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Tag: Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

  • Akufo-Addo postpones March 3 State of Nation Address


    Deputy Minority Leader has announced that the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will no longer deliver the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

    Alexander Afenyo-Markin indicated that the house will be duly informed f the new date.

    Presenting the Business Statement for next week, Alexander Afenyo-Markin said, “In presenting Business statement for this week, an indication was given to this honorable house that the president is expected to deliver the message on the state of the nation on Thursday, March 3. The indicative date given no longer holds. Hon. Member would be duly informed of a date when the president would deliver his address to this house,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo is expected to address the nation at the beginning of each session of Parliament in accordance with Article 67 of the current 1992 Constitution.

    Akufo-Addo will be expected to present his plans for the next 3 years of his governance.

    This includes government programmes and what strategies the government intends to implement, how to achieve them and also rally the people of Ghana towards accelerated national development and progress among others.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I’m extremely upset and anxious about cedi depreciation Akufo-Addo



    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has noted that the current depreciation of the cedi is a situation that brings him anxiety and makes him upset.

    Addressing the situation for the first time last week, President Akufo-Addo said his government is making efforts to arrest the decline of the cedi and restore its stability.

    “I’m aware of the anxiety there is in business circles and throughout the population about the recent depreciation of the cedi. I’m extremely upset and anxious about it too. But I want to assure you that all efforts are being made to arrest the decline and restore the cedi to stability in order to improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian industry, and I think very soon you will see some results,” the president noted.

    Since the commencement of the year, Ghana’s currency has seen significant depreciation against other major foreign currencies.

    As of January this year, the cedi was trading at around 6.25 for a dollar but has since increased to around 6.60 for a dollar currently.

    Against the pound sterling, the cedi, which was trading around 8.43 for a pound sterling early in the year, is currently trading at 8.92 for a pound sterling.

    The situation is no different from the Euro and other major currencies. 

    The situation has caused some analysts to express grave concerns, especially on the disparity of the cedi rate provided by the Bank of Ghana and the ones given the foreign exchange retail market.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addos office alone is seeking half of E-levy profit Sam George

    Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Samuel Nartey George has said a chunk of the revenue that the government is targeting from the E-levy will be going to the office of government machinery.

    He said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is demanding half of the expected revenue to his office alone.

    He told Johnnie Hughes on the New Day show on TV3 Monday, February 21, that the government is targeting to raise ¢5.5billion from the E-levy.

    “Half of the E-levy is going to Office of the Government Machinery; his office is taking half of the E-levy,” he said.

    The government seeks to approve the E-levy policy proposal in the 2022 budget statement. However, the proposal has met stiff opposition from the Minority in Parliament and a section of the Ghanaian public.

    The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is still surprised at the dissenting voices because, in his view, the proposal will propel development.

    He, however, expressed optimism that the policy would be approved, but if it does not go through, the government will turn to the petroleum sector for revenue.

    Asked what the alternative is, in the event the E-levy fails, while speaking to journalists at a function in Accra on Friday, February 18, he said, “There are always many alternatives, but really, you are looking at the future, and you are looking at ways we can solve the issue of the increased revenue and everybody participating.

    “The challenge is, for example, assuming you earn a million cedis a year and you transfer all of that through MoMo. What am I asking of you? ¢15,000. Is that what you have been fighting against? Or if you are a student and assuming you earn 100,000 cedis, which is unlikely, that means what, a 1500 cedis.

    “So you then begin to ask the question, what is it that we are fighting against? And if I have also said the first hundred cedis will not be a part of it which means 3000 monthly income.

    “The alternatives are many; you can go into petroleum, but is that really what you want? The mood of the country is different from the arithmetic in Parliament, and that is why I have gone around.”

    Mr Ofori-Atta had earlier ruled out returning to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for support to deal with the challenges that the local economy is going through at the moment.

    Speaking at the 3rd Townhall meeting on the E-levy on Thursday, February 10, at the Radache Hotel in Tamale in the Northern Region, he indicated that returning to the Bretton Woods Institution would have dire consequences.

    The government was called upon to return to the IMF for support instead of relying on the proposed E-levy for revenue.

    For instance, a former Member of Parliament for New Juabeng South, Dr Mark Assibey-Yeboah, believed that a return would rescue Ghana’s struggling economy.

    “Without a doubt, I think we should be placing a call to Washington if we haven’t done that. We are just not going to ask for the funds just because E-levy has been passed or not. E-levy will just bring about GH¢5 billion. We are in a deep hole in our tax revenue and facing difficulties, so going to the Fund will give us some support.

    “So there is nothing wrong with going to the Fund. Ghana is a member of the IMF, so what is wrong going to ask for support when we are in difficulties to go and pool resources. If I was the finance minister, I would be convincing the President that it is about time we went back,” he told Citi.

    Mark Assibey Yeboah also added that the revenue expected to be accrued from the E-levy is to ensure the economic stability government is eyeing.

    He further cast doubts on the government’s ability to raise the projected GH¢6.9 billion target, saying the government’s maximum from the controversial e-levy is GH¢5 billion.

    “The GH¢6.9 billion target cannot be realized. There are a lot of exemptions, so, in my estimation, the maximum amount we can get from the E-levy is GH¢5 billion, and that is less than a billion dollars, so I do not think that the E-levy is going to be a panacea to our revenues. Going to the IMF will ensure some stability, and above all, we are going to get some $3 billion”.

    The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Asiedu Nketia, also made a similar call to the government.

    Asked whether President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should go to the IMF, while speaking on the New Day show on TV3 on Monday, February 7, he answered, “I think it is something that they have to consider. If it is the only [way] that will take us out of this problem, then the earlier, the better.”

    But Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, who had earlier stated that the government would not go back to the IMF, insisted that “I can tell you, as my colleague deputy said, we are not going back to the IMF, whatever we do we are not [going back]. The consequences are dire; we are a proud nation, we have the resources, we have that capacity, don’t let anybody tell you we are not people of short-sighted, we need to move on.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Akufo-Addo calls for twelve-month transition in Mali

    President Nana Akufo-Addo, says the French led troop withdrawal from Mali, required “new arrangements” in the regional fight against terrorism.

    Speaking to France 24 at the EU/AU summit in Brussels, President Akufo-Addo, who is the current Chairman of ECOWAS, demanded the departure of foreign mercenaries from the region and explained, that negotiations were underwater with the Malian junta on an election time table.

    He called on the junta’s proposal of a four year transitional period “clearly unacceptable” and said, a twelve month transition period would be “an acceptable framework.”

    President Akufo-Addo stressed that this was not an official ECOWAS position.

    He expressed optimism concerning Burkina Faso which experienced a a coup last month, about a swift transition to civilian rule , noting that the junta had moved very quickly to engage consultations.

    The ECOWAS Chairman cautioned the coup leaders in Guinea, which saw a military takeover last September, that new ECOWAS sanctions could be forth coming, if they did not provide a timetable for a transition to civilian rule as soon as possible.

    He stressed that military coups in West Africa were unacceptable saying, “we do not want this contagion to spread.”

    President Akufo-Addo added that the issue of third presidential terms, was also a matter of concern to the region.

    Source: GNA

  • We met Ofori-Atta, Akufo-Addo and others before Mahama Methodist Bishop confirms


    Members of the clergy who recently visited former President John Dramani Mahama, had held similar talks with members of the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

    According to Most Rev. Dr. Paul K. Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of Methodist Church of Ghana, who was leader of a delegation that met Mahama earlier this week, they had met among others, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    He also summarized the reason for their intervention as, taking proactive steps to forestall a recurrence of the violent scenes that were witnessed in Parliament during the post-2022 budget debate especially with the matter of the Electronic Transactions tax (E-Levy).  

    “We have come as heads of churches of the various associations and groupings in Ghana. Our history has it that the church has played a very significant role in our development and the welfare of our people.

    “And so, the major stakeholders, when things come of concern, we are all to take it up and find answers and resolutions to it, so that at the end of the day what we preach and what governance is all about can be achieved to the glory of God, he added.

    On the back of the chaos in Parliament, he added: “Christian bodies became alarmed and said will not sit but see how best we can together, find a solution to it. So we have made various approaches.”

    The list is below:

    1 – Minister of Finance on two occasions 
    2 – Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu
    3 – Some members of the Minority 
    4 – Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin
    5 – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo their last meeting

    Why the meeting with Mahama

    Rev. Boafo explained that after all those meetings: “We have seen that there are other major stakeholders we need to make approaches to and see how best we can find answers to what is happening to us, looking at all the circumstances and the conditions around us.

    “It became very necessary during our series of interventions and interactions … it became necessary that we cannot leave His Excellency the Former President behind but to also make a move to see him.

    “And see how best we can all have discussions and look at what is happening to us in our country and if there is a way out by which we can all look at it and come to a resolution,” he added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • You can’t oppress people because you feel offended by them Mahama to Akufo-Addo



    Former President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo against the oppression of people he (Akufo-Addo) feels have offended him.

    The ex-president said Akufo-Addo could not continue to criminalise statements against him since offensive speech is a civil issue.

    In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Mahama said,

    “President Akufo-Addo, you cannot continue to oppress the people, criminalise speech when these matters are essentially civil in nature; if you feel offended by them.

    “I am appalled at the growing criminalisation of speech and journalism in Ghana under your watch in this 21st century.”

    The ex-president went on to list some actions by journalists that were wrongly criminalised, including the detention of radio and TV presenter Captain Smart and the recent arrest of radio presenter Oheneba Boamah Bennie who allegedly made offensive statements against the first family.

    He lamented the silence of the senior journalists, the Ghana Journalist Association, and leaders of the various faith-based organisation in the country on frequent abuse of journalists by the government.

    “It is even more sad that the Journalists Association and its senior members, many of our clergy and other moral leaders, scared because of the oppressive and dictatorial regime you are running, have remained quiet in the face of this disturbing development in our maturing democracy,” he said.

    “This is a dangerous blueprint you are fashioning for our dear nation, and it must not be encouraged. Your actions as president have totally discredited your self-acquired accolade as a human rights lawyer and activist. Ghana has long emerged from the unfortunate past where journalists were cowed by incarceration and brutalisation,” he added.



    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I will resign if anyone proves otherwise – Akim Swedru MP boasts of Akufo-Addo’s road achievements



    The Chairman for Roads and Transport Committee of parliament who doubles as MP for Akim Swedru constituency, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, has ardently stated that President Akufo-Addo is the only president who has been able to construct 3,600/km roads within his first four years in government.

