A video of Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, declaring his opposition to same-sex marriage during the installation of the second Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Ghana in 2021 has resurfaced.
Speaking to the audience, which included clergymen and other dignitaries, Akufo-Addo vowed to prevent the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Ghana under his presidency.
“It will not be under the Presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that same-sex marriage will be legalised in Ghana. It will never happen in my time as President. Let me repeat, it will never happen,” he emphasised.
This declaration has sparked controversy among the public, as it appears to contradict his recent stance on the matter.
However, during a joint press conference held on Monday, March 27, 2023, with the Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, at the Jubilee House, Akufo-Addo distanced himself from a recent anti-LGBTQ+ Bill proposed in Ghana.
He clarified that his administration has no hand in the proposition of the Bill and further asserted that he would “come in” after the passage of the Bill.
“The Bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with a responsible response to the proposed Bill,” the President added.
And for many Ghanaians, this statement appears to suggest a departure from his earlier position on the matter.
The Produce Buying Company Limited (PBC) has a new Managing Director.
Derek Kwaku Nkansah has been appointed by President Akufo-Addo as the Managing Director (MD) of PBC Limited.
The nomination is contained in a letter dated March 2, 2023 and signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante.
“Kindly take the necessary steps to regularise the said appointment in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992) and the constitution of the Company,” portions of the release stated.
Mr Nkansah, popularly called Paa Nii, is the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman for the United Kingdom.
Profile
Chairman Nkansah started as a member of the NPP UK Communications team and rose to a Deputy Organiser of the branch.
After four years, he contested the chairman position in April 2018 and won. His tenure ended in May 2022.
Mr Nkansah is credited with expanding the NPP UK branch beyond London to enable more Ghanaians to join the party.
He inaugurated the Telford, Bristle, Aberdeen, Hull and the four NPP chapters in London.
Paa Nii also worked closely with International Affairs Directorate of the NPP to ensure external branches abroad have representations at all levels and helped the party win more parliamentary seats in the 2016 elections.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has accused the US Vice President for meddling in the affairs of the country following her comments on the country’s position on LGBTQ+.
This was after Kamala Harris was asked about the development at the Jubilee House on Monday. Madam Harris did not directly address the Anti-gay bill in Ghana’s Parliament but restated her stance on human right violation against minorities adding that her position remains unchanged.
However, the Speaker has described the comments as undemocratic.
“This thing should not be tolerated. That is undemocratic. That someone else would have to dictate as to what is good and what’s bad? It’s unheard of,” he said during a meeting with some religious leaders.
He further criticised President Akufo-Addo for saying that he will “come in” after Parliament decides on the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has categorically stated that President Akufo-Addo cannot overturn the outcome of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill should Parliament pass it.
“The Bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with a responsible response to the proposed Bill,” the President added.
However, it appears this comment has triggered anger buttons of some personalities in the country, of which the Speaker is among.
In reaction, the Speaker called President’s bluff, insisting he (President Akufo-Addo) has no say after Parliament decides on the Bill.
“The Bill will be passed…That answer he gave that it’s now before Parliament and when it gets to a stage that he has to he will come in. Hey, please , this is Legislation, this is not Execution.
“Wait until we pass it and we direct you to execute it . That is when you come in, that’s why we are the representatives of the people. So in terms of Law which is part of policy, we finalise it and then the Executive now has the authority to implement it.
“Let’s get this clear, while this Bill is before here, he’s not in charge , I am in charge,” he added.
According toSamuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram, it would be politically suicide should President Akufo-Addo decide not to sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill when Parliament approves it.
According to the MP, if the President fails to assent to the bill otherwise known as the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, two-thirds of members of Parliament can vote in favour of the bill to be passed into law.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Samuel George indicated that failure to approve the bill will be an indictment on the government.
“The President will be requested by Parliament to sign the bill into law. It will be politically suicidal, and it will mark the sound of a dead mill on his abysmal government if he said he was not going to sign that bill into law. That will be the beginning of the collapse of his government and his legacy. And so I don’t want to have that thought because I think that his advisers and handlers will advise him accordingly,” theNingo Prampram MP said.
President Akufo-Addo during a joint press conference he had with US Vice President, Kamala Harris at the Jubilee House on Monday, disclosed that his government had intervened to modify the current anti-LGBTQ Bill.
Kamala Harris also tried to belittle Ghana’s efforts to pass the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Incensed over the comments, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin lambasted Akufo-Addo and Kamala Harris describing the comments as undemocratic.
“As the Vice President of the USA, Kamala Harris did yesterday, these things should not be tolerated, that is undemocratic. What is democracy? That someone should have to dictate to me what is good and what is bad? Unheard of, because we have decided to devalue ourselves and go begging? Come on, we have more than enough. God has created more than enough for every person, the Bill will be passed,” Bagbin added.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has categorically stated that President Akufo-Addo cannot overturn the outcome of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill should Parliament pass it.
Speaking during a meeting with some religious leaders, he said the President cannot interfere with the works of the House.
“This is a word to the President of the Republic, there is no way you can intervene,” he said.
The Speaker’s comment was in reaction to a claim by the President regarding the passage of the proposed anti-LGBTQ+ before Parliament.
President Akufo-Addo, during a joint press brief held on Monday, March 27, 2023, for himself and the Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, at the Jubilee House, distanced himself from the Bill.
He clarified that his administration has no hand in the proposition of the Bill and further asserted that he would “come in” after the passage of the Bill.
