President John Dramani Mahama has shared that his government, in the coming years, will allow citizens to elect the next Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
He explained that this is to allow citizens to have a direct say in choosing their local leaders.
Addressing the MMDCEs during an orientation and training programme on Wednesday, July 18, in Accra, he noted that the upcoming system will be dependent on the recommendations by the National Review committee established by the government.
“MMDCEs, you may be the last batch of MMDCEs appointed. The National Review committee is going round and will present its recommendation in August this year, and one of the major items that has come up is the election of the MMDCEs. There is no doubt that Ghanaians want the MMDCEs elected. Those who succeed you might have to go through elections,” he stated.
President Mahama further called on all MMDCEs to declare their assets by July 15.
“I wish to remind you that you are among the office holders required to declare your assets, and so I expect that by July 15, all of you will have declared your assets,” he said.
The legal framework guiding asset declaration is the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550). The Act mandates public officials to declare their assets before assuming office, every four years, and at the end of their term, submitting the forms no later than six months after any of these events.
Importantly, Section 8 of the Act provides that allegations of non-compliance must be referred to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which is empowered to investigate and take appropriate action.
President John Dramani Mahama submitted his asset declaration forms to the Auditor General on February 18 and issued a firm order to his appointees to follow suit by March, warning of sanctions for defaulters.
A report by The Fourth Estate revealed that several high-ranking officials have yet to fulfill their constitutional obligations. Out of 55 ministers and deputy ministers, nine have failed to declare their assets.
Additionally, eight out of 32 presidential staffers and 37 out of 84 heads of state institutions appointed between January 15 and March 18 had not complied with the president’s directive.
On May 6, the president sanctioned his appointees who missed the March 31 deadline by directing them to forfeit their three months’ salary, which he noted will be channeled into the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as The MahamaCares, a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country.
He gave a May 7 ultimatum, emphasizing that any official who fails to meet the deadline will be sacked. As no government official has been relieved of his or her duties, it is believed that all government officials have declared their assets.In the meantime, civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates have supported the full publication of asset declarations as a means to promote integrity and accountability.
Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has expressed his opposition to the declaration of assets by government officials as mandated by the Public Office Holders Act.
Justifying his opposition, he indicated such an initiative puts public officers in a position where they expose themselves to unnecessary attention and potential threats against their lives and their loved ones.
“I do not and I will not add my voice to calls for the publication of assets for public scrutiny. In our experience, it will be unhelpful and would merely subject public officers to inordinate public curiosity and a specter of the real likelihood of reprisals against the assets,” he said.
To him, fighting corruption effectively in the country requires striking a balance between transparency and the protection of individual rights.
“In my estimation, publication of who has declared or has not declared his assets in the context of a workable asset verification and treason model would be sufficient to assure the integrity of the asset declaration system,” he added.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has unveiled a strategy to reform and regulate Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.
As part of efforts to ensure environmentally responsible and legally compliant mining activities, the government has set up a Technical Small-Scale Mining Review Committee.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, March 19, the Minister outlined the committee’s mandate, emphasizing its responsibility to assess all small-scale mining licenses nationwide. The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources will lead the committee in this effort.
“The committee is to audit all licenses to ensure that they were properly acquired, that due process was followed, that they meet all conditions of continuous validity with respect to how they have followed the rules on the environment and then how they have dealt with the issues of our water bodies, our forest reserves and land preservation.
“All those standards are going to be the guide in which these licenses will be sustained. They are also to ensure permitting fees and all those requirements by all the agencies EPA, Minerals Commission, Water Resources Commission that all those processes required have been met.”
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has condemned the previous administration for setting aside only GH¢4 million for Ghana’s free dialysis programme, asserting that the amount is grossly inadequate to meet the needs of patients nationwide.
Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps on Thursday, March 13, he disclosed that merely GH¢2 million of the total sum was directly funded by the government, while the remaining GH¢2 million was obtained through corporate social responsibility efforts.
Having previously served as the Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Akandoh expressed alarm over the absence of a reliable financing model for dialysis care.
He underscored that the GH¢4 million allocation falls significantly short of covering the expensive costs associated with dialysis sessions, medical equipment, and patient management.
He referenced past parliamentary discussions, where proposals to establish a dedicated funding source for dialysis treatment were unsuccessful, forcing dependence on external contributions. Without a structured financial plan, he warned, the challenges facing dialysis patients would only intensify.
Furthermore, he cautioned that incorporating all life-threatening illnesses into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) without a solid financial framework could ultimately lead to the scheme’s collapse.
“I was a ranking member on the Health Committee of Parliament and there were no sustainable sources of funding for the dialysis. It never happened. We even suggested to make provision for dialysis and they allocated GH¢2 million. And they had to go and take an additional GH¢2 million from corporate social responsibility and I can tell you, GH¢4 million cannot take care of dialysis in the whole country.
“So there needs to be a sustainable and a reliable source of funding. Look, if we decide to put all manner of diseases on the National Health Insurance Scheme, it will collapse. You have no idea about how it costs to treat heart disease or chronic disease and surgeries.”
The government has announced plans to allocate $7 million in grants to eight plastic recycling companies nationwide to help expand their operations.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, the funding will assist companies such as Universal Plastic Products and Recycling Ghana (UPPR) Limited, under the Jospong Group of Companies, in strengthening their capacity for plastic waste collection, recycling, and reuse.
As part of efforts to assess their readiness for the support, sector Minister Murtala Mohammed recently visited several recycling firms in Accra, stressing the need for greater investment in circular economy initiatives.
“We are looking forward to expanding this grant assistance to more entities with the expertise to manage plastic waste. If we are only able to recycle 10%, what happens to the remaining 90%? They contribute to the environmental degradation and hazards we face,” he said.
He added that a final decision would be reached following inspections of multiple facilities.
Murtala Mohammed urged the beneficiary companies to generate employment opportunities once they receive the grants.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, the Minister toured four plastic waste recycling facilities, including UPPR, Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant Limited (IRECOP), Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) Maternal Recovery Facility, and Nelplast Ghana Limited.
This financial support is part of a government initiative designed to develop a circular economy framework for Ghana’s plastic industry.
The Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed claims that government funds will be used for the new Hajj Village project at Kotoka International Airport.
Amid ongoing debate over the project’s financing, Kwakye Ofosu clarified in a social media post on Sunday, March 2, 2025, that the Hajj Village is an airport terminal designed to facilitate the check-in and departure of pilgrims traveling for Hajj.
According to him, the Ghana Airports Company is solely responsible for constructing the facility, with no public funds involved.
“The Hajj Village is primarily an Airport Terminal Building for check in and pilgrim facilitation owned and being built by the Ghana Airport Company. Not a pesewa of tax payers’ money involved,” he wrote.
President John Dramani Mahama broke ground for the project on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Despite these clarifications, the project’s funding remains a topic of controversy, with some critics comparing it to the National Cathedral initiative launched under former President Akufo-Addo.
A group of government employees living in housing units allocated by the Ministry of Works and Housing at Ridge are being forced to evacuate the premise.
Reports indicate that between 80 and 88 individuals, including high-ranking officials such as directors, deputy directors, and senior professionals from different state institutions, are affected by the removal.
The residential complex consists of 11 buildings, with each structure containing eight apartments.
A notice placed on the premises orders the residents to vacate the apartments by March 3, 2025.
The notice, which has a title “Office of the President,” reads as follows:
“Notice is hereby served to the occupants of this accommodation to pack out of this facility. Occupants have ten days to vacate the premises.
“Due Date is Monday, 3 March 2025 by 1:00 PM. Occupants are to note that no extensions will be granted.”
Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), has acknowledged the ongoing eviction situation.
During an interview with GhanaWeb on Saturday, February 22, 2025, he stated that CLOGSAG’s leadership is in talks with the ministry’s chief director to gather further details about the matter.
“We have just been told, so we are liaising with the chief director to actually appreciate what is happening. So, in due course, we would come out.
“That is what we are being told, and that is what they are telling us. We are getting in touch with the chief director to give us her part of the issue,” he said.
Should the eviction take place, it will not only displace senior government officials but also impact their families who share the apartments with them.
Residents believe the controversy surrounding the apartments began after John Dramani Mahama’s administration came into power.
Although no official verification has been provided, they suspect that individuals affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) are driving efforts to remove them.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has leveled serious allegations against the Mahama administration, accusing it of weaponizing state institutions to target political opponents, particularly members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the previous government.
In a strongly worded statement, the Minority expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of political persecution under the current government.
While acknowledging the importance of accountability, they condemned any misuse of power, stating that such actions threaten the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.
“The Minority Caucus unequivocally condemns the escalating misuse of State Institutions by the NDC Government to intimidate and persecute political opponents,” the statement read.
They argued that this alleged abuse of power detracts from the government’s responsibility to address key national issues. “This alarming trend not only undermines our democratic principles but also diverts attention from the pressing issues that this Government promised to address,” the statement added.