    He indicated that he would resign if anyone brings evidence of any government constructing more roads than Akufo-Addo in its first four years.

    Addressing the media in parliament, he said “It has never happened in the history of this country for a government to construct more roads in his first term in office. I challenge any government who has constructed more roads in his first term than Akufo-Addo’s government, to come out with a proof and I will resign as a member of parliament for Akim Swedru.”

    His statement follows an approval of a two hundred million (€200,000,000.00) contract between the government of Ghana and BNIP – Janson of Netherlands, for the construction of a bridge over river Volta at Adawso-Ekyi Amanfrom, and an additional €150,000,000.00 for the construction of 121/km road from Bunso to Adawso

    The Chairman explained that the bridge, when completed, will be the longest bridge in West Africa. He added that the 3.0km-long-2-lane bridge, it will take (36) months for completion.

    The objective of the project, he said, is to enhance productivity in the agriculture sector in the Afram plains as it is a food basket to the nation.

    He expressed his profound gratitude for government for awarding such projects to benefit the good people of Donkorkrom.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Where’s your ‘agenda 111’? – Opanyin Agyekum asks Akufo-Addo

    The Akufo-Addo government has promised Ghanaians that it will construct 111 hospitals across the country to streamline the health sector.

    The construction of the Regional and district hospitals which is dubbed ‘Agenda 111’ is expected to be done in 18 months.

    President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, 17th August 2021 cut sod for the Agenda 111 hospital project.

    The hospitals which will cost $16.88 million each was announced by the President in April 2020.

    However, since the sod cutting, the agenda 111 hospital project hasn’t received much concentration as to know whether or not the hospitals are indeed under construction or nothing is being done yet and whether or not it’s feasible to complete them in the 18 months period.

    Speaking on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ programme, the Dean of the School of Performing Arts and Linguistics Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Kofi Agyekum slammed the government for being known for starting things and leaving them halfway.

    Recounting policies like the government’s ”Planting for Food and Jobs” and the ”Agenda 111” among others which, to him, haven’t seen full completion or utilization, Prof. Kofi Agyekum advised the government to focus on one specific thing and get it done well.

    He, therefore, sought an update on agenda 111 asking, “isn’t it recently that we were told about agenda 111? . . . Now, should we ask where has it got to, I don’t know what they will say?”

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • President Akufo-Addo, others to receive Otumfuo commemorative gold coin

    Following the launch of the Otumfuo Gold Coin on December 12, 2021, to recognise His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his tremendous role in peacebuilding and national development, the organisers of the event, EON 3 Group, has embarked on special presentations of the Gold Coin to selected personalities.

    KGL Group acquired the first of the 24- karat Commemorative Gold Coin for One Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢1,000,000.00).

    Otumfuo Osei Osei Tutu II, in whose honour the gold coin was launched, has also been presented with the second of the Gold Coin.

    Dates for Presentation

    From January 27, 2022 to February 24, 2022, 20 personalities would be presented with the Gold Coin to demonstrate their resolve to support Otumfuo to further build on his peace initiatives.

    Top on the list is H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who will be receiving the 3rd coin; the Vice President; H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is billed to receive the 4th gold coin; Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin is scheduled to receive the 5th gold coin; the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, will be receiving the 6th gold coin; former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, will be presented with the 7th gold coin; H.E. John Dramani Mahama, former President will receive the 8th gold coin; Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei- Opare will be presented with the 9th gold coin; Dr. Ernest Addision, Governor of the Bank of Ghana is scheduled to receive the 10th gold coin,

    Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu will be presented with the 11th gold coin; Minority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, will be receiving the 12th gold coin, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, will be presented with the 13th gold coin; Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi will be receiving the 14th gold coin; Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, Sir Sam Jonah will be presented with the 15th gold coin; His Eminence, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam is scheduled to receive the 16th gold coin; Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor will be presented the 17th gold coins; Rev. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh, Director General of Securities And Exchange Commission is slated to receive the 18th gold coin; Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame, Attorney General and Minister of justice will be presented with the 19th gold coin; the Chief of the Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Seth Amoama will be receiving the 20th gold coin; the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare will receive the 21st gold coin, while Mr Frank Adu, former Managing Director of Cal Bank receives the 22nd gold coin. Also, to receive the gold coin at a special event is the Ya Na Abukari II.

    Other Kingdoms

    Other Kingdoms and personalities in Africa, as well as other parts of the world, will also be presented with the gold coin at later dates.

    Diplomatic Corps

    Also scheduled is a meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to share with them Otumfuo’s upcoming peace initiatives and the purpose for the issuance of the gold coin.

    Achievements

    Key among Otumfuo’s achievements manifested in the Dagbon Peace Initiative where he led the Committee of Eminent Chiefs to broker peace between the two feuding royal gates after many years of a biting chieftaincy dispute.

    His Royal Majesty is also celebrated for calming tension in the buildup to the 2012 General Elections when he got the presidential candidates for the contesting political parties to meet in Kumasi to commit to peace by signing on to the famous Kumasi Declaration.

    Otumfuo is also credited for stepping in to amicably resolve the conflict between Techiman and four towns that owe allegiance to the Golden Stool.

    When the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was plunged into crisis in October 2018, Otumfuo was at hand to douse the flames and restore normalcy to the institution.

    Within Asanteman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has ensured that all chieftaincy disputes that disturbed the progress of Asanteman were settled peacefully.

    In recognition of his immense accomplishments in peacebuilding, the President of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly invited him to address the UN General Assembly High-Level Forum on Culture of Peace during the 25th anniversary of the Adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on Culture of Peace on September 12, 2019.

    Key partners

    EON 3 Group organised the launch in collaboration with key partners made up of Manhyia Palace, KLG Group, Access Bank, Gold Coast Refinery, Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), and Coronation Insurance.

    Access Bank is the official banking partner of the Gold Coins, Gold Coast Refinery is the official minting company for the Commemorative Gold Coins, Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) is keeping custody of the Gold Coins, while Coronation Insurance is the official insurance company.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Manufacturing plant for vaccines coming Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says BioNTech, the German biotechnology company, will contribute to the construction of a modular production facility for vaccines such as those for malaria and tuberculosis in Ghana.

    Speaking at the 73rd edition of the Annual New Year School and Conference, held at the University of Ghana, Legon, President Akufo-Addo stated that Ghana is also on her way to establishing domestic manufacturing plants for fill, finish and packaging of COVID-19 vaccines.

    According to the President, “I will, on 16th February, together with His Excellency M. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, and His Excellency Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, inspect in Marburg, Germany, the production facilities that we need to employ to this end. We are going to build a pan-African project with these two (2) sister African nations, where, initially, the fill and finish plant will be located in Ghana.”

    He continued, “BioNTech of Germany, the now renowned health technology company, which works with Pfizer, has agreed to be our partner, and will contribute also to the construction of a modular production facility for other vaccines as well, such as those for malaria and tuberculosis in Ghana.”

    Delivering a speech on the theme, “COVID-19 and Socio-Economic Dynamics in Ghana”, the President stated that the pandemic has illustrated vividly the need for self-reliance in all areas of social and economic life.

    “That is why the Government encouraged and facilitated the domestic manufacture of personal protective equipment at the height of their global shortages, which has enabled Ghanaian companies, today, to be exporting such products within the ECOWAS Region. It is key that we also break the cycle of dependence on foreigners in the fields of science and medicine, as well,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo reiterated that Ghana should never be in the situation “of beggars that we were at the height of the pandemic when we could not access vaccines, which were being hoarded by the rich, developed nations of the world. Charity, they quite rightly say, begins at home.”

    He urged all Ghanaians to get vaccinated, and help end the spread of the virus in the country, as the science indicates that getting vaccinated “is the most efficient way to defeat the virus and go back to our normal way of life, re-open fully our economy, and return our nation onto the path of progress and prosperity.”

    The President indicated that Government has succeeded in securing considerable quantities of vaccines for the country, numbering nearly 26 million doses so far, with more on the way.

    “Thus far, a total of ten million, four hundred and fifty-one thousand, six hundred and sixty-two (10,451,662) vaccine doses have been administered. Seven million and seventy thousand, seven hundred and nineteen (7,070,719) persons have received at least one jab, with three million, three hundred and eighty thousand, nine hundred and forty-nine (3,380,943) persons fully vaccinated. So, I entreat all those who have not been vaccinated to do so. Our responsibility to one another requires that we be vaccinated,” he added.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • COVID-19: Your responsibility to one another is to get vaccinated Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said our responsibility to one another as Ghanaian citizens is to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

    Therefore, the president has urged all Ghanaians to get vaccinated to help curb the further spread of the virus in the country.

    Speaking at the 73rd annual New Year School in Accra on Tuesday, 25 January 2022, on the theme “COVID-19 and Socio-Economic Dynamics in Ghana”, President Akufo-Addo said: “The science tells us that [it is] the most efficient way to defeat the virus and go back to our normal way of life, reopen fully our economy and return our nation on to the path of progress and prosperity.”

    He noted that most of those infected with COVID-19 so far have not been immunised yet and rehashed the need for everyone to get vaccinated.

    “And for the sceptics, they should take note of the data that says that 80 per cent of those who are currently infected are those who have not been vaccinated.

    “That is enough to tell us about the value of vaccination,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    The president further noted that “a total of 10,451,662 vaccine doses have been administered. Seven million, seventy thousand, seven hundred and nineteen persons have received at least one jab, with 3,380,949 persons fully vaccinated” across the country so far.

    He called on persons who are yet to be vaccinated to do so.

    “So, I entreat all those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so. Our responsibility to one another requires that we be vaccinated.”

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo, Chief Justice have received our petition for removal of EC and her deputies FixTheCountry Movement

    Public advocacy group, FixTheCountry Movement say their petition for the removal of the Electoral Commissioner and her two deputies, have been acknowledged by the President and the Chief Justice accordingly.

    In a statement circulated on Tuesday, the group disclosed that since their petition has been welcomed by the appropriate quarters, they are waiting for the next line of action, in accordance with law.

    “Earlier today, 18 January 2022, we the 46 Ghanaians who petitioned the Chief Justice, through the President, initiating processes for the impeachment of the Chair and Deputies of the Electoral Commission in the connection of the disenfranchisement of the people of Santrokofi, Lolobi, Akpafu and Likpe, received responding letters from the Offices of the President and of the Chief Justice.

    Through his letter, the President has acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that it has forwarded the petition to the Chief Justice to commence the process for impeaching the impugned officers of the Electoral Commission.