“The Bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with a responsible response to the proposed Bill,” the President added.
However, it appears this comment has triggered anger buttons of some personalities in the country, of which the Speaker is among.
In reaction, the Speaker called President’s bluff, insisting he (President Akufo-Addo) has no say after Parliament decides on the Bill.
“The Bill will be passed…That answer he gave that it’s now before Parliament and when it gets to a stage that he has to he will come in. Hey, please , this is Legislation, this is not Execution.
“Wait until we pass it and we direct you to execute it . That is when you come in, that’s why we are the representatives of the people. So in terms of Law which is part of policy, we finalise it and then the Executive now has the authority to implement it.
“Let’s get this clear, while this Bill is before here, he’s not in charge , I am in charge,” he added.
Reports that the governmentowes some seedling suppliers for the Green Ghana project 2.5 billion cedis have been refuted by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The seedling contractors were tasked to supply seedlings for the tree planting exercise during the Green Ghana Day celebrations for 2021 and 2022.
According to the association, several engagements with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission for the government to pay them have been unsuccessful despite the many assurances.
According to members of the association, they are currently frustrated as they are constantly being harassed by banks they secured loans from to procure the seedlings.
Speaking to Citi News, the Secretary of the Ashanti Region Seedlings Contractors Association, Gloria Amponsah called on President Akufo-Addoto intervene in ensuring that they are paid to lessen their burden.
“The situation is really hurting us. A lot of people are in trouble and the law courts are attacking them. We have gone to the Forestry Commission several times to no avail, sometimes we even sleep there but all the promises have not come true. When we go there, they treat us like we are not humans, they don’t have empathy for us”.
But the government has attempted to set the record straight describing the quoted amount as outrageous and that the government owes them only 28 million cedis.
Speaking during a tour to inspect some trees planted at some sites of the Green Ghana Project, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Benito Owusu Bio said the government is making frantic efforts to pay them.
“Please we don’t owe anyone GH¢2.5 billion. Yes government owes for 2021 to 2022. In all, it is just 28 million Ghana cedis so where from the 2.5 billion? Let’s report the fact as it is.”
He further added that despite some peculiar challenges it has recorded, the survival rates during the 2021 and 2022 Green Ghana projects have been positive.
He added that the government will continually embark on such exercises to achieve its intended purpose.
President Akufo-Addo has rejected claims that Ghana is hosting some members of Al-Qaeda in the country.
He made the statement during a joint press conference held at the Jubilee House, where he received the Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris.
During the press conference, the President was asked about the state of Ghana’s terrorist watch and the potential consequences of terror threats to US security aid.
The questions were prompted by the proliferation of terrorist groups across the West African region and the increasing activity of pirate groups along the West African coast.
Although Ghana is yet to witness a terrorist attack, neighbouring countries in recent years have suffered some attacks.
Terrorist groups associated with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Islamic State of Libya and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) according to sources have significant presence in the region.
These groups have demonstrated capability and intent by mounting attacks against security forces and civilians in several countries, most recently in Burkina Faso and Mali.
While there have been no recent attacks in Ghana, the government has instituted some measures including beefing up security at the country’s borders and also launching the “See something, say something” campaign aimed at heightening sensitisation on terrorism, to forestall such attacks.
The journalist wanted to know what the country needed from the United States to combat the threat of Wagner Groups invading the African Continent.
Additionally, he asked for confirmation on whether Ghana was hosting any members of the Al-Qaeda group.
In response the President said he could not confirm if something of that sort existed in the country.
“The presence of Al Qaeda in Ghana, I don’t know. Formally, we don’t have any information to that effect. There are cells , etc already in the country but those are matters our security agencies are very much on top of and we are hoping that there will be no Al-Qaeda presence in Ghana.
“And that has to be the wish of anybody who is the friend of this country and those who wish the people of Ghana well,” added.
President Akufo-Addo has disassociated himself from the anti-gay bill that is currently being considered by parliament.
Speaking at the Jubilee House during a joint press brief with the U.S Vice President, Kamala Harris, on Monday, March 27, 2023, he clarified that his administration has no hand in the proposition of the Bill.
“The Legislation was a legislation that is being proposed as a Private Members Bill. This is not an official legislation of the government but it is one that is being mooted by a handful of private members,” he said.
His comment was in response to a question posed by a New York Times journalist who was inquiring about the position of the US government on Ghana’s proposed LGBTQI Bill during the joint press conference with the US Vice President and President Akufo-Addo.
Kamala Harris in response noted that the subject of the LGBTQI is an issue of Human Rights, thus, the US government prefers to treat it as such.
“A great deal of my work has been on human rights issues and equality across the board including the LGBTQ community. I believe strongly in supporting freedom and providing equality to all people and that all people be treated equally. I will also say that this is an issue I consider to be a human rights issue and that will not change,” she said.
Reacting to the same question, President Akufo-Addo dismissed assertions that an anti-gay bill has been passed in the country.
“We don’t have any such legislation in Ghana. A Bill has been proposed to the Parliament of Ghana which has all kinds of ramifications which is now being considered by the Parliament. It hasn’t been passed so the statement that there is Legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate. No legislation.
He added that “the bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney-General has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with the responsible response to the proposed Bill,” he added.
The member of parliament for Tema East, Isaac Ashai Odamtten, has expressed his disappointment in the outcome of the secret
He has described the approval of some ministerial nominees by his colleague National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, as betrayal.
