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Tag: IMANI

  • Ablekuma North violence: The eight got off too lightly – Kofi Bentil reacts to court’s ruling

    Ablekuma North violence: The eight got off too lightly – Kofi Bentil reacts to court’s ruling

    IMANI Africa’s Vice President, Kofi Bentil, has called for stricter punishment for the eight individuals who have been convicted by the Accra Circuit Court for their involvement in the Ablekuma North electoral violence.


    Speaking to the media on Saturday, August 30, he described his proposal as one that will discourage others from participating in chaos during elections. According to him, violence during elections in Ghana has become a norm; therefore, there must be collective efforts and stringent decisions to find a lasting solution to the menace.


    “We need to treat political violence differently. It shouldn’t be a misdemeanor but aggravated assault. The fines imposed on the convicted eight are not deterrent enough,”he added.

    On Friday, August 29, Mohammed Abubakari, Tijani Mahmudu, Prince Dzakpasu, Anas Mohammed, Mohammed Hamda, Darko Otibu Samuel, Musah Muntari, and Ali Saeed (alias Bomba) were convicted by the Accra High Court.

    His Honour Isaac Addo ordered each culprit to pay a fine of 500 penalty units (GH¢6,000) or, in default, serve 24 months in prison.

    They were charged with conspiracy to commit assault and three counts of assault, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 84 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

    They all pleaded guilty to the charges, a decision that fast-tracked the legal case.

    Prior to their arrest and conviction, the police expressed their commitment to holding accountable anyone found culpable of violence, intimidation, or electoral misconduct. They encouraged the public to share credible information via emergency lines 18555 or 191.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) on Friday, July 11, held a rerun election in 19 polling stations of the Ablekuma North to provide its constituents a representative after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    Ewurabena Aubynn polled 34,090 votes to beat the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Akua Afriyie, who secured 33,881 votes.

    Ablekuma North remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP, due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote after the 2024 polls.

    On December 10, 2024, three days after the national polls, the EC declared Ewurabena Aubynn of the NDC the winner of the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh.

    However, the EC later revoked the announcement, revealing that results from 62 of the 281 polling stations had not been included in the initial collation.

    Efforts to restart the collation in January 2025 were disrupted by multiple challenges.

    These included interruptions due to the submission of unverified pink sheets and a violent intrusion at the collation centre that heightened security concerns.

    The Electoral Commission (EC), after extensive deliberations, in July noted that it will hold the rerun election because the 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations.

    The EC arrived at this decision after it met with the representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 1.

    Violence mars Ablekuma North rerun election

    At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

    Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, was also assaulted by a group of men. A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

    The Ghana Police Service has interdicted one of its officers who was caught on camera slapping a journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, during the rerun election at Ablekuma North.

    In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

    The officer concerned has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North.

    The police have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter and further updates will be communicated.

    It is unknown what exactly transpired between the reporter and a group of police officers that led to him being slapped.

    The police officer’s action has been condemned by all, including the mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who witnessed the unfortunate incident.

    Deputy Minister for Government Communications, Shamima Muslim, in reaction to the said incident, commended the police for its swift action to reprimand its officer for such unlawful acts and condemned the recent attacks against civilians and journalists during the Ablekuma North election rerun.

    “What we are happy about is the swift action that the Ghana Police itself has taken in interdicting the officer in question,” she said.

    “It is completely unwarranted. Government itself takes a very serious stance, especially on security agencies meting out unwarranted attacks to civilians under any circumstances,” she added.

    President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Albert  Kwabena  Dwumfuor also condemned the attack on journalists. Due to the chaos that erupted, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno visited some polling stations in the constituency.

    The Minority in Parliament has also condemned the violence that took place during the just-ended Ablekuma North rerun election, accusing members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of instigating violent activities.

    In a statement signed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the caucus said:

    “The most disturbing aspect of today’s violence is not just the brutality itself, but the deliberate endorsement and celebration of these attacks by senior government officials. For example, Dr.

    Hanna Louisa Bissiw, National Women’s Organiser of the NDC and CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, provided perhaps the most damaging response with her statement that “violence begets violence” and her suggestion that the brutal attacks were somehow justified.”

    “Even more shocking is the Facebook post by Malik Basintale, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC,

    who apparently celebrated the man who attacked Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson with the disturbing declaration, “From today, I name him the Flying Python. He shall be in charge of the 5k Airforce!” This grotesque celebration of violence against a former Member of Parliament represents a new low in Ghana’s political discourse,” the statement added.

    The Minority has registered its displeasure with the operation of the Ghana Police Service at the polling stations.

    “The Ghana Police Service’s response raises serious questions about their preparedness and commitment to protecting our electoral process. Security personnel were overwhelmed by the perpetrators, failing to prevent these attacks on political figures, party agents, and journalists. More concerning are allegations surrounding Chief Superintendent Lumor Frederick Senanu and his potential role in facilitating these disruptions.”

    The caucus stressed the need for increased protection for voters, electoral officers, journalists, and candidates. It also called on the international community, civil society, and media to monitor developments closely.

  • Prof Aning, Imani file drag Mahama to Supreme Court to prevent removal of IGP, other security heads

    Prof Aning, Imani file drag Mahama to Supreme Court to prevent removal of IGP, other security heads

    Imani Ghana and security expert Professor Kwesi Aning have taken legal action at the Supreme Court to stop the President from dismissing the Inspector-General of Police and other security heads until an ongoing court case on the issue is resolved in May 2025.

    The plaintiffs argue that removing these officials before the case is decided would be unfair.

    This lawsuit follows widespread reports suggesting that the President plans to replace the Inspector-General of Police and other top security officials.

    In the suit, the plaintiffs prayed the court that “In the circumstance, I humbly and respectfully pray the honourable court for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Defendant/Respondent its principals, including His Excellency the President of the Republic, the respective Council of the Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Police Service, National Fire

    “Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and whomsoever or however described from removing, terminating, dismissing, sacking, suspending or whichever way described; the Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Comptroller of the Ghana Immigration Service, the Director General of the National Fire Service and the Inspector General of Police from their respective positions as Heads of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service pending the final determination of the suit”.

    The suit further noted “That without a doubt, the suit, which raises very serious constitutional issues and with the balance of convenience heavily tilting in favour of the Applicants this application has merit.

    “That the Defendant suffers no injury, should the application be granted, especially since, the decision is in no way far to be delivered; and more so, since, in the event Plaintiffs do not emerge victorious in the final action, the Executive will not be proscribed in exercising their rights of removal of any of these heads.

    “That this is an apposite case which is just and convenient, that the instant application is granted”.

    Find below full document:

    HEARING-OF-APPLICATIONS-1Download
  • Big players are orchestrating opioid surge in Ghana – Bright Simons

    Big players are orchestrating opioid surge in Ghana – Bright Simons

    IMANI Africa’s Vice President, Bright Simons, has accused influential figures in Ghana of playing a role in the unauthorized entry and spread of dangerous opioids in the country.

    His assertions follow a recent BBC investigation that uncovered the influx of Indian-manufactured opioids, particularly Tafrodol, into Ghana’s markets, worsening the country’s addiction crisis.

    In a detailed write-up, Mr Simons revealed that Ghana serves as a major gateway for these substances, with large quantities being distributed locally and across West Africa.

    Citing customs documentation, he named Indian firms such as Aveo, Westfin International, and PRG Pharma as suppliers of these drugs to Ghanaian companies, including Samospharma.

    While Samospharma has denied any connection, Mr Simons provided evidence suggesting the company’s involvement in the trade.

    “As far as the export data was concerned, the company has not been smuggling in these items. It has been trading in the open with established firms in India and elsewhere to the tune of millions of dollars. My conclusion, therefore, was that it was operating with the full knowledge of the authorities.

    “What is more, Samospharma’s founders are highly respectable members of the pharmaceutical industry. They are, furthermore, the visionaries behind a widely acclaimed digital platform, DrugNet, designed to ensure the safe delivery of high-quality medicines and to prevent the trade in substandard pharmaceutical products,” he wrote.

    Mr Simons took aim at Ghana’s regulatory agencies, particularly the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), accusing them of failing to tackle the opioid crisis effectively.

    The FDA clarified that Tafrodol and its ingredients are not approved in Ghana, making them illegal. However, it also acknowledged that Samospharma has authorized dealings with Aveo and Westfin for other pharmaceutical products.

    Mr Simons argued that this inconsistency highlights serious transparency issues and weak enforcement within the regulatory framework.

    “Despite the FDA’s emphatic confirmation that these drugs are illegal from the outset, the National Security Agencies and the preventive units within the Customs agencies continue to pretend that they have no information to tackle the menace head-on. They continue to talk in very broad and general terms about stopping the flow of opioids, the same talk we have been hearing for a decade,” he added.

    Simons claimed that influential figures in Ghana’s government, business sector, and bureaucracy are behind the opioid trade.

    He suggested that these individuals are intentionally spreading confusion to divert attention and avoid accountability.

    “Everything converges upon my initial theory: the whole saga isn’t adding up because someone or a group of very powerful people in Ghana with tentacles crisscrossing politics, business, and the bureaucracy, and protected by a shield transcending political administrations is the mastermind behind these opioid massacres,” he wrote.

  • Put your house in order – Franklin Cudjoe to Chief Justice after verdict on vacant seat case

    Put your house in order – Franklin Cudjoe to Chief Justice after verdict on vacant seat case

    President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has urged the Chief Justice, Getrude Torkonoo, to “put her house in order.”

    He made these remarks while expressing his discontent with recent court decisions and voicing sharp criticism of Ghana’s judiciary.

    On his part, “Frankly speaking, my reading of the judiciary, unfortunately, in this particular case and a few of the cases, they have become like a playground for politicians; I think it’s a disappointment. I hope that they will redeem themselves quickly and the Chief Justice should put her house in order, ” he said during an appearance on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on November 13, 2024.

    His remarks came in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.

    Cudjoe accused the judiciary of exhibiting political bias, claiming it is increasingly being used as a tool for political agendas.

    He expressed serious concerns about what he perceives as a lack of impartiality in judicial rulings and called on Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to uphold the judiciary’s credibility and ensure fairness in future judgements.

    “The real issue has to do with the way we do our politics in this part of our world.

    Frankly speaking, it is not right to have almost 70% of the populace of the country say you are biassed. It is not fair. It’s not pretty at all, and I think I’m part of that 70%. Maybe I’m on top of the 70% right now,” he noted.

    On Tuesday, November 12, the Supreme Court overturned Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. The ruling came in response to a legal challenge filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

    In a detailed judgement delivered on Thursday, November 14, five of the justices sided with the Majority Leader, stating that a parliamentary seat can only be declared vacant if a Member of Parliament (MP) switches political parties while retaining their seat. The Court further clarified that the Speaker’s directive would not take effect during the current parliamentary term.

    However, the ruling was not unanimous. Two justices dissented, arguing that the Supreme Court lacked the authority to adjudicate the matter. Their stance highlighted differing interpretations of the Court’s jurisdiction on such issues.

  • Ministry Finance named again as the most fiscally irresponsible public institution in Ghana – Report

    Ministry Finance named again as the most fiscally irresponsible public institution in Ghana – Report

    Ministry of Finance has once again been identified as the most fiscally irresponsible public institution in Ghana, spanning the years 2021 to 2023. This comes after a similar ranking between 2015 and 2020.

    The latest revelation is part of a report published by IMANI Africa and Oxfam Ghana, which analysed financial mismanagement across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through their third Fiscal Recklessness Index.

    The report ranks the Finance Ministry at the top, followed by the Ministries of Food and Agriculture, Communication and Digitalisation, Roads and Highways, and Health.

    During a media briefing, Dennis Asare, Senior Research Associate at IMANI Africa, disclosed that Ghana lost over GH₵ 4.9 billion in 2023 due to financial irregularities.