    For his part, the Chief Justice in his letter, informed the petitioners that he has initiated the impeachment process and has accordingly informed the impugned officers of the Electoral Commission of this step”, the statement said.

    It will be recalled that on January 10, the FixTheCountry Movement, announced that they had filed a petition for the removal of the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa and her two deputies; Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey.

    In a statement signed by the lead petitioner, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the group said their petition is due to the disenfranchisement of residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL) in the 2020 Parliamentary elections.

    To this effect, the group presented a 24-paged petition with 19 appendixes to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The petition was undersigned by a total of 46 individuals comprising lawyers, academics, students, public and private sector employees, unemployed and homeless Ghanaians, cutting across all political persuasions and ethnicity.

    The petitioners also explained that their petition was in connection with the intentional denial of the right to vote of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe in the 2020 general parliamentary elections. Adding that, “the actions of the impugned officials, if considered in context and in light of their preceding and subsequent conduct, meets the threshold of stated misbehavior and, or incompetence as required under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution for the removal of these officials”.

    A week after submitting their petition, the group has disclosed that their petition has been noted pending further processes. Regarding the next line of action, the group said they are looking forward to “the full impeachment phase of the process before the 5-member Committee that will soon and subsequently be established by the Chief Justice”.

    Meanwhile, the petitioners have indicated that they cannot disclose the full contents of their petition due to previous rulings by the Supreme Court, which bars them from revealing same. According to them, even though they are compelled to comply with the directive of the apex court, they find it “bizarre”.

    “The Supreme Court has in a string of decisions held that the contents of a petition brought under Article 146 of the Constitution cannot be made public in order to protect the privacy interests of the Article 146 office holders. While the Petitioners find it bizarre that the Supreme Court will aid public office holders to assert non-existent personal privacy interests in grave matters of public interest and in connection with the performance of their official duties, they have reticently agreed to embargo the release of the full content of the petition, and the correspondences received for the meantime”, the statement concluded.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    President Akufo-Addo launched a GH¢6.1 million Police Emergency Medical Intervention Fund at the Police Hospital on Tuesday.

    The fund is aimed at providing immediate financial assistance for the medical treatment of Police officers, who get injured in the line of duty.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital
    President Akufo-Addo and IGP George Akuffo Dampare

    According to President Akufo-Addo, “I have been assured that beneficiaries do not have to go through the usual bureaucracies and the associated delays which have, in the past, resulted, in some cases, in personnel losing their lives whilst awaiting treatment, and the deterioration of medical conditions of some others.”

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    Presenting the first three beneficiaries of the Fund, Chief Inspector Victor Anako, Inspector Theresa Ohene and Corporal Isaac Asuman Opoku, with amounts covering the cost of medical treatment in Ghana and abroad, the President was hopeful that “all Police officers who require medical treatment will receive the best of care, no matter the cost of treatment.”

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital
    President Akufo-Addo and IGP George Akuffo Dampare

    On his part, the President made a modest contribution of GH¢100,000 to the Fund, a gesture which was met with spontaneous applause from the officers, men and women of the Police Service gathered at the venue.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    In his remarks, prior to the commissioning of the New Out-Patient-Department (OPD) facility at the Police Hospital, the President commended the Police administration and the Management of the Police Hospital for constructing the new OPD, which will help decongest the existing facility, which, hitherto, was responsible for seeing to patients with emergency cases as well as to regular OPD patients.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    “This new OPD, which cost a modest sum of GH¢180,000 will be dedicated to emergency cases only, in line with best practices. It will ensure a clear line of separation between emergency cases and routine OPD visits, thereby improving the quality-of-service delivery at the hospital,” he added.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital
    IGP George Akuffo Dampare

    He was particularly excited about the establishment of the Virtual Medical Centre, constructed at an equally modest amount of GH¢50,000. The Virtual Medical Centre, which is an end-to-end video hospital management system, will allow patients, no matter where they are located in the country, to undertake virtual consultation with healthcare professionals at the hospital.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    Police personnel, irrespective of their location, can now access healthcare services from the Police Hospital anywhere in the country, at any time, with officers guaranteed a protected platform for seamless consultations with the doctor.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    “Beginning with virtual OPD attendance, through diagnoses, laboratory referrals, prescription of drugs, and subsequent reviews, all of these medical processes can be done without one having to travel from his or her station.

    “Indeed, if the medical situation of a patient demands a higher level of attention, the medical doctor would immediately make the necessary arrangements for the patient to be evacuated to the nearest medical facility for treatment,” the President added.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    The President noted that, “this Virtual Medical Centre, the first of its kind in the public sector, is, indeed, worthy of emulation, and could not have come at a better time, as we continue to battle the scourge of COVID-19, which has, to a significant extent, limited person-to-person contact.”

    Source: Jubilee House

  • Ghanas economy will recover much stronger in 2022 Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured that the local economy is recovering from the impact of the coronavirus.

    He said it would even recover much stronger this year.

    Mr Akufo-Addo expressed optimism of a swift economy recovery due to what he said was the solid economic foundation his administration has built.

    “2021 has proven to be tough year not only for us but also everyone on the planet,” he said.

    He added: “Our economy is recovering and will recover much stronger in 2022-2023, my government has built solid economic foundation.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Two of my protégés are occupying sensitive positions Akufo-Addo pat himself at the back

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has celebrated two of his mentees at his law firm, Akufo Addo, Prempeh & Co, for rising through the ranks to occupy important and sensitive positions in Ghana.

    Speaking at an international conference on anti-corruption in Accra on Friday, December 10, 2021, the President noted that he is proud of the exploits of Justice of the Supreme Court, Yonny Kulendi and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.

    Akufo-Addo wished his protégés well and said he expected them to deliver creditably.

    “Permit me at the outset to pat myself a little bit on the back here.

    “I must have been doing something right in my other life. When I see today, the two of my protégés, Yonny Kulendi and Godfred Dame both members of Akufo Addo, Prempeh & Co are occupying two important and sensitive positions in our state, Justice of the Supreme Court and Attorney General.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has celebrated two of his mentees at his law firm, Akufo Addo, Prempeh & Co, for rising through the ranks to occupy important and sensitive positions in Ghana.

    Speaking at an international conference on anti-corruption in Accra on Friday, December 10, 2021, the President noted that he is proud of the exploits of Justice of the Supreme Court, Yonny Kulendi and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.

    Akufo-Addo wished his protégés well and said he expected them to deliver creditably.

    “Permit me at the outset to pat myself a little bit on the back here.

    “I must have been doing something right in my other life. When I see today, the two of my protégés, Yonny Kulendi and Godfred Dame both members of Akufo Addo, Prempeh & Co are occupying two important and sensitive positions in our state, Justice of the Supreme Court and Attorney General.

    “I wish them well and I have every confidence that they will discharge their offices with credit,” President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • All corruption allegations levelled against my appointees have been probed Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has intimated that his administration has undertaken “arguably” the boldest steps in dealing with corruption since Ghana attained independence nearly 65 years ago.

    According to him, all allegations of corruption leveled against his appointees so far, have been probed.

    “My job is to act on allegations of corruption by referring the issue to the proper investigative agencies for the relevant inquiry and necessary actions including if required, the suspension of the affected official pending the conclusion of the investigation. That is exactly what has been done since I assumed the mantle of national leadership,” he said.

    Speaking at the National Anti-Corruption Conference in commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day and the International Human Rights Day, on Friday, December 10, 2021, the President cited various instances where his government has dealt with cases of corruption involving appointees under his government, including the case of the PPA boss, Adjenim Boateng Adjei.

    He, however, noted that he, as President was not in the best position to convict any person accused of wrongdoing or engaging in acts of corruption. “That is the job of the courts,” he said.

    He declared zero tolerance for corruption under his government, adding that due process will not be set aside in fighting the canker.

    “Charity, they say begins at home and that is why so far, every single alleged act of corruption leveled against any of my appointees has been investigated by independent bodies such as CHRAJ, CID in some cases, and Parliament itself.

    “There are some [people] who refuse to accept my method of proceeding and have characterised me as a clearing agent because for them, the mere allegation without more, is enough to merit condemnation of the public official even though they did not apply this principle when they were in office.

    President Akufo-Addo has intimated that his administration has undertaken “arguably” the boldest steps in dealing with corruption since Ghana attained independence nearly 65 years ago.

    According to him, all allegations of corruption leveled against his appointees so far, have been probed.

    “My job is to act on allegations of corruption by referring the issue to the proper investigative agencies for the relevant inquiry and necessary actions including if required, the suspension of the affected official pending the conclusion of the investigation. That is exactly what has been done since I assumed the mantle of national leadership,” he said.

    Speaking at the National Anti-Corruption Conference in commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day and the International Human Rights Day, on Friday, December 10, 2021, the President cited various instances where his government has dealt with cases of corruption involving appointees under his government, including the case of the PPA boss, Adjenim Boateng Adjei.

    He, however, noted that he, as President was not in the best position to convict any person accused of wrongdoing or engaging in acts of corruption. “That is the job of the courts,” he said.

    He declared zero tolerance for corruption under his government, adding that due process will not be set aside in fighting the canker.

    “Charity, they say begins at home and that is why so far, every single alleged act of corruption leveled against any of my appointees has been investigated by independent bodies such as CHRAJ, CID in some cases, and Parliament itself.

    “There are some [people] who refuse to accept my method of proceeding and have characterised me as a clearing agent because for them, the mere allegation without more, is enough to merit condemnation of the public official even though they did not apply this principle when they were in office.

    “For my part, I will not set aside due process in fighting against corruption no matter the opprobrium this incurs for me. If any appointee is cleared of any wrongdoing, the evidence adduced and recommendation made by these agencies after the investigations are concluded, I would clear the accused persons not by myself but by the institutions mandated to do so,” he added.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo commits to ECOWAS protocols on democracy

    President Akufo-Addo has given the assurance that he will continue to abide by ECOWAS Protocols on Democracy and Good governance.

    As current Chairman of ECOWAS, the President has promised to respect the Two Term limit and not make any modifications in Electoral Laws, six months to elections.

    Speaking at the Second Edition of the Kofi Annan Peace Forum, the President said, he will not be an impediment to the conduct of free and credible elections in Ghana. He, therefore, charged his colleague West African leaders to do same to promote democracy and peace in the Sub-Region.

    “I will not be an impediment to the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections; and I will hand over power to the next elected President on 7th January 2025.”

