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Tag: Freda Prempeh

  • Akufo-Addo’s reshuffle was not to enhance governance but for political gains – Vanderpuye

    Akufo-Addo’s reshuffle was not to enhance governance but for political gains – Vanderpuye


    Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodoo, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has argued that President Akufo-Addo‘s recent ministerial reshuffle is motivated by political considerations rather than the imperative for effective governance.

    Vanderpuye’s remarks follow President Akufo-Addo’s reshuffle on February 14, 2024. According to him, the adjustments were driven by the President’s recognition of challenges in specific constituencies and the perceived incompetence of certain Members of Parliament.

    He emphasized that the introduction of new faces in the reshuffle is a strategic maneuver to replace MPs who suffered defeat in the Parliamentary Primaries and subsequently faded from the public spotlight.

    Vanderpuye asserted that the newly appointed individuals would use their limited influence to address their public images and solidify their positions in their respective constituencies.

    Pointing specifically to the removal of the former Sanitation Minister, Freda Prempeh, who was appointed a few months ago, he attributed her removal to her defeat in the Parliamentary Primaries.

    In an interview on the Big Issue on Citi TV with Selorm Adonoo on February 17, 2024, Vanderpuye expressed skepticism about the new appointees’ capability to enhance the administration, suggesting that their lack of experience and background in their ministries could potentially exacerbate the situation.

    “Some of us who are political strategists have known that these changes were not made for the functioning of government but for political reasons. Strategic political reasons. Let me be frank with you, the president is privy to National security reports, and he knows that a lot of his constituencies are not doing well, the constituencies of his people and some of these people have lost elections and as such, why should he keep those people there, their influence is gone in the constituency so why doesn’t he bring in new people who may have a little bit of influence that could solve their personalities and positions in their constituencies.

    “Let me take for example, the president recently appointed Freda Prempeh to the Ministry, a few months ago, why would he change her? The only reason why he is changing her is because Freda has lost her Parliamentary position.”

  • Lydia Alhassan takes over Sanitation Ministry

    Lydia Alhassan takes over Sanitation Ministry

    The Member of Parliament representing the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has been appointed as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources in the latest government reshuffle under the Akufo-Addo administration.

    Pending vetting and approval by Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan is set to take over from Freda Prempeh in this ministerial role.

    The decision is part of broader changes made by President Akufo-Addo, where ministers who lost their parliamentary seats or did not contest in their constituencies have been replaced, primarily by Members of Parliament.

    Freda Prempeh assumed the position from Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose resignation letter dated Saturday, 22nd July 2023, was accepted by the President on the same day.

    However, President Akufo-Addo’s latest cabinet reshuffle is seen as a response to calls for a significant shake-up in his ministerial team.

    Reported Key Appointments in the Reshuffle:

    1. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover – New Greater Accra Regional Minister:
      • Titus-Glover replaces Henry Quartey, bringing extensive experience to bolster regional development efforts in the capital.
    2. Dr. Mohammed Adam Amin Anta – Minister of Finance Designate:
      • Dr. Adam Amin Anta, MP for Karaga, and Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, takes over from Ken Ofori-Atta. His technocratic background signals the government’s commitment to economic stability amid ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussions.
    3. Lydia Alhassan – New Sanitation and Water Resources Minister:
      • Lydia Alhassan, MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, replaces Freda Prempeh. This move follows Frema Prempeh’s loss in the parliamentary primary to Dr. Gideon Buoko.
    4. Andrew Agyepa Mercer – Minister of Tourism:
      • Mercer, currently the Deputy Minister of Energy and MP for Sekondi, is appointed as the Minister of Tourism. This strategic move aims to boost the tourism sector and attract more visitors to the country.
    5. Henry Quartey – Interior Minister Designate:
      • Henry Quartey, a respected figure in the government, is appointed as the Interior Minister Designate. His previous role as deputy at the same ministry adds to his suitability for maintaining internal security and safeguarding the nation’s borders.
    6. Ophelia Hayford Mensah – Minister for Environment Science, Technology, and Innovation:
      • Ophelia Hayford Mensah, MP for Mfantesman, replaces Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, bringing her expertise and passion for environmental conservation to address climate change and implement green initiatives.
    7. Other Appointments:
      • Ms. Fatimatu Abubakar becomes the substantive Information Minister.
      • Kojo Oppong Nkrumah moves to Works and Housing.
      • Francis Asenso Boakye takes over from Kwasi Amoako-Attah as Roads and Highways Minister.
    8. Deputy Ministers:
      • Abdul-Aziz Musah Ayaba (Deputy Minister).
      • Prince Hamid Armah (Deputy Minister).
      • Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie (Deputy Minister).
      • Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, among others.
  • Freda Prempeh, Joseph Cudjoe, other Ministers to be sacked by Akufo-Addo after NPP primary loss – Report

    Freda Prempeh, Joseph Cudjoe, other Ministers to be sacked by Akufo-Addo after NPP primary loss – Report

    An imminent reshuffle is expected to result in the dismissal of four Ministers of State, seven deputy ministers, and numerous Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of government agencies, according to reports.

