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Tag: Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah

  • Saglemi, Adentan, Koforidua Housing projects not being sold to private sector – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Saglemi, Adentan, Koforidua Housing projects not being sold to private sector – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has clarified that the government has no intention of selling the Saglemi, Adentan, or Koforidua housing projects to any private sector.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the minister explained that the government is instead, seeking technical expertise and resources of the private sector to complete the projects

    He emphasized that government plans to sell the completed housing units to workers’ unions, and government workers on completion, remains a priority.

    “We are working with the private sector to resolve these projects. On multiple occasions, people have mistakenly said we are selling these projects. I want to repeat, for the umpteenth time, that we are not selling the Saglemi, Adentan, or Koforidua housing projects to the private sector,” he stressed adding:

    “We have invited the private sector to participate with their funding and technology. They will provide the capital, and we will use their resources to complete the project. As originally intended, these housing units will then be sold to members of workers’ unions and government workers.”

    Mr Oppong-Nkrumah further disclosed that funds recouped from the sale of the housing projects would be used to offset those sourced from the private sector, with potential profits returned to the government.

    He explained: “The funding provided by the private sector will be repaid, and whatever investment the government makes will also be recouped. So, I reiterate, that we are not selling these projects; we are working within a public-private partnership (PPP) framework to complete them.

    “The fact that the government doesn’t currently have enough funds in its treasury doesn’t mean these projects should remain stalled. The government is being innovative in raising private capital to finish these projects,” the minister further remarked.

    The involvement of the private sector in the completion of the Saglemi Housing project has been protested by the Minority in Parliament and the National Tenants’ Union of Ghana, who have threatened a lawsuit against the government over the matter. The union argued that such involvement will jeopardize efforts to provide affordable housing for those unable to afford current market rates.

    The government is seeking $100 million in private capital from investors to complete the Saglemi Affordable Housing project commenced by the erstwhile Mahama-led government in 2012. So far, about $198 million has been invested in the stalled project.

    The New Patriotic Party government initiated the Affordable Housing Programme in 2006 to provide accommodation for the low-to-middle-income workers of the country. The project commenced in six locations namely: Borteyman – Accra, Kpone – Tema, AsokoreMampong – Kumasi, Koforidua, Tamale and Wa. However, these projects have stalled since 2008.

    Ghana’s housing crisis has persisted for decades despite the government’s efforts to tackle the issue. Many Ghanaians still struggle to find affordable and quality housing.

    Watch video below:

  • Displaced Akosombo Dam victims to get a 1,000 housing units a year after disaster – Minister

    Displaced Akosombo Dam victims to get a 1,000 housing units a year after disaster – Minister

    The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has announced a major initiative to provide relief to individuals affected by the recent spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

    The government is set to construct 1,000 housing units to accommodate those displaced by the disaster.

    Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 30, Oppong-Nkrumah highlighted the government’s commitment to easing the hardships faced by the displaced victims. He emphasized that providing adequate housing is a critical step in supporting the affected individuals as they recover from the impacts of the dam spillage.

    The Minister assured the public that the government is prioritizing the project to deliver timely assistance.

    In addition to the initial 1,000 units, Oppong-Nkrumah revealed that phase two of the housing project has been approved, which will include an additional 1,010 housing units. This expansion reflects the government’s dedication to offering long-term solutions for the affected communities.

    The commencement certificate for the second phase has already been secured, allowing the project to move forward. The government is currently finalizing necessary procedures with the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and addressing land acquisition issues to initiate construction for this phase.

    These actions are crucial to ensuring that the project begins smoothly and meets the urgent housing needs of those impacted by the dam spillage.

    “Now already, 115 [housing] units are under construction, and they have gone past the 60 per cent mark. Those are the units that I went to break ground for in April 2024—115 of those units. We have also approved phase 2 of 1,010 units, and we have received the commencement certificate for phase 2,” Oppong-Nkrumah stated.

    Several victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage disaster are still living under tents erected as temporary shelters, unable to return to normal life a year after the incident. The delay in completing the housing units has left many stuck in these makeshift conditions.

    On September 15, last year, the Volta River Authority (VRA) opened the floodgates of the Akosombo Dam to prevent structural damage following rising water levels. Unfortunately, the outflow displaced thousands of people in the surrounding areas. The slow response from the government and the VRA in addressing the aftermath has sparked frustration among the victims.

  • Oppong-Nkrumah to headline 2024 Busia Institute Lecture

    Oppong-Nkrumah to headline 2024 Busia Institute Lecture

    The Busia Institute for Rural and Democratic Development (BIRDD) is preparing to host the 2024 Busia Institute Lecture, featuring the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, as the keynote speaker.

    The lecture will be held on July 31, 2024, at the Nicholas Aidoo-Taylor Conference Hall, Takoradi Technical University, in Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region.

    This year’s lecture, themed “Housing the Future: Innovative Solutions for Rural Development in Ghana,” aims to convene policymakers, academia, industry stakeholders, and rural community leaders to discuss innovative housing solutions for rural development in Ghana.

    The event will provide a thorough analysis of how innovative housing solutions can tackle the unique challenges faced by rural communities.

    According to a press release from BIRDD, the gathering holds significant value: “The Honorable Kojo Oppong Nkrumah will discuss the government’s vision and plans for Rural Housing Development.”

    The Minister is expected to outline crucial strategies and policies aimed at upgrading rural housing infrastructure, fostering sustainable development, and enhancing the living standards of rural residents.

    After the keynote lecture, attendees will engage in a dialogue session focused on collaborative strategies for addressing rural housing issues.

    This discussion will aim to build partnerships and promote knowledge exchange among government officials, academic experts, industry professionals, and community leaders.

    According to BIRDD, the lecture will serve as a platform for “government, academia, and stakeholders to engage in knowledge sharing, best practices, and innovative solutions for rural development and housing, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.”

    In addition to the keynote lecture and dialogue session, the event will feature a guided exhibition highlighting innovative housing solutions. This exhibition aims to present practical examples of housing ideas that can be adapted for the benefit of rural communities.

    The program will also include a fireside chat, providing an interactive space for attendees to engage more deeply with the event’s theme.

    The Busia Institute Lecture will be open to a broad audience, including government officials, academics, industry professionals, rural community leaders, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, media practitioners, and development partners.

    The event is free and open to the public, with no prior registration necessary, ensuring accessibility for all interested parties.

  • Ghana hosts inaugural Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology

    Ghana hosts inaugural Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology

    In a landmark move to address pressing housing and flooding issues, Ghana has inaugurated the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024.

    The three-day event, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, was opened by Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Minister for Works and Housing.

    At the opening ceremony, Minister Oppong-Nkrumah launched the Ghana Hydrological Fund, a crucial initiative aimed at reducing flood risks and enhancing water management nationwide.

    He emphasized the urgent need for sustainable funding to tackle Ghana’s chronic flooding problems and announced a seed funding of GH¢1.5 million allocated by the government.

    “The government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has prioritized an allocation of 1.5 million Ghana Cedis as seed money for the fund,” stated the Minister.

    He called on all stakeholders, including development partners, to support the fund, highlighting its importance in fast-tracking essential projects such as drainage construction and dredging.

    Minister Oppong-Nkrumah highlighted the severe flooding issues Ghana faces, particularly during the rainy season. He pointed out that inadequate drainage infrastructure and the growing impacts of climate change have exacerbated the problem.

    Only 2% of the drainage channels in the Greater Accra Region requiring concrete lining have been completed, indicating a critical need for comprehensive action.

    The fund, according to the Minister, is designed to provide a structured financial mechanism to accelerate necessary projects, directly tackling the country’s flooding challenges.

    Beyond addressing flooding, the conference also focused on Ghana’s significant housing deficit, currently estimated at 1.8 million units.

    Minister Oppong-Nkrumah acknowledged the challenges faced in affordable housing programs due to funding constraints and delays in project completion, including unfinished projects from previous administrations.

    He advocated for strong public-private partnerships and incentives for private developers to undertake large-scale affordable housing projects, aiming to mitigate the housing shortfall.

    The BENCHH 2024 conference will cover a range of topics, including regulatory reforms and the establishment of a Works Inspectorate Unit to ensure compliance with building and safety standards. The Ministry plans to present comprehensive reports on government initiatives, achievements, and challenges, seeking innovative solutions from stakeholders.

    Minister Oppong-Nkrumah expressed optimism about the outcomes of BENCHH 2024, emphasizing the potential for collaborative efforts to drive substantial progress in Ghana’s built environment sector.

    He encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions and contribute their expertise to develop actionable strategies that comprehensively address the nation’s housing and hydrology challenges.

  • Oppong-Nkrumah launches Hydro Fund during Housing Conference opening

    Oppong-Nkrumah launches Hydro Fund during Housing Conference opening

    Ghana has taken a significant stride in tackling its persistent housing and flooding issues with the launch of the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024.

    The three-day event, hosted at the Labadi Beach Hotel, commenced with an inauguration led by Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Minister for Works and Housing.

    Minister Oppong-Nkrumah also unveiled the Ghana Hydrological Fund during the ceremony, a crucial initiative aimed at mitigating flood risks and enhancing water management nationwide.

    In his address to a diverse audience comprising government officials, industry experts, and development partners, Minister Oppong Nkrumah stressed the urgent need for sustainable funding to effectively address Ghana’s flood challenges, announcing an initial GH¢1.5 million seed funding allocation.

    Minister Oppong Nkrumah underscored the severity of Ghana’s flooding problem, especially during the rainy season, exacerbated by inadequate drainage infrastructure and the escalating effects of climate change.

    He revealed that only 2% of drainage channels in the Greater Accra Region, requiring concrete lining, have been addressed, emphasizing the need for comprehensive action.

    The fund aims to establish a structured financial mechanism to accelerate essential projects like drainage construction and dredging, directly addressing Ghana’s flooding challenges.

    Beyond flooding, Minister Oppong Nkrumah addressed Ghana’s housing deficit, currently standing at 1.8 million units, acknowledging challenges in affordable housing programs due to funding limitations and project delays from previous administrations.

    He advocated for robust public-private partnerships, offering incentives to private developers to undertake large-scale affordable housing projects.

    Throughout BENCHH 2024, discussions will cover regulatory reforms and the establishment of a Works Inspectorate Unit to ensure adherence to building and safety standards.

    The Ministry aims to present comprehensive reports on government initiatives, achievements, and challenges, seeking input from stakeholders on innovative approaches.

    Minister Oppong Nkrumah expressed confidence in BENCHH 2024, highlighting collaborative efforts as pivotal in driving tangible progress in Ghana’s built environment sector.

    He encouraged active participation from attendees, urging them to contribute expertise toward crafting actionable strategies to comprehensively address the nation’s housing and hydrology challenges.

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  • Gov’t promises transparency in negotiations regarding Saglemi Housing Project

    Gov’t promises transparency in negotiations regarding Saglemi Housing Project

    Amidst allegations of corruption and stalled progress, Ghana’s Saglemi Housing Project is set for a transformative shift as the government welcomes private sector involvement.

    The move comes with a promise of enhanced transparency and efficiency.

    In a bid to break the deadlock surrounding the long-pending Saglemi Housing Project, the government has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit private sector participation in its redevelopment.