    President Akufo-Addo assured participants at he will rally his fellow ECOWAS Heads of States to take the pledge, “and support them as they continue to work towards democracy and good governance in their respective countries”.

    Delivering his speech, the President stated that Ghana is often touted as a beacon of democracy in Africa, and has won plaudits for her democratic credentials.

    Though still fraught with challenges, he indicated that Ghanaian democracy has been consolidated with the conduct of eight (8) elections, five (5) presidential transitions, three (3) of which resulted in the peaceful transfer from one political party to another.

    President Akufo-Addo has given the assurance that he will continue to abide by ECOWAS Protocols on Democracy and Good governance.

    As current Chairman of ECOWAS, the President has promised to respect the Two Term limit and not make any modifications in Electoral Laws, six months to elections.

    Speaking at the Second Edition of the Kofi Annan Peace Forum, the President said, he will not be an impediment to the conduct of free and credible elections in Ghana. He, therefore, charged his colleague West African leaders to do same to promote democracy and peace in the Sub-Region.

    “I will not be an impediment to the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections; and I will hand over power to the next elected President on 7th January 2025.”

    President Akufo-Addo assured participants at he will rally his fellow ECOWAS Heads of States to take the pledge, “and support them as they continue to work towards democracy and good governance in their respective countries”.

    Delivering his speech, the President stated that Ghana is often touted as a beacon of democracy in Africa, and has won plaudits for her democratic credentials.

    Though still fraught with challenges, he indicated that Ghanaian democracy has been consolidated with the conduct of eight (8) elections, five (5) presidential transitions, three (3) of which resulted in the peaceful transfer from one political party to another.

    “We want to be seen as a positive influence in other African countries who continue to face challenges with democratic consolidation,” he added.

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • 499 failed law students thank Akufo-Addo, Dame

    The 499 law students have expressed their sincere gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo, and the Attorney-General (AG), Godfred Yeboah Dame for listening to their plights and facilitating their admission process into the GSL.

    The students further extended appreciation to Parliament, the media, lawyers, non-government organisations and the members of the public who stood by them and fought for their cause.

    The students who are battling to gain admission into the Ghana School of Law (GSL) made this known to the media after they met the leadership of the General Legal Council (GLC) with their lawyer, Martin Kpebu.

    In a graphic online report sighted by GhanaWeb, lawyer Kpebu informed the media that the GLC had formally informed the students that it had decided to admit all the 499 students into the GSL.

    “What is heartwarming is that the GLC has decided to admit the 499 students, but the commencement date is what is currently being worked upon,” he said.

    He noted, the GLC gave the students an opportunity to share their views about the commencement date, and informed them that they would take their inputs into consideration when it comes out with the final decision on the commencement date.

    Lawyer Kpebu observed, the development was a positive step and expressed appreciation on behalf of his clients.

    “We express our profoundest gratitude to all the stakeholders who fought for us.

    The President, the A-G, Parliament, CSOs and the GLC, “we are very grateful that for the first time having admitted a certain number of students has subsequently agreed to admit a second group from one set of exams.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo to take 7-day ‘much-deserved’ leave from Nov. 13 Eugene Arhin

    The president, Nana Akufo-Addo will from Saturday, November 13th November 2021, take a 7-day leave.

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will act in his stead until he resumes official duties on November 20, 2021, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution.

    The Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, who announced this during an engagement with the press at the Jubilee House on Thursday, said the President will within the leave period travel to France to preside over the panel for a debate in the French parliament.

    “President Akufo-Addo will from Saturday, 13th November to Saturday 20th November take a much-deserved, long-overdue 7-day leave of absence, during which he has also accepted an invitation to preside over the panel that will adjudicate a debate in the French parliament on the trial of progress on the 19th of November.
    He is expected to come back to Ghana on Saturday, November 20, 2021. In his absence, the Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu will act in his stead,” Eugene Arhin said.

    The last time President Akufo-Addo took an official leave was in June 2019.

    In May 2018, he took his first annual leave since assuming office in January 2017 and spent a week-long vacation in the United Kingdom.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Borrowing for only consumption bad Mahama to Akufo-Addo

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for having nothing to show for the borrowings that the administration has engaged in over the past four and a half years in office.

    He observed that the government borrows only for consumption, hence, the inability to point to projects being funded from borrowed monies.

    “They are borrowing for only consumption. Between 2016, GHS120 billion debt, you have taken us to 375 billion in four and a half years for only consumption,” he said.

    He further told the government to up its game to deal with the hardship Ghanaians are saddled with at the moment.

    Mr Mahama said time is hard for Ghanaians.

    The economy, in his view, is not doing well hence the hardships.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for having nothing to show for the borrowings that the administration has engaged in over the past four and a half years in office.

    He observed that the government borrows only for consumption, hence, the inability to point to projects being funded from borrowed monies.

    “They are borrowing for only consumption. Between 2016, GHS120 billion debt, you have taken us to 375 billion in four and a half years for only consumption,” he said.

    He further told the government to up its game to deal with the hardship Ghanaians are saddled with at the moment.

    Mr Mahama said time is hard for Ghanaians.

    The economy, in his view, is not doing well hence the hardships.

    Speaking on TV XYZ, as part of his tour of the Greater Accra Region, Mr Mahama said, “I think that this government has to sit up.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Akufo-Addo reverts to presidential jet for trip to Cape Verde

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo left Accra on Monday, November 8, 2021, and arrived in Praia, capital of Cape Verde, where he will attend the inauguration of the island nation’s President-elect, Jose Maria Neves.

    The president in a video shared by the state broadcaster, GBC, is seen being escorted on the tarmac by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and other top government officials as he boarded the presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon 900 EXE.

    The issue of presidential travels has in recent months become topical especially with respect to Akufo-Addo’s use of chartered luxury jets for long-haul trips.

    His last overseas trip was to Glasgow for the Climate Change Conference. According to a Daily Mail report and independent checks by North Tongu MP, the president chartered a luxury jet for his trip to and from Scotland.

    The government through the Minister of Defense has explained that trips within Ghana and the sub-region will be done with the Falcon but long-haul trips overseas will be done through alternative arrangements.

    The presidential trips and their cost to the public purse is the subject of an urgent question filed by some Minority Members of Parliament led by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    Akufo-Addo is in Praia not only as President of Ghana but also in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Cape Verdean President-Elect, 61-year-old Neves had previously served as a Prime Minister of the country between 2000 and 2016. He won the presidential election held last month.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo left Accra on Monday, November 8, 2021, and arrived in Praia, capital of Cape Verde, where he will attend the inauguration of the island nation’s President-elect, Jose Maria Neves.

    The president in a video shared by the state broadcaster, GBC, is seen being escorted on the tarmac by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and other top government officials as he boarded the presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon 900 EXE.

    The issue of presidential travels has in recent months become topical especially with respect to Akufo-Addo’s use of chartered luxury jets for long-haul trips.

    His last overseas trip was to Glasgow for the Climate Change Conference. According to a Daily Mail report and independent checks by North Tongu MP, the president chartered a luxury jet for his trip to and from Scotland.

    The government through the Minister of Defense has explained that trips within Ghana and the sub-region will be done with the Falcon but long-haul trips overseas will be done through alternative arrangements.

    The presidential trips and their cost to the public purse is the subject of an urgent question filed by some Minority Members of Parliament led by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    Akufo-Addo is in Praia not only as President of Ghana but also in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Cape Verdean President-Elect, 61-year-old Neves had previously served as a Prime Minister of the country between 2000 and 2016. He won the presidential election held last month.

    VP Bawumia will act as President till Akufo-Addo returns home later today, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I absolutely support Akufo-Addo government’s digital initiative – Dr Asante

    Senior Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, has commended Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the Akufo-Addo-led government for their digital transformative programmes.

    The Vice President days ago delivered a public lecture at the Ashesi University outlining the government’s plans and progress in digitizing the economy.

    Dr. Bawumia, in his address, shed more light on some already implemented digital programmes like the Ghana card, digital property address system, mobile money interoperability and Zipline medical drone delivery services among others.

    He also pointed out further plans to digitally advance the nation, touching on e-pharmacy, e-passport, enrollment of Ghanaian babies onto the Ghanacard and the synchronization of data with all these projects and others geared towards developing the country and ensuring that Ghana catches up with the digital world.

    Dr. Asah Asante, speaking on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo”, was exhilarated by the government’s phenomenal successes and initiatives to digitalize Ghana.

    He highlighted some benefits to Ghana saying digitalizing the economy will help curb corruption, encourage accountability and enhance good governance.

    He, therefore, minced no words as he declared full support for the digital vision of the Akufo-Addo administration.

    ”I fully support it even when I’m alive or dead. It’s a good thing . . . I like this initiative every day,” he stated.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • COP26: It is unfair for the world to ask Africa to abandon exploitation of resources Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has described as unfair, calls for Africa to halt the exploitation of its natural resources as a way of contributing to fighting climate change.

    Speaking at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, the President asked world leaders how they expect Africa to finance its challenges without exploiting its natural resources.

    “Agriculture, water, energy, and the extraction of mineral resources are essential drivers of development in our countries but, at the same time, are characteristically sensitive to changing climate.

    “The African Development Bank has stated that the continent will need some $3 trillion “in mitigation and adaptation by 2030” to enable us to implement our nationally determined contributions.

    “The obvious question arises as to how do we, in Africa, finance these commitments, especially as our socio-economic development continues, unfortunately, to be low,” he said.

    He added, “The Almighty has blessed our lands with abundant natural resources, and it would be wholly unfair for the world to demand that Africa abandons the exploitation of these same resources needed to finance its development and help us to cope better with the threat of climate change.”

    President Akufo-Addo also mentioned that although Africa contributes less than four per cent of emissions in the world, the continent is the most affected by the adverse effects of climate change.

    He explained that the African continent suffers the most because, “our agrarian and resource-driven economies are peculiarly susceptible to the effects of climate change, and our capacity to withstand its shocks, is weak.”

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • ‘Drive safely always, help reduce road accidents’ Akufo-Addo reacts to recent road crashes

    President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asked drivers to learn to drive safely in order to reduce road accidents in the country.

    On Monday, seventeen people, including 10 children were confirmed dead in an accident involving a sprinter bus and an articulated truck in the Abofuor Forest in the Ashanti region.

    The accident occurred at about 3:30 am on Monday when the Man Diesel truck with registration number GS 4339-17 collided head-on with the Kumasi-Daboya bound Mercedes Sprinter bus with registration number GT 6075-15.