    The individuals facing dismissal are predominantly those who participated in the recent parliamentary primaries but were unsuccessful in their bids.

    Joseph Cudjoe, the Minister of Public Enterprises and Member of Parliament (MP) for Effia in the Western Region, Dr. Freda Prempeh, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources and MP for Tano North in the Ahafo Region, and Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and MP for Walewale in the North East Region, all faced defeats during the party’s January 27, 2024 primaries.

    Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, also lost the New Juaben North seat in the primaries.

    Among the seven deputy ministers who were not re-elected are Tina Naa Ayeley Mensah, the Deputy Minister of Health and MP for Weija-Gbawe in the Greater Accra Region, and Mahama Asei Seini, the Deputy Minister of Health and MP for Daboya/Mankarigu in the Savannah Region.

    Other deputies who were unsuccessful in their bids include Gifty Twum-Ampofo, the Deputy Minister of Education and MP for Abuakwa North in the Eastern Region, Ama Pomaa Boateng, the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation and MP for Juaben in the Ashanti Region, Collins Ntim, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development and MP for Offinso North in the Ashanti Region, Bright Wireko-Brobbey, the Deputy Minister of Labour Relations and MP for Lower Hemang Denkyira in the Central Region, and Moses Anim, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and MP for Trobu.

    Ms. Mensah was defeated by Jerry Ahmed Shaibu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coastal Development Authority, while Mr. Seini lost to a former Deputy Minister of the Savannah Region, Samuel Tika. Mr. Wireko-Brobbey was defeated by the CEO of Export and Import Bank, Ghana, Lawrence Agyinsam, while Ms. Boateng and Mr. Ntim lost their re-election bid to Frank Owusu Achiaw and Fred Kyei Asamoah, respectively.

    The decision to remove these officials was reportedly reached during a meeting held before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Primaries.

    “It is unfortunate but they will be relieved of their duties in the coming days once the primaries are over and a winner is decided”, a report by Ghanaweb revealed.

    This unconfirmed report comes after the sacking of 24 District Chief Executives by President Akufo-Addo over the weekend.

    The President explained that this action is in accordance with Article 243 (3) b of the Constitution and section 20 (3) (b) of the Local Government Act, 2014, (Act 936).

    In the letter signed on Friday, February 2, the President directed the affected DCEs to be notified of the revocation and instructed that replacements be nominated under separate cover. 

    The specific reasons for the revocation were not provided in the statement.

    Among those affected by the president’s directive are, Martina Appiah Nyantakyi (Ahafo Ano North), Nii Larteh Ollenu (Amansie West), Daniel Owuredu (Nkoranza South), Alhaji Abdulai Adams (Pru East), Gmasombe Jerome Kofi Gyimah, (Sene East), Joseph Aidoo (Awutu Senya West), Samuel Kwame Agyekum (Asuogyaman), Seth Asante (Atiwa West), Comfort Asante (New Juaben North), Isaac Kwadzo Buabeng (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Daniel Alexander Nii-Noi Adumua (Adentan) and Mohammed Bashiru Kamara (Ga Central).

    While many continue to ponder over the rationale behind the president’s decision, financial analyst and US economist, Scott Bolshevik, has shared what he believes to be the reason behind the mass sacking of District Chief Executives by President Akufo-Addo.

    According to Mr Bolshevik in a post on X, February 3, 2024, these DCEs were not dismissed due to their inefficiency or corruption-related activities, per his conversation with a Member of Parliament.

    He noted that the 24 individuals were removed from post because the “preferred 24 candidates for president lost the recent elections.”

    Mr Bolshevick said their continuous stay may impair the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s quest to become President, thus their appointments had to be revoked by the president.

    “I had the privilege to talk to an MP The bizarre part was that the DCEs were sacked, not based on corruption or inefficiency It’s because the preferred 24 candidates for president lost the recent elections. This may impair Bawumia’s succession It has never been about you!” he wrote.

