This is indeed a sole decision of the Regional Secretary without any recourse to laid-down party structures. Kindly disregard the letter completely with the seriousness it deserves,” Ashie Moore stated.

  • Allegations of ammunition shipment false – GAF

    Allegations of ammunition shipment false – GAF

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has called on the public to dismiss misleading rumors and stressed the importance of confirming information about security operations before sharing it online.

    This clarification follows claims circulating on social media that a civilian pick-up truck was allowed to enter the 5th Battalion of Infantry’s Magazine to transport boxes of ammunition to an unknown location.

    The GAF promptly denied these allegations, labeling them as completely unfounded.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, signed by the GAF, the Director General of Public Relations, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey Quashie, explained that the vehicle in question was actually delivering a live cow.

    The statement added that the animal was quarantined upon arrival and then relocated to a nearby kraal, not involved in any military activity.

    “The attention of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has been drawn to an audio recording which has gone viral on social media platforms. The said audio alleges that a civil pick-up truck has been allowed entry into the Magazine at 5 Battalion of Infantry to convey boxes of ammunition to an unknown destination.

    “GAF wishes to assure the public that the information on the said audio is false and should be treated with the contempt it deserves. The vehicle that entered the Magazine premises was there to deliver a newly acquired live cow to be quarantined, before being relocated to the kraal which is adjacent to the Magazine, parts of the statement read.

    The Armed Forces cautioned against the spread of such baseless claims, emphasizing that sharing unverified details about military operations can generate unnecessary anxiety and confusion.

    The GAF further underlined the dangers of circulating unconfirmed reports, warning that such actions could destabilize national security and disrupt the peace of the country.

    “GAF wishes to call on groups and individuals to do due diligence by cross checking whatever information they come about on the security services before spreading falsehood which leads to misinformation of the citizenry. Such actions tend to create unnecessary tension and also cause fear and panic in the country especially around this period.


    GAF wishes to once again remind all and sundry that its doors are opened and they should not hesitate to contact the Department of Public Relations for any inquiries about the Institution. Anything that is done deliberately or inadvertently against the peace of the country should be avoided. GAF reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the stability and sovereignty of the nation,” it stated.

  • BoG rolls out stricter bancassurance regulations for financial sector shareholders

    BoG rolls out stricter bancassurance regulations for financial sector shareholders

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has released the bancassurance guidelines as an Exposure Draft, inviting feedback from the banking sector and the public, in accordance with the BoG’s Procedures for Issuance of Directives, 2020.

    BoG notes that bancassurance has experienced significant expansion worldwide, including across Africa, since the 1980s.

    This model allows banks and other financial institutions (BOFIs) to diversify their product offerings while earning supplementary revenue by using their existing distribution networks to collaborate with insurance firms.

    For insurance companies, this partnership provides an opportunity to expand their market reach and boost sales by utilizing the distribution channels of the BOFIs.

    “For customers, there is convenience, as BOFIs provide a one-stop-shop for all their financial needs including insurance products. In the case of Ghana, insurance companies have resorted to entering into partnership agreements with banks for the provision of Bancassurance products through the distribution channels of the latter”, the directive said.

    This model enables Regulated Financial Institutions (RFIs) to offer insurance products to their clients on behalf of an insurer, utilizing the RFI’s established distribution networks.

    Under this model, an RFI can partner with one life insurance company and one general insurance company. Customers, whether individual or retail, are given the freedom to choose their preferred product and insurer. Importantly, the model ensures that there is no sharing of risk between the RFI and the insurer.

    Additionally, the model aligns with the Bancassurance framework endorsed by the National Insurance Commission (NIC).

    “This Directive is therefore being issued to provide BOG’s regulatory expectations to the banking industry to ensure that inherent risks associated with the product is adequately managed by RFIs as well as to further smoothen and ensure a seamless implementation of the business of Bancassurance in Ghana between the banking and insurance sectors of the economy”, the BoG said.

    Regarding sanctions and corrective actions, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) stated that any Regulated Financial Institution (RFI) that fails to adhere to the stipulations of this Directive will be subject to an administrative penalty ranging from a minimum of two thousand penalty units to a maximum of ten thousand penalty units, as outlined in Section 92(8) of Act 930.

    Additionally, the BoG may impose other penalties or take any corrective measures deemed necessary, in accordance with the provisions of Act 930.

    “Without prejudice to the other penalties and remedial measures prescribed by Act 930, BOG may impose one or more of the following sanctions where any of the provisions herein are contravened:

    a. Suspend the RFI from engaging in Bancassurance business;

    b. Prohibit the RFI from further lending or taking further financial exposures, including investments, or capital expenditure;

    c. Restrict payment of bonuses or excessive compensation to the defaulting key management personnel or director; and d. Suspend defaulting person from office or declare that the relevant person is no longer a fit and proper person.