The Minority further accused the Mahama administration of engaging in political witch-hunts as a tactic to distract Ghanaians from its inability to fulfill campaign promises.
“This government is prioritising political witch-hunts instead of focusing on delivering the promises they made to Ghanaians. The NDC promised to ‘reset’ the economy and alleviate the severe cost-of-living crisis by implementing a 24-hour economy, create sustainable jobs for the youth and reduce unemployment rates, invest in modernising the nation’s infrastructure, among others,” the statement said.
They claimed the government had strayed from its electoral commitments and was instead using state power to divide the nation and shield its governance shortcomings.
“Yet, rather than focusing on these critical commitments—promises they cannot run away from—they have detracted from this mandate and are now weaponising State Institutions to target political opponents, foster division and divert attention from their inability to govern effectively,” the statement continued.
The Minority also took issue with recent remarks by President Mahama, who accused the previous Akufo-Addo administration of “criminally mismanaging” Ghana’s economy. The Caucus described this accusation as a deliberate attempt to justify state-sponsored persecution of political rivals.
By raising these concerns, the Minority emphasized the need for the government to shift its focus back to governance and addressing the challenges facing Ghanaians, rather than engaging in what they see as politically motivated intimidation.
The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has vowed to take legal action against the government over its directive annulling all public service appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024.
In a statement dated February 12, Assafuah described the move as “political victimization” and an “unjust termination” of hardworking young employees.
“It is deeply unfortunate and unacceptable that young people, duly recruited by a properly constituted Ghanaian government, are now being dismissed without just cause,” he stated. “This is nothing but political victimization, and I refuse to stand by and watch it happen.”
He further asserted that the government’s decision contradicts its promise of job creation. “If this government is serious about job creation, it should be expanding opportunities, not displacing workers. Sacking people and replacing them does nothing to reduce unemployment; it only deepens economic hardship.”
His comments come in response to a directive reportedly issued by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, instructing heads of government institutions to reverse all appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024.
The directive stated: “Consistent with Government pronouncement in relation to near end-of-tenure appointments and recruitments, I wish to bring to your attention that all appointments and recruitments made in the Public Services of Ghana after 7th December, 2024 are not in compliance with established good governance practices and principles.”
It further instructed institutions to comply with the order and submit a report by February 17, 2025, detailing actions taken.
While no official reason has been given for the decision, sources indicate it is part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition and maintain transparency in the public sector.
However, Assafuah argues that the move is unconstitutional. “Ours is a constitutional government. We are governed by laws and not some unknown unconstitutional principles. The powers of government are limited by the Constitution that creates those powers,” he stressed. “The 1992 Constitution abhors the arbitrary exercise of power in a capricious fashion. The Constitution further frowns upon the removal, dismissal, or termination of the employment of persons belonging to the public services without just cause.”
He has assured affected individuals that a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) government will reinstate them. “A future NPP government will reinstate all the affected persons. If you are a victim of this politically motivated dismissal, I urge you to reach out immediately. We will fight this injustice together.”
Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu has revealed the government’s decision to halt feeding allowances for teacher trainees in colleges of education nationwide.
During a meeting with college principals in Accra, he stated that the policy was financially unviable and inconsistent with international higher education standards.
He emphasized that funding meals for tertiary students should not be a government responsibility, as it is not a sustainable long-term measure.
To replace the feeding program, the government intends to introduce an improved student loan scheme, enabling trainees to cover their own living costs, including meals.
The Minister described this transition as essential for ensuring fiscal sustainability in the education sector while promoting self-sufficiency among teacher trainees.
“There is no way you should be feeding a student at the tertiary level so we have to work out a transition from the allowance into an enhanced student loan for them to feed themselves.
“But in the interim, they will still get the allowances. I cannot conceive of a student in a higher education institution being fed.”
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has requested government institutions to furnish thorough records of staff newly added to the government payroll.
The initiative aims to address payroll discrepancies and reinforce accountability within public institutions.
In a letter dated January 15, directed to the leaders of all government agencies, Julius Debrah highlighted the critical need to preserve the precision and trustworthiness of payroll information under President John Mahama’s administration.
“You are kindly requested to submit the following details for each staff member added within the specified period,” the letter stated, listing required information such as the employee’s full name, designation, employee identification number (if applicable), date of appointment, and date added to the payroll.
The Chief of Staff underlined that the requested details are “critical to maintaining transparency and accountability in our payroll management processes,”urging institutions to provide the required data by Friday, 31st January 2025.
Mr. Debrah further assured institutions of the administration’s readiness to collaborate in resolving any anomalies.
“For any clarification or inquiries regarding this directive, do not hesitate to reach out to us,” the letter noted.
This effort demonstrates the government’s resolve to eliminate ghost workers and ensure the prudent utilization of public resources.
The Chief of Staff acknowledged the cooperation of all institutions, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to effective governance and sound financial stewardship.
The government plans to raise GH¢6.353 billion through a treasury bill auction this week as it continues relying on domestic borrowing.
Following the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama, the first treasury bill auction of 2025 held on January 10 exceeded expectations, attracting bids worth GH¢8.075 billion.
This was well above the target of GH¢5.198 billion, with an oversubscription of GH¢2.877 billion.
According to auction results announced on January 13, the government accepted GH¢5.514 billion for the 91-day bills, GH¢1.417 billion for the 182-day bills, and GH¢1.145 billion for the 365-day bills, approving all bids submitted.
The interest rates offered in the latest auction were set at 28.33% for 91-day bills, 28.96% for 182-day bills, and 30.17% for 365-day bills.
With no access to international financial markets, the government has turned to treasury bills as a key borrowing tool to finance its operations.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, a police officer and three Community Police Assistants (CPAs) were violently attacked while attempting to arrest a suspect in Akrofuom, near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The officers sustained significant injuries and are currently receiving medical care at the Obuasi Government Hospital, with one officer reported to be in critical condition.
As reported by MyNewsGh.com, the incident followed a complaint filed by a 62-year-old individual, who had reported threats of harm by the suspect, identified as Sibuba.
The complainant was accompanying the officers to the suspect’s residence, located near the District Chief Executive’s (DCE) bungalow.
Upon arrival, the officers attempted to arrest Sibuba, who requested permission to notify his family, which was granted.
However, shortly after, a mob of approximately 50 individuals, armed with various weapons, ambushed the officers. The attackers subjected the officers to a severe beating, confiscated an AK-47 rifle from one of them, and abandoned the officers in a nearby bush.
The injured officers were able to summon reinforcements, who arrived promptly and transported them to the hospital.
The AK-47 rifle has since been recovered, and law enforcement authorities are actively pursuing both the suspect and the members of the mob involved in the attack.
Communications Director for Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reflect on its loss in the 2024 elections and strategize for a stronger comeback.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Aboagye described the outcome as a moment for introspection, urging the party to analyze the factors that led to its defeat.
He dismissed claims that President Nana Akufo-Addo should bear sole responsibility, emphasizing that the results were a reflection of collective efforts within the government.
He pointed out that officials tasked with executing the administration’s vision also share responsibility for the party’s performance at the polls.
Aboagye encouraged the NPP to unify and draw valuable lessons from the setback to rebuild effectively for future electoral success.
“I don’t know, I mean the government lost the elections. I have learnt a lot in this life at a very young age to realise that you win as a team and you lose as a team.”
“I was a Metropolitan Chief Executive, it is possible that in some areas they needed a little bridge, Akufo-Addo has put me there. He’s not in my constituency, he’s not in my municipality, it’s possible that I didn’t do it and the people will be angry at the government,” he stated.
More than five hundred (500) individuals who lost their properties as a result of rock blasting exercise at Buduburam have received compensation from government.
Following a prolonged wait, the government has finally delivered on its promise to support those impacted by the incident.
Although some recipients voiced their dissatisfaction with the compensation amount, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Gomoa East, Solomon Darko Quarm, assured that the government had also provided inconvenience allowances to those affected.
The Gomoa East DCE noted, “Today we are paying compensation for the blast that occurred at Buduburam. Over 500 people are being compensated today. Shops, damaged vehicles, and other residential property owners are being compensated. There are rumours that ECOWAS is the one paying the compensation, but I want to state on authority that ECOWAS is not the one making the payment.
“This is a government of Ghana project, not ECOWAS as is being purported. All this shared propaganda is just because of the elections. We finished our work as a committee, and the contractor called that we must come for the money and distribute it to the affected people. Those in the first group and the last have all been factored in the distribution.”
Mr Quarm also noted that those who lost property earlier this year due to the diversion and flooding along the Gomoa Okyereko stretch have been compensated with building materials.
At the same time, Director of the District National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Robert Hackman, expressed frustration with some recipients who had overvalued their destroyed property, adding that this has created an added burden for the committee.