  • Freda Prempeh accepts her fate in NPP primaries; promises to support Dr Bawumia ‘Break the Eight’

    Freda Prempeh accepts her fate in NPP primaries; promises to support Dr Bawumia ‘Break the Eight’

    Tano North Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister of Sanitation and Water, Freda Prempeh, has acknowledged her defeat in the recent parliamentary primary, expressing her unwavering commitment to continue serving the constituents.

    Prempeh, who was seeking re-election for a fourth term, faced a setback in her political journey when she lost to Dr. Gideon Boako, the spokesperson to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. The primary, held on January 27, saw Dr Boako securing 444 votes, while the incumbent MP gathered 221 votes.

    In a statement following the outcome, Prempeh demonstrated resilience and a positive outlook, emphasizing the inherent nature of elections where one either emerges victorious or faces defeat.

    “When you go into an election, you either win or lose; you cannot break even. You psych yourself to win but if it doesn’t happen that way, you respect the verdict of the people,” she shared with journalists during a ceremony.

    The defeated MP highlighted the importance of trusting the judgment of the delegates, expressing her belief in the democratic process. She affirmed her commitment to continuing her service to the people of Tano North despite the setback.

    “They say fear delegates, but I always say trust delegates because I trust their judgment. I will continue to serve the good people of Tano North,” she affirmed.

    Despite the disappointment of losing the primary, Prempeh remains focused on the larger goal of supporting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice President Bawumia’s vision to “break the eight,” referring to the tradition of alternating political power in Ghana.

    “They have spoken, and I accept it in good faith. I bear no grudges. I remain resolute and committed to supporting Bawumia to break the eight,” she added, signaling her dedication to the party’s objectives.

    Freda Prempeh’s dignified acceptance of defeat and commitment to ongoing service reflects the democratic spirit and resilience within the political landscape as Ghana approaches the upcoming general elections.

  • Bawumia’s spokesperson beats Freda Prempeh to win Tano North NPP contest

    Bawumia’s spokesperson beats Freda Prempeh to win Tano North NPP contest

    Spokesperson for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Gideon Boako, has emerged victorious in the hotly contested New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) primaries in Tano North.

    Dr. Gideon Boako secured a notable win over the incumbent Member of Parliament, Freda Prempeh, in the Tano North constituency.

    At the end of the polls, Gideon Boako polled 444 votes while Freda Prempeh polled 221 votes while Gideon Boako polled 444 votes.

  • My delegates won’t fail me, they believe in me – Freda Prempeh

    My delegates won’t fail me, they believe in me – Freda Prempeh

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North Constituency, Freda Prempeh, has expressed confidence in her delegates to secure victory in the upcoming NPP primary elections.

    Emphasizing her trust in the delegates’ support, she highlighted her collaborative approach and commitment to making decisions with them rather than imposing them.

    With the primary scheduled for January 27th, she anticipates being crowned with victory through her dedicated efforts.

    “Hundred percent support from my delegates, I don’t fear delegates, I trust my delegates, because have worked with them before, have lived with them I don’t impose decision on them. I take decisions with them and I know that they are going to crown me with my effort coming 27th January,” she said.

    Facing competition from the spokesperson for the Vice President, Dr Gideon Boako, Freda Prempeh is determined to secure a fourth term as the incumbent MP.

    Undeterred by the attention garnered by her opponent’s campaign, she remains unfazed and points to her substantial contributions to the constituency, including the sinking of 130 boreholes, construction of 11 chips compounds, and lobbying for educational facilities and infrastructure projects.

    “I have worked so hard in this constituency, have been able to sink and make 130 bore-holes, and have been able to construct 11 chips compound.”

    “Have lobbied for about 25 educational facilitates, have done two AstroTurf’s in the constituency in terms of electricity the coverage of this constituency is over 85%.”

    “I want the woman to be retained because of the development she brought to us here, some men who came before her couldn’t perform this well,” one of them said.

    “The woman is an MP who serves well.”

    Citing her extensive work, she highlighted achievements such as two AstroTurf projects and an electricity coverage exceeding 85% in the constituency.

    Delegates supporting her reelection emphasize the positive impact of her development initiatives, citing her effective service as a reason for her retention.

    “I want the woman to be retained because of the development she brought to us here; some men who came before her couldn’t perform this well,” one delegate expressed. Another added, “The woman is an MP who serves well.”

  • Gideon Boako is not a strong force – Freda Prempeh ahead of NPP Primaries

    Gideon Boako is not a strong force – Freda Prempeh ahead of NPP Primaries

    Member of Parliament for Tano North Constituency and Minister of State at the Presidency, Freda Prempeh, has expressed her intention to seek a fourth term as nominations open for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries.