    This strategic move signals a departure from previous approaches, with the aim of tapping into private sector expertise and resources to expedite the project’s completion. It also seeks to address Ghana’s pressing housing deficit.

    The Saglemi Housing Project has been shadowed by corruption allegations, leading to the trial of former Works and Housing Minister, Collins Dauda.

    Despite investments exceeding $200 million, issues like vandalism and theft of project materials have persisted.

    Speaking on the government’s stance, Works and Housing Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah emphasised a reluctance to allocate additional funds, hence the push for private sector collaboration.

    “The dynamics have not necessarily changed. It’s a source of funding that is changing now and our objective is to be able to finish this and make it available. This is also to develop a settlement on its own. So there are questions on where is the school, where is the hospital, where is the commercial centre?

    “Community and social responsibility, technical and managerial ability as well as ethical business practices – all come together as part of the eligibility criteria of who qualifies to put in a bid, local and or international,” Kojo Oppong Nkrumah stated on JoyNews.

    Nkrumah outlined key criteria for prospective bidders, emphasising community responsibility, technical proficiency, and ethical standards.

    He also highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency, citing a detailed policy that mandates open bidding processes and proactive disclosure of information under the Right to Information Act.

    “It talks about the fact that we have an open and competitive bidding process. For example, nobody is going to get an opportunity to put in a bid before the other. All the bids will be received on the same day and then at the end of that day, at that 5pm close, all the bids will be opened transparently. So we have clarity on what everybody has brought to the table.

    “We have also committed in our transparency policy that when this transaction is done, in consonance with the pro-active disclosure clause of the Right to Information Act, we will publish all the bids that were received, the evaluation report of the independent evaluation panel, we will publish the decision memo that the end based on all of these, this is the company that is selected as the successful bidder, we will publish that decision memo and we will also publish the final agreement that is entered into with the successful bidder,” Mr Nkrumah said.

    Under this policy, all bids, evaluation reports, decision memos, and final agreements with successful bidders will be made publicly available, showcasing the government’s dedication to accountability and fair competition in revitalising the Saglemi Housing Project.

  • Kumasi: GIS receives Staff Houses from Oppong-Nkrumah

    Kumasi: GIS receives Staff Houses from Oppong-Nkrumah


    The Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has affirmed the government’s dedication to providing suitable housing for security personnel in the nation, ensuring their safety and enhancing productivity.

    Addressing attendees at the handover event for staff residences to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the John Agyekum Kufuor Estate in Kumasi, Ashanti region, the Ofoase-Ayirebi MP emphasized that the Ministry of Housing is engaging stakeholders to finalize an incentive package.

    This package aims to expedite housing development to alleviate Ghana’s 1.8 million housing shortfall within the next decade.

    Additionally, he disclosed plans for a district housing initiative to be implemented across Ghana’s 261 Districts. This initiative will utilize local construction materials to ensure affordability, particularly for public servants posted to rural areas.

    Mr. Oppong Nkrumah underscored the government’s broader housing policy, extending beyond security personnel, to encompass public servants’ accommodation needs.

    Furthermore, he outlined efforts to establish an incentive framework to attract private sector participation as master developers.

    This framework will facilitate the creation of expansive new communities with integrated amenities, offering affordable housing solutions for the majority of Ghana’s populace.

  • Pathway to complete Saglemi Project approved by Cabinet

    Pathway to complete Saglemi Project approved by Cabinet

    Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has announced Cabinet’s approval of a plan to finalize the Saglemi Housing Project initiated by the previous administration.

    Commencing in 2016, the Saglemi Housing Project had been abandoned due to legal disputes, leading to vandalism and theft of materials such as burglar-proofing and plumbing fixtures.

    During a recent visit to Saglemi, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah disclosed that a technical committee had been formed to expedite the project’s completion following Cabinet’s green light.

    This committee was tasked with issuing an international expression of interest within five weeks to attract private investment for the project’s completion and utilization.

    With an estimated cost exceeding $100 million, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged the fiscal constraints and emphasized the need for private sector collaboration to fund the project.

    He expressed confidence that within the specified timeframe, the technical committee would finalize the expression of interest, facilitating the selection of private partners to operate or dispose of the housing units.

    Addressing security concerns at the site, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged existing security measures but highlighted the need for enhancements to prevent further equipment deterioration due to theft. Security reinforcements were implemented to safeguard the site.

    Additionally, the minister toured Kpone and Michel Camp, where TDC Development Company Limited had constructed over 2,000 affordable housing units.

    He praised TDC’s contribution to tackling the housing deficit and pledged support for master developers like TDC to undertake larger projects. This strategy aimed to accelerate efforts in bridging the housing gap.

    Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with TDC to reduce construction costs and invited them to participate in the National Affordable Housing Project at Pokuase. Regarding cost and affordability, he assured the implementation of market mechanisms to ensure that affordable housing reached the intended beneficiaries.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage victims to be resettled in six months – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Akosombo Dam spillage victims to be resettled in six months – Oppong-Nkrumah

    The government has launched a resettlement program for communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    Led by the Ministry of Works and Housing, this initiative aims to provide new homes for individuals whose residences were destroyed by the floods.

    Data from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) indicates that more than 5,200 households in 19 districts along the Volta River in the Volta, Eastern, Greater Accra, and Oti Regions were impacted by the floods.

    Minister-designate of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, stated that the entire resettlement project is expected to be completed within six months.

    “The construction of the resettlement homes is going to take some months and nothing less than about six months for us to make some significant headway in this exercise and we ask for everyone’s patience as we go through it. We are already starting about a hundred and our final validation will give us the backstock numbers.”

  • Oppong-Nkrumah takes over from Asenso Boakye as Works and Housing Minister

    Oppong-Nkrumah takes over from Asenso Boakye as Works and Housing Minister

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has been named the Works and Housing Minister in the latest reshuffle of government appointees under the Akufo-Addo administration.

    This was contained in the statement released today, February 14, 2024, by the Presidency.

    Oppong-Nkrumah if vetted and approved by Parliament will succeed MP for Bantama, Francis Asenso Boakye, who also has been moved from his outfit to the Roads and Highways Ministry.

    President Akufo-Addo has further unveiled significant changes to his ministerial team in a major cabinet reshuffle, responding to growing calls for a shake-up.

    A document issued by the Communications Directorate of the Jubilee House has revealed that the President “has relieved the following
    Ministers and Deputy Ministers of their portfolios in government, with immediate effect.”

    The Valentine’s Day ministerial shake-up sees the removal of the controversial Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who has faced criticism from his party’s MPs, according to sources close to the presidency.

    It is unclear why the President has made this decision but ministers who lost their parliamentary seats during the party’s primaries or did not contest in their constituencies have been replaced with new hands, primarily MPs.

    This surprising decision, especially regarding Ofori-Atta’s prominent role in the government, has raised eyebrows among political observers.

    Reported Key Appointments in the Reshuffle:

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

    This cabinet reshuffle is expected to generate both excitement and anticipation among Ghanaians as they await the implementation of new policies and initiatives under the reconfigured cabinet.

  • NCA tasked with upholding broadcasting standards 

    NCA tasked with upholding broadcasting standards 

    Stakeholders have urged the National Communications Authority (NCA) to enhance broadcasting standards by strategically allocating spectrums. 

    This initiative aims to guarantee that the content reaching consumers maintains high-quality standards.

    During a stakeholders’ engagement and the unveiling of a research report by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD) in Accra, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, emphasized the importance of elevating standards. 

    He noted that this would foster accountability among media platform owners, subsequently promoting the creation and dissemination of responsible and high-quality content.

    “What we have currently in the media space as a country is a secondary market because the standards for operating a media platform are low,” he said.

    He acknowledged that even though a media platform does not need a licence to operate, it would be encouraging if spectrums are made premium and certain rules and regulations established when authorising media outlets to operate.

    The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on his part, reiterated government’s commitment to tackling misinformation and disinformation in the media space, citing the Broadcasting Bill which is yet to be passed by parliament.

    Explaining the delay in passing the bill, he said the last draft needs some reconsideration and amendments.

    Mr. Nkrumah hinted that the bill, when passed, would deal with media literacy where the public would be heavily educated on how to use media tools, especially how to fact check information by journalists.

    He added that the bill is considering a public broadcasting fund which will support media houses that are doing public broadcasting.

    Speaking on the current expansive network of media houses, the sector minister said that it is good for democracy while still economically viable. He urged media outlets to consider mergers and acquisitions in order to reduce cost of operations.

    He noted that mergers and acquisition of networks would encourage sustainability of media houses, adding: “But this is up to the media houses to consider and examine how to go about it”.

    The event, themed ‘Ensuring Accountability in the Governance of Media and the Internet’, saw the launch of a report on Ghana’s changing media landscape, the influence of rapid growth of the Internet and social media on the business model of traditional media, the threat disinformation and misinformation poses to democracy, and the possible infringement of digital rights and free speech by state and non-state actors in tackling possible dangers.

  • Your efforts to underplay 2023 WASSCE results is uncalled for – Oppong-Nkrumah tells Mahama

    Your efforts to underplay 2023 WASSCE results is uncalled for – Oppong-Nkrumah tells Mahama

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has expressed profound disappointment over former President, John Dramani Mahama’s recent remarks, which downplayed the success of the Free SHS program.

    Addressing journalists during the Christmas festivities in Akim Anyinase, Minister Oppong-Nkrumah criticized Mahama for undermining the accomplishments of SHS graduates.

    “It is disheartening to observe how Former President Mahama will go all lengths to belittle the Free SHS program and its results simply because it didn’t emanate from him,” stated Minister Oppong Nkrumah.

    The recently released 2023 WASSCE results, considered the best since 2015, have been attributed to the positive impact of the Free SHS policy. However, former President Mahama, during his country tour, discredited the outcome of the examination pointing to malpractices and students conniving with teachers to cheat.

    Reacting to Mr. Mahama’s claims, the Ofoase Ayirebi legislator found his accusations of malpractices and cheating “shocking and disappointing,” emphasizing that such remarks disregard the hard work and accomplishments of the students who benefited from the initiative.

    “While he may not like the entire SHS program, he shouldn’t try so hard to denigrate the beneficiaries. Yes, the program may have some challenges, but to say that even the exceptional success of the students is fake is just amazing,” the Minister added.

    Minister Oppong Nkrumah recounted the stiff opposition from Mahama and the NDC to the Free SHS programme, emphasizing that the former President’s comments are a continuation of that stance.

    This, he urged constructive discussions to improve the Free SHS initiative and enhance the education sector, emphasizing that Ghana would be better served with ideas rather than attempts to undermine the efforts and achievements of the beneficiaries.

  • Bad wages paid to journalists must be addressed – Information Minister

    Bad wages paid to journalists must be addressed – Information Minister

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has voiced concern over the insufficient salary and remuneration structures for journalists in the country.

    He pointed out that the challenges with low salaries have contributed significantly to the low press freedom index in 2023.

    Addressing the second Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) dinner night in Accra, Oppong-Nkrumah called on media owners to prioritize fair compensation for journalists, stressing that adequate remuneration is crucial for instilling confidence in the media sector.

    “If you look at the world press freedom index that was released in the year 2023, the single item that dragged Ghana down the most if you read the report in detail is the welfare and the economic conditions of journalists in Ghana.