The blasting exercise which took place in October was carried out by Nag Fairmount Construction Limited for the Kasoa-Winneba road project destroying several properties, including shops along the area.
Three lives were tragically lost and several others sustained injuries due to the incident.
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited has confirmed that its 560-megawatt power plant is back in operation, following emergency funding from the government.
The plant, which had been offline due to financial challenges, resumed power generation on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 3 PM.
In a statement, the company expressed its appreciation to Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam and Energy Minister Herbert Krapa for facilitating the release of critical emergency funds to resolve the plant’s financial difficulties.
The company also recognized the Vice President for his key role in ensuring that the necessary payments were made for the plant’s restart.
“We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Minister for Finance, Mohammed Amin Adam, and the Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa for their intervention, to release emergency funding to address our critical financial need,” the statement read.
“We would like to commend H.E. the Vice President, for his intervention in ensuring the payment to us for our return to operation.”
Sunon Asogli disclosed that it submitted the final version of its Restructuring Terms Sheet to the Ministry of Finance and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in August 2024.
The company anticipates that the terms will be finalized and signed soon, ensuring greater stability and reliability in the country’s energy sector.
The company also stressed the need for ECG to fulfill its obligations under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), urging the utility provider to meet its financial commitments.
Sunon Asogli expressed regret for the disruption caused by the recent shutdown, which affected the power supply in several areas of the country.
“We deeply regret the impact of our shutdown,” the statement noted, signalling the company’s commitment to maintaining steady operations going forward.
With the plant now back online, it is expected to alleviate pressure on the national grid and enhance electricity supply across Ghana.
Spokesperson for The New Force Movement, Shalimar Abbiusi’s legal team has pledged to enforce the ECOWAS court’s compensation order against the government.
Madam Abbiusi was deported following allegations of using forged documents to obtain a student residence permit at Ghana Christian University College.
Despite having the charges dropped and being granted bail by the Ghana Immigration Service, she was rearrested and deported on December 20, 2023.
Her lawyer, Francis-Xavier Sosu, assured that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the court’s ruling is implemented.
“We are now going to have the judgement, God willing, by Monday, and then we will trigger the processes. And indeed, it wasn’t even so much even about the compensation, but the fact that how she was dealt with, how her person was dealt with, was a violation of her right to liberty. And then also quite apart from that, the manner in which she was deported left many unanswered questions.
“She had acquired some assets around and because of the manner in which she was deported, a lot of those things do not have any closure. But we are hoping that on the back of this decision, the various legal processes could be triggered for her to get not only compensation but also retrieve some of her belongings as well as her assets which are currently in limbo because she is not around to follow them.”
The government is set to raise GH¢6.896 billion through its upcoming treasury bill auction scheduled for November 22, 2024.
In the previous auction held on November 15, 2024, the government secured GH¢5.180 billion, falling short of its target of GH¢6.228 billion by GH¢1.04 billion.
The 91-day bills in that auction experienced strong demand, with bids totaling GH¢3.942 billion.
Meanwhile, the 182-day and 364-day bills garnered bids of GH¢653.43 million and GH¢584.16 million, respectively.
Interest rates for the 91-day bills are set at 26.96%, while the 182-day and 364-day bills offer rates of 27.78% and 29.21%, respectively.
This marked the first undersubscription for the government in five weeks.
The Ghanaian government has refuted claims that it plans to restructure debts owed to local contractors.
On September 9, 2024, the Finance Ministry clarified that there are no current or future plans to undertake such a restructuring.
“No such restructuring has been contemplated during or even after the domestic debt restructuring programme, which commenced in December 2022 and came to a close in October 2023”, the statement said.
This clarification comes after recent comments by Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam about restructuring approximately US$2.8 billion in external commercial debt were misconstrued.
The Ministry explained that the focus of the debt restructuring is on reorganizing Ghana’s overall debt portfolio, including loans and bonds, not on local contractors’ payment claims.
The Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, which ended in October 2023, only addressed domestic bonds held by entities such as the central bank, pension funds, and retail investors, and did not cover contractors’ payments.
The Ministry has never involved contractors in any discussions regarding debt restructuring.
In terms of Ghana’s broader debt restructuring efforts, significant progress has been made with external bilateral creditors, including the finalization of an MOU with the Official Creditor Committee under the G20 Common Framework.
The government has also initiated a Consent and Exchange Solicitation process to restructure around US$30 billion in Eurobond debt, with the offer closing on September 30, 2024.
Additionally, the government plans to begin negotiations with external commercial creditors in the near future.
Government’s posture toward non-teaching senior members has been raised as a concern by the outgoing President of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA).
Speaking on the second day of the GAUA Congress at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana on Friday, Dr. Mrs. Beth Offei-Awuku explained that there is a significant challenge in the government’s understanding of the unique needs of university administrators and professionals.
She attributed this to the poor representation of administrative and professional senior members at the governance level within the tertiary education landscape.
“The leadership of the government agencies are all drawn from the university teaching arm and have skewed commitments to them. We need representation in the corridors of power for the non-teaching senior members to be heard adequately,” she noted.
The fight for stakeholder recognition of GAUA in the senior member category of public universities is ongoing and requires strategic planning with stronger negotiations to bridge the existing gaps.
GAUA experienced a nationwide strike from November 29, 2023, to February 8, 2024. Strikes had not been seen from the association in the last decade or more. The association has fought for better conditions of service.
The leadership of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) have reached an agreement on some of the concerns.
The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) continues its national congress, which commenced on Thursday, August 29, and is slated to end on Saturday, August 31.
Sister associations gracing the event include the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Teachers’ and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU), among others.
The theme for this year’s congress is “Balancing Growth and Sustainability in Expanding Public Universities – The Role of GAUA.”
The government has announced plans to auction GH¢4.363 billion in treasury bills next. This auction is scheduled for August 2, 2024, with the issuance date set for August 6, 2024.
In the most recent treasury bill auction, the government raised GH¢4.062 billion, falling short of its target of GH¢4.779 billion.
During the July 24 auction, issued on July 15, 2024, GH¢2.404 billion was raised for the 91-day bill.
The government accepted GH¢1.179 billion for the 182-day bill and GH¢477.58 million for the 365-day bill.
Last week, the government sold a total of GH¢4.779 billion in treasury bills. The interest rates were 24.78% for the 91-day bill, 26.74% for the 182-day bill, and 27.85% for the 365-day bill.
According to the Bank of Ghana, all bids submitted in this week’s auction were accepted.
Five Ghanaian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have received GH₵1 million each in financial support through the pilot phase of the SME Growth and Opportunity (GO) programme.
At the launch of the 8.2 billion intervention programme for SMEs, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presented a symbolic cheque to the beneficiaries.
The recipients include Tevonwa Limited, specializing in rice processing; Tilaa Limited, a honey producer; Abubakar Mahama Limited, focused on sheanut processing; Payne Payne and Hopkins, engaged in fish processing and packaging; and AA Food and Beverages Limited, a liquor producer.
Developed by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the programme aims to provide targeted financial solutions and technical assistance to help SMEs expand operations and create employment opportunities.
During the SME GO summit themed “Breaking Barriers to SME Growth,” Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the Minister of Finance, emphasized the critical role of SME support in advancing the country’s growth and development agenda.
He highlighted that nurturing homegrown SMEs is integral to building a resilient and competitive economy.
“We must be intentional about providing access to financial resources, expertise, and capacity building programmes that empower them to drive innovation, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, the Minister of Trade and Industry, commended the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) for providing targeted support to specific demographics through interventions such as the “Business in a Box” project which seeks to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the requisite tools for their enterprises, YouStart Jobs and Skills, and Cocoa Life Youth.
He said the GEA also facilitated the establishment of over 56,000 new businesses and more than 100,000 new jobs within the SME space from 2017 to 2023.
“From the modest number of 170 when your government assumed the reins of power, the GEA has expanded its Business Advisory Centres (BACs) and Business Resource Centres (BRCs) to 224 which are all placed at the service of the SME sector,” he said.
Dr Ernest Addison, Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana, said the Bank was working to keep inflation in check to allow SMEs to have access to loans with lower interest rates.
“When inflation declines to comfortable levels and interest rates begin to decline, demand and supply for SME loans will pick up and be a key driving force supporting growth,” he said.
He also disclosed that the Bank had commissioned a study in collaboration with the Development Bank of Ghana and the University of Ghana Business School to better understand the constraints of SMEs to formulate targeted policies to ensure growth.
“The objective of the study is among others, to ascertain the economy’s SME credit demand needs, the supply of liquidity by these SME and how fintech can be leveraged to scale up lending by the SMEs,” he said.
The implementing agencies for the SME GO programme are the GEA, Ghana Exim Bank and the Development Bank Ghana/International Finance Corporation.
Executive Director of the Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Professor Peter Quartey, underscored the importance for the governmentto set a debt ceiling proportionate to the nation’s GDP.