    The upcoming contest is expected to be fiercely contested, with Freda Prempeh facing competition from Dr. Gideon Boako, the spokesperson for the Vice President.

    The Tano North Constituency, located in the Ahafo Region, is anticipated to be a highly competitive election, and the outcome will be closely watched within the political landscape.

    Despite the expected challenges, Freda Prempeh has conveyed confidence in her ability to secure victory and continue her representation in the constituency.

    “If you are a sitting Member of Parliament, a former Deputy Minister, a Minister of State at the Presidency and somebody calls himself a spokesperson and calls himself a strong force, a strong force for where?”, she asked.

    According to her, “those who think they have arrived and they are spokespersons, they got that because of my hard work”.

    In the Tano North Constituency of the Ahafo Region, four out of the six seats are currently held by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is actively working to regain some of these seats, with a focus on the Tano North Constituency.

    In the 2020 election, the incumbent Member of Parliament, Freda Prempeh, secured victory with 54.2% of the votes, a decrease from the 58.1% obtained in the 2016 election. Freda Prempeh has suggested that certain actions by party members might have contributed to the decline in voter numbers.

  • “I sympathise with them” – Sanitation Minister clarifies remarks on dam spillage victims

    “I sympathise with them” – Sanitation Minister clarifies remarks on dam spillage victims

    Sanitation Minister Freda Prempeh has in a recent interview with Republic FM, clarified her earlier statements regarding the Akosombo Dam spillage and its impact on residents who according to her ‘refused’ to evacuate prior to the spillage.

    Addressing the misunderstanding, the minister stated, “I was just emphasising the fact that when we educate people to move from a place, it should be responded to in obedience, so that when a disaster occurs, we can all protect ourselves. Everyone has misunderstood me. They are saying the honourable minister said when we told them to move, they said they wouldn’t, and now they are covered with water. I did not say that.”

    Minister Freda Prempeh went on to emphasize that she was highlighting the importance of the education and dissemination exercise conducted by the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). She expressed sympathy and empathy for those affected by the dam spillage and emphasized the need for solidarity during this challenging time.

    “I want to put on record, that I was emphasising on education and dissemination exercise that was done by the VRA and NADMO. So please people should not misunderstand me. I am one of you, I am a journalist and I know how to communicate, I will not say anything at this time when others are suffering because they have lost properties and livelihoods, this is the time for all of us to sympathise and empathise with them. And I do sympathise and empathise with them,” she mentioned.

    The recent Akosombo Dam spillage has had a devastating impact, displacing over 20,000 people in the Volta and Greater Accra regions. Minister Freda Prempeh had previously mentioned the refusal of some residents to evacuate as a factor contributing to the extent of the damage.

    During a forum organized by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), the minister reiterated the importance of heeding evacuation advice to prevent such disasters in the future. She also highlighted the significant financial burden on the government to provide relief to the victims and ensure the water supply’s safety.

    “We don’t want what has happened in Akosombo to happen to us in Accra. The Akosombo spillage even though VRA, NADMO, the Water Resources Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did simulation exercises with them even at Mepe, yet they refused to leave; they didn’t want to be evacuated.

    “They stayed on till the end when we started spilling;. Unfortunately, look at what is happening, and the government has to spend millions of money on relief items, and education. The water in the whole area is contaminated and the Ghana Water Company and Water Resources Commission will have to spend millions of money to treat the water before we can pass it through our pipes.

    “So a stitch in time saves nine. Sometimes it’s difficult to accept the situation, but we will plead with all of you to accept it as it is. Water is life and is essential to everything”.

    These comments had sparked controversy, leading to several calls for her to retract her statements and apologize. The situation remains sensitive, with residents of the affected communities seeking support and understanding during this challenging period.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: Netizens go after Sanitation Minister over blame game

    Akosombo Dam spillage: Netizens go after Sanitation Minister over blame game

    Social media platforms have been inundated with criticism in response to the comments made by Sanitation Minister, Freda Prempeh.

    She placed blame on the flood victims impacted by the Akosombo Dam spillage, accusing them of not following early evacuation warnings.

    The Minister’s remarks have been met with severe public backlash.

    She mentioned during her address on the flood situation that the victims declined to relocate, even though the Volta River Authority (VRA) and other state agencies had issued several warnings.

    “We don’t want what has happened in Akosombo to happen to us in Accra. The Akosombo spillage, even though VRA, NADMO, and the Water Resource Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did a simulation exercise at Mepe, yet they refused to leave, they didn’t want to be evacuated, they stayed there till the end when we started spilling,” she insisted.