    “You and I who work in this industry know that there are many of our brothers and sisters who at
    the end of the month don’t get a salary. Many don’t even get their statutory payment made on their behalf by their employers.”

    “There are many who don’t have the necessary pension deductions made and saved in a pension fund for them for the day when they are no longer in active service. These are issues that we as journalists when you talk about your employers won’t be happy with you, these are issues that we must pay attention to.

    “We like talking about the issues in other industries. But for once, let’s also pay attention to this issue in our industry,” he stated.

  • Projects that have been put on hold would resume after restructuring of foreign debt – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Projects that have been put on hold would resume after restructuring of foreign debt – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has provided assurance that once the external debt restructuring in Ghana is completed, projects that have been halted due to the country’s debt crisis will recommence.

    He stated that the government has a strategy in place for the resumption of these projects, pending the finalization of debt negotiations with external creditors.

    During an interview on Asaase Radio in Accra on October 16, 2023, Oppong-Nkrumah made this announcement,

    “Yes there is a plan; the first part of the plan is to conclude the external debt restructuring. When you conclude the external debt restructuring then you have clarity on how much you can pay on an annual basis on external debt and then you resume servicing.

    When you resume servicing the banks that are financing those projects will now resume releases to the contractors for them to get back to work.”

    He continued, “Remember that those projects were stalled because the government announced the suspension of external debt servicing in pursuance of the external debt restructuring…”

    In order to reach levels of debt that are manageable, the information minister added, certain agreements with creditors were required.

    “It was important to sit at the table with external debt creditors and come to a certain understanding of what the new payment terms should be. Once you are able to do that then you can resume service and then you would expect new releases and those projects can get back on track.

    … the president is very keen that these projects get back on track so that we are able to achieve the full benefit for our people,” Oppong Nkrumah said.

    With plans to continue working with bilateral creditors on an external debt restructuring program, Ghana hopes to secure the second tranche of the $600 million package in November of this year.

    For its part, the Ministry of Finance has urged its bilateral creditors to quickly reach a settlement in order to give Ghana access to the $3 billion Extended Credit Facility’s second bailout package.

  • Oppong Nkrumah commends GHC 21b

    Oppong Nkrumah commends GHC 21b

    The GHC 21 billion decrease in the government’s appropriation for the fiscal year 2023, according to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister of Information, is praiseworthy.

    On Monday, July 31, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta made a statement about the Mid-Year Budget.

    Nkrumah noted that while there are still calls for additional budget cutbacks, the GHC 21 billion drop is praiseworthy.

    “I think one of the first things to note is that the appropriation has been reduced by GHC 21 billion and I think for those who pay attention to fiscal policy or to the fiscal framework, that is a good thing except that GHC 10 billion of that is somewhere around interest payment and the rest is spread across the various expenditure lines.

    “Nonetheless, it’s a reduction in the appropriation of the government expenditure and I think that it is something that should give people some comfort, that we are doing well to stay within the deficit constraints that we have imposed upon ourselves. But there are a lot of lessons that I think we need to learn moving forward and one of them for example deals with bolstering their relative stability that the Minister speaks about,” he said.

    The 2023 Budget witnessed a significant reduction of GHC 21 billion in government expenditure, a move that the Information Minister praised as commendable. He emphasized the importance of this fiscal discipline in achieving economic stability and adhering to the deficit constraints set by the government.

    Although a portion of the reduction was allocated to interest payments, the Information Minister highlighted that the overall decrease in expenditure showcases the government’s commitment to optimizing its financial resources and prioritizing development initiatives.

    The current economic landscape serves as a crucial learning opportunity, prompting the government to make informed decisions to support the country’s economic growth. Nkrumah reiterated the government’s determination to strengthen financial stability, a central theme emphasized by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta during the budget presentation.

    The Mid-Year Budget review presented an opportunity to assess the country’s economic performance and evaluate fiscal policies, ensuring alignment with national development priorities.

    The reduction in government expenditure reflects the positive impact of the successful Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), which has created fiscal space for growth-enhancing reforms and managed rising debt costs.

    The budget review also shed light on the government’s growth agenda, which places emphasis on inclusive development and private sector investments to foster job creation and sustainable economic growth.

    Notable growth-oriented programs, such as the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) Phase II, aim to bolster agriculture and value-addition, providing opportunities for the youth and promoting economic diversification.

  • Information Minister assures of investment enabling environment by govt

    Information Minister assures of investment enabling environment by govt

    Minister for Information, Mr. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment that fosters entrepreneurship and boosts productivity.

    Speaking at the 23rd Graduation ceremony of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra, the stressed the importance of enhancing collaborations with academia, industry, and citizens to ensure that education and training align with the changing needs of society.

    The graduation event, held in three sessions starting from Friday, July 28, 2023, saw a total of 1000 graduates from various disciplines, including the Faculty of Law, School of Technology, School of Public Service and Governance, Business School, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, as well as PhD and Masters Degree students.

    Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah emphasized the government’s reliance on data and empirical evidence to shape and implement policies and programs effectively.

    Furthermore, he encouraged industry players to invest in education by offering scholarships, grants, and contributing to the infrastructural development of higher learning institutions in the country.

    This collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions would play a crucial role in shaping a bright future for Ghana’s development.

    According to the Minister, establishing a strong synergy between academia and industry is crucial in providing graduates with a well-rounded education that enables them to be effective in their work.

    He emphasized that industry players have a significant role to play in this regard by investing in research and development, encouraging innovation, and addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

    “By creating an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and fostering innovation, we can unlock opportunities and generate sustainable employment for the graduates,” he added.

    Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, the Rector of GIMPA, revealed that the Institute has taken significant measures to establish itself as a Center of Excellence.

    One of these steps includes the formulation of a new vision for the Institute, along with a proposed Strategic Plan. The development of this Plan involved extensive consultations with the Institute’s stakeholders and the wider community.

    The primary objective of the Strategic Plan is to revitalize GIMPA’s legacy and secure its continuous growth and prominence in the years to come.

    Prof. Bonsu emphasized that the past year was dedicated to laying the necessary groundwork to achieve the goals outlined in the Plan, with the ultimate aim of becoming a leading Institute of higher learning.

    “We have emphasised building integrity and discipline in the system and have commenced a sensitization drive to emphasise quality and to develop a KPI-based performance culture, he added.

  • Agenda 111: 88 hospitals currently under construction – Information Minister

    Agenda 111: 88 hospitals currently under construction – Information Minister

    A total of 88 hospitals are under government’s Agenda 111 programme are currently under construction, according to Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah.

    Mr Kojo-Oppong Nkrumah provided updates on the Agenda 111 programme which is to see the construction of 111 health facilities during a press briefing in Trede, Ashanti Region, on Thursday, June 29, where the project was launched two years ago.

    “The brief I have is that 88 are currently under construction and it is grouped into eight zones and in those eight zones, you will find 54 projects. We have visited 33 sites so far and we thought that coming to Trede, where it all began, it is important to showcase from Trede all that has gone on so far.”

    “We have also provided you with the reports of the sites that we have visited so far, the majority of them that are doing well, the few of them that are behind schedule,” he said.

    Mr Oppong-Nkrumah stated that some of the hospitals which are behind schedule have been terminated.

    During the launch of the Agenda 111 programme on August 17, 2021, President Akufo-Addo vowed to complete work within 18 months, but government has failed to fulfil its promise due to challenges in acquiring land for construction, among others.

    This has led to doubts about the government’s commitment to the projects, however, the government remains confident that all the hospitals will be completed before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s second term.

    Also addressing the press, the Presidential advisor on health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah Asare, assured that there is sufficient funding available for the completion of the project.

    Government secured US$100 million start-up fund through the Ghana Investment Infrastructure Fund (GIIF) for the commencement of works on ‘Agenda 111’ district, specialised and regional hospitals across the country.

    Dr Nsiah Asare reiterated the benefits of the programme, which include more health facilities, creation of employment opportunities for nurses which will contribute to the overall economic growth of Ghana.

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • IMF is not the only remedy for Ghana’s economic problems – Oppong-Nkrumah

    IMF is not the only remedy for Ghana’s economic problems – Oppong-Nkrumah

    The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has said that securing a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not the only solution to the current economic issues.

    Providing an update on the engagement with the IMF thus far, he said, “the Government of Ghana has had an enhanced programme which has been designed to help us recover from major shocks we are suffering. And to make that programme effectual, we will need some balance of payments support from the IMF. And that is what we have been working on, and all indications suggest to us that we should be bringing that to a closure pretty soon. But that is not all the panacea to our economic challenges, we have other programmes to help us to bring back growth, help private sector kicking and get cost of living under control”.

    The government has since July last year engaged the fund for a $3 billion bailout to help restore the economy.

    In addition to this, government has rolled out policies and programmes aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

    Industry players have been relentless in their opinions of government’s role in bringing relief to Ghanaians.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on May 2 courted the support of Japan to help Ghana reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board for the 3 billion dollar balance of payment support.

    According to Akufo-Addo, Japan which is a member of the Paris Club has a major role to play in Ghana securing the IMF deal.

    Speaking at a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida who made a stopover at the Jubilee House Tuesday evening, Mr Akufo-Addo said Ghana will repay Japan’s support.

    “Ghana is also counting on the support of Japan in reaching a favourable agreement with the International Monetary Fund which will pave the way for the robust recovery of Ghana’s economy,” President Akufo-Addo said.

  • Why Adom-Otchere’s name was mentioned in Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s letter addressed to Oppong-Nkrumah

    Why Adom-Otchere’s name was mentioned in Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s letter addressed to Oppong-Nkrumah

    Paul Adom-Otchere, host of Good Evening Ghana, earned a spot in a letter addressed to Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah.

    He appeared in the letter for defending some government officials cited in the damning report on illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) in Ghana.

    One such officials is Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information who was accused by former Environment Minister, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng of undermining him during his leadership as head of government’s anti-galamsey taskforce.

    In defending Oppong Nkrumah on his show last week, Adom-Otchere chided the former minister for aspects of his report that said Oppong-Nkrumah organized a media team to attack him in the galamsey fight.

    Adom-Otchere said even if the information minister had any plans to undermine his colleague cabinet minister, he would use more coded means and not call a meeting at a public hotel as alleged by Frimpong-Boateng.

    “If Kojo Oppong Nkrumah wants to do something, that is not how he will do it. He is not going to have a meeting at Forest (Hotel in Dodowa). No, no, no.

    “He is going to send a text to somebody… Charlie what we go do… that is how they talk among themselves and they decide that what’s the plan, this is the thing. Ok, so, how do we execute?

    “You won’t know, they don’t even talk normal, they talk in code. When they mention somebody’s name as Kofi, the person may not be Kofi, he is some other person…,” Adom-Otchere submitted on his show.

    In his 23rd April reply to Oppong Nkrumah’s rebuttal to claims the former minister made in a 2021 report Frimpong-Boateng authored, he tasked Oppong Nkrumah to desist from coded and evil tactics in undertaking his responsibility as minister.

    He specifically mentioned journalist Paul Adom-Otchere who had last week weighed in on the former minister’s report calling it into question and exonerating some of the persons implicated.

