Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, last Friday was officially enstooled as the Development Chief of the Penyi Traditional area in the Ketu North Municipality.
During a vibrant gathering of local chiefs and community members in Penyi, Mr. Mahama was duly enstooled and introduced with the honorific title ‘Togbi Dunenyo,’ which designates him as the Nugoryifia of the Penyi Traditional Area.
Mr. Mahama, who served as the special guest of honor at the recently concluded Penyi Nugoryiza festival, was welcomed into the community with an enthusiastic crowd and traditional drumming and dancing.
The paramount chief of Penyi, Togbiga Dadzi V, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Mahama for accepting their invitation and lauded the NDC for their contributions to various development projects in the region. He also called for continued support from the NDC when they return to power.
Penyi Nugoryiza is an annual festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Penyi, which is one of the four traditional areas within the Ketu North Municipality in the Volta Region.
Last week, the founder of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, embarked on a joint visit to offer support and sympathy to the victims of communities impacted by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The ongoing spillage has left numerous residents without homes, and thousands of houses have been submerged in floodwaters since the incident occurred.
During their visit to Mepe, one of the severely affected communities, Mr Kyerematen emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing it as a national disaster emergency. He called upon both the public and private sectors to extend their support and assistance to those affected by the crisis.
Mr Kyerematen expressed deep empathy for the hardships faced by the people due to the spillage, which forced many to leave their homes. Thankfully, there have been no casualties reported despite the widespread disruption caused by this disaster.
He said “this was a natural disaster and there is little we can do at this moment. I pray that this becomes a thing of the past and our people will be safe again.”
Mr. Kyerematen pledged his commitment to providing support to the flood victims in the coming month and encouraged residents to remain composed, expressing hope that the District Assembly would exert substantial efforts to safeguard lives.
The affected residents are still in dire need of government assistance as many of them have sought refuge in classrooms for safety.
Meanwhile, during his visit to Mepe on Friday, Mr Mahama emphasized the urgent need for desilting the Lower Volta Basin, particularly focusing on the estuary at Ada. He observed that the situation had exacerbated the flooding issue, exacerbated by the release of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA).
Former President Mahama urged the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to swiftly take action in providing essential relief items and implementing security measures to safeguard the lives and property of the affected communities.
He expressed regret that NADMO was hampered by a shortage of resources, hindering its ability to promptly and adequately address the citizens’ needs. He attributed this shortfall to the government’s failure to adequately support the organization.
Former President and the 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has appealed to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to expedite their efforts in assisting residents in communities along the Volta River who have been affected by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam.
The flooding caused by the spillage has led to the evacuation of numerous communities in the north, south, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region.
As a result, many residents are left with no alternative but to attempt to salvage their remaining belongings. On Friday, Mr. Mahama conducted a visit to areas in Sogakope and Sokpoe to assess the consequences of the spillage and engage with the affected communities and families.
The situation is critical, with even the staff of Comboni Hospital having to evacuate their quarters and take refuge under a pavilion. Patients have also been discharged, leaving only ten individuals in critical condition. If the water levels do not recede soon, they may also need to be discharged.
“It’s heartbreaking that we may have to let go of these patients,” a nurse said. “But if things don’t get better, we won’t have any other choice.”
Following his visit and discussions with residents, as well as management and staff of the Comboni Hospital, the former President emphasized the importance of the VRA promptly delivering the promised relief support to the impacted communities.
In his words, “This is about people’s lives. I will thank the VRA and appeal to them to expedite their efforts because the people are in need. We must help them to cope with the situation.”
He expressed his disappointment over the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) being unable to provide assistance to the affected communities, primarily due to the absence of relief items.
Moreover, he observed that the spillage was a consequence of substantial inflows from areas upstream of the dam due to heavy rainfall in the northern regions of the country. He offered advice to the VRA, suggesting that they should contemplate river desilting as a proactive measure.
“If you don’t spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially down the southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is de-silted, the water will flow away faster.”
To underscore the pressing need for relief initiatives and the gravity of the situation affecting the people, Mr. Mahama raised the possibility of the hospital having to request families to take custody of the 300 deceased individuals from the mortuary and arrange alternate accommodations for them.
“We need the government to take this seriously,” a community leader told Mr Mahama. “The lives of our people are at stake, and their well-being should be a top priority.”
Former President and NDC’s 2024 flagbearer, John Mahama, has urged the Volta River Authority (VRA) to expedite support for residents in communities along the Volta River affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Communities in the North, South, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region have been forced to evacuate due to the flooding caused by the dam spillage. This situation has left them with no choice but to salvage their remaining belongings.
Mr. Mahama visited parts of Sogakope and Sokpoe on Friday to assess the impact of the spillage and meet with the affected communities and facilities.
The situation is dire, with Comboni Hospital staff evacuating their quarters and seeking shelter under a pavilion. Patients have also been discharged, with only ten in critical condition remaining. If the water levels do not recede soon, they, too, may have to be discharged.
“It’s heartbreaking that we may have to let go of these patients,” a nurse said. “But if things don’t get better, we won’t have any other choice.”
The former President urged the VRA to swiftly deliver the promised relief efforts to the affected communities following his visit and interactions with residents, management, and staff of the Comboni hospital.
He emphasized, “This is about people’s lives. I will thank the VRA and appeal to them to expedite their efforts because the people are in need. We must help them cope with the situation.”
Mr. Mahama expressed his disappointment that the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has been unable to assist the affected communities due to a lack of relief items.
He also noted that the spillage was caused by large inflows from above the dam due to heavy rains in the northern parts of the country. He advised the VRA to consider desilting the river to allow for faster water flow.
“If you don’t spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially in southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is desilted, the water will flow away faster.”
To emphasize the urgency of relief efforts and the impact of the situation on people, Mr. Mahama mentioned the possibility of the hospital asking families to collect the 300 dead bodies from the mortuary and find other places to accommodate them.
“If you don’t spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially down the southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is de-silted, the water will flow away faster.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the government to take swift and decisive action in addressing the extensive flooding affecting three constituencies in the Volta Region.
The Volta River Authority’s (VRA) decision to release surplus water from the Akosombo Dam, a measure aimed at preventing a potential dam collapse has led to flooding in several areas in the Tongu districts and other areas.
Following his visit to the affected areas, Mr Mahama expressed his concerns to the media, characterizing the government’s response as somewhat lackadaisical.
He emphasized that his visit aimed to highlight the urgent need for the government to take immediate action.
“I think that this visit will let government and whole of Ghana see what is happening, it is not just a story which is being told by people, it is the reality of people’s lives following spillage of the Akosombo Dam.”
“It happens once in a while not every year, it is an effect of climate change… we have to see how to adapt. I think that the approach has been a bit lackadaisical, actually that is why I came, so that it will let them see that this is real. Sometimes, if you read in the media, you think that this isn’t real,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to tackle the recent floods resulting from the discharge of water from the Volta and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA).
An October 13 statement from the Ministry of Information said, president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had ordered the setting-up of the team to “coordinate government’s response to the unfortunate flooding of some communities following spilling from the Volta Dam.”
The thirteen-member committee will be headed by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
The other members of the committee include the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah; Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery; Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul; Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and the Minister of Local Government, Daniel Kwaku Botwe.
Other members are Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye; Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, Minister for Environment, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie; Minister for Sanitation, Freda Prempeh; Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor and the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
On the other hand, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on the VRA to reduce the discharge of water from the Akosombo Dam. His primary concern is to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents affected by the flooding.
Mr Ablakwa has expressed his deep concerns about the devastating impact of the discharge and has requested immediate relief supplies for the affected individuals.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to the promises outlined in the 2020 National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto regarding teachers.
He emphasized that these commitments remain as relevant today as they did when they were first made.
In a statement released on October 5 to commemorate World Teachers Day, Mahama pledged the NDC’s unwavering dedication to investing in the improvement of teacher education and professional development programs.
He underscored the crucial role that teachers play in Ghana’s education system and emphasized the need to equip them with the necessary resources, tools, support, and training to deliver high-quality education to the nation’s children.
“Improving teaching and learning must be a top priority for Ghana as we forge ahead towards a more prosperous future,” he wrote on Thursday.
“Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and we must provide them with the resources, tools, support, and training to enable them to deliver good quality education to our children.
“To this end, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains committed to investing in teacher education and professional development programmes. We understand that well-trained and motivated teachers are the key to unlocking the full potential of our students.”
Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, also promised to address challenges faced by teachers, including better remuneration and improved working conditions.
He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to the principles outlined on page 69 of the 2020 People’s Manifesto, asserting that education is a fundamental right, and every child in Ghana deserves equal access to quality education.
“Our pledge to Ghanaian teachers, on page 69 of our People’s Manifesto of 2020, remains true today.
“Education is a fundamental right, and every child in Ghana deserves equal access to quality education.”
Regarding the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, Mahama, as the 2024 NDC flagbearer, pledged to enhance its implementation by investing in infrastructure, expanding access to educational resources, and improving the overall learning environment in Senior High Schools.
He renewed his commitment to elevating the quality of teaching and learning in Ghana to new heights, with the ultimate goal of preparing children to become responsible and productive citizens.
The leadership of customers affected by the now-defunct Menzgold Company Limited has approached former President John Mahama, seeking his assistance in recovering their funds that remain locked within the illicit gold dealership and investment firm.
These customers have endured significant hardships since the company’s closure in 2018, with 217 individuals losing their lives and some experiencing blindness and mental health challenges as a result.
Now, these customers are appealing to the former President to guide their efforts in securing financial aid from the government to alleviate their dire circumstances.
During a meeting held at Mr. Mahama’s Cantonments office on Friday, Mr. Fred Forson, the group’s leader and spokesperson, passionately implored Mr. Mahama, emphasizing the gravity of their situation and their urgent need for a government bailout.
“We believe that when Your Excellency adds your voice, it will help. Where we are now, we need a bailout from the state, so we humbly call on you to lead us in calling on the state to give us a bailout plan. Because life is very, very unbearable for us”, he cried out.
The Menzgold customers convener added, “The state has wasted over four years on this small matter. There was no action. I am sure everybody will attest that it was the resilience of the customers — we kept on pressing, pressing — and now the Attorney-General has moved the matter from the lower court to the High Court. However, the civil aspect, which is the retrieval of our money, is still pending.”
President Mahama extended his condolences to the victims, characterizing it as one of the most unfortunate incidents in the nation’s history. He believed that such fraudulent schemes often find success due to the government’s inadequate regulatory oversight, making it responsible for citizens who become victims.
Additionally, he questioned why the government had not yet taken control of the company’s accounts, seized its assets, and conducted auctions to allocate a portion of the proceeds toward reimbursing customer investments.
In response to the appeal from Menzgold’s customers, President Mahama pledged his commitment to support their cause and amplify awareness of their plight. He urged the government to be transparent and provide comprehensive information regarding its efforts to address the situation.
With the backing of the former President, the customers hold hope that they can retrieve their funds and recover from the losses they have endured.
Desperate times not only calls for desperate measures, but desperate people, who are ready to sneak their necks out and help save a larger society.
Ace Annan Ankomah needs no introduction, if any at all he is a man who works like a bull and pay his taxes.
Ace used to be a voice of reason, true son of the land, who believes that any injustice done to the least among us, is an injustice done to the whole society.
He fought the ills in society, he was called names and described in unpalatable words for speaking his mind and saying it as it is.
He was an astute lawyer, whose voice did not only echo in the four walls of a courtroom, but in the court of public opinion.
For anyone to believe in the project Ghana, people like Ace Ankomah made it possible.
I read somewhere, where it was stated that any life without principle is not worth living. Principles do not change with time, but rather timeless regardless of who is in power.
Ace Ankomah was a thorn in the flesh of former president John Dramani Mahama and his administration, he was a citizen from 2013 to 2016 and not a spectator, he made his voice heard.
He could not be silence by criticism and name calling, he saw what was going wrong and he stood up to be counted. He joined by many like-minded persons poured into the streets and demanded that, not only must things be fixed, but must be done right.