    However, a segment of the Ghanaian population has expressed their disapproval on social media, highlighting the plight of the flood victims, most of whom are currently displaced and in desperate need of assistance.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: NADMO, VRA now being blamed, but the people refused to leave – Sanitation minister

    Akosombo Dam spillage: NADMO, VRA now being blamed, but the people refused to leave – Sanitation minister

    Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, has expressed her discontent over the blame games currently happening as far as the repurcussions of the Akosombo Dam spillage is concerned.

    The Minister said, Volta River Authority (VRA), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and the Water Resources Commission (WRC) right from the beginning of the year, warned the affected residents of the impending spillage, and the need for their evacuation and relocation, however, “they refused to leave”.

    She said “A stitch in time saves nine, we cannot sit back and allow situations like that …now people are blaming government, people are blaming VRA, people are blaming NADMO but these three institutions did a lot of education right from January till September,” she added.

    “The Akosombo spillage even though VRA, NADMO, the Water Resources Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did simulation exercises with them even at Mepe, yet they refused to leave, they didn’t want to be evacuated”.

    On her path, the “millions of money” the government is currently spending to resolve the current menace could have been avoided if the victims had headed to the warnings of the VRA, NADMO among others.

    “They stayed on till the end when we started spilling, unfortunately, look at what is happening and government has to spend millions of money on relief items, education; the whole area, the water is contaminated,” she said at an event in Accra on October 23.

    Amid all of this, she assured that the government however in collaboration with relevant agencies, is presently allocating funds to assist individuals who had chosen not to evacuate, despite warnings from the aforementioned agencies’ education, sensitizations and numerous warnings.

    In mid-September, the Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated the discharge of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams to prevent the hydroelectric facility from potential collapse.

    This water release resulted in a substantial deluge that swiftly inundated communities surrounding the dam, spanning several kilometers. It impacted eight districts across three constituencies: North, Central, and South Tongu.

    To address the crisis, the government has established an inter-ministerial committee, led by the Chief of Staff, to oversee an emergency response.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo personally visited Mepe last week to gain a firsthand understanding of the situation.

  • Freda Prempeh’s camp dismisses reports of residents rejecting toilet facility

    Freda Prempeh’s camp dismisses reports of residents rejecting toilet facility

    A person closely linked to Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Freda Prempeh, has denied allegations that inhabitants of Yamfo, a locality within the constituency, declined a toilet facility established for them by the MP.

    In an interview following the release of the report, Maxwell Ado Agyei, a former first vice chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tano North, emphasized that these claims are solely the product of propagandists.

    He clarified that there was no occurrence of such an incident in Yamfo. In fact, he pointed out that a considerable number of residents feel relieved by the initiation of the project, to the extent that the toilet facility is already experiencing high utilization.

    Explaining the circumstances surrounding the matter, Maxwell Agyei said that the facility at Yamfo is only one of four that Dr. Freda Prempeh, the MP, had been able to lobby for the constituency.

    “It is all lies and falsehood being peddled by someone in particular who wants to contest her for the seat. The toilet was opened yesterday and already, there are several people thronging the place to use it. What is happening is all propaganda and it is not the reflection of what is happening in Yamfo. These people only want to tarnish the good image of the MP.

    “The truth is that it is the government that is building these toilets across the country. It was the turn of the middle-belt under the 1 constituency 1 toilet project and the MP was able to lobby for 4 for her constituency, when some places didn’t even get one. It was initially not something that was sponsored by her own money until COVID came and made money issues a little difficult,” he explained.

    Maxwell Adu Agyei, who also served as Assemblyman for Tano North, added that with the incessant cries of the people and call on the MP to come to their aid, she eventually released her personal money for the project to be completed at Yamfo.

    He added that he was personally involved in the project and as such, it cannot be true that after they completed it and it was opened on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the people rejected it.

    “There are a lot of people in that area but their toilet had been out of use for a long time so the people kept appealing to the MP. I had to call her to put pressure on her about the complaints of the people until she released her personal money for us to use for the project.

    “I had to eventually lead carpenters to break the doors of the toilets for us to continue the work because the contractors refused to come around because they had not been paid. We bought paint and other things and fixed the place because Dr Freda Prempeh said she could allow for the place to be under lock when her people badly needed it. After it was done, those who even thought that she was the one behind the closure have been showing gratitude to her,” he added.

    Dr. Freda Prempeh, the MP for Tano North, was recently appointed as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.

  • Yamfo residents accuse MP of confiscating toilet facility for 3 years

    Yamfo residents accuse MP of confiscating toilet facility for 3 years

    Residents of Tano North constituency have declined a toilet facility that was inaugurated by their Member of Parliament (MP), Freda Prempeh.