    “I will urge you to do your work diligently and avoid the coded and evil tactics Mr. Paul Adom Okyere boastfully and unashamedly told the world on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ that you employ to deal with your real and perceived enemies,” the statement read in part.

  • Video of Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah’s alleged galamsey site surfaces

    The former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation and ex-chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has shared a video of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) site allegedly linked to the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

    Prof Frimpong-Boateng, who shared the link to the video in a statement he issued while responding to the information minister’s reactions to a report on government officials behind galamsey in Ghana he (Frimpong-Boateng) released, said that he received the video from a constituent of Oppong Nkrumah, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency.

    The former science and technology minister said that even though he does not want to believe the claim made in the video about the ownership of the galamsey site, Oppong Nkrumah must take the necessary actions to stop the menace happening close to his hometown.

    The man who recorded the video can be heard alleging that the galamsey site belongs to Oppong Nkrumah and he (the minister) has hired some Chinese people to work for him.

    He said that the illegal mining site was in Akyem Brenasi, along the Pra River.

    “He (Oppong Nkrumah) has brought the Chinese here to work for him. This is what they have done to the Pra River,” the man said as he was taking a shot of the river.

    “This place is called Akyem Brenasi, along the Pra River, there are about 15 excavators here,” the narrator added in Twi.

  • ‘Evil’ Paul Adom-Otchere has no shame – Prof Frimpong-Boateng

    ‘Evil’ Paul Adom-Otchere has no shame – Prof Frimpong-Boateng

    Former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has chastised Host of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom Okyere, over some comments he made following the release of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) report authored by the Professor. 

    According to Prof, Mr Adom-Otchere during one edition of the Good Evening Ghana programme, said the Information Minister employs coded and evil tactics to deal with his real and perceived enemies.

    The Professor who seemed worried over the comments advised Mr Oppong-Nkrumah to eschew such malice in the course of work as a government official since political power is transient.   

    “My advice is, always remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescenti In about 2 years’ time you may no longer be in government and you may experience the real world as former high profile political power holders do. 

    “I will urge you to do your work diligently and avoid the coded and evil tactics Mr. Paul Adom Okyere boastfully and unashamedly told the world on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ that you employ to deal with his real and perceived enemies,” he said in a one-paged response to Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah following his reaction to the claims in the report.

    It comes after the former Minister who was the chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) released a report in which he alleged that some government officials are involved in illegal mining or galamsey. 

    The aftermath of this has been a series of rebuttals between the accused in the report and the Former Minister.

    Key among persons fighting off allegations Mr Oppong-Nkrumah who has vehemently refuted claims that he masterminded the removal from office of the Prof Frimpong-Boateng.

    But in a subsequent response, the former Minister said he is not surprised that Mr Oppong Nkrumah denied the claims.

    “I have read your response to what I wrote about you in the report I sent to the Chief of Staff a little over two years ago. You have denied what I wrote and that is normal. Very few people in your position will own up to their wrongdoings.

    “I have good advice for you, though. When I was part of the government, we were colleagues and I related to you as such. Now I will advise you as my son, just as I do my children. After all, you are the same age as my 4th born son. When I returned to Ghana from Germany to start the cardiothoracic project you were just 6 years old as my 4th child. I will not lie to you or insult you or be harsh on you,” he said.

    Prof Frimpong-Boateng further revealed that he had received a tip-off from someone from the Minister’s constituency that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey is going on in the area.

    “Let me touch briefly on Illegal mining. Last week someone from your constituency sent me a video recording of illegal mining activities close to your hometown. I don’t want to believe that what the person said about your role is true. The important thing is that Chinese and their Ghanaian collaborators are engaged in illegal mining at your doorstep. I encourage you to investigate it and take appropriate action. The President of the Republic assures Ghanaians again and again that he is serious with the fight against Illegal mining,” he said.

  • Avoid evil tactics of Paul Adom Otchere – Prof Frimpong-Boateng advises Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah

    Avoid evil tactics of Paul Adom Otchere – Prof Frimpong-Boateng advises Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah

    Former Minister for Environment Science Technology and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has offered ‘fatherly advice’ to Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, following his response to claims in the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) report.

    He said the Minister should eschew “evil tactics” as employed by the host of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom Okyere.   

    “My advice is, always remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescenti In about 2 years’ time you may no longer be in government and you may experience the real world as former high profile political power holders do. 

    “I will urge you to do your work diligently and avoid the coded and evil tactics Mr. Paul Adom Okyere boastfully and unashamedly told the world on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ that you employ to deal with your real and perceived enemies,” he said.

    It comes after the former Minister who was the chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) released a report in which he alleged that some government officials are involved in illegal mining or galamsey. 

    The aftermath of this has been a series of rebuttals between the accused in the report and the Former Minister.

    Key among persons fighting off allegations Mr Oppong-Nkrumah who has vehemently refuted claims that he masterminded the removal from office of the Prof Frimpong-Boateng.

    But in a subsequent response, the former Minister said he is not surprised that Mr Oppong Nkrumah denied the claims.

    “I have read your response to what I wrote about you in the report I sent to the Chief of Staff a little over two years ago. You have denied what I wrote and that is normal. Very few people in your position will own up to their wrongdoings.

    “I have good advice for you, though. When I was part of the government, we were colleagues and I related to you as such. Now I will advise you as my son, just as I do my children. After all, you are the same age as my 4th born son. When I returned to Ghana from Germany to start the cardiothoracic project you were just 6 years old as my 4th child. I will not lie to you or insult you or be harsh on you,” he said.

    Prof Frimpong-Boateng further revealed that he had received a tip-off from someone from the Minister’s constituency that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey is going on in the area.

    “Let me touch briefly on Illegal mining. Last week someone from your constituency sent me a video recording of illegal mining activities close to your hometown. I don’t want to believe that what the person said about your role is true. The important thing is that Chinese and their Ghanaian collaborators are engaged in illegal mining at your doorstep. I encourage you to investigate it and take appropriate action. The President of the Republic assures Ghanaians again and again that he is serious with the fight against Illegal mining,” he said.

  • It is normal for people in high positions to deny allegations – Prof Frimpong-Boateng to Oppong Nkrumah

    It is normal for people in high positions to deny allegations – Prof Frimpong-Boateng to Oppong Nkrumah

    Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has responded to the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, regarding the latter’s reply to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining’s (IMCIM) 2021 report on illegal mining.
    According to the report, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah was named as one of the government officials involved in the increasing problem of illegal mining in several forest areas across the country.
    It alleged that he Mr Oppong-Nkrumah had engaged the services of unnamed journalists to issue reports aimed at damaging Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s reputation and discrediting his work as the chairman of the IMCIM.
    In response to the report, Oppong-Nkrumah denied the allegations, describing them as false. He expressed disappointment and offence at the accusations made against him.
    “I have had nothing but great admiration for Prof Boateng’s public-spirited works and as an inspirational citizen. I feel gravely offended over the false claims he has made and the hurtful conclusions he has sought to exact about me precisely because of the great esteem in which I have held him,” he said.
    Frimpong-Boateng, after seeing this, decided to respond by saying that it was normal for people in high positions in government to deny allegations, and that he had good advice to offer Oppong-Nkrumah.
    “When I was part of the government, we were colleagues, and I related to you as such. Now I will advise you as my son, just as I do my children. After all, you are the same age as my fourth-born son. When I returned to Ghana from Germany to start the cardiothoracic project, you were just six years old as my fourth child. I will not lie to you or insult you or be harsh on you. My advice is always to remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescent.”
    Frimpong-Boateng also revealed current activity of galamsey close to Oppong Nkrumah’s hometown and urged his former colleague to investigate and take appropriate action.
    “I don’t want to believe that what the person said about your role is true. The important thing is that Chinese and their Ghanaian collaborators are engaged in illegal mining at your doorstep.”

  • Political power is short-lived – Prof Frimpong Boateng to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

    Political power is short-lived – Prof Frimpong Boateng to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

    Former Minister for Environment Science Technology and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has issued an advice to Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to execute his mandate as a government official with utmost diligence since political power is short-lived. 

    In a statement, he advised the Minister to eschew all forms of ‘evil tactics’ in the performance of his role in government. 

    “My advice is, always remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescenti In about 2 years’ time you may no longer be in government and you may experience the real world as former high profile political power holders do. 

    “I will urge you to do your work diligently and avoid the coded and evil tactics Mr. Paul Adom Okyere boastfully and unashamedly told the world on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ that you employ to deal with your real and perceived enemies,” he said.

    The former Minister’s remarks is in reaction to Mr Oppong Nkrumah’s response to the claims in the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) report which suggest that Mr Oppong Nkrumah had hatched a grand scheme to tarnish the image of the Professor when he (Prof Boateng) was chairman of the IMCIM, a claim the Minister has vehemently denied. 

    In a subsequent response, the Minister said he is not surprised that Mr Oppong Nkrumah denied the claims.

    “I have read your response to what I wrote about you in the report I sent to the Chief of Staff a little over two years ago. You have denied what I wrote and that is normal. Very few people in your position will own up to their wrongdoings.

    “I have good advice for you, though. When I was part of the government, we were colleagues and I related to you as such. Now I will advise you as my son, just as I do my children. After all, you are the same age as my 4th born son. When I returned to Ghana from Germany to start the cardiothoracic project you were just 6 years old as my 4th child. I will not lie to you or insult you or be harsh on you,” he said.

    Prof Frimpong-Boateng further revealed that he had received a tip-off from someone from the Minister’s constituency that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey is going on in the area.

    “Let me touch briefly on Illegal mining. Last week someone from your constituency sent me a video recording of illegal mining activities close to your hometown. I don’t want to believe that what the person said about your role is true. The important thing is that Chinese and their Ghanaian collaborators are engaged in illegal mining at your doorstep. I encourage you to investigate it and take appropriate action. The President of the Republic assures Ghanaians again and again that he is serious with the fight against Illegal mining,” he said.

  • Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah masterminded my dismissal – Prof Frimpong Boateng reveals

    Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah masterminded my dismissal – Prof Frimpong Boateng reveals

    Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has accused the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, of plotting to run him down in his report to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo.

    The purpose of the 37-page report, dated March 19, 2021, submitted by the former minister of environment, science, and technology was to inform the president about the Committee’s efforts to combat illicit mining and the “path forward.”

    As sighted by GhanaWeb, the former minister in his report made several allegations against some government and political party officials who made various attempts to thwart his efforts in clamping down on illegal mining.

    One of the big names indicted in the report is the Minister for Information who according to Mr Frimpong Boateng gathered and incited a team of journalists to attack him.

    “On Saturday the 8th of February 2020. Mr. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Minister for Information assembled a group of journalists from both NDC and NPP-affiliated media houses at the Forest Hotel in Dodowa to discuss a strategy to bring me Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng down.

    Whilst they were there a journalist from among the group called a friend of mine, also a journalist, and informed him about the plot that was being hatched.

    He further informed my friend to watch out for headlines in some newspapers in the days following the meeting,” he stated in the report.

    Subsequent to the said meeting, the report to the president captured that various stories were published in the media against his person and that beyond that, the minister for information sought to run him down during cabinet meetings.