    On Tuesday, another accident occurred on the Kumasi-Techiman Highway when a bus collided with a KIA Rhino after which the bus caught fire and burnt some six persons beyond recognition.

    Reacting to the series of accidents, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a tweet said he was saddened by the news.

    While wishing bereaved families his condolences, the President used the opportunity to caution drivers and users of the road to be cautious and drive safe in order to protect lives especially during this season.

    His tweet read “I have learnt with considerable sadness of the tragic accident, at Akomadan, that has claimed the lives of some 30 people in the early hours of this morning.

    “I extend my condolences to families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery. I continue to urge all road users, especially our drivers, to drive safely always, and help reduce the spate of road accidents in the country.”

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Electricity a necessity, no longer a luxury – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Wednesday commissioned the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point (BSP) Substation to increase reliability of power supply to homes, businesses and industrial plants in the northern parts of Accra.

    With a total capacity of 580 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA), the 330 KVA Pokuase BSP, the fifth in Accra, is the largest and most technologically advanced substation in Ghana.

    It will improve power supply quality and reliability to the over 350,000 utility consumers in Pokuase, Nsawam, Achimota, Anyaa, Sowutuom, Kwabenya, Ashongman, Legon, Haatso, Agbogba, Adenta and Aburi communities.

    The facility will also reduce transmission and distribution losses, and improve the financial viabilities of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDco) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    Construction of the USD64.7 million facility commenced in April 2019 and was completed in May 2021. It was funded by the United States of America through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

    At an inaugural ceremony, President Akufo-Addo said the BSP project not only gives the assurance of stable power supply, “but also reminds us of how far we have come from the days of widespread, power outages and the phenomenon of Doom.”

    The facility, he said, was a commitment to improving electricity supply in the country.

    The President noted that any country that aspired to industrialize with the overarching goal of guaranteeing a decent quality of life for its people must ensure that its citizens have access to stable efficient and affordable power supply.

    “Electricity is no longer a luxury. But rather a basic necessity, and we must commit ourselves to working hard and ensure that we achieve universal coverage in this country as soon as possible to spur economic growth,” he said.

    The substation, President Akufo-Addo pointed out, was strategically positioned to cater to the increasing load demand for electricity in the Northern parts of Accra.

    He told the gathering that government is carrying out several other initiatives and projects to meet the increasing power needs rising out of population growth and the Governments industrialisation agenda.

    He said government remained committed to ensuring safe, stable and affordable power supply in the country.

    The US Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Stephanie Sullivan, who joined the President at the ceremony, said the substation represents sustainable infrastructure investment by the United States with Ghana “that will benefit hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians now and into the future.”

    “It will help deliver more reliable power to people, places, and businesses of Accra that drive increased economic activity benefitting families, businesses, and communities,” she said.

    The Pokuase BSP is the first major construction project to be completed under the Ghana Power Compact with the MCC. The USD316 million Compact is helping the Government of Ghana improve the power sector.

    The Compact is also funding a BSP at Kasoa in the Central Region and two primary substations at Kanda and Legon in Accra. The Compact will end on June, 2022.

    Government implemented the Pokuase BSP project through the Millennium Development Authority.

    Source: GNA

  • We must invest in youth to accelerate Africa’s economic growth – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged African governments to invest in the youth towards accelerating socio-economic development of the continent following the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    He underscored the need for African governments to create a conducive environment to empower the youth and tackle the mass youth unemployment.

    He called for investment in human resource through the provision of diversified training in technical and vocational education.

    That, he said, would enable them to explore the various opportunities provided by respective African economies for self-development and alleviation of poverty.

    “Youth unemployment is a ticking time bomb, which threatens social peace and cohesion therefore Africa must pay maximum attention to job creation,” the President stressed.

    President Akufo-Addo made the remarks in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia at the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Accra on Wednesday.

    He said the African youth had the talents and capabilities to develop and would employ anything to improve their circumstances.

    The President entreated African governments to leverage on digital technology to improve the circumstances of their peoples as the world was in the era of fourth industrial revolution, where economies of countries thrive on technology.

    The YouthConnekt Africa Summit is an annual platform that connects youth from across Africa and beyond with policy influencers, political leaders, public/private and development sector institutions to engage, discuss, design and accelerate youth empowerment efforts at the continental level.

    It creates a platform to empower the youth to pursue entrepreneurship, innovation, network and trade among themselves towards the transformation of the African economies.

    The summit, first held in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2012, provides a platform for all partners involved in youth development and empowerment to synergise around policies, programmes and partnerships that connect the youth for continental transformation.

    This year’s event, the fourth edition, is hosted by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and National Youth Authority, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) attracted over 2,000 participants across Africa and beyond.

    The event is being attended by youth groups, Ministers of Youth and Sports, Government officials, academia, development partners, private sector and civil society representatives, as well as innovators and incubator labs, to addressing the most pressing youth demands within the post Covid-19 pandemic period.

    “Africa Beyond Aid: Positioning the Youth for the Post Covid Economy and AfCFTA Opportunities” is the theme chosen for the three-day event and comes off at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    The summit will offer a combination of high-level plenaries, panel discussions, keynote speeches, small group workshops, presentations, project pitching, and exhibitions, as well as cultural events, off-site activities and learning visits.

    In his welcome address, Mr Mustapha Ussif, Ghana’s Youth and Sports Minister, said the youth were key agent of change and development therefore it was imperative to involve them in all development initiatives to accelerate economic growth.

    He underscored the need to support the youth and provide them with robust programmes to enable them to obtain employable skills and sustainable jobs.

    He believed that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) programme provide an opportunity for the youth to achieve their potentials and thus encouraged African youth to trade among themselves.

    Ms Oulie Keita, the Executive Director of YouthConnekt Africa Hub, on her part, said the summit provided the platform for the youth to share ideas and proffer home-grown solutions to African challenges.

    She said the YouthConnekt Africa initiative was launched in 2012 in Kigali, Rwanda, and currently operational in 24 African nations.

    It is aimed at increasing opportunities for the youth in terms of equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and expertise towards inclusive socio-economic development and achieving the aspirations of the Africa Youth Charter, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2063 Africa Union Agenda.

    Source: GNA

  • Ensure LGBTQ+ bill is passed – Chiefs tells Akufo-Addo

    Acting President of the Efutuakwa Traditional Area, Nana Afransie IV, has called on Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure the passage of the Proper Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, also known as the anti-LGBT Bill.

    According to Nana Afransie IV, all chiefs in the region are against the LGBTQ+ acts hence the need for the bill to be passed.

    “God created man and woman, but some people want to change this, which is not acceptable by our culture. We urge you to ensure the passage of the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill because all chiefs in this region are against it. So do well to ensure the bill is passed,” He said

    Nana Afransie made this call when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy call on her at Assin Fosu as part of his tour in the Central Region on Monday, October 18, 2021.

    A team of 8 MPs led by Samuel Nartey George have jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.

    The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 was laid in the House on Monday, August 2, 2021, and read for the first time.

    Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, subsequently referred the Bill to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Committee for consideration.

    He urged the public to submit memoranda on the bill.

    It is based on this, that a group of 18 renowned lawyers, academics and other professionals sent a memorandum to parliament for the bill to be thrashed, stating that it violates the fundamental human right guaranteed in the constitution.

    Some Ghanaians have, however, bashed them for their position against the bill but they have clarified that their call for the bill to be thrashed is based on the fact that it violates all the fundamental human rights in the constitution and not that they are in support of gayism and lesbianism.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addos job-creation credentials unmatchable YEA CEO

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Mr Justin Koduah Frimpong, has said the Akufo-Addo government job-creation credentials are unparalleled.

    Speaking to Class News about the thousands of young men and women who thronged the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Thursday, 9 September 2021 to look for jobs at a Job and Career Fair organised by his agency, Mr Koduah Frimpong said despite the huge numbers of unemployed youth, the Akufo-Addo government deserves commendation helping the situation since he came to office in 2017.

    “If we cast our mind back to 2017, what was the employment situation in our country and what did the current government do in attempting to solve the unemployment situation in the country”.

    He said in the various public sectors: education, health, security, “the record number of people who have been recruited is unmatchable”.

    The two-day Job and Career Fair ends today, Friday, 10 September 2021.

    Many young men and women were seen with brown envelopes containing their CVs hoping to secure jobs from some companies that had mounted stands at the venue.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • MMDCE appointments will be resolved this month Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has indicated that the list of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will be released this month.

    “This month of September, all these matters will be resolved… in the course of this month, it will be done,” President Akufo-Addo said in response to a question on the matter in an interview with Skyypower FM in Takoradi as part of his tour of the Western Region.

    He said the necessary consultations were ongoing to pick the right persons for the assemblies.

    The official position of the presidency on the delay in appointing MMDCEs has been that it is not hampering development at the local government level.

    Speaking on the delay, the President said “there is the need for broad consultations and that is what I have done. We have set up committees at the regional and national levels to make recommendations for me.”

    “I have to really make sure the recommendations fit the political purposes of the government and respond to issues of competence, political suitability and all of these things.”

    The appointment of MMDCEs is the sole preserve of the President, per Article 243 (1) of the 1992 Constitution.

    At the moment, the government has been criticised for the lack of progress in appointing new MMDCEs eight months into a new administration.

    In January, President Akufo-Addo directed all MMDCEs to remain at post until new ones are appointed.

    This has since prompted a legal challenge.

    The South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, dragged the government to court over the continuous stay of MMDCEs in office eight months after a new administration came into office.

    According to him, President Akufo-Addo has no constitutional mandate to direct MMDCEs to remain in office in an acting capacity.

    He also wants the court to order the acting MMDCEs to immediately vacate their post.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • I pray Akufo-Addo will complete 111 hospitals by end of 2024 – Kwamena Duncan

    Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan has slammed the opposition National Democratic Congress for doubting the Akufo-Addo administration’s commitment to build and complete 111 hospitals in the country.

    The President, cutting sod for the project in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, August 17, promised Ghanaians his government will construct 111 hospitals, of which 88 will be completed in 18 months.

    ”So far sites have been identified for 88 of the 111 hospitals, and after cutting the sod, work on the other 87 sites will also commence today [Tuesday].”

    “The acquisition of the remaining 13 sites will be completed shortly for work to begin. Each hospital is being constructed at a cost of $16.88 million, i.e. $12.88 million for construction and $4 million for medical equipment, and all the hospitals are to be completed in 18 months and works will begin on the regional and other hospitals in the latter part of the year,” he said.