    Asare highlighted that these losses could have been better utilised in funding social intervention programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative and the Ghana School Feeding Programme.

    “The Ministry of Finance is considered the most fiscally reckless institution because nearly 90% of the identified irregularities can be traced back to it,” he stated.

    Asare explained that as a central management agency responsible for overseeing various institutions, the Ministry of Finance’s financial mismanagement highlights deeper systemic problems. He further noted that this fiscal recklessness extends beyond the Ministry’s headquarters to include the agencies under its jurisdiction.

    One of the major concerns identified in the report was the government’s inadequate tax collection, revealing significant weaknesses in revenue mobilisation efforts.

    The report also offered recommendations to tackle these issues, emphasising the need to establish a more empowered fiscal council to enhance oversight and accountability.

    “We need a stronger fiscal council, not just a committee. All political parties agree on the importance of such an institution. Now is the time to formalise it with legal backing and ensure it has the authority to perform its critical oversight functions effectively,” Mr Asare urged.

  • Galamsey: Declare a state of emergency – IMANI President tells Akufo-Addo

    Galamsey: Declare a state of emergency – IMANI President tells Akufo-Addo

    Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency in response to the severe damage inflicted on the nation’s water bodies by illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

    Cudjoe criticized the president for what he sees as inaction, pointing out that the president’s recent focus on trips to China has overshadowed the pressing issue of galamsey.

    During an appearance on Channel One News’ “The Big Issue” on Saturday, Cudjoe also voiced his frustration with the National Security Minister, accusing him of not recognising the critical nature of the crisis.

    “It behoves us to do that. We are looking up to the president to lead the charge.

    In a serious civilised country, the call by some of the media actors that some sort of emergency should be declared should have been listened to long ago because this is really an emergency.

    “These are people who are going to be killed by these mining activities down the line. I expected the president—that is where leadership counts, but he is gallivanting in China claiming to be doing what on our behalf.”

    “I don’t even understand what is wrong with that man. Look, this is an existential threat.

    In fact, I even expected the National Security Minister to declare some sort of emergency already, but he is also asleep, fast asleep more than even the president… Until the president actually declares an emergency, nothing will happen,” he stated.

  • IMANI call on Ghanaians to join Bawumia in fight against Achimota Forest sale

    IMANI call on Ghanaians to join Bawumia in fight against Achimota Forest sale

    Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has warned that the Achimota Forest Reserve in Accra is at risk of being lost to the state.

    In a Facebook post on Sunday, August 19, 2024, Bentil urged immediate action to prevent this, stating that despite his ongoing efforts, more Ghanaians need to join the fight to save the forest.

    “Achimota Forest is at risk of being stolen. I’ve fought to preserve it. It’s time to see others join to protect it. If we don’t, it will be gone soon!” he wrote.

    Even though the IMANI vice president did not indicate the person(s) who were trying to steal the forest, he noted that the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, does not want the state to sell it.

    “NB: Bawumia is in favour of saving it, not selling it!!! Let the others also declare their support for the forest remaining a forest.”

    In a subsequent post, Bentil said that the Presidential Candidate for the 2024 election should state their stance on the sale of the Achimota Forest.

    “Make Achimota Forest a campaign issue! Each presidential candidate must declare that they will keep the forest from being changed into anything else. #SaveAchimotaForest.”

    Kofi Bentil on Achimot a Forest sale
    Save Achimota Forest Campaign

  • You speak ill of Bawumia because you hate him – Ekow Acquah to Franklin Cudjoe

    You speak ill of Bawumia because you hate him – Ekow Acquah to Franklin Cudjoe

    President of the policy think tank IMANI, Franklin Cudjoe, has faced significant criticism for a controversial claim made on his Facebook page concerning the 33 policies spearheaded by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    In a recent post, Mr Cudjoe asserted that these policies, including initiatives like drone-delivered medical supplies to remote areas, mobile money interoperability, and digitalization of public services, have had no discernible impact on the economy.

    In response, Political Communications Consultant Dr. Ekow Acquah issued an open letter characterizing Cudjoe’s statement as politically motivated. Acquah questioned the rationale behind dismissing initiatives that are widely regarded as crucial for modernizing the economy and improving public services, suggesting that such criticism may undermine the achievements of Dr. Bawumia’s leadership in these areas.

    “Your latest piece of baseless and shocking analysis on your Facebook page was your shocking claim that Bawumia’s 33 policies he has championed as Vice President, have no impact on the economy and the country,” Dr. Acquah wrote to Franklin Cudjoe.

    “Are you serious? Are you the same Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI?” he queried, adding, “indeed when I first saw this bizarre claim on your page, I instantly wrote it off as coming from a parody account, but upon further checks, I found out it was really coming from you, head of a policy think tank with over 20 years’ experience!”

    He continued, “Mr. Franklin, are you really serious that transformative policies, which Dr. Bawumia spearheaded, such as One Constituency, One Ambulance, Zipline Medical Drone, Mobile Money Interoperability, national biometric identity through Ghanacard, national property address system, digitalization of public services, Agenda 111, Zongo Development Fund, and many others, have not been impactful and have no impact on the economy? Even if you are being politically mischievous, you should be concerned about your integrity.”

    Dr. Acquah further asked, “How could any serious-minded policy analyst claim that the innovative and internationally acclaimed delivery of essential medical supplies through drones to over 2000 clinics and hospitals in remote communities in the country on a daily basis has no impact?”

    “Because of your hatred for Bawumia, you choose to play down the impact of an intervention which even Kamala Harris, the US Vice President, commended Ghana for. Get serious Mr. Franklin,” he blasted the IMANI boss.

    Below is the full letter:

    WHEN A THINK TANK BECOMES AN EMPTY TANK – AN OPEN LETTER TO IMANI’S FRANKLIN CUDJOE OVER HIS CLAIM ON BAWUMIA’S 33 POLICIES

    Dear Franklin,

    I hope this letter finds you well and succeeds in reawakening you, bringing you back on track toward the noble think tank duties you were once noted for.

    Without a doubt, you have built a fine reputation for yourself, having strongly built IMANI, alongside your partners, from scratch to one recognized and respected by international organizations.

    As a think tank, IMANI, which you have played a starring role in shaping, has played significant roles in conducting research, sharing ideas, critiquing policies, and providing intellectual platforms for policy dialogues, all geared towards the progress of our country.

    However, in recent times, as head of one of the leading policy think tanks in the country, you have reduced this starring and noble role of think tanks, specifically IMANI, to a comedy show, with your social media handles as platforms.

    For reasons best known to you, you have reduced your once admirable analytical prowess to a lazy, armchair Facebook analyst, always making deductions and analogies that are, at best, baseless and ridiculous.

    Anyone who follows you, including your ardent admirers like me, would have realized how you struggle to make meaningful, intellectual analysis based on data and facts, as you used to do. You now reduce serious issues of national concern to satire, and you hide behind satirical analogies to attack those you despise, especially Dr. Bawumia.

    Your latest piece of baseless and shocking analysis on your Facebook page was your shocking claim that Bawumia’s 33 policies he has championed as Vice President have no impact on the economy and the country.

    Are you serious? Are you the same Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI? Indeed, when I first saw this bizarre claim on your page, I instantly wrote it off as coming from a parody account, but upon further checks, I found out it was really coming from you, head of a policy think tank with over 20 years of experience!

    Mr. Franklin, are you really serious that the transformative policies, which Dr. Bawumia spearheaded, such as One Constituency, One Ambulance, Zipline Medical Drone, Mobile Money Interoperability, national biometric identity through Ghanacard, national property address system, digitalization of public services, Agenda 111, Zongo Development Fund, and many others, have not been impactful and have no impact on the economy? Even if you are being politically mischievous, you should be concerned about your integrity.

    Get serious, Mr. Franklin, because the more you allow your hatred for Dr. Bawumia to consume you, or the more you desperately try to prove to the NDC that you are neutral, you end up embarrassing yourself, your hard-earned reputation, your colleagues at IMANI, and of course, IMANI itself.

    How could any serious-minded policy analyst claim that the innovative and internationally acclaimed delivery of essential medical supplies through drones to over 2,000 clinics and hospitals in remote communities in the country, on a daily basis, has no impact? Because of your hatred for Bawumia, you choose to play down the impact of an intervention that even Kamala Harris, the US Vice President, commended Ghana for. Get serious, Mr. Franklin.

    Mr. Franklin, how do you play down the impact of mobile money interoperability on the Ghanaian economy? As a leader of a think tank, are you not aware that thanks to the successful implementation of mobile money interoperability, Ghana is now the number one country in Africa as far as financial inclusion is concerned? As a leader of a policy think tank, do you not know that financial inclusion is a key and basic element towards transforming an economy? Get serious, Mr. Franklin!

    As a leader of a policy think tank, how do you explain to the world that, in a contemporary economy, a digital national identity system and a digital national address system have no bearing and impact, as pillars for economic transformation? Are you really serious, Mr. Franklin?

    Dr. Bawumia, even before he became Vice President, wrote in his 2010 book about the need for developing countries like Ghana to establish strong economic pillars such as national identity systems and national address systems and increase financial inclusion as basic pillars for economic transformation. This is how Europe, where you get your funding from, developed economically, and that’s what Dr. Bawumia has done through the opportunity he’s had as Vice President.

    He has used the opportunity he’s had as Vice President to implement what he recommended to African countries in his book, and those are pillars and principles for economic transformation. It is sad you don’t know this, or you choose not to know!

    As for your assertion that the Agenda 111 Hospital Bawumia championed is not beneficial because none has been completed, the least said about it, the better. Such weird thoughts rather expose your recent lazy approach to intellectual analysis. Nearly 100 hospitals being built across the country are not beneficial because none has been completed? How funny! Your thoughts are like saying a student is wasting their time in school because they have not yet completed school.

    Mr. Franklin, in your deep hatred for Bawumia and your desperate quest to prove to the NDC you are neutral, you can continue to be delusional about your status and your influence. What you do not know is that you’re rather embarrassing IMANI, the organization you have built over the years.

    And what you do not realize is that you are only fooling a few of your audience on social media, who will jump at every nonsense you write and give you a few “likes” and praises. These think-alikes do not represent discerning members of society who appreciate the impacts of the 33 policies Dr. Bawumia has proposed and spearheaded as Vice President.

    The pregnant women in remote parts of Ghana, who have been rescued by drones delivering timely essential medical supplies, appreciate what Dr. Bawumia has done!

    The market women, who used to be attacked on the highways because they carried cash to the markets, but now have the luxury of saving their money on mobile money wallets, which work like bank accounts, appreciate what Dr. Bawumia has done.

    Discerning Ghanaians, who have seen the real impact of digitalization on effectively battling corruption and saving the nation and the economy millions of dollars through identity fraud, appreciate what Dr. Bawumia has done.

    Ghanaians, who were excluded and never had any means of identity, both for themselves and their property, appreciate Dr. Bawumia’s efforts in ensuring a robust national identity and property address system.

    Mr. Franklin, you can hate Dr. Bawumia all you like! No one can stop that. But your ignorance and hatred can be exposed. Now it is so obvious how you struggle to appease each side of the political divide.

    For a man I, and I believe, many others admired for what you did in the past, it is unfortunate you have now reduced the once-revered IMANI from a think tank to an empty tank.

    How I wish I could dissociate you from IMANI for the organization to keep its credibility from your inconsistent self. But like conjoined twins, you’re inseparable!

    It’s not too late. You can go back to your former self; a man who worked for the progress of Ghana, not for any other consideration.

    A word to the wise…

    Best regards,

    Dr. Ekow Acquah, Political Communications Consultant.

