The Ada Asafotufiami Festival unfolded in a magnificent display of tradition, culture, and heritage, captivating attendees and enthusiasts alike.
Hosted annually in the Ada Traditional Area of Greater Accra Region, the festival showcased a vibrant tapestry of customs and rituals dedicated to preserving the Ga-Dangme people’s rich heritage.
Leading the festivities was Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III, Paramount Chief and President of the Ada Traditional Council.
Spanning several days, the festival honored the bravery and prowess of Ada warriors, providing a moment for reflection and gratitude toward the gods’ blessings.
The celebration exuded a joyful ambiance with its lively performances, striking colors, and time-honored practices.
A notable highlight was the procession of warriors, donned in traditional attire and bearing ancient weaponry.
Their proud march symbolized reverence for ancestors who courageously defended their lands and traditions.
The festival also showcased the Ada people’s intricate craftsmanship, featuring elaborate beadwork, vibrant clothing, and ornate accessories.
Special patron of the event, President Akufo-Addo, was warmly received with cheers.
During the 2023 festival, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his support for local industries, emphasizing Electrochem Ghana Limited’s Songor Salt project in Ada.
He expressed commitment to the area’s development, despite not having the mandate of the Ada people.
The Ada Asafotufiami Festival encapsulated the spirit of heritage, unity, and cultural pride, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
President Akufo-Addo has commended the esteemed highlife icon, Pat Thomas, for his significant contribution to the elevation of Ghanaian music onto the global platform.
Marking Founders Day, Pat Thomas orchestrated a musical extravaganza at the Accra International Conference Centre, celebrating his illustrious five-decade journey in the realm of Ghanaian music.
This event also served a dual purpose – not only a celebration of his musical legacy but also as a fundraiser for his visionary School of Music, Arts, and Culture project in the Ashanti Region.
Addressing the audience at the concert, President Akufo-Addo lauded Pat Thomas as a distinguished musical ambassador for Ghana, who has graced some of the world’s grandest musical stages.
“It is with immense delight that I join you today, on Founders’ Day, to honor the remarkable legacy of one of Ghana’s most iconic musicians, Pat Thomas.”
“In Ghana, music occupies both a personal and national significance. I hold a deep affection for music, particularly the enchanting strains of highlife music. Every opportunity I get, I relish listening and dancing to the tunes of luminaries such as Pat Thomas, Amakye Dede, Daddy Lumba, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, and CK Mann, among others.”
“Our nation’s fame has been enhanced by music, and it’s essential to acknowledge the commendable contribution of Ghanaian music producers in this industry,” he affirmed.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the borderless resonance of Pat Thomas’ melodies, acknowledging his global journey that has taken Ghanaian music to various corners of the world, including Germany, France, Spain, Finland, Australia, Macedonia, and Cape Verde.
“Today, our gathering is not only to commemorate his remarkable musical odyssey but also to embrace the profound cultural heritage embedded within his music.
His exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and fervor for music have woven connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds. It is my honor to recognize Pat Thomas as a fellow Ghanaian,” President Akufo-Addo expressed.
The evening resonated with pure highlife melodies, as the 76-year-old Pat Thomas delivered an unforgettable performance, supported by an ensemble of eminent highlife maestros, including Nat Brew, Kwabena Kwabena, KK Fosu, Okyeame Kwame, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Nana Agyemang, Bessa Simons, and Kofi Nti.
Prominent figures, including former President John Agyekum Kufour, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Boxing legend Azumah Nelson, NPP Flagbearer Hopeful Alan John Kyerematen, graced the event, adding to its grandeur.
On Friday, August 4, 2023, the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) was brimming with enthusiastic music aficionados from across Ghana who had convened to commemorate the life and musical legacy of the iconic Highlife maestro, Pat Thomas.
The soirée featured notable guest appearances, including President Akufo-Addo, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, and the aspiring presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Alan Kyeremanten.
The event served as a jubilant tribute to Pat Thomas’s extensive and illustrious music career. With classic tunes like “Sika Ye Mogya,” “Mewo Akoma,” and “Odo Adaada,” Thomas, a Ghanaian Highlife luminary, has delighted generations of fans.
Beyond the festivities, the concert held a philanthropic aim, raising funds for the Pat Thomas Music Foundation’s initiative to establish a music school in Agona, Ashanti Region, fostering the growth of young talents.
Dubbed the “Pat Thomas Highlife Night,” the concert turned out to be an overwhelming triumph, treating the audience to an exceptional evening of music while paying homage to one of Ghana’s most cherished musical icons.
President Akufo-Addo has raised concerns about Ghana’s lingering colonial economic structures, which he believes continue to adversely impact the nation.
Despite this, he assured the public of resolute actions aimed at dismantling the current reliance on raw material production and exports.
Instead, he envisions a transition toward a contemporary, value-added, and industrialized economy.
Highlighting pre-pandemic and pre-conflict economic indicators that aligned with this vision, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the challenges faced by the nation.
Nonetheless, he underlined substantial advancements across various sectors.
“As the leader of Ghana, my focus has been on steering our nation’s course from raw material exports and imported goods retail to a modern, value-adding industrialized entity,” President Akufo-Addo affirmed.
These statements were made at a banquet honoring senior citizens in observance of Founders’ Day, a significant date in Ghana that commemorates the nation’s liberation from colonial rule and its foundation.
The event, held at the Jubilee House’s Banquet Hall, was attended by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
President Akufo-Addo has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to exert their utmost efforts in securing victory for the party in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The foremost statesman emphasized that the party must not allow a recurrence of the setbacks suffered in 2008 to mar their prospects in 2024.
He stressed the importance of preventing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from assuming power in Ghana in the foreseeable future.
President Akufo-Addo underscored the need to learn from the past, particularly the period from 2009 to 2017 when the NDC, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, undermined the significant progress achieved during President John Agyekum Kufuor’s tenure.
“We are all witnesses to the derailing of the achievements chalked by President John Agyekum Kufuor by the successor NDC government, from 2009 to 2017, in which John Dramani Mahama featured so prominently,” the President noted.
“Under 8 years of the successor NDC government, we became famous for all the wrong reasons. Four successive years of dumsor, the mismanagement of the economy, wrong and dangerous energy contracts, and wanton corruption dissipated any hope the Ghanaian had for sustained economic development. Never again should we allow this to happen.”
“We are expending some of our energies hurling invectives at each other, instead of at our opponents, and, in the process, taking digs at our own Government. It has been an anxious time for all who love our party, and who see us as the party that can bring progress and prosperity to our nation,” he said.
He lamented, “During the successive eight years of the NDC administration, our reputation suffered due to consistent power outages, economic mismanagement, questionable energy agreements, and rampant corruption.
This eroded the optimism that Ghanaians held for sustainable economic advancement. We must never permit a repetition of such circumstances.”
The President acknowledged that internal conflicts had diverted energies towards internal disputes instead of uniting against external opponents, thereby inadvertently criticizing their own governance.
He expressed concern over the challenges that had surfaced within the party, noting the pivotal role of the NPP in driving the nation’s progress and prosperity.
President Akufo-Addo, in his capacity as both the head of state and de facto party leader, pledged to prevent the recurrence of past mistakes that contributed to the party’s loss in 2008.
He called for an internal campaign that transcends ethnic or religious considerations, highlighting the necessity of a united front in pursuing their political goals.
President Akufo-Addo has urged citizens to honour the ideals of Ghana’s forebears and work towards the nation’s rightful place.
Upholding the rule of law, individual liberties, human rights, and democratic accountability is crucial to realizing the vision for a free and independent nation.
On Founders’ Day, Friday, August 4, President Akufo-Addo underscored the importance of appreciating the essence of the day and the collective efforts that led to Ghana’s liberation from colonialism.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who resisted oppressive legislation and the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) – the first political party advocating for independence.
Reflecting on historical events, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of honoring patriots who safeguarded land ownership and championed Ghana’s path to independence.
He paid tribute to those who paved the way for Ghana’s democratic and stable identity in Africa.
Some Ghanaian onion sellers are stuck at the Benin border as a result due to the Niger coup.
The individuals have urged President Akufo-Addo to intervene and facilitate the reopening of the Benin border to allow their entry into Ghana.
Around 15 trucks carrying onions have been stuck at the Benin border as a result of the border closure.
The onion sellers fear that their perishable goods will rot if swift action isn’t taken.
They expressed concern over a lack of communication regarding the border’s reopening despite assurances.
The spokesperson for the onion sellers association, Yakubu Akpeneda, appealed for authorities to intervene with their Benin counterparts to resolve the situation.
“We have loaded onions from Niger, and they have parked at the Benin border, they are now in Benin, but the border has been locked. They said they locked the border because of the Niger coup. On August 2, they promised to open the border at midnight, but we didn’t hear anything.”
“We are calling on the authorities to intervene in the matter, else the onions will rot if they keep long on the road. The authorities should help us by talking to authorities in Benin to open the border for us to bring our onions to Ghana. Our trucks are plenty, the trucks are more than 15. And they are all carrying onions”.
“The situation will have an impact on prices of onions in the various markets,” he added.
The stranded trucks, loaded with onions from Niger, have been unable to proceed due to the border closure.
Akpeneda highlighted the potential impact on onion prices in local markets, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the issue to prevent further disruptions.
The onion sellers are hopeful that President Akufo-Addo’s intervention will expedite the border’s reopening and allow them to bring their goods into Ghana without delay.
President Akufo-Addo has commissioned two modern simplified sewerage facilities and treatment plants in Ashaiman and Bankuman.
These new sewerage networks cover approximately 51 kilometers of sewer lines and include a wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 1,800 cubic meters per day in Ashaiman, serving around 4,805 households, and a plant in Bankuman with a capacity of 1,600 cubic meters per day, serving approximately 3,100 households.
The projects, constructed at a cost of $6.6 million, demonstrate the government’s commitment to address the infrastructural gap in the sanitation and water resources sector.
They were developed as part of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) Sanitation and Water Project, which aims to provide improved household toilets and institutional toilet facilities across the metropolitan area.
President Akufo-Addo praised the successful execution of the GAMA Project and mentioned that additional financing from the World Bank allowed for its extension to the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area. The Kumasi Project will expand and rehabilitate the Asafo sewerage system, provide additional household and institutional toilets, and extend potable water services.
Ghana has made significant progress in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on water and sanitation.
Access to basic drinking water services has increased from 79% in 2017 to 87.7% in 2021, and access to improved toilet facilities has risen from 66% to 80.8% during the same period.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for continued efforts to sustain and improve these gains, urging everyone to support the Clean Ghana Campaign and protect water bodies for the benefit of all citizens.
NHIA Chief Executive, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, has revealed that President Akufo-Addo is passionate about integrating mental health coverage into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Benefit Package.
During a visit to the Western North Region, Dr. Okoe-Boye announced that plans are underway to make mental health treatment more affordable and accessible for individuals suffering from this condition.
Addressing the issue of copayments, which are illegal payments collected by some healthcare providers from NHIS members, Dr. Okoe-Boye stated that there has been a significant improvement in claims payments to credentialed healthcare service providers.
As a result, there is no longer any excuse for providers to demand copayments from patients.
Dr. Okoe-Boye highlighted the expansion of the NHIS Benefit Package, including the addition of the Free Elderly Healthcare policy for individuals aged 70 and above, coverage for four common childhood cancers, and the inclusion of the expensive breast cancer drug, Herceptin.
“Presently, we make monthly payments to service providers whose claims have been vetted and approved,” he said. “On July 31st, we paid an additional GH₵186 million to our hardworking credentialed healthcare providers, reducing the previous piled-up debt to just one month.”