During the Quarterly Economic Roundtable, Prof. Quartey proposed that the government establish a maximum debt threshold aligned with the country’s economic output.
Drawing from recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Prof. Quartey highlighted sustainable debt-to-GDP ratios of 50% and 75%, respectively, as benchmarks for Ghana to consider.
“IMF reports show that each year our debt as a ratio of GDP has been unsustainable. For the IMF, the sustainable debt cap for a country is 50%, and for the ECOWAS it is 75%.
“So there has to be a discussion on where we are going to cap our debt level as a ratio of GDP, whereby we choose our optimal debt level,” he noted.
The professor emphasized the significance of responsible borrowing, which entails judiciously investing borrowed funds and ensuring timely repayment.
He urged for a private sector model in government borrowing, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive appraisal and evaluation reports.
“We have to borrow responsibly, ensuring we can repay, and borrowing to invest. We need a private sector mindset in borrowing, where there are appraisal reports, evaluation reports, among others,” he emphasized.
Before the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), Ghana’s debt surpassed 100% of its GDP.
Following the implementation of domestic and external debt restructuring, alongside fiscal consolidation measures under the IMF’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program, the debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to decline to 55% by 2028.
Former National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC) and presidential hopeful, Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, has raised serious concerns about the sale of state-owned institutions to government cronies.
In an interview with Citi FM on Saturday, June 22, the convener of the Arise Ghana Movement questioned the rationale behind selling these assets to private individuals, advocating for the reform and revitalisation of non-performing state agencies instead.
Mr Mornah described the idea of selling off unprofitable state institutions as “myopic and midget thinking,” stressing that revamping these agencies would be a more effective way to optimise their potential and benefit the nation.
He emphasised the need for sustainable solutions to improve these institutions rather than resorting to privatisation.
He argued that state assets are entrusted to appointed officials for proper management and maintenance, not for personal enrichment through indiscriminate sales.
According to Mr Mornah, these assets should be managed with the nation’s best interests in mind, ensuring their long-term viability and contribution to national development.
“We select people so that they will be able to build upon the assets we have, to be able to add unto the wealth of our nation and not to come and steal the wealth of our nation,” Mornah stated.
“And so, when people are appointed into office, and they meet assets of the state, the least we expect of them is to maintain those assets and manage them. The more we expect of them is to actually increase the assets stock of our nation.”
Mr Mornah expressed his bewilderment at the actions of government appointees who, instead of focusing on growing and improving state assets, opt to sell them off for personal gain. He accused these officials of perpetuating a form of ‘state capture’ that benefits themselves at the expense of the nation, undermining public trust and accountability.
He continued, “But when you elect people to office and all that they do is to deliberately appoint persons that will see or supervise the seeming collapse of state assets, to serve as fodder for the sale of these assets to themselves, then society has to rise.”
African Heads of State and Government unanimously backed the Nairobi Declaration, affirming the outcomes of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya from May 7th to 9th, 2024.
This signifies a monumental stride towards enhancing agricultural sustainability and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Recent years have witnessed a significant surge in local manufacturing of mineral fertilizers, with private sector investments exceeding $15 billion.
However, despite Africa’s annual mineral fertilizer production reaching 30 million metric tons, a majority of it is exported outside the continent, leaving Member States excessively reliant on imported fertilizers, particularly non-phosphate-based ones.
To counter this, Africa is committed to boosting investments in local fertilizer manufacturing and blending, leveraging the continent’s resources.
Increasing fertilizer usage, encompassing both mineral and organic resources, is crucial for enhancing productivity and soil health restoration.
To this end, Africa aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of mineral and organic fertilizers and other complementary inputs to boost productivity, profitability, soil health, and climate change resilience.
The Nairobi Declaration outlines thirteen pivotal points detailing commitments, including the tripling of domestic fertilizer production and distribution by 2034 to uplift smallholder farmers.
Governments pledge to prioritize local fertilizer production, strengthen research on fertilizers, offer incentives, promote low-carbon fertilizer production, and double intra-Africa fertilizer trade by 2034.
Moreover, African leaders commit to ensuring that by 2034, at least 70% of smallholder farmers receive tailored agronomic recommendations to optimize fertilizer usage.
Financing commitments include operationalizing the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) and widening its scope to support farmer investments, infrastructure, and logistics.
To create an enabling environment, recommendations include developing continental guidelines, policy harmonization, private sector engagement, and capacity enhancement.
Additionally, there is a commitment to strengthening extension services, reviewing education programs, and incorporating the Nairobi Declaration into National Agricultural Investment Plans.
The African Union Commission and AUDA-NEPAD will support Member States in implementing mechanisms to reward smallholder farmers, develop a soil health monitoring system, and align soil health metrics with existing monitoring and evaluation systems.
The government is taking immediate action to address the recurring flooding issues along the Kasoa to Winneba section of the N1 highway.
Richard Kofi Amekor, Head of Drainage at the Ghana Hydrological Authority, emphasized the urgency of the situation, leading to the decision to construct a temporary drainage system despite the main storm drain being only 30% complete.
The temporary solution involves creating chambers along the stretch to facilitate water and debris flow during rainfall, aiming to mitigate flooding incidents.
This announcement came during a visit by Minister Francis Asenso-Boakye and a team of engineers to assess the aftermath of recent flooding in the area and identify long-term solutions.
The ongoing construction of a 1.6-kilometre storm drain is part of the comprehensive strategy, with features like sand traps for easier maintenance.
The government plans to ensure regular upkeep through partnerships with municipal authorities once the project is completed, expected within the next 17 months.
There has been heavy traffic between the SCC and Old Barrier stretch since last Monday following a downpour that led to flooding of that section.
Mr Amekor said flooding occurred regularly around the Kasoa Old Barrier because of the large volumes of water from the hills, along with a cache of soil onto the road anytime it rained.
The debris, he said, blocked the flow of water through the drains, and consequently resulted in flooding the area. “There’s an existing pipe which is about 1.2 metres in diameter lying parallel to the road, and we are going to create chambers within this pipe so that when it rains, some of the water can flow through those chambers into the outfall,” Mr Amekor said.
General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah Tanko has signaled an impending escalation in protests by pre-tertiary teachers by the end of the week.
The catalyst for these demonstrations stems from the government‘s prolonged failure to fulfill teachers’ conditions of service, a longstanding issue spanning nine years.
During an interview on TV3, Mr. Tanko voiced deep-seated frustration regarding what he perceives as the government’s indifference to teachers’ grievances.
He highlighted a pervasive sense of betrayal among educators since 2009, citing unkept promises and a lack of concrete government support.
“Since 2009, teachers have been deceived, any time you go ask for something they say we are many, and there is a deliberate policy by government that teachers must be at the center. Where is the evidence?
“For the past eight years, the only allowance teachers have benefited is GH¢100, even that is professional development allowance, what about the teachers’ welfare? Teachers are in deprived areas and they are suffering.
“What will make the teachers to stop the agitations is that they must be given what they deserve,” Mr Tanko said.
Mr. Tanko emphasized that the key to quelling these protests lies in addressing teachers’ rightful demands and providing them with the support they deserve.
The leadership of three pre-tertiary teacher unions in the Greater Accra Region has issued a deadline to the government, demanding a resolution to their conditions of service by May 13, 2024.
These unions, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), are dissatisfied with the government’s negotiating approach on issues such as deprived area allowances and adjustments to continuous development allowances.
The Regional Secretary of GNAT, Peter Boateng, emphasized the escalating tensions within the labour sector and urged the government to take prompt action to avoid disruptions.
“If the government is negotiating with the IMF for the second tranche, for us as teacher unions, what we need to get from the government is what we are fighting for our members. The government has got its priority and we the teachers have also got our priorities. Our priority must be set and we are hoping that the government will just heed and approve what our leadership has been demanding.
“As you know, the kind of taxes they take from our salaries is not small and therefore the government can just get the revenue it needs from the teachers and other workers in the country to pay off the other allowances that we are demanding.
“You will realise that from the press conference, we were demanding seventeen different kinds of allowances but we thought it is wise that for the economic hardship that we are all in we have reduced it to four. That is what the officer enumerated for the public to hear. So, for me whatever that the teachers are demanding it’s the right thing,” he stated.
Three individuals were apprehended red-handed for distributing 150mg and 250mg tramadol to dealers while posing as nurses.
Their identities remain undisclosed, but they admitted guilt in their unlawful activities.
One of the perpetrators falsely claimed affiliation with the Walewale Government Hospital as a nurse, while another posed as a nurse from the Kumbungu Health Centre.
Both confessed to knowingly violating the law.
A public notice from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) emphasized that offering Tramadol or Tramadol-containing products above registered dosages is strictly prohibited.
Such medications are designated as “Prescription Only Medicines” and should not be dispensed below the level of District Hospitals.