What we witnessed and people like Ace Ankomah, could not endure under the four years of John Dramani Mahama, could best be described as a child’s play, compared to what we are living through under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo.
if there ever was a time in the history of this country for people to speak up, this is certainly the time.
Unfortunately for many voiceless and powerless citizens, who saw Ace as their hero, this is the time he conveniently chose to keep quiet. Is it a case of observing table manners or he has lost the zeal because like all of us, he is also overwhelmed?
Ghana, has derailed from the era of patriotism to a theme of shame. The system is naturally toxic and afflicted with a leadership disaster.
Ace Annan Ankomah, is one of the most celebrated lawyers in this country, who pretended to be working in the interest of Ghana, unknown to Ghanaians at the time it suits his interest.
He rose from a sandstorm to be become a so-called “super hero” by criticizing the erstwhile John Mahama government. As a result of his criticism he became a public figure with whom everybody tried to relate with.
He became another things a reference for a model citizen, and Ghanaians are thankful for his vociferous and veracious attack on the NDC government.
Who he was and the façade behind all that was not known to the public then, the media rushed to interview and invite him on their shows based on the record he set for himself.
Meanwhile, this self-acclaimed “super hero” has played on the intelligence of the average Ghanaian who saw him as their role model.
The Chickens came home to roost, immediately after the 2013 elections when Nana Akufo-Addo, was declared the validly elected president of the country. The once upon a time, camera loving and studio loving Ace, suddenly lost his voice and like a Tortoise crawled into his shell.
The country in the last six years, has been pillage, raped, looted, pauperized and abandoned to lick its sores. Never in the history of this country, has the people been taken for granted and treated like they are second class citizens.
The reasons that compelled Ace Ankomah, to vacate the comfort of his office to join thousands of Ghanaians to march on the street of Accra in what was dubbed ‘Occupy Flagstaff House”, is very much with us and have actually gone up.
The scandals have hit the fan and at this juncture, if we do not call out people like Ace Ankomah to as a matter of urgency lend their voices once again to the mismanagement being visited on the people, the upcoming generation won’t forgive us.
Ghanaians voted for president Akufo-Addo, with the hope of enjoying great leadership, but the reverse is now the case as things are not in any way getting better.
Considering the numerous challenges facing the country, one ought to have thought that the president and his party, the New Patriotic Party, would brainstorm to get the country out of the quagmire it currently finds itself in, but unfortunately political sycophants are now distracting people’s attention from this government’s failures by focusing on the 2024 presidential elections, with ‘Breaking the 8’.
In all his campaigns for president, from 2008, until 2016 when he eventually won, Nana Akufo-Addo, ran the platforms of building a resilient economy that will create jobs for the teeming youth, as the fight against corruption. He even promised in that regard to use the Anas principle.
Everywhere he went, he affirmed with tired, clichéd reductionism that all the problems of Ghana boiled down to corruption and job. He argued that the powers of the highest office in the land must be exercised in an earnest war to create opportunities to recover its promise of its founding fathers.
That was his rallying cry, Ghanaians heard him and gave him the mandate¸ only for them to be serve an antidote that is making their lives worse.
Six years after becoming president, the news cycle, both traditional and social media, is furnishing cause for fears that corruption is killing the presidency of the presumed corruption slayer.
His kitchen cabinet has been frothing poisons instead of the antidote. And his minimalist response to the scandals all but testifies that that he has enough hypocrisy in him to nurse in his inner circle the corruption plague he affects to be invested in eradicating from the body politic. And to think with all what is going on, Ace Ankomah, has taken a leave of absence. So much for caring for Ghana and Ghanaians.
Just imagine, it was John Dramani Mahama in power, and he decided despite all opposition and voices of reason, decides to build a national Cathedral, Ace Ankomah, will remind us why after working as a Bull and paying his taxes, it should not be used for such a fruitless venture.
Imagine again that, it was John Mahama in office and he decides to pursue the Domestic Debt Exchange programme after reckless borrowing, what will Ace Ankomah be telling the world. I am sure he will organize the mother of all demonstrations to register his displeasure.
Ace Annan Ankomah, should remember one of the quotes of an American author and journalist, Anna Quindlen, who says, “Look back, to slavery, to suffrage, to integration and one thing is clear. Fashions in bigotry come and go. The right thing lasts.”
National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama expressed sympathy to those affected by the recent flood that wreaked havoc on the nation.
Last week’s flash floods had an impact on people across the nation, particularly in the Greater Accra Region.
The former president described the floods as depressing and blamed their occurrence on the government’s inability to come up with solutions and resolve to deal with the long-lasting damage they had caused.
“It is profoundly disheartening to witness the annual recurrence of these floods, with the toll on lives and property steadily increasing. The ability to prevent or minimise such disasters should be a priority for any responsible government. Unfortunately, the Akufo-Addo administration has repeatedly demonstrated its lack of commitment towards implementing effective measures to address this recurring menace.”
“The administration has run out of ideas for ameliorating the situation. Today, even with the shortest burst of rainfall, areas previously immune to the flooding menace experience severe destruction from the raging waters. We are witnessing an increase in flooding, especially in the cities, despite the huge funds injected into flood control by foreign partners such as the World Bank and from the domestic budget.”
Mr. Mahama urged the government and relevant agencies to adopt strategic and proactive measures to solve the situation.
“Our firm belief is that tragedies of such magnitude can be prevented through proactive measures such as implementing appropriate regulations, good waste management, and investing in the construction and management of sustainable drainage systems.
“We call on the government to take immediate action to rectify the systemic failures that have contributed to these floods.”
Senior political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, has asserted that the impact made by former President John Mahama’s in addressing corruption surpasses that of President Akufo-Addo.
This statement comes in light of the recent arrest of the group known as Democracy Hub during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration on Thursday, September 21, 2023. The Police had filed an application in court and successfully served the organizers of Democracy Hub, who had planned a demonstration near the Jubilee House from Thursday, September 21st, to Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.
During an interview on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tetteh on Monday, the political science lecturer expressed his opinion that while the current government has taken certain measures to combat corruption, the administration of former President Mahama performed better in this regard.
“When you look at Transparency International figures, if you look at what we have done from 2013 the scores. The scores say that the closer you are to zero is the highly corrupt your country is and the closer you are to hundred the highly clean your records are.
“The figures for 2013-46 percent, 2014-48, 2025-47, 2016-43 it tells you about Mahama’s era that the highest performance was 48 and the lowest which was closest to zero that was in 2016 recorded 43 percent,” Dr. Asante stated.
He continued: “The score for Nana Akufo-Addo’s government from 2017 is 40 percent, 2019-41, 2020-43, 2021-43, 2022-43percent. It tells you that the highest performance under Nana Akufo-Addo’s government is 43 percent that is 2020 to 2022 and the lowest is 40.
“What it tells you is that Mahama’s lowest performance in the chart sheet in the fight against corruption was Nana’s highest. It means corruption is pervasive in the country.”
Dr. Asante went on to say that given the country’s economic suffering, the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protestors cannot be blamed for their behavior.
The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, expresses strong confidence in his party’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
He is so assured of the party’s success that he humorously remarked to Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi TV’s Face to Face program that even if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were to nominate a relative of the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, in its November 4 flagbearer primaries, they would still be defeated.
“If they [NPP] elect a flagbearer who is even a family member of former president John Mahama, still John Mahama will win the elections. Don’t forget John Mahama is the most popular person in Ghana and he is even more popular than Akufo-Addo.”
Mr. Ashie Moore attributed the NDC’s loss in the 2020 elections to allegations of rigging. He stated that the party is determined to prevent a recurrence in the 2024 elections and is fully prepared to engage the NPP in a fair competition to ensure transparency and fairness.
“This time around, we are not going to sit aloof and allow the elections to be rigged. The elections were rigged in 2020, and this time around we are going to put up every strategy to make sure that we match up the NPP.”
He further expressed his utmost trust in the NDC’s new national officers to deliver victory to the party in next year’s polls.
“Elections are all about communications and so I believe in every single personality that has been appointed as a director of any portfolio and I know that we are going to work as a team and make sure that we win and I know we will do fantastic and we will beat whoever the NPP brings.”
Former President and flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, is scheduled to address the Humanity Summit 2023 in Faro, Portugal, today.
The Humanity Summit serves as a platform dedicated to advocating for social change and social justice, with a primary focus on addressing global humanitarian issues.
In an interconnected world, the vulnerabilities of humanity have never been more apparent, making it imperative for all of us to participate in shaping and implementing sustainable solutions to both longstanding and emerging global challenges.
The annual Humanity Summit centers its efforts on promoting the well-being of humanity through core principles of Dignity, Equality, and Freedom. Its ultimate goal is to catalyze global collaboration towards forging a prosperous and secure future for all.
Former President Mahama will also attend the book reading event, reading from his memoir, My First Coup D’état: And Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa, and share his views on what social interactions can do to bring about change.
Since concluding his term as President of Ghana in 2016, John Dramani Mahama has emerged as a prominent African figure on the global platform. He has actively engaged in diverse issues and dialogues spanning the African continent and the broader international arena.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a commitment to finish all ongoing projects, including those initiated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, if he is elected in 2024.
Mahama emphasized that the NDC is a patriotic and conscientious political party that upholds the principle of continuity and is resolute in ensuring that taxpayers’ resources are not squandered.
“I’m making a promise that when we come, we will continue all abandoned projects.
Even projects that this current NPP government does not finish, we will continue and finish because they are funded by taxpayers’ money, so when you abandon them, you’re wasting the money of Ghanaians,” he said.
Former President John Dramani Mahama made this declaration on Saturday, September 16, 2023, during the NDC Greater Accra Regional Zongo Caucus Stakeholders Forum held in Accra.
The forum convened representatives from diverse Zongo and Muslim groups and institutions both within and outside the party. Its purpose was to facilitate the exchange of experiences and discussions on topics of shared interest, fostering social connections and a sense of community.
Among the notable figures in attendance was the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu.
Mr. Mahama’s commitment came in the wake of his criticism of the current administration for allegedly neglecting significant projects initiated by his party, particularly in Zongo communities, before he left office in 2016.
“When we were sharing the E-Blocks, several of them were allocated to the Zongo and Muslim communities but many of those schools have been abandoned. We have done a lot in our Zongos but we are not the type who come with a paper and read. Our people can see for themselves the work the NDC did when we were in office,” he stressed.
Mr. Mahama conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the substantial support that his party has consistently received from the Zongo communities and the Islamic fraternity over the years. He assured them that he would never underestimate this support.
Furthermore, he pledged that the party would maintain an ongoing partnership and engagement with these communities, with the goal of regularly understanding their grievances and concerns, and actively working to resolve them.
“We appreciate that support and that’s why anytime we come to power, we try to make sure that when we are sharing the National cake and development, the Zongos get their fair share,” the 2024 NDC flagbearer added.
During his address, he took the opportunity to encourage all eligible citizens who have reached voting age to participate in the current limited voter registration process. Additionally, he urged the responsible officials to refrain from engaging in discriminatory practices, particularly targeting individuals they believe may not be Ghanaian solely based on their names.
“Everybody came from somewhere and that is why Ghana is a strong nation.
We are united in our diversity and cultures so we must know that we are all Ghanaians and have equal rights to be recognised as such,” the former President said.
Minority leader in Parliament, Dr Ato Forson, has highlighted the economic successes chalked up by the erstwhile Mahama-led government prior to the NPP government in 2017.
This has become imperative following claims by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, that the Akufo-Addo-led administration inherited an indebted economy from former President John Dramani Mahama.
According to Mr Ato Forson, these are mere allegations without basis.
He argued that the Mahama-led government ensured the economy was in a stable position before leaving office.
“The people of Ghana would recall that because the Mahama administration left behind a robust economy, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government within the first three months of its assumption of office was able to borrow US$2.25 billion from Franklin Templeton.