  • He speaks badly about everything I do – Ursula cries foul over Bright Simons’ attacks on her

    He speaks badly about everything I do – Ursula cries foul over Bright Simons’ attacks on her

    Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has bemoaned what she describes as consisent attacks from the IMANI President, Bright SImons.

    This comes after Bright Simon’s reaction to the announcement of 5G internet in Ghana where he wrote an article titled “State Enchantment hijacks 5G in Ghana,”.

    The article captures concerns about the government’s decision to award the country’s only 5G telecom license to a company called Next Gen Infraco Ltd. without a proper auction or tender, as is typically required by law following the Minister’s press conference on in the heat of controversy about the government’s decision to award the country’s only 5G telecom license to a shadowy entity called, Next Gen Infraco Ltd.

    In reaction to this, the Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West constituency bemoaned that the think-tank’s president always has something negative or degrading to say about anything that she is involved in.

    While noting all his concerns she however, noted that ” I take this but with a pinch of salt” during an appearance on Peace FM’s Kokrookoo Morning Show on June 1, 2024.

    “Bright Simons has never seen the good in anything I do. So I will take whatever he says. But if I had been in his position, I would have checked the results of the work that we ha done so far”.

    She further went on to call on Mr Simons to check the results of the government’s works before offering his opinions.

    “These results should inform him that we don’t just act lightly; we act on the basis of advice from solid experts in the sector. I accord him with so much respect, but making me aware that anything that comes from Ursula will attract negative comments from him I take this but with a pinch of salt” he added.

  • World Bank has financed Bawumia’s e-gate twice – Bright Simons in shocking details

    World Bank has financed Bawumia’s e-gate twice – Bright Simons in shocking details

    Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, revealed that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent announcement to launch an e-gate project at Ghana’s main airport would amount to blatant misappropriation of donor cash.

    He claims that the project has twice received funding from the World Bank and has been declared “complete & successful.”

    Dr. Bawumia announced the remark while outlining planned technical developments meant to expedite immigration procedures during a speech to clergy in Cape Coast at the beginning of his regional trip.

    “In fact, before the end of this year, if you arrive in Ghana at Kotoka Airport, you don’t even need to go to an immigration officer. We are putting together the e-gates.

    “You put your Ghana Card; it will open for you, and you’ll pass and enter. The e-gates will come into service in Ghana before the end of this year. In Ghana, before the end of this year,” Dr. Bawumia stressed.

    In a post on X (June 3) addressing the development, Simons wrote: “If this new e-gate project uses a single pesewa of Ghanaian money, then it will be the most brazen abuse of @WorldBank money ever in the history of the world.

    The truth is that the World Bank has paid TWICE for this same project. And recorded the project as complete & successful.”

    He posted a link to an article he wrote in April 2024 under the heading, ‘Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?’ to back his claims.

    A portion under e-immigration read as follows: “Of the different e-Transform modules, the e-Immigration system presents the most bewildering account.

    It was envisaged to deliver automated immigration clearance at the airport (using biometrically-enabled e-gates), digital visa processing, and the phasing out of paper-based procedures across all borders (including land and sea).

    “In short, a big deal. The e-gates submodule alone was budgeted at nearly $20 million.

    Central to all this was a Secure Border Management System (SBMS) meant to replace a US-donated platform on the grounds of enhanced data security.

    “6 years after SBMS was expected to launch, the web version of the US-donated system continues to be the primary immigration clearance solution in use at Ghana’s sole international airport.

    “Despite claims to the contrary in the official World Bank records about the project, the fact on the ground is that no SBMS was rolled out.

    The $16.3 million e-gates that the official records claim were already functional and just needed to be transferred from terminal 2 to terminal 3 of the international airport, at the cost of an extra $2.9 million, have not been deployed to automate immigration clearance five years on.

    “The multi-million-dollar electronic visa management system launched, according to World Bank records, in February 2019, failed to deploy to most of Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.

    The individual missions have had to engage service providers to build and manage separate systems at their own cost,” he added.

  • Start corruption fight from the presidency, that is where all the bad deals are brokered –IMANI

    Start corruption fight from the presidency, that is where all the bad deals are brokered –IMANI

    President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, emphasized the need to initiate the anti-corruption campaign from the highest office, citing the Presidency as the breeding ground for corrupt practices.

    During an interview on The Big Issue on Citi FM, he proposed alternative strategies to combat corruption, criticizing the efficacy of the Office of the Special Prosecutor in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.

    Cudjoe highlighted several instances of corruption within the Presidential sphere, asserting that addressing corruption at this level is crucial for effectively addressing the issue.

    “Charity begins at home, and so fighting corruption should start at the Presidency because that is where all the crooked things are cooked. Look at the Scholarship Secretariat scandal; is it not from there?

    This Ministry of Special Initiatives, was it not harboured at the Presidency, which led to all these dams that were constructed like dugouts and wasted money all over the place. Just take a cursory look at that office.

    “So, even creating the Office of the Special Prosecutor was like battling after the facts were established, and people with deep pockets will fight you because they have made enough money to fight you through.

    We at IMANI say that fighting corruption and waste begins at the Presidency.”

  • Bright Simons files for RTI for clarity in KMA -Fidelity Bank’s GHS 3m saga

    Bright Simons files for RTI for clarity in KMA -Fidelity Bank’s GHS 3m saga

    Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has filed a Right to Information (RTI) request with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to obtain detailed information about the use of GH¢3.6 million and its dealings with Fidelity Bank Ghana.

    He aims to bring transparency to what he perceives as a lack of clarity in the interactions between the bank and KMA.

    In a tweet, Simons mentioned his request to KMA for complete disclosure of all transactions with the bank. He believes that the current stance of the institution indicates potential financial impropriety, highlighting the necessity for full transparency.

    “Having followed the confusing back & forth between Fidelity Bank Ghana & the KMA, we have sent an RTI request to the KMA to disclose all its transactions with the bank.

    There is a murkiness about what is going on that raises concerns about financial propriety. Full transparency is needed,” he tweeted on May 14, 2024.

    https://twitter.com/BBSimons/status/1790332272282861717/photo/1

    The issue stems from a GH¢8 million loan obtained from Fidelity Bank for the redevelopment of the KMA-Krofrom Market Project. Reports indicate that only GH¢5 million was utilized for project execution, leaving GH¢3.6 million unaccounted for.

    However, Fidelity Bank has refuted any wrongdoing, clarifying that the entire GH¢8.6 million disbursed for Phase 1 of the project comprised GH¢4 million from Fidelity Bank’s approved facility and KMA’s own funds of GH¢4.6 million.

    Bright Simons’ RTI request aims to gain comprehensive insight into the arrangements between Fidelity Bank and KMA, aiding in factual analysis and pursuit of public interest objectives.

    His legal representatives stress the imperative of complete disclosure, citing statutory and public policy considerations.

    This situation underscores concerns regarding financial integrity, prompting the RTI request to illuminate the transactions and ensure transparency and accountability in public fund utilization.

    It is anticipated that both KMA and Fidelity Bank will fully cooperate to address the matter and provide requisite information to the public.

  • Gov’t used DDEP to aggressively pickpocket our savings – Franklin Cudjoe

    Gov’t used DDEP to aggressively pickpocket our savings – Franklin Cudjoe

    The Founding President and CEO of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe has criticized the government for the economic challenges facing Ghanaians.

    Cudjoe specifically blames the government for misleading citizens into participating in the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP).

    The DDEP was presented as a voluntary initiative aimed at protecting domestic bondholders.

    It involved restructuring the country’s domestic debt by swapping existing high-coupon bonds for new bonds with lower coupon rates and longer tenures.

    However, this led to a loss of value for existing bondholders who exchanged their higher-yielding bonds for lower-yielding ones.

    Cudjoe alleges that the government’s promotion of the DDEP was deceptive, and he accused them of exploiting the trust of Ghanaians to serve their own interests at the expense of citizens’ savings.

    See post below:

  • Keep an eye on IMANI before they become talk tanks instead of think tanks – Dr. Serebour Quaicoe

    Keep an eye on IMANI before they become talk tanks instead of think tanks – Dr. Serebour Quaicoe

    Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, has criticised policy think tank IMANI Africa for its approach to addressing issues concerning state institutions.

    He argued that their tendency to criticise state institutions without providing substantiated information, which ultimately undermines these entities, is a concerning trend that impedes state development.

    Dr. Quaicoe dismissed IMANI Africa’s allegations that the EC auctioned off 10 out of 70,000 devices, labelling such claims as unfounded and advising the public to disregard them.

    Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Dr. Quaicoe cautioned that if IMANI does not exercise caution in its statements, it risks losing its credibility and transitioning into a mere “talk tank” rather than a think tank.

    During the interview, Samson Lardy Anyenini inquired, “IMANI asked the question that you had said that you auctioned only 10 out of over 70,000 devices. Why 10? They also said they had been relying on documents from parliament because you deal with them.”

    Responding to the allegations, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe challenged, “I want to know which document said we had auctioned 10 devices. We should be careful not to destroy institutions in the country without just cause.

    “If you rely on the information on the internet to draw conclusions at the end of the day, you will be exposed… My concern is that I know IMANI to be a think tank. If care is not taken, they will become a talk tank.”

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has come under scrutiny following reports alleging that some of its electoral devices were sold through auction.

  • Dumsor vigil – Yvonne Nelson says Kofi Bentil, others now sympathisers of gov’t

    Dumsor vigil – Yvonne Nelson says Kofi Bentil, others now sympathisers of gov’t

    Actress Yvonne Nelson claims that individuals who backed her initial Dumsor Must Stop Vigil are now aligned with the current government.

    Despite her attempts to contact them for assistance in organizing another vigil amidst the ongoing power crisis in the country, they have yet to respond to her.

    The actress and author of “I’m not Yvonne Nelson” book has therefore reached out to interested Ghanaians to help her hit the streets of Accra to drum home the need for government to prioritize the needs of the people of Ghana.

  • Why the attacks in the media? Use the right channel – EC tells IMANI

    Why the attacks in the media? Use the right channel – EC tells IMANI

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged the policy think tank, IMANI Africa, to avoid going to the media with concerns about the electoral body.

    Instead, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director of Electoral Services, encouraged IMANI to utilize due processes and legal channels to address any issues.

    Dr. Quaicoe made this statement during an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, on Monday.

    “People must be patient to understand issues. Even if we have faulted, why do they always run to the media? Why the attacks in the media? There are procedures they can use to seek redress. The media attacks are unnecessary,” he lamented.

    Following IMANI Africa’s concerns raised on social media and in media reports regarding the discovery of 10 obsolete biometric verification devices (BVDs) at a recycling company in Madina, the Electoral Commission (EC) has responded.

    The EC clarified that these devices were legally auctioned and had been acquired before the 2012 elections. However, IMANI Africa has continued to question the EC’s explanation.

    Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, raised doubts about the number of BVDs auctioned off and the disposal process of the remaining devices.

    He expressed concerns about the EC’s leadership and the transparency of their actions, suggesting a pattern of misconduct and misinformation.

    Mr Cudjoe called on the media to conduct further investigations to address these questions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the credibility of the electoral process in Ghana.

  • SML deal simply Agyapa deal in “suit and tie” – Bright Simons

    SML deal simply Agyapa deal in “suit and tie” – Bright Simons

    Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has made a striking assertion regarding the revenue assurance contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    He contends that this contract represents an evolved version of the failed Agyapa Royalties deal.

    According to Simons, following the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government’s inability to execute the Agyapa deal, which aimed to leverage Ghana’s mineral resources as collateral, they broadened the scope of the SML agreement. Initially focused on revenue assurance for oil production, the contract was expanded to encompass minerals as well, as reported by myjoyonline.com.

    During a comprehensive presentation on the responsibilities of SML on Joy FM’s Newsfile program on April 27, 2024, Simons highlighted that despite the questionable nature of the contract, the government tasked the company with extending its services to cover Ghana’s mineral production.