According to him, their action is even more painful because it’s from within adding that they (minority) defied the orders of the party to disapprove new appointees of president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Odamtten in a Facebook post, however, noted that it was a lesson learnt.
“The most painful form of betrayal is when it comes from within. But we’ll take it as a lesson and keep moving.”
Meanwhile,the Tema East is not the first to express disappoinment in some of the NDC MPs. Some members of the minority side in parliament have criticised the unknown pepetrators and accused them of being in bed with government.
Parliament approves all six nominees, two Supreme Court Justices:
Parliament on Friday, March 24 approved all six ministerial nominees as well as the nominees of the supreme court of President Akufo-Addo after a heated debate, 24 hours prior, and a tense voting process.
Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all nominees got more votes than the minimum of 138 votes required because out of the 275 eligible voters, there were three absent.
Some Members of Parliament (MPs) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) did not adhere to the decision of the party to vote against the approval of the nominees.
Kobina Tahiru Hammond (MP for Adansi Asokwa) was approved as the Minister of Trade and Industry and Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi) as the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Other nominees who were approved include Stephen Asamoah Boateng, as Ministry of Chieftaincy; Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State (Ministry of Finance), and Osei Bonsu Amoah, Ministry of Local Government.
Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, was also approved as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
The Supreme Court nominees who were approved include George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court.
It appears the camp of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has not recovered from the shock of being betrayed by some MPs who voted in favor of the six ministerial appointees of President Akufo-Addo, against the party’s decision.
Many party faithfuls have outrightly condemned the act.
One MP who seems deeply hurt by the move is North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has on various occasions called out the ‘traitor’ MPs over the act.
In his latest post, he has challenged the MPs who defied the party’s decision to step forward.
“No one is convinced that these fifth columnists acted in good conscience, with honourable intentions, and in the national interest. If they did, why are they hiding in rat holes and afraid to publicly own up and defend their treachery?” he said.
In the post, he rendered an unqualified apology to all Ghanaians who felt heartbroken by the betrayal of the said MPs.
“We are deeply sorry. As heart wrenching as this episode has been, we fervently pray that the good people of Ghana and our loyal party members would not give up on us. Please find a place in your hearts to forgive us; and watch us work extra hard like never before, and with the purest of integrity as we seek to regain your trust and save our dear country, particularly in this period of self-inflicted economic crisis,” he said.
He added that “the traitors should have mustered courage and exhibited a modicum of sincerity during our numerous strategy sessions by informing us that they disagreed with our fundamental objection to President Akufo-Addo’s misguided penchant for an obscenely bloated government.”
“The damage these Judases and Esaus have done to our party’s brand and public trust in our caucus may take decades to repair. As we struggle to rebuild public confidence in the NDC, may the treacherous elements be exposed and may the Good Lord forgive them their trespasses,” he added.
He further lamented the impact this grave act of betrayal can have on the party.
“If we cannot be trusted in opposition when crumbs are at stake, how do we expect the Ghanaian people to send us into government where we shall be entrusted with all of Ghana’s resources? If privileged party elites conduct themselves in this manner at the top, what are we inviting our party agents at the branches to do on December 7, 2024 when they are tempted?
He, however, commended the NDC MPs who stood with the party and voted against the six appointees.
“I must, however, salute the over 90 gallant NDC MPs who refused to bow to Baal and kept faith with the suffering masses. It is worth pleading with Ghanaians to at least recognise that a clear majority of NDC MPs did not participate in this grand betrayal — that should offer some compensation and some genuine hope.
“May I conclude by soberly requesting all colleagues on both sides of the House to reflect on the epic happenings in the British House of Commons some four centuries ago which led to the historic dissolution speech of Oliver Cromwell on 20th April, 1653 as reproduced below.
Lamenting further, he asked the MPs to exit the NDC since they want to be in bed with the current government.
“It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.
“Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter’d your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?
“Ye sordid prostitutes, have you not defil’d this sacred place, and turn’d the Lord’s temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress’d, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!”
Evidence of how some members of the minority caucus in parliament voted to determine the fate of six ministers nominated byPresident Akufo-Addohas surfaced online.
A video circulating on social media shows how Tamale Central Member of Parliament,Ibrahim Murtala Mohammedvoted in compliance with a directive by the National Democratic Congress against all six nominees.
“This is how I voted. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed…this one No, No, No, No, No, this one No…this is how I voted and I record,” a voice purported to be that of the Tamale Central is heard in the video of an individual ticking through the nominees’ list.
Prior to the vetting of the nominees by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the NDC had issued a directive to its MPs to reject the nominees in demand for a reduction in the size of the current government.
However, when the House last Friday conducted a secret ballot on the nominees, all six acquired overwhelming votes despite the equal numbers on both sides of the House.
The outcome of the voting process has led to accusations of treachery being made against the minority MPs.
Some members of the caucus have since taken to social media to express their disappointment with the result while others have sought to claim their innocence.
Dr. Zenator Agyemang-Rawlings has said that her father, the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, would have challenged all National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs to take a “lie detector” test over the approval of ministerial appointees.
Her comment comes after a section of the minority voted to confirm six appointees of President Akufo-Addo as Ministers in a secret ballot on Friday, 24 March 2023.
Some Ghanaians have expressed disappointment in the Minority for approving the ministers to join the already over bloated government.