  • Fire at Saglemi site didn’t affect housing units nor documents – Developer clarifies

    Fire at Saglemi site didn’t affect housing units nor documents – Developer clarifies

    The developer for Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, Quarm LMI Consortium has assured the public that a recent fire at the construction site did not compromise any housing units or critical documents.

    The blaze, which erupted while the site was being prepared for redevelopment, was caused by laborers who set small fires to clear overgrown weeds. Unfortunately, the flames spread to nearby external warehouses containing outdated construction materials.

    During a site inspection on December 26, alongside Sector Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Managing Director Kofi Adaboh Ofori Amanfo provided clarity on the incident.

    “So, I think yesterday around 1 o’clock, we had our labourers working on the campsite as you saw it when you came here. So as we came here in November, we started trying to clear the campsite to prepare for actual development. So I think some labourers set some little fire just to clear the weeds they had gathered.

    “But they couldn’t control it, and they had to move into one of our external warehouses that went up, and that’s what, the fire from the fire station at Sege came to help us to quench. So it’s really not the houses, as I said earlier. It was the storage area at our campsite and behind me, you can see the houses. It’s not touched. I’ve not even started working in there. So there’s nothing happening here,” he said.

    Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah expressed his appreciation for the swift response and urged the consortium to expedite the redevelopment while adhering to safety protocols.

    “In accordance with the various instruments, like the building code, like the site layout itself, do your best to comply, and then also you’ve given us timelines by which you expect to complete this project, do well to stick to those ones. We’ll wait for the fire department to give us an update of what may have been destroyed in the old shed that got destroyed in that incident.

    “But I’m happy to see that contrary to the story that, you know, the housing project has been burnt now. It’s still here intact and that is the old shed with the old materials in there. Two of them, and then two containers that caught fire. At least, that gives us some comfort. So carry on with your work,” he stated.

  • Ghana’s revenue growth to slow down to GHS209.3bn in 2025

    Ghana’s revenue growth to slow down to GHS209.3bn in 2025

    IC Research has projected Ghana’s total revenue for 2025 at GH¢209.3 billion, which accounts for approximately 17.2% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    This marks a significant slowdown in revenue growth, with a forecasted 16.1% increase compared to the 33.8% growth estimated for 2024.

    On the expenditure side, the country’s total spending is expected to reach GH¢240.9 billion, or about 19.8% of GDP in 2025.

    This represents a sharp deceleration in spending growth, with an anticipated increase of 10.4% year-on-year, a notable drop from the 32.2% growth expected for 2024.

    “While the International Monetary Fund explained that the expenditure forecast assumes full debt restructuring, the Fund also underscored the need to strengthen expenditure controls and implement enhanced fiscal responsibility framework. Within this context, we view the projected drop in expenditure-to-GDP ratio to 19.8% (from 20.7% in 2024) amidst a broadly flat projected revenue-to-GDP ratio of 17.2% as indicating a consolidation based on post-election year expenditure controls”, it pointed out.

    IC Securities has assured investors that treasury bills remain secure for short-term investments and liquidity management, and will not be subject to restructuring.

    This assurance aligns with the government’s position, which states that T-bills are excluded from the comprehensive debt restructuring program currently in progress, as they were not included in the Debt Sustainability Analyses.

    The firm emphasized its confidence in the safety of T-bills, asserting that they are crucial for maintaining financial stability.

    “In view of this reassurances and given our belief that T-bills are sacrosanct for financial stability, we we reiterate our view that Ghanaian T-bills remain safe for short-term investment and liquidity management”.

    Following Ghana’s loan default in 2022, there had been widespread speculation about the future of short-term debt instruments like T-bills. However, the government has clarified that T-bills will remain unaffected by the restructuring process, alleviating concerns among investors.

  • IMF’s strict recommendations led to revocation of UT, Capital Bank licenses – BoG Governor

    IMF’s strict recommendations led to revocation of UT, Capital Bank licenses – BoG Governor


    The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, has revealed that the revocation of UT Bank and Capital Bank’s licenses was a direct result of strict recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at stabilizing Ghana’s financial sector.

    He revealed that he took charge of the Central Bank during a turbulent period marked by severe financial instability.

    At the time, the IMF had insisted on immediate and stringent measures to restore stability in the country’s banking sector.

    Dr. Addison disclosed that the IMF had recommended sweeping reforms, including the closure of UT Bank and Capital Bank, among other critical steps.

    Speaking at the Governor’s Day dinner organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Dr. Addison emphasized that the Bank of Ghana had no choice but to implement these drastic actions to safeguard the financial system.

    “There are a few requirements which the IMF calls the prior actions, you have to do this, you have to do that otherwise they are not even going to organize a board meeting to discuss Ghana and disburse any funds to you,” he said.

    His tenure was marked by extensive clean-up initiatives in the banking sector, which involved shutting down several troubled banks and implementing structural reforms designed to rebuild public confidence and ensure the sector’s long-term health.