    “We are completely certain that when you try to expand this SML service to cover the minerals and petroleum it was simply Agyapa [deal] in suit and tie.

    “When Agyapa failed, somebody suggested that if we cannot get the percentage of the royalties that we wanted from every ounce of gold sold in Ghana, then we will do even more, we will add the oil as well and we will create a mechanism to get a certain percentage out of that,” he is quoted to have said.

    Simons pointed out several irregularities in the SML deal, notably the challenges in accurately determining oil production and calculating royalties. These concerns are compounded by doubts regarding the reliability of data provided by oil companies.

    He criticized the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for depending on mechanisms that struggle to establish royalty payments, emphasizing the inherent difficulties in monitoring and regulating petroleum extraction and sales.

    “It doesn’t make any sense to try and claim that because the Tullow and other companies are lying about the oil produced, you will use some mechanism to try and establish that.

    “And for every barrel of oil produced, you will then be entitled to a percentage. What logic is that?” he quizzed.

    Background:

    President Akufo-Addo,in a press statement issued by the Presidency’s Communications Director, Eugene Arhin, directed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance to engage in renegotiating the SML contract. He stressed the importance of closely monitoring and periodically evaluating the renegotiation process to ensure it aligns with expectations.

    “There is a clear need for the downstream petroleum audit services provided by SML. GRA and the State have benefited from these services since SML commenced providing them. There has been an increase in volumes of 1.7 billion litres and an increase in tax revenue to the State of GHS 2.45 billion. KPMG also observed that there were qualitative benefits, including a 24/7 electronic real-time monitoring of outflow and partial monitoring of inflows of petroleum products at depots where SML had installed flowmeters and six levels of reconciliation done by SML.

    “This minimises the occurrence of under-declarations. However, it is important to review the contract for downstream petroleum audit services, particularly the fee structure.

    Given the experience and proficiency of SML over the last four years of providing this service, the President has directed that the fee structure be changed from a variable to a fixed fee structure.

    Other provisions of the contract worth reviewing include clauses on intellectual property rights, termination, and service delivery expectations,” he wrote.

    The decision to renegotiate the contract follows the president’s acceptance of the recommendation by KPMG after its audit of the deal.

    The audit findings prompted the need for a review of the revenue assurance contract, highlighting areas where improvements are necessary to enhance its effectiveness.

    On January 2, 2024, President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned KPMG to investigate the contract between SML and GRA, prompted by an exposé by media outfit, the Fourth Estate.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has since received the KPMG audit report regarding the revenue mobilisation contract between GRA and SML.

    The report was delivered to him on Wednesday, March 27, as announced in a Facebook post by Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, on Wednesday, April 3.

  • Come clear, not these lies and fantasies – IMANI to EC over BVDs at recycling plant

    Come clear, not these lies and fantasies – IMANI to EC over BVDs at recycling plant

    IMANI Africa has expressed reservations regarding the Ghana Electoral Commission’s explanation concerning the unearthing of 10 outdated biometric verification devices (BVDs) at a recycling plant.

    In response to the EC’s assertion that the BVDs were antiquated and lawfully auctioned, IMANI Africa has called for additional details regarding the auction process.

    They are seeking clarification on the licensing of the auctioneers, the auction methodology, and the identities of the successful bidders.

    Moreover, IMANI Africa questions the wisdom behind procuring obsolete devices specifically tailored for electoral use and the involvement of a commercial recycling plant in managing potentially sensitive data.

    The think tank underscores the significance of transparency in the disposal of these BVDs to maintain public confidence in the electoral system.

    Key inquiries from IMANI Africa include the identities of auctioneers and successful bidders, the advertisement of the auction, and the authorization for recycling these devices in a facility lacking secure data-handling capabilities.

    “The EC claims that the 10 BVDs were auctioned and that they just somehow then found their way into a recycling plant. Who were the auctioneers? Are they registered auctioneers licensed to conduct auctions by the Auctioneers Registration Board?”

    “Who were the successful bidders? How was the auction advertised? Why would anyone want to buy ten used biometric devices that the EC claims have been “hard-coded” for electoral purposes, for which reason it has refused to use the thousands of devices bought in recent years?”

    “Why would a commercial recycling plant be interested in just ten devices? Who authorised the recycling of the devices in a facility without adequate secure data handling capabilities?” IMANI asked.

    IMANI also lunged at the EC, saying its press statement was “full of lies, half-truths, and pure fantasies.

    “The EC says that only ten biometric verification devices (BVDs) were ‘auctioned’. And that they ‘found their way’ into a recycling plant. The obvious questions that the media ought to ask are: a) Before the EC jettisoned the existing system, it had told Parliament that it had implemented a ‘2 BVDs per polling station’ policy and, therefore, had more than 70,000 BVDs in stock.

    “Then, in 2020, it proceeded to buy a brand-new set of biometric voter registration (BVR) kits with corresponding BVD kits and swore (despite video evidence collected by Bright Simons) that they never used any of the pre-existing devices in the 2020 mass voter registration exercise. Why, then, did they auction only 10 out of the over 70,000 devices? Why ’10’, and not 5, 100, or 1000?” IMANI wondered.

    “How have the remaining tens of thousands of devices been disposed of? Ghanaians who have been paying attention to the EC’s strange conduct under the current leadership know that the EC admitted to having lost some BVRs recently, but when pushed it insisted that they were only five in number. There is a clear pattern here. What exactly is going on?” the think tank asked.

  • Who are the registered auctioneers licensed to conduct auctions? – IMANI asks EC amid ‘obsolete’ BVDs row

    Who are the registered auctioneers licensed to conduct auctions? – IMANI asks EC amid ‘obsolete’ BVDs row

    IMANI Africa, a policy think tank, has raised questions regarding the Electoral Commission (EC) and the discovery of 10 obsolete biometric verification devices (BVDs) at a recycling plant.

    The EC, in a statement on Friday, April 26, 2024, clarified that the 10 BVDs found at a recycling company in Madina were obsolete devices that had been legally auctioned.

    In response, IMANI Africa questioned the process of the auction, seeking clarification on several aspects. They inquired about the auctioneers, whether they were licensed, and how the auction was conducted.

    Additionally, they asked about the successful bidders and the purpose behind purchasing obsolete devices that were hard-coded for electoral purposes.

    IMANI Africa also questioned the involvement of a commercial recycling plant in handling these devices, considering their potentially sensitive data.

    They urged the EC to provide transparent and detailed information on the auction and disposal of these BVDs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

    “The EC claims that the 10 BVDs were auctioned and that they just somehow then found their way into a recycling plant. Who were the auctioneers? Are they registered auctioneers licensed to conduct auctions by the Auctioneers Registration Board?”

    “Who were the successful bidders? How was the auction advertised? Why would anyone want to buy 10 used biometric devices that the EC claims have been “hard-coded” for electoral purposes, for which reason it has refused to use the thousands of devices bought in recent years?”

    “Why would a commercial recycling plant be interested in just 10 devices? Who authorised the recycling of the devices in a facility without adequate secure data handling capabilities?”

  • Uplifting! – IMANI boss hails Naana Jane’s outdooring speech

    Uplifting! – IMANI boss hails Naana Jane’s outdooring speech

    Founding president and CEO of Imani Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has praised Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for her speech delivered on April 24, 2024, in Accra.

    The speech, presented at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), was described by Cudjoe as presidential and inspiring.

    The occasion marked the official announcement of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, the former education minister, as the running mate to John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.

    “What a speech! Presidential and uplifting!” Cudjoe posted on Facebook hours after the speech, he added: “Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang says she will never consider herself a “driver’s mate”. Interesting days ahead.”

    The highly attended event was graced by prominent figures from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including former President Mahama himself, along with the party’s National Chairman and General Secretary.

    As widely anticipated, Naana Jane was officially named as Mahama’s running mate for the upcoming polls, marking their second consecutive partnership following their unsuccessful 2020 bid.

    During her speech, she passionately addressed NDC supporters, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming power from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Naana Jane dedicated significant time to delivering politically charged statements aimed at highlighting the government’s alleged mismanagement of affairs since 2017.

  • IMANI ‘snubs’ Yvonne Nelson over ‘dumsor’ demo

    IMANI ‘snubs’ Yvonne Nelson over ‘dumsor’ demo

    President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has stated that his think tank will not yield to pressure to organize a demonstration against the government over the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor.”

    He emphasized that IMANI will conduct their protest at their own pace, and individuals who share their grievances are welcome to organize their demonstrations.

    This response comes after actress Yvonne Nelson called for IMANI to join her in organizing another demonstration, reminiscent of the one held in 2015.

    Yvonne Nelson’s call came amidst recent intermittent power outages, with many Ghanaians clamoring for a load-shedding timetable from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    Yvonne Nelson during her first dumsor demo

    In her post on X on Monday, April 22, Ms. Nelson expressed her readiness for IMANI’s outreach for the vigil, citing the organization’s involvement in a similar event in 2015.

    She criticized President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of taking the country for granted and emphasizing that such neglect should no longer be tolerated.

    However, Mr. Cudjoe, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 23, responded sharply, stating that IMANI will choose partners for their protest, and Yvonne Nelson is free to organize her demonstration.

    “We have heard the call by the redoubtable Ms Yvonne Nelson for round two of #dumsormuststop. Fair call even as we (IMANI) have maintained our criticism of the government’s bad decisions for what often seems like a rudderless leadership, the latest dumsor episodes being the zenith. So as you can see ( T-shirts), we are preparing and we will make the call and choose how we demonstrate and who we want to partner at the right time.”

    “Meanwhile, others can also organise their own unique protests in churches, mosques, bars, schools and homes.”

  • You and others can hold your ‘dumsor’ demos in churches, bars – IMANI tells Yvonne Nelson

    You and others can hold your ‘dumsor’ demos in churches, bars – IMANI tells Yvonne Nelson

    President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has stated that his think tank will not yield to pressure to organize a demonstration against the government over the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor.”

    He emphasized that IMANI will conduct their protest at their own pace, and individuals who share their grievances are welcome to organize their demonstrations.

    This response comes after actress Yvonne Nelson called for IMANI to join her in organizing another demonstration, reminiscent of the one held in 2015.

    Yvonne Nelson’s call came amidst recent intermittent power outages, with many Ghanaians clamoring for a load-shedding timetable from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    In her post on X on Monday, April 22, Ms. Nelson expressed her readiness for IMANI’s outreach for the vigil, citing the organization’s involvement in a similar event in 2015.

    She criticized President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of taking the country for granted and emphasizing that such neglect should no longer be tolerated.

    However, Mr. Cudjoe, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 23, responded sharply, stating that IMANI will choose partners for their protest, and Yvonne Nelson is free to organize her demonstration.

    “We have heard the call by the redoubtable Ms Yvonne Nelson for round two of #dumsormuststop. Fair call even as we (IMANI) have maintained our criticism of the government’s bad decisions for what often seems like a rudderless leadership, the latest dumsor episodes being the zenith. So as you can see ( T-shirts), we are preparing and we will make the call and choose how we demonstrate and who we want to partner at the right time.”

    “Meanwhile, others can also organise their own unique protests in churches, mosques, bars, schools and homes.”

  • Kwesi Aning, IMANI, file law suit against AG over security service head appointments

    Kwesi Aning, IMANI, file law suit against AG over security service head appointments

    The IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, alongside Professor Kwesi Aning from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, have commenced legal action against the Attorney General regarding the appointment procedures for leaders within uniformed security agencies.

    Their legal filing, lodged with the Supreme Court on March 11, 2024, aims to halt future presidents from dismissing agency heads without valid reasons.

    They argue that terminations should only occur in cases of proven misconduct.