“Today, that same Franklin Templeton will not lend Ghana even one Dollar because the country is not credit worthy.
“The Minister of Finance should carry his mess and his shame. He should not bring the NDC into matters that border on his greed, state capture for his family and friends as well as his monumental failure in public office. We did better than they are doing and the NDC will always do better when the good people of Ghana give John Mahama and our party the opportunity to govern from January, 2025,” he wrote.
Below is a list of the achievements chalked under the Mahama government.
A public debt that was sustainable at 56% of GDP ( which has increased public debt to 103% of GDP with very little to show by the NPP government)
Sinking Fund, Stabilisation Fund, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Bank (GIIF), Ghana EXIM Bank
Robust tax revenue
Oil revenue from three oil fields
Government Integrated Financial Management Systems (GIFMIS)
Credit rating of B+ (currently rated D, a super junky economy under Akufo-Addo government)
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to take immediate measures to resolve network issues and congestion occurring during the current limited voter registration exercise.
The former president issued this request following his visit to the EC headquarters to evaluate the registration process.
“This is day 4 of the exercise, and we have been receiving reports from the various district offices,” he said. “Today, I decided to go around and see for myself. I understand there are five districts here, and there’s a lot of congestion.
“People are coming from all over to register at one point. The second thing I have noticed, and the complaint, is that the network is not strong. And so they are not able to use the instant online registration. And so they are capturing some data offline. The danger is that sometimes there’s a repeat of somebody’s name, not of his/hers.”
Mahama has appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to engage in discussions with telecommunications companies to address the network congestion issues, ensuring a smoother and faster registration process.
Additionally, he has urged the EC to contemplate expanding the registration exercise to additional centers in order to alleviate the problem of overcrowding.
“I have spoken to many of the young people who have turned 18 years, and they don’t have Ghana cards,” he said. “It means that if we had insisted on the Ghana Card as the only means of registration, it means all these young people I have seen would not have been able to register.”
Mahama’s call comes amid concerns from stakeholders about the smooth and efficient conduct of the limited voter registration exercise.
The EC has been criticized for its handling of the exercise, with some accusing the body of failing to adequately prepare for the high demand for registration.
In his response during the parliamentary committee’s investigation into the leaked audio, Dr. Dampare emphasized the fundamental duty of a police officer to provide services to the citizens. He made it clear that former President Mahama is just one of the Ghanaian citizens to whom he would readily offer his services if required.
One of the officers implicated in the leaked tape had previously claimed that clandestine meetings were taking place between Mr. Mahama and the Inspector General of Police.
However, when questioned before a parliamentary committee, Dr. Dampare categorically stated, “I don’t visit former President John Dramani Mahama, and he doesn’t visit me. I’m a professional police officer, we are servants of the people, including the former president. Whoever is involved, as long as there is a police service to be provided, I have a constitutional duty and responsibility to get it done”.
Moreover, Dr. Dampare vehemently denied any involvement in clandestine dealings with the former president, categorically dismissing such allegations as baseless falsehoods.
He asserted his commitment to carrying out his duties without bias or prejudice, stating, “I’m a policeman who is not into politics. I’m not into politics, I’m a professional police officer, and I don’t do such things.”
When questioned about the appropriateness of an IGP interacting with the former president, Dr. Dampare clarified, “The position of Inspector General of Police, and by extension, every police officer is to serve the good people of this country, of which the former president is one of those. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”
IGP Dampare's brilliance shines through in his responses to questions about visiting former President John Dramani Mahama. pic.twitter.com/qjKyxWbQjo
Some of us have always held unadulterated conviction that governance is a serious business, and as such, it requires a forward-thinking, serious, and committed candidate to bring about the needed progress.
Nevertheless, this has not always been the case in Ghana’s democratic dispensation. We have more often than not been relying on lousy economic managers whose main preoccupation is to amass wealth to the detriment of the poor and disadvantaged Ghanaians.
Trust me, anybody who holds an isolated thinker’s view that the ecumenically diffused coronavirus and Russia/Ukraine conflict have nothing to do with Ghana’s economic challenges is being economical with the truth.
The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, before the insidious coronavirus, made important gains towards macroeconomic stability, including inflation, which declined to a single digit and within the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG’s) tolerance band; buoyant growth, averaging about five percent, over six percent in 2017-18) and a primary surplus in 2017 for the first time in 15 years (IMF 2018).
Take, for instance, the then-director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Cristine Lagarde observed that the Ghanaian economy, before the unspeakable coronavirus, was in a better place than it was in the previous years under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
That being said, despite the absence of a pernicious coronavirus or Ukraine/Russia impasse during the Mahama administration, Ghanaians became fed up with the extremely harsh conditions amid corruption allegations (Bus branding, Brazil World Cup, SADA, SUBA, GYEEDA, SSNIT, MASLOC, NCA, Ford Expedition Vehicle, amongst others).
If Mahama is not taking Ghanaians for granted, how on earth would he consider returning to the presidency given the dreadful errors in judgment during his tenure in office?
Let us be honest, it is quite erroneous for anybody to assert somewhat anecdotally that Ghana’s economy under Mahama (3.4% growth and 15.4% inflation) was better than the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia record before the insidious coronavirus (8.6% growth and 7.5% inflation).
Where was the sound economic foundation when the Mahama administration wilfully dragged 14% economic growth in 2011 to 3.4% by December 2016 in the absence of the deadly coronavirus.
How can Mahama and cohort claim excellence in economic management when single-digit inflation took a flight to 15.4% by December 2016 in the absence of the Russia/Ukraine war?
How can Mahama audaciously claim a solid economic foundation when the agricultural sector grew in negative figures consistently in the absence of the armyworm invasion?
Where was the favourable economic foundation when the industry sector grew appallingly over the years?
How can Mahama proudly beat his chest and claim ownership of a solid economic foundation when the GDP shrunk from GH47 billion in 2011 to GHC40 billion by December 2016?
Where was the sound economic management when the erstwhile Mahama administration spent profligately thereby raising Ghana’s debt from $9.5 billion in 2009 to a staggering $122.4 billion by December 2016 in the absence of the globally diffused coronavirus or Russia/Ukraine conflict?
Where was the solid economic foundation when former President Mahama unabashedly claimed that his administration had edaciously consumed all the meat on the bone?
The fact of the matter is that the late Mills left a sound economic growth of 14% and Mahama reversed it to 3.4%, the late Mills left the agricultural growth of 7.4% and Mahama dragged it to 2.5%, the late Mills single-digit inflation was reversed to 15.4%, GDP of GHC47 billion shrunk to GH40 billion by Mahama.
It was, therefore, not quite surprising when the unhappy 56.5 % of the electorates voted Mahama out in 2016 and 51.2% voted against him in 2020.
Ghana’s economic growth, just before the inexpressible coronavirus, stood at around 8.6% from 3.4% in December 2016.
Interestingly, in the first two years of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, the industry sector recorded the highest growth rate of 16.7 percent, followed by Agriculture at 8.4 percent and services at 4.3 percent.
Services share of GDP decreased from 56.8 percent in 2016 to 56.2 percent in 2017. The sector’s growth rate also decreased from 5.7 percent in 2016 to 4.3 percent in 2017.
However, two of the subsectors in the services sector recorded double-digit growth rates, including Information and Communication at 13.2 percent and Health and Social Work at 14.4 percent.
The Industry sector, the highest-growing sector with a GDP share of 25.5 percent, had its growth rate increasing from -0.5 percent in 2016 to 16.7 percent in 2017. The Mining and Quarrying subsector recorded the highest growth of 46.7 percent in 2017.
The Agriculture sector expanded from a growth rate of 3.0 percent in 2016 to 8.4 percent in 2017. Its share of GDP, however, declined from 18.7 percent in 2016 to 18.3 percent in 2017. Crops remain the largest activity with a share of 14.2 percent of GDP.
The Non-Oil annual GDP growth rate decreased from 5.0 percent in 2016 to 4.9 percent in 2017. The 2017 Non-oil GDP for industry recorded a growth rate of 0.4 percent, compared with 4.9 percent in 2016. Growth in the fourth quarter of 2017 reached 8.1 percent compared to 9.7 percent in the third quarter (GSS, 2018).
In Mahama’s time in office, the previously single-digit inflation and budget deficit doubled astronomically.
Ghana’s economic growth slowed for the fourth consecutive year to an estimated 3.4% in 2015 from 4% in 2014 as energy rationing (dumsor), high inflation, and ongoing fiscal consolidation weighed on economic activity (World Bank, 2016). Besides, the Mahama administration nauseatingly dragged the economic growth from around 14% in 2011 to around 3.4% as of December 2016.
In addition, the high inflation rate remained elevated at 18.5% in February 2016 compared to 17.7% in February 2015, even after the Central Bank’s 500 bps policy rate hikes (the inflation stood at 15.4% as of October 2016).
Ex-President Mahama, regrettably, did not work his socks off to improve the socio-economic living standards of Ghanaians.
Take, for example, former President Kufuor worked studiously and quadrupled Ghana’s GDP to a staggering GH28 billion in 2008, and the late Mills inherited oil in commercial quantities and managed to increase the GDP to GH47 billion by 2011.
But Mahama disappointingly dragged the GDP to an incredible GHC40 billion as of December 2016.
Former President Mahama and his NDC administration failed to end the dumsor, failed to implement the one-time NHIS premium, jobs were not readily available for the jobless, the economy sunk deeper and deeper into the mire, they reneged on their promise to keep ‘lean’ government, Ghanaians became poorer and poorer, sleazes and corruption escalated to immeasurable proportions, endless borrowings amongst others.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
President Akufo-Addo has slammed his predecessor for his recent comment on the composition of the judiciary.
The president is of the assertion that the Judiciary is not politically biased, as suggested by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has claimed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has selected individuals with close ties to the ruling party to hold positions within the judiciary.
Mr Mahama contended that President Akufo-Addo’s appointments to the judiciary seem to be a deliberate strategy aimed at installing judges who might lean toward his interests once his tenure ends.
The 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer proposed that the president’s actions are designed to protect himself from accountability once he finishes his term in office.
Mr Mahama said: “Currently, the judiciary is packed with NPP-inclined judges because this government has carried out a deliberate policy of putting their people onto the bench.”
“He has appointed the biggest number of judges onto the bench, it is more than 80 towards 100 and counting. You can see what the current president has done. He has packed the court, and we know they have packed the court because they want to avoid accountability after they have left office.”
He made this assertion while addressing the closing ceremony of the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, September 2.
Reacting to his comment at the 2023/2024 annual general conference of the Ghana Bar Association which began on Monday, September 11, President Akufo-Addo noted that such statements attack the integrity and independence of the Judiciary. According to the President, such comments must not be uttered by “an allegedly responsible politician of the 4th Republic.”
“He has told the world that I have packed the courts with so called NPP judges and that one of the key purposes of opposition NDC in 2024 will be to enable him to balance the courts with so called NDC judges.
“Not only are these concepts of “NPP NDC Judges” new in our public discourse, they are also extremely dangerous. They represent the most brazen attack on the Independence of the Judiciary by an allegedly responsible politician of the 4th Republic,” the president said.
This year’s conference is on the theme: “Ensuring High Standards and Integrity in Public Life: The Role of Legal Profession.”
Former President John Mahama, also the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed his dissatisfaction with President Akufo-Addo’s recent announcement of a GH¢1,308 producer price per bag of cocoa.
He characterized this decision as detrimental to hardworking cocoa farmers.
At an event in Tepa on September 9, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the challenges faced by cocoa farmers, including the impact of low international cocoa prices, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these difficulties, he revealed that COCOBOD and the government had chosen to increase the producer price of cocoa.
The President explained that cocoa prices had risen significantly from GH¢7,600 per tonne in 2016 to GH¢12,800 per tonne in 2022, representing a substantial 68% increase.