    “On Monday, 10′ February 2020, the INFORMER Newspaper, whose Editor was at the meeting had the Banner Headline on its front page as reproduced below:

    “As if that was not enough on Thursday, 13th February 2020 at the 71st Cabinet Meeting, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah in his regular report to Cabinet talked about news that was trending in the week.

    “The first thing he mentioned was Frimpong-Boateng and 500 missing excavators,” the former minister said.

    As part of his report, Prof. Frimpong Boateng alleged that some members of the Committee including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah sabotaged his work.

    “It must be noted that Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah, as Minister for Information, was a member of the IMCIM and he never called me to find out what I knew about ‘missing excavators’ but he found it worthwhile to magnify it in press and also present the falsehood before Cabinet for reasons best known to him and his co-conspirators.

    If Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah and the likes of him have presidential ambitions they should pursue it on merit and not attempt to destroy a hard working patriot, whose only ambition is work to achieve a Ghana Beyond Aid,” the report captured.

    “After the 2020 general election, Oppong-Nkrumah on many occasions attributed the below expectation performance of the NPP to the Government’s management of the ‘banking crisis and the galamsey fight’.

    The fact is that those who did not vote for the NPP in the galamsey areas were not the miners but rather the hundreds of thousands of people living in the communities bordering the forests reserves, who were being harassed by mining companies such as Heritage Imperial,” he added.

    Following his removal from office by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2020, Prof. Frimpong Boateng disclosed that his exit from the Science and Technology Ministry was a grand scheme orchestrated by some elements in the government and the New Patriotic Party.

    According to him there were people in government that wanted him out because of his stance on illegal mining activities in the country.

  • Parliament content with size of government – Oppong Nkrumah

    Parliament content with size of government – Oppong Nkrumah

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has stated that Ghana’s Parliament is not of the view that the size of the Akufo-Addo government is too big.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah argued that the recent approval of six new ministerial nominees by parliament following their vetting by the appointments committee, underscores his position.

    Despite the house being a hung parliament, all the six ministerial nominees got majority votes from across the aisle.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah told Accra-based Joy News when asked about the clamour by the opposition and civil society organisations for the downsizing of the government: “The understanding I have is that parliament does not even share that view”.

    “You saw what happened in parliament the last time; literally that question was put on the table”, he said in reference to the plenary vote on the six nominees.

    The Ofoase Ayirebi MP said: “Despite all the conversations, the last time it was put on the table, you saw the numbers. So, parliament, as a body, does not even share that view”.

    According to him, the extra MPs appointed as ministers do not cost the state extra money.

    “It doesn’t cost the taxpayer any extra because they are paid as Members of Parliament,” Mr Nkrumah reiterated.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah, however, said the government was ready and open to possible ways of cutting down on expenditure.

    “There’s already been action on various levels, and I’ve mentioned that the doors are not closed to further cuts as are being examined. And as we go through and as we examine some more, there are places where some more cuts can be done. It makes sense to make those cuts,” he noted.

  • There were already three new taxes- Oppong-Nkrumah

    There were already three new taxes- Oppong-Nkrumah

    Minister of Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has stated that the three tax bills that were passed by Parliament on March 31, 2023 were already existing taxes that needed amendments.

    According to him, the notion that these taxes were new and will cause hardships and overburden Ghanaians is not true.

    Last week, parliament passed three revenue bills namely the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, the Excise Duty and Excise Tax Stamp (Amendment) Bill, and the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill.

    Government however believes that the implementation of these revenue bills will rake in about GH¢4 billion annually to support domestic revenue mobilisation.

    The information minister on his part explained that the tax measures have been expanded to make room for some other components to be added to the scope of the taxes.

    Oppong-Nkrumah told Asaase Radio that “…These three revenue bills that have just been passed by Parliament are actually not three new taxes.”

    “The Income Tax Act already exists; the Excise Duty Levy Act already exists and the Fiscal Responsibility Act already exists. The view of the fiscal policy managers is that there are some categories of persons and some transactions that are not covered by these already existing acts.

    “And therefore, it is important to expand the base and include those ones in these already existing revenue measures,” Oppong-Nkrumah added.

  • Lack of access to the international capital markets is not good for Ghana – Information Minister

    Lack of access to the international capital markets is not good for Ghana – Information Minister

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has bemoaned Ghana’s inability to access the international capital market and its impact on the domestic economy.

    He made the statement on the back of the need for new tax bills currently before parliament to be passed as soon as possible.

    According to him, the passage of tax measures are necessary at this point to widen Ghana’s tax net since the country has been locked out of the international capital market due to the current economic crunch.

    The three new tax bills before parliament are expected to rake in GH¢4 billion annually when passed.

    “If we don’t do what we have to do for the country, we will have major challenges. So, this is a set of measures we must ensure is worth passing. This is a major bridge we have to cross in closing this revenue gap and ensuring that there is more liquidity.

    “We are not in a good place because we don’t have access to the international capital market. Having hard currency to service our import obligations is significantly being threatened,” he is quoted by citinewsroom.com

    The bills before the House for consideration include the Income Tax Amendment Act, Amendment Act, the Growth and Sustainability Act, and the Excise Duty.

    However, these have faced some opposition since they were laid before parliament last week.

    Oppong Nkrumah also reiterated the need to fast-track talks with the International Monetary Fund in order to avert further economic challenges.

    “It is important we complete all prior actions, lock up this deal and get a shore up best from the IMF and other inflow sources and do certain broad things to ensure that the economy doesn’t crash and expand investments that will bring economic inclusion. We need to do what must be done to ensure that we cement the kind of relative stability we have had in the last four to five months and gradually begin to reverse the economic challenges we have had,” he added.

    He also urged members of parliament to support the passage of the bills as soon as possible.

    “To our colleagues in the Minority, I think it is clear that we need to work together to achieve a certain objective for the country. My appeal to those in government, Minority, economic groups is that, we must ensure that these revenue bills are passed,” Oppong-Nkrumah urged.

  • Government reacts to enskinment of new Bawku Naba; says it’s illegal

    Government reacts to enskinment of new Bawku Naba; says it’s illegal

    Government has waded into the enkinsment of a new Chief in Bawku. According to the Information Ministry, the enskinment of the new Bawku Naba at Nalerigu is illegal. 

    In a press release issued by the Ministry on Wednesday, February 15, the government said the act is a national security violation. 

    “The Government condemns developments in Nalerigu today February 15, 2023, concerning the purported enskinment of a new Bawku Naba as illegal and a threat to National Security,” excerpt of the statement signed by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said.

    Enskinment of new Bawku Naba illegal - Government

    The statement continued that “Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the Bawku Naba, duly gazetted and a member of the National and Upper East Regional Houses of Chiefs.”

    It has therefore, directed the security agencies to arrest and prosecute any other person who holds himself out as a Bawku Naba.

    “Further, any developments that have the potential to undermine the peace of Bawku will also be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with law,” the statement added. 

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Ghana to receive $4.1bn from its cocoa exports in 2025 – Oppong Nkrumah

    Ghana to receive $4.1bn from its cocoa exports in 2025 – Oppong Nkrumah

    Government has projected that the export of cocoa beans will rake in $4.1 billion for the country in 2025.

    According to Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, revenue from cocoa production has been on an upward trajectory since 2019, hence the optimism that the industry would grow some more.

    However, total exports from cocoa stood at $2.213 billion in 2022, a decline from the $2.83 billion recorded in 2021

    Speaking at the launch of the 2023 National Chocolate Week, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah further indicated that revenue garnered from the cocoa sector plays a critical role in the economy by stabilising the cedi.

    “On the average we’re producing about 700,000 metric tonnes of cocoa per year since 2012. It is estimated that the contribution of cocoa to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will rise to about $4.1 billion by 2025.”

    “Cocoa is the third largest foreign earner for the country after gold and crude oil; and revenues from the industry have been on the upward trajectory since 2019. Specifically in 2019, we earned about $2.2 billion, $2.3 billion in 2020, $2.8 billion in 2021 and we’re hoping to grow some more. The cocoa industry is playing a significant role in stabilising the local currency among many other things,” he said.

    The National Chocolate Day Celebration was instituted in 2005 to coincide with Valentine’s Day which falls on February 14 every year to boost the domestic consumption of Ghana’s chocolate and other cocoa-based products, promote domestic tourism and give a healthy orientation to the celebration of Valentine’s Day. Chocolate Day celebration was extended into a full week celebration dubbed Chocolate Week in 2022.

    Present at the launch, Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Emmanuel Ray Ankrah, called for a holistic approach to scrap the 35 % tax on cocoa processing companies.

    According to him, this is a disincentive to startups.

    “We have realised that some current tax regimes are affecting efforts to get more entrepreneurs into cocoa processing and value addition, especially those who are into small-scale cocoa processing. In order to overcome this challenge, we have initiated discussions at Ghana Cocoa Board with relevant state agencies to review and take a holistic approach to the tax regime that affects artisanal chocolate processors.”

    “This is the view of reducing the impact of tax on businesses as a way of cushioning them and make them more competitive,” he intimated.

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has pledged its continuous support to the National Chocolate Week celebration.

    Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey said, “We have managed to establish a high degree association between tourism and cocoa based products, one of which is chocolate and positioned it as a veritable component of the Ghana tourism experience. The socio-economic benefits of the increased local consumption of chocolates are many and the Ministry of Tourism will continue to actively support the National Chocolate Week celebration”.

    This year’s National Chocolate Week celebration is themed, ‘Eat cocoa, Stay healthy and Grow Ghana’.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Let’s work together to arrive at a feasible budget programme – Oppong Nkrumah to MPs

    Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the minister of information, is pleading with the majority and minority parties in the parliament to cooperate closely in order to develop a workable budget plan that will set the Ghanaian economy on the route to recovery.

    The Minister hinted in a tweet that the government’s economic plan for the following year, which will be delivered to Parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, will focus on responsible economic policies that will help restart the economy and, as a result, require cooperation from both sides of the house.

    “The basis of our recovery is intended to be the 2023 budget.
    To create a workable budget program, Majority and Minority will need to collaborate in the interest of the country, he tweeted.

    Hinting on some key pillars of the budget, the Minister said it will focus on restoring macroeconomic stability, arresting the escalating cost of living, achieving moderate growth and completing ongoing government projects across the country.

    This, he said the budget statement is a prerequisite for securing an IMF deal and therefore must be carefully crafted in order to get the buy-in of all segments of society.

  • Let’s work together to arrive at a feasible budget programme – Oppong Nkrumah to Majority, Minority

    Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the minister of information, is pleading with the majority and minority parties in the parliament to cooperate closely in order to develop a workable budget plan that will set the Ghanaian economy on the route to recovery.

    The Minister hinted in a tweet that the government’s economic plan for the following year, which will be delivered to Parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, will focus on responsible economic policies that will help restart the economy and, as a result, require cooperation from both sides of the house.

    “The basis of our recovery is intended to be the 2023 budget.
    To create a workable budget program, Majority and Minority will need to collaborate in the interest of the country, he tweeted.

    Hinting on some key pillars of the budget, the Minister said it will focus on restoring macroeconomic stability, arresting the escalating cost of living, achieving moderate growth and completing ongoing government projects across the country.

    This, he said the budget statement is a prerequisite for securing an IMF deal and therefore must be carefully crafted in order to get the buy-in of all segments of society.