“We have recently added the Free Elderly Healthcare policy for people 70 years and above, the four commonest childhood cancers, and a very expensive drug called Herceptin for breast cancer treatment.”
The Western North Regional Minister, Mr. Joojo Rocky Obeng, commended Dr. Okoe-Boye’s administration for the positive changes and transformation in the NHIS.
During a visit to the Omanhene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II, Dr. Okoe-Boye called for collective efforts to sustain the NHIS.
Katakyie Kwasi Bumagama II praised the NHIA Chief Executive’s leadership and encouraged the administration to continue its efforts to benefit the people.
The NHIA’s ultimate goal is to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The Authority has undertaken various initiatives to contribute to the overall growth and development of the Ghanaian economy while ensuring healthcare access for all.
President Akufo-Addo has upset some Ghanaians with a recent statement he made during a meeting held with NPP communicators who recently called on him at the Jubilee House.
The President remarked that he had only one vote and will cast it for the candidate who will be able to win the election.
Tweeting some photos from the meeting on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, he noted that: “I have just one vote, the same as any polling station executive anywhere in the country, and I will cast that vote for an aspirant who, I believe, can best unite the Party, and, above all, who can win the presidential election of 7th December 2024, and inflict a third successive defeat on the perennial NDC Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama.”
I have just one vote, the same as any polling station executive anywhere in the country, and I will cast that vote for an aspirant who, I believe, can best unite the Party, and, above all, who can win the presidential election of 7th December 2024, and inflict a third successive… pic.twitter.com/vbLXXyUxSi
His statement has sparked discontent among some Ghanaians who perceive the remarks as unpatriotic.
One tweep identified as Kelvin Ashong accused the president of putting his party first before Ghana, following the remarks.
“And above all, who can win the Presidential election of 7th December 2024”?…..this means you’re not thinking about Ghana. All you’re concerned about is your npp party. You just exposed yourself that you never loved this country for even one second. You’re not a patriotic citizen ngl. Just deceiving Ghanaians a doing everything with self interest. Sad for mother Ghana. Your forefathers are not happy atm. Bad bad,” he said.
"And above all, who can win the Presidential election of 7th December 2024"?…..this means you're not thinking about Ghana. All you're concerned about is your npp party. You just exposed yourself that you never loved this country for even one second. You're not a patriotic…
“You’re also telling Ghanaians that because you want npp party to win power at all costs, you’re ready to support the candidate who’ll help with that even if he’s incompetent or incapable, and even if there’s a candidate within the party who’s miles better than your candidate, you’ll still pick your ‘friend’. Sad thing is you ruled Ghanaians for almost 8 years with this mentality. Pathetic,” he added.
That is why he has broken grounds for a new housing project while there is an uncompleted project of the same kind.
Managing Director of the State Housing Company (SHC), Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, has stated that the Pokuase Housing Projects has been launched with a visionary focus on teacher unions, nurses, and other vital sectors.
He said this ambitious initiative aims to make the dream of affordable homeownership a reality, cementing its place as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.
“We are targeting the teacher unions, nurses and other trade unions,” he noted.
Speaking to the media, he disclosed that research conducted so far indicates that 60% of Ghanaians would not be able to afford Houses under the project without government’s intervention.
The Pokuase Housing Project is an initiative by the Akufo-Addo-led administration. Houses under the project have specific price ceilings for different housing units, aiming to make homeownership more accessible to the public. The prices for various units are as follows (converted to dollars for reference).
These prices are payable in cedis at the prevailing exchange rate, and developers are prohibited from selling above the agreed price ceiling. However, they have the flexibility to sell units below the set prices.
President Akufo-Addo has granted a presidential pardon to Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman, who served as the former deputy National Security Coordinator (NCA) under the John Mahama administration.
The decision was made following a petition from the Paramount Chief of Kpembi Traditional Area, Kpembewura Haruna Dari Bismark Banbange Ndefoso I, requesting the release of Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman on grounds of ill-health and good behavior.
The President’s directive to the Interior Minister is to ensure the immediate implementation of the presidential pardon.
The letter, signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, states that the decision was taken in consultation with the Council of State.
“I am directed by the President of the Republic to inform you that pursuant to a petition dated 19 July 2021, from the Paramount Chief of Kpembi Traditional Area, Kpembewura Haruna Dari Bismark Banbange Ndefoso I, for presidential pardon and release of Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman on grounds of ill-health and good behaviour.
“…In consultation with the Council of State, the President has exercised the prerogative of mercy in favour of Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman, and has granted him a pardon, in accordance with Article 72(1) (a) of the Constitution. Kindly take the necessary steps to give effect to the presidential pardon immediately,” the letter said.
The former deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Salifu Mimina Osman, was sentenced to a five-year jail term in 2020 for willfully causing financial loss to the state, which was part of the National Communications Authority (NCA) scandal.
The pardon granted by the President is in accordance with Article 72(1)(a) of the Constitution.
Minority in Parliament has expressed reservations about the recently launched affordable housing project in Pokuase, Greater Accra Region. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo inaugurated the project during a ceremony on Tuesday, August 1. According to Sampson Ahi, the Member of Parliament for Bodi, the initiative is unauthorized as it lacks the necessary parliamentary approval.
During a press briefing in Parliament, Mr Ahi emphasised that the affordable housing project was supposed to undergo parliamentary approval before commencing. However, this vital procedure was overlooked, raising concerns about the project’s legality.
“So you have presented such a document to Parliament for approval and it has not even been laid yet they are there cutting sod to commence work. What does that mean? Is it a slap on parliament? Is it a disrespect to Parliament’s structures or what?
“We want to support any cause to provide homes for Ghanaians but we will not support what is illegal. We think that what’s going on now is illegal because it doesn’t have parliamentary approval,” the MP said.
At the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo announced that efforts were underway to finalize the Saglemi Housing Project, which commenced in 2012 in Prampram, Greater Accra Region, but had experienced delays due to financial issues. This resulted in legal actions being taken against certain government officials, including the former Minister of Water Resources, Works, and Housing, Collins Dauda.
President Akufo-Addo revealed that the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, had been authorized to find a private company possessing the required financial and technical capabilities to finalize the Saglemi project.
The President also highlighted that the Cabinet had directed the Works and Housing Minister to explore the possibility of disposing of the Saglemi Housing Project, covering 1,506 housing units, to a private sector entity at its current value. The aim is to complete the project and sell the housing units to the public without incurring any further cost to the government.
Despite this plan, the Minority in Parliament contends that the Pokuase affordable housing project’s commencement without parliamentary approval constitutes a breach of parliamentary protocols.
The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has given approval for a transaction advisor with the required technical and financial capabilities to oversee the completion of the Saglemi Housing Project, as hinted by President Akufo-Addo during the ceremony.
The Minority further questioned the legality of the new affordable housing project in Pokuase and asserted that the lessons learned from the Saglemi Housing Project have informed the approach and execution of this new initiative.
On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, Parliament unanimously endorsed the reappointment of Madam Cynthia Naa-Koshie Lamptey as Deputy Special Prosecutor for a second five-year term.
Madam Lamptey initially assumed the position in 2018 for a five-year term, as per Section 16(2) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), with Parliament’s prior approval. Her first term expired in May 2023.
On July 6, 2023, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, informed Parliament via a letter that President Akufo-Addo had delegated his power to reappoint Madam Lamptey for another term in accordance with Article 195(2) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 16(3) of Act 959. The reappointment was subject to the approval of Parliament.
Following Standing Order 172 and in accordance with Standing Orders 6 and 17(2), and considering the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Joseph Henry Mensah versus Attorney-General, which clarified the term “prior approval” as a term of art, the Appointments Committee varied its usual procedure and conducted the vetting of Madam Lamptey behind closed doors.
In the vetting process, Madam Lamptey assured the Committee of her unwavering belief in the independence of individuals appointed to the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
During the vetting, concerns were raised about the effects of publishing cases under investigation that reveal the identity of the persons involved before charges are filed.
In response, the nominee explained that the publication list, citing only the Attorney-General against the person under investigation, did not imply culpability from her perspective.
Mr. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Efutu, moved the Motion for the House to adopt the report. He stated that Madam Lamptey had performed her duties without any adverse reports from her superiors or the public, making her worthy of consideration based on the Constitution.
Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Tamale South, called for the criminalization of unexplained wealth, with the burden of proof placed on the accused person.
Mr. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, NDC MP for Asawase, expressed concern about the precedent set by the in-camera vetting of Madam Lamptey. He emphasized that the Standing Orders of the Appointments Committee dictate that vetting should be held in public, and he worried that the practice of in-camera vetting could set a problematic precedent for future nominees.
In a voice vote, the House unanimously approved Madam Lamptey’s reappointment when the First Deputy Speaker, Mr. Joseph Osei Owusu, presiding, put the question forward.
President Akufo-Addo has urged the West African Bar Association (WABA) to actively advocate for human rights and the rule of law.
He emphasized that the members should support their respective governments in upholding these democratic principles to ensure stability, peace, and security.
Addressing the WABA annual conference in Accra, the President stressed the need to integrate human rights and the rule of law into strategic interventions at both national and regional levels.
“We must make concrete and deliberate efforts to integrate these in our strategic interventions at both national and regional levels,” he advised.
The conference’s theme, “Promoting Democratic Consolidation through the Respect of the Rule of Law and Human Rights: Leveraging the Role of Bar Associations,” covers topics such as unconstitutional changes of government, access to regional justice mechanisms, and challenges related to the rule of law and human rights in the West African region.
WABA is a civil society organization composed of leaders from Bar Associations and legal practitioners in the sub-region.
The association played a significant role in the establishment and expansion of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, including its jurisdiction over human rights issues and individual access to the court.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of reinforcing legislative and institutional frameworks to protect human rights and ensure peace and security. He called on Bar Associations to strengthen partnerships with national stakeholders and invest in regional networks for sharing experiences and best practices. The President urged participants to adopt comprehensive approaches to address the multifaceted challenges facing the region and make recommendations to enhance respect for the rule of law.
Ms. Obiageli Oraka-Oifoghe, the CEO of WABA, reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting human rights and the rule of law in the region. She assured that WABA members would continue their active advocacy role in enhancing democratic governance for the benefit of the people.
The Minority in Parliament has raised objections to the sod-cutting ceremony conducted by President Akufo-Addo for the National Affordable Housing Project.
This project aims to construct approximately 8,000 units of affordable houses with support from the private sector.
Sampson Ahi, a member of the Works and Housing Committee of Parliament, has criticized the government, stating that they have not provided the necessary details of the agreement to Parliament for approval.
According to him, the project’s Essential Project Committee (EPC) agreement has not been laid in Parliament, and as a result, it has not been officially approved. Despite this, the ceremony took place, which the Minority perceives as a disregard for established government procedures.
The concerns raised by the Minority revolve around the lack of transparency regarding the project.
They are seeking answers regarding the value of the land involved in the project and the cost of onsite infrastructure that the government is obligated to provide as part of its equity in the venture.
By questioning these aspects, they aim to ensure accountability and proper adherence to parliamentary approval processes.
“This particular project is supposed to be laid in Parliament today, but it has not been done which means that the EPC agreement has not been approved in Parliament and so if you have presented such a document to Parliament for approval, it has not even been laid, yet we are there cutting sod to commence work and that is a slap or disrespect to government structures.”
“We are raising concerns, and we will want to know the value of the land, the cost of the onsite infrastructure that the government is supposed to provide as part of its equity in the project, and all these questions must be answered.”
According to him, this additional amount is on top of the $198 million already invested in the project.