Moreover, the government had further elevated cocoa prices from GH¢12,800 per tonne to GH¢20,943 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢1,308 per bag. This new price corresponds to 70.5% of the Gross FoB price and is equivalent to $1,821 per tonne, marking the highest price paid to cocoa farmers in West Africa in nearly half a century.
However, in a Facebook post on Monday, September 11, John Mahama argued that given the international market price of cocoa, which reached a 46-year record high of $3,600, the government should have provided cocoa farmers with a more equitable share of the international FOB price.
He expressed his disappointment that the government opted to offer farmers only GH¢1,308 per bag, amounting to just 52.7% of the FOB Price on the international market.
“The government’s just-announced increase in the farm-gate price of cocoa is a rip-off of our hardworking cocoa farmers and their families who continue to sustain our economy through their toil.
“With the international market price surging to a 46-year record high of $3,600, the government should have given our cocoa farmers their fair share of the international FOB price.
“Sadly, the government has chosen to give them a paltry GH₵1,308 per bag, constituting only 52.7% of the FOB Price of the product on the international market.
“This is unfair to our cocoa farmers, who have been worse off since the NPP took over the reins of government in 2017.
“In 2016, my government, in addition to the free fertiliser and free cocoa seedlings programme, gave cocoa farmers 66.06% of the FOB Price of cocoa.
“This NPP administration should have built on this foundation. They have rather increased the operational expenses of COCOBOD and reduced the international FOB share for the farmers. Cocoa farmers certainly deserve better!” he wrote.
Vice President Dr Mahamud Bawumia asserts his confidence in winning the 2024 presidential elections instead of transferring power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He alleges that the NDC is apprehensive about his candidacy and highlights the support of Zongo community delegates in the event he leads the NPP in the 2024 election.
During his campaign in the Oti Region ahead of the party’s November 4 primaries, Dr. Bawumia states, “When examining the Northern and Zongo communities, it becomes evident that if I lead the NPP, they will rally behind us. Consequently, the NDC’s chances of winning the elections are diminished.”
He also commits to securing a majority of votes in regions traditionally considered NDC strongholds, aiming to pave the way for the NPP’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
The Vice President said, “That is why they fear Dr Bawumia because they all know that I will give them a showdown.”
Dr. Bawumia emerged as the top candidate in the NPP’s Super Delegate Conference on August 26, securing a spot among the final five flagbearer candidates for the party’s November primaries.
In contrast, Mr. Alan Kyeremateng, a former flagbearer aspirant, officially withdrew from the flagbearership race in a press statement issued on September 5. His decision was based on concerns about the Special Electoral College held on August 26, 2023, which he believed favored one specific aspirant strategically and tactically, among other reasons.
Notably, Mr. Kyeremateng became the second aspirant to withdraw from the flagbearership race, following Boakye Agyarko, who opted out of the run-off election scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023, where he was set to compete with fellow flagbearer hopeful Francis Addai-Nimoh.
As of now, the candidates vying for the NPP’s flagbearership position include Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimo.
Founder of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, Reverend Eastwood Anaba, has emphasized the presence of genuinely well-intentioned politicians in Ghana who often face unwarranted criticism.
He singled out President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former President John Dramani Mahama as two such politicians with whom he has had personal interactions.
Reverend Anaba shared an example of former President Mahama’s benevolence, recalling an incident where Mahama extended a helping hand.
In a viral video addressing his congregation, Reverend Anaba mentioned that Mahama had played a vital role in saving the life of a pastor from the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), affiliated with Dr. Mensa Otabil’s ministry.
This assistance came in response to a request from Dr. Otabil, who had contacted Mahama to arrange for the transportation of a severely injured pastor from an accident in Wa to Accra.
“I was in Lagos, a pastor had an accident in Nandom, his head was broken. He must get to Accra otherwise he would die. Dr Mensa Otabil, my good friend called me … and said ‘Eastwood I have an emergency, one of our pastors (a pastor of ICGC), his head is broken, can you help by calling the government so that they call the air ambulance to pick the guy otherwise we are going to lose him.
“I called President Mahama and told him I have a problem. A pastor friend of ICGC has had an accident in Nandom and we need an air ambulance to transport him,” he narrated.
Eastwood Anaba recounted that Mahama swiftly responded by calling him back within a mere 10 minutes, assuring him that the Air Force Commander would promptly get in touch to provide the necessary assistance.
“By the time he (Mahama) put down the phone, the Air Force Commander called me. He (the commander) said ‘The president has given me your assignment, consider it done. By tomorrow your patient will be in Accra’.
“The plane went all the way to Wa Hospital; picked up Pastor Peter Akagara to Accra. And up to today, Pastor Akagara is alive,” he said.
He encouraged Ghanaians not to lend credence to false narratives surrounding specific politicians.
“I came to announce to you to stop listening to liars. There are people that can help you and because they know who they are, they accept who they are, they are acting who they are; people accuse them of pride and they drive them away from you.”
The Presidential Candidate from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has strongly criticized the government for the ongoing economic challenges being faced by the citizens.
John Dramani Mahama asserts that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has not effectively tackled the urgent issues confronting the people of Ghana.
In his view, the President and his chosen officials are misallocating the limited resources, prioritizing their own comfort and that of their associates.
During a live Facebook address on Wednesday, the former President encouraged Ghanaians to vote against the NPP in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
“President Akufo-Addo and his administration have failed to address the pressing economic challenges they have exerted on the people of our country – misapplying our precious scarce resources and overspending on their comfort and largesse instead of building the critical infrastructure this country needs for job creation and development.”
He also added that the Akufo-Addo-led government has failed to fulfil its promises made to Ghanaians in the run up to the 2020 elections.
“Their promises during their campaigns are yet to be fulfilled, leaving the ordinary Ghanaian burdened with the consequences of their incompetence, cluelessness, and shameless arrogance.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Mahama has urged the Ghanaian people not to consider the ongoing corruption, which he characterizes as unprecedented, as a regular occurrence under the current government. He emphasized that this scourge is impeding the nation’s advancement and limiting job prospects for the unemployed youth of Ghana.
“Today, some Ghanaians glorify and make excuses for corruption because the NPP has allowed it to permeate every facet of our society. This must never be accepted as the norm. It hinders progress on many fronts, denying our youth opportunities that should have come their way if state resources were meaningfully applied.”
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to decentralize the upcoming limited voter registration exercise to make it easier for more Ghanaians to register.
Mahama, who is also the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said that the limited voter registration exercise should be conducted without any bias or interference to guarantee free and fair elections.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the EC to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and credible.
“Access to a voter ID card should be easy and not limited by location,” Mahama said in a Facebook Live session on Wednesday, September 6. “Every Ghanaian deserves a chance to exercise his democratic right. I strongly urge the Electoral Commission to facilitate the registration exercise in all its electoral areas to allow for easy access, and reduce the burden on the citizenry in their quest to register.”
Mahama also demanded that the EC disclose when the names and pictures of personnel recruited for the registration exercise will be made public as stipulated by the regulations of the electoral management body.
“I challenge the EC to be more transparent in the processes preceding the limited voter registration exercise, the replacement of Voter ID cards and the transfer of votes,” he said. “As has been made in a formal letter to the EC by the general secretary of the NDC, we want to know when the names and photos of the registration supervisors, registration officers, registration assistant and other officials for the registration exercise will be published at the district level as stipulated by the EC regulations.”
In addition to his call for decentralization and transparency, Mahama also underscored the importance of the upcoming 2024 elections, suggesting that it is an opportunity for Ghanaians to vote for change.
He expressed the need to vote out the incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government, arguing that a change in leadership is necessary to address the economic challenges the country faces.
Spokesperson for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign, Nana Akomea, has chided former President John Dramani Mahama over his recent comment that casts aspersions on the integrity of the judiciary.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has claimed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has selected individuals with close ties to the ruling party to hold positions within the judiciary.
Mr Mahama contended that President Akufo-Addo’s appointments to the judiciary seem to be a deliberate strategy aimed at installing judges who might lean toward his interests once his tenure ends.
The 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer proposed that the president’s actions are designed to protect himself from accountability once he finishes his term in office.
Mr. Mahama said: “Currently, the judiciary is packed with NPP-inclined judges because this government has carried out a deliberate policy of putting their people onto the bench.”
“He has appointed the biggest number of judges onto the bench, it is more than 80 towards 100 and counting. You can see what the current president has done. He has packed the court, and we know they have packed the court because they want to avoid accountability after they have left office.”
He made this assertion while addressing the closing ceremony of the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, September 2.
In reaction to the statesman’s comment, Nana Akomea noted that it is unacceptable for Mr Mahama to make such an accusation without providing any evidence.
According to Mr Akomea, the statement uttered by the former president must be condemned by all.
“The statements former president Mahama made should be condemned by every right thinking Ghanaian has only placed NPP supporters at the Judiciary without any proof that those there align with the NPP.
More dangerous is that he said because of this, should he return to power, he will put NDC individuals at the courts. It is a dangerous statement and everyone who respects our democracy must condemn it.
He has no basis. Someone who is a former president and still wants to be president. This is the reality Ghanaians are facing.
He therefore quizzed, “If you speak this way, do you deserve to be president?”
He accused the former President of consistently condemning state institutions when things don’t go his way.
The Center for Democratic Development (CDD) has expressed concern over former President John Mahama’s statement about appointing National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawyers to the judiciary, considering it a threat to Ghana’s democracy.
Paul Aborampah Mensah, the Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, conveyed these concerns during an interview on Morning Starr with Francis Abban on September 4, 2023. He emphasized that such comments from former leaders would not contribute positively to the constitutional system.
Mensah further suggested that when politicians, especially those who have held the highest office in the country, make such statements, they might be trying to share their past experiences and the structural arrangements during their tenure.”
Background
Former President John Mahama has asserted that President Akufo-Addo’s government has strategically appointed judges within the Ghanaian courts to evade accountability once their term in office concludes. He made these remarks during the concluding session of the 3rd Lawyers Conference, organized by the NDC Lawyers Association, held in Akosombo, Eastern region.
Mahama disclosed that some of these lawyers President Akufo-Addo has leapfrogged on the bench are known political persons.“Our lawyers, some of you must be prepared to go unto the bench, I know that some of you have very lucrative legal practices you will not want to leave and go onto the bench.
Over 80, nearly a hundred, and still counting. “He’s populated the judiciary, and it’s clear they’ve done so to evade accountability once they exit office. Various individuals with a well-known partisan background, including former party executives in the legal field, have been fast-tracked into the Superior courts and other significant positions.”
Former Deputy Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has expressed support for former President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks regarding the New Patriotic Party (NPP) allegedly populating state institutions with its allies.
Mr. Mahama made these allegations during his address at the conclusion of the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, September 2.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi News, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu asserted that the NPP has a longstanding history of intentionally appointing its supporters to state institutions, a move aimed at influencing various aspects of the country’s affairs.
“It has been a long-standing strategy of the NPP to dominate state institutions so that they can have their way on any matter they deem fit so they go about staffing state institutions with NPP people. It started in the Kuffuor era but he used more subtle means, but as for President Akufo-Addo, he has adopted the crudest fashion to do this and you recall what he did with the Electoral Commission when he came into office and removed Charlotte Osei on trumped-up charges and promptly appointed someone we know to be NPP and when we thought that he was going to end there, he appointed one Appiah Hene who is an NPP person as a commissioner,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu told Umaru Sanda Amadu.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu pointed to several appointments made by President Akufo-Addo as examples of cronyism, including the selection of Justice Solomon Twumasi, who previously served as the Dormaa East constituency chairman of the NPP, for a High Court judge position.
“If you look at the judiciary, President Akufo-Addo has decided that at all cost, the NPP must have overwhelming dominance in the judiciary set up, so he has appointed over eleven Supreme Court judges in the last seven years and he has appointed close to one hundred High Court judges and if you come to scrutinise these appointments, you will find people who are openly NPP so it is not as if president Mahama did not know what he was saying.