    But the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have little faith in the President as they believe he is only paying lip service to the Agenda 111 project.

    Some members of the opposition party accused the government of spending over GH¢ 600 million before cutting sod for the project.

    The NDC 2020 Presidential candidate, former President John Dramani Mahama also claims the project is “only an afterthought that suddenly they realized that they must be doing some infrastructure and Agenda 111 has been conjured with no transparency as to how the money for the projects are going to be procured”.

    “Government should avert its mind and try to finish some of those projects including some of those that they themselves have initiated,” he added.

    But Kwamena Duncan is the least surprised about the NDC claims as he alluded to some disparaging comments that the party passed about the President’s free SHS policy stating it couldn’t be done, yet the policy has been effectively implemented despite their opposing views.

    He described the NDC as an “impossible party” – to wit, the party doesn’t believe anything is possible to do.

    ”This is not surprising because we have a party in this country that only thinks we can’t do it. It (NDC) is an impossible party.”

    Kwamena Duncan was of a strong opinion that just as the President made the free SHS possible, Agenda 111 will also materialize.

    Speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo”, he offered prayers for the President saying, “my prayer is that, by the close of 2024 when Akufo-Addo will be handing over to an NPP President-elect, we would have completed all the 111 – 88 of them or so district hospitals. That is my prayer”.

    He believed the President and his government aren’t moved by the opposition but focused on the Agenda 111 which will surely come to fruition.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo appoints Pius Hadzide as CEO of National Youth Authority

    Former Deputy Minister for Information, Pius Hadzide, has been given a fresh appointment under the Akufo-Addo administration.

    Mr Hadzide moves to head the National Youth Authority as Chief Executive Officer.

    Asaaseradio reports that he will replace the former CEO of the Authority, Mr. Sylvester Matthew Tetteh, who is currently serving as Member of Parliament Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro Constituency, in Greater Accra Region.

    Together with two deputies Pius Hadzide and the leadership of the National Youth Authority will be expected to “advocate, facilitate and ensure the mainstream of youth development issues into national development frameworks, plans and programmes in all sectors, garner relevant stakeholder interest and commitment to provide the youth with opportunities for skills training, employment, and market information and design appropriate collaboration and partnerships to strengthen the link between education and diversified productivity labour markets.”

    They are also to “coordinate promotion of youth participation and acquisition of universal ethics in electoral democracy and governance as well as partner and collaborate in reduction of violence and crime among young people,” the report adds.

    This will be the third appointment Mr Hadzide is serving under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, having previously worked in the capacity of deputy minister.

    In 2017, he was appointed as Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports but was reassigned as Deputy Minister of Information in November 2018.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 1 Constituency-$1M: President commissions Adu Boahen public square project

    The President has commissioned the Albert Adu Boahen Public Square at Juaben in the Ashanti Region.

    According to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the project is under the President’s 1 Constituency 1Million dollars initiative.

    Addressing journalists after the Commissioning the CEO of Middle Belt Development Authority said the project cost GH¢1,620,000, the Adu Boahen Public Square will be used in hosting any events in the area.

    The ceremony was chaired by Omanhene of Juaben Traditional Council Daasebre Otuo Serebour 11 and the Chairman of Council of State.

    Present were the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Chairman of Council of state and Some members of the Council of state, Some Ministers, Hon. Charles Adu Boahen the Son of the late professor Adu Boahen and Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.

    Hon Ama Pomaa Boateng Mp for Juaben and Deputy Minister of Communication and Digitization, CEO Middle Belt Development Authority Joe Danquah and his team.

    During a site meeting on Friday 2nd June 2021, the CEO assured the project would be completed within the specified period as indicated in the contract.

    The contract was awarded to Earth Masters Company Ltd and the project includes Conference Hall, Resting facilities, VVIP, 8 different pavilions or stands with large sizes a magnificent designed place for traditional Rulers, and a separate design for President and others.”

    He used the opportunity to outline most projects that have been established by the Middle Belt Development through $1m per Constituency in the Juaben Area.

    Joe Danquah said all the various stakeholders (District Assembly, Traditional Council, Middle Belt Development Authority) would be engaged to put proper management in place so far as those projects are concerned appealing to the general public to keep them safe.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Why Akufo-Addo has delayed with the appointment of MMDCEs – John Boadu explains

    Following the ministerial appointments made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo months ago, Ghanaians were expecting that the list for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) would be announced but there has been a delay with that.

    The General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu has been explaining why the appointment of MMDCEs has been delayed.

    According to him, the team set up for the vetting of the MMDCEs aspirants had to make sure there was a gender balance in their selection.

    Also, the infusion of youthful people and other factors including ethnic backgrounds contributed to the delay in settling for the selected persons.

    Meanwhile, the committee formed to vet the MMDCEs aspirants have completed their work and have submitted the report to President Akufo-Addo.

    “The committee has finished and presented its report to the president. There is the need to ensure gender balance, the infusion of youthful people, and also to respond to local dynamics and ethnic backgrounds as well,” John Boadu told Citi News.

    Per Article 243 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, the District Chief Executive for every district shall be appointed by the President with the prior approval of not less than two-thirds majority of members of the Assembly present and voting at a meeting.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • US$5m bribe saga: Akufo-Addo responds to petition seeking removal of Chief Justice

    The presidency has issued a response to a petition filed by the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) seeking the removal of the of the Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah over a $5million bribery allegation leveled against him by private legal practitioner, Akwasi Afrifa.

    In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary to the president, Nana Asante Bediatuo, the president said steps had already been instituted to determine the removal or otherwise of the Chief Justice.

    “I write to acknowledge receipt of your undated petition in respect of the above subject matter and to inform you that the President of the Republic has, in accordance with Article 146 (6) of the Constitution, commenced the appropriate processes subsequent to being petitioned for the removal of the Chief Justice”, the statement quoted by Citi FM read.

    ASEPA in a petitioned last month, called on the president to activate provisions of the Article 146 of the 1992 constitution to begin impeachment proceedings against Kwasi Anin-Yeboah.

    Reacting to the letter by the presidency, Mensah Thompson, the Executive Director of ASEPA said that the president is only applying the law where the it should be.

    He however indicated that he is not satisfied with the letter though he admits it is a step in the right direction.

    “I think this is quite delightful, just as we expected the President to do. There is nothing unusual about this because the constitution is very clear about what the processes are and the President is supposed to act as a conveyor belt when he receives such petitions,” he told Citi News.

    “It is a giant step towards our expectations because we want to get to the bottom of the matter and the processes must go on. If the processes are fair and transparent and the facts arrive, we will be satisfied with whatever outcome.”

    Meanwhile, the Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah has denied the allegations and referred the case to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Police and Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council.

    “His Lordship is saddened that, without any shred of evidence, his name has been dragged into this sordid and potentially criminal matter. His Lordship confirms that he does not know the plaintiff and has not met or seen him anywhere, except in the courtroom when he rises to announce his name when his case is called. His Lordship asserts that he has had no personal interaction either with the plaintiff or his lawyer on this matter or in any other matter,” the Chief Justice said in the petition.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo appoints two new deputy directors of communication at Presidency

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appointed two new deputy directors of communication at the seat of the presidency, AdomOnline has reported.

    The two appointees are Jefferson Sackey and one Kofi Agyapong. They are expected to assist Eugene Arhin who is currently the Director of Communications at the presidency.

    Per the report, Jefferson Sackey, prior to his appointment was serving as Head of Media Production at the Jubilee House.

    Kofi Agyapong, on the other hand, served in the capacity of deputy director of Communications of the ruling New Patriotic Party in charge of Media Relations.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • The government still committed to vaccinating 20 million Ghanaians against coronavirus – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that his government remains committed to vaccinating 20 Ghanaians.

    The President indicated that by close of 2021, all adult population would be vaccinated.

    He gave the assurance on his 26th national address on measures adopted to manage the outbreak.

    “Fellow Ghanaians, Government stands by its commitment to vaccinate twenty million Ghanaians, i.e., the entire adult population, by the end of this year, in spite of the huge global demand for vaccines by countries, and the surge in infections the world over.

    So far, one million, two hundred and seventy-one thousand, three hundred and ninety-three (1,271,393) vaccine doses have been administered, with eight hundred and sixty-five thousand, four hundred and twenty-two (865,422) persons having received a single jab, and four hundred and five thousand, nine hundred and seventy-one (405,971) persons have received their full dose of two (2) jabs.”

    He further assured Ghanaians that the country will receive more vaccines by the end of the third quarter of this year.

    “Indications are that, in the course of the third quarter of this year, the availability of vaccines for our country will ramp up. We are expecting, through the COVAX facility, one million Pfizer vaccines from the United States of America, two hundred and twenty-nine thousand, six hundred and seventy (229,670) Pfizer vaccines from the African Union, and two hundred and forty-nine thousand (249,000) AstraZeneca vaccines from the United Kingdom. Government is also in the process of procuring seventeen million (17 million) single dose per person Johnson & Johnson vaccines, through the African Medicine Supply Platform, in this quarter.

    We have, as such, upgraded our national, regional and district cold chain facilities in order to widen our access to vaccines like Pfizer and Modena, that require minus seventy degrees Celsius (-70℃) cold chains. These include sixteen (16) ultra-low cold freezers, fifty-eight (58) units of ultra-low freezers, fifty (50) normal vaccine refrigerators, three hundred (300) boxes to be filled with ice packs, three hundred (300) ice packed freezers, ten (10) cold chain vans, and one hundred and twenty (120) temperature monitoring devices. I thank, in particular, UPS, the American multi-national shipping, receiving, and supply chain management company, for their generous donation towards this development.”

    He added: “Fellow Ghanaians, it is important to stress, once again, that all the vaccines to be used in the country have been certified as safe-for-use by our national regulatory agency, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). There should, therefore, be no hesitancy amongst the population who are yet to be vaccinated. As the oft-cited saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • ChaLoG chides Akufo-Addo over delay in nominating MMDCEs

    Civil society group Chamber for Local Governance (ChaLoG) is accusing the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, of employing “unnecessary” and “unproductive” processes in nominating metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) seven months into his second term.

    ChaLoG says the move has “intended” and “unintended” consequences on the smooth administration of the 260 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs).

    “ChaLoG wishes to call on the President to urgently come to terms with the negative impact his actions and inactions which has led to the delay in nominating MMDCEs to be confirmed by the Hon Assembly Members, is having on the smooth administration of the MMDAs,” it said in a press release on Sunday, July 25.