    The petitioners cite instances such as the premature departure of Mr. Emmanuel Yao Adzator, the former Director-General of the Prisons Service, who was asked to step down at 54, followed by the swift appointment of a successor.

    They contend that the authority to appoint key figures like the Chief Fire Officer, Inspector General of Police, Director General of Prisons Service, and Comptroller General of the Immigration Service should rest solely with the incumbent president, barring cases of death.

    “In some cases, these removals occur before the individual occupants of the office reach the statutory retirement age. For instance, in 2017, the then Director-General of the Prisons Service, Mr. Emmanuel Yao Adzator was asked to proceed on leave at the age of 54 and subsequently another was appointed in his stead.

    “The President of the Republic of Ghana upon assumption of Office does not have the power to make a fresh appoint to the office of the Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service; Inspector General of Police; Director General of Prisons Service and Comptroller General of the Immigration Service unless the immediate holder of the office is deceased.”

    The plaintiffs are also seeking “A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the letter and spirit of Articles 200, 202(1), 202(2), 202(3), 205, 207(1), 207(2), 207(3), 190(1), 191,196, 199, and 269 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President of the Republic of Ghana has no authority to terminate the appointment or removal from office heads of the agencies unless only upon proven stated misconduct or misbehaviour established against these office holders.”

    The positions under scrutiny include the Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, the Chief Fire Officer, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Prisons Service.

  • IMANI, Prof Aning sue AG over growing appointments of heads of uniformed security services

    IMANI, Prof Aning sue AG over growing appointments of heads of uniformed security services

    IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has taken legal action against the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice over concerns about the appointments of heads of various uniformed security agencies to the Supreme Court.

    Their concern stems from a pattern where incoming governments force the termination of these heads’ appointments, sometimes before they reach the statutory retirement age.

    Director of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre,  Professor Kwesi Aning, in partnership  with the plaintiffs, has filed a lawsuit requesting the Supreme Court to declare that, according to Articles 200, 202(1), 202(2), 202(3), 205, 207(1), 207(2), 207(3), 190(1), 191,196, 199, and 269 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President does not have the authority to remove heads of these agencies unless there is proven misconduct or misbehaviour.

    These offices included those of the Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Prisons Service and Comptroller General of Immigration Service.

    Again, the two are seeking a declaration that …”The President of the Republic of Ghana, upon assumption of office, does not have the power to make a fresh appointment to the office of the Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service; Inspector General of Police; Director General of Prisons Service and Comptroller General of the Immigration Service unless the immediate holder of the office is deceased…..”.

    They are also seeking relief, asserting that the appointment of heads of uniformed security services by a newly elected and inaugurated president is unconstitutional.

    Further elaborating on their argument, they pointed out alarming trends where incoming governments force the termination of these appointments, disregarding the constitutional rights of the appointees.

    “In some cases, these removals occur before the individual occupants of the office reach the statutory retirement age.

    “For instance, in 2017, the then Director-General of the Prisons Service, Mr. Emmanuel Yao Adzator, was asked to proceed on leave at the age of 54 and subsequently another was appointed in his stead,” part of the writ dated March 11, 2024.

    Consequently, they are requesting a consequential order that would bar the President of the Republic from dismissing the appointment of those holding the positions of Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service, Inspector General of Police, Director-General of Prisons Service, and Comptroller General of Immigration Service, unless there is clear and documented evidence of misconduct or misbehaviour against these individuals, or in the event of their retirement, resignation, death, or incapacity to perform the duties of the position due to physical or mental illness.

  • Anti-gay bill: It is ‘senseless’ to imprison people for their sexuality – Franklin Cudjoe

    Founder and President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has condemned the decision to incarcerate individuals based on their sexual orientation, calling it ‘unreasonable.’

    On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved legislation criminalising LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their advocacy, promotion, and financial support.

    Under this law, individuals found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while those promoting and financing such activities may face sentences of three to five years.

    During an interview on The Big Issue with Selorm Adonoo on Citi TV, Mr. Cudjoe criticised the bill, arguing that it lacked thorough analysis and consideration, particularly regarding the imprisonment of LGBTQ individuals.

    “I don’t think it is sensible to imprison anyone who you believe is gay unless, of course, that person must have raped; you think they must have unduly influenced other people, especially minors and you found them.

    “But how are you going to police people who are doing their acts in the bedroom? I think the law was limited in terms of sensible thinking and analysis in that regard,” he stated.

  • He is now bigger than MoF – Franklin Cudjoe raises alarm over Ofori-Atta’s purported new role

    He is now bigger than MoF – Franklin Cudjoe raises alarm over Ofori-Atta’s purported new role

    Head of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has responded to recent reports surrounding the purported appointment of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to a new position.

    The news broke barely 12 hours after Ofori-Atta’s dismissal as minister, with pro-government Asaase Radio reporting that he had been named a senior economic advisor to the president.

    Cudjoe weighed in on the development, highlighting the significance of Ofori-Atta’s alleged new role. Referring to the reported designation as “president’s special envoy on international investment and the capital markets,” Cudjoe emphasized the influential responsibilities that Ofori-Atta would likely undertake, asserting that he would effectively spearhead negotiations for major deals. 

    Cudjoe quoted a segment of the Asaase Report outlining Ofori-Atta’s purported responsibilities.

    Quoting from the report, Cudjoe emphasized: “The former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta is to be appointed as the senior presidential advisor on the economy. He will also serve as the president’s special envoy on international investment and the capital markets, according to Asaase News sources in the Office of the President.”

    Cudjoe’s analysis followed: “Meaning he will be in charge of negotiating most big deals.. he is now bigger than MoF……” This assessment underscores the perceived significance of Ofori-Atta’s reported appointment, suggesting that it elevates his influence and responsibilities beyond those of the Ministry of Finance.

    News of Ofori-Atta’s potential new role comes amidst a backdrop of governmental changes, prompting reactions and discussions about the implications of such decisions on Ghana’s economic landscape.

    As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments regarding Ofori-Atta’s purported appointment and its potential impact on national economic policies and negotiations.

  • Endorsement of Bawumia reflects my personal view, not IMANI’s position – Kofi Bentil Clarifies

    Endorsement of Bawumia reflects my personal view, not IMANI’s position – Kofi Bentil Clarifies

    Vice President of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has clarified that his endorsement of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 presidential election does not represent the position of the organization.

    In a recent statement, Bentil urged Ghanaians to consider giving Dr Bawumia a chance as president, emphasizing his belief that Bawumia is a stronger candidate compared to outgoing President John Dramani Mahama. Bentil highlighted that Bawumia, as the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), should not be judged for the shortcomings of the current administration.

    “We gave President Mahama a chance to be president; the least we can do is give Dr. Bawumia a fair and objective hearing. He is not president and has never been president! I have no doubt he will be better!” Bentil asserted in a provocative statement.

    However, some members of the public raised concerns that Bentil’s endorsement might reflect IMANI Africa’s official stance, given his prominent position within the organization, which is known for its neutrality.

    In response to these concerns, Bentil clarified during an interview on the News File show that his endorsement was personal and not representative of IMANI Africa’s position. He emphasized that IMANI typically issues statements or publications to express its views, and until such an official communication is made, his endorsement should be viewed as an individual opinion.

    “You see, IMANI has not issued a statement telling you that this is what we’ve done. That is what we do when we have something to say at IMANI, we issue statements, we have a website, we do publications, we have presentations,” Bentil explained.

    He further added, “We don’t have a problem speaking to and owning up to the things we say, regardless of how controversial or difficult they are. This is not IMANI, this is me, and I have the permission of my brothers in IMANI and the IMANI Board.”

    Bentil’s clarification underscores the distinction between personal opinions and official stances taken by organizations, ensuring transparency and clarity in the public discourse surrounding political endorsements.

  • Ghanaians need action not the same old soundbite – Prof Mensah replies Kofi Bentil

    Ghanaians need action not the same old soundbite – Prof Mensah replies Kofi Bentil

    In the midst of the ongoing economic debate and a recent call by Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, urging Ghanaians to consider Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the presidency, Prof. Kobby Mensah, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG), has entered the fray with skepticism. 

    Bentil’s call focused on acknowledging Bawumia’s role in the current economic changes and advocating for a fair hearing in the upcoming presidential election. 

    However, Prof. Mensah questioned the consistency of praise and criticism directed at the Vice President, emphasizing the need for concrete actions to address the country’s economic challenges. 

    As the debate unfolds, discussions around Bawumia’s economic stewardship and leadership capabilities are gaining prominence in the lead-up to the 2024 general election.

    In a post shared on Facebook on February 4, 2024, Prof. Mensah wondered why proponents of the ruling New Patriotic Party are quick to applaud Dr. Bawumia, the flagbearer of the NPP, for the ‘successes’ of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government but are always trying to exonerate him from the current economic challenges.

    He added that the vice president has had enough time to implement the economic solution he came up with when he was in opposition, which brought him to the limelight, but he has failed.

    “On the part of Ghanaians, we gave Bawumia ample fair hearing in 2012 and 2016 as he championed his infamous theories, including the FTTP – from taxation to production. How did that fare? All of us can attest to his utmost failure, leading to the ‘Nwisie Tax’ today.

    “Bawumia’s endorsers tend to give him credit for Agenda 111, Drone delivery system, Ghana card, digitalization among others. In 2018, Nana Addo gave Bawumia credit for what he described as improvement in the economy. Yet when Ghanaians, talk about the economy being in tatters, his endorses say Bawumia is not to blame. Wow! How does that sound?” he quizzed.

    The academic added, “What Ghanaians need now is action, not the same old soundbites. The talk of bold solutions for the future, what about now? What about bold solutions for the economy he has destroyed?”

  • Akufo-Addo appointing private firm to audit GRA/SML contract shocks Franklin Cudjoe

    Akufo-Addo appointing private firm to audit GRA/SML contract shocks Franklin Cudjoe

    President Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to appoint a private firm for the audit of the GRA/SML contract has left Franklin Cudjoe, a prominent figure and head of policy think tank IMANI, expressing disbelief.

    In a statement, Mr Cudjoe said the move by the President is an indication that he (the President) has lost faith in the state investigative bodies. 

    “Clearly the President has lost faith in all the state’s investigative bodies to investigate the SML matter. Not even in his own Office of Special Prosecutor he championed with such fanfare and millions of tax payers’ money.

    “I know the President is worried about mounting quarterly / monthly scandals even in his last year in office, (which he alone must be blamed for) but l had no idea he would be this erratic in asking a private company with NO constitutional power to investigate grave acts of state institutions the same private company advises for a fee and in some instances in direct competition with other clients of the same state entities it works for,” Mr. Cudjoe stated.

    His comments come on the back of the directive by President Akufo-Addo to KPMG to audit the contract between the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML-Ghana) and the Ghana Revenue Authority. 

    A contractual agreement was established to bolster revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, as well as in the upstream petroleum production and the value chain of minerals and metals resources.

    President Akufo-Addo has tasked KPMG to complete the assignment in two weeks, and submit appropriate recommendations to him.

    In a Facebook post the IMANI boss questioned why the President has mandated a body with no constitutional power to investigate the SML and GRA alleged scandal.

    According to him, he cannot fathom why the President could not direct the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) to conduct investigation into the SML and GRA deal but rather KPMG.

    “Clearly the President has lost faith in all the state’s investigative bodies to investigate the SML matter. Not even in his own Office of Special Prosecutor he championed with such fanfare and millions of tax payers’ money.

    “I know the President is worried about mounting quarterly / monthly scandals even in his last year in office, (which he alone must be blamed for) but l had no idea he would be this erratic in asking a private company with NO constitutional power to investigate grave acts of state institutions the same private company advises for a fee and in some instances in direct competition with other clients of the same state entities it works for,” Mr. Cudjoe stated.