“If you go to the High Court today, the NPP’s former Dormaa East constituency chairman is called Justice Solomon Twumasi and he is now a High Court judge appointed by President Akufo-Addo. There is Justice Eric Ansah Ankomah who is currently at the Tamale High Court and a known NPP person so there is no other evidence you will need to show that the judiciary has been heavily politicised.”
Richard Anamoo, the former Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has clarified that former President John Dramani Mahama did not sell the Tema Port to Meridian Ports Services (MPS).
He is urging the general public to dismiss any reports suggesting that the rising prices of imported goods are a result of the sale of GPHA to a foreign company by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Anamoo’s statement follows a viral video in which Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as ‘Abronye,’ was seen giving a studio interview explaining why President Akufo-Addo was unable to reduce taxes and duties paid at the port.
In the video, Mr. Abronye stated that the president’s inability was due to Ghana losing control of the port.
However, the former GPHA boss provided an explanation for the increasing cost of products in the country. According to him, the Tema Port was put under a concessional agreement by former President John Agyakum Kufour in 2001 for a duration of 20 years.
“Did President Kufour sell the Tema Port?” he questioned.
He stated that the NDC would no longer tolerate what he referred to as the usual “propaganda from elements within the NPP who spread falsehoods whenever they have the opportunity to speak.”
Describing this situation as a “common tactic of NPP members,” he pointed out that similar lies were circulated in 2021 but were debunked because former President Mahama did not sell GPHA to MPS.
He clarified that in the early 2000s, then-President Jerry John Rawlings decided to expand the Tema Port facility and secured a Dutch credit facility to begin the first phase.
He continued, “We dredged the port constructed by the first president, Kwame Nkrumah, and the NDC lost power in the process.”
“When President John Agyekum Kufour took over in 2001, he disregarded what the NDC had initiated and proceeded to establish a new company to take over from GPHA.
“It was just at a management meeting when we were told that a new company was going to be formed called Meridian Port Services (MPS), and GPHA would only take 30% of the shares.”
“That was the end of the story, there was neither evaluation nor a letter, and the new company would take the investment and everything,” he revealed.
“So, would we say that President Kufour sold GPHA to MPS?” he asked.
“If Abronye claims that the Tema Port was sold, then it was sold by President Kufour, not John Dramani Mahama,” he further clarified.
He recounted that when Prof. John Evans Atta Mills took over in 2009, the concession was not terminated, and the NDC allowed the contract to continue, demonstrating their commitment to principles.
According to the former D-G, the documentation referred to a concession and not the sale of the entire port. He emphasized that no one, including John Dramani Mahama, sold the Tema Port.
He explained that MPS existed before Professor Mills and John Mahama came into power. The only thing John Mahama did was amend the existing concession. As of 2015, the initial concession had nine years left, and MPS had only constructed the terminal by that time.
He said, “Under the expanded agreement, the new terminals were going to be like a new port, with almost about 4 kilometers of breakwater in open sea, reclaiming over 100 hectares, creating facilities that could accommodate about 17 berths, meaning at full capacity, dredging the harbor to minus 16 or 17 meters, which MPS agreed to construct, along with the motorway.”
However, MPS only created 4 berths for their own operations and agreed to operate them for 35 years. The remaining 13 berths were available for other private investors.
He stressed, “MPS does not control the Tema Port. Duties and taxes are imposed by customs and GPHA, so if imported goods are expensive, it is because the duties are too high.”
He described the current customs regime as punitive and discouraging for cargoes to be brought to the Tema Port.
“Now, I am told that MPS wants to construct the fifth berth and has applied to GPHA for permission. If it is true that John Mahama sold the Tema Port to MPS, why then did they write to seek permission from GPHA? This means their limitation is with the four berths,” the former D-G questioned.
“Also, if it is true that John Mahama sold the Tema Port to MPS, how come MPS is paying substantial dividends to GPHA? In 2021, GPHA received a dividend of $70 million from MPS, and in 2022, GPHA received over $60 million from MPS,” he further inquired.
He asked, “Why isn’t the money from MPS being used to replace damaged equipment at the Tema Port? Why has the dividend from the Tema Port been diverted into the Boankra Inland Project, a private project? Who owns that project?” he requested answers.
He further queried, “If John Dramani Mahama sold the Tema Port to MPS, how come MPS is paying substantial dividends to GPHA? The Akufo-Addo government had, at the time, diverted $33 million into the Boankra project, even though the government is not a shareholder. As we speak, there is no railway line, even with the $33 million,” he lamented.
Former President John Mahama has emphasized that the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024, are of utmost significance, possibly the most crucial since 1992.
He believes that this election may represent the final chance to rekindle hope in constitutional governance for the people of Ghana.
Mr Mahama emphasized that in the event of the NDC returning to power in 2025, there is a pressing need to revolutionize the country’s economic prospects and generate opportunities that will reinvigorate faith in constitutional rule.
“I must say that election 2024 is going to be the most critical election since 1992 or may be in the history of our party. Because as I said earlier it is the last opportunity for us to restore the faith of our people in constitutional government in our country.”
He continued that “Let us not think that we are immune to what is happening in the sub-region. It cannot be business as usual as I said a little while ago. Any new government that takes over on 2025 7th January cannot do business as usual. We must sit up and do what our people expect of us.
“We must let them understand and let them appreciate that constitutional government can defend their interest, constitutional government can look after their human right, and constitutional government can guarantee that they can express themselves freely, but mostly importantly constitutional governments are able to create the opportunity that make them able to realize their full potential to live in dignity and prosperity.”
The NDC flagbearer delivered these remarks during the concluding session of the 3rd annual Lawyers conference organized by the NDC Lawyers Association via Zoom.
While acknowledging the challenging circumstances created by the Akufo-Addo administration, Mahama expressed optimism that the forthcoming NDC government will strive to overcome these difficulties and deliver positive outcomes for the nation.
“It is going to be an arduous task but we all must sit up and make sure we are able to discharge our responsibilities to our people. I am convinced that the NDC will win that election”.
Mr Mahama explained that extensive efforts are underway to craft policies and programs that can be swiftly implemented once the NDC takes office in 2025, ensuring a proactive start to their governance agenda.
“We must hit the ground running. I am not going to wait until I win the election to start to think about what to do. I know that several dedicated people under Prof. Danso Boafo organization we call the “LAB” looks at all the various sectors – governance, economy, trade, Agriculture, health, education and tourism and comes out with concrete policies we can put in effect as soon as we have taken over to make Ghana the Ghana we want”.
He urged NDC members to maintain a vigilant stance in the 2024 elections to secure a triumph for the party.
“While we prepare to go into that election, we must be vigilant and alert and indeed more than we were in Assin North. But aside from that, we must keep an eye on what we are going to do as soon as we come to power.
He said the “legal directorate and NDC Lawyers group are going to be critical towards winning this election. One of the things you need to do is to acquaint yourself with the electoral codes to watch the process to make sure the NDC is represented properly, that you understand the electoral process and that nothing untoward goes on in the polling stations. I believe that it is this end of sacrifice that is required of us so that we can win the election 2024. The prospects look very good for winning 2024 but we cannot rest on our ores. We need to be vigilant. We have an opponent who can take advantage of any list opportunity to manipulate the electoral process and so we need to be on our feet and make sure that we prevent anything like that from happening.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama has claimed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has selected individuals with close ties to the ruling party to hold positions within the judiciary.
Mr Mahama contended that President Akufo-Addo’s appointments to the judiciary seem to be a deliberate strategy aimed at installing judges who might lean toward his interests once his tenure ends.
The 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer proposed that the president’s actions are designed to protect himself from accountability once he finishes his term in office.
He made this assertion while addressing the closing ceremony of the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, September 2.
Mr. Mahama said: “Currently, the judiciary is packed with NPP-inclined judges because this government has carried out a deliberate policy of putting their people onto the bench.”
“He has appointed the biggest number of judges onto the bench, it is more than 80 towards 100 and counting. You can see what the current president has done. He has packed the court, and we know they have packed the court because they want to avoid accountability after they have left office.”
The former president therefore encouraged NDC members to contemplate pursuing careers within the judiciary to help establish a more balanced representation within the third arm of government.
“So, I encourage some of you to look at careers on the bench so that we can balance out what the current situation is. We must be prepared as NDC legal persons to also go onto the bench so that we can balance out the judiciary,” he urged.
Member of Parliament representing Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has firmly asserted that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) cannot sway the attention of former President John Mahama with fabricated news.
Addressing the circulation of false information related to the former President’s choice of a running mate, the Builsa South legislator emphasized that Mr. Mahama remains unwaveringly focused and cannot be diverted by any means.
“The outgoing corrupt, reckless, galamsey NPP has been exposed. John Mahama has made no comment anywhere about Prof or a running mate. JM will announce his running mate at the right time in consultation with NEC,” he said.
“Let the looting enterprise know that fake stories won’t divert our attention. We are focused on exposing their terrible deeds and despicable record,” Dr. Apaak reiterated.
In a prior statement, the Member of Parliament representing Builsa South had offered advice to activists within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He suggested that their focus should be on exposing the actions and policies of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, rather than fixating on who might be selected as the running mate for former President John Mahama in the upcoming 2024 elections.
This counsel comes in response to various interest groups and individuals engaging in public discussions and campaigns regarding potential running mates for the former President in the 2024 presidential elections.
The Builsa South legislator firmly stated that any attempt to impose a candidate on the former President would ultimately prove futile.
“NDC activists should focus their energies at exposing the reckless, corrupt, galamsey Nana Addo/Bawumia NPP gov’t; taking up and leading efforts to make the case as to why our party is the only option; galvanize our base and help reconcile fallouts from constituency, regional, national and parliamentary primary elections.
“Any effort to push anyone, with the hope that that person will catch John Dramani Mahama’s eye to be made his running mate is an exercise in futility,” Dr. Apaak indicated in a statement copied to Starrfm.com.gh.
He continued: “JM is the most experienced politician in our party and in Ghana today. He is the only person to have been selected a running mate by a Flagbearer, who himself as a Flagbearer has selected a running mate.”
According to Dr. Apaak, the former President cannot be influenced in any way in the selection of his running mate ahead of the 2024 General Election.
“Consequently, he knows what he wants, and no one can cajole or influence him to select a running mate. He will announce his choice when the time is right, after consulting with NEC,” Dr. Apaak stated.
Former Presidential Staffer, Stan Xoese Dogbe, has voiced his conviction that John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), represents a more suitable choice for the youth of Ghana.
He underscored Mahama’s commitment to social intervention programs designed to empower young people and enable them to become self-reliant.
Stan Dogbe highlighted Mahama’s commendable track record of implementing initiatives geared towards uplifting Ghana’s youth, notably the Youth Enterprises Support (YES) initiative. This initiative not only provided financial support but also created job opportunities and offered skills training to numerous young Ghanaians.
Furthermore, Stan Dogbe mentioned Mahama’s forward-looking plans, which include the introduction of additional youth-centric programs. Among these is the National Apprenticeship Program, set to offer free vocational, artisanal, skills, and technical training. This initiative aims to equip young Ghanaians with valuable skills, fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship.
In his words, “John Dramani Mahama is a trusted leader who has previously implemented numerous initiatives to empower the youth of Ghana. His Youth Enterprises Support (YES) initiative provided funding, job opportunities, and skills training for many young Ghanaians. He plans to introduce other youth-focused schemes, including free vocational, artisanal, skills, and technical training under the National Apprenticeship Program. This welcome initiative will help young Ghanaians gain valuable skills, become self-employed, become employers, and be able to support themselves.”
Stan Dogbe emphasized Mahama’s potential to address crucial issues beneficial to the youth, including the promise of a 24-hour economy and substantial investments in infrastructure.
He lauded Mahama’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, education, and good governance, asserting that Mahama stands as the superior choice for shaping Ghana’s future.
Additionally, Stan Dogbe took aim at the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressing disappointment in what he perceived as the party’s failure to tackle youth unemployment, improve the struggling education system, and combat widespread corruption.