  • Economic crisis: Akufo-Addo won’t agree with you – Oppong-Nkrumah to Ablakwa

    The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has noted that the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has not imposed economic difficulties on anyone.

    His comments were a reply to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s opinion that the president, in his latest address, should have apologised for imposing hardships on Ghanaians.

    Speaking on Peace FM on November 1, Oppong Nkrumah disagreed and said the North Tongu MP’s claim was false.

    “First of all, it is not true. Akufo-Addo has not imposed economic difficulties on people. If you say the President should say he is sorry for the hardship he has imposed on you, I’m not sure the president and his spokesperson will agree with you,” he said.

    He, however, stated that he did not want to engage in partisan politics, especially in these economic times.

    Oppong Nkrumah further acknowledged the suggestions of Okudzeto saying “In recent times, people have shared a lot of ideas and so we will add it to the ideas that have come forward.”

    The president addressed the country on October 30, 2022, on measures the country is adopting to solve the current economic crisis.

    Barely a week after that address, hundreds of Ghanaians have hit the streets of Accra to demand his resignation.

  • Looming China-Taiwan conflict will have a greater effect on Ghana just like Russia-Ukraine war – Oppong-Nkrumah warns

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has warned of a possible “third problem” that can worsen the country’s economy despite the dire effect of the Russia-Ukraine war which the government has identified as a prime cause of Ghana’s economic crisis.

    Mr Oppong-Nkrumah expressed his disappointment in the Ghanaian media over the lack of attention on China’s possible takeover of Taiwan which is a matter of concern to other countries.

    Instead, there are calls for the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to accept the blame and apologize to Ghanaians for the economic crisis under his government.

    Key personalities in the country including Broadcaster Nana Aba Anamoah called on Akufo-Addo to apologize to the good people of Ghana during his State address on the economy on October 30 but reacting to these calls on Asempa FM, Mr Oppong Nkrumah explained that the ‘mess’ was not created by the government. He was quick to once again cite the effect of the Russia-Ukraine war on the global economy.

    “The president admitted that we are in crisis. There was a part in his speech where he noted that we can’t take lightly the situation despite the global crisis…some people were expecting something different and let’s not reduce the conversation to that. They wanted to hear the president take the blame and apologise.

    “There is a third problem coming, do you know that China has extended the tenure of office for president Xi Jinping? They have extended it by an extra five years…his attempt to annex Taiwan. If indeed China carries on with its plans, its case will be similar to Russia-Ukraine. Can you imagine the damage, especially with the increase in crude oil prices? If indeed China attacks Taiwan, what will be the implication?” he quizzed.

    The Minister sounding the alarm added: “News outlets in other countries are analyzing the implication this possible attack will have on them but in our case, we haven’t taken a look at it but when it happens and we spell out the implications they will say it is pure fabrications but these are the realities in the world we live in. It is therefore not a matter of the president accepting blame because that’s not the matter of fact.”

    The Chinese are seeking full control of the Taiwan island which was historically under their control back in the 17th Century.

    China’s president, Xi Jinping is seeking a “reunification” with Taiwan. The use of force in fulfilling this takeover has not been ruled out according to reports.

    Source: Ghanaweb

     

  • NPA working to secure reliable, cheaper fuel to check escalating prices – Information Minister

    National Petroleum Authority (NPA), together with other stakeholders in the energy sector, is currently scouting for sources that provide feasible and reliable fuel to feed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the country.

    The Information Minister, who disclosed the exercise embarked on by the NPA and some other agencies, explained that the high cost of petroleum products prompted the need to search for favourable alternatives.

    Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah told the media on Monday that Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) are obtaining petroleum products at exorbitant prices. Thus, an increase in the imported products is passed down to the OMCs, who in turn increase their prices at the pumps.

    “The deregulated market we have here where BDCs import from big companies on high fees from the refinery wherever and bring them in is contributing to the quickened escalation of fuel prices.

    “To arrest it, the Energy Ministry working through NPA and other agencies etc has been tasked to find reliable, cheaper sources of fuel for the Republic so that the OMCs locally can tap into and hopefully halt that escalation in fuel prices,” he said.

    This goes to affirm comments made by President Akufo-Addo during his address to the nation on the current stage of the economy last Sunday.

    The President stated that his government would tackle the cost of living by working to stabilise prices of petroleum products through new supply arrangements.

    At the time Mr Oppong-Nkrumah made the comment, a litre of petrol and diesel cost about GH¢15 and GH¢19 respectively.

    In less than 24 hours, fuel prices went up by 20 per cent, with a litre of petrol and diesel selling at GH¢17.99 and GH¢23.49 respectively.

    This implies that a gallon of petrol (3.97 litres) goes for GHS68.18, while that of diesel costs GHS89.03.

    Meanwhile, the government says it would stabilize the prices of petroleum products to mitigate the effects of increased fuel prices on Ghanaians. 

    Following the incessant rise in fuel prices, transport fares were adjusted by 19 per cent on October 29, 2022. 

    The implementation of the new fares has been a hard pill to swallow by several commuters.

    Over the weekend, a passenger exchanged punches with a driver and his conductor over why his fare increased by GHS2 at the Lapaz bus terminal.

    It is alleged that the middle-aged man died after he hit his head on the pavement after being knocked out by the driver. 

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah explains Akufo-Addo’s ‘sika mpɛ dede’ quote

    In his national address on October 30, 2022, President Nana Akufo-Addo clarified his infamous “sika mp dede” remark. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah is the minister of information.

    The President described the steps his administration is taking to address the devaluation of the cedi and revive the economy.

    The President used a metaphorical approach to reassuring the populace of the government’s commitment to addressing the economic difficulties.

    “Fellow Ghanaians, as the French would say, l’argent n’aime pas le bruit, to wit, money does not like noise, sika mpɛ dede. Where there is chaos, where there is noise, where there is unrest, you will not find the money. If you talk down your money, it will go down. If you allow some unidentifiable person to talk down your money, it will go down,” he said.

    The quote has since gone viral spreading across social media, broadcast and print media.

    Explaining the President’s speech, the Information Minister, in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ discussion programme Monday morning, stated that the President’s ‘sika mpɛ dede’ quote was in reference to speculations on the impact of the cedi depreciation.

    He noted that some people are spreading false information that people who have their investments with the banks risk losing them, thus resulting in fear and panic.

    So the quote by the President, he added, is to invoke calm.

    “I think the President said that in reference to the speculation issue. If we don’t let the real purposes for currency trade work and we create panic in the system with people making social media audio that you should remove your money from the bank or else this will happen result in panic and then you will go to the banks and people are trying to do withdrawals to buy dollar because they have seen something on social media or sometimes, you will see news websites [otherwise well-respected news website] has done a story like it happened on Friday that if you have dollar, the government will seize it and give you cedi and that creates panic; so the point the President was making was all those things don’t help,” he said.

    When asked why, of all the President said, this is what has most caught the attention of Ghanaians, the Minister responded; “For every address, there are takeaways.”

  • Government to ban importation of foods, products which can be produced locally

    According to Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the minister of information, the government would soon forbid the importation of goods that can be produced domestically.

    The Minister claims that the action is a part of government attempts to lower the high cost of living in the nation.

    On Monday, October 31, 2022, Oppong-Nkrumah declared during the “Nyansapo” breakfast program on Kumasi’s OTEC 102.9 FM that the government will be enhancing local businesses’ capacity to produce more products and employment locally over the following six months.

    He added that excessive importation of certain products particularly foods that can be produced in Ghana will be banned after local producers begin to feed the economy with the needed capacity

    “Government has deployed pragmatic and practical strategies to strengthen the capacities of local producers to help increase the local production of food items”.

    “We have already acknowledged that the present economic woes of the country were a result of the high rate of importation and demand for foreign goods, especially food items”.

    “That is why the government has decided to ban the importation of certain goods such as poultry products, rice, fish, and cooking oil among others,” he said.

    He noted that the high taste for foreign goods was seriously affecting local production adding that government is taking urgent steps to control the situation.

  • Key cabinet decisions to reboot economy to be announced – Oppong Nkrumah

    Following a three-day cabinet retreat, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has decided on crucial measures to restart the economy, according to the information minister, ahead of his much anticipated October 30 economic talk.

    Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah stated that the choices took into account interactions with different economic actors as well as suggestions from the current negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

    He said that the choices made would ultimately address the nation’s economic problems.

    “We’ve wrapped up a three day cabinet retreat during which President Akufo-Addo has settled on key decisions aimed at responding strongly to the impact of the global economic challenges on Ghana

    “This follows a week of interactions with various economic actors and inputs from the IMF negotiations so far. Tomorrow evening we start the exercise of rebooting as the Prez outlines measures. #ResolvingTogether,” Oppong-Nkrumah tweeted on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last Wednesday concluded consultations with economic players ahead of the three-day Cabinet retreat to resolve the pressure on the economy and the rising cost of living, GNA reported.

    The consultations, which started on Tuesday at the Jubilee House, Accra, were to enable the government to get the players up to speed with measures being adopted to mitigate current economic challenges and to get their buy-in to those arrangements.

    Top issues that were discussed over the two-day period included updates on the government’s economic programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the depreciation of the Cedi, and the collaborative effort needed to get the economy back on track.

    Some eight stakeholders, including the Association of Ghana Industries, the Ghana Association of Banks, Transport Operators, Forex Bureau Association of Ghana, Market Women, the Ghana Employers Association, the Private Enterprise Federation, and the Trades Union Congress held “candid” discussions with the President and his economic management team.

  • Address the nation on Cedi depreciation – Sam George tells Akufo-Addo

    Sam Nartey George, a member of parliament from Ningo Prampram, has criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for remaining silent throughout the recent free collapse of the Cedi.

    After three weeks of continuous Cedi devaluation, he said the president’s silence was a proof of evil on his part since he didn’t have the decency and politeness to address Ghanaians.

    The lawmaker stated that the president’s behavior “goes beyond being stupid, dumb, hapless and downright unfit for the job you occupy.”

    The president has been urged by Sam George to address the nation of Ghana about the declining cedi and get up from his sleep.

    “Dear President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, after 3 horrendous weeks of a constantly declining currency, you are yet to have the decency and courtesy to address the Nation.

    “What is wrong with you? Don’t you realise Ghanaians are suffering? Have your handlers not told you what is happening? What are you waiting for before speaking to us as our President? This goes beyond being incompetent, clueless, hapless and downright unfit for the office you occupy.

    “Sir, this is wickedness in high places! Awake from your slumber and address the Nation. The true essence of a Leader is felt in the face of adversity. Not in verbose flowery statements made in plagiarised speeches. Somebody wake Mr. President from his deep sleep,” the Ningo Prampram wrote on his Facebook page.

    The Cedi has struggled against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar in recent weeks. At present, it is being traded at GH₵15 to $1 at some forex bureaus.

    The dire situation has compelled the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addisson to meet banks and operators of Forex Bureau to discuss the issue.

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has also indicated that a series of consultations have began at top government level to curb the depreciation and that President Akufo-Addo will soon address the nation on the issues.

  • Economic crisis: Times are hard – Majority Chief Whip admits

    Habib Iddrisu, the majority chief whip, acknowledged that Ghanaians endured difficult economic conditions.

    However, he said that the administration was putting sensible measures in place to deal with the situation.