    As reported by 3news.com, the event occurred on Tuesday (August 8), leading to the Member of Parliament (MP) feeling disheartened as her constituents expressed their refusal to use the facility she had officially opened.

    The local chiefs and residents came together to voice their shared dissatisfaction, claiming that Freda Prempeh intentionally delayed the official unveiling of the finished facility for more than three years.

    They argued that her behavior stemmed from her preferred candidate’s defeat in the District Assembly elections. Despite their efforts to reach out to the recently appointed sanitation minister, they asserted that she adamantly rejected their appeals.

    During the project’s commissioning, the residents expressed their dissatisfaction by jeering at the MP and her entourage. The event gave rise to a particularly awkward and embarrassing situation for Freda Prempeh.

    One vocal resident articulated their sentiments, saying, “There are wicked people in the world. Honourable Freda Prempeh, go and commission the funeral grounds and your poor market that you constructed without any iron rod. The people who are giving you ill advice that you’re also listening to, they are also wicked just as yourself. You think you can come and deceive us with this nonsense facility.”

    The constituents alleged that the MP’s reluctance to commission the toilet facility was rooted in the fact that another individual had initiated the construction of a similar facility for the community. They posited that this was the underlying motive behind Freda Prempeh’s decision to finally commission the facility.

  • Reshuffle hits Foreign Affairs, Roads and Highways Ministries

    Reshuffle hits Foreign Affairs, Roads and Highways Ministries

    President Akufo-Addo has carried out a reshuffle of two deputy ministers within his present government.

    In a letter announcing the appointment of Freda Prempeh as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also introduced Mavis Nkansah Boadu and Thomas Mbomba as new appointees.

    The two individuals, currently serving as deputy ministers for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and Roads and Highways, respectively, will undergo a positional exchange.

    “President Akufo-Addo, in consultation with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Roads and Highways, respectively, has also appointed the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Afigya Sekyere East, Hon. Mavis Nkansah Boadu, as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Member of Parliament for Tatale/Sanguli, Hon. Thomas Mbomba, as Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways,” the statement issued by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Office of the President said.

    The president also announced a replacement for Cecilia Dapaah in the same statement.

    “The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appointed the Minister of State at the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Tano North, Hon. Freda Prempeh, as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources. She takes over from Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose letter of resignation, dated Saturday, 22nd July 2023, was accepted by the President on Saturday, 22nd July 2023,” it added.

    The statement concluded by stating that all appointments take effect immediately.

    Cecilia Dapaah resigned on Saturday, July 22, 2023, following public criticism about the monies stolen from her home.

    The former minister, in her letter of resignation addressed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, she explained that she decided to resign because the issues surrounding the monies could affect the government negatively.

    However, she noted that the subject of theft in her home, as captured by many reports, has been grossly exaggerated.

    “Since Friday, July 21, 2023, social and traditional media have been full of stories about a court case involving a theft that took place last year in the home I live with my husband and daughter.

    “The stories sought to suggest that I own various huge sums of foreign currencies and millions of Ghana cedis which have been stolen from my home. Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position.

    “I am resigning, therefore, because I do not want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time,” parts of the letter read.

  • Profile of Freda Akosua Prempeh, New Sanitation Minister

    Profile of Freda Akosua Prempeh, New Sanitation Minister

    Freda Akosua Oheneafrewo Prempeh  born 23 January 1966 is a Ghanaian politician, and Member of Parliament in the Seventh Parliament and Eighth Parliament of the fourth republic of Ghana representing  Tano North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, Ghana.

    She’s currently the Minister of State, for the Ministry of works and housing, Ghana. 

    She previously served as the Deputy Gender Minister and also Assembly member – “Assembly Woman”from 2002 to 2010 for the Lakoo Electoral Area of the La-Dadekotopo Constituency in the Greater Accra Region.[4]

    In 2017, she was appointed chairperson of an 11-member local organising committee tasked to organise the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations.

    Early life and education

    She was born on 23 January 1966 in Accra to a Ghanaian Royal family. She is the third daughter of the late Ohenenana Akwasi Agyeman Dua-Prempeh, of the Ashanti Royal Family and the late Nana Amma Serwaa, Kontihemaa of Duayaw Nkwanta,( known in private life as Madam Georgina Ansah).

    Freda started her basic education at University Primary School, Kumasi and furthered with her Ordinary(O) level at Technology Secondary School (now KNUST Senior High School) in Kumasi, Ghana and continued with her Advanced level Certificate (A level) at the Accra Workers College in Accra, Ghana. 