He criticized the NPP’s performance in these critical areas and affirmed that Mahama represents a more promising choice for the youth and for the future development of Ghana, contrasting it with the perceived shortcomings of the NPP administration.
“Nana Akufo-Addo and Mahamadu Bawumia’s current administration has faltered in addressing youth unemployment and the struggling education system. Corruption remains rampant, and the pledges made to the youth remain unfulfilled. These two have been a significant disappointment in regard to the youth.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama has alleged that the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has appointed individuals closely connected to the ruling party to serve in the judiciary.
Mahama asserted that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s appointments to the bench appear to be a deliberate effort to place judges who may be inclined to align with his interests once he is no longer in office.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) suggested that this action by the president is intended to shield himself from accountability once his tenure concludes.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, September 2, Mr. Mahama alleged that, “Currently, the judiciary is packed with NPP-inclined judges because this government has carried out a deliberate policy of putting their people onto the bench.”
“He has appointed the biggest number of judges onto the bench, it is more than 80 towards 100 and counting. You can see what the current president has done. He has packed the court, and we know they have packed the court because they want to avoid accountability after they have left office.”
Mahama urged members of the NDC to consider pursuing careers within the judiciary as a means to bring greater balance to the institution.
“So, I encourage some of you to look at careers on the bench so that we can balance out what the current situation is. We must be prepared as NDC legal persons to also go onto the bench so that we can balance out the judiciary,” he urged.
A former member of the Presidential Staff, Stan Xoese Dogbe, has endorsed John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the preferred candidate for Ghanaian youth.
Dogbe emphasized the social intervention programs that Mahama intends to implement to assist the youth in becoming self-sufficient.
In a Facebook post, Dogbe stated, “John Dramani Mahama is a trusted leader who has, in the past, implemented several initiatives to empower the youth of Ghana. His Youth Enterprises Support (YES) initiative provided funding, job opportunities, and skills training for many young Ghanaians.”
He also highlighted Mahama’s plans to introduce other youth-focused programs, such as free vocational, artisanal, skills, and technical training through the National Apprenticeship Programme.
These initiatives are designed to enable young Ghanaians to acquire valuable skills, become self-employed, create job opportunities, and support themselves financially.
Dogbe emphasized Mahama’s potential to address critical issues that will benefit the youth, including the promise of a 24-hour economy and significant investments in infrastructure.
He praised Mahama’s commitment to youth empowerment, education, and good governance, asserting that Mahama is the better choice for Ghana’s future.
Furthermore, Dogbe criticized the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for failing to address youth unemployment and challenges in the education system.
He accused the NPP administration of pervasive corruption and unfulfilled promises to the youth, characterizing President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia as failures in addressing youth-related issues.
Former President John Mahama has provided an assurance to Ghanaians that the upcoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will deliver quality governance.
The NDC’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections pledged that his administration will diligently work to alleviate the tax burden on Ghanaian businesses, which has been imposed by the current governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He emphasized that this tax burden has hindered the nation from maintaining its esteemed status as a prominent investment destination in Africa.
In his message commemorating International Youth Day on August 12, Mr. Mahama expressed his deep concern regarding the notably high level of youth unemployment in the country.
Mr Mahama underlined that the youth constitute the driving force behind positive transformations and serve as pivotal agents of development throughout Ghana’s history.
He elaborated that in order to secure a more promising future, it is imperative to equip the youth with relevant skills, generate employment opportunities, and provide the necessary support for them to play a transformative role in shaping both the nation and the entire African continent.
“Rising unemployment, increasing cost of living, and lack of opportunities have left many young people feeling hopeless and are testing their sense of patriotism to the limit.
“For me, John Dramani Mahama, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), we are committed to urgently turning this situation around by paving the way for nurturing a generation of skilled youth,” he said.
“A new NDC administration will work urgently to equip our youth with the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future. We will introduce a 24-hour economy with incentives and tax breaks for manufacturers who will run extra shifts to create more room for employment.”
Mr Mahama added that his administration will boost the potential of agriculture and agribusiness and provide critical social and IT infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.
“Our policy priorities will imbue our young people with the “knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society” — the critical Green Skills our youth need to advance a sustainable world,” the NDC flagbearer stated.
Mr Mahama said that he has the interest of Ghanaians at heart, noting that by working together, “we will build the Ghana we want and put the smiles back on the faces of our young people.”
The former president and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged that the next NDC government will allocate billions of dollars to foster the development and progress of the country through technology infrastructure investments.
Addressing the graduation ceremony of Academic City University College, Mahama emphasized the paramount importance of technology in shaping the economies of today’s world.
He highlighted the urgency of revolutionizing the country’s education system to meet the demands of the 21st century, where innovation and originality are key driving forces of progress.
Mahama stressed the need to equip the next generation with critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to navigate this digital era successfully.
To achieve their vision for Ghana’s future, the NDC aims to collaborate with the private sector, directing substantial investments towards an integrated ICT infrastructure system, which includes both onshore and offshore super highways and electronic applications.
Moreover, the planned investment will harness the power of 5G technology, boosting communication, commerce, civil liberties, individual expressions, and supporting other national priorities, as outlined by Mr. Mahama.
“The 21st century thrives on the digital revolution in which innovation and originality are the propelling forces of progress and to thrive in this era, our educational system must evolve to equip the next generation with critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation to solve problems and this is why the NDC in her quest to build the Ghana we want, seeks to partner with the private sector to invest billions of dollars on an integrated ICT infrastructure system including onshore and offshore super highways and electronic applications.”
“The investment will leverage 5G technology to propel communication, commerce, civil liberties and individual expressions while supporting other national priorities,” Mr. Mahama added.
On the occasion of their 31st wedding anniversary, Lordina Mahama, the wife of former President John Mahama, has openly reaffirmed her love for her husband and sought divine blessings to strengthen their bond and marriage.
Lordina Mahama, who is also the Founder of the Lordina Foundation, shared a heartwarming picture of herself and John Mahama together, expressing her heartfelt emotions in a caption.
She referred to John as the love of her life and the father of their five children – Shafik, Shahid, Sharaf, Jesse, and Farida.
In her message, she wished her dear husband, John, a happy anniversary and prayed for God’s guidance to fortify their union.
The couple has never been shy about displaying their deep affection for each other in public.
Last year, they garnered attention when they shared beautiful pictures and affectionate messages on the occasion of their 30th wedding anniversary.
The enduring love and public expressions of affection from Lordina Mahama towards her husband John Mahama highlight the strength and significance of their marital bond.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has expressed dismay at President Akufo-Addo governance, citing a worsened economy and broken promises.
As the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for 2024, Mahama believes Ghanaians were deceived by the Akufo-Addo-led NPP during the 2016 elections.
In an interview with the media, Mahama expressed sympathy for the country’s youth under the NPP government.
He recalls how the NPP focused their campaign on him and made numerous promises that remain unfulfilled for the citizens.
“I mean today, this is the highest unemployment in the history of Ghana. So it was just [about] say anything to win political power,” he stated.
“NPP came in with a lot of propaganda and they were prepared to promise heaven in order to win political power do a lot of the promises they made to Ghanaians were like just promise anything,” he averred.
“I mean I was watching a video of John Boadu saying oh! is it about jobs? If it’s about jobs, don’t worry. There’ll be so much [SIC] jobs that Ghanaians can do [and] we will have to go and bring foreigners to come and work to fill the rest of the vacancies,” he added.
One of the major concerns he highlights is the alarming rate of unemployment, which he claims is the highest in Ghana’s history.
Mahama accused the NPP of resorting to propaganda and making unrealistic promises to secure political power.
The recent World Bank report indicating that inflation pushed 850,000 Ghanaians into poverty supports Mahama’s assertions about the dire economic situation. He believes that President Akufo-Addo’s leadership has been a failure, and he urges Ghanaians to place hope in the NDC for a better future.
Confident in his chances in the 2024 polls, Mahama pledges to rebuild the country’s democracy and economy if elected.
It was a spirit-filled atmosphere at the 2023 National Development Conference when the gathering in unison offered supplication prayer for three major political figures in the country.
The conference organised by the Church of Pentecost at CoP Convention Centre in Gomoa-Fetteh of the Central Region paved the way for Ghanaians to intercede for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Presidents John Mahama and John Agyekum Kufuor.
The prayer session on Wednesday, July 26, was led by Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye.
He committed the leaders of the country in the hands of God almighty, urging the supreme deity to “take control.”
“All arms of government we bring before you, workers, our young, the old, those who have no work, all parities, we bring before you. Our leaders, traditional leaders, we bring them before you. Lord take control. Direct the affairs of this nation and let your peace which passes all understanding be our portion.
“Using our leaders as point of contact, let your blessings, peace reign and abide. Grant them the courage, humility, grace that they need,” he added.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye called on God Almighty to forgive and remember not the sins committed by the country.
“Guide us Oh Lord, lead us, protect us, change us and transform us. Where we have gone wrong forgive us. Forgive us we pray,” he said.
“With your spirit leading, we will not go astray but that from here, we will bear testimony and have testimonies that yes indeed, God you are sovereign and with us,” he added.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, said the purpose of the Church was the “transformation of the National flag” and stated the readiness of the Church to promote a righteous Ghana.
The two-day event, in partnership with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), aims to discuss the need for a national moral vision with concerted efforts at national development.
It brought together major development partners and stakeholders, including former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, former President John Dramani Mahama, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Ministers of State and the Chief Justice, Madam Getrude Araba Torkonoo.
Former president, John Dramani Mahama has stated that if he had caused even a fraction of the problems he perceives the current government to have created, Ghanaians would have criticised him.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, 25 July 2023, he accused the ruling party of employing a deliberate propaganda strategy to mislead the public into believing that both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are alike and urged Ghanaians not to fall for this deception.
According to Mr. Mahama, the NPP has fostered a crisis of confidence in Ghana’s democracy, leading people to view politicians as dishonest and power-hungry.
He stated that he would have faced severe backlash and condemnation had he done even one-tenth of what the current government has done during their eight years in power.
“They [NPP] have created a crisis of confidence in the population in our democracy because now it’s easy for Ghanaians to think that politicians are liars; they’ll just lie for political power. If I did one-tenth of what they have done these last eight years, I’m sure that I would have been pilloried and crucified on a cross by now. There’s a bit of hypocrisy in it.”
“It’s NPP propaganda…they are in their mess, and they want to draw everybody else into the same mess,” the flagbearer of the NDC for the 2024 elections added.
“They [NPP] are happy to push that mantra and make it look like, ‘Oww, you’re better off staying with us because if the NDC comes, it will be the same.’ That is the psychology of the propaganda they are doing, It’s not the same.”
He attributed this perceived hypocrisy to NPP’s propaganda, which aims to implicate others in their own shortcomings.
The NDC’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections highlighted his party’s achievements, emphasizing that the NDC has a track record of delivering tangible benefits to Ghanaians.
He pointed out that the NDC has been instrumental in expanding electricity coverage in the country, citing the national and rural electrification programs initiated during Rawlings’ tenure.
He also noted the NDC’s contributions to the digital revolution, telecommunications development, and the provision of water, which significantly increased during his time in office.
Mr. Mahama further criticized the NPP for not establishing any public universities but rather renaming existing ones after their party figures.
He urged them to accept responsibility for their actions and refrain from trying to portray both parties as similar, as the NDC and NPP have distinct approaches and accomplishments.
In conclusion, former president Mahama defended his party’s record and called out the NPP for their alleged propaganda, urging them to focus on their own actions and leave the NDC to pursue their objectives separately.
“We started the digital revolution in this country. I was the Minister of Communication when we divided post and telecommunications and created Ghana Telecom and allowed Spacefon and all the mobile operators to come in. We started laying fibre optics in this country. We did the eastern corridor fibre optic.”
“We’ve given more Ghanaians water than any party in the history of this country. When Prof [John Evans Atta Mills] came into office, water coverage was 55 per cent; by the time I left office, water coverage was 72 per cent.”