    On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Mr. Iddrisu said on TV3’s New Day program, “I do agree that things are tough, but this government is working hard to resolve [the issues].”
    There is not a single nation that is not struggling economically.

    Ghanaians have recently lamented the rising costs of goods and services, gasoline prices at different pumps, and transportation costs.

    Traders in the past week also closed down their shops to demonstrate against government over the high cost of doing business and the depreciation of the cedi.

    According to them, the frequent depreciation of the cedi has significantly affected their working capital.

    Meanwhile, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has noted that government was putting measures in place to stabilize the cedi.

  • Economic crisis: ‘Ken Ofori-Atta must go’ – Some tweeps

    Some Ghanaians have used the microblogging platform Twitter to demand Ken Ofori-Atta, the finance minister, be fired.

    This follows a petition signed by over 80 NPP MPs calling for the dismissal of Charles Adu Boahen, the Minister of State for Finance, and Ken Ofori-Atta.

    The MPs claimed that their attitude was prompted by a number of issues with the administration’s handling of the economy, which led to the government turning to the IMF for help.

    Many people have joined the movement started by broadcast journalist and general manager of the EIB Network, Nana Aba Anamoah, to express their discontent with the state of the nation’s economy.

    She said, “Whatever you tweet add #KenMustGo”.

    A tweep, with the username, uniorkingp said, “At this point, I can say Ghanaians dey go through alot. Chale the hardship is real #KenMustGo.”

    Another tweep called EkowDjan said, “#KenMustGo is not enough! Bawumia should be sacked from his position as Head of Economic Management team. Akufo-Addo must come out boldly to apologize to the business community and the people of Ghana for their failure. His unintelligence has caused this country greatly!”

    Traders in the past week closed down their shops to demonstrate against government over the high cost of doing business and the depreciation of the cedi.

    Customers, on the other hand, have also lamented the high prices of goods and services on the market, increase in fuel prices and transport fares.

    Reacting to this, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah on Monday, October 24, 2022, noted that government was putting measures in place to stabilize the cedi.

    Read some tweets below;

    At this Point, I can say Ghanaians dey go through alot. Chale the hardship is real #KenMustGo pic.twitter.com/cak3UGON0n

    — RING MY LINE (@juniorkingp) October 25, 2022

    Hmmm this Rawlings agenda must come again ???? cos it’s not even funny. Whiles we talk about the FINANCE MINISTER let’s keep eye on the sellers as well ????????????????????Ghana #KenMustGo pic.twitter.com/UVc1al2cj6

    — pretty Jane???? ???????? (@JanepherKE) October 25, 2022

    As usual, #KenMustGo is just a camouflage to divert the anger and energy of the youth. The next Finance minister will work in the same leadership and system. We should be smart enough to lead a charge beyond this – a constitution review, institutional accountability…stay woke!!! https://t.co/TFQg1ef9Il

    — Cloude ???????????????? (@dmcloude) October 25, 2022

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta must go.

    In compliance with Article 82 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the NDC Caucus in Parliament has successfully filed a motion for his immediate removal.

    We’re glad there’s positive indication some of our NPP colleagues will support us./1 pic.twitter.com/aqIYt2GWaK

    — Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) October 25, 2022

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah tops Twitter trends after breaking silence on Cedi depreciation

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah is currently topping trends on social media platform; Twitter, after he broke the silence on the cedi depreciation.

    This comes after many Ghanaians took to social media to react to the high cost of living and the lack of government effort to curb the cedi depreciation.

    On the Interbank forex rates from the Bank of Ghana on October 24, 2022, the Ghana Cedi is trading against the dollar at a buying price of 12.5244 and a selling price of 12.5370.

    However, on October 24, the information minister revealed that the government is engaged is in a series of consultations with relevant stakeholders in the financial sector to solve the issue of the cedi depreciation.

    Aside from that, the Economic Management Team, chaired by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, will also hold a series of meetings with other stakeholders, Asaaseradio.com adds.

    This consultation will end with a cabinet retreat, after which the president will address the nation with steps taken to solve the current economic hardship.

    Following these revelations, the information minister has topped Twitter trends as many have expressed mixed reactions to this development.

    Pharuk FK posted “I’m certain that Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in his private moments will have regrets being the minister of information now. The most difficult job in Ghana now is attempting to defend this government.”

    Another user said “The hardest job on earth today is being an information minister to Akufo Addo’s government. Man will say shit then they’ll ask you to come and clarify. I pity Oppong Nkrumah. His credibility gone all in the name of being a minister.”

    Here are some of the tweets:

    Oppong Nkrumah and the NPP are waiting for cocoa Syndicate loan to stabilise the cedi for 2 weeks max! This loan is a great canker! Oppong Nkrumah is gradually becoming a clown in the face of Ghanaians. He will realise it when he is out of power! @NAkufoAddo

    — ELSolo (@elsolo_gh) October 25, 2022

    The hardest job on earth today is being an information minister to Akufo Addo’s government. Man will say shit then they’ll ask you to come and clarify. I pity Oppong Nkrumah. His credibility gone all in the name of being a minister.

    Ghana cedi WhatsApp #FixtureBoca

    — King Geoffery ???????????? (@Meister_studio) October 25, 2022

    So wait ooh, Does this mean Ghana as a country don’t have any gold reserve? Other countries that don’t even produce gold do have reserves. If we had a reserve,I think it would have helped us a lot as a country in times like this. ???????? The NPP NDC Len Ofori Atta Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

    — Abdul-Jawad Baba (@AbdulJawadBaba) October 25, 2022

    I can’t believe this. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on Joy FM, rattled like a Parrot on the deficiencies of the NDC/JDM. It was bcs he said he cld defend the incompetence of Akufo Addo, that was why Hamid was removed & he given the position. How can he be tired now? What a shame. https://t.co/S61kW6X9Sp

    — Jojo Bruce-Quansah (@BruceJojo) October 20, 2022

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah take elitism scam most of the youth in this country… man knows nothing.. Big time Fraud ????????????

    — Paa Kwesi (@papakwesi_jr) October 24, 2022

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah hints at a meeting by the Economic Management Team to tackle the economic crisis.

    Any expectations of this meeting? pic.twitter.com/K3b2D6Zijr

    — With All Due Respect (@cdzas) October 25, 2022

    “I’m tired of defending” – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to govt pic.twitter.com/pRCH4vn65j

    — Paa Kwesi (@papakwesi_jr) October 19, 2022

  • If you won’t sack Ofori-Atta, listen to the public and reassign him – NPP group

    A pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) organization called Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) is worried about the state of the economy and wants President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take action to stop the decline.

    In a press release dated October 24, 2022, the group bemoaned the ongoing decline of the dollar, attributing it to bank swindlers, and urged the government to take action to reverse the trend.

    They provided a list of potential solutions to the economic crisis, placing particular emphasis on the need for Ken Ofori-Atta, the finance minister, to resign even though the president is unwilling to do so.

    “Mr President, also critical is the mass belief by Ghanaians that the minister of finance is doing very little to shore up confidence in the market. Nonetheless, but arguably so, there is a broad perception of him not doing much, coupled with his attack on the IMF.

    “The finance minister believes that going to IMF has a dire effect on the economy and that Ghana won’t seek any support from the IMF. AFAG finds it inconsistent of him, therefore, to lead the IMF negotiations or remain in office now that the government is seeking a bailout,” the AFAG statement read in part.

    One of their resolutions on how to get Ghana out of the economic quagmire was for the president to relieve Ofori-Atta of his current position but to still allow him to serve in another capacity in government.

    “The minister of finance and the Minister of State at the Ministry, Ken Ofori Atta and Charles Adu Boahen must be reassigned,” their first resolution read.

    AFAG also wants president Akufo-Addo to produce an economic recovery programme because they believe that the International Monetary Fund, IMF, support alone will not solve the current crisis.

    “Over the period, you have not also addressed the country. We find this highly unusual based on how in the past, you have fostered cooperation from Ghanaians through your frequent addresses during the covid crisis.

    “We will need you to reduce anxiety in the system and let Ghanaians know the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’,” the statement added.

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has meanwhile revealed that the Bank of Ghana will as of today start taking steps to halt the cedi depreciation.

    He adds that President Akufo-Addo will lead a three-day cabinet meeting over the coming weekend and will address the nation in due course.

    FULL AFAG STATEMENT: Mr PRESIDENT, SPEAK & ACT NOW

    The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) is a public interest advocacy group that shares a lot of centre-right positions on issues that are often in sync with the ideological philosophy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Over the years, AFAG has been quiet out of goodwill toward Government. However, given recent developments, we are forced to depart from our current position on national development.

    Mr President, it is our considered opinion that the current speed of the cedi depreciation is borne out of the mischief of speculators and is purely artificial.

    Although it will reflect various challenges with the balance of payment due to post covid and Ukraine, there is some panic buying, a lack of confidence and a high degree of uncertainty in the financial market.

    Mr President, there is a particular conspiracy theory that points to the central bank’s supervision of the forex market as weak. It is believed that high-placed persons in the central and commercial banks with profit motives auction dollars at an interbank rate, cheaper to the black markets, who then sell it on the market at very high speeds.

    It is also the belief that people in business in the subregions are contributing to the volatile situation by coming into Ghana to sell their currency and buy dollars for cheap in Ghana, and after that, sending it to their countries (where dollars are pretty expensive). Mr President, this is among others.

    Mr President, also critical is the mass belief by Ghanaians that the minister of finance is doing very little to shore up confidence in the market. Nonetheless, but arguably so, there is a broad perception of him not doing much, coupled with his attack on the IMF.

    The finance minister believes that going to IMF has a dire effect on the economy and that Ghana won’t seek any support from the IMF. AFAG finds it inconsistent of him, therefore, to lead the IMF negotiations or remain in office now that the government is seeking a bailout.

    Mr President, it is time to present an economic recovery plan to the nation. IMF intervention would not be enough to salvage the situation.

    Over the period, you have not also addressed the country. We find this highly unusual based on how in the past, you have fostered cooperation from Ghanaians through your frequent addresses during the covid crisis. We will need you to reduce anxiety in the system and let Ghanaians know the “whys” and “hows”.

    RESOLUTION:

    ● The minister of finance and the Minister of State at the Ministry, Ken Ofori Atta and Charles Adu Boahen must be reassigned

    ● some forex restrictions targeted at persons undermining the system, from the central bank through the commercial banks to the unlicensed forex operators

    ● investigate the banks and prosecute officials engaged in forex trading

    ● impose import restrictions on selected items

    ● engaging multinational companies and business ventures contributing to the capital flight.

    ● restricting the forex export to a certain level, at least in the next six months.

    ● Ensuring traders who export US dollars from Ghana annually have imported about an equal amount to the country.

    ● Encourage Ghanaians to understand why the current rates are artificial and how they will trade at a loss when the market settles, and the cedi benchmarks to the US Dollar at its real value.

    Signed
    AFAG LEADERSHIP

  • Cabinet, EMT, banks and forex bureaus to meet over depreciating cedi – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Government has announced plans it says will help end the continuous depreciation of the Ghana cedi.

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah says the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Ernest Addison will tomorrow, Tuesday, October 25, 2022, meet all CEOs of commercial banks and forex bureaus to address the issue.