During the sod-cutting ceremony for the Pokuase Housing Project today, August 1, 2023, the President stated that the Ministry of Works and Housing has been working in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General’s office, and Cabinet to revive the Saglemi Housing Project.
According to him, the additional money required will be used to take care of some off-site essentials such as water, electricity, and storm drains to mitigate flooding.
“However, in the meantime, to fore store the project from deteriorating, the minister for works and housing, has actively engaged the cabinet, the ministry of finance and the office of the attorney general on the completion of the project.
“It has been established that in addition to the $198million already spent on the project, government has to raise additional financing to the tune of $46million to complete the off-site frustration work that is water, electricity and storm drains to mitigate flooding,” he said.
“Further, $68million is required to complete the buildings and other essential onsite infrastructure works like the waste holding bay, sewage treatment plants and the development of socioeconomic and civic infrastructure such as basic school, clinic and shops,” he stated.
Acknowledging delays and setbacks encountered during its execution, President Akufo-Addo emphasised that the government is committed to preventing further deterioration of the Saglemi Project while the investigation proceeds.
“It is important also to address the challenges faced by the Saglemi Housing Project which the minister for housing alluded to.
“We are aware of the delays and setbacks encountered during the execution of this project. The issues about the scope of work and the monies spent on the Saglemi Project have been taken to the criminal investigations division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation. Which has resulted in a criminal judicial proceeding,” he said.
The Saglemi Housing Project has been a significant undertaking for the previous government. It aimed at providing affordable housing and reducing the housing deficit in Ghana.
However, the project has faced a lot of scandals and procurement breaches. As a result, even though the project has been completed, it has been left to deteriorate.
The Nana Addo-led government claims that it is investigating these scandals before the project can be utitlised.
Ghana’s housing crisis is a well-known problem that has persisted for decades. Despite the government’s efforts to tackle the issue, many Ghanaians still struggle to find affordable and quality housing. One of the reasons for this is the exorbitant prices charged by developers for their houses.
Presently, Ghana has a staggering housing deficit of about 1.8 million according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). This is partly due to higher rental rates, mortgages, building materials, etc.
President Akufo-Addo has justified the government’s decision to initiate a new housing project instead of continuing with the Saglemi Housing project, which was started during the previous John Mahama administration.
The Saglemi Housing Project, launched in 2016, faced delays and stagnation as the government deemed it not in the best interest of Ghanaians.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony in Accra for the National Affordable Housing Project, which aims to construct 8,000 units with private sector support, President Akufo-Addo explained that proceeding with the Saglemi project would have incurred additional debt.
He acknowledged the challenges and setbacks encountered during the Saglemi project’s execution, and certain matters regarding scope of work and expenditures have been referred to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation and subsequent criminal judicial proceedings.
“We are aware of the delays and setbacks encountered during the execution of this project. The issues about the scope of work and the money expended on the Saglemi project have been taken to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation which has resulted in criminal judicial proceedings.
“However, in the meantime, to forestall the project from deteriorating the Minister of Works and Government has actively engaged government, cabinet, the Ministry of Finance and the office of the Attorney General on the completion of the project.”
“It has been established that in addition to the $198 million already expended on the project, the government has to raise additional funding to the tune of $ 46 million to complete the infrastructural works. That is water, electricity, and drains to mitigate flooding.
“Further, $68million is required to complete the buildings and other essential onsite infrastructure works like the waste holding bay, sewage treatment plants and the development of socioeconomic and civic infrastructure such as basic school, clinic and shops,” he stated.
While those investigations are underway, the Minister of Works and Government has actively engaged with the government, cabinet, Ministry of Finance, and the Attorney General’s office to address the completion of the Saglemi project.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted that beyond the $198 million already spent on the project, an additional $46 million is required to complete infrastructural elements such as water, electricity, and drainage to prevent flooding.
Moreover, an extra $68 million is needed to finish the buildings and other essential on-site infrastructure, including waste holding bay, sewage treatment plants, and the development of socio-economic and civic facilities like schools, clinics, and shops.
Considering various assessments and project location, the cabinet instructed the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, to explore the possibility of involving the private sector to complete the Saglemi housing project at its current value without further cost to the government.
Ghana has become a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Executive Council.
The UNWTO is responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism, while also driving economic growth, inclusive development, and a sustainable environment through tourism.
Five other countries, namely Nigeria, Rwanda, Namibia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, were also selected to serve on the council during the 66th UNWTO Commission for Africa meeting in Mauritius.
The council’s role includes consulting with the Secretary-General to implement decisions that will enhance global tourism.
The official unveiling of the council will take place at the next UNWTO General Assembly meeting scheduled for October in Uzbekistan.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed Ghana’s commitment to prioritize travel and tourism on the global development agenda.
He also called on African tourism ministers to focus on sustainable practices to protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism.
Dr. Awal further emphasized the need for investments in tourism infrastructure and capacity-building for operators along the tourism value chain to enhance Africa’s competitiveness in the sector.
President Akufo-Addo has given directives for the implementation of innovative strategies to maximize the contributions of tourism, arts, and culture to national development.
He aims to achieve two million international tourist arrivals and annual receipts of $6 billion by 2025.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has provided an update on the progress of the Anomabo Fisheries College, indicating that significant strides have been made, and enrollment is about to commence.
Back in 2019, President Akufo-Addo laid the foundation for the phase I component of the project in Axim and Moree.
The government’s overarching vision was to develop a thriving fishing and aquaculture industry supported by essential infrastructure such as landing sites, hatcheries, fish health laboratories, and training centers.
Former Fisheries Minister, Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, expressed optimism in September 2020 that the project would be operational during the 2020/2021 academic year. However, that timeline was not met.
During his Mid-year budget review statement in Parliament on July 31, 2023, the Finance Minister confirmed that the civil works for Phase 1 of the project have been completed. As a result, student enrollment and training will begin by the end of the year.
The Anomabo Fisheries College is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, as well as implementing partners such as the University of Cape Coast and Mfantseman Municipal Assembly.
Once operational, the facilities are expected to play a crucial role in reducing fish post-harvest losses in the beneficiary communities.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has turned his parliamentary oversight attention to Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a lawyer and cousin of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
On August 1, 2023, the Member of Parliament posted a collection of documents as evidence to support his recent publication named “Kitchen Scandal.”
He alleges that Akufo-Addo’s close circle, particularly Gabby, is involved in a deal that has the potential to result in significant financial losses for the country.
He made public the revelation that the scandal under scrutiny amounted to GHS187,356,969.55.
The “Kitchen Scandal” according to the legislator is a narrative of betrayal, audacity, hypocrisy, leveraging of influence, deceit, avarice, cooperation, coercion, clear favoritism, and flagrant misuse of public funds.
“The Kitchen Scandal will afford us a rare insight into how President Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” operates and how destructive they have been to national progress,” his introductory paragraphs to the exposé read.
According to Ablakwa, Otchere-Darko managed to get sections of government including the Attorney-General and elements within the Finance Ministry to agree to pay his new client the said amount even though there is no basis for so to be done.
“It is absolutely insane for Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” to create this ginormous GHS187.3million liability for the Ghanaian taxpayer under this downgraded bankrupt IMF-bailout economy,” the MP lamented.
Read excerpts of the MP’s post below:
The Kitchen Scandal
The Kitchen Scandal is a tale of betrayal, bravado, double standards, influence peddling, dishonesty, greed, collusion, arm-twisting, naked nepotism and blatant rape of the public purse.
The Kitchen Scandal will afford us a rare insight into how President Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” operates and how destructive they have been to national progress.
This Kitchen Scandal reveals the modus-operandi and sophisticated schemes of the grand master in the “Kitchen Cabinet” — Mr. Gabriel Asare Otchere-Darko, who prefers to be called Gabby Otchere-Darko.
Many people say Gabby is the “Prime Minister” of Ghana and what he wants always gets done — well, the volumes of intercepted documents in my possession appears to confirm this perception.
Gabby’s name has often come up in other multi-million dollar transactions such as PDS, Agyapa and recently Ameri when former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko accused him of unilaterally renegotiating the infamous Ameri novation agreement which led to the minister’s unceremonious exit.
Justice Dotse may likely describe this Kitchen Scandal as a well-hatched conspiracy to “Create-Loot-and-Keep,” perhaps in a Cecilia Dapaah-like fashion.
This Kitchen Scandal is valued at a stupendous GH¢187,356,969.55.
How Gabby Otchere-Darko managed to get sections of government including the Attorney-General and elements within the Finance Ministry to agree that his new client: West Blue Company Limited must be paid the staggering GHS187.3million is most legendary.
It is absolutely insane for Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” to create this ginormous GHS187.3million liability for the Ghanaian taxpayer under this downgraded bankrupt IMF-bailout economy.
Put in proper context, GHS187.3million is more than the entire 2023 budgetary allocation for the following ministries: Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (GHS76.6million); Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (GHS44.9million); Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (GHS6.4million); Ministry of Information (GHS141.4million) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (GHS180.9million)
The monetary value of this scandal is also greater than the full 2023 approved budgets for the following institutions: Office of the Special Prosecutor (GHS129.5million); National Development Planning Commission (GHS13.2million); CHRAJ (GHS45.4million); NCCE (GHS84.4million); National Pensions Regulatory Authority (GHS98.4million) and Office of the Head of Civil Service (GHS50.2million).
Ironically, the GHS187.3million exceeds the total annual 2023 budgeted expenditure for the salaries of all lawyers and staff at the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice (GHS155.6million); all staff at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (GHS109.3million); all staff at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (GHS80.8million); all staff of the Ministry of Roads and Highways (GHS74.6million) — just to highlight a few.
Strikingly, GHS187.3million is far greater than what the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is spending on numerous flagship programmes such as: Railways Development (GHS164.5million); Water and Sanitation Initiative (GHS74.4million); National Identification Authority (GHS37.6million); MASLOC (GHS14.4million); Fish Landing Sites (GHS26.3million) and Zongo Development Fund (GHS24.4million).
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has released a mindblowing piece, detailing how President Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” operates.
The piece dubbed: “The Kitchen Scandal,” according to the legislator, “is a tale of betrayal, bravado, double standards, influence peddling, dishonesty, greed, collusion, arm-twisting, naked nepotism and blatant rape of the public purse.”
The Kitchen Scandal he stressed, “will afford us a rare insight into how President Akufo-Addo’s ‘Kitchen Cabinet’ operates and how destructive they have been to national progress.”
Read the MP’s full publication below:
The Kitchen Scandal
The Kitchen Scandal is a tale of betrayal, bravado, double standards, influence peddling, dishonesty, greed, collusion, arm-twisting, naked nepotism and blatant rape of the public purse.
The Kitchen Scandal will afford us a rare insight into how President Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” operates and how destructive they have been to national progress.
This Kitchen Scandal reveals the modus-operandi and sophisticated schemes of the grand master in the “Kitchen Cabinet” — Mr. Gabriel Asare Otchere-Darko, who prefers to be called Gabby Otchere-Darko.
Many people say Gabby is the “Prime Minister” of Ghana and what he wants always gets done — well, the volumes of intercepted documents in my possession appears to confirm this perception.
Gabby’s name has often come up in other multi-million dollar transactions such as PDS, Agyapa and recently Ameri when former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko accused him of unilaterally renegotiating the infamous Ameri novation agreement which led to the minister’s unceremonious exit.
Justice Dotse may likely describe this Kitchen Scandal as a well-hatched conspiracy to “Create-Loot-and-Keep,” perhaps in a Cecilia Dapaah-like fashion. This Kitchen Scandal is valued at a stupendous GHS187,356,969.55.