“Seventy-two per cent of Ghanaians had access to good drinking water. We have built all the public universities in this country. NPP hasn’t built one public university. They are just good at renaming them with their party figures. And, so, somebody builds a university and you come and name it Dombo University, Tedam University, and so, don’t let them come to tell us we and they are the same. We are not the same. They should just wallow in their mess and leave us alone.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama has praised the late President John Evans Atta-Mills for his principled leadership, stating that he was not one to pursue power at any cost or manipulate state agencies for political gain.
He stated this during the 11th anniversary of late President Atta-Mills held in Accra on Tuesday, July 24, 2023.
“The Electoral Commission (EC) was truly independent and the judiciary did not live in fear of not satisfying the president’s wishes by their verdicts.
“He did not weaponize justice unlike what we are living through today. He was a great talent sporter and I count myself among his many proteges who have gone on to excel in our various fields of endeavor,” he said.
The former President also lauded the late Mills for upholding Ghana’s social and moral values high, as he “was unequivocal in his abhorrence of LGBTQ.”
Mr. Mahama, who served as Vice President to Prof Mills from 2009 until Prof Mills’ untimely death on 24th July 2012, expressed that he considers himself one of Prof Mills’ proteges who have achieved success in their respective fields.
Former President John Dramani Mahama is bewildered at the huge sums of money reported to have been stolen from Sanitation Minister Cecelia Dapaah’s home.
On July 21, 2023, news broke that two house helps, Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, were facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the theft of significant sums of money and personal belongings belonging to Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour.
The accused, Patience and Sarah, are facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
These hefty amounts in a country seen be struggling drew words from National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagbearer John Mahama.
According to the former President, it scandalous for a Ghana minister of state to hold such an amount in her home.
“$1m + €300k and millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister’s home? Scandalous!! Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home? Will” he posted on micro-blog social platform twitter
“@NAkufoAddo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?” he added
Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has received plaudits for his contributions to the development of the country’s infrastructure from Bernard Oduro Takyi, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) media team.
He claimed that if President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo could accomplish even half of what Mahama did, he would be named the class captain in heaven by God in a speech to party members, friends, and sympathizers in Kwatire Adentia, Sunyani West Constituency.
“If President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is able to deliver half of the achievement of former President John Mahama, then he would be appointed by God as the class captain in Heaven,” the communicator stated.
The former President Mahama’s accomplishments in delivering significant infrastructural development put him apart from the present NPP government led by Nana Addo, according to Bernard Takyi, a qualified chartered economist.
He made a point of highlighting the notable advancements made in the health and education areas while Mahama was president.
He stated, “Under the health sector alone, His Excellency John Mahama constructed, equipped, and operationalized five polyclinics in the Brong Ahafo region, namely; Kwatire, Techimantia, Bomaa, Wamfie, and Nkrankwanta. Our flagbearer, then president, built fifteen (15) community day Senior High Schools in our region and undertook several other educational projects.”
Bernard Takyi also pushed the audience to evaluate their region’s accomplishments since Nana Addo took power in 2017 and contrast them to the changes President Mahama started.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has extended his congratulations to Mandariwura Seidu Iddi Tempir Si Ababio, on his enskinment and outdooring in the Bole Traditional Area.
Seidu Iddi, previously known as Gilbert Seidu Iddi, served as a Minister under previous NDC administrations and as CEO of SADA.
The ceremony celebrated the rich traditions and customs that define our unique communities.
“I pray for a successful and prosperous reign for our Mandariwura; I am confident he will promote peace and development in our area,” Mr Mahama said in a Facebook post on Monday, July 17.
He added, “Let’s work together to make Bole the best it can be!”
FROM ALL indications, the famous “Incompetent Mahama” phrase will feature prominently in the campaign message of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the 2024 polls.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who coined the phrase, has stated that Mr. Mahama has still not done anything to prove that he is competent, hence the repetition of the phrase.
According to him, during the 2016 elections campaign, he researched and realised that Mr. Mahama, despite being in active politics for 30 years, has nothing to show, in terms of policies to transform the country.
Dr. Bawumia said he decided to tag Mr. Mahama with the “incompetent” phrase in order to force him (Mahama) to state just one policy that he has introduced to develop the country, but he couldn’t produce any.
“Mr. Mahama has been in active politics for 30 years. He started from assemblyman, MP, deputy minister, minister, Vice President and President, yet he cannot show a single policy to transform the state.
“I have been asking him to show just one policy that he has introduced during his 30 years in active politics to transform the state and he couldn’t provide any,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
According to him, Ghanaians only remember Mr. Mahama for “dumsor and guinea fowls” during his 30 years in politics, stressing that he was justified to tag the NDC leader as the “Incompetent One”.
Dr. Bawumia, who is campaigning in the Ashanti Region to become the NPP presidential candidate for the 2024 polls, said definitely he would force Mr. Mahama to show his single policy that has transformed the country.
“I know that he cannot show any policy but I will ask him again in 2024 just as I asked him in the previous elections in 2016 and 2020,” the Vice President said, attracting wild applause.
According to Dr. Bawumia, despite serving as Vice President for just six years, he has more positive policies to transform the country which Ghanaians could remember him for than Mr. Mahama.
“As Vice President, Ghanaians can remember me for Ghana Card, Digital Address System, Digitisation, One District One Ambulance and more positive impactful policies,” Dr. Bawumia pointed out.
He stated that, “If I have done all these as Vice President, then everything shows that as President I will do more for this country,” noting that he is the best person to lead the NPP and Ghana in 2024.
Renowned business magnate, Sir Sam Jonah, has unequivocally refuted rumors suggesting his potential candidacy as former President John Mahama’s running mate for the upcoming 2024 elections.
The former head of the Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited has firmly stated that he has no interest in pursuing such a role.
In a statement on Metro TV’s ‘Good Evening Ghana’ he said, “Anyone who knows me well will attest to the fact that I have no interest whatsoever in going into the murky world of politics.”
According to Mr Sam Jonah, he turned down offers to be Vice President under former President Jerry John Rawlings in the 1990s.
“As a matter of fact, if I was interested, I would have been Vice President in 1992 and 1996 when I was offered the position on a silver platter,” he explained.
Some media outlets have speculated that Mr Jonah will be the NDC flagbearer John Mahama’s running mate, but he has described it as “worthless speculation.”
The last time former President Mahama contested in the presidential elections, he chose former Education Minister, Nana Jane Opoku Agyemang as his running mate.
Mr. Sam Jonah is widely recognized globally as an esteemed business icon, renowned for his remarkable achievements. His notable career began in 1986 when he assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer at Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited. Under his leadership, the company expanded from a single-mine operation into a multinational corporation.
A significant milestone was reached in 1996 when Ashanti became the first operating African company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, while already having listings in London and Ghana.
In May 2004, Mr. Jonah took on the role of Executive President at AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, following the merger of Ashanti with AngloGold Limited. This new entity became the world’s second-largest gold producer.
Mr. Jonah’s contributions to the business world have been widely recognized. In 2003, he was honored with an Honorary Knighthood as Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II and Head of the Commonwealth. Furthermore, he was bestowed with Ghana’s highest national award, the Companion of the Order of the Star, in 2006.
His impact and influence have been acknowledged on multiple occasions. In December 2004, CNN and Time Magazine included him in their list of the world’s top 25 most influential business people, applauding his leadership, ethical practices, marketing expertise, and innovative approaches. Additionally, Mr. Jonah has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including five Lifetime Achievement awards, the most recent being the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President, John Dramani Mahama, has called on the Christian Council to establish codes of conduct to regulate the actions of Christian leaders and combat the presence of false prophets.
During an induction service at the Tanoso Assemblies of God Church, Mr Mahama acknowledged that the Bible predicts the emergence of false prophets in the last days.
However, he emphasized the importance of scrutinizing their practices to ensure ethical conduct within the church.
Addressing the congregation, the NDC flagbearer expressed concern over the negative impact of false prophets, which has led some individuals to abandon their churches. Mahama urged Christians to remain resolute in their faith and not allow the actions of a few to deter them from attending church services.
He emphasized the need for Christians to serve God with sincerity, urging them to rely on discernment and a strong spiritual foundation to identify and eliminate false prophets.
He praised the Church’s leadership for their commitment, dedication, and devotion to humanity.
Also present was Osei- Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Majority Leader of Parliament and MP for Suame, who said it’s terrible to see churches promoting consumerism rather than the essential ideals of religion.
Mr Mahama thanked the leaders of the Assemblies of God Church for their unwavering commitment to spreading the word of God.
He added that LGBTQ is repugnant to all Christian denominations, as well as the nation’s cultural beliefs and customs and that there is no way the country can tolerate it.
“Our traditions and cultures, conventions and practices do frown on this. We have Muslims and Christians in this country, fortunately for us the two major religions appeal this matter, so, however, people are trying to make it appear as if Ghana is on the brink of legislating to support this, I don’t know where this is coming from,” he indicated.
He urged the Assemblies of God Church and other clergy to pray for the country as it approaches an election year in order to build peace and togetherness.
Rev. Augustine Kofi Bempah, the newly inducted Ashanti West Regional Superintendent, thanked church leaders and members for their cooperation and support.
He promised to expand the Church’s activities, particularly by mentoring young people to become responsible Christian leaders, participating in Missions, and developing infrastructure, among other things.
Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced his intention to Mr James Gyakye Quayson as a minister in his next government after victory in the 2024 general elections.
The former president made this known during a recent meeting with Assin North constituents ahead of the scheduled by-election on Tuesday, June 27.
According to the statesman, his decision to have Mr Quayson become a part of his Executive stems from the worth-emulating virtues he poses.
“He is humble, God-fearing, and respects everyone. If God helps me to be president, nothing will stop me from appointing him as a minister,” he said.
Mr Mahama added: “Even as an opposition MP, look at what he has been able to do in terms of development from his own pockets. Just imagine what he would do if he becomes a minister,” Ghanaweb cited citinewsroom as the original source of John Mahama’s quote.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has nominated Mr. Quayson once again as their candidate for the upcoming by-election in Assin North.
The by-election became necessary after the 2020 parliamentary election results in Assin North were annulled due to the discovery that Mr. Quayson held dual citizenship.
The Supreme Court ruled that Gyakye Quayson’s name should be removed from Parliament’s records, as he was found guilty of holding dual citizenship before filing his candidacy for the 2020 elections.
Parliament subsequently declared the Assin North seat vacant, prompting the Electoral Commission to call for a by-election in the constituency.
Meanwhile, the people of Assin North are expected to elect their MP tomorrow, June 27, 2023.
SPEECH: KEYNOTE PRESENTATION BY HE JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA ON ASSET VALUATION AS A GLOBAL ANTI-CORRUPTION TOOL AT THE 53RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTION OF ESTATE SURVEYORS & VALUERS, ILORIN- KWARA STATE.
Mr President, the Governing Council, and the entire membership of the NIESV, please accept my sincere gratitude for this invitation. I am also grateful to the Governor of Kwara State and my brother Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Razaq, for graciously acting as my host and landlord.
Let me also compliment you, members of the Institution, for your immense contribution to Nigeria’s national development, policy advocacy and formulation on housing, land compensation payment, property rating, land administration, and management.
I am impressed with the twenty-five (25) Professional Groupings under the Institution (NIESV) and the existence of fifty-nine (59) Branches across the country. I admire the vibrancy and discipline of the NIESV.
Ladies and gentlemen, corruption can be described as an instrument of murder because its effects can lead to loss of citizens lives due to deprivation of critical public infrastructure and services. Surveyors, Architects, and Engineers who sign-off on poorly constructed or shoddy infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, buildings, and railways can lead to loss of lives due to fatal accidents.
Because corruption is a global challenge, its scope and seriousness have led to calls for a worldwide response and cooperation in the fight against it. Corruption is an economic malady. It means different things in different contexts, but, my brothers and sisters, whichever form it takes and no matter the context, corruption is a feature of poor governance and ethics in both public and private sectors.