Some high ranking NDC members like former President John Mahama, North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the party’s general secretary Fiifi Kwetey, a leading member Prof Joshua Alabi among others have all condemned the action of their members who betrayed the party by voting YES in the secret ballot to approve the nominees.
Adding her voice to the many that have expressed shocked and disappointment, Dr Agyemang-Rawlings in a Facebook post said “on Friday night, I felt this deep pain that maybe it was perhaps better that he [JJ Rawlings] was not alive to witness what had happened to the NDC. But then again, I thought perhaps had he been alive he would probably have challenged all of us to go and swear on Antoa or dared us to take a lie-detector test!”
Alas! She noted the Founder is no longer with them, “but we have come too far to destroy our own legacy! We must course correct, immediately!”
“We need to return to the values and principles on which this party was built including honesty, accountability, integrity, discipline and commitment to our nation, Ghana,” the Klottey Korle MP added.
According to Dr Agyemang-Rawlings due to the tension and suspicion on the day of the secret ballot, she had to record her vote, although not appropriate, as prove that she voted against the approval of the nominees as the party had directed them to.
She said she took the decision to do so, so that she is not wrongly accused one day of being part of those MPs who betrayed the party and Ghanaians.
Read details of her full statement below:
The I in the Collective!
The NDC took a decision to vote against the President’s nominations on principle. We needed President Akufo-Addo to avert his mind to the bloated size of his government/cabinet to show the commitment of the Executive to reduce its expenditure as the government struggles with unsustainable debt.
If you disagree with a position the party and leadership have taken, have the courage of your convictions and speak up! It is cowardice and treachery to hide within the collective to pursue your individual parochial agenda!!! For the first time, I was forced to keep evidence of my votes to protect my integrity and my name!
I’m still reeling from the outcome of the secret ballot in the House on Friday. I’ve sat with the sad realisation that the unfortunate side of being part of a collective is the collective shame that comes with the actions of a few unknown faces whose actions affect everyone.
In the Chamber, when the back and forth was done, the voting began amidst threats to annul your vote if you were caught displaying your ballot paper.
My sister MP, Angela Alorwu-Tay and I, began a discussion on how to ensure that we had evidence of our votes. The last time there was a secret ballot, the women in our caucus were falsely accused en bloc of having betrayed the NDC. Some unscrupulous person even used my picture and that of a number of colleagues as part of that ludicrous headline at the time. We had no intention of allowing our integrity to be attacked again!
The idea of taking a photo of my vote was so alien to me but given the high level of suspicion and finger pointing already in the public domain, I realised it was imperative to take such a drastic measure to protect my integrity, “in the interest of probity and accountability (in the words of the late President JJ Rawlings).”
As the time drew closer for me to vote and I felt the increasing tension in the room, and I decided to put my camera on video mode.
I knew it was risky taking my phone into the booth, because there was a chance that the Speaker might chastise me openly. I told my colleagues sitting in my section what I was going to do and why. I got to the voting booth and nervously lifted my phone to record my hand ticking the ‘No’ column, feeling so annoyed that I was having to subject myself to this! When I got to my seat, I checked the video to make sure it had captured my vote, and then informed my colleagues that it had worked! I then suggested that they do same, for their own protection.
I must admit that I was still shocked by the results. I was crestfallen! But even the knowledge of my evidence of how I voted, did not bring me the relief I had hoped for. People were looking up to us, and we had let the side down.
As I’ve enquired about the possible reasons for what happened, I’ve concluded that we are looking at a situation of different interests converging in a single outcome. So, what is the solution to this wicked problem?
As a party, we have been drifting from our principles and values not-so-slowly, and I guess this is a wakeup call that this drift can no longer be ignored or brushed under the carpet. It took a handful of people and a single iceberg to sink the titanic and with it, many innocent persons drowned or froze to death.
As I type and share this, I’m cognisant of the usual abuse that some people are happy to hurl at anyone who dares, however I know that my reticence on this matter will be even more damaging!
My father continued to advise and chastise the party in the face of sometimes outright abuse from his own, but he remained true to his convictions. I still remember vividly when from his hospital bed, he asked me how the people in my constituency were doing in the lead up to the 2020 General Elections. Even when he was a few days away from his own death, he was still worried about Ghana! On Friday night, I felt this deep pain that maybe it was perhaps better that he was not alive to witness what had happened to the NDC. But then again, I thought perhaps had he been alive he would probably have challenged all of us to go and swear on Antoa or dared us to take a lie-detector test!
Alas! Our Founder is no longer with us, but we have come too far to destroy our own legacy! We must course correct, immediately! We need to return to the values and principles on which this party was built including honesty, accountability, integrity, discipline and commitment to our nation, Ghana!!
The second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, Ghana, as well as other African nations, will benefit economically from stronger links between the United States of America and those countries, according toUS Vice President Kamala Harris.
Her visit to Ghana, since becoming the Vice President of US, comes at a time when Ghana is facing an economic crisis.
Ghana secured a Staff-Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility to support the country’s economic recovery and put it on a sustainable path of growth.
Kamala, who was welcomed by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana, amid traditional drumming and dancing and cheers from some schoolchildren on Sunday, said, her visit was to promote economic growth and food security in Ghana and other African countries.
“On this trip, I intend to do work that’s focused on increasing investment here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity, specifically in the areas of economic empowerment of women and girls, empowerment of youth entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and support the work that must be done to increase food security,” Harris said in a short speech after her arrival at the Jubilee Lounge, Kotoka International Airport.