How Gabby Otchere-Darko managed to get sections of government including the Attorney-General and elements within the Finance Ministry to agree that his new client: West Blue Company Limited must be paid the staggering GHS187.3million is most legendary.
It is absolutely insane for Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” to create this ginormous GHS187.3million liability for the Ghanaian taxpayer under this downgraded bankrupt IMF-bailout economy.
Put in proper context, GHS187.3million is more than the entire 2023 budgetary allocation for the following ministries: Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (GHS76.6million); Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (GHS44.9million); Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (GHS6.4million); Ministry of Information (GHS141.4million) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (GHS180.9million).
The monetary value of this scandal is also greater than the full 2023 approved budgets for the following institutions: Office of the Special Prosecutor (GHS129.5million); National Development Planning Commission (GHS13.2million); CHRAJ (GHS45.4million); NCCE (GHS84.4million); National Pensions Regulatory Authority (GHS98.4million) and Office of the Head of Civil Service (GHS50.2million).
Ironically, the GHS187.3million exceeds the total annual 2023 budgeted expenditure for the salaries of all lawyers and staff at the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice (GHS155.6million); all staff at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (GHS109.3million); all staff at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (GHS80.8million); all staff of the Ministry of Roads and Highways (GHS74.6million) — just to highlight a few.
Strikingly, GHS187.3million is far greater than what the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is spending on numerous flagship programmes such as: Railways Development (GHS164.5million); Water and Sanitation Initiative (GHS74.4million); National Identification Authority (GHS37.6million); MASLOC (GHS14.4million); Fish Landing Sites (GHS26.3million) and Zongo Development Fund (GHS24.4million).
NPP’s POSITION ON THE WEST BLUE CONTRACT
In opposition, the NPP raised fire and brimstone and mounted the most fierce resistance to the National Single Window System and an Integrated Risk Management System contract awarded to West Blue Ghana Limited on 4th August, 2015.
The NPP’s Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu went to court in a spirited effort to stop the contract.
Not even a ruling by His Lordship Justice K.A. Okwabi on August 31, 2015 dismissing Afenyo-Markin’s injunction application deterred the NPP from continuing with further legal actions in a bid to scuttle the West Blue Contract. I must add that these NPP-led legal actions are still pending in court, albeit cold cases now.
The NPP continued to fight the West Blue contract in and outside the courts. On the 16th of May, 2016 — the NPP’s Director of Communications, Nana Akomea issued a statement on what they said was President Mahama’s record of corruption. First on his list was the West Blue Contract. This is what Nana Akomea wrote: “President Mahama told a blatant lie when he said in London that he does not put himself in a position to be bribed as he does not involve himself and his Office in public procurement.
As fate will have it, on 12th May, 2015, exactly a year ago to the day he granted the BBC interview, the President, through a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, personally and directly instructed the Minister of Finance “to formally engage West Blue Ghana Limited”, without any competitive tender.
This was the contract for the implementation of the National Single Window for the inspection of goods at the ports. This contract is estimated to be worth more than $300 million over the next five year. By directing his Minister of Finance to give the contract to a particular company the President, by his own logic, had put himself in a position to be offered and receive bribe.”
The NPP won the 2016 elections and could now act on their opposition to the West Blue Contract.
The NPP Government discovered that the 4th August 2015 West Blue Contract had as a condition precedent to contract effectiveness, a value-for-money audit. In August 2017, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government got Crown Agents to complete the value-for-money audit. The outcome was that the contract did not guarantee value for money. Crown Agents recommended either a cancellation or a termination. (Report attached).
On 21st September 2017, Ports and Customs World Ghana, with links in Dubai, wrote to the Ministry of Finance that it had taken over West Blue and expressed readiness to renegotiate the West Blue contract. (Letter attached).
On October 2, 2017, West Blue also wrote to the Ministry of Finance indicating that they had been taken over by Ports and Customs World. (Letter attached). The Government of Ghana wrote to Ports and Customs World on 25th January, 2018 on the basis of Crown Agent’s value-for-money audit, revising the fees under the contract downwards from 0.35% FoB to 0.28% FoB and bringing forward the termination date from December 2020 to December 2018. (Letter duly attached). Ports and Customs World/West Blue, per a letter dated January 30, 2018 accepted these reduced terms and new contract termination date. (Letter attached). On March 14, 2019, government entered into a mutual understanding with West Blue to hold the fort by delivering services on the reduced terms until government replaces them.
DOUBLE STANDARDS AND BETRAYAL
Despite the NPP’s firm public opposition to the West Blue contract and termination of same, President Akufo-Addo’s cousin and grand master of his “Kitchen Cabinet,” Gabby Otchere-Darko has strangely become the chief advocate and super strategist for West Blue.
Gabby’s law firm, Africa Legal Associates (see articles of incorporation attached) now represent West Blue. Who would have predicted this considering the political tsunami Gabby and his collaborators created for President Mahama a few years ago in the aftermath of the West Blue contract?
Curiously, Gabby has not only surreptitiously departed from the position the NPP canvassed publicly and vehemently in opposition and in government, he has managed to get the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame to strongly agree with him.
Suddenly, to Gabby who may have transmogrified from Saul to Paul — contrary to the claims they made in opposition, the West Blue contract is no longer over priced due to sole sourcing; basically, it’s no longer a ripoff.
Now Gabby actually suggests that President Mahama’s government did not pay West Blue fully and fairly — wonders they say will never end! In an unusual development, the Attorney-General has issued three pro-Gabby legal opinions on this matter.
What is even more worrying about the AG’s latest legal opinion dated 16th December, 2022 is that it failed to take into consideration inputs from the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority as both institutions had not submitted their written arguments. (Legal opinion attached) Gabby and Godfred now state emphatically that despite the fact that the value-for-money condition precedent was not met, the contract is still valid.
The duo have also questioned the post value-for-money contract downward revisions and are insisting that the colossal West Blue demands are met.
These Gabby-Godfred positions run contrary to what the Finance Ministry had earlier communicated to West Blue through former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Kwaku Kwarteng on January 25, 2018 which the latter accepted in writing. (See letters attached)
Interestingly, the previous lawyer for West Blue, Mr. Ace Anan Ankumah wrote to the Ministry of Finance on March 10, 2020 proffering a different opinion from Gabby and Godfred although it related to a proposed market value audit when he asserted: “As you are aware, the written agreement dated 4 August 2015 that West Blue entered into with the Government of Ghana, acting through the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority, for a National Single Window System and an Integrated Risk Management System (“Agreement”) did not come into effect as the conditions precedent for the agreement to become effective were not fulfilled. An agreement that did not become effective cannot be used as a basis for the market value audit.” (See letter attached)
Is the Attorney-General suggesting the Finance Ministry and the GRA did not seek his legal advice when they were declaring the August 4, 2015 West Blue contract ineffective? Why is Gabby and Godfred happy to impose this huge financial burden on Ghanaians when West Blue had earlier accepted in writing the “new understandings” which substantially protect the public purse? What could be their motivation? Does Godfred Dame recognize that by issuing his one-sided legal opinion without the inputs of Finance and GRA as he concedes, he has undermined the position of the state should Gabby decide to proceed to court? Is this a conspiracy to cause financial loss to Ghana?
That notwithstanding, I must point out that even though Gabby Otchere-Darko doesn’t state his name in all his letters for this frightening GHS187.3million West Blue demand, I can confirm that he is the one signing the letters as I have obtained his GRA Taxpayer Registration Form which bears the same signature. (See attached).
What is increasingly troubling is the shifting position of the Ministry of Finance to align with Gabby. Insiders say Ministry officials are terrified as the “Prime Minister’s” pressure mounts. Already, it is suspected in several quarters that the former Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Patrick Nomo was transferred because he wasn’t cooperating on this matter.
The new Chief Director and Ken Ofori-Atta staunch ally Eva Esselba Mends seems more amenable and is piling pressure on GRA to respond to Gabby’s 6-week ultimatum for payment to be effected. (See her 30th June, 2023 letter to GRA attached).
Analysts agree that Eva won’t be writing those letters to GRA if she didn’t have Ken’s approval.
Also, Ken’s cousin Gabby won’t be getting bolder and bolder with his threats and ultimatums if the family had a genuine objection. A really complex nepotistic web.
By some sheer coincidence, Gabby’s 6-week ultimatum letter for payment of the colossal GHS187.3million is dated May 3, 2023 — the same month Ghana received US$603million from the IMF.
DEMANDS
1. President Akufo-Addo must immediately instruct his Finance Minister and the GRA to ignore Gabby’s 6-week ultimatum and not to pay the GHS187.3million; 2. President Akufo-Addo must instruct his Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to withdraw his lopsided pro-Gabby legal opinion because of the obvious dangers to Ghana’s interest in any likely litigation; 3. President Akufo-Addo must caution his cousin, Gabriel Asare Otchere-Darko to back off and stop issuing threats to GRA officials; 4. President Akufo-Addo should as a matter of urgency constitute an independent panel to investigate these grave matters; 5. The Finance Committee of Parliament should urgently summon all parties and initiate a full-scale parliamentary inquiry into this GHS187.3million West Blue saga.
ASSURANCES
May I assure the top public officials working with me on this latest patriotic project, and the Ghanaian people that we shall not relent until this unconscionable GHS187.3million Gabby-orchestrated demand is defeated. We are preparing to stage a mammoth “Enough of the Looting Demo” if we do not see urgent action from the President on this matter. May God give us fortitude and victory. For God and Country. Ghana First
The Kitchen Scandal is a tale of betrayal, bravado, double standards, influence peddling, dishonesty, greed, collusion, arm-twisting, naked nepotism and blatant rape of the public purse.
The Kitchen Scandal will afford us a rare insight into how President Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” operates and how destructive they have been to national progress.
This Kitchen Scandal reveals the modus-operandi and sophisticated schemes of the grand master in the “Kitchen Cabinet” — Mr Gabriel Asare Otchere-Darko, who prefers to be called Gabby Otchere-Darko.
Many people say Gabby is the “Prime Minister” of Ghana and what he wants always gets done — well, the volumes of intercepted documents in my possession appears to confirm this perception.
Gabby’s name has often come up in other multi-million dollar transactions such as PDS, Agyapa and recently Ameri when former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko accused him of unilaterally renegotiating the infamous Ameri novation agreement which led to the minister’s unceremonious exit.
Justice Dotse may likely describe this Kitchen Scandal as a well-hatched conspiracy to “Create-Loot-and-Keep,” perhaps in a Cecilia Dapaah-like fashion. This Kitchen Scandal is valued at a stupendous GHS187,356,969.55.
How Gabby Otchere-Darko managed to get sections of government including the Attorney-General and elements within the Finance Ministry to agree that his new client: West Blue Company Limited must be paid the staggering GHS187.3million is most legendary.
It is absolutely insane for Akufo-Addo’s “Kitchen Cabinet” to create this ginormous GHS187.3million liability for the Ghanaian taxpayer under this downgraded bankrupt IMF-bailout economy.
Put in proper context, GHS187.3million is more than the entire 2023 budgetary allocation for the following ministries: Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (GHS76.6million); Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (GHS44.9million); Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (GHS6.4million); Ministry of Information (GHS141.4million) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (GHS180.9million)
The monetary value of this scandal is also greater than the full 2023 approved budgets for the following institutions: Office of the Special Prosecutor (GHS129.5million); National Development Planning Commission (GHS13.2million); CHRAJ (GHS45.4million); NCCE (GHS84.4million); National Pensions Regulatory Authority (GHS98.4million) and Office of the Head of Civil Service (GHS50.2million).