    He continued: “Well, my dear friend the President listens to none these days, (recall he hasn’t bothered to respond to his party’s General Secretary’s hapless cry for a reshuffle) but I will still offer my advice- please hand over the reins of government to your Veep now to avoid further blunders.

    “We can meet later to discuss what must go into your memoir- for there is still a lot of beautiful stories about you before you became President the world must know.

    “In Lloyd Amoah ‘s tone, “Pay Attention”.

  • IMANI emphasizes need for clear expectations in Ghana’s lithium mining agreement

    IMANI emphasizes need for clear expectations in Ghana’s lithium mining agreement

    Policy think-tank IMANI has restated its stance on the terms associated with Ghana’s inaugural lithium mining deal, emphasizing the need for the government to offer comprehensive clarity on the agreement with Barari DV Limited.

    IMANI contends that the government’s indications of the deal being in the best interest of Ghanaians lack proper elaboration, prompting the call for further clarification on the matter.

    In a brief titled ‘Green Economy Brief,’ as reported by GhanaWeb Business, IMANI maintains that it is essential for both the government and the company (Barari DV Limited) to articulate their mutual expectations regarding the conditions necessary for refining.

    This, according to IMANI, would facilitate tracking and understanding the key aspects of the agreement.

    “Whether it is profitability level, raw lithium availability, electricity pricing and availability, tax waivers for complementary imports, or whatever may be required, the text should be clear so that civil society and others can monitor progress towards value addition, which everyone agrees is essential considering Ghana’s history with mining.

    “In the same light, ‘refining’ should be clarified so that the public will know what end-products or intermediaries are in line with the country’s value addition strategy. There are several stages in the refining process of lithium. Value is unfortunately not added uniformly at every stage,” it stated.

    IMANI underscores the importance of clearly outlining expectations in the agreement to enable vigilant monitoring of this critical mineral resource.

    In the meantime, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has defended the decision to grant a 15-year mining lease to Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, for lithium construction and mining at Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.

    The lease incorporates new and improved terms designed to ensure that the country reaps the benefits of this valuable mineral. The issuance of the mining lease followed the company’s completion of prospecting and feasibility studies, along with extensive negotiations between the government and the company.

    Covering an area of approximately 42.63 square kilometers, the lease grants the company exclusive rights to work and produce lithium and associated minerals in accordance with the country’s mining laws.

    See IMANI’s brief below:

    IMANI-Green-Economy-Brief-Lithium-Deal-EDFN_231214_112631-2Download
  • Mahama’s remarks on NPP-judiciary was necessary and proper – IMANI Vice president

    Mahama’s remarks on NPP-judiciary was necessary and proper – IMANI Vice president

    Lawyer and Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has backed former President Mahama’s NPP-packed judiciary comment, calling it proper and very necessary.


    This comes after the NDC flagbearer alleged that the incumbent president has congregated the judiciary with NPP affiliated judges
    He made these remarks during the 2nd Annual Lawyers Conference of the NDC on August 28.


    Critics, including the Ghana Bar Association, described these remarks as disrespectful and unnecessary for the independence and integrity of the judiciary.


    But the IMANI vice president shares the opposite opinion. He believes Mr Mahama has every right as a presidential aspirant to worry about the state of the judiciary.


    During an interview on Joy News’ News File on September 18, 2023, Kofi Bentil said, “It is also okay for the politician to have worries and as far as I’m concerned, the observation or the statement that President Mahama made was proper !It was necessary for a person of his standing seeking to become president to make the kinds of observations and ask the kinds of questions he does.

    “Nobody should hold it against him that this may be a problem”.


    According to Kofi Bentil, it is commonplace for a ruling party to appoint people who share their political values and beliefs, people who subscribe to their mandate—to positions in that regard.

    “For me, as a matter of fact, you don’t expect them to appoint people who do not believe in your political persuasion.
    “Of course, he may put a political spin on it by saying that the opponent or the other party is appointing judges who believe in their political, you know, whatever. So for me, that is not the problem,” he added.


    Additionally, he recommends that amid all the realities that seem to be ‘overlooked’, it is incumbent on us to recognise and appreciate the concerns expressed by the former president and strive to attain a posture where, despite partisan affiliations, these judges in question will regard the rule of law and rule accordingly to uphold the country’s judicial system’s justice and integrity.


    “It’s a good conversation to have. Let us not pretend that it is not necessary.”


    We need to get to a point where, regardless of their political affiliation, we are getting judges or putting judges in place who will rule and continue to rule according to the laws and evidence before them.


    “But let us continue to work towards the higher virtues so that we will continue to have the justices we have, he recommended.

  • Alistair Mathias still has access to top govt official – Bright Simons

    Alistair Mathias still has access to top govt official – Bright Simons

    Vice president of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has alleged that ‘notorious gold smuggler’ Alistair Matthias still has access to top government officials.

    He says the mining leases of Alistair Mathias, who said he smuggles $40 million worth of gold from Ghana in a documentary by Al Jazeera, are still valid.

    In a tweet shared on Sunday, Simons said the gold smuggler still has strong ties in the government and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The IMANI vice president was surprised that despite the revelation made by Alistair in the Al Jazeera documentary, the government of Ghana has not acted.

    “Alistair Mathias’ revelations to undercover journalists posing as criminals in search of a money launderer have opened a can of worms in Ghana. Analysts see a web of corruption & intrigue entangling security chiefs, govt ministers & even a Supreme Court Judge.

    “Even more intriguing is a link to cracks in the ruling party that led to a bizarre military operation against a gold mining company owned by Mathias’ one-time partners. Meanwhile, Mathias’ Ghana mining leases continue to be valid & his access to top govt officials continues,” parts of the tweets he shared read.

    What Alistair Mathias said about Akufo-Addo:

    Alistair Mathias, who smuggles $40 million worth of gold from Ghana every month, disclosed the kind of close relationship he has with Ghana’s president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Alistair Mathias, who is a gold trader with expertise in designing money laundering schemes for Africans, said that his work has given him access to every president or head of state on the continent.

    Speaking in the final episode of the undercover investigations of gold smuggling in Africa by the Investigative Unit of Al Jazeera, Alistair Mathis, who is one of the main characters in the video, boasted about his relationship with the Ghanaian president.

    He (described as a financial architect) told the undercover reporters, who had posed as Chinese criminals seeking to launder dirty money from Africa, that his relationship with Akufo-Addo is a close one.

    He also claims that the Ghanaian president is his lawyer.

    “There’s no head of state or president that either of us can’t get to on this continent. Next door in Swaziland, the king is a close friend of mine. Zambia’s president is a close friend of my friend. DRC Congo, the president has invited me several times to come and build a refinery.

    “Ghana’s president is a good friend of mine. In fact, he was my lawyer. Cyril Ramaphosa here; I know him. I know his kids,” he bragged.

    Also, Kow Essuman, a legal counsel to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged Ghanaians to ignore allegations by Alistair Mathias, a Canadian gold smuggler, that the president is his law.

    In a tweet shared on Sunday, April 16, 2023, Kow Essuman said that neither President Akufo-Addo nor his law firm has come in contact with Alistair Mathias.

    He added that the statements made by the gold smuggler were mere fabrications.

    “The President has not been in private practice since 2000, neither has the President nor his law firm, Akufo-Addo, Prempeh and Co, acted as a lawyer for this Alistair Mathias or Guldrest.

    “The President does not know this Mathias or Guldrest. Ignore the spurious allegations,” the tweet he shared read.

  • NIA should be conducting elections not EC – Franklin Cudjoe

    NIA should be conducting elections not EC – Franklin Cudjoe

    The president of the IMANI Institute for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe, believes that granting the NIA control over Ghana’s 2024 elections will save the state money rather than the EC.

    According to Mr. Cudjoe, the Electoral Commission’s insistence on the Ghana card as the sole document to add eligible voters to the electoral role due to NIA’s fool-proof authentication system as the EC claims should relieve the state of some financial burden especially in these hard times.

    In a Facebook post made by the IMANI boss, he said the initiative will save Ghana about GH₵700 million.

    “The Electoral Commission (EC) believes the National Identification Authourity’s ( NIA) Card is the only fool-proof card every Ghanaian needs to be registered on the voter roll. In fact, in the last election 10 million out of 13.2 million voters registered with the NIA card. So why not allow the NIA to manage the elections without the need of the EC?

    “NIA’s officers can be deployed with their verification machines. Afterall the NIA card has every holder’s biometric details and needed profile such as age, sex, occupation etc. The system will accept only card holders aged 18 and above.

    “We will be saving at least GHS 700m out of a potential GHS 1.5bn that may be budgeted for the EC to manage the elections. We also stand to save millions of dollars that the EC might suggest may be needed to upgrade their biometric verification systems,” he wrote.

    The EC Chair during a briefing to Parliament Tuesday, February 28, 2023 told the House the use of the Ghana Card as the sole identification document for continuous voters’ registration will guarantee the credibility and integrity of the country’s voter register and aid elections as a whole.

    Mrs. Mensa told the MPs the Ghana card will prune the register of any excesses that may compromise the document’s integrity.

    While eliminating the guarantor system which was prone to abuse and promote conflicts and violence, she said it would also prevent costly, time-consuming and tedious follow-up exercises by the district registration review committee established nationwide.

    Whilst some MPs raised concerns about the possibility of the new C.I disenfranchising eligible voters, Mrs. Adukwei Mensa said that will not be the case.

    “The continuous registration process on the contrary will be inclusive as it will make it possible to capture all those who would otherwise have been excluded in a limited registration process.

    “The exercise is not a periodic or limited one that could lead to disenfranchising persons who do not possess the Ghana Card.

    “More especially it will prevent unqualified persons from influencing our elections and having a say as to who should govern our country. This is an issue that borders on the sovereignty of our nation. Simply put, only eligible Ghanaians must be entitled to vote,” she stated.

    Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Professor Ken Attafuah, insisted that his outfit was ready to issue Ghana cards to eligible citizens voters to aid the EC in the registration process.

    READ ALSO: Bright Simons questions Energy Ministry’s request to Parliament to borrow $1.65bn

  • Extend deadline for domestic debt exchange again – Government told

    Extend deadline for domestic debt exchange again – Government told

    IMANI Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe has urged the government to once again extend the deadline for the domestic debt exchange programme to allow for negotiations.

    According to him, it will be in the best interest of the government to do so as it will afford them the opportunity to fully get bondholders on board the programme.

    Individual bondholders have put up a strong resistance against the debt programme citing among other things the government’s failure to include them in engagements as well as the lopsided positioning of the deal which they say offloads a significant chunk of the burden on them.

    Some have since accused the government and local banks of using subtle coercion to get them to sign the deal.

    Addressing the issue on JoyNews’ PM Express, Franklin Cudjoe said, “The question really is, why are we using shadow boxing, subterfuge in order to coerce people, to sign onto something that is supposed to be contractual, really? I mean if it was in good faith you wouldn’t have to use subterfuge.

    “I suspect what should be done immediately…I think this deadline of 16th or 17th must be extended, and a proper discussion, a proper negotiation terms handed down by the Ministry of Finance. I don’t even know whether they’re getting overwhelmed by the work itself. It looks to me that they’re very confused.”

    “I don’t think they’ll be saving face if they decided to extend the time actually. I think it will be in their best interest to extend the time and cover up the bases properly. And I will submit to people who have been coerced or who are called upon to sign onto something they know very well is not in good faith to desist from doing so,” he added.

    He has called on all individual bondholders, including those being coerced to sign onto the deal to join the Individual Bondholders Forum.

    The Individual Bondholders Forum was created to pushback against the government’s debt programme and force government to come to the table with a better offer than it is currently proposing.