The FDA cited Executive Instrument E. I168, enacted under the Minister for Health’s powers per the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), to regulate Tramadol and Tramadol-containing products.
Likewise, Codeine-containing cough syrups are banned, with their registration and market authorizations revoked under Executive Instrument E. I. 167, also enacted under the Minister for Health’s authority as per the same act.
All approved forms and strengths of these drugs are now classified as “Controlled Drugs” and “Prescription Only Medicines,” requiring a valid prescription for dispensation.
Watch video below:
Three individuals, including two men who claimed to be nurses at Walewale Government Hospital and Kumbungu health centre, were caught red-handed distributing 150mg and 250mg tramadol to dealers of these restricted drugs. pic.twitter.com/cMmWuggNu0
The District Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Krofrom, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Pastor Nat Aboagye Danquah, has called upon churches across Ghana to rally behind the government’s sanitation initiatives aimed at eliminating filth from the country.
The clergyman has urged all Christians and church congregations to actively engage and support endeavors aimed at enhancing sanitation standards nationwide.
His remarks came during a significant clean-up initiative organized by his church in Krofrom and its surroundings on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
The event drew participation from hundreds of church members and local residents who worked together to clear choked gutters, remove waste dumps, and address other sanitation challenges.
In discussions with Maame Akua Asarebia and Solomon Nimo, a journalism student at the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies, Pastor Danquah emphasized the importance of regular clean-up campaigns and communal efforts in combating infectious diseases and fostering public health.
While acknowledging the government and waste management companies’ roles, he stressed the necessity for collective citizen action in achieving a clean Ghana.
Meanwhile, Mr. Agyeman Duah, Chairman for Community and Social Empowerment at Krofrom Central Baptist Church, underscored the church’s commitment to spearhead awareness campaigns against littering and environmental degradation.
He emphasized the church’s role in complementing governmental initiatives aimed at maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for all citizens.
Duah expressed gratitude to church members and participants for their active involvement, acknowledging their pivotal role in the success of the cleanup exercise.
Interest rates saw a decrease across the yield curve in the recent treasury bill auction, signaling a shift in investor sentiment.
The government experienced a marginal undersubscription, garnering GH¢3.341 billion instead of the targeted GH¢3.372 billion.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
“91-day bill’s yield dropped by 20 basis points to 25.64%, 364-day bill’s yield decreased to 28.49%, conversely, the 182-day bill’s yield rose by 25 basis points to 28.14%.”
Analysts anticipate further drops in yields following the expected receipt of the third tranche of the $360 million bailout from the International Monetary Fund.
The auction saw significant interest in the 91-day bill, with GH¢2.356 billion tendered and fully accepted.
Similarly, GH¢818.32 million was received for the 182-day bill, meeting demand.
The 364-day bill garnered GH¢166.24 million in sales.
Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission (NLC), Ofosu Asamoah, has revealed that there’s a significant level of mistrust between labor unions and the government.
Mr. Asamoah highlighted that this ongoing tension often culminates in industrial strikes against the government, despite assurances to address labor unions’ demands.
In an interview with TV3, he emphasized that the composition of the NLC ensures impartiality towards any political party in power, eliminating bias.
Ofosu Asamoah said, “There is a high level of mistrust between Labour Unions and government. The composition of the NLC makes it nearly impossible to be biased towards any party.”
In November last year, Organised Labour proposed a 75% increase in base pay for 2024, initiating negotiations with the government.
Subsequently, reports indicated that Organised Labour agreed to a 60% base pay increment during negotiations.
After two days of negotiation, the labor union secured a 23% raise in the base pay for 2024.
It’s anticipated that this increase will be adjusted upwards by an additional 2% from July 2024 to December 2024.
This adjustment will result in a total increase of 25% for the year.
Protesters in the south of Mexico burned down the state government building on Monday and set fire to at least twelve cars in the parking lot.
The protests happened in Chilpancingo, a city in Guerrero, which is a violent place.
The people protesting want to know what happened to the 43 students who went missing in 2014 from a rural teachers college. Another student from the college was in a fight with the police and died in March.
The government of Guerrero state said it is sorry and does not approve of the violent acts. They mentioned that the state interior secretary had resigned after the March incident with students. The police officers are being looked into because someone died.
Pictures of the protests showed at least twelve cars on fire and flames coming out of the windows of the state office building. The building is close to the main road from Mexico City to Acapulco. The governor’s office building was broken into and robbed.
Students at the Ayotzinapa teachers’ college in Chilpancingo are known for their violent protests. They often take over buses and trucks during these protests.
In March, protesters from the college took control of a pickup truck and used it to break down the wooden doors of Mexico City’s National Palace.
They broke the doors and went into the old palace where the president lives and speaks to the press every day, but then security agents made them leave. The palace is very old, it was built in the 1700s. It was built where the Aztec emperors used to live.
The protest was held to show anger about the kidnapping and killing of 43 students ten years ago. The mass disappearance is still one of the most famous human rights cases in Mexico.
In 2014, some students were hurt by the police in a city called Iguala and given to a local gang, who likely killed them and burned their bodies. 11 attacks, the government has implemented new security measures at airports and other public places across the country. After the Sept11 attacks, the government made new rules to keep people safe at airports and other public places. 26 people were attacked, and they have only been able to identify the remains of three of them.
After first trying to hide it, last year a government group found that local, state, and national authorities worked with the gang to kill the students. They called it a “state crime. ”
The small, poorer teachers’ colleges in rural Mexico have been having violent protests for many years. Actually, the students were taken while they were hijacking buses to go to another protest.
The government in March 2024 borrowed GH¢19.90 billion through treasury bills, marking a 17% decrease from February’s borrowing.
A portion of these funds, GH¢14.47 billion, was allocated to refinancing maturing debts.
One notable trend was the continual decline in yields.
The 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day yields closed at 26% (128 basis points lower), 28.5% (-125 basis points), and 29.1% (-120 basis points) respectively, indicating a sustained downward trajectory.
Analysts anticipate a sluggish reduction in yields for April due to slower disinflation and a recent Cash Reserve Ratio increase for banks with loan-deposit ratios below 55%.
Investor demand for T-bills fell below the treasury’s target last week, prompting the government to accept all bids, resulting in a raised amount of GH¢2.35 billion against a GH¢4.16 billion target.
This decision impacted target and maturity coverage ratios, reflecting levels last observed in April 2022.
Despite these shifts, yields continued their descent with a 25 basis points drop across all tenors.
The 91-day and 182-day yields settled at 25.75% and 28.25% respectively, while the 364-day closed at 28.85%.
Looking ahead, the government plans to raise GH¢2.81 billion this week through 91 to 364-day bills to fulfill GH¢2.58 billion in refinancing obligations.
Jean-Yves Duclos, who is in charge of buying things for the government, found out that some people were doing tricks to cheat and get more money between 2018 and 2022.
Duclos is saying that the department took away the security access of the contractors and is trying to get back around $5 million.
The government is not telling us the names of the people involved to make sure the police investigation is not affected. Duclos also mentioned that the government is making a new office to make sure suppliers follow the rules.
He also said the government will now make suppliers be completely honest about who they hire to do work and how much they charge.
This news story is still being updated. Come back later for more information.
Last year, Canada government said it would help bring more family members of its citizens out of the dangerous area. However, in the past month, the 20-year-old woman lost hope that the Canadian government would help her family leave due to the delays.
As the weeks passed, she and her family endured frequent attacks. On some days, when they couldn’t find canned food, the grown-ups chose to go without eating so that the kids could still have food.
In the middle of February, things got better for them. She and her family got permission to go into Egypt. Their names were on a list.
The news made her family so happy that they were jumping for joy that night.
Shortly after, people in the Rafah area, which was thought to be one of the safest places, became very scared because it was bombed by Israel.
The doors and windows were blown out of a small apartment where a young woman slept with 40 other women and children.
They survived the night and as the sun came up, the family gathered their few belongings and carefully went to the border.
She didn’t realize she was really leaving her life behind until she was on the bus. After that, they would all begin again in Canada, and her family would definitely get a visa since they had escaped. But that’s what she believed.
“The young woman said in Arabic, using a translator, that we thought the only problem would be leaving Gaza, and then it would be simple. ” The Canadian Press promised not to say her name because they were worried about getting in trouble with the Egyptian or Canadian authorities.
“She begged to go to Canada because that’s our only hope. ” But that hope is almost gone.
At the same time, the family can’t go to work or see a doctor. Their family overseas is giving them all the help they need, and they already paid a lot of money to keep them safe.
The people in Canada feel tricked because they don’t know what will happen.
“The woman’s aunt in Canada said they tricked us. She has been trying to bring her relatives to safety since the war started in October. ” The text cannot be “rewritten in simple words” as it is not complete. Can you please provide additional details or the full text for me to help you. The Canadian Press promised not to say the aunt’s name so that people wouldn’t know who the family is.