She said she would build on previous meetings with President Akufo-Addo, to deepen democracy and good governance, promote peace and security, build long-term economic growth, and strengthen business ties.
She said, “I also look forward to, during this visit, meet with entrepreneurs, students and farmers to witness, first-hand, the extraordinary innovation and creativity that’s occurring on this continent and inspiring the world.”
She said the US saw the visit to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia as a further statement of the long and enduring important relationship and friendship between her country and Africa.
“We (Ghana) see the visit of Kamala Harris as a very important one obviously because of the times in which we are, where the world is facing a lot of economic challenges,” Mr Jefferson Sackey, Deputy Director of Communication at the Presidency said in an interview with the media.
“She’ll be visiting Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, and the key focus of this particular visit is to find ways and means of helping each of these countries and find ways of addressing a lot of our economic woes,” Mr Sackey added.
As part of her three-day visit to Ghana, Kamala would hold talks with President Akufo-Addo, and meet with female entrepreneurs as her country seeks partnerships and investments in entrepreneurship.
After spending three days in Ghana, she would go to Tanzania for two days, before stopping over for a night in Zambia, as her country deepens its relationship with Africa. The highlight of her trip to Ghana, will be the delivering of a speech at the Black Star Square on Tuesday, March 28.
Harris would also visit a recording studio, and visit the Cape Coast Castle, Central Region, where enslaved Africans were once loaded onto ships for America.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged NDC supporters to disregard a list of Minority MPs claimed to have betrayed the party in the approval of ministerial appointees, on social media.
Interacting with delegates at Kanokoare during his tour of the Ellembelle Constituency in the Western Region on Sunday (26 March), Mr Mahama described the list as “fake”.
“And so, I am urging all NDC supporters to ignore it”, Mr Mahama said.
The Minority caucus has been heavily criticised for breaking rank to pass all six ministers appointed byPresident Akufo-Addo.
Commenting on the issue Mr Mahama urged disgruntled NDC supporters to remain resolute ahead of the 2024 polls as there “are little battles we have to fight before we go into the main battle. And that is one of those we fought a few days ago”.
“So, you don’t throw the baby away with the bathwater. I urge you all to remain calm because we need them at this crucial moment”, the former President said.
Parliament approves all six nominees, two Supreme Court Justices:
Parliament has approved all six ministerial nominees appointed by President Akufo-Addo after a heated debate on Thursday, March 24th, and a tense voting process on Friday, March 25th. Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all nominees got more than the minimum of 138 votes required, as there were three absentees out of the 275 eligible voters.
Below are the final figures for each nominee:
Total eligible 275
Absentees = 3
Total valid votes = 272
Hon KT Hammond, Minister for Trade and Industry
Yes = 154 No = 116 Rejected = 1 Abstention = 1
Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture
Yes = 167 No = 98 Rejected = 1 Abstention = 3
Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
Yes = 147 No = 122 Abstention = 3
Mohammed Amin
Yes = 152 No = 117 Rejected = 1 Abstentions = 2
Osei Bonsu Amoah
Yes = 149 No = 120 Abesmtion = 2
Stephen Amoah, deputy minister of Trade and Industry
Yes = 146 No = 123 Abstentions = 3
There is currently a debate on whether or not to take a vote on the remaining two Supreme Court justice nominees appointed by Akufo-Addo. Out of the four appointed, two have been approved, leaving George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called out members of the minority caucus who broke rank to defy the directive of the National Democratic Congress in approving some six ministers nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
In a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb, Mr Ablakwa likened the MPs to the biblical Judas and Essaus while questioning why they were not able to state their objection to the party’s directive or defend their decision to break ranks.
“The traitors should have mustered courage and exhibited a modicum of sincerity during our numerous strategy sessions by informing us that they disagreed with our fundamental objection to President Akufo-Addo’s misguided penchant for an obscenely bloated government.
“No one is convinced that these fifth columnists acted in good conscience, with honourable intentions, and in the national interest. If they did, why are they hiding in rat holes and afraid to publicly own up and defend their treachery?” he shared in a Facebook post while issuing an apology to the people of Ghana on behalf of the minority caucus.
Prior to the vetting of the nominees by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the NDC had issued a directive to its MPs to reject the nominees in demand for a reduction in the size of the current government.
However, when the House on Friday, March 24, 2023, conducted a secret ballot on the nominees, all six acquired overwhelming votes despite the equal numbers on both sides of the House.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the breakaway MPs by the actions have caused damage to NDC’s “brand and public trust in our caucus may take decades to repair.”
He, however, pleaded with Ghanaians to “at least recognise that a clear majority of NDC MPs did not participate in this grand betrayal — that should offer some compensation and some genuine hope.”
Read his full post below:
The NDC Caucus in Parliament certainly owe the Ghanaian people an unqualified apology.
We are deeply sorry.
The traitors should have mustered courage and exhibited a modicum of sincerity during our numerous strategy sessions by informing us that they disagreed with our fundamental objection to President Akufo-Addo’s misguided penchant for an obscenely bloated government.
No one is convinced that these fifth columnists acted in good conscience, with honourable intentions, and in the national interest. If they did, why are they hiding in rat holes and afraid to publicly own up and defend their treachery. The damage these Judases and Esaus have done to our party’s brand and public trust in our caucus may take decades to repair.