    Dr. Addison also reflected on the severity of Ghana’s financial crisis, raising important concerns about the influence of external pressure on national economic decisions.

    “This was one of the prior actions—to dissolve UT and Capital Bank. Ghanaians had not witnessed such actions in a long time. Many were shocked when the licenses of the two banks were revoked,” he stated.

    The closure of UT and Capital Bank in August 2017, among the first actions taken during his tenure, shocked many.

    Following this, the Bank of Ghana also revoked the licenses of Beige Bank, uniBank, Sovereign Bank, Construction Bank, and Royal Bank due to significant regulatory breaches.

  • WAEC resumes scanning of WASSCE objective answer sheets

    WAEC resumes scanning of WASSCE objective answer sheets

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the scanning of objective answer sheets for the recently concluded West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is now underway.

    This follows the repair of essential scanning equipment, which had delayed the process. The repairs were made possible after the government allocated GH¢25 million to cover part of its debt to WAEC, allowing for the urgent restoration of the machines.

    On December 23, Mr. Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, confirmed that technicians had successfully restored three critical scanning machines needed to move forward with the process.

    “Some of the machines are not fully operational, but we’ve managed to tweak a few of them. Work will start with the scanning of the objective answer cards, although at a slower pace,” he explained.

    Despite initial setbacks and the ongoing holiday period, WAEC has recalled its staff from their Christmas break to fast-track the scanning process.

    The council is focused on ensuring the timely release of the WASSCE results.

    In addition to the scanning process, examiners are actively reviewing scripts that have been flagged for potential malpractice.

    While the partial payment has provided some financial relief, WAEC is still grappling with challenges.

    The council has stressed the urgency of repairing additional machines, compensating invigilators and supervisors, and boosting bandwidth capacity for uploading the results online.

    “Critical expenses remain unmet, and while we’ve received assurances of more funds from the government, further delays in disbursement could impact the timelines for releasing the results,” Mr. Kapi warned.

    “Critical expenses remain unmet, and while we’ve received assurances of more funds from the government, further delays in disbursement could impact the timelines for releasing the results,” Mr. Kapi warned.

    WAEC remains focused on addressing these challenges and is committed to delivering the results on time, despite facing operational setbacks.

    Nevertheless, the council continues to rely on government support to complete the result processing and meet the expectations of both candidates and stakeholders.

  • 35 lives lost to cholera as cases hit 4,155

    35 lives lost to cholera as cases hit 4,155

    Ghana has recorded 4,155 suspected cholera cases since October, with 35 fatalities as of December 23, 2024.

    Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, provided this update in a statement on December 24, 2024.

    The Western Region has been the most affected, with 17 deaths reported.

    He pointed out that the Western Region had been the most impacted, with 17 deaths reported.

    “Between 30th November and 19th December 2024, an Oral Vaccination campaign was conducted in the Awutu Senya East, Ahanta West, Effia-Kwesimintim, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Shama metro/municipals, which are the hotspots. A total of 662,906 persons have been vaccinated out of 792,482 eligible population.”

    “After the vaccination campaign, the number of reported cases in those districts have declined steadily. Awutu Senya East has not recorded any confirmed case after the vaccination exercise,” he stated.

    Dr. Aboagye advised individuals experiencing diarrhea and vomiting to promptly seek medical attention at the nearest health center.

    “As we enter the Christmas season, we are entreated to drink potable water, eat food that is hot, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming, and wash our hands with soap under running water before preparing food, before eating, and after visiting the toilet (and washroom) or changing diapers and after touching surfaces,” he added.

  • Court to hear NDC’s lawsuit against EC over re-collation of parliamentary results on Dec 27

    Court to hear NDC’s lawsuit against EC over re-collation of parliamentary results on Dec 27

    The High Court has scheduled December 27, 2024, to address a lawsuit filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenging the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to re-collate and re-declare parliamentary results in nine disputed constituencies.

    The NDC argues that the EC has acted beyond its legal powers, describing the re-collation process as procedurally improper.

    The constituencies under dispute include Nsawam Adoagyiri, Dome-Kwabenya, Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, Obuasi East, Techiman South, Ahafo Ano North, and Ahafo Ano South West.

    On December 21, the EC conducted the re-collation at its Greater Accra Regional Office, leading to a shift in outcomes for seven of the nine constituencies. The revised results now favor New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidates.

  • Even if it takes 100 years, NPP will return to power – Prophet Kusi Appiah

    Even if it takes 100 years, NPP will return to power – Prophet Kusi Appiah

    The Warrior-Prophet and head of the Nyametease Ampa Prayer Ministry in Kumasi, Prophet Paul Kusi Appiah, has boldly declared that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will regain power even if it takes a century.

    Speaking on Wontumi Radio he pledged to engage in continuous fasting and prayer, vowing to work towards bringing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) back to power following their loss to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    “Even if it takes 100 years, NPP will return to power. Things will turn around,” he added.