She said the Immigration Department asked for money to apply for the program that Ottawa announced in December, but she hasn’t seen Canada doing much to help her family.
“She said Canada isn’t putting in enough effort for this program, and it’s a big question. ”
“They only come up with reasons. ”
The government started a program in January to give short-term visas to about 1,000 people in the Gaza Strip. They can go to Canada if their family there agrees to help them.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller is upset that Canada can’t help approved family members come to Egypt.
He didn’t answer right away when asked about the problems people had escaping on their own.
The government won’t tell us how many people have applied to the program that helps family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents stay in Canada temporarily. The husbands, wives, and kids of those other family members can also apply.
As of March 4, we have accepted 986 applications for processing. Only 12 people were able to leave Gaza, complete the screening process, and get permission to come to Canada, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The war started when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7 airplanes crashed, killing around 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages.
Israel quickly attacked with planes and then sent soldiers to fight on the ground in a war that has killed over 30,000 Palestinians, as reported by the Health Ministry in Gaza, run by the group Hamas.
The war made 80% of the 2. 3 million people in Gaza leave their homes, and a quarter of them don’t have enough food to eat, according to the United Nations.
Immigration lawyer Debbie Rachlis from Toronto is helping about 50 Palestinians in Egypt who escaped on their own and are now waiting for a Canadian visa. She said she knows about 100 similar cases that other lawyers are working on.
It’s sad because some people won’t be able to leave because their family doesn’t have the money or connections.
She said that people who didn’t finish the Canadian application process are worried that they may not qualify anymore.
Rani Hemaid gave a lot of money to a company to help his family leave Gaza and go to Cairo. Now they don’t have much money and are waiting to hear from the Canadian government.
He said it’s not sure if they still meet the requirements because they came before Canada’s visa program started.
In Gaza City, his sister, her husband and their five children are waiting too. They are in danger from military attacks and not having enough food to eat. Hemaid said this.
His 10-year-old nephew, Yamin, has a broken leg that can’t be fixed because all the hospitals are gone, he said.
Yamin said sorry to his mom for always being choosy about food, his uncle said.
“I will eat whatever food you give me right now,” Hemaid said emotionally from his home in Hamilton, Ontario.
Hemaid was a Palestinian Canadian who wanted to help bring the families of Canadians to safety.
When the visa program started, people called him to say thank you for his help. They said their families would be safe now, he said.
Now they are calling him to say that they wish it had never opened – the false hope has crushed them.
“We, as Palestinian Canadians, feel that the Canadian government has tricked and deceived us,” he said. “They don’t care about us. ”
He is afraid that Palestinians will remain in Gaza and may starve or die because they are unsure about the Canadian visa program.
It’s not sure who will be approved, or how much time it will take. A lot of people in Cairo don’t have enough money to live day-to-day without knowing if they will have enough money to pay for a hotel or rent a room from Airbnb.
I am really in need. “I feel very discouraged,” he said.
The rules say that if extended family members want to apply for the program, they have to be in Gaza when they apply. Yaman Marwah, a lawyer who helps people with immigration in Ottawa, said this.
Canada has not given any money or help with living to family members who are allowed to come to Canada, and they also did not reduce the cost of applying for a visa. The application fee is about $185 for each person.
People who were applying for their families had to sign a paper saying they don’t get welfare and will pay for everything themselves.
Marwah said he’s not sure if it’s better to give people hope and encourage them to fight for it, like Canada did, or to not give them any hope from the beginning and tell them we can’t help.
The young woman in Egypt said she feels more fortunate than those who are still in Gaza.
She said that simple things like taking a shower or having a bag of chips feel great, and she really just wants to go back to her normal life.
She said the Canadian government has to make this hope happen.
The Globe and Mail news paper said that an agreement had been made.
I’m sorry, but I can only say that the issue with Mr. John K sent an email to media saying that Spavor and the Canadian government have worked out their problem. Phillips is a lawyer who works for Spavor.
The situation was resolved over two years after Spavor and another Canadian named Michael Kovrig, also known as “the two Michaels,” were released from Chinese custody in September 2021. They came back to Canada after being in prison overseas for a longtime. It all started in December 2018when Meng Wanzhou, who is the chief financial officer of a big Chinese tech company called Huawei, tried to besent to the United States from Canada.
approved a deal allowing Huawei Technologies CoLtd’s Wanzhou, who had been living under house arrest in Vancouver, to return to China. The Justice Department made an agreement to settle the charges against Meng.
Last year, the Globe and Mail said Spavor wanted a lot of money from the Canadian government. They didn’t say who told them this. On Wednesday, the Globe said that Spavor’s agreement is worth “about $6million. “
The final decision about the legal issue has not been made clear yet, and it has not been confirmed to TIG post.
Treasury bills were used by the government to borrow GH¢24 billion in February of this year.
This exceeds its goal by 29.3%, according to a myjoyonline report.
It added that the government made GH¢12.4 billion more than its two-month target.
“Investors submitted total bids worth GH¢24.1 billion (+8.8% month-on-month) while accepted bids were valued at GH¢24.0 billion (+8.9% mon-on-month), sustaining the government’s quest to build buffer for future auction shortfall as indicated in the 2024 budget,” the news portal stated.
In January of this year, the government secured GH¢12.7 billion through T-bills to cover maturing bills, spanning durations of 91, 182, and 365 days.
Yields for the 91-day and 364-day bills in December 2023 saw a decrease by 14 basis points and 74 basis points month-on-month, settling at 29.4% and 32.5%, respectively.
Meanwhile, the 182-day bill witnessed a 19 basis points increase, reaching 31.9%.
Analysts’ estimations reveal a 23% surge in cumulative excess uptake during the initial two months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
During the first auction of 2024, the government successfully raised GH¢3.223 billion, exceeding the target by 15.24%.
Despite the elevated rates, the government consistently observed oversubscriptions in recent months, with only a few instances of slight undersubscriptions.
Leader of the Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution (BRDC), Crépin Mboli-Goumba, was detained at Bangui’s main airport as he attempted to leave the country, accompanied by his wife.
While his wife was released, Mr. Mboli-Goumba remains in custody, with the reason for his arrest undisclosed. Reports suggest they were heading to Douala, Cameroon, for medical reasons.
The arrest came amid tensions surrounding a property dispute involving Mr. Mboli-Goumba and the family of former president Andre Kolingba. Allegedly targeted by the judiciary, he had spoken out against a “legal mafia,” accusing Minister of State Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene of meddling in the dispute.
Known for his vocal criticism of President Faustin Archange Touadera’s government, Mr. Mboli-Goumba has also raised concerns about the presence of the Russian mercenary firm Wagner Group in CAR.
Despite the Ghana government’s Digital Ghana Agenda, several government agencies and departments continue to operate as if the winds of digitisation haven’t blown their way.
While many such government institutions continue to operate with absolutely no web presence at all, few others barely do, and even so, their websites are not fit for purpose.
The Digital Ghana Agenda seeks to digitise government services with up-to-date information, deploy a digital property addressing system, and institutionalise paperless port operations among others.
However, a search conducted by The Fourth Estate on the availability of information on the websites of randomly selected state institutions in Ghana revealed that some of the websites were poorly managed with dummy content and broken links among others.
The National Information Technology Agency (NITA), which is mandated to oversee the effective use of information and communications technology in government institutions, enjoins Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to “develop websites that contain informative and up-to-date content that is well-written, caters for the needs of a wide range of audiences, and is easily accessible.”
NITA also requires all MDAs/MMDAs to provide a minimum set of information such as policy documents, and legislative and sectorial documents to the public on their websites.
These are the bare minimum requirements, but most government agencies have failed to meet them, thereby frustrating the hundreds of people who visit their websites for current and quality information.
Broken links and dummy content
The website of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) lacked essential information, hindering users’ access to critical disaster-related data. Despite its pivotal role in disaster management, the website provided no statistics on disasters in Ghana although there was a tab named “datasets” on the website’s homepage.
A dataset is a collection of data, normally presented in a tabular format. Every column describes a particular variable.
On July 5, 2023, when The Fourth Estate visited the NADMO website, a click on the ‘datasets’ tab returned the user to the website’s home page. As of February 15, 2024, the situation was the same.
Similarly, the publication tab intended for reports led to a page titled “Our Yearly Activities“. On this page, three tabs World Civil Defence Day, World Humanitarian Day, and International Day for Disaster Reduction were displayed prominently. However, each of these tabs led to an error page, which simply said Not Found. The regional information tab on the NADMO website did not provide any significant data and is yet to capture the fact that Ghana now has 16 administrative regions – almost six years after the six new regions were created.
Screenshot of issues found on the NADMO website
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The website of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) Secretariat, is better than the NADMO website in terms of design. It offers a user-friendly interface, providing an overview of the total number of projects, factories, and registered companies. However, essential details such as a list of factories, their locations, and their operational status have not been provided. All the links that urge users to “see details” on the homepage only lead back to the homepage.