Ironically, the GHS187.3million exceeds the total annual 2023 budgeted expenditure for the salaries of all lawyers and staff at the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice (GHS155.6million); all staff at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (GHS109.3million); all staff at the Ministry of Trade and Industry (GHS80.8million); all staff of the Ministry of Roads and Highways (GHS74.6million) — just to highlight a few.
Strikingly, GHS187.3million is far greater than what the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is spending on numerous flagship programmes such as: Railways Development (GHS164.5million); Water and Sanitation Initiative (GHS74.4million); National Identification Authority (GHS37.6million); MASLOC (GHS14.4million); Fish Landing Sites (GHS26.3million) and Zongo Development Fund (GHS24.4million).
NPP’s POSITION ON THE WEST BLUE CONTRACT
In opposition, the NPP raised fire and brimstone and mounted the most fierce resistance to the National Single Window System and an Integrated Risk Management System contract awarded to West Blue Ghana Limited on 4th August, 2015.
The NPP’s Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu went to court in a spirited effort to stop the contract.
Not even a ruling by His Lordship Justice K.A. Okwabi on August 31, 2015 dismissing Afenyo-Markin’s injunction application deterred the NPP from continuing with further legal actions in a bid to scuttle the West Blue Contract. I must add that these NPP-led legal actions are still pending in court, albeit cold cases now.
The NPP continued to fight the West Blue contract in and outside the courts. On the 16th of May, 2016 — the NPP’s Director of Communications, Nana Akomea issued a statement on what they said was President Mahama’s record of corruption. First on his list was the West Blue Contract. This is what Nana Akomea wrote: “President Mahama told a blatant lie when he said in London that he does not put himself in a position to be bribed as he does not involve himself and his Office in public procurement. As fate will have it, on 12th May, 2015, exactly a year ago to the day he granted the BBC interview, the President, through a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, personally and directly instructed the Minister of Finance “to formally engage West Blue Ghana Limited”, without any competitive tender. This was the contract for the implementation of the National Single Window for the inspection of goods at the ports. This contract is estimated to be worth more than $300 million over the next five year. By directing his Minister of Finance to give the contract to a particular company the President, by his own logic, had put himself in a position to be offered and receive bribe.”
The NPP won the 2016 elections and could now act on their opposition to the West Blue Contract.
The NPP Government discovered that the 4th August 2015 West Blue Contract had as a condition precedent to contract effectiveness, a value-for-money audit. In August 2017, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government got Crown Agents to complete the value-for-money audit. The outcome was that the contract did not guarantee value for money. Crown Agents recommended either a cancellation or a termination. (Report attached).
On 21st September 2017, Ports and Customs World Ghana, with links in Dubai, wrote to the Ministry of Finance that it had taken over West Blue and expressed readiness to renegotiate the West Blue contract. (Letter attached).
On October 2, 2017, West Blue also wrote to the Ministry of Finance indicating that they had been taken over by Ports and Customs World. (Letter attached). The Government of Ghana wrote to Ports and Customs World on 25th January, 2018 on the basis of Crown Agent’s value-for-money audit, revising the fees under the contract downwards from 0.35% FoB to 0.28% FoB and bringing forward the termination date from December 2020 to December 2018. (Letter duly attached). Ports and Customs World/West Blue, per a letter dated January 30, 2018 accepted these reduced terms and new contract termination date. (Letter attached). On March 14, 2019, government entered into a mutual understanding with West Blue to hold the fort by delivering services on the reduced terms until government replaces them.
DOUBLE STANDARDS AND BETRAYAL
Despite the NPP’s firm public opposition to the West Blue contract and termination of same, President Akufo-Addo’s cousin and grand master of his “Kitchen Cabinet,” Gabby Otchere-Darko has strangely become the chief advocate and super strategist for West Blue.
Gabby’s law firm, Africa Legal Associates (see articles of incorporation attached) now represent West Blue. Who would have predicted this considering the political tsunami Gabby and his collaborators created for President Mahama a few years ago in the aftermath of the West Blue contract?
Curiously, Gabby has not only surreptitiously departed from the position the NPP canvassed publicly and vehemently in opposition and in government, he has managed to get the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame to strongly agree with him.
Suddenly, to Gabby who may have transmogrified from Saul to Paul — contrary to the claims they made in opposition, the West Blue contract is no longer over priced due to sole sourcing; basically, it’s no longer a ripoff.
Now Gabby actually suggests that President Mahama’s government did not pay West Blue fully and fairly — wonders they say will never end! In an unusual development, the Attorney-General has issued three pro-Gabby legal opinions on this matter.
What is even more worrying about the AG’s latest legal opinion dated 16th December, 2022 is that it failed to take into consideration inputs from the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority as both institutions had not submitted their written arguments. (Legal opinion attached) Gabby and Godfred now state emphatically that despite the fact that the value-for-money condition precedent was not met, the contract is still valid.
The duo have also questioned the post value-for-money contract downward revisions and are insisting that the colossal West Blue demands are met.
These Gabby-Godfred positions run contrary to what the Finance Ministry had earlier communicated to West Blue through former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Kwaku Kwarteng on January 25, 2018 which the latter accepted in writing. (See letters attached)
Interestingly, the previous lawyer for West Blue, Mr. Ace Anan Ankumah wrote to the Ministry of Finance on March 10, 2020 proffering a different opinion from Gabby and Godfred although it related to a proposed market value audit when he asserted: “As you are aware, the written agreement dated 4 August 2015 that West Blue entered into with the Government of Ghana, acting through the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority, for a National Single Window System and an Integrated Risk Management System (“Agreement”) did not come into effect as the conditions precedent for the agreement to become effective were not fulfilled. An agreement that did not become effective cannot be used as a basis for the market value audit.” (See letter attached)
Is the Attorney-General suggesting the Finance Ministry and the GRA did not seek his legal advice when they were declaring the August 4, 2015 West Blue contract ineffective? Why is Gabby and Godfred happy to impose this huge financial burden on Ghanaians when West Blue had earlier accepted in writing the “new understandings” which substantially protect the public purse? What could be their motivation? Does Godfred Dame recognize that by issuing his one-sided legal opinion without the inputs of Finance and GRA as he concedes, he has undermined the position of the state should Gabby decide to proceed to court? Is this a conspiracy to cause financial loss to Ghana?
That notwithstanding, I must point out that even though Gabby Otchere-Darko doesn’t state his name in all his letters for this frightening GHS187.3million West Blue demand, I can confirm that he is the one signing the letters as I have obtained his GRA Taxpayer Registration Form which bears the same signature. (See attached).
What is increasingly troubling is the shifting position of the Ministry of Finance to align with Gabby. Insiders say Ministry officials are terrified as the “Prime Minister’s” pressure mounts. Already, it is suspected in several quarters that the former Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Patrick Nomo was transferred because he wasn’t cooperating on this matter.
The new Chief Director and Ken Ofori-Atta staunch ally Eva Esselba Mends seems more amenable and is piling pressure on GRA to respond to Gabby’s 6-week ultimatum for payment to be effected. (See her 30th June, 2023 letter to GRA attached).
Analysts agree that Eva won’t be writing those letters to GRA if she didn’t have Ken’s approval.
Also, Ken’s cousin Gabby won’t be getting bolder and bolder with his threats and ultimatums if the family had a genuine objection. A really complex nepotistic web.
By some sheer coincidence, Gabby’s 6-week ultimatum letter for payment of the colossal GHS187.3million is dated May 3, 2023 — the same month Ghana received US$603million from the IMF.
DEMANDS
1. President Akufo-Addo must immediately instruct his Finance Minister and the GRA to ignore Gabby’s 6-week ultimatum and not to pay the GHS187.3million; 2. President Akufo-Addo must instruct his Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to withdraw his lopsided pro-Gabby legal opinion because of the obvious dangers to Ghana’s interest in any likely litigation; 3. President Akufo-Addo must caution his cousin, Gabriel Asare Otchere-Darko to back off and stop issuing threats to GRA officials; 4. President Akufo-Addo should as a matter of urgency constitute an independent panel to investigate these grave matters; 5. The Finance Committee of Parliament should urgently summon all parties and initiate a full-scale parliamentary inquiry into this GHS187.3million West Blue saga.
ASSURANCES
May I assure the top public officials working with me on this latest patriotic project, and the Ghanaian people that we shall not relent until this unconscionable GHS187.3million Gabby-orchestrated demand is defeated. We are preparing to stage a mammoth “Enough of the Looting Demo” if we do not see urgent action from the President on this matter. May God give us fortitude and victory. For God and Country. Ghana First
District Chief Executive (DCE) of Bosome Freho District Assembly in the Ashanti Region, Yaw Danso, has been removed from his position.
Reports indicate he was dismissed on July 31, 2023, over his alleged involvement in galamsey.
Yaw Danso was suspended in October 2022 after being accused of involvement in illegal small-scale mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. The investigation into these allegations was initiated in response to an audio recording that purportedly linked him to galamsey activities.
Following Yaw Danso’s suspension, the Assembly members of Bosome Freho urged the presidency to carry out additional investigations into the allegations. In response, President Akufo-Addo organized a special meeting with Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and invited Yaw Danso to present his defense during the meeting.
Subsequently, after conducting the investigations, it was determined that the allegations against Yaw Danso were substantiated, leading to the decision to dismiss him from his role as the District Chief Executive.
According to the report, the decision to remove him was communicated by the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development, and Decentralisation, Dan Botwe, to the Ashanti Regional Minister.
The dismissal letter stated, “His Excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has relieved the chief executive of the Bosome Freho District Assembly, Mr. Yaw Danso, of his position with immediate effect.” The letter emphasized that the decision was prompted by the serious allegations of illegal mining against Yaw Danso.
In line with constitutional and legislative provisions, President Akufo-Addo has nominated Kofi Adu Amoateng as the new Chief Executive of the Bosome Freho District Assembly. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the regional Electoral Commission, as required by the relevant procedures.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has announced that the government is in the final stages of implementing Phase II of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PfJ) initiative.
He made the remarks during the 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review.
“Mr Speaker, Planting for Food and Jobs has brought substantial improvements in Ghana’s agriculture sector. This has resulted in increased food security, employment along agricultural value chains, and accessibility of raw materials for developing industries. The programme has directly contributed to increased crop yields for major food staples such as maize, rice, and soya by 135 percent, 67 percent and 18 percent respectively within the period.
He further noted that the second phase comes with a focus on Storage and Distribution Infrastructure, Commodity Trading, etc.
“After a comprehensive review, the Government is finalising PfJ Phase II to ensure a more efficient and targeted support for the agricultural sector. The key elements of Phase II are Inputs Credit System, Storage and Distribution Infrastructure, Commodity Trading and Digitised Platform
“Planting for Food and Jobs” (PFJ) is an agricultural intervention program initiated by the Ghanaian government under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo. The program was launched in 2017 with the primary objective of increasing food production, ensuring food security, and creating employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
The Planting for Food and Jobs program targets smallholder farmers and seeks to address challenges such as low crop productivity, post-harvest losses, and limited access to improved farming inputs and technologies.
Through the program, the government aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and reduce the country’s dependence on food imports.
Earlier this month, President Akufo-Addo announced that the government is gearing up to advance its pioneering agriculture initiative, “Planting for Food and Jobs,” to the second phase.
He made this known during his address at the 4th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East in Italy.
In the upcoming phase of the program, there will be greater involvement from the private sector, with a specific focus on attracting more youth participation in the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the 4th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East in Italy, President Akufo-Addo emphasised Ghana’s successful attainment of food security through the program and stressed the importance of transitioning from import subsidies to an import credit scheme.