As we struggle to rebuild public confidence in the NDC, may the treacherous elements be exposed and may the Good Lord forgive them their trespasses.
If we cannot be trusted in opposition when crumbs are at stake, how do we expect the Ghanaian people to send us into government where we shall be entrusted with all of Ghana’s resources?
If privileged party elites conduct themselves in this manner at the top, what are we inviting our party agents at the branches to do on December 7, 2024 when they are tempted?
I must, however, salute the over 90 gallant NDC MPs who refused to bow to Baal and kept faith with the suffering masses.
It is worth pleading with Ghanaians to at least recognise that a clear majority of NDC MPs did not participate in this grand betrayal — that should offer some compensation and some genuine hope.
As heart wrenching as this episode has been, we fervently pray that the good people of Ghana and our loyal party members would not give up on us.
Please find a place in your hearts to forgive us; and watch us work extra hard like never before, and with the purest of integrity as we seek to regain your trust and save our dear country, particularly in this period of self-inflicted economic crisis.
May I conclude by soberly requesting all colleagues on both sides of the House to reflect on the epic happenings in the British House of Commons some four centuries ago which led to the historic dissolution speech of Oliver Cromwell on 20th April, 1653 as reproduced below:
“It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.
Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter’d your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?
Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil’d this sacred place, and turn’d the Lord’s temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress’d, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.
The John Agyekum Kufour Foundation CEO has reacted to the approval of the six new ministerial appointees, following Friday’s secret ballot.
He said he is not surprised that some NDC MPs after declaring their intention not to approve the ministers ended up voting in favor of all the six.
Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah said he was optimistic that the Akufo-Addo-led government will come out victorious.
“Personally I wasn’t surprised at the outcome because normally in such circumstances, you’re going to find out that the wheeling and dealing on the floor of Parliament on both sides and across, eventually will determine the outcome.
“The outcome doesn’t surprise me. I knew that the government side will win,” he said when speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday.
Prof Agyeman–Duah partly attributes the NDC’s approval of the appointees to what he describes as excessive power vested in the executive arm of government.
According to him, this makes it easy for government to influence those who may oppose its initiatives.
Following the resignation of some ministers in pursuit of presidential ambitions, the President made new appointments even though there were criticisms of a bloated size of government.
After a prolonged vetting process on Friday, Parliament debated whether or not to give the said appointees the nod after vetting them.
The leadership of the NDC in a statement cautioned its MPs not to approve any of the appointees.
It requested that all who had travelled should make sure they are available for the voting process.
The Minority Caucus indicated a strong opposition to the approach, saying government ought to cut down on expenditures and not exacerbate the current trends of an economic downturn by introducing new Ministers.
However, on March 24, after hours of disagreements and a brief suspension, Parliament finally approved all ministerial nominees.
This does not surprise the co-founder of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
Prof Agyemang-Duah said the Majority Caucus was aware that should they delay the process, they could convince some of the opposition MPs to join their course.
He told host Samson Lardy Anyenini that it was to be expected that such a situation was going to happen.
“When the Majority side decided to suspend the voting, they knew what was happening, and they knew that if they delayed the process they were going to be able to get some other guys from the other side to join them. This is what you should expect,” he said.
Meanwhile, the public including some experts have expressed disappointment at the NDC MPs for failing to stay through to their course.
When the Members of Parliament from the Minority side (National Democratic Congress MPs) walked into the Chamber of Parliament on Friday, March 24, 2023, they went in with one profound message: we will reject the ministerial nominees of president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Their reasons were that the government of the day, led by Akufo-Addo, was already too crowded and there was the need for it to rather be cut down.
The leadership of the NDC party had also sent the same communication to the MPs not to approve the six ministerial appointees and the two remaining Supreme Court judges’ nominees.
As an affirmation of this direction, arguments ahead of the vote on Friday, from the NDC MPs, all clearly indicated their resolve to cause the change for which many voted for a hung parliament: to keep the government properly in check.
But then things went sideways very quickly after the Members of Parliament cast their secret votes later that evening.
Surprisingly, and in what many have described as a betrayal by the NDC MPs, all the nominees of the president were approved by the House by an outright majority.
The results were declared by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, after extended sitting on Friday, March 24.
Disappointed in the turn of events, some three MPs from the Minority side: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu; Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Tamale North; and Francis-Xavier Sosu, Madina; put out some very cryptic messages.
Shared on their social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp), the MPs, through their messages, showed indications at their surprise and disappointment in the turnout of the votes.
Here are their messages below:
This is how the MPs also voted on the day for the ministers:
Total eligible 275
Absentees = 3
Total valid votes = 272
Hon KT Hammond, Minister for Trade and Industry
Yes = 154 No = 116 Rejected = 1 Abstention = 1
Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture
Yes = 167 No = 98 Rejected = 1 Abstention = 3
Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
Yes = 147 No = 122 Abstention = 3
Mohammed Amin, Minister of State at the Presidency
Yes = 152 No = 117 Rejected = 1 Abstentions = 2
Osei Bonsu Amoah, Minister of Local Government and Decentralization
Yes = 149 No = 120 Abesmtion = 2
Stephen Amoah, deputy minister of Trade and Industry
The Deputy Majority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged members of the National Democratic Congress not to be dejected by the loss in the battle on the approval of ministerial and judicial appointees of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
According to him, even though the loss was unbearable, the important thing is that the party comes together for the many battles ahead.