    The Chamber made reference to a directive by President Akufo-Addo through the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, a few days after his swearing-in, that the MMDCEs of his first term continue to act until new persons are confirmed.

    “As a result of this directive, all the MMDAs across the country have not undertaken any new projects even though they continue to collect Property Rates, Business Operating Permits, Markets and Lorry Tolls from rate payers, yet no capital projects are being undertaken by the Assemblies seven months into the year 2021,” said the press release signed jointly by four executives including President Dr Richard Fiadomor.

    “ChaLoG can authoritatively state without any iota of doubt that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) which is meant to support the MMDAs to undertake development projects have also not been released to the MMDAs the whole of this year, all as a consequence of the unnecessary and unwarranted delay in nominating MMDCEs.

    “ChaLoG therefore finds the unproductive delay in nominating the MMDCEs by the President as sign of the non prioritisation and the seeming lack of interest in the proper functionality of the Local Governance Structures in this country.”

    The Chamber, therefore, wants immediate action for the gains made over the years to be consolidated.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Funerals, weddings should not go beyond 2 hours, receptions banned – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has placed an embargo on holding post-funeral receptions in Ghana.He has also said funeral ceremonies should not go beyond two hours.All these, he said, are measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

    “The wearing of masks is mandatory, and persons must respect the enhanced hygiene protocols. Funerals should not go beyond two hours and post-event receptions are banned” President Akufo-Addo, said in his address to the nation on Sunday July 25.

    He added “I have emphasised the need for the strict observance of safety protocols at funerals and weddings, and the measures are a set of enhanced protocols which must be adhered to by all at funerals and weddings.”

    He further raised concerns about the failure of some Ghanaians to adhere to the facemask wearing protocol.

    He saidd that it is obvious from the data released by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on the coronavirus pandemic that that “we have let our guard down, with many going about their daily duties in clear breach and disregard for the protocols.”

    Addressing the nation on Sunday July 25, he said at a time when the economy is on the rebound, and business activities picking up, “we must do everything possible to contain this outbreak.

    “We cannot afford to return to the days of partial lockdowns, which brought considerable hardships and difficulties for all of us.”
    He added “You returned me to office in the elections of 7th December with a clear and decisive mandate to protect lives and livelihoods, and steer our nation out the grips of the pandemic, and onto a path of sustained economic growth and progress.

    “Fortunately for us, we have tried and tested response protocols which we have implemented since March 2020. They have stood us in good stead, and we have no choice but to return to the strict implementation of some of them.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Adopt French language to deepen formal trade ties Akufo-Addo urges Ghanaians

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to take up learning of the French language in order to deepen trade ties among African countries.

    This he believes is vital towards the implementation of the free trade pact for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement with Ghana already selected as the host secretariat.

    In an interaction with the French Ambassador to Ghana, Anne Sophie Ave on the Touch of France show, President Akufo-Addo explained this was necessary to encourage bilingualism between Ghana and its neighbours.

    “As a necessary consequence, the language will have to be a determinant of that [trade] and it will be a very important incident of our capacity to trade effectively,” President Akufo-Addo said on the show.

    “As the trade becomes more and more formalised, I think the necessity for both sides; both the French people and the English-speaking people to be able to exchange information in the languages that they speak is going to be almost irresistible,” he added.

    Meanwhile, there are some 29 countries in Africa that speak French as their official language.

    Watch the video below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Divisional chiefs at Tarkwa-Nusaem constituency express gratitude to President Akufo-Addo

    Some Divisional Chiefs in the Tarkwa-Nusaem constituency of the Western Region have expressed appreciation to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for appointing Mr George Mireku Duker as the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.

    According to the chiefs, Mr Duker, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency, had worked hard and would do the same in his new role to help develop the country.

    Nana Ampofo Kwesi II, the Divisional Chief of Esikuma Bonsawire and Akyeamehene of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, said this at a press briefing in Tarkwa.

    He emphasized that “since we can testify of his good works within Tarkwa-Nusaem, we are assured of his performance as the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.”

    Nana Ampofo Kwesi II said the chiefs and residents of the Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency would be pleased to welcome more appointments from Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government.

    Nana Kwabena Gyan II, Divisional Chief of Mahamamo, expressed worry over the deplorable state of roads in Tarkwa-Nsuaem and pleaded with the government to come to their aid.

    He appealed to the President to retain the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Benjamin Kessie to enable him to work with the MP to speed up development in the area.

    Source: GNA

  • Government will continue to facilitate activities of automobile industry – President

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said the government will continue to create an enabling environment to boost the profitability of the emerging automobile industry in the country.

    He said the vision was to make Ghana a fully integrated and competitive industrial hub for the automotive industry in West Africa and “we are very much on course.”

    The President was speaking at the inauguration of the Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Company Limited Assembly Plant in Tema.

    The US$7 million plant, the first by a Japanese firm in the country, started with the Toyota Hilux pickup model, to be followed by Suzuki Swift model in 2022, an arrangement which is the first of its kind in West Africa.

    The plant has an annual production capacity of 1,300 units and employs approximately 50 employees.

    It is the fifth vehicle production base of the Toyota Tsusho Group in Africa, after Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, and Rwanda, and is located in the Ghanaian city of Tema (30 km from the capital Accra).

    He said it was a good day for mother Ghana, a day of deepening the already strong bilateral relations between Ghana and Japan.

    The President said the government attached great importance to the development of the automotive industry in Ghana and the Toyota Tsusho presence in Ghana had been facilitated by the government’s bold move to develop the Ghana automotive policy under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and industry with generous fiscal incentives.

    “By Assembling and ultimately producing cars in Ghana new and highly skilled jobs are being created,” he said.

    He said the need to reduce second-hand vehicles would be reduced and at the same time the export of made in Ghana cars to other African countries would earn the nation the much needed foreign exchange.

    Nana Akufo-Addo said the investment had come at an opportune time in the nation’s development as it served as a major boost to ongoing investments to hasten the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    ”The confidence in the Ghanaian economy expressed by a global organisation like Toyota will indeed provide additional impetus to the realisation of our post-COVID-19 recovery programme,” he added.

    The President has, therefore, directed State Institutions to purchase locally assembled vehicles in Ghana, a means of the government’s commitment to promoting the patronage of locally assembled vehicles in Ghana.

    He said the Ministry of Trade and Industry was working with other State agencies to develop locally required raw materials in the value chain to feed these assembly plants.

    He said the government had developed the automobile development policy to guide the industry and had also acquired a building complex in the South Industrial Area to be developed into rural Ghana Automotive Development Center.

    The Complex would also house the Ghana Automotive Council to oversee the implementation of the auto development policy.

    Mr Ichiro Kashitani, Toyota Tsusho Corporation President and CEO, speaking via a video message said “Our African business has a history of more than 90 years.

    He said based on their philosophy of “with Africa for Africa”, they sought to contribute to African society and the economy of Africa, while further reinforcing and expanding our business foundations.

    “Starting today through this project, we will go on to deliver the production of happiness for all to the people of Ghana, as well,” he said.

    Mr Shinichiro Otsuka, Chief Operating Officer, Toyota Tsusho for Africa Division said: “To contribute to the social and economic development of Ghana, we will promote the production of high-quality cars that are made in Ghana.

    He said in addition, they would provide high-quality sales and after-sales service.

    “We will continuously support the safety, secure lives and businesses of the people of Ghana,” he added.

    He said, “it is planned as part of strengthening and expanding the alliance between Toyota Tsusho, which received the full transfer of sales and marketing operations in Africa from Toyota in January 2019, and Suzuki.”

    Mr Otsuka said going forward, in addition to engaging in the automobile sales business, Toyota Tsusho intended to tailor local production to market needs, further contributing to the development of the automobile industry in Africa.

    The Management of Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Ghana Company Limited has presented a Toyota Hilux pickup to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo endorses Bawumia’s works

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has touted the accomplishment of his vice, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as a first-class assistant.”

    The two are on a two-day tour of the North East Region, inspecting ongoing works and listening to concerns of stakeholders. The tour which began on Tuesday, June 22 will end today.

    At a meeting with the chiefs and elders of the Walewale, the president paid glowing tribute to Bawumia stressing that he was grateful to the people and elders of Walewale for gifting him Bawumia.

    “I want to end by saying a big thank you to the people of the North East, especially to the people of Walewale. You have given me a first-class assistant in the form of the Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. He has been of great help to me, in my government.”

    President Akufo-Addo also thanked the people for the massive votes he received during the 2020 elections.

    “Of the six (6) six seats there are in the North East Region, NPP won four (4). And, for the first time in the history of the 4th Republic, the NPP presidential candidate won the absolute majority of the presidential vote in the North East Region,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    He however expressed regrets with the NPP’s defeat in the Nalerigu and Bunkpurugu constituencies.

    “Nalerigu and Bunkpurugu did not vote for the NPP. It is a pity, and I am hoping that next time we can do better and get all six seats in the North East Region,” the President said.

    “Though the NPP lost a woman” in the person of Hajia Alima Mahama, the president indicated that “you, in Walewale, have given me another woman. I have expressed my appreciation not only for the vote, but also for her qualities and abilities in nominating her as the Deputy Minister-designate for Gender, Children, and Social Protection” in the person of Lariba Zuweira Abudu.

    Hajia Halima has been appointed Ghana’s ambassador to the United States of America.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo leaves for Burkina Faso

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS, will Wednesday morning leave Accra to Burkina Faso to hold discussions with President Kabore on the terrorist threat confronting that country and the Region.

    This trip comes on the heels of the killing of 160 people in a village raid in Burkina Faso by unknown militants.

    The situation in West Africa, currently, is extremely volatile, as persistent attacks continue to undermine the peace and security across the Region.

    The President is expected to reiterate the commitment of ECOWAS towards assisting Burkina Faso, and, indeed, countries in West Africa in fighting the scourge of terrorism.

    Indeed, under the tenure of office of President Akufo-Addo, the Ghana Armed Forces continue to undertake security operations along the northern, northwestern, and northeastern borders.

    Its purpose is to maintain a resolute, robust front that will deter any potential aggressors from having any thoughts of destabilizing Ghana through acts of terrorism.

    On 31st March 2021, the President presented the armed forces with 40 Armoured Personnel Carriers to help with its logistical needs. This is in addition to the presentation he made on 5th December 2019 of 33 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 41 assorted Toyota vehicles, amongst others.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo pays last respect to his Advisor, Amoako Tuffour

    The late Dr Kwame Amoako Tuffour, a founding member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been laid to rest.

    Both the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were in attendance to pay their last respect to the former statesman.

    His funeral was also attended by other high-ranking members of the NPP fraternity, including Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, National Chairman, Freddie Blay, General Secretary John Boadu, and other NPP stalwarts.

    Dr Tuffour passed away at the 37 Military Hospital on Thursday, January 21, after battling an illness.

    Dr. Kwame Amoako Tuffour until his death was a Presidential Advisor and member of the National Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party.

    Click photos for more

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Ghana begins the second phase of vaccination on May 19 Akufo-Addo

    Ghana will commence the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination exercise on Wednesday, May 19, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said.

    Delivering his 25th televised address to the nation on measures his government has put in place to fight against the novel Coronavirus, the President indicated that, the vaccination exercise will take place in 43 districts.

    Akufo-Addo said, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) will issue a directive on the vaccination in the coming week.

    The vaccination is said to end on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

    “I am happy to announce that beginning Wednesday, May 19 to Wednesday 26 May, the deployment of the second dose of vaccines will take place across the designated vaccination centres in the 43 districts approximately 12 weeks after the first jab as the science prescribes. More details of the deployment will be communicated by the Ghana Health Service in the coming week,” Akufo-Addo said on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

    He added, “…The target is to vaccinate some 20 million Ghanaians at the end of the year.”

    The President, then, cautioned Ghanaians against travelling to high-risk countries if the purposes of the trip is not pressing.

    “There is light at the end of the tunnel,” he assured.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dont turn schools into places to fight religious, ideological battles Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the leadership of various schools in Ghana not to convert the schools into battlefields for religious and ideological warfare.

    Speaking during the Eid-Fitr celebration in Accra on Thursday, May 13, regarding the refusal of Wesley Girls School to allow a female Muslim student to fast during the Ramadan, he explained that schools in Ghana have evolved to t=suit modern times.

    He said, “…The schools have evolved and adopted their practice to suit the times and I will urge we do not turn them into the place to fight ideological religious battles.”

    Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu has assured President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that Muslims in Ghana will not disturb the peace of Ghana.

    He said the tension that arose between Muslims and Methodist Church as has subsided.

    He said “Thankfully the tension that arose has subsided, we are thankful to God.

    “As peaceful Muslims and law abiding citizens led by our national peace hero , National Chief Imam , we seek not to do anything to disturb the peace of the country. Suffice to say our interfaith, harmony and solidarity has suffered major setback by the recent media altercations on the religious freedom and justice.

    “We wish to assure you and everybody that Muslims in Ghana under the able leadership of the meek and peace loving national Chief Imam whose sprit and predisposition gives the indication unequivocally that his preferred choice all the time is peace.

    “We will cooperate in any step and measure taken by all stakeholders and state authorities to bring finality to the misunderstanding.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Deal with corruption, unemployment – Chief Imam to Akufo-Addo

    The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Shaributu has bemoaned the growing rate of unemployment and corruption under the current Nana Addo-led administration.

    In a speech read on his behalf by his spokesperson, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the Chief Imam said despite efforts by the government to improve the lives of Ghanaians, there was still a rising rate of unemployment among our youth.

    He said the lack of jobs has contributed to the youth engaging in social vices.

    Sheikh Nuhu Shaributu noted that corruption remains a perception that is going round that needs to be tackled.

    He said national security is also a challenge whereas getting rich quickly has also become a problem.

    Political polarisation he added remains a problem and should be addressed.

    Sheikh Nuhu Shaributu however commended the President for his renewed efforts in the fight against illegal mining which is popularly known as galamsey.

    He also commended him for the measures put in place to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

    The Chief Imam further congratulated the President for his position taken on same-sex relationships which he described as predatory and against the cultural values of Ghana.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • President meets families of May 9 disaster

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Monday assured the May 9 Foundation, a philanthropic organisation, of the Government’s support for its public-spirited activities.

    He gave that assurance when he met the families of some victims of the May 9, 2001 Stadium disaster at the Jubilee House Accra.

    The group was led by the former Asante Kotoko Football Club Chairman, Herbert Mensah, founder of the May 9 Foundation.

    The courtesy call on the President was part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the May 9, 2001 disaster.

    On a fateful day, a stampede by fans of arch-rival football clubs Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko during a crunch match led to the tragic death of over 127 spectators at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    President Akufo-Addo said the government stood committed to offering the needed support to the Charity to enable it carry out its activities and campaign to ensure that the unfortunate incident did not reoccur.

    “You will have the modest support that this administration will be able to give you. I can promise you that”.

    Commiserating with the victims of the disaster, the President further reiterated the government’s commitment, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and other relevant agencies to ensure that the disaster did repeat itself.

    He commended the founding members of the Foundation for keeping alive the memory of the victims of the disaster and engaging in other philanthropic activities at ensuring that surviving family members of victims could look to the future with hope.

    “I am happy that we have Ghanaians of your calibre who have made a decision about May 9th,” he said, intrigued to learn that the Foundation had since expanded its reach beyond football to embrace a wider social space involving dislocation of people by floods and other disasters.

    “This is a huge undertaking and you need a lot of courage and capacity to be able to carry it out well,” he added.

    On his part, Mr. Herbert Mensah reaffirmed the Foundation’s goal to offer the needed support to families of those who fell on a fateful day.

    Mr Mensah praised the President for being the first to grant audience to the victims of the disaster since the incident and expressed his gratitude for the support received over the years.

    “In 20 years, it is gratifying to have a President who cares, “he said.

    Source: GNA

  • Address concerns of Ghanaians with urgency to avoid chaos CSO to Akufo-Addo

    A civil society organization, Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana) has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to as a matter of urgency take steps to address the concerns of Ghanaians including the recent increase in taxes.

    In a press statement, the group states that Ghanaians continue to experience what they describe as excruciating hardship in the form of the high cost of living coupled with excessive taxing by the government.

    “In Ghana today, prices of goods and services are skyrocketing and the government seems not to care about the plight of the suffering Ghanaian masses whom they promised to make their lives better with mouth-watering campaign messages during the electioneering period. Our question is what has happened to the departure from taxation to production chorus as sung by the Vice President H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Bawumia, then opposition running mate? Does the introduction of killer taxes mean [a] departure from same? Again, what has become of we are not a poor country but we are hungry as pontificated by the president, then in opposition?” the group said.

    While highlighting the faith Ghanaians kept in the current government before assuming office, the group notes that the government of the day has refused to keep the promises made to the Ghanaian people and has thus cautioned the president to take immediate action to rescue the situation.

    “Taking a cue from happenings across the world, we cannot avoid but to warn the nation and its leadership that Ghana is sitting on a time bomb and the early the president rise to the occasion to salvage the situation as the father of the nation, the better for our collective survival as a people.”

    Read the full statement below:

    PRESS STATEMENT

    For Immediate Release

    Government must urgently address the concerns of Ghanaians to avoid chaos.

    Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana) has taken note of the public uproar and displeasure expressed by Ghanaians on government’s insensitivity demonstrated towards them by continuous increment of taxes.

    In fact, the excruciating hardships being experienced by the average Ghanaian including the underpaid workers resulting from the increase in taxes and introduction of ”nuisance” taxes is just unbearable to say the least.

    In Ghana today, prices of goods and services are skyrocketing and the government seemed not to care about the plight of the suffering Ghanaian masses whom they promised to make their lives better with mouth-watering campaign messages during the electioneering period. Our question is what has happen to the departure from taxation to production chorus as sung by the Vice President, HE Dr. Mammoud Bawumia, then opposition running mate? Does the introduction of killer taxes meant a departure from same? Again, what has become of we are not a poor country but we are hungry as pontificated by the president, then in opposition?

    Truth be told, Ghanaians saw hope in the above and many other touching messages hence their support for the government but regrettably, the government has blatantly refused to keep faith with its own promises to the Ghanaian people. Are we right to say the regime lied its way to power?

    Taking a cue from happenings across the world, we cannot avoid but to warn the nation and its leadership that Ghana is sitting on a time bomb and the early the President rise to the occasion to salvage the situation as the father of the nation, the better for our collective survival as a people.

    Coming events the sages say cast their own shadows. The ARAB SPRING must be our guide.

    —End—

    Issued by the Communications Directorate

    0248640364/0200136249

    Cc: All Media Houses.

    The Office of the President, Jubilee House, Accra.

    Speaker of Parliament, Parliament House.

    Majority Leader, Parliament House.

    Minority Leader, Parliament House.

    National Security Minister, Ministries Accra.

    Leadership of CSOs and Faith Based Organizations.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Reported full list of Deputy Ministers

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will be naming the last batch of ministerial appointments and Deputy Ministerial list this week to complete the formation of his second-term government.

    Speculation has been rife about who President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is likely to nominate as deputy minister.

    GhanaWeb sources state that the Finance, Trade and Industry, as well as the Energy Ministries, will have three Deputy Ministers.

    Some of the names expected to be on the list include Abena Osei Asare, Charles Adu Boahen, John Kumah, Dokua Asiamah Adjei, Okyere Baafi, Herbert Krapa, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Amin Adam and Owuraku Aidoo.

    Find below the full list of Deputy Ministers:

    Finance
    Abena Osei Asare
    Charles Adu Baohen
    John Kumah

    Trade and Industry
    Dokua Asiamah Adjei
    Okyere Baafi
    Herbert Krapa

    Energy
    Andrew Egyapa Mercer
    Amin Adam
    Owuraku Aidoo

    Education
    John Ntim Fordjour
    Gifty Twum Ampofo

    Attorney General
    Dinah Asonaba Dapaah
    Tuah Yeboah

    Gender, Children and Social Protection
    Lariba Zuweira Abudu

    Interior
    Nana Eyiah

    Youth & Sports
    Evans Bobie

    Defence
    Amankwah Manu

    Railways
    Asante Boateng

    Employment and Labour Relations
    Bright Wereko Brobby

    Fisheries
    Moses Anim

    Roads & Highways
    Mavis Nkansah Boadu
    Stephen Jalulah

    Communication
    Ama Pomaa Andoh
    Richard Ahiabgah

    Lands & Forestry
    Benito Owusu-Bio
    George Mireku Duker

    Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
    Thomas Mbomba
    Ampratwum Sarpong

    Food & Agriculture
    Yaw Frimpong Addo
    Hardi Tuferu

    Transport
    Hassan Tampuli
    Fredrick Adom

    Health
    Tina Mensah
    Asei Mahama

    Information
    Fatimatu Abubakari

    Works and Housing
    Abdulai Abanga

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com