    Prophet Paul Kusi Appiah, drawing on biblical stories, likened their upcoming spiritual efforts to the actions of Esther and Mordecai, assuring that divine help would eventually back their mission.

    He further drew a vivid comparison, recalling the story of witches who fasted to bring harm to Apostle Paul, underlining the power of their prayer and fasting.

    “We are going to do the same to redeem our image and the image of God,” he added.

    This new declaration follows a previous prophecy that created much anticipation before the elections.

    Prophet Kusi Appiah had strongly asserted that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would win the 2024 elections, describing his vision as one that was divinely ordained and unchangeable.

    “Nothing can change what God has planned in the spiritual realm. My prophecy will surely come to pass,” he proclaimed with confidence.

    Adding to the specificity of his vision, he revealed, “I have even seen the attire that the Vice President and his potential vice, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly called NAPO, will wear on their inauguration day on January 7, 2025.”

    The prophecy took an unexpected turn when Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, declared on December 9 that John Mahama of the NDC had won the election with 6,328,397 votes.

    This result led to widespread questioning of Prophet Kusi Appiah’s earlier predictions, causing a stir among both his supporters and critics.

    In light of the outcome, Prophet Kusi Appiah insists that the situation is not a failure of prophecy but rather a divine decision to protect the peace and stability of the nation.

    “God saw that if the NPP had won the 2024 elections, there would have been war. If they like, they should go and find out,” he asserted.

  • This is the will of God – Wontumi consoles Bawumia over electoral defeat

    This is the will of God – Wontumi consoles Bawumia over electoral defeat

    Prominent leaders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from the Ashanti Region recently gathered to express their sympathy to the party’s presidential candidate, Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, following their loss in the 2024 elections.

    A video of the meeting have circulated online, showcasing the emotional reactions of the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), Bawumia’s running mate, as they voiced their sorrow over the defeat.

    Chairman Wontumi offered words of encouragement, urging Dr. Bawumia and party members to take solace in the teachings of the Bible.

    He reminded them that the Christian faith acknowledges both joyous and sorrowful times, and that all such moments, whether uplifting or challenging, come from God and should be embraced with grace.

    “This is the will of God, he knows why this happened. We can’t fight him, we can’t do anything. We know that at the right time he would make us happy for the sake of you and your running mate,” he said.

    Chairman Wontumi also took the opportunity to praise Dr. Bawumia for his historic decision to select Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as his running mate, emphasizing that this move was a significant honor to the Ashanti Region.

    He highlighted that the selection was a first of its kind and served as a recognition of the region’s importance to the party.

    Dr. Prempeh, on his part, acknowledged the pain the party felt following their electoral defeat. He expressed his appreciation to Dr. Bawumia for meeting with the party executives, despite the shared sorrow over the loss.

    https://www.tiktok.com/@sissala_eagle_media/video/7448179883697589510?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
  • Peace in Ghana is a treasure we must protect – Afenyo Markin

    Peace in Ghana is a treasure we must protect – Afenyo Markin

    Effutu MP and Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has conveyed his gratitude for the enduring tranquility in Ghana.

    During a phone conversation on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he acknowledged the nation’s post-election stability, remarking, “We thank God for the peace we have in the country.”

    Reflecting on the heightened emotions during the election period, Mr. Afenyo-Markin praised the nation for its commendable conduct throughout the process.

    “Although the election atmosphere was tense, we have managed to maintain peace and unity as a nation,” he stated.

    With Christmas drawing near, Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged Ghanaians to embrace the essence of national unity.

    He highlighted that, despite political divisions, the shared Ghanaian identity remains a unifying force for all citizens.

    “Politics will come and go, we may have our differences and ideologies, but what unites us all is the Ghanaian spirit. Let’s remember that we are one people, bound by a common purpose and love for our country,” he added.

    As the holiday season draws near, Mr. Afenyo-Markin highlighted the need to keep Ghana’s development at the forefront.

    He urged efforts to create a country rooted in fairness and equal opportunities for everyone.

    “As we celebrate Christmas, let us also remember that building a fair, just, and equitable country should be our focus,” he said.

    “When we create a nation with equal opportunities for everyone, there will be no need for disruptions. We must keep our eyes on the prize—national development.”

    Mr. Afenyo-Markin voiced his optimism about Ghana’s future, highlighting the nation’s ability to fulfill its ambition of becoming “the gateway to Africa.” He underscored the need for collaboration and shared determination among Ghanaians to achieve this goal.

    Speaking directly to his party members, he acknowledged the setback of the recent election results but urged them to stay hopeful, emphasizing that opportunities for progress still lie ahead.

    “Even though we did not win the election, there is still a bright future ahead for us,” he affirmed.

    “We need to act collectively, remain hopeful, and enjoy this festive season. There is much to look forward to, and the future is still bright for all of us.”