And we all know why. Graft thrives due to the layered irresponsibility of institutions and state actors that must fight it. The World Bank explains corruption as the abuse of public office for private gain in the public sector. On the other hand, Transparency International (TI) says corruption within the private sector is the misuse of entrusted power for personal gain.
Whichever way you visualise it, corruption must be fought whether it occurs in the public or private sector.
Your Excellency Governor, distinguished guests, there are at least three elements required for corruption to occur. First, someone must have discretionary power, which includes the ability to influence the formulation of regulations and administer them. Second, economic rent must be associated with discretionary power, primarily when higher rents are related to the misuse of discretionary power. Third, when the governance or legal system offers a sufficiently low probability of detection or sanction for wrongdoing.
The World Economic Forum estimates suggest that the global cost of corruption is at least US$2.6 trillion. This equals 5 per cent of the global gross domestic product (GDP). The World Bank has also disclosed that businesses and individuals pay more than $1 trillion in bribes yearly.
This being the case, the international community, and I am talking about development partners, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, academic experts, and professional bodies, continue to advocate an integrated and comprehensive approach to fighting corruption worldwide.
Among the approaches and initiatives adopted by the international community are the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the United Nations Declaration against Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transactions, the International Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Nationals, as well as International Codes of Conduct for Professionals. The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption is another germane instrument.
While these initiatives have had a variable impact at stopping illicit financial flows, definitely more needs to be done using all instruments available to the international community and individual nations in the fight against corruption. The advocacy of these international agencies and initiatives is highly commendable, especially as it relates to the pervasive and negative impact of corruption on economic growth and development of nations.
Empirical evidence shows that because of its secrecy, corruption distorts incentives and market signals and aggravates economic distortions. This is because enormous productive resources, such as human talent, which should be channelled to constructive engagements, are diverted into rent-seeking activities for financial rewards and further into escaping detection and punishment.
Mr Chairman, corruption hinders economic development, diverts investments from infrastructure, institutions, and social services, and undermines efforts to achieve other country-specific development goals and targets. Corruption also retards growth because bribes paid by investors to secure investment licenses, including building permits, increase the cost of doing business and, consequently, reduces the incentive to invest in a country.
Corruption also has adverse effects on productivity. If the permits and licenses needed by innovators or new producers are obtained by paying bribes, that could impede the entry of new goods or technology onto the markets of many economies.
Specifically, the impact of corruption in our nation states show that high corruption rates contribute to high inflation rates. Corruption-induced inflation contributes to high cash and unproductive capital inflows into an economy and leads to macroeconomic instability. These eventually impact microeconomic activities as prices of goods and services and the cost of living in general increase, culminating in labour agitation for commensurate increases in wages and salaries.
The Central Bank is then compelled to respond with policies to help reduce inflation and achieve price stability. Some of these policies include monetary measures that increase the primary lending rates of banks through the base rates to induce low lending till the excess cash is mopped up from the system. This is certainly inimical to the growth of businesses that rely on credit to survive. This relates to SMEs in particular.
Also, because of our current interconnectedness, we have open economies that allow the easy transfer of funds, which often could include financial rewards from corruption related activities. Corruption, therefore, has the negative effect of robbing a country of productive capital gained from graft because the proceeds may be transferred to foreign bank accounts.
The practice of capital flight from corruption will worsen the growth of developing countries if the international community does not enforce the Conventions and Declarations against corruption.
Mr Chairman, the international community has embarked on a global anti-corruption fight across several sectors, including real estate. We all admit, without question, that the real estate sector remains a very vibrant sector whose economic health impacts every sector of an economy.
Real estate is a factor of production in the same light as labour and capital. Real estate provides unique, tangible, and intangible benefits that attract investors. Compared to other asset classes, real estate investment, studies have shown, is a store of value, a hedge against inflation, and a good portfolio for investment diversification. Real estate investment serves as a cash flow stream from tenant’s rent payments.
In 2022, a Real Estate Market Size Report revealed that the size of the professionally managed global real estate investment market increased from US$10.5 trillion in 2020 to US$11.4 trillion in 2021. The estimates were from 37 markets in America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Keep in mind that COVID-19 was ravaging the world between 2020 and 2021.
Therefore, real estate asset and property valuation are a critical factor in asset investment decision-making and a vital tool for the global fight against corruption. Asset valuation is an exercise conducted by professionals in public agencies, private companies, organisations, and individual professionals.
Considering the heavy reliance on physical asset collateralisation by our financial intermediation systems, including government-required performance bonds, the mechanisms deployed for asset valuation must be scientific, transparent, and credible.
Unfortunately, despite the good aspirational intents, African countries have frequently been bedevilled with the ripple effects of skewed valuations driven by the wilful narrow ends of a few.
Considering the enormity of the consequences of perversely attributed values to assets, asset valuation deservedly demands and requires increased attention from critical actors, such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. Similar attention is also needed from your counterparts in my country, Ghana, and across the globe.
I dare say that among several vices, dubious valuation for assets that are used as collateral deposited with financial institutions or for business valuations during Initial Public Offering (IPOs), mergers and acquisitions are at the top of the list of potential dangers to the growth of the private sector.
Our fragile financial intermediation systems’ security and growth face significant risks from poorly done asset valuation. To remain relevant in pursuing economic and social progress and distributive justice and equity, you as professionals must rise to the occasion and create a more responsive regime to aid Africa’s renaissance and growth.
You must work to build Africa as a centre of excellence in the asset valuation space. It is possible for Africa to offer global leadership in this sector, the same way we have done in leading the world in the deployment of mobile and e-money.
A multifaceted interventionist approach is required to improve the asset and business valuation environment to restore credibility in the operational mechanisms deployed by professionals in this regard.
To achieve this aspiration, Africa needs to offer contextually relevant solutions and valuation mechanisms that are fit for purpose, consider the peculiarity of our building systems and the comparable higher durability. We must also anticipate future economic, social, and geographic occurrences and their impact on asset values.
In Africa, assets, especially houses, offer more than a monetary value. Assets may have ancestral relevance, must never be flipped in an economic exchange or sale, and are often appreciated beyond monetary value.
I suggest that professionals such as yourselves reinforce the unique value proposition of Africa and espouse cherished and touted African values in valuation mechanisms. Professionals must measure their relevance beyond a mere regulatory anchor that insists people use their services.
Do not get me wrong – regulation is critical to promote sustainable cohesion, growth, and development. However, professionals must always ask if people will voluntarily request their services if there is no regulatory requirement.
I am encouraging your Institution to take up the challenge and embark on a massive outreach to engage Nigerians. Professionals have often assumed that being technically competent is enough to sustain their relevance.
Well, it is not. For instance, the number of technical jargons in your reports can be reconsidered, especially from the end user’s perspective. Ultimately, your service is to your clients, who may not always be as technically apt as you are.
Related to this is the number of disclaimers that accompany most of your reports, almost absolving valuers from significant professional misconduct and abuse. This may require a critical reconsideration.
Asset valuation service users may require asset valuation for several reasons. At the very minimum, asset valuation must identify the right price for an asset so that the purchaser does not mistakenly overpay for the acquisition, nor does the seller erroneously accept a discounted price. This means all parties, without any moral hazard, can determine the actual value of the business in the event two companies merge or one firm acquires another. Mr Chairman, we must agree that if we are to improve asset valuation in the quest to tackle corruption globally, there must be a limit to using arbitrary powers for asset valuation. Instead, we should amplify tried and tested distinct methods that rely on valuation standards.
Overstating the assets and understating their liabilities has led to the crash of some multinational corporations and had reverberating effect on the whole world economy. In the United States, as recent as the late 2000s, the failure of real estate appraisers to abide by standards led to overvalued properties that are perceived to have contributed to significant mortgage defaults, which impaired the capital reserves and operating ability of many financial institutions and led to a crisis in the world financial system that spread beyond the borders of the US.
As a person who has served in public office at the highest level, let me tease your minds by raising the issue of the requirement for public officers to declare their assets prior to taking office and upon exit from office. This regime of declaration of assets is a useful tool in the fight against corruption, but in many cases is not utilized to maximum effect.
The assets declaration forms must be filled by the individual prospective public office holder. In Ghana, the individual is asked to list all assets and properties they own. Examples are houses, farms, vehicles, jewellery etc. You are also required to assign values to each of these assets.
How will physical examination of assets and valuation assist to strengthen the assets declaration regime to assist the fight against corruption? What role can the determination of the net worth of a public officer before and after office assist in curbing the canker of corruption.
It is good practice that valuation or appraisal organisations require their members to adhere to a particular set of standards. The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) insist on standards and performance measurements partly because they wish to avoid the mistakes of their past.
Performance measurement is not an exact science, but I urge you to allow these indices to guide your noble efforts borne out of your intrinsic motivation to right the wrongs of the past. The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, beneficial ownership legislation, and the development of an online portal for planning applications have brought more clarity for example. Through transparency, Nigeria can better tackle corruption in the real estate sector.
Mr Chairman, Surveyor President, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, my speech has mapped out asset valuation as a vital tool for national development. We are yet to maximise the potential of asset valuation as a tool for nation-building and anti-corruption. Let us constantly strive to improve and enforce existing global anti-corruption conventions designed to curtail the negative impacts of corruption on national economies.
In addition to the Institution’s efforts, Estate Surveying and Valuation Companies must adhere to laws and standards and take internal steps to prevent corruption in asset valuation. Please also partner with government to implement global standards and national professional codes of conduct and standards.
Finally, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers must champion efforts to enhance real-time data availability, improve technology adoption for land and real estate services online, and formulate relevant legislation for property management.
With the leadership and commitment of the NIESV, asset valuation as a global anti-corruption tool will take firm roots in Nigeria with the hope that the giant of West Africa will rise again and soar like the eagle that calls its compatriots to obey.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has been extended a special invitation to the 53rd annual national conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The conference, which commenced on June 19, 2023, will feature Mr. Mahama as a keynote speaker on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
During his address titled “Asset Valuation as a Global Anti-Corruption Tool,” Mr. Mahama will leverage his extensive experience as Ghana’s former president to shed light on the detrimental impact of corruption on economies.
Focusing on various forms of corruption, he will emphasize how it hampers economic growth and development.
Additionally, Mr. Mahama will offer valuable insights and recommendations on effectively utilizing valuation and professional standards to combat corruption.
The aim is to inspire innovative approaches within the real estate sector and provide fresh perspectives to conference attendees.
This participation by Mr. Mahama is viewed as a significant contribution to ongoing anti-corruption efforts and the promotion of transparency, not only in Nigeria but globally as well. The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers has a strong commitment to upholding ethical standards and professionalism in the real estate industry.
By inviting influential figures like Mr. Mahama, the institution seeks to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and ultimately strengthen the fight against corruption while promoting good governance in the sector.
On Sunday morning, the NDC Flag-bearer, John Dramani Mahama, paid a visit to the husband and family of a party member who tragically lost her life in an accident in Dansame, locatedwithin the Assin North Constituency.
Accompanied by the NDC Parliamentary candidate for the Assin North by-election, James Gyakye Quayson, as well as national, regional, constituency executives, and members of parliament, the delegation expressed their condolences to the grieving family.
They also announced the party’s assistance and support as the family prepares for the burial and funeral ceremonies of the deceased.
A statement issued by the National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi said the family was presented with an amount of GH¢5,000 to assist with preperations towards the funeral rites of our deceased comrade.
Mr Mahama and James Quayson also visited the injured victims at the Praso hospital to check on their recovery.
This was after the former President suspended his Assin North campaign yesterday, to visit those admitted at the Fosu hospital upon hearing news of the ghastly accident, the statement added.
“The hospitals bill for the treatment of all injured persons at the Praso and Fosu hospitals, have been fully paid and an amount of money deposited to cater for any incidentals by theNDC Flag-bearer,” it further said.
The NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Assin North By-elections, James Gyakye Quayson promised to institute a sustainable support scheme for the children of the deceased.