One would have expected the situation to be better with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation which oversees the country’s communication and digital infrastructure. When The Fourth Estate visited the ministry’s website, there was information that the ministry was running five projects: Girls-In-ICT, E-Transform, Digital Terrestrial Television, Eastern Corridor Fiber Optic Backbone, and Ghana Cares Obaatanpa Programme. For a long while, clicks on each of these project links led to pages with dummy content (placeholder text and/or images), which have nothing to do with projects.
Issues found on the Ministry of Communications’ website
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The website for the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative provided statistics on school placement and enrollment. However, links concerning infrastructure projects, school feeding project extensions, and other essential information at the bottom of the homepage led to pages with dummy content, initially but now lead to error pages.
On February 15, 2024, The Fourth Estate found a revamped website for the Free SHS programme with an improved interface and design. However, there were lingering issues such as blank pages. (here, here and here).
Issues found on new Free SHS website
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Information accessibility and outdated information
In a data collection exercise, The Fourth Estate explored the Electoral Commission’s website seeking data on Ghana’s parliamentary and presidential election results from the past 12 years. However, only information on the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections was accessible as of February 15, 2024.
But on September 7, 2023, Thomas Mbomba’s details were absent from the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. The team further gathered that Mavis Boadu had assumed the role of deputy minister in July, although this update was only reflected on the website later in September 2023.
The website of the National Road Safety Authority was inaccessible in August 2023 leading to a page with an inscription, “Sorry! If you are the owner of this website, please contact the hosting provider: webmaster@nsra.gov.gh.”
However, on January 25, 2024, the same website was found to be active. Nevertheless, some defects persisted. The “Geo View” tab within the “Statistics” menu, aimed to offer regional statistics on road accidents, only displayed a regional map of Ghana, without the specific regional statistics on road accidents.
Issues found on the new website of the National Road Safety Authority
Similar problems were encountered in accessing the petroleum downstream documents. Aside the Fiscal Provisions link which leads to a PDF document, the links under Laws, Regulations and Enabling Acts did not lead to any content. Another search for the website in January 2024 resulted in a security threat warning.
The National Commission for Civic Education made available well-organised annual reports, even providing access to reports dating back to the 1990s. However, reports from 2006 to 2010 were missing from the website. The most recent report accessible was from 2022.
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Annual reports on the NCCEs website
The Ghana National Fire Service’s website provides two links named “Acquiring Fire Certificates”, one within the fire safety tab at the top homepage and the other beneath the homepage. The first link led to a page with the inscription “file not found” whereas the second tab provided detailed steps on how to acquire a fire certificate.
Additionally, a link meant to provide information on types of fire extinguishers was unresponsive.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission is another state institution that had missing reports on its website. Annual reports from 2009 to 2015 were unavailable on the website. The latest annual report was from 2022.
Furthermore, a “Lodge a Complaint” link redirected users to a different website, justanswer.com, featuring content unrelated to Ghana’s legal authority.
Other attempts to access the same “Lodge a complaint” link led to various unrelated pages, including a Shutterstock page and another platform showcasing complaints from Nigeria and the US. In a follow-up visit, the same consumer complaint tab led to a form affiliated with the Judicial Service.
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Issues found on the lodge a complaint tab on the Judicial Service’s website
The former, hosted by NITA, only had content on scholarship notices while links such as events, technology, education, and community lacked information. Social media links on the website redirected users to Facebook and Twitter pages named Jegtheme unrelated to the secretariat.
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Issues found scholarship secretariat.gov.gh
The About Us page also lacked substantial information about the Secretariat and contained dummy text.
Similarly, a search for the Ministry of Trade and Industry website on August 25, 2023, led to https://moti.gov.gh/home, featuring an obsolete interface and content. Despite Alan Kyeremanten’s resignation as the sector minister on January 3, 2003, his name and image were displayed on the website’s homepage. Pages such as news and publications and the Deputy Minister of Trade had no content.
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Issues found on first Moti website
However, a follow-up search on September 4, 2023, revealed another website, https://moti.gov.gh/v2/, with more appealing features and current information.
It was apparent that the ministry had two websites – one with outdated information and the other with current information and more appealing features. The findings were the same when The Fourth Estate visited both websites in January and February 2024.
In response to The Fourth Estate’s findings, Mr Solomon Richardson, Director of Technical Services at NITA, explained that the existence of double websites could stem from the past practice of private entities hosting websites for institutions. Currently, NITA hosts approximately 90% of these websites, which use gov.gh in their domain names.
Updated Websites
The Bank of Ghana’s website stands out for being regularly updated with essential documents, reports and news. Its user-friendly interface makes the website easy to navigate.
Software Engineer Justice Selorm Bruce, in an interview with The Fourth Estate, bemoaned the frustrating experience encountered on the websites of numerous state institutions. According to him, it denies citizens their right to access crucial information.
He entreated state institutions to be more proactive in making information available and also in addressing technical hitches that hinder the accessibility of information.
NITA’s response
Mr Solomon Richardson, the Director of Technical Services at NITA, pointed out that the duty of updating websites falls under the purview of the communication and public affairs units within the various departments and agencies.
“The website is supposed to be owned by the communication or public relations unit. Every information over there [sic] is owned by the public relations and communication unit of whichever institution it is. Because that is your public station for the information you are communicating so they should be able to know that they have a problem,” he noted.
Regarding sanctions for state institutions whose websites violate NITA’s guidelines and standards, the agency said it is working on incorporating new sanctions in its Legislative Instrument currently undergoing stakeholder engagements.
The Fourth Estate contacted all the institutions with identified website issues through letters and emails in October 2023 but is yet to receive any response from them.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has asserted that drawing comparisons between the Akufo-Addo government and the Mahama government in terms of education is akin to comparing day and night.
During the debate following the State of the Nation Address on February 29, he highlighted that, apart from Kwame Nkrumah, no Ghanaian president or government has invested in education as significantly as the Akufo-Addo government.
He remarked, “With the exception of Kwame Nkrumah, no Ghanaian president or government has invested in education as much as the Akufo-Addo government. Certainly, in the fourth republic, no government has invested in education as much as the Akufo-Addo government, and certainly, a comparison between the Akufo-Addo government and the Mahama government when it comes to education is like day and night.”
President Akufo-Addo delivered his State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2024, providing updates on various sectors, including security, governance, education, health, infrastructure, and anti-corruption efforts.
The Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has underscored natural gas as a pivotal resource for fueling extensive industrialization in Africa and narrowing the poverty divide with the global community.
According to Dr. Opoku Prempeh, African governments must play a pivotal role in financing the development of natural gas resources to ensure their sustainability.
He advocated mobilizing funds through local financial institutions and collaborative efforts among African nations.
During the Gas Day session of the Nigeria International Energy Summit on February 29, the Energy Minister proposed leveraging the African Energy Bank, supported by Ghana and expected to be headquartered there.
This bank could secure competitive financing for accelerated natural gas projects, research and development infrastructure, and processing, transportation, and transformation of natural resources.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh highlighted Africa’s substantial gas reserves, led by Nigeria with over 200 trillion cubic feet, and others like Mozambique, Angola, Senegal, and Cameroon in the sub-Saharan region.
Ghana, actively exploring and developing its oil and gas resources sustainably, anticipates ongoing investment in natural gas infrastructure over the next decade.
The Energy Minister stressed the importance of adequate infrastructure for processing, storage, transportation, and transformation of natural gas resources to meet market demands.
He commended initiatives such as Dangote’s 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Nigeria, along with Ghana’s recent commissioning of a hundred barrels per day oil refinery.
Ongoing projects in Ghana, including the Tema LNG Terminal and the Tema City Gate and Gas Distribution Pipeline Network, contribute to expanding refining capacity.
Ghana envisions Nigeria as a primary supplier of affordable and reliable gas, complementing domestic sources and the West African Gas Pipeline.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh also highlighted the potential impact of the Nigeria to Morocco pipeline, stimulating gas patronage and expanding the gas market across the continent, especially in countries along the pipeline route.
“We can leverage the African Energy Bank which Ghana is supporting and whose headquarters Ghana expects to host, to raise competitive financing for the faster development of natural gas projects and the development of infrastructure for research and development, and for processing, transportation and transformation of our natural resources,” he said.
“In the next decade, we can expect to see continued investment in natural gas infrastructure such as pipelines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, power plants and petrochemical establishments on the continent, which present a unique opportunity for Africa to take charge of its own destiny,” he added.
He continued: “As indicated earlier, infrastructure development is key in fulfilling the massive untapped potential the resource presents. There has to be adequate infrastructure for processing, storage, transportation and transformation of natural gas resources to meet the market demands. In this regard, the initiative of Dangote to build the 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery and a petrochemical complex here in Nigeria is laudable.