    She then proceeded to the Ghana Institute of Journalism, where she pursued a Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising. She was honored a Certified Public Accountant by Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration in 1998. 

    She holds both a Certificate and an Advanced Certificate in Marketing, DipM, MCIM, Chartered Marketer Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, all from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, United Kingdom. She obtained her degree in (Business Administration), Human Resource Management Option from the University of Ghana in 2006. She also studied MA Comms, Media and Public Relations at the University of Leicester, UK and also has a PhD in Business Administration from the Ghana Technology University College.

    Personal life

    Freda Akosua Prempeh hails from Duayaw Nkwanta, the capital of her parliamentary Constituency, Tano North, in the Ahafo Region, Ghana. She is a Christian, and is married with a son.

    Freda almost lost her life to the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster at circle, Accra.

    Prior to Freda’s election into office as a Member in parliament in 2013, she was a manageress at the Point Four Hotel in Sunyani and had also worked with Prison Service for 10 years. She is a sports fanatic and staunch believer of women’s capabilities.

    Leadership positions held

    • 2004–2008 Member, Governing Council, – Local Government Service Council
    • 2005–2008 Member – National Media Commission  
    • 2005–2008 Board Member – National Health Insurance Scheme, Kpeshie Sub- Metro, Accra                
    • 2002–2006 Chairperson, Development Sub-Committee  (Accra Metropolitan Assembly)
    • 2006–2008 Chairperson, Women & Children Sub-Committee (Accra Metropolitan Assembly)
    • 2006/2007 Founding Member and Vice President, Tertiary Students Academic Year Confederacy (TESCON), University of Ghana, Accra City Campus
    • 2008 Member, Communication Committee. New Patriotic Party, National Campaign Team
    • President and Founder, Women Supporters Union of Ghana

    Membership of professional bodies

    • 31 October 2003 to date        Institute of Public Relations (IPR, Ghana) – Accredited Member.
    • October 2000 – October 2003 Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana –  Associate Member
    • Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) – Affiliate Member
  • Confirmed: Freda Prempeh appointed as Sanitation Minister to replace Cecilia Dapaah

    Confirmed: Freda Prempeh appointed as Sanitation Minister to replace Cecilia Dapaah

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has made an appointment in the government of Ghana.

    Hon. Freda Prempeh, who previously served as the Minister of State at the Presidency and represented Tano North in Parliament, has been chosen as the new Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.

    With this appointment, Hon. Freda Prempeh assumes the responsibility of overseeing issues pertaining to sanitation and water resources in the country.

    Her appointment comes as a replacement for Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned from her position as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.

    The President accepted Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s resignation on Saturday, 22nd July 2023.

    Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo, in consultation with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and Roads and Highways, has made additional appointments:

    1. Hon. Mavis Nkansah Boadu, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and a representative of Afigya Sekyere East in Parliament, has been appointed as the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
    2. Hon. Thomas Mbomba, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and a Member of Parliament for Tatale/Sanguli, has been appointed as the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways.
  • Election 2024 will be evidence-based – Freda Prempeh

    Election 2024 will be evidence-based – Freda Prempeh

    Member of Parliament for Tano North Constituency, Freda Prempeh, has said the 2024 elections will be evidence-based and not a do-or-die affair as President Akufo-Addo has delivered in his mandate.

    According to her, Akufo-Addo’s track record in health and infrastructure delivery in the country justifies an evidence-based campaign.

    Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, during a debate on the president’s State of the Nation’s Address (SoNA), Freda Prempeh said; “… Mr president did not hide words, his presentation was evidence-based. Everything he has done for this country is there for everyone to know, and I can assure all of you that you know that each one of us sitting here has benefitted from this government one way or the other in terms of health, roads, and infrastructure delivery.

    “If you have not benefited from this government, just tell your constituents that 2024 election is not going to be a do-or-die affair, but it is going to be an evidence-based campaign.”

    Parliament commenced the debate on the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Akufo-Addo on March 7, 2023, in fulfillment of his constitutional mandate.

    The president emphasised that, except for COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, the country was headed in the right direction regarding overall development.

    But according to the opposition minority, Ghana has suffered and continues to suffer from what they deem to be the current government’s incompetence.

    President Akufo-Addo appeared before parliament to give the State of the Nation Address per Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

  • Stalled factories under 1D1F to resume soon – MP assures

    Member of Parliament for Tano North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, Dr. Freda Prempeh, has said that construction work will soon resume on some of the stalled factory projects under the government’s One-District-One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    This was announced by Dr. Freda Prempeh earlier this month during her 1D1F factory inspection at Tanoso Brick and Tile

    She stated that the government has prioritised the 1D1F programme and is committed to completing factories across the country in order to boost industrial drive.