This transition is expected to drive greater investment and development in the agricultural value chain, ultimately boosting productivity and production in the sector.
In a letter addressed to President Akufo-Addo, dated Monday, July 10, 2023, the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Dan Botwe, expressed strong concerns about the lack of cooperation from the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey.
The Minister highlighted that this lack of collaboration hindered the equitable disbursement of District Common Funds in a manner that would best serve the government’s interests.
Mr. Botwe emphasized that during his tenure of two years and three months in the Ministry, efforts to align with the Office of the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund in strategically determining the beneficiary Districts for fund allocations had not yielded positive results.
“It is instructive for His Excellency to note that this Ministry has not had the expected level of cooperation from the Office of the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund.
“In the past two years and three months since I have been in the Ministry, efforts to get the Office of the Administrator of District Assemblies Common Fund to align with the Ministry in the strategic determination of the beneficiary Districts of such allocations have not been successful,” an unhappy Minister Botwe, noted in his letter to the President, dated Monday, July 10, 2023.
He continued: “Even more worrying is the fact that as the Ministry responsible for the MMDAs we are not involved, engaged or consulted in any form by the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund in the development of the formula proposed to Parliament.
“We are of the view that, government would be more efficient in the utilization of such resources if we align the decision making process with all relevant stakeholders,” he added.
He conveyed his dissatisfaction in the letter, stating that the Ministry responsible for the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) was not involved, engaged, or consulted in any way in the development of the proposed formula submitted to Parliament.
According to Mr. Botwe, by law, his Ministry has the mandate to provide a coordinating and supervisory role over the activities of the MMDAs and to guide their development initiatives.
Therefore, he argued that the authority to determine which Districts receive financial support and special attention should rest with the Ministry to ensure alignment with the broader government strategy.
The Minister firmly believed that the distribution trigger should be initiated by the Ministry on behalf of the government to ensure it aligns well with the overall government objectives.
Currently, the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund proposes the formula for distribution annually to the Parliament of Ghana. Once the approval is granted, the Administrator has the responsibility under section 129 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) to administer and distribute the funds among the District Assemblies based on the approved formula.
In conclusion, the Minister’s letter conveyed the urgency of addressing the lack of cooperation and ensuring the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry, to enhance the efficient utilization of resources for the benefit of the government and the country.
Ahead of the 2023 Mid- Year Budget review, President and Founder of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has outlined eight reasons why the Akufo-Addo government cannot introduce new taxes.
In a Facebook post dated July 31, 2023, Cudjoe stated that one of the justifications for the government’s inability to introduce new taxes in the mid-year budget review is that taxation is an unproductive approach to generating revenue.
Furthermore, he emphasised that the introduction of new taxes by the government would have a detrimental impact on businesses and go against President Akufo-Addo’s pledge to shift the nation’s focus from taxation to production, as outlined in his manifesto.
Below are the reason the IMANI boss gave for the government not to introduce new taxes:
1.Some taxes imposed by the government is not only a lazy way of raising money to finance poorly thought policies and a very large and unproductive size of government, it drives millions of severely poor citizens further into extreme penury. These taxes a reverse of what was promised in the ruling NPP government’s manifesto- from taxation to production.
2. There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.—Robert A. Heinlein, 3. The wages of sin are death, but by the time taxes are taken out, it’s just sort of a tired feeling.—Paula Poundstone
4..Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keepsmoving, regulate it. And if it stopsmoving, subsidize it.– Ronald Reagan.
5. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.– P. J. O’Rourke
6. The real goal should be reduced government spending, rather than balanced budgets achieved by ever rising tax rates to cover ever rising spending.– Thomas Sowell
7. Which countries contain the most peaceful, the most moral, and the happiest people? Those people are found in the countries where the law least interferes with private affairs; where the government is least felt; where the individual has the greatest scope, and free opinion the greatest influence; where the administrative powers are fewest and simplest; where taxes are lightest and most nearly equal–Frederic Bastiat.
8. Elections should be held on April 16th- ( April 18th for Ghana??) the day after we pay our income taxes. That is one of the few things that might discourage politicians from being big spenders.–Thomas Sowell.
Central Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Gabriella Tetteh has labeled President Akufo-Addo has waded in recent corruption scandals involving the current administration.
Speaking in an interview, she said the current administration, led by President Akufo-Addo has failed woefully in the fight against corruption.
To her, it appears the ‘god of corruption’ has been awakened by the current administration led by President Akufo-Addo.
“The bigger problem is that as a country, we have failed in the fight against corruption and under President Akufo-Addo’s regime, we have failed woefully, she said.
She made the remarks during a conversation on Cecilia Dapaah’s recent corruption saga where she intimated that Ghanaians have lost confidence in the current as a result of various corruption scandals that have emerged.
Making reference to the country’s ranking on the Global Index on Corruption, she expressed the view that Ghana’s performance in terms of the fight against corruption is abysmal.
Additionally, she said Ghanaians have totally lost confidence in the President due to the economic hardships that the country has been plunged into.
“The hope Ghanaians had in [President Akufo-Addo] which led to them voting to elect him as President has totally diminished. Ghanaians no longer have confidence in him,” she added.
Former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has recently been in the news following a theft case involving two of her house helps.
The women, an 18-year-old, and a 32-year-old, are said to have stolen huge sums of money from the former Minister’s home. The case is currently in court, however, the Special Prosecutor has taken up the matter for further investigations.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians have questioned the source of wealth of the former minister.
General Manager of Citi TV and Citi 97.3 FM, Bernard Avle, has chided President Akufo-Addo over his response to the resignation letter of former Sanitation and Water Resource Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
He said the President’s tone in the purported response to the former Minister’s resignation letter was not suitable given the gravity of the situation.
“I’m a bit worried about the speed the purported response from the President seeks to exonerate the Minister and almost pigeonholing her resignation around loyalty to the government and the government image, is that what this is about; that it’s about whether someone’s image is good or bad? What signal are we sending to citizens in terms of profligacy?” he questioned.
He further noted that: “the letter the President wrote purportedly in response to the resignation, I think the tone is not sensitive to the feelings of Ghanaians at all. At least the President could have accepted the letter and said, ‘Well thank you for your service’ [and] the other point is that there hasn’t been any formal process of investigation or anything.”
His comment comes on the back of the resignation of the Sanitation Minister following a theft case involving two househelps of the Minister, and the President’s subsequent response.
Five individuals are facing charges for their alleged involvement in stealing millions of dollars and euros from the minister’s house at Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra.
Following this, she resigned on July 23, 2023, explaining that it was to prevent the matter from becoming a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.
Despite the assurance of availing herself for investigations, she has come under heavy scrutiny.
Commenting on the development, Mr Avle urged the state to take up this matter and ensure it is thoroughly investigated, and eschew any form of politicisation from the investigations.
“Let’s not politicise it with claims that it will make the government look bad. Already, you [the government] are smelling bad. If we are serious about this let’s not politicise it,” he added.
The internet was treated to a warm-hearted celebration of a truly charming couple’s wedding anniversary on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
Daughter of President Akufo-Addo,Valerie, took to social media to celebrate her 14 years wedding anniversary with her husband.
With an outpouring of love and nostalgia, Valerie shared a series of cherished photos from their magical wedding day back in 2009.
The first photo captured Valerie in all her radiant glory, beaming with happiness in her elegant white wedding gown. The sheer joy on her face was infectious, reflecting the abundance of happiness that has filled their lives over the years.
As the picture journey continued, subsequent snapshots featured Valerie still adorned in her gown, now posing alongside her dapper husband, elegantly dressed in a stylish black suit. The love and connection between the couple were palpable in every frame, perfectly encapsulating the essence of their enduring bond.
As the images spread across social media platforms, friends, family, and fans of the couple joined in celebrating their milestone and showered them with heartfelt congratulations and well wishes.
President Akufo-Addo has carried out a reshuffle of two deputy ministers within his present government.
In a letter announcing the appointment of Freda Prempeh as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also introduced Mavis Nkansah Boadu and Thomas Mbomba as new appointees.
The two individuals, currently serving as deputy ministers for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and Roads and Highways, respectively, will undergo a positional exchange.
“President Akufo-Addo, in consultation with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Roads and Highways, respectively, has also appointed the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Afigya Sekyere East, Hon. Mavis Nkansah Boadu, as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Member of Parliament for Tatale/Sanguli, Hon. Thomas Mbomba, as Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways,” the statement issued by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Office of the President said.
The president also announced a replacement for Cecilia Dapaah in the same statement.
“The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appointed the Minister of State at the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Tano North, Hon. Freda Prempeh, as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources. She takes over from Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose letter of resignation, dated Saturday, 22nd July 2023, was accepted by the President on Saturday, 22nd July 2023,” it added.
The statement concluded by stating that all appointments take effect immediately.
Cecilia Dapaah resigned on Saturday, July 22, 2023, following public criticism about the monies stolen from her home.
The former minister, in her letter of resignation addressed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, she explained that she decided to resign because the issues surrounding the monies could affect the government negatively.
However, she noted that the subject of theft in her home, as captured by many reports, has been grossly exaggerated.
“Since Friday, July 21, 2023, social and traditional media have been full of stories about a court case involving a theft that took place last year in the home I live with my husband and daughter.
“The stories sought to suggest that I own various huge sums of foreign currencies and millions of Ghana cedis which have been stolen from my home. Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position.
“I am resigning, therefore, because I do not want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time,” parts of the letter read.
Former president and presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has criticised President Akufo-Addo.
During a ceremony in Accra on July 24, 2023, to mark the 11th anniversary of the passing of Former President, Prof John Evans Atta Mills, he sated that unlike the current dispensation, the late former president did not exploit state agencies for personal gain.
He emphasized that the politically charged judicial system prevalent today was not present during Prof Mills’ time, according to a report by 3news.com.
“Prof Mills was a leader who never sought to consolidate power at any cost or manipulate state agencies to further his political interests,” Mahama stated.
He praised the independence of the Electoral Commission (EC) and the judiciary during Mills’ tenure, noting that they were not influenced by the president’s desires when delivering their verdicts.
Mahama also highlighted Prof Mills’ deep respect for Ghana’s culture and values. He mentioned that Mills strongly opposed LGBTQ rights, as he upheld the nation’s social and moral principles.
Additionally, Mahama credited the late former president for being an excellent talent spotter and acknowledged himself as one of Mills’ many proteges who have succeeded in their respective fields.
He made this known during his address at the 4th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East in Italy.
In the upcoming phase of the program, there will be greater involvement from the private sector, with a specific focus on attracting more youth participation in the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the 4th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East in Italy, President Akufo-Addo emphasised Ghana’s successful attainment of food security through the program and stressed the importance of transitioning from import subsidies to an import credit scheme.
This transition is expected to drive greater investment and development in the agricultural value chain, ultimately boosting productivity and production in the sector.
“After six years of successful implementation, the programme has come up for review, and it is transitioning into phase two. It is called PFJ Phase Two and this phase will be expanded to achieve private sector participation with emphasis on value chain development. It is also a paradigm shift from import subsidy to import credit scheme, and it is designed to attract more investment in the agric sector and expected to increase productivity and production.”
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has been advocating for a review of the initiative for some time, and the call for an update is now being heeded.
The then Agric Minister, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, had previously praised the success of the program, revealing that GHC2.6 billion had been spent on its implementation as of October 2022.
“Planting for Food and Jobs” is a significant agricultural campaign initiated by the government, encompassing five implementation modules.
The first module, PFJ (Crops), was launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on April 19, 2017, to promote food security, ensuring the availability of selected food crops in the market, and creating job opportunities.