“In Ghana, we recently commissioned a hundred barrels per day oil refinery to increase our refining capacity and have plans in place to further increase our refining capacity in the near future. Other on-going projects include Tema LNG Terminal and the Tema City Gate and Gas Distribution Pipeline Network.”
“The execution of the Nigeria to Morocco pipeline will also stimulate the patronage of gas and expand the gas market on the Continent, especially in countries along the pipeline route,” he adds.
Notably, the debt owed to power producers has been successfully reduced to approximately $700 million, marking a substantial milestone in the ongoing negotiations.
Payments to IPPs have been in progress since 2023, following agreements with five Independent Power Producers in July of that year when the debt stood at $1.6 billion.
“We are targeting the end of March to conclude the restructuring. We have also been able to reduce the debt to $700 million, which we believe is a significant step in the negotiations,” some individuals close to the negotiation process told JOY Business.
The government had initiated payments after threats from some IPPs to disrupt power supply if outstanding debts were not settled.
As of February 28, 2024, term sheets have been exchanged with five independent power producers for further examination, with no reported objections to the proposed terms.
Additional information suggests that the government is actively working to involve two more independent power producers in the negotiation process for debt restructuring.
The government has also secured agreements with the Electricity Company of Ghana to receive payments, and the overall restructuring is anticipated to conclude by the end of March 2024 upon the signing of the agreement.
President Akufo-Addo has pledged to achieve nationwide electricity access in Ghana by the close of 2024, with 88.85% already connected.
The government aims to add 400 communities to the national grid through the Self-Help Electrification Programme (SHEP) and other Turnkey Projects.
The President reports significant progress during his parliamentary address and emphasizes efforts to enhance power system reliability, including the relocation of the 250MW Ameri Plant.
“…I am happy to report that we are making admirable progress in the provision of electricity to all parts of the country,” he said.
Additionally, Ghana aims to transition 10% of its energy mix to renewables by 2030, with 3.2% currently sourced from solar energy.
Operational projects include a 4MW floating solar PV on the Bui Reservoir and a 15MW solar PV at Kaleo.
Ongoing initiatives involve a 100MW solar PV at Bui and the Mini-grid Electrification Programme in the Ada East District.
“the Authority is taking steps to relocate the remaining four (4) units before the end of the year,” the President added.
Looking forward, Ghana envisions 30% of electricity production from nuclear energy by 2070. The Ghana Nuclear Power Programme Organisation (GNPPO), under the Office of the President, oversees the nuclear energy project.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the commitment to providing clean, affordable electricity to support national industrialization and position Ghana as a net power exporter in the ECOWAS region through the West African Power Pool.
Guinea‘s military junta expressed its discontent to Russia’s ambassador following the Russian embassy’s caution about potential unrest in Conakry after the dissolution of the government by junta leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya.
The junta leader dissolved the government on Monday, ordering the closure of all borders without providing an explanation for the move. In response, Ambassador Alexey Popov apologized to the junta, citing a misunderstanding.
Col Doumbouya, who assumed power in a 2021 coup, not only dissolved the government but also directed the confiscation of passports from dismissed ministers and froze their bank accounts.
Reports from Guinean media revealed that the Russian embassy advised Russian nationals to be vigilant due to the potential for unrest in Conakry following Col Doumbouya’s decision.
In reaction, an official from the junta’s foreign ministry summoned Ambassador Popov to a meeting to address the matter. Mr Popov clarified that it was a misunderstanding, attributing it to a false translation published only in Russian for Russian citizens.
The junta accepted the apology, and Mr Popov asserted that the incident would not impact the relations between the two nations.
Guinea, like several other former French colonies in West Africa, has experienced coups in recent years. The juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have turned towards Russia while displaying hostility towards France and the West African regional bloc, Ecowas.
Despite this trend, Col Doumbouya has aimed to maintain positive relations with all sides. He has committed to holding elections to reinstate democratic rule by the end of 2024.
The junta, however, imposed a ban on all demonstrations in 2022 and detained numerous opposition leaders and members of civil society groups.
Col Doumbouya came to power by overthrowing President Alpha Condé in September 2021, citing reasons such as rampant corruption, human rights violations, and economic mismanagement. President Condé, Guinea’s first democratically elected president, faced protests in 2019 when he changed the constitution to run for a third term after being re-elected in 2015.
In a collective expression of frustration and disappointment, a group identifying as the Coalition of Unemployed Trained Teachers (CUTT) has voiced concerns over the prolonged delay in their postings by the government.
The group, comprising individuals who have completed their four-year Bachelor of Education (B.ED) program, mandatory National Service, and licensure exams, expressed dismay at the lack of assurance regarding their employment timelines.
As pioneers of the four-year B.ED program in colleges of education, the group emphasized their commitment to positively transforming the country’s human resource through acquired skills, knowledge, and competencies.
However, they lamented being left in uncertainty without concrete information on when their postings would be executed.
“Having been the pioneers of the four-year Bachelor of Education (B.ED) programme in the colleges of education, completed our one-year mandatory National Service as well and successfully passed our licensure exams, it saddens our hearts, joy and pride that we, pioneers of a programme that seeks to positively transform the human resource(students) of our country through the requisite skills, knowledge and competencies that we have been equipped with, are being left to our fate and there is no news as to when exactly our postings will be done for us,” the group stated.
Despite successfully passing licensure exams and being issued licenses by the National Teaching Council (NTC) set to expire in 2025, the group remains unemployed. This discrepancy, according to them, is unfair, particularly considering their role as the first batch of teachers trained under the new B.ED program and the Common Core Program aimed at enhancing education quality.
The group posed critical questions about the realization of the successes or failures of the new B.ED program when its pioneers are left unemployed. They called on the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Education Service to expedite the financial clearance process and open the recruitment portal by the first week of March.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the group emphasized the need to prevent the waste of the skills, knowledge, competencies, and resources invested in their training by the state.
“We, therefore, call on the Ministry of Finance to grant us financial clearance and the Ministry of Education as well as the Ghana Education Service to expedite actions by opening the portal for us to be recruited by the first week of March so that the skills, knowledge, competencies and the resources the state has invested in training us do not go in vain,” the statement concluded.
The introduction of the 4-year Bachelor of Education curriculum in colleges of education and their subsequent upgrade to fully-fledged universities in 2018 marked a significant shift in teacher training in Ghana.
The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry is urging the Ministry of Roads and Highways to release a minimum of GH¢2 billion to compensate road contractors for their completed projects.
While acknowledging the allocation of GH¢150 million to address potholes nationwide as a positive step, the Chamber emphasized that this amount falls significantly short of the GH¢15 billion owed to its members.
CEO Emmanuel Cheery expressed appreciation for the government’s effort but highlighted the inadequacy of the allocated funds to address the pothole situation, especially in Accra.
Cheery stated that the funds were insufficient, particularly as neglected potholes had transformed into manholes and gullies.
“In as much as we commend the government for releasing such an amount, we are pleading that the money should be increased in view of the nature of the work,” Mr Cheery said.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways had earlier announced the allocation of GH¢150 million for routine pothole patching activities on major roads during the dry season.
The aim is to reduce accident risks and extend the lifespan of the country’s road infrastructure.
“They are manholes and some of them are gullies.If they were to be these normal potholes that we see, they could be treated differently, but the current ones have been left unattended to for so long and so they have deteriorated into manholes and gullies,” the CEO emphasised.
Mr. Cheery expressed optimism that the minister-designate for Roads and Highways would address concerns and allocate additional funds for road construction. Additionally, he urged the government to clear its debt to contractors, which exceeds GH¢15 billion.
In answer to a question from the Sinn Féin TD for Donegal, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Mr. Varadkar said the government would soon be able to “promise more money for the A5 road. ”
“We didn’t fully cancel our promise, but we did cut it a lot because of the financial crisis here,” he said.
The government has disbursed GH¢150 million to contractors for the repair of potholes nationwide, as part of the first-quarter releases from the Ministry of Finance.
This was contained in a statement from the Ministry of Roads and Highways dated Thursday, February 15.
The release aims to facilitate the Ghana Highways Authority and the Department of Urban Roads in utilizing the dry season to address routine pothole patching on major roads that suffered deterioration in 2023 due to heavy rains.
The Ministry urged public cooperation as the government works towards enhancing the national road network.
“The government has released an amount of GH¢150 million for the engagement and payment to road contractors undertaking pothole patching across the country. The amount is part of the first quarter releases from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Roads and Highways,” the Ministry said.
It called on the public to cooperate with the Ministry as the government strives to improve the national road network.
“The intervention is to enable the Ghana Highways Authority a. the Department of Urban Roads to take advantage of the dry season to undertake routine pothole patching activities on some major roads which deteriorated last year due to heavy rains.”
“The Ministry Is hopeful that this timely intervention will result in smoother road surfaces, help reduce the risk of accidents and prolong the lifespan of our road infrastructure.”