    Mr. Afenyo-Markin conveyed his deep appreciation for the ongoing peace in Ghana, recognizing the strength of the people in upholding unity amidst a politically charged atmosphere.

    “The peace we have in this country is a blessing,” he said.

    “We must continue to nurture this peace and ensure that it remains the foundation upon which we build our future,” he said.

  • NDC’s Bernice Heloo passes on after brief illness

    NDC’s Bernice Heloo passes on after brief illness

    The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe, Bernice Adiku Heloo, has sadly passed on.

    The tragic loss occurred on Wednesday, December 25, after a short illness.

    Heloo represented the Hohoe Constituency in Ghana’s 4th Republic, serving in the 6th and 7th Parliaments from January 7, 2013, to January 6, 2021.

    Beyond her political role, she was a prominent advocate, having led the Society for Women and AIDS in Africa as president and founded Prolink, a renowned Ghanaian non-governmental organization.

    Her untimely death has left the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region in mourning. While regional leaders have confirmed the passing, an official statement has yet to be made.

  • This is what led to KT Hammond’s lost in Dec polls – Asiedu Nketiah reveals

    This is what led to KT Hammond’s lost in Dec polls – Asiedu Nketiah reveals

    The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has opened up about how Adansi Asokwa Member of Parliament, Kobina Tahir Hammond, was defeated in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    Mr Nketiah explained that during the election campaign, he leveraged controversial remarks made by KT Hammond about the youth.

    In a past interview, Mr Hammond had called the youth “senseless” and compared their heads to coconuts.

    “He [KT Hammond] said on television that the youth are senseless, that their heads are like coconuts, and that they grow their beards. So that is what I used to remind his constituents during the campaign.

    “So if they voted for him again, then it would mean they are not sensible indeed, which worked,” he said in Twi during an interview with Onua TV.

    Mr Nketiah noted that he warned the voters that choosing Hammond again would imply they were endorsing his views on the youth, which resonated with the electorate and played a role in Hammond’s loss.

    Mr Hammond, who had served as the MP for the constituency for several years, was defeated by NDC candidate Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi-Dorani, who garnered 14,229 votes, while Hammond secured 13,275.

    Mr Hammond has rejected the outcome, alleging discrepancies in the collation process and threatening to pursue legal action if the Electoral Commission fails to address his concerns.

    https://www.tiktok.com/@proudblacksheep_11/video/7448229427357420832?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
  • Unity is key to Ghana’s progress – Godfred Dame

    Unity is key to Ghana’s progress – Godfred Dame

    Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has urged Ghanaians to adopt the spirit of peace and unity embodied by Christmas, calling on the public to consider the principles that bring the nation together.

    During an interview with Joy FM, the Attorney General highlighted the critical role of peace, particularly in the wake of the 2024 General Election.

    “At Christmas, it is my wish that the peace of Christ would indeed permeate every home and resonate in the minds and hearts of the people,” Mr Dame said.

    He recognized the country’s advancement in upholding a stable democracy, pointing out that while elections have generally been peaceful, there have been sporadic instances of violence that have tarnished the process.

    “We must recognise that what binds us as a people is greater than the few things that divide us,” he remarked.

    The Attorney General encouraged Ghanaians to handle post-election issues with a strong respect for the rule of law and a dedication to maintaining peace.

    “I pray that we, as a people, will once again demonstrate our tenacity and responsibility for peace by ensuring that all post-election matters are resolved on balance and in law,” he stated.

    Mr. Dame expressed pride in Ghana’s democratic achievements, highlighting the significant progress the country has made over the years.

    “Democracy is a gift that many nations are still struggling to achieve. It is a system we have embraced as a way of life, and we should take pride in what we have achieved,” he said.

    He urged citizens to value the stability democracy offers, describing it as a vital legacy that should be safeguarded for the generations to come.

    “We have determined for ourselves a leader for the next four years, and it is essential that we resolve any disputes peacefully to further consolidate our democracy,” he added.

    As the Christmas season progresses, the Attorney General reminded Ghanaians of the importance of unity and peace in fostering national growth.

    “Let us ensure that the spirit of Christmas—peace, love, and togetherness—guides our actions in the coming days and beyond,” he concluded.



  • Reforming EC is key to achieving credible, transparent elections – Hannah Tetteh to Mahama

    Reforming EC is key to achieving credible, transparent elections – Hannah Tetteh to Mahama

    The former Foreign Affairs Minister of Ghana, Hannah Tetteh, has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to include a major reform of the Electoral Commission (EC) as part of his planned governance reset.

    Speaking to the press on December 24, Tetteh, who once represented the Awutu Senya West constituency, expressed deep concerns about the EC’s operations and stressed the urgent need for reforms to restore public confidence in the commission.

    Her comments come amid ongoing debates about the EC’s role in ensuring fair and credible elections, with many stakeholders advocating for changes to make the institution more independent and accountable.