President Akufo-Addo has announced the initiation of a review for the government’s prominent agricultural program, Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ).
During the 4th European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East held in Italy, President Akufo-Addo shared that the program’s new phase would involve increased private sector participation and a focus on encouraging more young people to participate.
President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the program’s success, emphasizing that it has significantly contributed to Ghana’s food security over the past six years.
“After six years of successful implementation, the programme has come up for review, and it is transitioning into phase two. It is called PFJ Phase Two and this phase will be expanded to achieve private sector participation with emphasis on value chain development. It is also a paradigm shift from import subsidy to import credit scheme, and it is designed to attract more investment in the agric sector and expected to increase productivity and production.”
However, with the program now up for review, it will transition into its second phase, known as PFJ Phase Two. This phase will be expanded to involve private sector participation, with an emphasis on value chain development.
There will also be a paradigm shift from import subsidies to an import credit scheme, aimed at attracting more investments into the agricultural sector and boosting productivity and production.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has been advocating for a review of the PFJ program for some time, arguing that it is long overdue.
The former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Afriyie Akoto, had previously highlighted the success of the program, noting that GH¢2.6 billion had been spent on it as of October 2022.
Planting for Food and Jobs is a flagship agricultural campaign launched by the government, consisting of five implementation modules.
The first module, PFJ (Crops), was initiated to promote food security and ensure the availability of selected food crops in the market while generating employment opportunities.
It was officially launched by President Akufo-Addo on April 19, 2017, in the then Brong Ahafo Region, particularly in Goaso.
Founder of Atta Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho, has extended appreciation to President Nana Akufo-Addo and his administration for the revitalization of Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Following his tour of the park, Mr Anyidoho expressed his deep satisfaction, stating, “I must say, I am thoroughly impressed.”
“After 25 years of existence of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the facility had not seen any meaningful facelift, at which point the fountains, which are major attractions, were not functioning well thus affecting visitations.
Moreover, the roof of the museum leaked each time it rained making it difficult to conduct visitors around. The situation was not different at the VIP lounge, where most VIP guests of the State signed the visitor’s books after their tour.
Additionally, the main corridor to the washrooms and some parts of the washrooms were in a deplorable state.
Mr Anyidoho in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) noted that when he was championing the reconstruction of the Asomdwe Park, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum was not something to write home about, adding that “one of the energy I got for the reconstruction of the Asomdwe Park was that I was seeing the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum just deteriorate.”
He said it was a good start in terms of honouring and remembering our heroes, saying there was a lot that had been done and a lot could also be done.
“I have been here for an hour and after touring the place, I can say that we can all remember Dr Kwame Nkrumah in this exciting manner,” he added.
Talking about the maintenance of the facility, Mr Anyidoho appealed to the public to make good use of the Park and maintain it for the next generation “to come and see the legacies, achievements and the life of the first President of Ghana.”
He congratulated President Akufo-Addo and his administration for the redevelopment of the park, saying that it would not only honour Dr Kwame Nkrumah but would also promote domestic tourism.
“Look at the reconstruction of the Atta Mills Presidential Library at Cape Coast and now the new Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, this will be one of the legacies of the current government in protecting the legacies of former presidents,” he added.
Member of Parliament for Bole, Yusif Sulemana, Yusif Sulemana, has described Cecilia Dapaah‘s resignation letter and President Akufo-Addo‘s response to it as “love letters.”
He expressed his concern that he does not perceive any seriousness in how the matter is being handled, therefore entreated the President to attach some seriousness to it.
He contended that Ghanaians expect serious investigations into the matter involving Madam Abena Dapaah.
“What we want to see is a very serious investigation. Not just that, we also expect the president to take this matter seriously.
“If you look at the kind of love letters that the two of them exchanged, for me it is worrisome. We were expecting the president to fire the woman, but he failed in doing that. The woman resigned and in her resignation letter, you could see the jovial nature of the content of the letter.
“This is an official letter, but you see her addressing the president as my dear and all of that.”
The OSP has placed the immediate past Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abana Dapaah under arrest on Monday, July 24.
She is being interrogated by officers of the OSP, a statement said.
“At 11:55 GMT on 24th July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22nd July 2023 was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses regarding large amounts of money and valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms Dapaah is being questioned by authorized officers of the OSP,” the OSP said in the statement.
Madam Cecilia Dapaah tendered her resignation in a letter to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday, July 22, barely 24 hours after news of some foreign cash stolen from her bedroom came to light.
“I intend to cooperate fully with all the state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts,” she assured in her letter.
“I have no doubt that at the end of the processes, it will be established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations,” she further said.
Madam Cecilia Dapaah was said to have kept $1 million, €300,000 and millions of undisclosed Ghana Cedis at home.
These monies were allegedly stolen by two house helps, for which they are standing trial at an Accra Circuit Court.
She had earlier indicated that there were inconsistencies with the facts and the public reports.
She, therefore, insisted in her resignation letter that the figures put out in the public domain do not correctly reflect what she and her husband submitted to the police in their statement.
The former lawmaker, however, admits she understands the import of such stories around someone of her stature.
“I am resigning, therefore, because I do not want such a matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.”
Former minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko has recounted the events that led to his removal from office in 2020.
Speaking to the media, he attributed his sacking to the re-negotiation of the 250 megawatt Ameri Power deal, which resulted in a more cost-effective agreement than the one under the previous government.
According to Agyarko, certain prominent figures in President Akufo-Addo‘s administration were displeased with the revised deal facilitated by NPP stalwart, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, without the consent of the 18-member committee, headed by lawyer Philip Addison, that was established to work on the deal.
When Agyarko discussed the matter with President Akufo-Addo, the president questioned whether there was an issue with Gabby’s actions.
The former energy minister explained that Gabby lacked the authority to renegotiate the Ameri Power Plant terms and the proposal he presented violated Cabinet instructions by extending the contract to 20 years.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged Agyarko’s concerns and requested that he forward Gabby’s negotiated deal to the committee responsible for renegotiation.
Despite this, the former Minister for Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea, threatened to mobilize Members of Parliament (MP) against Agyarko if he presented the committee’s deal in the house.
When Agyarko presented the committee’s report to Parliament, then-Speaker Aaron Mike Oquaye informed him that the house opposed the proposal in the report and suggested seeking approval through an executive instrument.
He further mentioned that since the president was out of the country, he sought the signature for the executive instrument from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
However, to his surprise, when the document returned, it bore the signature of the executive secretary to the president, Nana Bediatuo Asante.
When he appeared before one of the select committees of parliament to discuss the deal, he faced strong opposition from committee members, including Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah, the former Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Agyarko expressed his frustration, stating that the committee did not give him a fair chance to explain himself, as they had already been influenced by false information spread by a “gang” of people who claimed that the new Ameri deal was worse than the one under the Mahama government.
He highlighted that at that time, no contract had been signed, and no payments had been made, yet calls for his dismissal were already rampant on social media, including from Manasseh Azure and Gabby.
In the end, Boakye Agyarko concluded by emphasizing the difficult position he found himself in, with people demanding his removal even before any concrete actions had been taken regarding the Ameri deal.
“This was what transpired. Manasseh Azure and Gabby had already written on social media that I should be sacked even before this happened.
“The committee which I was not part of went to work to negotiate a deal, there was no contract signed, nothing had been paid but people were calling for my head, what was I supposed to do,” he concluded in the Twi dialect.
Ghanaian rapper, Pappy Kojo, has expressed disappointment over Cecilia Dapaah‘s decision to resign as the sanitation minister.
Amid the scandal involving stolen foreign and local currencies by her house helps, Cecilia Dapaah announced stepping aside to facilitate further investigations.
In her resignation letter addressed to President Akufo-Addo, she emphasized not wanting the matter to distract the government during a crucial time.
During a discussion on the United Showbiz, Pappy Kojo shared his thoughts, criticizing the minister’s resignation as unwise.
He believes resigning in such circumstances might imply guilt, whereas he would have fought to prove his innocence if he were in her position.
Pappy Kojo suggested that the resignation might be due to a guilty conscience and speculated that Cecilia Dapaah, as a woman, might not want to be embroiled in the chaos.
The rapper, however, clarified his lack of interest in politics, stating that such matters do not concern him, and he identifies himself as an Italian.
“She was the victim so I don’t know why she had to resign. Resigning at this point feels like she is guilty of something. She resigned out of guilty conscience, because if I am a victim, resigning won’t be the first thing to do. I will fight to prove that I am a victim. Resigning is like giving up. But then again, she is a woman so maybe she doesn’t want to be caught in the chaos,” he stated.
Background
On Friday, July 21, it was reported that two house helps of the minister were facing charges in an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing a substantial amount of money, including $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis, from Cecilia Dapaah’s residence in Abelenkpe, Accra, in October 2022.
The accused, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, allegedly committed the theft between July and October 2022.
They have been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing.
President Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Unconventionally, no immediate replacement in an acting capacity has been named.
Instead, the Chief Director will lead the ministry until an official announcement is made.
There are indications in the corridors of power that the President intends to appoint someone who seamlessly fits the vacancy and can bypass parliamentary vetting, meaning a serving minister may be chosen.
The list of potential replacements aligns with that of pro-government outlet Asaase Radio, which was published shortly after Dapaah’s resignation.
The possible replacements for the position are as follows:
The current Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye: the President may consider merging the two portfolios or appoint Asenso-Boakye in an acting capacity, but only time will reveal the decision.
Deputy minister in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Freda Prempeh: is highly tipped for the position. She is presently associated with the Ministry of Works and Housing.
The MP for Suame and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu: is also seen as a potential replacement. He has previously served in an acting role at the finance ministry.
However, his move to this new position might require the NPP to reset its leadership due to his role as the Majority Leader in Parliament.
Other names making rounds as potential acting ministers include Dan Botwe, Samuel Jinapor, and Henry Quartey.
Both Dan Botwe and Samuel Jinapor have prior experience as acting ministers. The final decision rests with the President, and the public awaits the official appointment.
Ghana and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and friendship between the two nations, exploring mutual interests for the benefit of their respective populations.
This took place on July 21, 2023 after President Akufo-Addo‘s official 4-day visit to Italy, where he held bilateral discussions with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome.
President Mattarella praised Ghana’s adherence to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, making Ghana a beacon of stability in West Africa and Africa as a whole.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the longstanding strong relations between Ghana and Italy, citing successful Italian companies operating in Ghana, such as Impregilo, which constructed the Akosombo Dam.
The leaders discussed collaboration in Ghana’s pharmaceutical and agro-based industries, and President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude for Italy’s support in the restructuring of Ghana’s finances through the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments, securing a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility from the IMF.
Both leaders stressed the importance of stability for economic development, and President Mattarella pledged Italy’s support to confront the jihadist threat in the Sahel and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We are anxious that the matter of UN Reform be given priority on the global agenda. It is time to correct the longstanding injustice that the current structure and composition of the UN Security Council represent for the nations of Africa. We are encouraged, though, by the attitudes and sentiments of two (2) leaders of the five (5) Permanent Members of the Security Council, that is President Joe Biden of the United States of America and President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. Both of them are the first leaders of their respective countries to call publicly for reform. We look forward to the leaders of the three (3) other Permanent Members also throwing their support behind the reform process,” the Ghanaian President said.
They also emphasized the need for global financial and economic architecture reform to address inequities, with both calling for United Nations Security Council reform, particularly for Africa.
President Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 4th ECAM Summit in Rome, discussing healthcare and food safety challenges and opportunities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has congratulated Ghana for developing a strong democratic culture.
He praised Ghanaians for distinguishing out among African nations for their commitment to the rule of law, political stability, and peaceful cohabitation.