    “If they’ll do that they probably should come under the IBF or any other entity that is calling on people for some mass action. But that is the only language I suspect will be understood at this juncture. Otherwise they’ll be on their own really,” he said.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • No IMANI executive had a private meeting with Menzgold – Bright Simons

    IMANI Africa’s vice president has refuted reports that his organization met privately with Nana Appiah Mensah of Menzgold or the Menzgold management.

    Bright claims that no meetings of any kind have ever taken place with the corporation regarding any issue.

    In a tweet on December 24, Nana Appiah Mensah, also known as NAM1, predicted that the truth regarding IMANI’s connection to Menzgold will come to light over time.
    He claims that he has evidence to support his assertions, including a previously documented and securely “vaulted” meeting with IMANI.

    He wrote: “Time has painfully conceived. It will certainly birth the TRUTH one day.”

    NAM1’s tweet was in response to a statement made by the President of IMANI, Franklin Cudjoe on December 24 that read, “NAM1 must be smiling and waving at us now. This life no balance”.

    However, Bright Simons responded by saying “IMANI as an org has never met Menzgold or its founders/execs in any context. 2. No exec of IMANI has met them or Menzgold privately on ANY subject EVER. 3. The suggestion that some info in a “vault” relates to secret meetings is ENTIRELY false & borders on defamation.”

    Bright Simons also noted that the claims by NAM1 are “perverse and actionable at law”.

    Meanwhile, the IMANI Veep referenced a GhanaWeb article with the headline “Menzgold has become a public policy issue – IMANI suggests way forward” to point out that The only analytical work done on Menzgold by IMANI urged SEC, not BoG, to take the lead & questioned the gold-based business model. That is it.”

  • Bond haircut: I have lost over GH¢100,000 – Franklin Cudjoe

    Franklin Cudjoe, the president and founder of IMANI Africa, has revealed that the government‘s current debt restructuring scheme has caused him to lose more than GH100,000.

    Franklin Cudjoe criticized the administration in a message that was published on Facebook on Wednesday for the way it was handling the economy.

    He asked Ghanaians to carefully consider the candidates they choose to govern the nation.

    “Based on Marked to Market value, I received a haircut in my EDC investment of slightly more than 100,000 cedis throughout the years.
    In a somewhat harsh addition, my fund manager says that investors who decide to hold onto their investments until Ghana’s macroeconomic situation and bond prices improve are unlikely to collect these losses.

    “Folks, based on IMANI’s analysis of government handling of finances from 2010 to 2022, leading to the publication of IMANI’s Fiscal Recklessness Index, this means waiting for at least 8 years for governments not to be so reckless in pretending to manage the economy.

    “And this will be hoping against hope. Until we fix our broken political system that rewards cheap sloganeering with limitless tax and borrowed funds to be splurged at will, we are going nowhere,” he said.

    The Minister of Finance announced a number of measures under government’s Domestic Debt Exchange (DDE) programme late Sunday.

    He stated in a four-minute address that the announcement was in line with government’s Debt Sustainability Analysis as contained in the 2023 budget he presented to parliament on November 24.

    The minister laid out, among others, the exchange of existing domestic bonds with four new ones as well as their maturity dates and terms of coupon payments.

    He also addressed the overarching goal of the government relative to its engagements with the International Monetary Fund as well as measures to minimize impact of domestic bond exchange on different stakeholders.

    “The Government of Ghana has been working hard to minimize the impact of the domestic debt exchange on investors holding government bonds, particularly small investors, individuals, and other vulnerable groups,” he said before outlining three main measures:

    • Treasury Bills are completely exempted and all holders will be paid the full value of their investments on maturity.

    • There will be NO haircut on the principal of bonds.

    • Individual holders of bonds will not be affected.

  • Ghana has defaulted on its debts for the first since 1982 – IMANI Africa vice president

    Bright Simons, the vice president of IMANI Africa, claimed that the government was simply defaulting on its financial obligations by engaging in the debt restructuring plan proposed by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    Simons said that the Ghanaian government would not pay its debtors for the first time in almost 40 years in a series of tweets published on Sunday, December 12, 2022.

    The government last fell behind on its bills in 1972, the vice president of IMANI noted.

    “The act is complete. Unanimously, Ghana declared a default initially since 1982.
    However, it is the first time since the 1972 commercial loan default in several like-for-like aspects.

    “The question on everyone’s mind is: would things be smooth or rough with the other steps ahead?” parts of the series of tweets read.

    The Minister of Finance announced a number of measures under government’s Domestic Debt Exchange (DDE) programme late Sunday.

    He stated in a 4-minute address that the announcement was in line with government’s Debt Sustainability Analysis as contained in the 2023 budget he presented to Parliament on November 24.

    The Minister laid out among others the exchange of existing domestic bonds with four new ones as well as their maturity dates and terms of coupon payments.

    He also addressed the overarching goal of the government relative to its engagements with the International Monetary Fund as well as measures to minimize impact of domestic bond exchange on different stakeholders.

    “The Government of Ghana has been working hard to minimize the impact of the domestic debt exchange on investors holding government bonds, particularly small investors, individuals, and other vulnerable groups,” he said before outlining three main measures:

    • Treasury Bills are completely exempted and all holders will be paid the full value of their investments on maturity.

    • There will be NO haircut on the principal of bonds.

    • Individual holders of bonds will not be affected.

  • Imani, ACEP’s ‘programmed losses for 2022’ against us false – GNPC

    The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has rejected reports from the IMANI Africa and the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP), indicating the Corporation could cost Ghana between US$5 billion and US$6 billion.

    According to the two companies, the GNPC’s current arrangement with Genser Energy Holdings, a US-based Ghanaian-owned energy company, would lead to financial loss to the state.

    GNPC, however, disagrees, stating that the figures quoted by ACEP and Imani to represent programmed losses are in fact budgeted deficits.

    GNPC further stated that what it presents to Parliament in its annual Work Program is what the Corporation intends to spend on its activities and the sources of funding for such projects, and the means of financing the forecasted deficit, if any.

    “It is based on these mis-represented figures that ACEP and Imani draw their conclusion that GNPC’s operations raise significant debt concerns, and that cumulatively, the Corporation’s actions could cost Ghana between US$5 billion and US$6 billion. These conclusions cannot be any further from the truth,” a document from GNPC sighted by The Independent Ghana read.

    “The two organizations make basic errors, in their inability to distinguish between deficit financing and profit/loss,” the Corporation added.

    According to GNPC, it remains a perennial loss-making organisation that has made a loss in only one year, i.e. 2020.

    In 2020, GNPC made a loss of USD163.392 million. The company has blamed this on the COVID-19 pandemic which wreaked havoc on many economies.

    “The years 2020 and 2021 particularly were difficult years for GNPC, and most other companies, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ghana does not manage its price risk unlike many other E&P companies. As such, we are particularly hit when extraneous circumstances like the Covid-19 pandemic affect both oil prices and production levels,” it explained.

    Meanwhile, GNPC has entreated Imani and ACEP to reach out to the Corporation on any matter they need clarification to,

    “GNPC is transparent and ready to provide any information to ACEP and Imani. Despite all GNPC’s contributions to the development and well-being of the nation, the Corporation is yet to hear a single positive or uplifting statement from Imani and ACEP,” it said.

    GNPC believes such errors would not have been made by the two institutions should they have reached out.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

     

  • ECG glitch: Ghana risks shut down in case of ransomware attack – Bright Simons warns

    Bright Simons, vice president of IMANI Africa, has issued a warning to Ghanaian politicians, saying, “The software glitches at ECG are a reminder to Ghanaian leaders to think critically as they continue to push this erroneous idea of centralizing all civic services in one Ghana Card database.”

    In response to a ransomware or zero-day exploit, he tweeted that the nation would shut down.

    His statement follows the technical issue that is preventing smooth service delivery to prepaid consumers in several operational areas of the nation.

    For the past few days, some ECG customers have been unable to add more electric power credit to their prepaid meters.

    The problem which started on Monday is yet to be fixed.

    The technical challenge has affected customers in 10 operational regional areas of the ECG in Volta, Kumasi, Accra, Takoradi, Tema, Cape Coast, Kasoa, Winneba, Swedru, Koforidua, Nkawkaw, and Tafo.

    Meanwhile, the state-power distributor has announced the extension of working hours at all district offices across the country this weekend.

  • YEARS AGO: ‘The cost of doing business is high’ – Franklin Cudjoe

    Franklin Cudjoe, president of IMANI Africa, stated that doing business in Ghana was expensive in October 2020.

    He urged the government to foster an environment that will allow companies to flourish in the nation.

    “Due to the fact that corruption still permeates every aspect of life, doing business is expensive.
    Because of the high interest rates, getting financial assistance from the bank is impossible “said Franklin Cudjoe.

    Franklin Cudjoe, the founding president of Imani Africa, has expressed concern over the nation’s high business costs.

    Speaking on the Challenges With the Ease of Doing Business to the African Journalists For Economic Opportunity Training (AJEOT-2020), he outlined some of the challenges in doing business in Ghana.

    Mr. Franklin Cudjoe said there is an exponential cost in doing business, and as such, there is the need to create a favorable atmosphere for economic prosperity.

    “You can play your role as journalists by asking tough and intelligent questions for the government to immediately address what it describes as the numerous economic challenges affecting businesses in the country,” he stressed.

    According to him, the current environment within which businesses operate is harsh and unprofitable.

    “Many employers complain that although the government has undertaken some reforms to boost economic growth, the challenges they face persist,” he stated

    He mentioned that the payment of taxes has improved because the processes one goes through is a bit streamlined.

    “The cost of doing business is high due to the fact that corruption is still seen in every nook and cranny of society. There are high-interest rates making it impossible to secure financial support from the bank”, he added.

    He also indicated the depreciation of the cedi against the dollar affects employers especially those who import raw materials for their products.

    “I know people who in the process of shipping cars go through hell as a result of useless immigrants” he said.

    He added that Property Tax registration is a big problem in the country. and as such, almost 100 percent of lands in the capital are hugely taxed.

    Mr. Cudjoe is, therefore, asking the government to ensure that banks reduce their rates.

    He is also asking business starters to check and study the inflation rates even before acquiring a loan to start or do their businesses.

  • We warned Free SHS will create problems for Ghana IMANI

    Director of Strategy at IMANI Africa, Selorm Branttie, has stated that the problems his outfit foresaw in the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy are beginning to emanate.

    According to him, IMANI Africa warned that the government was going to have challenges funding the Free SHS policy, myjoyonline.com reports.

    Speaking in an interview on Joy FM, the director of strategy said, the current issues with the policy is “a kind of IMANI told you so” moment.

    “… 10 years ago when this policy was mooted during the campaign of the NPP in the 2012 election, IMANI sounded a very big warning about the fact that this was a kind of a trojan horse that will bring complications in the future.

    “… unfortunately, the reality has caught up with us and we now have to grapple with very hard decisions because we have nurtured this kind of freebie mentality to be pervasive in the psyche of the modern Ghanaian parent,” Branttie is quoted.

    Selorm Branttie made these remarks reacting to comments made by a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, and former Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Prof Stephen Adei, for the government to reconsider the SHS policy.

    Kennedy Osei Nyarko said that the free SHS policy should be suspended together with other social intervention policies such as school feeding, Planting for Food and Jobs, and the Nation Builders Corps programmes as well as payment of the teacher and nursing trainee allowances, in other for the government to get the funds to implement other policies.

    Prof Stephen Adei stated that the flagship programme which cost about GH¢7.5 annually should be reviewed because it has stretched the already impacted economy.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Both NDC, NPP scored satisfactorily fair on IMANIFesto Franklin Cudjoe

    Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has moved to quell the political interpretations being given to the 2020 IMANIFesto assessment report.

    The IMANIFesto initiative by the policy think tank analyses the status of implementation of pledges contained in the manifesto of the ruling party.