    The cedi is currently selling at about GH¢14 to the dollar; a situation many say is affecting businesses.

    Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah is optimistic the situation will be reversed.

    “The Bank of Ghana will be meeting the Managing Director of some of the Banks and the heads of the forex bureau association to hold discussions aimed at ensuring that the supply of forex on the market is stabilized and the overpricing is halted so that, those who need forex for business get it without hindrances at the banking halls as against rates on the black market or some other quarters.”

    According to the government’s spokesperson, the Economic Management Team (EMT) as well as cabinet will also be holding talks over the free fall of the cedi and other matters arising from the country’s engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    “We will also be looking at long-lasting measures to ensure that forex rate is stabilized in the country, even as we expect a lot more inflow of forex following the completion of the syndication of the COCOBOD transaction loan. The Economic Management Team is also meeting to appraise itself on some of the recommendations as we get closer to the end of the year. On Thursday, Cabinet itself will be meeting to receive what has gone through the EMT and updates from the IMF negotiation so that some decisions will be made and then update the country on the next step forward.”

    The Ghana cedi has lost close to 50 percent of its value since the beginning of the year.

    Bloomberg has also rated the currency as the worst-performing worldwide after considering a basket of 148 currencies around the world.

    Government has been working to inject some $2 billion into the Ghanaian economy.

    In August, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the 750 million dollars was expected to hit the accounts of the Bank of Ghana from the Afremix Bank whilst the cocoa syndicated loan was to add $1.3 billion.

    Source: Citinews

  • Galamsey could cause ban of our cocoa beans on international market – Agric Minister

    The country’s cocoa industry is in grave danger as a result of unlawful small-scale mining (galamsey), according to Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto.

    The minister claimed in an interview with Kumasi-based Luv FM that galamsey might result in a ban on Ghana’s cocoa if ever levels of cyanide, mercury, and other toxins are found in the beans.

    He acknowledges that the potential ban will have an impact on the economics of the nation because cocoa exports are a significant source of foreign cash.

    “It is very important. It is the water pollution, cyanide and other chemicals, mercury that go into the food chain and ends up in our stomachs.

    “To me, that is the most dangerous part, it is not the quantity but it is the negative environmental impact…If we send a consignment of cocoa to say Belgium and they tested and find any trace, they could ban our cocoa exports.

    “So it is not so much the impact of the production as to endangering our international trade, and the only thing we have is cocoa.

    “Immediately, the danger of these cyanide and these very dangerous chemicals going into our products, which we send abroad, will endanger our export earnings which for me is the biggest concern,” Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto stated.

    The Agric Minister is not the only one to warn of the possible international ban on Ghana’s cocoa beans. Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah in a post earlier this week, cautioned of a similar situation when he posted on Facebook that Ghana’s cocoa and coffee could be banned from the EU under new rules.

    However, the European Union in Ghana has allayed fears of a ban adding that the new legislation is to be used as a check to improve the quality of cocoa beans from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire – the two world leaders in export of the product.

    “There is no EU ban on Ghanaian cocoa. On the contrary, we want more. The EU regulation would be used as an opportunity to improve the quality of cocoa from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. And we are helping these two countries to meet sustainability expectations,” it tweeted on October 4.

    Ghana has been waging war on the activities of illegal miners however it is widely believed that the fight has not yielded the desired results.

    The discolored nature of water bodies as well as general environmental degradation has been used as a testament to the failed fight.

  • ‘It’s galamsey galore in Ghana’ – Oppong-Nkrumah’s 2016 tweet re-emerges

    In May 2016, The Economist made a tweet about the effects of small-scale illegal mining (galamsey) in Cote d’Ivoire, to which the current Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, reacted.

    The tweet read, “In Ivory Coast, the government has shut down more than 280 illegal mines since last year.”

    In a retweet, Oppong-Nkrumah, who was at the time a parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Ofoase Ayirebi constituency, called out the government of the day for their poor fight against the galamsey menace in the country.

    “And in Ghana it’s Galamsey galore. Governments can act if they really want to,” he retweeted.

    Today, the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, under which Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah serves as Minister of Information, has been bombarded with perhaps the worst effects of galamsey in the country.

    This is beside the several attempts made by the government to fight the menace, which continues to destroy water bodies as well as forest covers.

    See the tweet below:

    And in Ghana it’s Galamsey galore. Governments can act if they really want to. https://t.co/J3e3Id9iud

    — Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (@konkrumah) May 11, 2016

  • There is no ban on Ghana’s cocoa – EU Ambassador to Ghana

    Irchad Razaarly, the ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, has refuted accusations that Ghana may soon be unable to export cocoa and coffee to some foreign markets because of new European legislation.

    She claims that the EU has not prohibited Ghana’s cocoa from reaching the European market.

    Irchad Razaarly said, “The EU’s legislation on afforestation and forest degradation must not be considered as a danger to Ghana’s cocoa business,” during the second Orange Cocoa Day 2022 in Accra.

    She said the EU was in support of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire among all of the producers who meet the export requirements.

    “The call for more sustainable cocoa production is growing globally. And our citizens in Europe are increasingly demanding measures for ensuring that cocoa and other commodities are produced in a socially environmental sustainable way. This explains EU’s legislation on afforestation and forest degradation and must not be seen as a threat to Ghana’s cocoa,” Irchad Razaarly stated.

    “There is no ban on Ghana’s cocoa. On the contrary, we want more of Ghana’s cocoa, and we are in support of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire amongst all of the producers who meet these requirements,” the European Union Ambassador to Ghana stated.

    Her comment comes on the back of a report by Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah warning that Ghana might soon be unable to export cocoa and coffee to some international markets.

    According to Oppong-Nkrumah, the ban might happen because of a new legislation in Europe.

    In a post shared on Facebook, the minister indicated that the government was warned of this move by the Ghana Embassy in Belgium, which has started working to ensure that the ban does not come into force.

  • Sustainability requirements shouldn’t be a ruse to block our cocoa and coffee – Oppong Nkrumah

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has called on the European Union (EU) to work with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries to prevent its proposed ethical and sustainable supply chain rules from becoming a burden for the local cocoa and coffee industry.

    According to Nkrumah, though the new legislation is a way to drive better practices within the cocoa and coffee subsector, more importantly, the EU must work with ACP countries in achieving these sustainability standards else, it risk putting players within the value chain out of business.

    He made the call when he chaired a two-day forum on the future of Ghanaian cocoa and coffee value chains in the face of this new EU legislation at the “Alliances in Ghana: Coffee and Chocolate at the table” in Brussels, Belgium organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Ghanaian Mission in Brussels last week.

    “At a time where farmlands are coming under threats for competing and more rewarding economic activities, sustainability is a matter that requires some more attention. By no means however should sustainability be used as a pretext to limit market accessibility. Exchange of best practices and technical assistance is necessary so that we can have a win-win situation in all of this,” he said.

    “Farmers deserve a recompense for their hard work and should not be left out in any business or policy negotiation. Their social reality and cultural context must be considered when designing legislation so they may meet their demands and not bear a disproportionate burden for complying with the regulation,” he said.

    EU lawmakers have backed a proposal for a law that will ban the sale of agriculture products linked to the destruction of forests, and human rights violations. The bill was supported by 453 votes, to 57 with 123 abstentions.

    The EU Parliament will now start negotiations on the final text with EU member states.

    Once approved, the law would force companies and producers to give assurances that products are deforestation-free and meets EU’s sustainability standards.

    Businesses will be forced to verify that agricultural goods sold in the EU have not been made on deforested or degraded land anywhere in the world.

    This, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said could soon make Ghanaian cocoa and coffee unexportable to many international markets within the 27-nation bloc.

    He said Ghana must act quickly to ensure the two industries meet the interests of European markets else millions of households and the economy in general could be significantly affected by this proposed legislation.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana cocoa, coffee could be banned from EU under new rules – Oppong Nkrumah warns

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has warned that Ghana might soon be unable to export cocoa and coffee to some international markets.

    According to Oppong Nkrumah, the ban might happen because of a new legislation in Europe.

    In a post shared on Facebook, the minister indicated that the government was warned of this move by the Ghana Embassy in Belgium, which has started working to ensure that the ban does not come into force.

    “In Europe, there is a new legislation that could soon make Ghanaian cocoa and coffee unexportable to many international markets.

    “The Ghana Embassy in Belgium under the leadership of Ambassador Sena Boateng has moved swiftly to bring this to the attention of the Government of Ghana. It has also commenced work on realigning Ghanaian and European interests in cocoa and coffee,” parts of the post read.

    He added that Ghana and other cocoa-producing countries in the West African sub-region must act swiftly to ensure that they are on the same page with European countries.

    “Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire need to act quickly to secure the industry while meeting the interests of European markets else millions of households and our entire economies could be significantly affected soon,” he said.

    The European Commission in November 2021 tabled a legislative proposal that aims at curbing deforestation and forest degradation driven by the expansion of agricultural land used to produce specific commodities, namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya and wood, as part of its efforts to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

    The legislation will mandate European countries to come up with regulations that will ensure that their import of these commodities from countries like Ghana are not only legal but are harvested, extracted and processed in a sustainable manner.

    “The proposed regulation should cover high-carbon stock and biodiversity-rich ecosystems other than forests (such as wetlands, peatlands or savannahs), to avoid the problems of conversion and degradation being shifted to these landscapes,” parts of the legislation read.

    The commission also indicated that sanctions on exporting countries who fail to meet the set standards should include a ban on their export.

    View the minister’s post below:

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ghana could soon be barred from exporting cocoa, coffee – Oppong Nkrumah warns

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has warned that Ghana might soon be unable to export cocoa and coffee to some international markets.

    According to Oppong Nkrumah, the ban might happen because of a new legislation in Europe.

    In a post shared on Facebook, the  minister indicated that the government was warned of this move by the Ghana Embassy in Belgium, which has started working to ensure that the ban does not come into force.

    “In Europe, there is a new legislation that could soon make Ghanaian cocoa and coffee unexportable to many international markets.

    “The Ghana Embassy in Belgium under the leadership of Ambassador Sena Boateng has moved swiftly to bring this to the attention of the Government of Ghana. It has also commenced work on realigning Ghanaian and European interests in cocoa and coffee,” parts of the post read.

    He added that Ghana and other cocoa-producing countries in the West African sub-region must act swiftly to ensure that they are on the same page with European countries.

    “Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire need to act quickly to secure the industry while meeting the interests of European markets else millions of households and our entire economies could be significantly affected soon,” he said.

    The European Commission in November 2021 tabled a legislative proposal that aims at curbing deforestation and forest degradation driven by the expansion of agricultural land used to produce specific commodities, namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya and wood, as part of its efforts to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

    The legislation will mandate European countries to come up with regulations that will ensure that their import of these commodities from countries like Ghana are not only legal but are harvested, extracted and processed in a sustainable manner.

    “The proposed regulation should cover high-carbon stock and biodiversity-rich ecosystems other than forests (such as wetlands, peatlands or savannahs), to avoid the problems of conversion and degradation being shifted to these landscapes,” parts of the legislation read.

    The commission also indicated that sanctions on exporting countries who fail to meet the set standards should include a ban on their export.

    View the minister’s post below: