TIG Post

Tag: Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

  • Stay true to the economic record – Oppong-Nkrumah to Finance Minister

    Stay true to the economic record – Oppong-Nkrumah to Finance Minister

    Ofoase Ayirebi MP, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has warned the Finance Minister against including unverified debts in the national budget, cautioning that it could open the door for fraudulent claims against the government.

    In an interview with the media on Monday, March 10, he emphasized that adding questionable liabilities would not only misrepresent Ghana’s fiscal position but also create opportunities for the misuse of public funds.

    “We advise him, stay true to the economic record. Don’t admit phantom debts and phantom figures that people bring to try and bloat the books,” he stated.

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah cited to a case from 2009 during the NDC administration when a new budget category was introduced for legal compensations.

    He noted that this measure was misused by certain individuals, resulting in a widely criticized financial scandal.

    “The last time they did that, if you recall, in 2009, when they admitted phantom debts and created cost centers for it, it became an avenue for people to put things there and collect money. That’s what the Supreme Court described as create, loot, and share,” he recalled.

    The former Akufo-Addo administration’s Minister for Works and Housing and Information has advised the government to be cautious in recognizing liabilities, warning that endorsing unverified debts could result in unjustified payouts to individuals or organizations without legitimate claims.

    He emphasized the need to prevent fraudulent financial claims, stating that incorporating suspicious debts would create loopholes for exploitation by entities not genuinely owed by the state.

    Beyond the potential financial risks, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah cautioned that inflating Ghana’s debt figures could distort the country’s economic outlook and send unfavorable signals to investors.

    “It is important to avoid admitting dubious or doubtful debts, as this will be exploited by persons who the state doesn’t owe,” he emphasized.

    He urged the Finance Minister to ensure transparency and accuracy in financial disclosures, stressing the importance of maintaining credibility in economic reporting to prevent unnecessary panic in financial markets.

    “He should keep fidelity with the economic records of the country and avoid spooking the markets with lamentations,” he advised.

    His comments come amid ongoing discussions on Ghana’s economic trajectory, particularly rising debt levels and fiscal challenges.

    Meanwhile, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson is set to present the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy to Parliament tomorrow.

  • Go to if you want to know the real state of Ghana’s economy – Oppong Nkrumah tells gov’t

    Go to if you want to know the real state of Ghana’s economy – Oppong Nkrumah tells gov’t

    Former Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has argued that Ghanaians don’t require a National Economic Dialogue (NED) to understand the country’s economic situation.

    He pointed out that comprehensive economic data is already accessible through the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

    In this context, he suggested that former President John Mahama could directly consult the GSS for any relevant economic information. Oppong Nkrumah made these remarks during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.

    “We do not need a National Economic Dialogue to determine the true state of the Ghanaian economy. That data is already available at the Ghana Statistical Service, Bank of Ghana, IMF, and other multiple sources depending on what you are looking for,” he stated.

    Mr. Nkrumah’s remarks come in response to the recent establishment of a seven-member NED Planning Committee by President Mahama, as part of his 120-day Social Contract with Ghanaians.

    The committee, led by economist Ishmael Yamson, aims to tackle the nation’s urgent economic issues and lay out a roadmap for long-term development.

    It is tasked with organizing a forum to facilitate policy discussions and consensus-building on strategies that will help position Ghana as a resilient, inclusive, and high-growth economy.

    The committee is expected to submit its findings within a month. However, Mr. Nkrumah expressed concerns, stating that the initiative may give the impression that the government is attempting to backtrack on its previous commitments.


  • NPP has fulfilled 70% of our promises – Oppong Nkrumah

    NPP has fulfilled 70% of our promises – Oppong Nkrumah

    Vice Chairman of the NPP Manifesto Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said that the Akufo-Addo administration has successfully delivered on 70% of the promises made in its 2020 manifesto.

    In an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV, the former Minister of Information highlighted a more stable cedi and lower inflation as key indicators of economic progress.

    Oppong Nkrumah stressed that significant economic advancements have been achieved due to the government’s early policy initiatives. He dismissed claims that the NPP has failed to meet its promises and urged the public to verify the available information.

    Furthermore, he assured that if the party is re-elected, the NPP Manifesto Committee’s plans to tackle the country’s ongoing issues will be implemented.

    “We are of the view that we have done 70% of the things we committed to in 2020. Other independent people can work it out, and we can have a debate about it. We haven’t said we have done 100%; our data tells us that we have done 70%.” 

    “If you look at our economy, the big basket of our economy, various variables are going into it: growth, inflation, jobs, and cost of living.

    If you take all of these parameters from 2016 to 2020, the story is clear: where the trends were going. From 2020 up until now, you can see from all of these indicators the key ones that had some major challenges. 

    “Inflation and currency depreciation have been perhaps the most significant; you have seen growth picking back after the turbulence that we went through.

    You have seen currency depreciation, though it’s significant, going down after many policies were introduced to arrest the situation. We have seen inflation trending downwards because some interventions were made,” he’s reported to have said.

    The Minister of Works and Housing stressed that the government has accepted responsibility for its unfulfilled promises, recognized the effects of Ghanaians’ growing cost of living, and admitted to being imperfect. 

    “Going into the 2024 elections, not only are we taking responsibility for some of the things that have not been dealt with.

    Because if we hadn’t taken responsibility for the cost of living and how it has impacted Ghanaians, despite the causes, why would we be outlining some of the interventions we say we can roll out?” 

    He asked voters in Ghana to make well-informed choices by closely examining the past performances of the two front-runners for the presidency, National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate John Dramani Mahama and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. 

  • Bawumia prepared to sign anti-LGBTQ bill if it is correctly drafted – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

    Bawumia prepared to sign anti-LGBTQ bill if it is correctly drafted – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will not hesitate to sign the anti-LGBTQ bill into law, provided there are no legal obstacles, according to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Vice Chair of the Party’s Manifesto Committee.

    Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, Oppong Nkrumah stated that Dr. Bawumia has made it clear that he opposes LGBTQ activities and will not support any efforts to normalize or legalize them in Ghana.

    The Housing Minister also noted that the bill is currently under legal review to ensure it adhered to the correct legislative procedures before its passage.

    “It’s being litigated, and I’m not going to make a pronouncement on the legality of that bill, but he has said clearly that he will protect Ghanaian family and cultural values.

    He does not support all these LGBT things that some people are trying to promote. He’s totally against it,” he stated.

    In May this year, Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his stance, making it clear that LGBTQ activities would not be tolerated in Ghana if he is elected president.

    “On this matter of LGBTQ, I want to say again without any equivocation that we will not allow it in Ghana. It is not going to be allowed. Our Bible says no, our Quran says no, and our people say no. So no. That is the answer,” he declared.


    “No man will be marrying a man, no woman will be marrying a woman. It is not our value. And I will stand firm no matter the consequences. We will safeguard our country, and we will safeguard our people,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Ho West MP Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah has challenged Dr Bawumia to compel President Akufo-Addo to sign the bill into law now, arguing that Bawumia, as Vice President, should influence the president to act.

    “If he is man enough to rule this country, he should be able to tell his boss, ‘Look, my boss, this is our cultural value, please sign this bill,’” the MP said on Joy FM’s Top Story.

    On the other hand, Ofoase Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah expressed a different view, asserting that

    “If a bill properly constructed has gone through the processes and is legally laid before him unless there’s something fatally wrong with the bill, he will pass it into law,” Mr Oppong Nkrumah stated.

    He further explained that the current bill is being contested because “There was a decision that had to be made by the Speaker of Parliament whether or not that bill will impose a charge on the public purse.

    “Those who have sued are arguing among other things that the Speaker did not make that determination, and, therefore, could not have admitted it properly as a private member’s bill for it to be passed.

    That is one of the fatalities they are complaining about,” he clarified.

  • 200 homes in Amrahia constructed by State Housing Company 75% complete – Oppong-Nkrumah

    200 homes in Amrahia constructed by State Housing Company 75% complete – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Minister of Works and Housing Kojo Oppong Nkrumah reported that construction of 200 State Housing Company (SHC) homes in Amrahia has reached 75% completion.

    He stated that the project aims to reduce housing costs for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.

    Mr. Oppong Nkrumah received a briefing from the SHC on Wednesday, July 9 regarding the progress of the 200 homes under construction in Amrahia.

    He noted that on this project site, they are implementing parts of the housing incentive package by providing roads and water connections at no cost to the developer.

    “Soon this will be extended to all master developers who sign up for government’s PPP framework for affordable housing,” the Minister wrote on his X platform.

    He stressed, “The objective is to reduce the cost of housing units for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.”

  • Flood control preparedness delayed due to resource constraints – Oppong Nkrumah

    Flood control preparedness delayed due to resource constraints – Oppong Nkrumah

    Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has openly acknowledged that the readiness of flood control measures has been delayed due to resource limitations.

    Speaking on the National Flood Control Programme’s goals, he stressed the urgent need for infrastructure enhancements to prevent recurring floods as the rainy season looms closer.

    Mr. Nkrumah highlighted the financial challenges that have slowed down project implementation, citing funding gaps that prevented the timely completion of initiatives in 2023.

    He noted that although the project is funded at $200 million by the World Bank, the actual expenditure has fallen short of this figure due to sluggish progress for various reasons.

    In an effort to expedite the work, the minister disclosed recent meetings with project coordinators and contractors, urging them to accelerate their efforts.

    He specifically mentioned pending flood control projects in the Kaneshie area of Accra, emphasising the necessity of engagements with locals, compensating affected individuals, and securing essential land areas and detention ponds.

    “So until it is done, and to do that, we have to do the engagement with the people, pay compensation to project-affected people, secure the landlocks that we need. We have to do detention ponds that will arrest the water coming from the hilly areas of the Greater Accra region.”

    “So there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Not all of it has been done. We are running as much as we can. I’m sure you see me every time with the contractor, chasing them, trying to get their payments for them so that they can deliver.

    “But we are behind schedule. We would do our best with the time and resources that we have and we would make a case for more resources and some more seriousness in getting the work done so that in the shortest possible time, it will be a thing of the past,” he said.

    Acknowledging the ongoing delays, Mr. Nkrumah reassured the public of their commitment to working diligently within their current constraints.

    However, he also made a plea for additional resources and increased seriousness in project execution to swiftly address the issue before it becomes a recurring problem.

  • VIDEO: Watch Oppong-Nkrumah lead praises and worship at Ayirebi Easter convention

    VIDEO: Watch Oppong-Nkrumah lead praises and worship at Ayirebi Easter convention

    The Ayirebi Easter Convention, organized by the Church of Pentecost, witnessed a remarkable moment as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, led the praise and worship session.


    The convention, held annually to celebrate the Easter season, saw a diverse congregation gathered in Ayirebi, a town in the Eastern Region, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


    During the event, and former Minister of Information took to the stage with passion and enthusiasm, leading the attendees in soul-stirring worship songs and uplifting hymns.

    Watch video below:

  • Gov’t seeks $100 million in private capital from investors to complete Saglemi Affordable Housing project

    Gov’t seeks $100 million in private capital from investors to complete Saglemi Affordable Housing project

    Minister designate for Works & Housing in Ghana Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, in an episode of PM: Express Business Edition on JoyNews revealed the government’s push for $100 million in private capital from investors to fast-track the completion of the Saglemi Affordable Housing project.

    The government is seeking $100 million in private capital from investors to complete the Saglemi Affordable Housing project.

    “I have instructed the technical working group on this housing project to proceed with an international expression of interest within the next five weeks. This initiative aims to attract private developers to finalise the project for utilisation,” stated the Minister for Works and Housing.

    The Minister further explained that the timeline for subsequent steps would be outlined by the working group during this five-week period, leading up to negotiations with the selected private partner to expedite the project’s completion.

    Following Cabinet’s approval and a comprehensive project review, the Ministry of Works and Housing established a technical working group to ensure timely completion and address identified concerns.

    “At the end of this exercise, going into negotiations, we expect that the private partner the technical committee will settle, can help to quickly complete the project,” Kojo Oppong Nkrumah added.

    Minister Kojo Oppong highlighted the need for additional funds revealed by a forensic audit to finalise the project but emphasised the government’s stance on avoiding taxpayer money for completion, thus turning to private capital.

    Despite concerns about the timeline, Minister Oppong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to timely completion, citing Ghana’s significant housing deficit of approximately 1.8 million and the necessity of suitable policies to tackle this challenge.

    While some question the fundraising strategy and timing nearing the administration’s end, the Minister emphasised the project’s continuity as a government initiative aimed at providing vital affordable housing solutions for Ghanaians.

  • Saglemi has no water, power and sewage facilities to accommodate Akosombo dam spillage victims – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Saglemi has no water, power and sewage facilities to accommodate Akosombo dam spillage victims – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, clarified that the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project is unsuitable for relocating Akosombo Spillage victims due to inhabitable conditions.

    He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing affected residents with housing equipped with essential amenities like clean water, electricity, and sewage facilities.

    Nkrumah’s statement came in response to queries from the North Tongu MP regarding the lack of accommodation for victims of recent VRA-induced floods at the Saglemi Housing Project.

    He assured the House of the government’s dedication to securing suitable accommodation for the victims.

    “Mr Speaker, one of the key considerations by Government in providing accommodation for people affected by the Spillage is to ensure that they are provided with facilities that guarantees their access to potable water, electricity and basic sewage system. The Saglemi Affordable Housing Project is currently not habitable. Electricity and water have not yet been extended to the site. In addition, the site lacks basic sewage system, making it uninhabitable in its current state.”

    “Mr Speaker, I assure this August House of Government’s commitment to facilitate access to decent accommodation for people affected by the dam spillage. Accordingly, provision has been made in the 2024 Budget to provide support to the victims, including the provision of housing.

    “In preparation for the government intervention, the Ministry of Works and Housing has engaged Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) and a roadmap has been drawn for the provision of low-cost housing,” he said.

  • Amorous relationships at Jubilee House; Bongo Ideas fingers Kojo Oppong

    Amorous relationships at Jubilee House; Bongo Ideas fingers Kojo Oppong

    Startling revelations have emerged regarding the abrupt removal of Kojo Oppong Nkrumah from his position as Minister of Information, with allegations of involvement in amorous relationships with female staffers at both the Ministry and the Presidency.

    According to Ghanaian netizen Albert Nat Hyde, popularly known as Bongo Ideas, the decision to remove Kojo Oppong Nkrumah from his ministerial post was driven by concerns surrounding his alleged engagement in romantic relationships with several female employees. 

    The claims, brought to light by netizen, Bongo Ideas, have sent shockwaves through the corridors of power and cast a shadow over the former Minister’s tenure.

    The allegations suggest that Kojo Oppong Nkrumah’s conduct may have compromised the integrity of his office and tarnished his reputation, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to safeguard the government’s image. 

    While details surrounding the alleged relationships remain murky, his removal from the position of Information Minister is viewed as a cautionary move aimed at averting further damage to his reputation and the government’s credibility.

  • We didn’t promise a perfect Ghana – Oppong-Nkrumah

    We didn’t promise a perfect Ghana – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Minister for Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has clarified that the Akufo-Addo government did not promise to create a perfect Ghana but rather pledged to improve the country’s fortunes.

    He emphasized that the concept of perfection was not part of the NPP’s manifesto. Despite the ongoing challenges, he highlighted the government’s progress in stabilizing the economy compared to the previous administration.

    In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Citi TV, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah is said to have acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, many Ghanaians still face difficulties.

    “We are not in a perfect place, but we have made significant progress from where we started in January 2017. We have also made significant progress on the promises and commitments that we made. And we have made significant progress as compared to our peers [NDC].

    “If inflation drops from 50-something per cent to 20-something per cent. What it means is that year to date, the prices of goods and services in the inflationary basket are going up to about 20 per cent, which is still difficult for a lot of people.

    He continued, “If you look at the trend and where we have come from, then you can then make the point that we are making progress. Yes, we are not in a perfect place, but we are making progress. We must consolidate and grow on this path. I didn’t see perfection in the NPP manifesto, perfection was not in the manifesto. Perfection, I’m not sure, that was promised.”

    The Minister for Information also assured that the government would build upon unfulfilled promises.

    “There were some specific promises that were made, a good number of them have been achieved, but some of them have not been achieved. Life is continual, and we will build on those,” Oppong-Nkrumah assured.

  • Oppong Nkrumah misses out on Sports Minister position in Akufo-Addo’s purported reshuffle – Reports

    Oppong Nkrumah misses out on Sports Minister position in Akufo-Addo’s purported reshuffle – Reports

    Speculation is rife within political circles as rumors swirl about an imminent reshuffle in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, marking a potentially significant development since he took office in 2017.

    Multiple media outlets have been abuzz with conjecture, suggesting that several key cabinet ministers may be in line for new portfolios, while others could be on the verge of departing from the government following the conclusion of the party’s parliamentary primaries.

    A recent tweet by Muftawu Nabila Abdulai of Joy FM has added fuel to the fire, hinting at potential changes on the horizon. According to Abdulai’s tweet, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, initially slated to replace Mustapha Ussif as Sports Minister, has reportedly been earmarked for the Works and Housing Ministry role, introducing a new twist to the unfolding narrative.

    Furthermore, there are indications that Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta might finally step down from his position, with Mohammed Amin rumored to be his potential successor. This speculation has garnered considerable attention, as Ofori-Atta has been a central figure in shaping Ghana’s economic policies in recent years.

    In another notable development, Okoe Boye is said to be on the brink of assuming significant responsibilities within the Health Ministry, signaling potential shifts in key areas of governance.

    Meanwhile, recent upheavals in local governance have added to the atmosphere of uncertainty, as 24 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) were abruptly sacked last week, with 26 others swiftly appointed to fill the vacated positions. This sudden administrative reshuffling has further fueled speculation about broader changes within the government’s ranks.

    As the nation awaits official confirmation and clarity from the presidency, the swirling rumors and conjecture surrounding the potential cabinet reshuffle continue to dominate political discourse.

  • District Assembly level operate independently without reporting to Assembly – Oppong Nkrumah

    District Assembly level operate independently without reporting to Assembly – Oppong Nkrumah

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has disclosed that numerous agencies operating at the District Assembly level operate independently without reporting to the Assembly.

    He noted that these agencies often have officers who report directly to officials in the capital, Accra, rather than to the District Chief Executive, resulting in a form of partial administrative decentralization.

    Addressing this issue on Joy FM, Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that this setup raises concerns about the ability of these agencies to integrate into the local government structure and effectively address local issues.

    He underscored that this scenario exemplifies the administrative decentralization highlighted by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    These remarks from the Information Minister come in the wake of statements made by Dr. Bawumia, the 2024 flagbearer of the NPP, during a national address at the UPSA auditorium in Accra.

    Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of bolstering the role of the private sector, advocating for fiscal and administrative decentralization, and enhancing system functionality and institutional performance.

    He asserted that these measures would not only enhance efficiency but also ensure value for money in government procurement processes.

    Dr. Bawumia articulated plans to alleviate the fiscal burden on the government by building upon successful initiatives like Free SHS and Free TVET introduced during Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure.

    Responding to this, Oppong Nkrumah explained that the policies proposed by a Bawumia-led administration would address issues of insufficient funding and low revenues at the District Assembly level.

    He highlighted Bawumia’s active efforts in allocating parts of the infrastructure budget to lower-level infrastructure, a departure from the current regime’s approach.

    Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the distinctions between the ongoing initiatives and the prospective strategies under a Bawumia-led administration set to begin on January 7, 2025.

  • It is disappointing for government to sit unconcerned about Ahmed Suale’s death – UPDN

    It is disappointing for government to sit unconcerned about Ahmed Suale’s death – UPDN

    Journalists nationwide have expressed frustration at the slow progress in achieving justice for the late investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela, five years after his tragic death.

    Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela, an investigative journalist with Tiger Eye P.I., was ruthlessly murdered on January 16, 2019, sending shockwaves through the Ghanaian and global journalistic communities.

    The United Press for Development Network (UPDN), in a statement dated January 16, condemns the lack of progress in bringing the perpetrators to justice and expresses deep disappointment and dismay. The UPDN particularly criticizes the perceived lack of urgency and commitment from key authorities in resolving the case.

    UPDN urges the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to prioritize the investigation into Ahmed Suale’s murder.

    The network finds the lack of accountability disheartening, posing a threat to democracy and press freedom.

    As the 2024 elections approach, UPDN issues a stern warning against any form of press assault and media brutality in Ghana.

    The statement remembers Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela on the fifth anniversary of his murder, acknowledging his impact on fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical journalism.

    UPDN calls for immediate and transparent action to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasizing the urgency to address challenges affecting press freedom in Ghana.

    The statement was signed by UPDN President Kofi Asante Mensah, National Organizer Kelvin Malor, Secretary Betty Boafo, South Korea Coordinator David Albert Quainoo, Media Relations Coordinator Eric Nana Prekoh, and Central Region Coordinator William Hayford Mintah.

    Read the statement by UPDN below

    PRESS RELEASE

    Five (5) Years On: Remembering the Tragic Murder of Investigative Journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela

    ACCRA, GHANA TUESDAY JANUARY 16, 2024; Today marks the solemn occasion of the fifth anniversary of the brutal murder of Mr. Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela, a dedicated member of Tiger Eye P.I. and a fearless investigative journalist. Ahmed Suale lost his life in a callous act of violence on the night of Wednesday, January 16, 2019, sending shockwaves throughout the journalistic community in Ghana and around the world.

    Ahmed was shot twice in the chest and once in the neck by faceless assailants riding motorcycles, in what was a blatant attack on press freedom and the pursuit of truth. His untimely death occurred just months after the airing of the ground breaking investigative documentary “Number 12: When Greed and Corruption Become the Norm,” led by the celebrated undercover investigative journalist Mr. Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    United Press for Development Network (UPDN) stands in solidarity with the family, friends, and colleagues of Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela on this solemn occasion. We remember Ahmed not only for the fearless journalist he was but also for the impact his work has had on fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical journalism.

    The tragic events of that fateful night serve as a stark reminder of the challenges journalists face in their pursuit of truth. The attack on Ahmed Suale echoes the broader threats against press freedom and the dangers faced by investigative journalists who strive to expose corruption and wrongdoing.

    UPDN expresses deep disappointment and dismay at the lack of progress in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. We are particularly concerned about the apparent lack of urgency and commitment demonstrated by key authorities in resolving this case.

    We call upon the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department, DCOP Faustina Agyeiwaa Kodua Andoh, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to prioritize the investigation into Ahmed Suale’s murder. It is disheartening to witness the lapse in accountability for such a grave violation of human rights and an attack on the cornerstone of democracy and freedom of the press.

    Ghana, often hailed as the shining star of democratic values and free speech credentials in Africa, has seen a decline in its world press freedom ranking. This tragic incident and the subsequent lack of progress in ensuring justice serve as a stain on Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democratic principles. Our current world press freedom ranking is a stark reminder of the urgency needed to address these challenges and restore faith in the nation’s commitment to press freedom.

    As the 2024 Parliamentary and Presidential elections approach, UPDN issues a stern warning against any form of press assault and media brutality in Ghana. We firmly believe that when you touch one journalist, you touch all journalists. Our commitment to defending the rights and safety of journalists is unwavering, and we will not countenance any act that undermines the essential role of the media in a thriving democracy.

    UPDN calls for immediate and transparent action to bring the perpetrators of Ahmed Suale’s murder to justice, reinforcing the values of democracy, free speech, and press freedom that Ghana has long championed on the African continent.
    We remember Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela with utmost respect and solidarity.

    Rest in Peace Soldier

    Rest in Perfect Peace Ahmed Hussein-Suale

    God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.

    -End-

    Signed

    Kofi Asante Mensah
    (President)
    Tel: 024-469-0262
    Office: 0302-965-325

    National Communication Bureau

    Kelvin Malor
    (National Organizer)
    024-599-5541

    Betty Boafo
    (Secretary)
    024-487-0055

    David Albert Quainoo
    (South Korea Coordinator)
    +821021174780

    Eric Nana Prekoh
    (Media Relations Coordinator)
    024-646-0428

    William Hayford Mintah
    (Central Region Coordinator)
    024-476-6538

  • Low salaries for Ghanaian journalists a major concern – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Low salaries for Ghanaian journalists a major concern – Oppong-Nkrumah

    The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has raised significant concerns regarding the inadequate salary and remuneration systems for journalists in Ghana.

    Addressing attendees at the second Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) dinner night in Accra on Thursday, Nkrumah emphasized that the problem of poor salaries played a pivotal role in Ghana’s low press freedom index in 2023.

    He urged media owners to prioritize fair compensation for journalists, noting that this is crucial for fostering confidence within the media sector.

    In his speech, Nkrumah highlighted the alarming findings of the World Press Freedom Index for 2023, indicating that Ghana’s ranking was significantly affected by the challenging economic conditions faced by journalists in the country.

    “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.

    He underscored the harsh reality faced by many journalists, stating, “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 payments made on their behalf by their employers.”

    Nkrumah also drew attention to the lack of necessary pension deductions for numerous journalists, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues within the industry.

    He called on journalists to focus on the welfare and economic conditions prevalent in their own profession, urging them to pay attention to these vital concerns.

    “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 concluded.

  • Oppong-Nkrumah criticizes insufficient action against media attackers

    Oppong-Nkrumah criticizes insufficient action against media attackers

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has voiced his concerns about the growing incidents of violence against journalists and called for more robust actions against those responsible.

    He emphasized the importance of swift and decisive justice, urging judges to expedite severe penalties for attackers. Oppong Nkrumah underscored that justice should prevail, irrespective of the social status or political affiliations of the culprits.

    “Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of every democratic society; it is a fundamental right that must be protected and upheld.”

    “We cannot, however, discuss freedom of expression without press freedom and recognising the important role journalists play in our society.”

    The Minister added, “It is our duty to create an environment where journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation.”

    “We must condemn any form of violence against journalists and take concrete steps to provide them with the necessary protection and support.”

    The appeal was issued at the commencement of a training workshop for judges on Monday, December 4, 2023, in Accra.

    The workshop aimed to underscore the vital role of upholding freedom of expression and ensuring the well-being of journalists.

    Emphasizing the commitment to fostering a secure environment for journalists, the Minister stated that the government, through the Ministry of Information, has implemented various programs to support the media sector.

    Since 2019, these endeavors have led to the establishment of key interventions addressing the challenges confronting the media industry.

    A notable initiative was the establishment of the Office of the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists (CMSJ) under the National Media Commission (NMC).

    This office operates within a framework intended for use by all stakeholders to create a safe atmosphere for journalism practice, prevent violence against journalists, safeguard those at risk, and prosecute individuals responsible for acts of violence.

    Through its Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP), the ministry is actively engaging in the training of 250 journalists on emerging issues in journalism.

    This collaborative initiative seeks to strengthen the sector, which has encountered growing challenges in recent times.

    Furthermore, the comprehensive implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Law involves the training and deployment of RTI officers in nearly 600 government offices across the country.

    The establishment of the RTI Commission has played a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to the RTI Act by public offices.

    In addition, the Ministry facilitated an extensive consultation on a new Broadcasting Bill, crafted to enhance the regulatory capabilities of state institutions in overseeing the broadcasting sector effectively.

    Collectively, these initiatives underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting and reinforcing the media landscape amidst evolving challenges.

  • Kojo Oppong Nkrumah describes 2024 budget healthy

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has lauded the 2024 budget, characterizing it as a robust and sensible economic policy.

    Stressing the need to minimize excessive partisanship, he called on all stakeholders to fulfill their respective responsibilities to attain the outlined objectives.

    “…this economic policy is sensible and pragmatic, the budget is healthy and sensible. We all have a responsibility and we must live up to it so that we to achieve objectives. Let us avoid the excessive partisanship,” he said.

    On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, Parliament initiated discussions on the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. To foster broad participation in the debate, specific time allocations have been suggested: 20 minutes for the seconder and Ranking Members of the Finance Committee, 15 minutes for other committee members, and 10 minutes for all other Members of Parliament (MPs).

    The debate will cover various sectors, including governance, security, public safety, finance, economy, energy, infrastructure, social sectors, local governance, youth, sports, tourism, and culture.

    The proposed timetable outlines discussions on finance, agriculture, trade, and industry for Tuesday. Wednesday’s focus will be on communications, energy, roads, works and housing, sanitation, and the environment. Thursday’s agenda includes education, health, employment, youth and sports, tourism, culture, and chieftaincy.

    On Friday, the debate will center around governance, encompassing local government, judiciary, defense, interior, the Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civic Education, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administration of Justice.

  • Oppong -Nkrumah announces National Action Plan to combat disinformation in the country

    Oppong -Nkrumah announces National Action Plan to combat disinformation in the country

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has announced that stakeholders within the communication sector are working together to develop a comprehensive National Action Plan to combat the increasing problem of disinformation in the country.

    The plan, currently in development, is expected to be finalized by December of this year. This initiative follows a recent National Conference on Disinformation and Misinformation, where a 7-point communique was collectively agreed upon by political parties, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media representatives, and development partners.

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the importance of addressing misinformation and disinformation to protect the journalism profession and foster meaningful democratic discourse.

    “Disinformation, if not checked, at the minimum, trust in our cherished profession will soon be eroded. At the most, we will not even have a democracy anymore where people can exchange ideas and make decisions based on truth and fact. We run the risk of shifting to a space where our public discourse is started by misinformation and disinformation, twisted narratives, and sometimes total fabrications.

    “If we get into that space, we cannot have any meaningful forward-looking conversation that builds our society. Because any conversation that starts with disinformation evokes misdirected passions and denies us the ability to discuss and build consensus on solutions cogently,” the Minister said.

    The National Action Plan, as outlined by Minister Oppong Nkrumah, will encompass a range of strategies, including upholding ethical standards in the media, promoting fact-checking in public discourse, supporting high-quality journalism, and advancing civic education. The Minister urged all stakeholders to collaborate and commit to addressing this growing threat, emphasizing that while the government has taken several measures to tackle the issue, eliminating this menace will necessitate a collective effort.

  • Approval for second installment of IMF loan does not hinge on external debt restructuring – Oppong- Nkrumah

    Approval for second installment of IMF loan does not hinge on external debt restructuring – Oppong- Nkrumah

    The Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has confirmed that Ghana has completed the requisite steps to access the second portion of the $3 billion extended credit facility provided by the International Monetary Fund.

    He explained that the country’s approval for the second tranche is based on the positive assessment of the Fund regarding the utilization of the first tranche received in May 2023.

    He made this announcement during an interview on AsaaseRadio on October 16, 2023, “I think it is important to correct that, yes, we have signed off the agreement for the next US$600 million based on the way we passed the first review…but we are not required to complete the external credit exchange before assessing the second tranche.”

    He added, “We are required to demonstrate progress, and that progress will be indicative at least in reaching an understanding with the bilateral creditors and we are hopeful that we will be able to do that before the IMF board meets.”

    The finance minister has guaranteed that the government is on track to “receive assurances from external creditors” about the restructuring of external debt.

    “We have met the Central Bank Governor of China and we don’t perceive any opposition or reluctance in participating positively when it comes to the Memorandum of Understanding on restructuring of our external bilateral debts,” the finance minister said.

    “The Chinese government within the past months is close to reaching a similar deal with Zambia, Sri Lanka, and Suriname, so following that trend, we expect some similar cooperation from them when it comes to Ghana,” he added.

    However, starting on October 16, 2023, the Minister is anticipated to meet with Eurobond creditors to discuss the conditions of the debt discussions.

  • Oppong-Nkrumah backs Bawumia as NPP flagbearer

    Oppong-Nkrumah backs Bawumia as NPP flagbearer

    Minister of Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has thrown his weight behind Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia’s aspiration to become the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 elections.

    He expressed his respect for Dr Bawumia‘s significant contributions to the party over the years during an event in his district that was captured on camera and uploaded on Twitter.

    Describing Bawumia as a steadfast pillar of the NPP, Nkrumah highlighted the vice president’s unwavering commitment to defending the party whenever it faces challenges. He also commended Bawumia’s humility and dedicated approach to party matters.

    “Today, I want to share something with you. Ever since I became acquainted with Dr. Bawumia in 2008 when he was at the Bank of Ghana and I was at Joy FM, and throughout our political journey, I have silently learned some invaluable lessons from him.”

    “Whenever the party finds itself under attack, Dr. Bawumia consistently steps forward to shield it, even at the risk of facing personal criticisms. His commitment to this cause has been unwavering.”

    Nkrumah went on to underscore the principle of reciprocating good with good, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging Bawumia’s dedication and contributions to the NPP. He stressed that Bawumia’s devoted service to the party merits support rather than opposition.

    Citing Proverbs 17:13, Nkrumah quoted, “Whoever repays evil for good, evil will never depart from their house. So, if Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been beneficial to us, should we respond with negativity?”

    He further stated, “In this month, our Chairman and I will cast our votes for him (Dr. Bawumia), and come November, delegates from Ofoase Ayirebi will wholeheartedly support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.”

    Dr. Bawumia is among ten contenders vying for the flagbearership slot, with prominent figures such as former trade minister Alan Kyerematen and Kennedy Agyapong considered his key rivals.

    Following the vetting stage, the NPP will narrow down the ten candidates to five in a preliminary vote scheduled for August. The final contest is set for November 2023, where the party will elect a successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the party’s leader.

  • Oppong Nkrumah lauds the govt’s decision to cut appropriation by GHS21bn

    Oppong Nkrumah lauds the govt’s decision to cut appropriation by GHS21bn

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has commended the government for its decision to reduce GHS21 billion from the 2023 fiscal year’s appropriation.

    Speaking in parliament after Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s presentation of the mid-year budget on 31 July 2023, Mr. Nkrumah acknowledged that although some may advocate for additional budget cuts, he views the mid-year reduction as a favorable move.

    The Information Minister emphasised the significance of fiscal discipline and staying within deficit constraints as demonstrated by the GHS21 billion reduction in government expenditure.

    He acknowledged that part of the reduction was allocated to interest payments but highlighted the government’s determination to streamline financial resources and prioritise development initiatives.

    “I think one of the first things to note is that the appropriation has been reduced by GHS21 billion and I think for those who pay attention to fiscal policy or to the fiscal framework, that is a good thing except that GHS10 billion of that is somewhere around interest payment and the rest is spread across the various expenditure lines”, he pointed out.

    “Nonetheless”, the ,Ofoase-Ayirebi MP noted, “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”.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah also said there were some lessons to be learned moving forward, and “one of them, for example, deals with bolstering the relative stability that the [finance] minister speaks about”.

    The mid-year budget review allowed for an assessment of Ghana’s economic performance and alignment of fiscal policies with national development priorities.

    The reduction in government expenditure was achieved through the successful Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), creating fiscal space for growth-enhancing reforms and managing rising debt costs.

    The budget review also emphasised the government’s growth agenda, prioritising inclusive development and private-sector investments to stimulate job creation and sustainable economic growth.

    Initiatives like the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) Phase II aim to strengthen agriculture, provide opportunities for the youth, and foster economic diversification.

  • 5-year strategic plan for RTI commission launched

    5-year strategic plan for RTI commission launched

    The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has introduced its ambitious “Pathway to Open and Transparent Governance” plan, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and public access to information from government institutions.

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, commended the Commission’s forward-thinking approach and emphasized the significance of their comprehensive five-year strategic plan during the unveiling event in Accra on July 20, 2023.

    Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng, highlighted the plan’s commitment to fostering a culture of openness and responsiveness in public institutions and called for continued support from all stakeholders to achieve improved information dissemination, empowered citizens, and a more inclusive approach to governance over the next five years.

    He said, ” I want to, in particular, commend the RTI Commission for putting up this five-year strategic plan. They’re not only thinking about year by year what they are doing, but they have decided to think through the medium term and outline this five-year strategic plan that we want to outdoor. That is why we need to commend them strongly.”

  • Right to Information Act presented to parliament

    Right to Information Act presented to parliament

    The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on Friday 30 June 2023, delivered the 2022 report on the performance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to parliament.

    In his address, Mr Nkrumah highlighted the crucial contributions of the Access to Information (ATI) Division of the Information Services Department (ISD) and the RTI Commission in driving the successful implementation of the RTI Act.

    “We have made significant strides in enhancing the implementation of the RTI Act,” the Minister stated. “The ATI Division of the ISD has embarked on five major tasks in the year gone by. Significant among these tasks are the recruitment and deployment of Information Officers, and the support to information units,” he added.

    He emphasized that the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency is evident in the inclusion of RTI compliance as Key Performance Indicators in the Chief Director’s Performance Agreement. This step highlights the importance of upholding the principles of the RTI Act and promoting transparency within public institutions.

    Regarding the accomplishments of the RTI Commission, the minister disclosed that the regulatory body had obtained prosecutorial authority from the Attorney General to take action against individuals and institutions that violate the RTI Act.

    He lauded the Commission for conducting compliance surveys, handling review applications, and acquiring additional resources to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.

    “Mr. Speaker, in terms of the work that the regulator has done, the RTI Commission has done in the year gone by, the regulator has secured the prosecutorial mandate from the Attorney General of the Republic, has also conducted compliance surveys, determined review applications that have come before it, secured additional logistics for its operations, promoted the Right to Information Act and its infrastructure and issued guidelines for the compilation and publication of information units,” he emphasised.

    The Minister shared significant data on the number of information requests received by public institutions during the reviewed year. Out of the expected 683 institutions, 382 submitted annual reports to the RTI Commission, showing a 55% compliance rate. These institutions received a total of 783 applications, with 669 being approved, rejected, transferred, or deferred in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act.

    Looking ahead, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah outlined the upcoming plans. The ATI Division aims to implement the Online Records Management System to streamline the online application and request process. Additionally, he promised to present the legislative instrument for the RTI Act to Parliament before the end of the year.

    Regarding the future initiatives of the RTI Commission, he mentioned their intention to establish field offices in Kumasi and Sunyani to provide services closer to the Ghanaian people. The Commission will continue public awareness campaigns and strive to appoint Information Officers in the remaining 333 public institutions, subject to available funding.

  • Contracts of 3 Agenda 111 contractors terminated

    Contracts of 3 Agenda 111 contractors terminated

    Contracts of three contractors under the Agenda 111 project in the Ashanti region have been terminated by the government.

    The contractors were working on the projects sited at Kunsu in the Ahafo Ano South-West District, Manso Adubia in the Amansie South District, Nsuta in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Refgion.

    The contractors, according to the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, failed to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

    He said this at the Minister’s press briefing on the progress of the Agenda 111 hospital projects held at the Trede project site in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti region, which is 62 percent complete.

    Mr Nkrumah, therefore, urged the various contractors working on the hospital projects to do well to meet the KPIs or risk having their contracts terminated.

    The Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Nsiah Asare, indicated that the IMF conditionalities will not affect the Agenda 111 projects.

    Dr Nsiah Asare also assured unemployed health workers, especially nurses and doctors more jobs when the projects are completed.

  • MPs fear the rise of AI; propose legislation

    MPs fear the rise of AI; propose legislation

    Several Members of Parliament (MPS) have demanded the establishment of laws to control the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country.

    Artificial Intelligence tools refer to software applications that employ algorithms based on artificial intelligence to carry out specific tasks and address various challenges.

    During discussions held on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, some legislators emphasized the substantial benefits offered by AI technologies, however, also stressed the need for regulation to ensure they are used in a manner that aligns with appropriate objectives.

    “If we do not act now the future will be bleak for the future of our country. Probably Mr. Speaker, we should consider establishing an artificial intelligence council,” MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, said.

    MP for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah who doubles as the Information Minister added that “those who worked on AI are beginning to worry about the potential.”

    “So it is opportune time for us to consider what kind of architecture, legal or regulatory to limit the most dangerous parts of AI,” he added.

    Geoffrey Hinton, who is regarded as the godfather of AI after quitting Google expressed concerns over the growth of artificial intelligence in all sectors of an economy.

    “I think that it’s conceivable that this kind of advanced intelligence could just take over from us,” the renowned British-Canadian computer scientist told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. 

    “It would mean the end of people,” he added.

    AI tools find applications across numerous industries such as healthcare, finance, marketing, and education. They serve purposes like task automation, data analysis, and enhanced decision-making capabilities.

  • Investigate assault on Dagbon FM journalist – Police told

    Investigate assault on Dagbon FM journalist – Police told

    The Information Ministry has urged the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to conduct an investigation into the assault of one journalist in Tamale.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, unequivocally condemned the act and said such conduct should not be condoned in the country.

    “Attacks on journalists should not be countenanced”, the ministry insisted.

    It comes on the back of an assault on a presenter with Tamale-based Dagbon-FM, a subsidiary of Class Media,

    In a video circulating on social media, the presenter who captured hosting a show live on radio when the programme was suddenly distorted by an ex-NDC Communications Officer who walked in with a ‘macho man’.

    Mr Sadiq Abubakari Gariba, was hosting his political talk show in Dagbanli dubbed Panpantua on Class Media’s Dagbon FM when the visibly angry former Deputy Communications Officer, Iddrisu Hardi Pagazaa, stormed into the studio with a macho man to attack him while the programme was broadcast live on Radio and Facebook.

    The attack coincidentally happened on World Press Freedom Day when Ghana dropped to 63rd on the Press Freedom Ranking by Reporters Without Borders.

    Reacting to the matter, the Ministry in the statement called for “speedy response from law enforcement agencies” to prevent “copy-cat acts and maintain Ghana’s status in upholding press freedom.”

    The Ministry further indicated the Minister’s commitment to support the Journalist if he will require any.

  • Media has played significant role in nat’l dev’t – Govt

    Media has played significant role in nat’l dev’t – Govt

    Government has expressed sincere gratitude for the media’s substantial contributions to the country’s growth.

    The government in a statement issued by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday May 3 called for stronger emphasis on economic rights, considering the recent global challenges.

    This year’s World Press Freedom Day is on the theme ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other human rights.”

    “The media has been instrumental over the years, in highlighting various rights that require attention for full enjoyment.

    “The work of the media also in highlighting instances of abuse of some rights by sections of society has led to redress in many instances. We urge the media to remain resolute on this path.

    “The quest to have all citizens fully access their economic rights is yet to achieve full effect especially as the world faces dim economic forecasts following recent global challenges.”

    “While urging the Media in Ghana to keep the spotlight on all human rights, we encourage an even sharper focus on efforts to ensure that the economic rights of citizens are fully actualized,” the statement said.

    Meanwhile, a former Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) president, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, has urged the media to prioritise the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, given the devastating impact the canker is having on the environment. 

    The Veteran Broadcaster made the call at an event held in commemoration of the International Press Freedom Day held on May 3, 2023, at the Ghana International Press Centre (GiPC) in Accra. 

    During her speech, she called on all media houses to join in the fight and ensure the menace is significantly brought to a halt.

    “I believe all media houses should continually highlight the challenges until the menace is brought to a minimum,” she said. 

    This comes on the back of recent revelations about how Ghana’s mining sector is being exploited.

    First, was a documentary aired by Al Jazeera dubbed “Gold Mafia.” It was revealed in this piece that gold worth $40 million is smuggled out of the country annually.

    Second is the leaked Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) report authored by Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng that exposed a number of government officials as either being involved in galamsey or interfered in the galamsey fight during his tenure as chairman of the defunct Committee. 

    Madam Afenyi-Dadzie during the gathering acknowledged the media’s important role in highlighting the dangers. She, however, bemoaned how the fight has become tough due to ‘powerful’ figures engaged in the menace. That notwithstanding, she urged the media not to give up the fight. 

    “The media played and is still playing its role in raising concern about the dangers of galamsey which threatens our existence as a people. Subsequent developments have shown that the beneficiaries of galamsey are very powerful and will not easily give up irrespective of the danger to our water bodies and environment.

    “On this occasion, it is relevant to remind ourselves that based on the happenings we know now, the agenda to stop galamsey should be treated as a major existential threat that should go beyond the coalition that first highlighted the menace,” she added. 

    Galamsey’s impact on the environment

    Illegal Mining also known as galamsey over the years has had a devastating impact on communities where such activities go on. It is also destroying the country’s virgin forests and water bodies.  

    At a press briefing held at the Information Ministry on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, John M. Allotey, stated that thirty-four (34) of the country’s forest reserves are under threat to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

    Majority of these reserves under threat, he said, were in the Ashanti region.

    He noted that out of the 16 regions of the country, seven have been experiencing some form of illegal mining.

  • You are same age as my 4th son – Prof Frimpong Boateng’s fatherly advice to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

    You are same age as my 4th son – Prof Frimpong Boateng’s fatherly advice to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

    In the aftermath of the leaked Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) report, there have been a series of clarifications and rebuttals from parties mentioned in the report.

    Key among personalities who have refuted allegations leveled against them in the report is Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

    Mr Nkrumah has dismissed the reports by Prof. Frimpong-Boateng that he (Oppong Nkrumah) hired some journalists to scheme to bring him down while he served as Chairman of the now-dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

    In the latest development, the Professor has issued a ‘fatherly advise’ to the Information Minister, urging him to work diligently while in office since political power is short-lived.

    “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 cardio-thoracic 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.

    “My advice is, always remember that political power is both short-lived and effervescent. 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-Otchere boastfully and unashamedly told the world on ‘Good Evening Ghana’ that you employ to deal with your real and perceived enemies,” he said.

    In the report present to the Chief of Staff in March 2021, Dr Frimpong-Boateng said: “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.”

    He said, after the meeting, a number of media houses published a series of articles to supposedly champion the agenda.

    But Mr. Oppong Nkrumah vehemently rejected the allegations describing them as completely false adding that despite being utterly disappointed by the claims he forgives the former minister.

    “Over the years, I had nothing but great admiration for Professor Frimpong-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.

    “I trust that in the coming months and years, he will reflect deeply upon his own actions and comments which have led to his challenges. He should kindly leave me out of his personal fights. I am utterly disappointed but I forgive him.”

    According to Oppong Nkrumah, the meeting Prof. Frimpong-Boateng referenced was a Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) event, jointly organised with the Bank of Ghana on financial reporting which he attended.

    He insisted that the meeting was not to oust anybody from the government.

    But instead of rebutting Oppong Nkrumah’s response, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng in a statement said he had a piece of good advice for the minister.

    Prof. Frimpong-Boateng also attached, to his statement, a video of a galamsey site with someone speaking in the background and accusing Oppong Nkrumah of owning a galamsey site.

  • You sold yourself to the media and police not me – Oppong-Nkrumah to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng

    You sold yourself to the media and police not me – Oppong-Nkrumah to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng

    Former minister of environment, science, technology, and innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, accused the current minister of information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, of being behind a plot to bring him down in his battle against unlawful small-scale mining, also known as galamsey.

    In a report on illicit small-scale mining (galamsey) in Ghana, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said that Oppong Nkrumah devised a scheme to sabotage him because of his struggle against the threat.

    “…indeed, the facts are that it was Prof Boateng himself who wrote to the Ghana Police Service in January 2020 reporting the loss of some excavators and calling for an investigation. It was Prof Boateng himself who in subsequent media interviews mentioned that the number of excavators missing was about 500.

    “Again, on or around February 20, 2020, it was Prof Boateng himself who at Parliament House (During interviews on the SONA) engaged in exchanges with the media about the said excavators and promised that they will be recovered.

    “For the record, these are the matters that occasioned the media reports about Prof Boateng and the said excavators. Further, it was Prof Boateng himself who was later to be seen in a video making comments about the anti-galamsey fight and the release of excavators.”

    He added “I Kojo Oppong Nkrumah was not responsible for his initial police report, his subsequent interviews, or any of the claims he made. To be clear, it was Prof Boateng’s own reports, interviews, and videos that generated his media challenges around the time. I am thus disappointed that he would, in this document, seek to blame me for the media reports,” the statement said.

    What Prof Frimpong Boateng wrote about Oppong Nkrumah in his galamsey report:

    A report by the Chairman of the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cited Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah as scheming to run him down.

    The 37-page report filed by the former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology dated March 19, 2021, was to brief the president about the work of the Committee in its fight against illegal mining and the “way forward.”

    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.

    “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.

  • Oppong-Nkrumah refutes Prof Frimpong sabotage claims, says ‘I am offended but I forgive him’

    Oppong-Nkrumah refutes Prof Frimpong sabotage claims, says ‘I am offended but I forgive him’

    The information minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has stated that the allegations leveled against him in a report by former Minister for Science and Technology, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng are false.

    According to him, even though he is disappointed by the assertions, he forgives the former minister.

    “Over the years, I had nothing but great admiration for Professor Frimpong-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.

    “I trust that in the coming months and years, he will reflect deeply upon his own actions and comments which have led to his challenges. He should kindly leave me out of his personal fights. I am utterly disappointed but I forgive him.”

    A 37-page report authored by the former Minister for Science and Technology, Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng who was Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (ICIM) accused the Ofoase-Ayirebi MP of holding a secret meeting to destroy him.

    According to Oppong Nkrumah, he only attended a PRINPAG (Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana) event, jointly organised with the Bank of Ghana on financial reporting and never held any meeting to oust anybody from the government.

    “Indeed, the facts are that it was Prof Frimpong-Boateng himself who wrote to the Ghana Police Service in January 2020 reporting the loss of some excavators and calling for an investigation. It was Prof. Frimpong-Boateng himself who in subsequent media interviews mentioned that the number of excavators missing was about 500. Again on or around February 20, 2020, it was Prof Frimpong-Boateng himself who at Parliament House (During interviews on the SONA) engaged in exchanges with the media about the said excavators and promised that they will be recovered”.

    “For the record, these are the matters that occasioned the media reports about Prof Frimpong-Boateng and the said excavators. Further, it was Prof. Frimpong-Boateng himself who was later to be seen in a video making comments about the anti-galamsey fight and the release of excavators.

    “I Kojo Oppong Nkrumah was not responsible for his initial police report, his subsequent interviews, or any of the claims he made. To be clear, it was Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s own reports, interviews and videos that generated his media challenges around the time. I am thus disappointed that he would, in this document, seek to blame me for the media reports.”

  • Frimpong-Boateng’s report reveals majority of ministers abandoned committee to probe illegal mining

    Frimpong-Boateng’s report reveals majority of ministers abandoned committee to probe illegal mining

    According to Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s final report majority of the ministers appointed to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) abandoned the committee.

    The only ministers who remained a part of the Committee, according to Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng’s report, were the Ministers of Sanitation and Local Government and Rural Development.

    The Committee was set in March, 2017 by President Akufo-Addo in the fight against illegal small-scale mining.

    Among the ministries which formed the Committee are Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), Chieftaincy & Religious Affairs, Regional Re-Organisation and Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Water and Sanitation, Interior, Defense and Information.

    Among the tasks of the Committee was to sanitise and regularise small-scale mining activities in the various mining districts to ensure that miners work within legal framework.

    But the Committee was dissolved shortly after the 2020 elections.

    Committee Chairman Prof Frimpong-Boateng, who was Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, accused some elements at the Jubilee House of hampering the efforts of the inter-ministerial committee.

    In his report, sighted by 3news.com, the respected heart surgeon listed abandonment of members as the first challenge his committee faced.

    “Apart from the Ministers for Sanitation and Local Government and Rural Development, all the others abandoned the Committee,” he stated in the report, said to have been submitted on March 19, 2021.

    “To make matters worse, the Chairman was personally attacked, vilified and framed for things he had not done.

    “Such assaults came from many people, including some of the ministers who effectively left the committee.”

    He cited Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and then Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Mafo, as among ministers who deliberately worked against the committee.

  • Ghana is under taxed – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah justifies new taxes

    Ghana is under taxed – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah justifies new taxes

    The government’s decision to enact three new revenue measures (taxes) has been defended by the minister of information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

    He claimed that the taxes were required to raise Ghana’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which is woefully insufficient in comparison to other nations in the West African sub-region and around the globe. 

    Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV on Monday, April 3, 2023, the minister also clarified that despite the new names of the revenue measures, they are just an expansion of existing tax laws.

    “These (the taxes) are existing laws that we are implementing to get more money for the government for the development of the country. These taxes have been expanded to include people who were previously not.

    “The tax-to-GDP ratio of Ghana is 13 per cent and so we saw the need to expand some of these taxes. What we have done will ensure that we get a tax-to-GDP ratio between 16 and 18 per cent so that we can get closer to the 20 per cent target.

    “We have not increased the taxes; we have only included people and items who were not included in these taxes. If you take the Fiscal Responsibility Act which has now become the Growth and Sustainability Act, we have added mining companies and other who were previously not covered by the law,” he said.

    The information minister added that the new Exercise Duty Levy has included some goods that were not previously covered by the previous law and the Income Tax Law has been amended to ensure that wealthy people pay more taxes.

    Parliament passed three new tax measures on Friday, March 31, 2023, during an extended sitting of the House.

    The said taxes also faced stiff opposition from the Minority Caucus in the House, but the Majority managed to marshal all their numbers on the day to get the taxes passed.

    The three new taxes are: Excise Duty Amendment Bill 2022, the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill 2022, and the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2022.

    The bills were presented to Parliament as part of the government’s plans to mobilize about GH¢4 billion in domestic revenue annually.

    They are also crucial to helping secure board approval for the US$3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program after a staff-level agreement was reached late last year.

  • We’ll compel government to reduce unnecessary spending and taxation – Ricketts-Hagan

    We’ll compel government to reduce unnecessary spending and taxation – Ricketts-Hagan

    The Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, Kweku Ricketts-Hagan has asserted that rather than concentrating on passing revenue laws, the government should reduce excessive expenditure.

    The government is seeking approval for some revenue bills which are currently before Parliament to rake in about 4 billion Ghana Cedis annually.

    The bills are the Income Tax Amendment Act, the Excise Duty Amendment Act, and the Growth and Sustainability Act.

    Ahead of the consideration of the financial bills, the lawmaker spoke to journalists in Parliament.

    “There are serious expenditure items that need to be looked at. One of them remains obviously to reduce government ministers and other wasteful expenditures like the National Cathedral and other things they intend to spend money on. I don’t want anybody to be telling us that without those things we cannot survive.

    The lawmaker added, “we don’t need that together with an IMF programme. We have got countries that went to IMF without going through debt restructuring and these kinds of tax reviews, before they got the programme. They got the programme and worked through these things to achieve whatever the IMF wanted us to achieve”.

    The government fears failing to pass the new tax bills on Friday, March 31, will jeopardize the country’s chances of a quick economic recovery and Board approval for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister, is concerned that if these bills are not passed, plans to raise money to supplement domestic revenue will be thwarted.

    “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 ensure that there is more liquidity”, he stressed.

    He thus appealed to the Minority in Parliament to support the passage of the revenue bills currently before the house in order to help the government secure the $3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

  • Oppong Nkrumah urges Minority to collaborate with Majority to enact revenue bills

    Oppong Nkrumah urges Minority to collaborate with Majority to enact revenue bills

    In order to pass the three revenue bills that are currently before the House, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, minister of information, has urged the minority in parliament to cooperate with the majority.

    They are the Income Tax Amendment Bill, Excise Duty Amendment Bill, and Growth and Sustainability Amendment Bill.

    The government is seeking to pass these bills to generate approximately GH¢4 billion per year to supplement domestic revenue.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah who is also a Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi told journalists in an interview on Tuesday, March 28 that “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.

    “Sometimes we are whipped up but let’s look at the country’s interest at this point in time.”

    “The world is ready to help us, China, the Paris Club and external creditors are all with us in a good place now and are looking at us to see if we can help ourselves. My appeal to those in government, Minority, economic groups is that, we must ensure that these revenue bills are passed to close this GH¢4 billion gap”, he added.

    Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Dr Ernest Addison also urged the House to prioritize passage of the Bil.

    He said that the Monetary Policy Committee noted that the budget statement for 2023 has set fiscal policy on a consolidation path.

    He said this was consistent with key elements agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the Staff Level in December 2022.

    The domestic debt exchange programme launched by the government, new revenue measures, and structural fiscal reforms will provide significant reduction of debt service and help create fiscal space, Dr Addison stated.

    Addressing the 111th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press conference in Accra on Monday, March 27, he said the fiscal outlook is contingent on financing of the budget and will require the conclusion of the domestic debt exchange programme as well as securing the requisite financing assurances from bilateral donors. Indications are that these discussions are proceeding well.

    “Based on the above, it is imperative that Parliament prioritizes the passage of the revenue bills currently before it,” Dr Addison said.

    He further intimated that under the Staff Level Agreement with the IMF, the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance have finalised a Memorandum of Understanding on zero financing to the budget, which will be signed shortly.

    “The passage of the relevant revenue bills by Parliament will therefore conclude the required prior actions to advance Ghana’s programme to the IMF Executive Board.

    “This will be critical in resetting the economy on the path of recovery, including putting it firmly on a disinflation path and sustained growth,” he said.

    Last week, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, led a high-level delegation from the ministry to China to engage in bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart and other Chinese officials.

    The Finance Ministry said that Mr Ofori-Atta had very positive and encouraging meetings in China.

    The Ministry said they were looking forward to securing external assurances very soon.

    “So far had very positive and encouraging meetings in China! Looking forward to securing external assurances very soon, even as we pass our outstanding domestic revenue bills back home. Great progress on all fronts…#ResolvingTogether #GhanaFirst,” the Office of the Finance Minister tweeted on Friday.

    Mr Ofori-Atta also mentioned to the Chinese Finance Minister Liu Kun the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme that has been introduced by the government as an indication that Ghana was ready to take the necessary action to readjust its fiscal path.

    In response, Mr Kun said “we know that these are short-term challenges which we as responsible creditors remain committed to resolving” and that “the long-standing and prosperous relationship between Ghana and China imposes on us, a responsibility to help”.

    The Chinese Finance Minister further said it was the hope of his country that Multilateral and Commercial creditors would also fully participate in the interest of burden sharing.

    “Chinese authorities have confidence in Ghana’s economic management, and its long-term economic viability,” Mr Kun said.

    He added “China believes in promoting debt sustainability and sustainable development,”

    He said these when Mr Ofori-Atta, led a high-level delegation from the ministry to China to engage in bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart and other Chinese officials.

  • Civilian allegedly pushes Police dispatch rider to his death at Pokuase

    Civilian allegedly pushes Police dispatch rider to his death at Pokuase

    A Police dispatch rider has unfortunately met his death on Monday, March 20 at Pokuase in the Ga North Municipality of Accra.

    According to reports, L/Cpl. Mustapha Mohammed, was riding his motorcycle out of Ofankor in pursuit of a Toyota Corolla.

    As they got to Pokuase, the driver allegedly slowed down for the cop to get close and then slammed on the brakes, sending the officer flying and crushing him to death under a moving truck.

    The driver of the Toyota vehicle reportedly sped off after the incident.

    The police officer’s motorcycle was severely damaged, and his helmet was crushed by the truck, causing serious injury, which led to his untimely demise.

    Unfortunately, details of the Toyota Corolla car involved in the chase are not yet available.

    Meanwhile, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has disclosed that at least 1,443 lives were lost in road crashes between January and July 2022.

    According to the MTTD, the police service received reports of 886 road crashes during the period. Speaking to Citi News after the launch of the GPRTU App, Director of Operations for MTTD, Supt. Dr. Samuel Sasu Mensah, noted that the number of road crashes could be reduced if motorists drove more cautiously.

    “From January to July 2022, we had 886 cases reported to the police. Out of this, those who were killed were 1,443, and those who got injured were 9,218. However, we have seen a marginal decrease in both fatalities and injuries. So as we progress in the year, we hope that, through good practices by the drivers, the number of road crashes being recorded in the country will be reduced,” he said.

    Pokuase police accident

    According to Angel FM reporter, Mubarak Yakubu, the driver of the Toyota vehicle he was pursuing immediately sped off after the incident.

    The reporter said the motorbike of the police officer was badly mangled while his helmet was also crushed by the truck, which caused him head injury leading to his death.

    Details of the car which the late officer was pursuing, are not available at the time of filing this report.

  • Oppong Nkrumah calls for increased cocoa production and consumption

    Oppong Nkrumah calls for increased cocoa production and consumption

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has entreated Ghanaians to consume and process more cocoa.

    Delivering the keynote address at the launch of this year’s National Chocolate Week Celebrations in Accra on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Mr Nkrumah said while continuing with efforts to boost domestic production of cocoa, it is important to take advantage of this year’s celebration to step up efforts to increase processing of cocoa locally.

    “One of the ways to do this is to guarantee the light crop for the local producers so that they do not have to buy the main crop for domestic processing. As we know, the main crop is comparatively more expensive. If we are serious about boosting local production then we must move quickly to ensure that local processors are able to fully meet their bean needs from the light crop,” he said.

    Mr. Nkrumah charged COCOBOD to use policy instruments to ensure that financing support is provided for domestic processors.

    “The financial sector should be incentivized to provide financing for the domestic processors using the cocoa beans as security and escrowing into an account of the off-takers. The challenge of financing domestic processors will be lightened via this channel,” he added.

    He said although the incentives offered by the Ghana Free Zones Authority are endearing enough to attract more domestic processors, they aren’t well known. These incentives should be better highlighted by the Free Zones Authority and COCOBOD to attract more processors to set up in the freezones area and then process.

    On the matter of stimulating domestic consumption of cocoa products, Mr. Nkrumah suggested the following:

    “We need to promote more chocolatiers to join the value chain. The more domestic chocolatiers and nuanced products there are on the local market, the better our chances of deepening the local taste and demand. The red carpet of incentives as we would give a foreign direct investor should be rolled out for local chocolatiers as well.”

    “Secondly, the thirty-five percent (35%) tax on butter and liquor (raw materials for chocolatiers) should be re-considered. This will make it less expensive to finance operations. It will also make the final products more affordable on the market.”

    “And finally, we should support initiatives across Africa to stimulate consumption among school children. Sectors of our economy making super profits can be encouraged to finance such initiatives which will serve as an investment for the growth of a future market in Africa for our cocoa.”

    The core purpose of the Chocolate Week Celebration is to promote local consumption of chocolate and other cocoa-based products among others.

    The Information Minister who is also the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi praised stakeholders on the cocoa value chain for their respective roles in working to build a robust cocoa economy.

    The National Chocolate Day Celebration was instituted in 2005 to coincide with Valentine’s Day which falls on 14th February every year to boost the domestic consumption of Ghana chocolate and other cocoa-based products among others. What used to be a day celebration, was transformed into a week-long celebration in 2022 due to the numerous benefits the country stands to gain if the cocoa industry is nationally promoted.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Increase local cocoa production and consumption – Oppong Nkrumah

    Increase local cocoa production and consumption – Oppong Nkrumah

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, minister of information, encourages local processing and consumption of more cocoa to support the industry.

    On February 7, 2023, Mr. Nkrumah gave the keynote address at the beginning of the National Chocolate Week Celebrations for this year in Accra. He stressed the importance of utilizing the occasion to intensify efforts to increase local processing of cocoa while continuing to increase domestic cocoa production.

    “One of the ways to do this is to guarantee the light crop for the local producers so that they do not have to buy the main crop for domestic processing. As we know, the main crop is comparatively more expensive. If we are serious about boosting local production then we must move quickly to ensure that local processors are able to fully meet their bean needs from the light crop,” he said.

    Mr. Nkrumah charged COCOBOD to use policy instruments to ensure that financing support is provided for domestic processors.

    “The financial sector should be incentivized to provide financing for the domestic processors using the cocoa beans as security and escrowing into an account of the off-takers. The challenge of financing domestic processors will be lightened via this channel,” he added.

    He said although the incentives offered by the Ghana Free Zones Authority are endearing enough to attract more domestic processors, they aren’t well known. These incentives should be better highlighted by the Free Zones Authority and COCOBOD to attract more processors to set up in the freezones area and then process.

    On the matter of stimulating domestic consumption of cocoa products, Mr. Nkrumah suggested the following:

    “We need to promote more chocolatiers to join the value chain. The more domestic chocolatiers and nuanced products there are on the local market, the better our chances of deepening the local taste and demand. The red carpet of incentives as we would give a foreign direct investor should be rolled out for local chocolatiers as well.”

    “Secondly, the thirty-five percent (35%) tax on butter and liquor (raw materials for chocolatiers) should be re-considered. This will make it less expensive to finance operations. It will also make the final products more affordable on the market.”

    “And finally, we should support initiatives across Africa to stimulate consumption among school children. Sectors of our economy making super profits can be encouraged to finance such initiatives which will serve as an investment for the growth of a future market in Africa for our cocoa.”

    The core purpose of the Chocolate Week Celebration is to promote local consumption of chocolate and other cocoa-based products among others.

    The Information Minister who is also the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi praised stakeholders on the cocoa value chain for their respective roles in working to build a robust cocoa economy.

    The National Chocolate Day Celebration was instituted in 2005 to coincide with Valentine’s Day which falls on 14th February every year to boost the domestic consumption of Ghana chocolate and other cocoa-based products among others. What used to be a day celebration, was transformed into a week-long celebration in 2022 due to the numerous benefits the country stands to gain if the cocoa industry is nationally promoted.

  • Pentecostal and Charismatic Council presents communique to govt

    Pentecostal and Charismatic Council presents communique to govt

    On Monday, February 6, 2023, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council delivered a communiqué to the government in the wake of its most recent National Conference.

    The President of the Council Apostle Eric Nyamekye who led a delegation to present the document to the Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the church was always ready to play its role in nation-building by sharing feedback and using its platforms to educate and create awareness on national issues.

    He appealed to the government to critically look at issues raised in the communique and addressed them in these crucial times, especially on the economy.

    The Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in his response said consensus building between government and stakeholders is crucial for the country’s economic progress.

    He said such regular engagements are necessary for finding common grounds on issues of concern to citizens.

    Mr. Nkrumah commended the group for not only concentrating on the church and spiritual matters but also paying attention to contemporary social and economic issues which impact livelihoods.

    “The need for constant engagement and consensus building between Government and stakeholders within the economy cannot be over-emphasized. Among other things, we need Consensus for economic progress. Different stakeholders have different interests and objectives. And if each stakeholder sticks to an unyielding position we can hardly make progress.

    It is important that we engage regularly to find common ground on these things that matter most to us collectively” he said.

    He assured the council that matters raised in the communique are of keen interest to any administration and his Ministry will do well to ensure that the attention of central government is brought to these matters, some keener attention is paid to them and middle ground found on as many of them as possible.

  • These significant trends kept social media active in 2022

    Even while 2022 was plagued by significant losses, scandals, and financial difficulties, social media was virtually constantly humming with breaking news.

    Most of these stories garnered significant attention as the year went on and generated a lot of discussion on social media and in Accra’s streets.

    They included things like political issues, entertainment, government, and developmental issues.

    This article recaps some of these major stories that kept social media buzzing all year round.

    Galamsey

    Illegal small-scale mining also known as galamsey has been an issue of great national concern. The problem has been a long-lasting one that has caused destruction to the country’s water bodies. Pictures of samples of various river bodies flooded social media and generated a lot of engagement on the country’s ability to take care of its natural resources.

    Watch how galamsey activities destroys cocoa farm of farmer sympathetic to the NPP

    0 seconds of 1 minute, 36 secondsVolume 90%

    Aisha Huang

    The controversial Aisha Huang issue was one that many Ghanaians were interested in. According to the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, En Huang, popularly known as Aisha Huang was repatriated in December 2018. Her issue came up after she reappeared in Ghana in September. Aisha Huang is still in police custody as her case is currently in court.

    Government fully committed to bringing Aisha Huang, others to book – Lands Minister

    0 seconds of 1 minute, 25 secondsVolume 90%

    My journey to becoming one of Ghana’s biggest make up artistes -Kruz K speaks

    0 seconds of 1 minute, 7 secondsVolume 90%

    E-Levy

    The electronic transaction levy was heavily debated from the beginning of the year. The government said the levy was to widen the tax net and help rake in more revenue. Ghanaians strongly opposed the tax measure but it was passed in May after the Minority staged a walkout in parliament.

    National Cathedral

    Conversations surrounding the construction of the National Cathedral were prevalent in 2022 especially when the country was facing a harsh economic crisis but the government was bent on building the National Cathedral.

    Akufo-Addo’s private jet

    Several issues were raised with the President’s “luxurious” flights. The issues were with the fact that the flights were expensive and costly to the taxpayer. Ghanaians on social media did not take it easy. They descended heavily on the government.

    KenMustGo

    The hashtag KenMustGo trended on social media for days. This was after some members of the NPP demanded the removal of the finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    NPP MPs petition president to sack Ofori-Atta, Adu Boahen

    The majority caucus in parliament, at a press conference on Tuesday, have threatened they will not participate in any government business until Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta and Minister of State in charge of Finance at the Office of the President, Chares Adu Boahen are sacked by the president.

  • Let’s work together to arrive at feasible Budget program – Oppong-Nkrumah to Majority, Minority

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah is urging the Majority and Minority sides of Parliament to work in close collaboration to get a feasible budget program that will propel the Ghanaian economy onto the path of recovery.

    In a tweet, the Minister hinted that government’s economic blueprint for next year which will be presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, will focus on prudent economic policies that will help reboot the economy, hence, needs the collaboration of both sides of the house.

    “The 2023 budget is supposed to be the foundation of our recovery. Majority and Minority will have to work together in the national interest to arrive at a feasible budget program,” 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.

  • Oppong-Nkrumah advocates for more journalists to be trained in Financial reporting 

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah is advocating for more journalists to be trained in financial reporting.

     Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 88 journalists at the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA) Financial Journalism Training programme in Accra, he called on stakeholders in the media industry to come together and help train more journalists in that field. 

    Justifying his call, he noted that “trainings such as this, targeted at journalists, are essential to ensure that the media industry and journalism deliver on their true purpose to our democracy.”

    “As I have mentioned in times past, the media, and journalism frontiers require collaborations for impact. That is why we appreciate partnerships such as this one between Bloomberg, Strathmore Business School, the University of Ghana Business School and Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) to train more economic and financial journalists and welcome more of such partnerships,” he added. 

    Reporting of business and financial journalists plays an essential role in the economic development of Africa. Articles by such reporters inform citizens, investors, business executives, civil society leaders, and public officials. 

    In line with efforts to promote credible and responsible reporting in the business and financial sectors, the BMIA training programme was launched.

     BMIA is a highly innovative, integrated, and practical world-class training program firmly rooted in African market realities. 

    It was born in 2015 by the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA) team in collaboration with a consortium of African journalism and business universities, with over 250 graduates benefiting from the programme since its inception.

    During the graduation ceremony, Mr Oppong-Nkrumah acknowledged that the government also has a role to play in ensuring that more journalists are trained in this field. 

    According to him, the government has set in motion a number of capacity-building programmes to help journalists meet the dynamics of the profession. He cited the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) as one of such programmes. 

    Additionally, he entreated the graduates to make good use of the knowledge and skills acquired by eschewing false narratives and publications in their reportage. 

    Deputy Minister for Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, was among the dignitaries that graced the occasion. 

    Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Provost of the College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean of the Strathmore Business School, Dr. George Njenga, as well as representatives from Bloomberg, were all present at the graduation ceremony.

    Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalists, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, was optimistic that the training programme will yield the expected results, which in turn will help address the capacity challenges facing journalists in the country. 

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana|

  • Oppong Nkrumah calls for more stakeholder collaboration to train journalists in financial reporting

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has called on stakeholders within the Ghanaian media space to collaborate and help build the capacity of Ghanaian journalists in business and financial reporting.

    According to the Minister, training of journalists in business and financial reporting is essential in equipping them with the needed skills and know-how to ensure accuracy in reporting financial issues.

    He made the call when he addressed the graduation ceremony of 88 journalists at the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa (BMIA) Financial Journalism Training program on Thursday, October 10, 2022, in Accra.

    “As I have mentioned in times past, the media and journalism frontier require collaborations for impact. That is why we appreciate partnerships such as this one between Bloomberg, Strathmore Business School, the University of Ghana Business School and Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) to train more economic and financial journalists and welcome more of such partnerships.

    “Trainings such as this targeted at journalists are essential to ensure that the media industry and journalism deliver on their true purpose to our democracy.

    “Which is to serve all stakeholders with equal access to the public space to participate in discourse that promotes our best values, our best aspirations and a thought-led good society,” he said.

    He said government on its part has put in motion a number of capacity-building programmes to assist journalists to meet the dynamics of the profession.

    One such programme he said is the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) which was rolled out in January this year. So far, the programme has trained the first cohort of 60 journalists in ethical journalism and related modules with a further 190 set to also be trained in the coming months.

    He admonished the graduates to as much as possible apply the knowledge acquired from the training programme in their line of duty and eschew false narratives and the publication of uninformed opinions instead of facts.

    Present at the event were the Deputy Minister for Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour; Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo; Provost of the College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori; Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Justice Bawole; Dean of the Strathmore Business School, Dr George Njenga, as well as representatives from Bloomberg.

    On his part, Mr Fordjour underscored the important role journalists play in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. He said journalists over the years have become an important component of our governance system which is why it is incumbent on the graduates to put to use the knowledge they have acquired from the training programme.

    Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo was confident that the training program will go a long way to support the continuous progression of the Ghanaian media and help address the capacity challenges of journalists in the country.

    Source: Myjoyonine

  • People are deliberately spreading disinformation to juice the country – Oppong Nkrumah

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has cautioned against the deliberate disinformation concerning the health of the economy that is fuelling panic withdrawals and capital flights.

    This situation, he said, is what is worsening the country’s fiscal problems and not government’s actions.

    He stated that some persons have taken to spreading falsehoods about the economy on social media in order to create a fiscal atmosphere that would serve their parochial interests better.

    “But this is a time in which you have high levels of social media activity, you have a high level of misinformation and actually you have people who are interested in disinformation, which is very different from misinformation where people put out information that is not correct, and I’ll cite you examples.

    “This is the era where you have people going on social media recording voices literally scaring the market. So it’s not about the communication per se, it’s about what people are doing to deliberately juice our market in a particular way.

    “You’ll notice that currently some people are on trial, have been arrested because the investigation showed how they fabricated stories on websites, then putting them on WhatsApp platforms and pushing them through to scare the market,” he said on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition.

    He noted that while preliminary efforts had been made including blocking their malicious websites, they had gone ahead to create new ones to further their agenda.

    This he says demonstrates the deliberate attempt to create an environment of uncertainty that will cause investors and the international community from regaining confidence in Ghana’s fiscal space.

    “These are matters of public record, and even when those websites were shut down, they set it up on new domain platforms anew to pursue the same objective. Two people are on trial currently. So there’s a new dynamic in the marketplace which is a certain deliberate effort to disinform the public.”

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah advised that when people come across such alarmist messages, investors and the general public’s confidence in the economy should not waver as this government has time and time again proven it can revive the economy.

    “But you’d also have to be careful how you respond, that that disinformation does not cause you to run ahead of yourself and start saying things that you haven’t reached a point of conclusion on.

    For the ones you’ve reached a point of conclusion on, for example, no principal haircuts you’re able to say so and also make the point that this is the administration that has been working to protect people’s deposits.

    “Let’s calm down, let’s have some confidence in this same market. And if we all choose to have confidence, we will not necessarily be pushing for more answers to be provided when we have not reached those points,” he said.

     

  • Government to limit forex for importation of certain goods, says Oppong-Nkrumah

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has said the government intends to limit the availability of foreign exchange for the import of some goods into the country in the coming days.

    This move ties into the government’s efforts to limit the importation of goods that can otherwise be produced locally.

    The information minister noted that the government intends to cut down on imports to encourage local production while speaking in an interview on the current state of Ghana’s economy.

    “We want to gradually fade these things out by reducing the availability of foreign exchange for those imports while supporting local production, and in about six months, we can do a full review and if it becomes necessary to do an outright ban, having improved local production, then you can get into that area.”

    Mr Oppong-Nkrumah stressed the importance of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) such as dairy products, baked goods, fruits, and vegetables. This is “because we produce all of them here in Ghana,” he said.

    A study by “the balance” reveals that if a country imports more than it exports, it runs a trade deficit. If it imports less than it exports, that creates a trade surplus.

    Exports boost economic output, as measured by gross domestic product. They create jobs and increase wages.

    The balance says it’s dangerous if a country relies on a foreign power to keep its population fed and its factories humming. For example, the United States suffered a recession when OPEC embargoed its oil exports. 

    Ghana is known to be heavily dependent on imported goods, and this is grossly affecting the economy following the Russia-Ukraine war and the impact of the post-pandemic crisis.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Petroleum consumers up in arms against government as diesel price hits ₵23 per litre

    Petroleum consumers have lamented the rising prices of fuel in the country. Petrol and diesel are currently being sold at an average of ¢18 and ¢23 per litre, from the previous prices of ¢15 and ¢19 per litre respectively.

    Already, some leading Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have adjusted the prices of petroleum products at their pumps.

    They attribute the significant increase in the price of fuel to the sharp depreciation of the cedi over the past two weeks.

    This, according to the petroleum consumers, has made the plight of the average Ghanaian worse.

    Petroleum consumers have called for urgent steps to stem the hike in the price of the product believed to be the cause of the current high cost of living.

    “If I fill first it was ¢350 but right now almost ¢600 if I fill this car. I do not make money. Sometimes you will drive all day and even fuel money you will not get, but we are hoping and praying to God that things can turn around for us,” one consumer lamented.

    “We are feeling it and the rate at which it is increasing is our problem. Formally it increases in bits so maybe two to three weeks you will know how to manage and get to level. Now the rate at which it is increasing is too much, ” another consumer said.

    “Prices of goods and services have increased. Now the situation is getting worse, so government should take steps to solve this.”

    This latest increment comes barely 48 hours after President Akufo-Addo announced plans to import cheaper fuel. The latest adjustment however continues to bite hard.

    Meanwhile, the Oil Marketing companies have justified the new prices of petroleum products.

    They say the new prices are a reflection of the depreciation of the cedi and prices on the international market.

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the government’s plan to import cheaper fuel has taken off.

    “In President Kufuor’s time, we did it with Nigeria, Sahara lifting for us and you could have supply credit lines and a fixed price that you could bank on and it is a very similar arrangement that has already commenced and I am expecting that in the coming weeks the NPA, the Energy Ministry will have the opportunity to provide the details,” he said on PM Express, Monday.

    Source:myjoyonline.com

  • Debt restructuring: Assurance of no haircuts covers principal – Oppong-Nkrumah

    As Ghana considers some debt restructuring, the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has clarified that the president’s assurances of no haircuts with respect to money invested in bonds cover just the principals for the time being.

    “My understanding is that no principals will be touched. No principals will have a haircut,” Mr. Nkrumah said on the Citi Breakfast Show.

    The minister however added that “the debt sustainability strategy is yet to be announced in full.”

    “When they are done with the rest of the strategy, and they come out and do a full announcement, we will have clarity on the form that the debt restructuring will take,” he said.

    The concerns over debt restructuring have accompanied the government’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion bailout.

    As to the fate of interest expected on the principals, Mr. Nkrumah said, “I think we should give them time to come out and announce the full details of the debt sustainability strategy.”

    The minister further said the president’s assurances, which came via an address on Ghana’s economic crisis, were in response to rumours about haircuts on principals.

    Ghana’s talks with the IMF mission are expected to resume in the coming weeks as the government works to manage its almost GHS 400 million debt.

    Moving forward, to address the debt situation, the president said the government plans to reduce the total public debt to GDP ratio to about 55 in present value terms by 2028, with the servicing of external debt pegged at not more than 18 percent of annual revenue also by 2028.

    It is expected that the government will have to restructure the debt to make it more sustainable in order to qualify for the $3 billion support from the IMF.

    The Finance Ministry recently said it is committed to reaching an agreement with the IMF as soon as possible.

    The government is optimistic that it will have a deal in place before the 2023 budget is read next month.

  • Today in History: Akufo-Addo’s govt has not applied for HIPC programme – Oppong Nkrumah

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the information minister, refuted rumors that Ghana had been given the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) category.

    In addition to warning Ghanaians against any such news, he pointed out that the government had not submitted an application to the IMF.

    Ahead of the 2020 general elections, certain people have devised a strategy to spread fake information, therefore Oppong Nkrumah further exhorted the media to thoroughly verify all material before publication.

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Tuesday refuted media allegations that Ghana has been listed among the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) status due to its declining economic situation.

    He said the Akufo-Addo-led government did not apply to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank to be listed on the HIPC programme and urged the public to disregard such false reports circulating on social media.

    Oppong Nkrumah responded to the allegations at the fifth edition of the Nation Building Updates in Accra.

    The Minister said such viral fake news reports were part of a broad and deliberate strategy by some persons to deceive the public ahead of the December 7 polls.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah noted that currently, there was no ongoing HIPC programme under implementation by the IMF or World Bank.

    He added that the Akufo-Addo-led government upon assumption of office in 2017 was implementing strategic programmes and policies that restored the bad economic situation inherited from the previous government and that all the macroeconomic and fiscal indicators were heading in the right direction.

    The burgeoning economic status, the Minister said, enabled the Akufo-Addo-led government to roll out various social interventions such as the free supply of water and subsidized electricity to lifeline consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

    Oppong Nkrumah explained that the Kufuor-led government after inheriting a bad economy in 2001 applied for the HIPC programme, which resulted in the cancellation of portions of the country’s debts and has since exited the programme.

    The Minister urged the media to do thorough cross-checking of any information well before publication since some persons had hatched the plan of disseminating false news ahead of the elections.

  • Restoring economic stability dominates government’s fruitful discussions with groups – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has stated that President Akufo-Addo’s engagement with identifiable economic groups and institutions in the country has been fruitful and smooth and the deliberations has largely focused on the need to restore economic stability.

    He said this when he addressed the press at the Jubilee House on 26 October 2022, at the end of two days of broad consultations between the President and multiple groups and stakeholders in the country’s economic space.

    Amongst the groups the President held meetings with are; Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Association of Bankers, Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Transport Operators.

    The rest are Forex Bureau Association of Ghana, Forex Bureau, Market Women, Ghana Employers Association, Private Enterprise Federation, and the leaders of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

    In his interaction with the identifiable bodies, President Akufo-Addo, according to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, briefed them on the state of negotiations between his government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the implications of a possible programme with the fund on the country’s economy in the coming weeks and in the long term.

    “Cost of living has been big on the agenda, the currency is being big on the agenda but item number one has been stability, restoring economic stability and then on the back of that, looking to how we can bring back so growth and expansion on the Ghana economy. These discussions have gone very smoothly” Oppong Nkrumah said.

    “Our expectation is that all of these will form a part of what the President and cabinet will be considering over the weekend prior to making some decision and then on Sunday, he [President Akufo-Addo] will have the opportunity to address the nation and we take the steps from there” he added.

    President Akufo-Addo’s engagement with economic groupings in the country and the upcoming Cabinet retreat follows the challenging state of the country’s economy as a result of the hit it has suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the geo-political war ongoing between Russia and Ukraine.

    The entire global economy according to financial expects is slipping into recession as the World Bank warns that it will take all the countries of the world several decades to pay off the debts they have accumulated over COVID-19 spending in the last two years alone.

     

  • Akufo-Addo to soon address Ghanaians on measures taken to solve economic challenges – Oppong Nkrumah

    The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has disclosed that the government has developed a road map to address the current economic challenges.

    He said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will address Ghanaians on the measures being taken to ameliorate the hardships as part of the plan.

    Kojo Opoong-Nkrumah said that on the part of government, the Economic Management Team, chaired by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia will also hold a series of meetings and receive a briefing from the Bank of Ghana after its engagement with banks and forex bureau operators.

    According to him, government’s consultations will end with a cabinet retreat. President Nana Akufo-Addo, the minister said, will then address the nation on the measures taken by his government to address the economic hardship in the country.

    “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 depreciated by 37.5%, 24.1% and 27.5% against the US dollar, the pound, and Euro, respectively in September, the central bank said in its Monetary Policy Report early October 2022.

     

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • Gov’t is planning to arrest the cedi; Akufo-Addo to address the nation – Oppong-Nkrumah

    The Minister of information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has indicated that the government has taken steps to curb the rapid depreciation of the Ghana cedi.

    According to him, the government, in a series of consultations with relevant stakeholders in the financial sector, solved 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.

    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.

    This is compared to Saturday’s trading of a buying price of 12.5823 and a selling price of 12.5949.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is bought at a rate of 15.05 and sold at a rate of 15.65.

    Ghanaians have taken to social media to complain about the high cost of living due to the effect of the dollar.

    To curb the above, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah’s consultations began today (Monday October 24, 2022) with the Bank of Ghana meeting with heads of banking institutions and forex bureau operators.