    It also assesses the feasibility of manifestos presented by political parties before elections and the impact of their promises on the livelihood of citizens.

    In the latest IMANIFesto report on the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, IMANI scored the administration 56.77%, three-points higher than it scored for the National Democratic Congress in 2012 under John Dramani Mahama.

    Following the release of the final scorecard for the governing NPP on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, NPP and government communicators have sought suggest that the NPP performs better than the NDC.

    But in a swift rebuttal on Thursday, November 5, 2020, Franklin Cudjoe said although the NPP obtained a high percentage point than the NDC, both parties obtained the same rating.

    “In 2016, NDC’s 540 promises were final score-carded 53% by the IMANIfesto assessor. In 2020, NPP’s 510 promises were final score-carded 56.77% by the IMANIfesto assessor. Both parties performed ‘satisfactorily fair’ on the IMANIfesto scale,” he wrote on social media.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Information Minister, Pius Hadzide, has criticised the methodology used by IMANI on grounds that it fails to incorporate the views of the public in its assessment.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • IMANI to organise Presidential Debate for candidates of minor political and independent parties

    IMANI Center for Policy and Education to organize a presidential debate for presidential candidates of minor political parties and independent candidates prior to the 2020 general elections.

    The debate which is dubbed “IMANI Presidential Talk for Minor Parties and Independent Candidates in Ghana” will be held in the coming weeks and televised for a larger audience.

    According to IMANI, Ghana has over the years focused on only two dominant political parties which are the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    IMANI believes that in view of the high stake in the upcoming 2020 general elections, other political parties unlike the NPP and NDC should be given the needed platform to tell Ghanaian voters about their vision.

    Source: ghanavanguard.com

  • GRA debunks IMANIs ICUMS assertion

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says attempts by IMANI Africa to disparage the operations of the newly-introduced Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) are not constructive.

    Management of GRA said it was not true that port operations had reverted to the pre-2002 manual system as suggested by IMANI, noting that “all transactions from June 1, 2020 have been processed through ICUMS.”

    Assistant Commissioner in charge of Communication & Public Affairs, Florence Asante, explained in a statement that the manual process was brought in to address transactions that commenced in GCMS/GCNET period but were not cleared before June 1, 2020.

    “It was needed because GCNET did not provide data for those transactions in the right format,” she noted adding that “it is inaccurate to state that ICUMS has no established values for customs valuation.”

    According to the statement, GRA valuation methods were based on section 67 of the Customs Act 2015, Act 891 and the World Trade Organization (WTO) valuation protocols, pointing out that “over time, GRA has built a Transactional Pricing Database that serves as a reference for valuation.”

    The GRA Assistant Commissioner indicated that ICUMS had the Transactional Pricing Database fully integrated into its system, and that “Customs continuously acquires Home Delivery Values Database from the National Automobile Dealers Association (USA) and other accredited international dealers.”

    “The Home Delivery Values Database contains information and values of vehicles and also has details of vehicles manufactured from Asia. ICUMS has fully integrated the Home Delivery Values Database into the process flow.”

    She explained further that the database was continuously updated as new vehicles were manufactured, and stated that “indeed, Sections 60 and 61 of the Customs Act 2015, Act 891 define this procedure.”

    In reference to the vehicle that was purportedly valued at GH¢12,000 in GCMS/GCNET, but was valued at GH¢6,000 in ICUMS, Ms. Asante said “GRA does not have evidence of such a transaction.”

    The assistant commissioner, however, stated that the one related to the vehicle that was valued at GH¢14.00 was a case of fraudulent activity by an agent.

    “As stated before, in order to facilitate the clearance of vehicles with duties paid in GCMS/GCNET, but not cleared before June 1, GRA created a Customs Procedure Code (CPC) 40D23 in ICUMS to allow those transactions to skip the valuation step.”

    In a recent statement, IMANI has appealed to government to temporarily suspend operations of ICUMS and allow GCNet and West Blue to operate for the remainder of the year.

    Reacting to alleged challenges confronting ICUMS, IMANI said the new system has no pricing data against which they could determine current prices and respective taxes that must be paid to the state.

    The statement also alleged, ICUMS did not have data on cars coming from Japan adding, “that is why a vehicle that costs GHc12, 000 to clear on the GCNet/West Blue platforms now clears for GHc6000 on the ICUMS/UNIPASS platform.

    Source: goldstreetbusiness.com

  • IMANI, ASEPA petition Asantehene over new voter register

    Policy think tank IMANI Africa and the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) have petitioned Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Asanteman Traditional Council to intervene in the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to compile a new voter register.

    The groups say the EC’s decision to compile a new voter register is creating tension in the country, hence the need for them to intervene.

    They want Otumfuo and the council to step in early by calling the EC and the agitated political parties to reach a compromise decision to avert any future disturbances.

    They do not want any Ghanaian to be disenfranchised even if the exercise takes off as planned.

    The EC will later this month compile a new voter register for the 2020 general elections.

    This has created a stalemate between some political parties especially the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the commission with some making pronouncements.

    The NDC and other parties against the new register said it is a move by the EC to rig the elections for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) an allegation the EC has denied.

    The petition was presented to the Asantehene and the council by the President of IMANI Africa, Mr Franklin Cudjoe and the Executive Director of Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), Mensah Thompson.

    Speaking to the media, Mr Franklin Cudjoe, said IMANI is not against registration for people to vote but the cost claim the EC makes does not justify procurement of a new register.

    He said the existing biometric registration machines are fit for running the 2020 general elections.

    Source: Class FM

  • Mahama has proven he has depth, its your turn IMANI dares Akufo-Addo on Live Facebook Q&A

    Founding President of policy think tank, IMANI, Franklin Cudjoe has dared President Akufo-Addo to also conduct a Facebook Live session with Questions and Answers from Ghanaians as that is the new “game”, MyNewsGh.com reports.

    The IMANI boss, who was apparently impressed by the performance of opposition Leader John Mahama during his most recent Facebook Live session advised that President Akufo-Addo “for look sharp” in the next presidential address which he says must come with a question and answer opportunity as well.

    According to Mr. Cudjoe, Mahama has shown “such depth” and did “pretty well” in the Questions and Answer session too, applauding John Mahama for taking advantage of digitization and Covid-19 to get all the online eyeballs.

    “Charley, JM is trending oooo. He is doing pretty well in the Q&A too- such depth. Nana Addo, boss, the game is now LIVE interactions with a Q&A opportunity ooo. We for look sharp. Next presidential address for be live with Q&A too.” The IMANI boss tweeted.

    Some Ghanaian influencers had criticized President Akufo-Addo for his recorded late-night addresses which was later rescheduled to 8pm following criticisms. It is still recorded and has no question and answer components.

    Mahama Facebook Live

    Mr. Mahama has been using Facebook live addresses to reach audiences long before Covid-19 hit.

    Last Thursday, he held a session at 8:15pm where he promised a potential administration under him would look to expand training for doctors in particular at the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the University of Development Studies.

    “We have the possibility and we have the plan, if we get elected, to look at the University of Health and Allied Sciences and expand the training of medical professionals in those institutions.”

    He added that in the University of Development Studies, his administration would “expand the numbers of doctors that we are able to train in that institution.”

    Mr. Mahama also proposed fast-tracked medicine courses from biomedical students.

    “We have the biomedical science students who can transition to do a medical degree in four years so if we get some of these biomedical students onto a fast-track medical degree, we can turn out several more doctors than we currently doing.”

    Source: My News GH

  • Let’s elevate certain State Ceremonies above partisan bickering – Kofi Bentil

    Senior Vice President for IMANI Africa Kofi Bentil says it is about time we move partisan bickering away from State Ceremonies.

    Mr. Bentil believes that the partisan bickering we attach to some State Ceremonies only undermines its importance and make the general public have a different view about politicians.

    This was on the back of the Minority’s decision to walk out of Parliament on Thursday when the President was there to deliver the State of the Nation Address.

    He hit out at the Majority and the Minority and challenged them to rise above partisan politics and respect State Ceremonies which instills some sense of patriotism in Ghanaians.

    “Article 67 of our Constitution says the President shall, at the beginning of each session of Parliament and before a dissolution of Parliament, deliver to Parliament a message on the state of the nation. The President can choose to send Parliament a letter but the Constitution gives you latitude for you to build this ceremony of State. So when the President moves from his seat and comes with a convoy, those Ceremonies of State infuse the rest of us with a sense of patriotism. I think citizens have come to the point where they now see it as a minor irritation that politicians are prone to do, so the walkout does not even surprise many and that is not good at all. So both or one of you can say we won’t do this anymore or at least pick some Ceremonies of State and elevate them and say they will not be affected no matter what,” he spoke on Joy FM’s NewsFile.

    However, the Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah says the Minority’s decision to walk out of Parliament during the 2020 State of the Nation Address is unaccepted and undermines our democracy.

    The Minority gave a number of reasons for their action and said the number one reason is oppression by President Akufo-Addo.

    They then referred the Majority to 2013 when they were the Minority and how they boycotted then President Mahama’s State of the Nation Address.

    Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, however, believes that the NPP’s action back in 2013 was on the right path as they were challenging the legitimacy of then-President Mahama.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • NPP has done more on the economy than it has highlighted – Franklin Cudjoe

    The Founder of policy think tank, Imani Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has indicated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has done more on the economy than it has highlighted.

    Speaking on the PM Express television programme on Joy News on Tuesday evening [February 11, 2020], Mr Cudjoe said the NPP was understating its achievements after Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia rendered an account of NPP manifesto promises delivered and delivering.

    Mr Cudjoe appeared on the television programme as part of the analysis of the 78 per cent manifesto promises fulfilled as put out by Vice President Dr Bawumia in Kumasi on Tuesday.

    Mr Cudjoe observed that there were significant commonalities between the Imanifesto work his outfit did in tracking government performance and what government did.

    According to Mr Cudjoe, the government has done more than what Dr Bawumia presented on Tuesday and encouraged the government to revisit the Imanifesto, which according to him shows more achievements.

    “If you look at the area of the economy for instance, we at IMANI believe government has done fantastically well and that ought to be highlighted “, he said.

    “I think they [NPP] have done far better in infrastructure than they think they have” Mr Cudjoe noted.

    The Townhall meetings create avenues for government officials to discuss with participants government policies by using a combination of graphs, tables and text to provide evidence to buttress claims that the Akufo-Addo administration had largely delivered on most of its promises.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • IMANI scores Akufo-Addo government 48.78%

    Policy think tank IMANI Africa has scored the Akufo-Addo government 48.78% as far as the fulfilment of its 2016 campaign promises.

    This was contained in the 2019 Imanifesto report.

    Imanifesto is a progress report which seeks to validate the promises made by the NPP in the run-up to the 2020 polls and how many of those promises have been accomplished three years on.

    70% of Cocoa farmers believe COCOBOD does not serve their interest IMANI Report

    It assessed areas of governance, economy, social sector, infrastructure and human capital investment.

    Economy

    IMANI Africa scored the Ghanaian economy 54.35%. It noted that out of 162 promises, only 41 have been implemented.

    Governance (Corruption, governance and Public accountability)

    On governance, IMANI noted that the government is yet to undertake legal reforms on asset declaration.

    However, it noted that the government has delivered its promises on security and foreign affairs, but failed as far as the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

    IMANI backs government over PDS deal termination

    Human Capital

    The government got a paltry 39.13% score in human capital. Out of 62 under that category, IMANI said only 12 have been fully implemented.

    The Akufo-Addo government, again, got less than 50% in the energy sector, scoring 43.47%

    As far as the energy sector is concerned, IMANI called for reduced tariffs, a technical audit of public-private partnerships, the development of an energy sector financial restructuring and recovery plan, among others.

    Source: classfmonline.com