    “The programme has the potential to create jobs and wealth for the youth and to boost the national economic growth and development and residents in the catchment area of such projects should exercise restraint since they will be completed by the end of the year,” she said.

    “The government has not abandoned the programme but prioritised them due to lack of funding. Even though contractors have not been on site the government is determined and committed to having them completed,” Dr Prempeh added.

    She asserted that the factory, which is 60% fulfilled, will create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region after total completion.

    Dr. Prempeh revealed that the machinery and other equipment for the factory were ready in Italy and hoped that the Exim Bank would provide funds to the government by the end of 2022, allowing them to be installed by the first quarter of 2023.

    “The large deposit of clay in the Tanoso enclave places the enterprise in a competitive position to contribute positively towards construction of affordable housing for Ghanaians and on completion, the factory is expected to use raw materials to produce durable products such as bricks, roofing tiles, terracotta, wall tiles and panels to promote the local construction industry,” she assured.

    The One District One Factory (1D1F) an initiative by the NPP government affords President Akufo-Addo the opportunity to transform the nature of Ghana’s economy from one which is dependent on the import and export of raw materials to one which is focused on manufacturing, value addition and export of processed goods.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Freda Prempeh inspects ongoing projects in constituency

    Member of Parliament for the Tano North Constituency, Freda Prempeh, together with leading members of the constituency on May 16, 2020, inspected the phase one of the ongoing Tepa Bomaa road construction.

    In an awe-inspiring joy, the inspection team consisting of the Contractor, Constituency Chairman, Secretary, Women Organizer and other leading members of the NPP were welcomed by the entire membership of the communities who were full of praise to the MP and her team for having their fair share of the national cake.

    The contractor assured the team that, phase one of the entire project is scheduled to be completed before December 2020 as promised.

    Hon. Freda Prempeh took the opportunity to interact and educated the community on the prevention of Coronavirus and also distributed nose masks to them.

    She enumerated some of the ongoing road construction and reshaping in the constituency as follows:

    – Tepa Bomaa

    – Terchire Adrobaa

    – Duayaw Nkwanta Bredi

    – Duayaw Nkwanta Adagyamamu

    – Bourkrukruwa

    – Yamfo town roads

    – Bomaa Dwenase Atonsu, now under cocoa roads will soon take off

    – Bomaa Duayawnkwanta

    Reshaping of the following roads have also been completed :

    – Subonpang Kwasoagya

    – Tanokrom Dwumakwai

    – Bomaa Onwe

    – Bomaa Nkwantabisa

    – Duayaw Nkwanta Campso stretch of roads

    Freda Prempeh thanked the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his good works especially in the construction of roads and health infrastructure. She also urged the electorates to vote massively for her and the president for continuous visible development.

     

    Source: Otchere Peprah Kwasi

  • Don’t allow your children to sell on the street Deputy Minister

    Mrs. Freda Prempeh, the Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, on Monday advised parents and guardians not to allow their children and wards to hawk and sell on the streets to protect them from contracting Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    She also urged them to teach their children proper handwashing with soap.

    Mrs. Prempeh who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North indicated that children were vulnerable and allowing them to hawk and sell sachet water and other items on the streets exposed them to avoidable dangers.

    Speaking in an interview with the GNA on the sidelines of a short presentation ceremony at Goaso in the Asunafo North Municipality, Mrs. Prempeh indicated that though children had strong immune systems to fight diseases, parents must also restrict their movements so that they would not be contaminated.

    The Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council presented items such as Veronica buckets, washing bowls, medicated soaps, litter bins and sanitizers to the Municipal/District Assemblies in the Region to be distributed to public institutions to aid hand washing.

    Mrs. Prempeh applauded the level of public education on the COVID-19, and commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for measures put in place to control the spread of the disease.

    She said public education and precautionary measures on COVID-19 must be extended and intensified in rural communities to protect rural dwellers as well.

    Mrs. Prempeh said Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) should also not be left out or neglected from the public education on the disease and called on the Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure that education on COVID-19 go down well with them.

    The MP said she had bought 5,000 sanitizers and 100 Veronica buckets and soaps to be distributed in her constituency.

    Mrs. Prempeh called on the media to be circumspect and ensure that their publications on the COVID-19 did not stigmatize infected people.

    She also urged Assembly Members and traditional authorities to collaborate with health services to help improve on sanitation in the localities.

    Mr. Evans Opoku-Bobie, the Ahafo Regional Minister, emphasised that the RCC would monitor and ensure that the items were being used to benefit the general public.

    Source: GNA