    Tetteh urged the incoming government to prioritize these reforms as part of its broader agenda for addressing the country’s governance challenges.

    “The way in which they have engaged has not exactly allowed people to have confidence in their objectivity and neutrality, and I think that one of the lessons for the commission after the election should be how to also do a reset because if they don’t do a reset, I worry what people’s perceptions will be of the EC’s neutrality and competence in the elections that we have coming in the future.

    “There has to be a significant review about what it will do differently to improve public confidence because it is currently at an all-time low.”

  • Takoradi Port expands capacity with increased cargo and cruise ship operations

    Takoradi Port expands capacity with increased cargo and cruise ship operations

    Takoradi Port has demonstrated significant growth in both cargo handling and cruise ship traffic, marked by the arrival of a transit vessel carrying around 50,000 metric tonnes of bagged rice—the first such shipment in over a decade.

    The port efficiently discharged this large shipment within a reasonable time frame, showcasing its capacity to manage high-volume transit cargo with accuracy and speed.

    By November 2024, the port experienced a 33.28% increase in total cargo volume, rising from 7.1 million metric tonnes in November 2023 to 9.4 million metric tonnes.

    Cruise ship visits also saw remarkable growth, with the number of cruise vessel calls doubling from seven in November 2023 to 14 in November 2024.

    Peter Amo-Bediako, the Director of Takoradi Port, emphasized during a media event that these achievements reflect the port’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction, alongside the positive public relations generated through media coverage.

    As of November 2024, imported cargo at the port totaled 2,877,273 metric tonnes, showing an 11.03% increase from 2,591,340 metric tonnes in the previous year.

    Imports of clinker and gypsum represented more than 70% of the total import volume, with 2,072,490 metric tonnes recorded in November 2024, compared to 1,757,883 metric tonnes in the same period of 2023.

    Export cargo also saw strong growth, reaching 6,472,998 metric tonnes in November 2024, up by 44% from 4,500,570 metric tonnes during the same period in 2023.

    “This was by manganese with 4,693,983 metric tonnes and Bauxite with 1,446,934 metric tonnes as at the end of November 2024 compared to 2,981,365 and 1,083,104 metric tonnes respectively of the two commodities, recorded in the same period last year.

    The Port Director noted that by the end of November 2024, transit cargo at the port had surged to 51,086 metric tonnes, a stark rise from the 2,247 metric tonnes registered in the same period the previous year.

    “This achievement reflects a remarkable growth rate of 2,173.72 percent in our transit trade cargo volume, we remain optimistic that this substantial upward trend in transit cargo will persist in the forthcoming years and decades”

    However, Mr. Amo-Bediako highlighted a decline in Container TEU traffic this year, with a total of 28,257 TEUs recorded by the end of November.

    This marks an 11 percent drop compared to the 31,763 TEUs observed during the same period last year.

    Mr. Amo-Bediako shared that the YILPORT-ATSL container and multipurpose terminal began its full commercial operations in September, marking a key milestone with the arrival of the first container vessel. This event signals a new phase of enhanced container handling services at Takoradi Port.

    He also highlighted the official opening of the port’s oil and gas services terminal in November, reinforcing Takoradi Port’s critical role in supporting the oil and gas exploration and production sectors in Ghana and West Africa.

    Looking forward, the Director stated that the port will continue to focus on future growth, with plans to launch commercial operations at the Oil and Gas Service terminal to cater to industry needs.

    Furthermore, he mentioned the upcoming Prime Meridian DOCK (PMD) floating dock project, which will elevate the port’s capabilities in ship repairs and maintenance, particularly for offshore supply vessels, solidifying Takoradi Port as a leader in this field.

    On the Genser Energy Cryonic Tank Farm Facility, he said “We expect to commerce operations at this facility in 2025, this will support gas export, further diversify our portfolio of service and strengthen the ports contributions to Ghana’s energy export strategy”

    He mentioned that in 2025, the port, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, intends to establish a cruise ship and passenger terminal through a public-private partnership.

    “This initiative is consistent with our strategic vision to enhance tourism and maritime connectivity within Ghana,” he added.

    The Director expressed confidence that the port would manage a cargo volume of 9.8 million tonnes in 2025, nearing the pre-COVID volume of over 10 million metric tonnes.

    He also highlighted the successful launch of the port’s state-of-the-art medical diagnostic centre in April 2024, which now provides top-notch healthcare services to both port workers and the broader community.

    Future plans include the introduction of a 24-hour pharmacy and the acquisition of an MRI machine to improve healthcare provision for staff and patients across the Western, Central, and Western North regions.

    “We look forward to implementing a 24-hour pharmacy and procuring and MRI machine to facilitate effective service delivery to staff and patients in the Western, Central and western north regions,” he added.

  • Ghana opens its borders to all African nationals without visa requirements

    Ghana opens its borders to all African nationals without visa requirements

    President Akufo-Addo has honored his commitment to grant visa-free entry to all African nationals visiting Ghana.

    This initiative, first announced at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024) in January, is designed to promote the unrestricted movement of people, goods, and services within the continent.

    The policy, which received executive approval on December 18, 2024, will be implemented before the end of Akufo-Addo’s presidency on January 6, 2025.

    In line with the African Union’s aspirations for economic integration, the move aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Ghana will now join the ranks of countries like Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin that offer visa-free access to all African passport holders.

    This policy is expected to play a key role in advancing Africa’s integration agenda, creating a more interconnected and collaborative business and governmental landscape across the continent.

    In his APD 2024 keynote address, delivered under the theme “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the visa-free initiative.

    “Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event,” he said, referencing a special arrangement that reduced visa fees for participants.

    “The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free travel for all Africans, and the process has begun to implement the policy this year,” he assured attendees.

    The policy has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as well as the Ministry of the Interior, both of which have begun preparing for its rollout.

    The Ghana Immigration Service is expected to officially announce the start date, which is anticipated to be Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

    This initiative aims to boost business, tourism, and cultural exchanges across the continent, reinforcing Ghana’s role as a key player in fostering African unity and integration.

    The policy comes in response to criticism surrounding stringent immigration rules in other African countries, underscoring the need for a more open and accessible approach to travel across the continent.

    Business tycoon Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, highlighted the challenges of dealing with visa requirements, further emphasizing the importance of this policy in easing movement within Africa.

    “As an investor, I have to apply for 35 different visas,” he lamented at a business forum in Rwanda.

    Mr. Dangote’s statement sheds light on the struggles faced by African business leaders and investors, who frequently find it easier to travel to Europe or the United States than to other African countries.

    Ghana, the host country for the AfCFTA Secretariat, has been a strong advocate for the idea of a unified Africa, a vision that was first put forward by the nation’s founding father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

    Unlike Ethiopia, which has received backlash for its stringent visa policies, Ghana’s initiative provides a forward-thinking example for the rest of Africa.

  • I pray for strength and wisdom for Ghana’s new leaders – Akufo-Addo

    I pray for strength and wisdom for Ghana’s new leaders – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has expressed his sincere congratulations to the President-elect and the newly elected Members of Parliament following the 2024 general elections.

    He offered prayers for their guidance, strength, and divine favor as they prepare to take on their new responsibilities.

    In his Christmas address to the nation on Tuesday, December 24, President Akufo-Addo applauded Ghanaians for the successful and peaceful conclusion of the 2024 elections, calling it a landmark event in the country’s democratic journey.

    “Fellow Ghanaians, this year, we have achieved another monumental milestone in our national development with a peaceful, free and fair election of a new president and new members of parliament, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the president-elect and the MPs-elect, wisdom, wisdom, strength and God’s blessings as they prepare to lead our beloved nation,” he said.

    “I must nevertheless condemn, in no uncertain terms, the unnecessary acts of violence that have tarnished an otherwise exemplary democratic exercise,” he stated.

    The President lauded the elections as a clear reflection of Ghana’s standing as a symbol of democracy in Africa.

    At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges that arose during the electoral process.

    President Akufo-Addo firmly condemned the instances of post-election violence, which tarnished what was otherwise a commendable democratic event.

  • Don’t bear the cost of port delays you didn’t cause – GSA to shippers

    Don’t bear the cost of port delays you didn’t cause – GSA to shippers

    The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has advised the shipping community to avoid imposing charges on delays at the ports that are not the fault of shippers.

    In a statement released on December 24, 2024, signed by Chief Executive Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, the GSA clarified that no shipper should be held liable for expenses related to delays beyond their control.

    This follows reports of significant delays at the Tema Port, primarily due to issues with scanner malfunctions and system glitches.

    While the GSA recognizes ongoing efforts to address the challenges, particularly with the scanner at MPS Terminal 3 and disruptions in the ICUMS system, it stressed that shippers should not bear the financial burden of delays resulting from these technical failures.

    The GSA has encouraged any cargo holders, consignees, or service providers who have incurred charges due to these delays to report the incidents immediately.

    “All cargo interest holders, consignees, and Service Providers should report to the GhanacShippers’ Authority promptly where any such cost is imposed or paid, for the necessary investigation and a refund, where it is established that the delay was due to systemic failure,” the statement said.

    A process has been established to investigate and arrange for refunds if the delays are found to be caused by system-related issues.

    The Authority reiterated its commitment to supporting stakeholders in ensuring fair practices and effective services within the commercial shipping sector.

  • Registration for MPs-elect begins today

    Registration for MPs-elect begins today

    Parliament has launched the registration process for the Members of Parliament (MPs) -elect ahead of the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic.