“Ghana is not just another country in Africa. You are very special,” President Rebelo de Sousa noted.
He was speaking at a joint press conference in Lisbon, Portugal, with President Akufo-Addo.
President Nana Akufo-Addo is on a three-day State visit to strengthen the two countries’ long-standing diplomatic relations.
The objective is to increase people’s political, cultural, and socioeconomic exchanges.
The West African country wishes to strengthen multilateral collaboration, promote a better world, and solve global concerns related to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Portugal maintains strong historical ties with Ghana, dating back to the 15th Century.
President Rebelo de Sousa emphasized his country’s commitment to engaging in business with Ghana, given their shared development experiences and mutual interest in addressing global challenges.
“With these, it is very easy to have good bilateral relations between the two countries,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo thanked the Portuguese government for its commitment to advancing Ghana’s voice and interests inside the European Union.
He hoped that the State visit will give a more robust platform for economic engagement, increasing trade volumes and bringing development to the people.
He stated that his administration was looking forward to expanding cooperation with the Portuguese government as Ghana sought assistance to decrease poverty to the bare minimum.
In addition, the government will collaborate effectively with its European counterparts to eliminate irregular migration, insecurity, and human rights violations.
Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, has emphatically stated that the parliamentary minority remains steadfast in their commitment to boycott all parliamentary activities.
The MP explained that until Akufo-Addo and his government halt the persecution of the minority caucus, NDC MPs will continue to be absent on the days any of their members has to go to court.
Sam Nartey George speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM further added that, the NDC does not care about losing parliamentary seats as a result of their absence from the House.
“Akufo-Addo will go down in the history of this country as the worst president and most undemocratic person. And we must resist him at every turn if it means losing 137 seats in Parliament. They should declare the 137 seats vacant and let’s have a by-election. After all, that will bring a lot of development to our 137 constituencies because that is their stalking,” Sam George said.
“The 137 of us have decided and are definite in our minds. We are not going to the chamber any day they take our colleagues to court and persecute them,” he added.
It would be recalled that the minority in parliament agreed to snub parliamentary proceedings whenever an NDC MP went to court. This was in solidarity with Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson who is standing trial for forgery and perjury.
President Akufo-Addo has stated that Ghana is ready to work with Portugal to find answers to the country’s problems.
During his state visit to Portugal, President Akufo-Addo made the statement while meeting with the Portuguese President.
He announced the signing of an agreement with the Portuguese government to provide intelligence assistance to Ghana in tackling extremism in West Africa.
“It is particularly significant for us that at this time when there is so much turmoil in West Africa emanating from the Sahel, we’ve been able to sign this defence cooperation with Portugal.”
“I assure President de Sousa that Ghana will continue to collaborate with Portugal to find solutions to challenges such as the eradication of widespread poverty, insecurity and human rights violation, terrorism and violent extremism,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo embarked on an official visit to Portugal on Monday.
Subsequently, he is scheduled to travel to Italy, where he will serve as the keynote speaker for the European Corporate Council on Africa and Middle East (ECAM) Annual Summit from 23rd to 24th July. During his time in Italy, he will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss matters of mutual interest between the two nations.
Some 46 Ghanaian citizens have retracted a petition submitted to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, requesting the removal of Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, as well as her deputies.
According to a report by graphic.com.gh, the 46 citizens are part of the pressure group, #FixTheCountry.
The report added that the group had sent in the petition to the president because they believed that the EC bosses played major roles in how the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL) were disenfranchised in terms of their representation in the Parliament of Ghana.
However, the group decided to withdraw their petition following the adjournment of the case sine die by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
“After nearly two years of waiting for institutional action on the impeachment petition brought against the chairperson and deputies of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, we the 46 petitioners formally notified the President and the Chief Justice of our intention to withdraw the petition,” they stated in a statement dated Friday, July 14, 2023, the report added.
The group, in the statement, added that the refusal of the EC to act on the petition was due to a deliberate and collaborationist decision by the then Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah, in connivance with the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa.
“We the petitioners, after 2 years of seeing various constitutional officers fail to live up to their constitutional responsibilities in this matter, have become convinced of a lack of interest or urgency in pursuing the justice of our plaint and have as such lost faith in the integrity of the process.
“We feel compelled to exercise our democratic right to withdraw this petition, in order that the Constitution will no further be mocked by the indolence of actors who have been assigned the task of its protection. In reaching this decision, we have considered the best interest of our democracy, and taken further account of our refusal to lend ourselves to any process that will ultimately be used to whitewash clear evidence of egregious misconduct. In addition, we see no reason why we should participate in the persistence of what has so clearly become a charade,” the statement added.
Of all the constituencies in the country, the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL) have been left without a representation in parliament.
Although there have been several calls made for them to get representation, the matter has dragged, with no resolution arrived at yet.
A hopeful candidate for the NPP flagbearer position, Alan Kyerematen, has highlighted the substantial political sacrifice he made by willingly withdrawing his candidacy in favor of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the 2008 General Elections.
Alan Kyerematen contemplated on how his decision, driven by the utmost interest of the NPP and the nation, aimed to avoid a runoff election and foster unity within the party.
Speaking to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in the Volta region, Mr. Kyerematen said;
“I made the greatest political sacrifice in the history of Ghana’s politics by stepping down for Nana Addo. It was in the supreme interest of the NPP and to foster unity,” Graphiconline.com quoted Kyerematen as having said.
He regarded his decision to withdraw from the 2007 Presidential Primaries as a remarkable display of sacrifice, putting the collective interests of the NPP ahead of personal ambition.
Drawing attention to the importance of a candidate’s choice and campaign style in the upcoming 2024 General Election, Kyerematen stressed that these factors would play crucial roles in determining the electoral outcome.
He emphasized the need for a candidate with credibility, someone who can garner trust and support from the electorate due to their strong appeal throughout the country.
“Credibility is a key factor that voters consider when making their decision at the polls. A candidate with a strong track record of integrity, competence, and commitment to the welfare of the people will have a higher chance of winning the support of the electorate,” Kyerematen expressed during his address.
Elaborating further, he added, “It is important for the candidate to articulate a clear vision for the country, addressing the key concerns and aspirations of the citizens. The campaign-style should be inclusive, engaging, and accessible, ensuring that the message reaches a wide range of people across different demographic groups.”
President Akufo-Addo on Monday, July 17, embarked on a state visit to Portugal, following an invitation from Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
During his time in Lisbon, Akufo-Addo will participate in the Portuguese government’s EurAfrican Forum on July 19, 2023.
Subsequently, he has been invited by the European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East (ECAM) to be a keynote speaker at the 4th ECAM Annual Summit in Italy, scheduled from July 23 to 24, 2023.
Additionally, he will meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss matters of mutual interest between the two nations.
Accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, Minister of Education, Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Minister for Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, President Akufo-Addo is expected to return to Ghana on Monday, July 24, 2023.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has set off on an official visit to Portugal at the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
During his time in Lisbon, President Akufo-Addo will engage in the EurAfrican Forum hosted by the Portuguese government on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo has received an invitation from the European Corporate Council on Africa and the Middle East (ECAM) to travel to Italy as a distinguished speaker at the 4th ECAM Annual Summit, which will take place from July 23rd to 24th, 2023. During his visit, he will also hold discussions with Italian Prime Minister, H.E. Giorgia Meloni, focusing on matters of shared concern between Ghana and Italy.
He was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchway; Minister for Defence, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul; Minister for Education, Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum; Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Bryan Acheampong; and officials of the presidency and foreign Ministry.
President Akufo-Addo will return to Ghana on Monday, 24th July, 2023 and in his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60 (8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.
The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has expressed satisfaction with President Akufo-Addo’s decision to endorse the revised salaries and allowances of its members.
Previously, the Association had been protesting against what they perceived as the government’s lack of commitment to approving the agreed-upon terms, leading to an indefinite strike starting on May 24, 2023.
JUSAG had urgently requested the government’s attention regarding the implementation of the approved cost-of-living allowance for its members.
They subsequently sought the intervention of Chief Justice Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo.
The Association stated that their engagement with the Chief Justice produced positive outcomes, confirming that the president has approved the reviewed salaries and other entitled allowances for JUSAG members.
The association in a statement indicated that though the process and engagement with the Chief Justice had been challenging, “we are glad that her ingenuity and exceptional leadership with the support of other stakeholders led to the conclusion of the engagement on the 15th of June 2023 with an understanding that implementation of the reviewed salaries will take effect in July 2023.”
“We are reassured by the letter of Her Ladyship Honourable Chief Justice dated 13th July 2023 which confirms that His Excellency the President of Ghana has approved the new salary structure, and implementation will be done in the month of July 2023 as indicated by the Ministry of Finance at the close of engagement,” the group further noted in the statement.
President Akufo-Addo, the, made a grand entrance at the 30th anniversary celebration of his late wife, Eleanor Akosua Akufo-Addo, adding a touch of glamour to the event.
The family of the late Madam Eleanor Akosua Akufo-Addo, formerly known as Saa Nkansah-Gyamenah organised the commemorative ceremony to mark three decades since her passing.
The President was mobbed by the cheering crowd who were there to also honour the memory of his late wife.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling and dedication of the Eleanor Akufo-Addo Memorial Social Centre, established in her honour. This centre stands as a testament to her legacy and the impact she made during her lifetime.
Background
Following tradition, a 30th-anniversary event was held to honour her memory.
Madam Eleanor Akufo-Addo sadly departed on July 13, 1993, under undisclosed circumstances.
She shared a cherished bond with Akufo-Addo for many years, and together, they had a daughter; Edwina Nana Dokua Akufo-Addo.
The late Eleanor Akufo-Addo was a distinguished lawyer and held the esteemed position of being the first Ashanti Regional Manager of DHL. She hailed from the Botase Royal Family of Asante Mampong and was known for her beauty, elegance, gentleness, and courteous nature.
To commemorate her 30th anniversary, a special event took place at Asante Mampong, her final resting place.
The ceremony began with a wreath-laying ceremony at her grave site, followed by a brief anniversary service.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling and dedication of the Eleanor Akufo-Addo Memorial Social Centre, established in her honor. This centre stands as a testament to her legacy and the impact she made during her lifetime.
The commemoration of Madam Eleanor Akufo-Addo’s 30th anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of her significant contributions and the enduring love she shared with President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Thursday, 13 June 2023, marked the beginning of a profound and solemn farewell ceremony for the late Ghanaian author, Ama Ata Aidoo.
Photo credit: Asenso Boakye
A tapestry of red and black enveloped the environment as scores of mourners who had gathered at the forecourt of the State House to honour the memory of the deceased prolific writer were all clad in either of these colours or a blend of both.
Photo credit: Asenso Boakye
Scores of dignitaries from within and outside the country, including President Akufo-Addo, former President John Dramani Mahama, NDC Presidential running mate for the 2020 general elections, Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, were all present at the sombre occasion.
Phot credit: John Dramani Mahama
Family and friends were also in their numbers to bid their beloved farewell.
Photo credit: John Mahama
Ama Ata Aidoo was a renowned writer, poet and playwright. She was a pioneer in African literature, and her work helped to bring African stories to the world stage.
Photo credit: Asenso Boakye
Ama Ata Aidoo, in addition to being an acclaimed Ghanaian author, was a strong advocate for social justice, delving into the realms of gender equality and the empowerment of women through her literary contributions.
Photo credit: John Mahama
After a brief illness, Ama Ata Aidoo passed away on 31 May 2023. Although her departure is a great loss to the world, her influential legacy will endure. Her literary works will serve as a timeless source of inspiration for readers and writers, transcending generations.