    A statement issued on December 24 revealed that the registration will begin online on today, Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

    The in-person registration will follow, taking place from January 2 to January 6, 2025.

    “Targeted messages inviting members will be sent to members elect via WhatsApp or emails. Physical registration will start on Thursday 2nd January 2025 and end on 6th January 2025.

    “Members who may need further clarifications or assistance may contact the officers in charge of the registration exercise on telephone number 055 022 2200 or 0503634466,” portions of the statement stated.

    For any questions or further assistance, members can reach out to the registration team at 055 022 2200 or 0503634466.

    The statement noted that, the registration is an important part of the preparations for the swearing-in of the new Parliament.

  • MP-elects for Dome Kwabenya, Ablekuma North will be announced before swearing-in of 9th Parliament – EC

    MP-elects for Dome Kwabenya, Ablekuma North will be announced before swearing-in of 9th Parliament – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has indicated that the results for the Dome Kwabenya and Ablekuma North constituencies will be finalized, with the elected Members of Parliament announced before the swearing-in of the ninth parliament.

    This assurance follows the successful resolution of results in seven other contested constituencies, including Okaikwei Central, Nsawam Adoagyiri, Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South West, Obuasi East, Tema Central, and Techiman South.

    The EC’s Deputy Chairperson for Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman Asare, expressed confidence that the outstanding matters would be resolved without further delay.

    Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, he clarified that the delays were due to disputes raised by various stakeholders, necessitating additional checks to maintain the integrity of the process.

    Dr. Asare reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and fairness, urging political parties and the public to remain patient as the final issues are addressed.

    “We are hopeful that the two outstanding constituencies will have their MPs elect very, very soon, way before the swearing-in parliament,” Dr Asare stated.

    The Electoral Commission’s re-collation and declaration of results have generated varied responses. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has won all seven seats announced so far.

    However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the results, calling the EC’s actions illegal and vowing to challenge the decisions.

  • I am focused on creating equal opportunities for all Ghanaians – Mahama

    I am focused on creating equal opportunities for all Ghanaians – Mahama

    President-elect John Dramani Mahama has conveyed his Christmas greetings to Ghanaians as they celebrate the holiday on December 25, 2024.

    In a message shared on social media, Mahama expressed his gratitude to the people of Ghana for electing him as their leader.

    He assured citizens that his leadership will focus on building a fair and inclusive nation, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

    “In the Republic of Ghana, Christmas is a season of hope and renewed inspiration. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the values He lived by, I wish to thank you, the good people of Ghana, for bestowing on me the opportunity to serve you as your President and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

    “I wish to also reaffirm my determination to build a nation that works for all, a prosperous and democratic state anchored in the principles of freedom, justice, accountability, and equal opportunities for all,” he said.

    On Monday, December 9, the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, declared John Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, as the winner of the 2024 election with 6,328,397 votes.

    Dr. Bawumia, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 4,657,304 votes.

    In a historic achievement, Mahama’s NDC also secured a majority in Parliament.

  • I may not stay composed if I have to face Ablakwa during ORAL session – Freddie Blay

    I may not stay composed if I have to face Ablakwa during ORAL session – Freddie Blay

    The ex-NPP National Chairman, Freddie Blay, has stated that he is prepared to engage with the committee formed by President-elect John Dramani Mahama to lay the groundwork for his Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.

    However, Blay warned that his patience might wear thin during the process, especially given Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s role as the committee’s chair.

    Speaking to JoyNews, “I am saying if it’s a proper organization and has a basis in law and they even invite me that they have something and they want me to appear, Okudzeto, I will meet him. Unfortunately, he will be the chair. If I don’t take care, I might be a little bit… I will lose my temper with him because of what he’s been saying, the disgrace, the defamation, the libellous things he’s been talking and writing. It may provoke me. I wouldn’t know what my reaction will be,” he said.

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made several accusations against members of the Blay family, including claims of illegally acquiring state lands.

    In response to these allegations, Freddie Blay refuted any wrongdoing, insisting that neither he nor his children, Kwame and Kwaw, who were mentioned by the MP, were involved in any illicit activities.

    “My family has not taken a pesewa from the Ghana government unlawfully. We have not taken any government land unlawfully. We have not done anything that you can blame me for. If Okudzeto now is convinced that I’ve done that, then I’m a little careful about what ORAL wants to do,” he said in an interview with Accra-based JoyNews.

    “I’ve sued him for defamation, and my two children have sued him also for defamation because we have not taken any government land and yet give that impression. He organizes people with placards and makes it look as if my two sons and I have stolen government lands. He calls that state capture. That I will resist. I want to tell you that he is shooting after shadows because we have not done that,” he explained.

    President Mahama’s ORAL team, headed by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is tasked with collecting relevant information to be forwarded to the appropriate institutions for further investigation.

    The committee also includes Raymond Archer, Martin Kpebu, COP Nathaniel Kof Boakye (retired), and Daniel Yao Domelevo.