“I was naturally devastated last night but woke up surprisingly feeling stronger and convinced that we simply lost a battle and not the war.
“We necessarily have to regroup and soldier on for there are many battles ahead and I know with God on our side we shall win the war in the end,” the deputy majority leader wrote in a tweet shared, on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
“The victory of the NDC is coming again and nothing can stop it,” Armah-Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament for Ellembele, added.
Parliament approves all six nominees, two Supreme Court Justices:
Parliament on Friday, March 24 approved all six ministerial nominees as well as the nominees of the supreme court of President Akufo-Addo after a heated debate, 24 hours prior and a tense voting process.
Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all nominees got more votes than the minimum of 138 votes required because out of the 275 eligible voters, there were three absent.
Some Members of Parliament (MPs) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) did not adhere to the decision of the party to vote against the approval of the nominees.
Kobina Tahiru Hammond (MP for Adansi Asokwa) was approved as the Minister of Trade and Industry and Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi) as the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Other nominees who were approved include Stephen Asamoah Boateng, as Ministry of Chieftaincy; Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State (Ministry of Finance), and Osei Bonsu Amoah, Ministry of Local Government.
Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, was also approved as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
The Supreme Court nominees who were approved include George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is impressed with the support of the Minority in the approval of the six ministerial appointees of President Akufo-Addo.
The party has therefore congratulated MPs on the opposing side who ensured that president the ministerial and Supreme Court nominees were passed.
The party also expressed the nation’s gratitude to opposition MPs who also defied the Minority position to reject the nominees to vote in the national interest.
“Kudos to our gallant MPs for standing firmly behind the Government and ensuring that the President’s nominees for Ministers of State and Deputy Minister as well as for the Supreme Court were approved! The nation is also grateful to the brave NDC MPs who stood for #GhanaFirst,” the NPP posted on their official Twitter handle.
Parliament on Friday, March 24 approved all six ministerial nominees of president Akufo-Addo after a heated debate, 24 hours prior and a tense voting process.
Final results declared by Speaker Alban Bagbin showed that all six nominees got more votes than the minimum of 138 votes required because out of the 275 eligible voters, three were absent. The NPP thus had 136 MPs, same as the NDC.
After the ministerial vote, Parliament also voted on the report of two remaining Supreme Court justice nominees appointed by Akufo-Addo. The Minority had stated their position to reject the nominees in this case too.
At the end of a vote demanded by the Minority, both nominees were approved by a slight majority.
George Kingsley Koomson, Justice of the Court of Appeal got 139 YES votes against 133 NO votes, whiles Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, Justice of the High Court got 138 YES and 134 NO votes.
President Akufo-Addo is impressed by the new nickname of Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Letsa.
He has been laughing hysterically at the new nickname he discovered.
He is excited Dr Letsa has gotten an additional nickname besides what was given to the two of them by late former President Jerry Rawlings.
Late Rawlings nicknamed President Akufo-Addo and the Volta Regional Minister Dr. Archibald Letsa Aki and Pawpaw, but there is a new one.
Aki (Chinedu Ikedieze) and Pawpaw (Osita Iheme) are diminutive actors in the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood). Ex President Rawlings obviously nicknamed President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Letsa as such because of their short stature.
Dr Letsa’s new nickname – triple 66 was revealed on Thursday, March 23, when Dr Letsa accompanied a delegation made up of members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, some Chiefs from Adaklu Traditional Area, Municipal and District Chief Executives and other stakeholders to pay a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House and thank him for hosting the 66th independence parade in the Volta Region.
According to Akufo-Addo the tripple-66 has come to replace the earlier one given to him by late President Rawlings.
“And this new nickname of our Volta Regional Minister – triple-66 has replaced the nickname that Jerry John Rawlings gave you and I,” he said while laughing.
The origin of the new nickname is uncertain. However, one can guess that instead of double 6, Dr. Letsa may have said triple 66, an obvious slip of tongue or gaffe.
Nicknames are abbreviated or extra names that are given to people.
Although a person’s name can be shortened as a nickname, sometimes these names are imposed on a person as a way to tease or mock them.
The Minority caucus in Parliament is demanding that the voting onPresident Akufo-Addo‘s candidates be completed today.
After Speaker Alban Bagbin suspended the session because neither side could agree on how to vote for the confirmation of four Supreme Court Justices, as well as Ministers and Deputy Ministers nominated by President Akufo-Addo, there was an uproar in Parliament.
The Majority demanded that voting for the Supreme Court Justicesand the Ministers be done concurrently, but the Minority insisted that voting and counting be done separately.
The Majority also demanded that MPs from their side openly display their vote, but that was immediately shot down by the Minority who demanded that voting be done in secret.
The Minority led by Cassiel Ato Forson vehemently rejected the proposal of the Majority and urged the Speaker to allow MPs to vote in secret.
Speaking after the sitting was suspended, the Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson insisted that they will not have the voting any other day than today.
“We want the voting today, Friday, March 24, 2023, and not any other day. We urge those on the Majority side to return to Parliament immediately, so we vote.”
“We are ready with all our MPs and want the voting right away.”
Prior to the vetting of the newly nominated ministers on Monday, February 20, 2023, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) directed the Minority group not to approve them, describing their appointments as an insensitive move that would increase the government’s expenditure in the midst of an economic mess.
The nominated ministers include the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T Hammond as the Minister for Trade and Industry with the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr. Stephen Amoah serving as his deputy.
The Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong, was also appointed as the Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Stephen Asamoah Boateng was appointed as the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs among others.
The fate of President Akufo-Addo‘s new appointments will be discussed in Parliament today, Friday, March 24.
This occurs after the house delayed a discussion on the report for more than five hours so that members might convene a joint caucus meeting.
Although members on both sides of the house were not in support of the directive, the Speaker stood by his position.
“We agree to disagree, at the end of the day, my decision is that we will debate [the report on Thursday] and take the decision on Friday. I have listened to your submissions, I will permit three from each side of the caucus, ten minutes per person and we will take the next step. My proposal is that we take the decision on Friday, but we will do the debate on Thursday,” the Speaker stated.
Prior to the vetting of the newly nominated ministers on Monday, February 20, 2023, theNational Democratic Congress (NDC) directed the Minority group not to approve them, describing their appointments as an insensitive move that would increase government’s expenditure in the midst of an economic mess.
The nominated ministers include the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T Hammond as the Minister for Trade and Industry with the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr. Stephen Amoah serving as his deputy.
The Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong was also appointed as the Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Stephen Asamoah Boateng was appointed as the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs among others.
Meanwhile, the Minority has threatened to vote against the newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers.
Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson outlined some basis for the group’s position.
“We stand with the people of Ghana, and we are urging our colleagues from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stand for Ghana and not to stand for their colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the nominees are our colleagues, but the principle is that it’s not about them, it’s about the republic of Ghana. They may be our colleagues and friends and relatives, but it’s not about them. I call on you to look them in their faces and vote against them for the republic of Ghana. For the future of our country,” he said.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu however appealed to the house to consider the approval of the nominees.
“I will just plead that we approve the ministers,” he appealed.
One of life’s most humbling moments, according to a recently inducted member of the Electoral Commission (EC), was when she went through a divorce and realized how important it was to focus on her relationship with God.
Rev. Akua Ofori Boateng is also the first Female Programme Director of the Anglican Diocese.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, she indicated that even though she used to go to church growing up, she was never deeply involved in church activities and the things of God.
“Actually what brought me to the place of really paying attention to God was that I went through a divorce. I used to be a regular church goer, I drive my mother to church, hang out outside, when it’s time for communion, I go inside and take communion, come back outside,” she said.
“I didn’t belong to Scriptural Union (SU), I wasn’t a server, I was nothing, I remember when I went to seminary and we were introducing ourselves, everybody was a youth pastor, you know people were in the church, me I’m a member of my church, I pay dues and that’s it.”
Rev. Ofori Boateng explained that she was very fortunate to have relatively comfortable parents who took care of her very well and caused her to have a smooth life until things started to take a turn.
According to her, going through a divorce, becoming a single parent and even losing her job along the way made her feel as if her life had hit a wall.
“But it just brought me to a point of asking myself, what am I doing? I lived a pretty comfortable life, I went to GIS, went to university, got a job, you know everything followed for me so this was new like whoa, my life is supposed to go well so that really brought me to what people term as “a come to Jesus moment” where you’re really asking yourself, where do we go from here,”
“But I think that’s how God works with us, in that he brings us to a full stop, where I literally hit a wall, went through a divorce, lost my job, everything went bad,” she said on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
The Anglican Priest also said that when the time is right and if it pleases God, she would give love another chance.
Rev. Akua Ofori Boateng is one of the three members of the Electoral Commission sworn into office by President Akufo-Addo. The other two are Dr. Peter Appiahene and Salima Ahmed Tijani.
The Induction took place on Monday, March 20, 2023 at the Jubilee House.
Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has disclosed that government from 2017 to 2021 spent GHS 5,119,794,501.22 on its flagship Free Senior High School Program.
He said the ministry’s approved budget for the full implementation of the Free SHS program amounted to GHS 7,623,783,456.00.
However, during the period under review, the ministry of finance released a total of GHS 5,182,205,131.91.
“Mr. Speaker, the Government of H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo introduced the Free Senior High School program to improve access and quality of secondary education in Ghana. The program since its inception, has contributed to improving learning outcomes in our Senior High Schools.
“For the period under review (ie. 2017- 2021), the Ministry’s approved budget allocation for the implementation of the Free SHS program amounted to Seven Billion, Six Hundred and Twenty- three Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty- three Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty-six Ghana Cedis (GHS7,623,783,456.00).
“During the period under review, the Ministry of Finance released a total of Five Billion, One Hundred and Eighty-two Million, Two Hundred and Five Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty- one Ghana Cedis, Ninety-one pesewas (GHS5,182,205,131.91) to the Ministry of Education for the execution of the Free SHS program.
“The total expenditure for the period amounted to Five Billion, One Hundred and Nineteen Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-four Thousand, Five Hundred and One Ghana Cedis, Twenty-two pesewas GHS5,119,794,501.22),” he said.
This answer was in response to a question by the Akatsi North MP, who asked the minister to provide information on how much the Government has spent on the Free SHS Program between 2017 and 2021 in view of the conflicting figures on how much government has committed so far.
A Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asa Asante is disgruntled over the appointment of a member of the New Patriotic Party as a member of the Electoral Commission (EC).
He has therefore urged President Akufo-Addo to withdraw the appointment of the known member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a Commissioner of the Electoral Commission.
On Monday, President Akufo-Addo swore in Dr. Peter Appiahene, Salima Ahmed Tijani, and Rev Akua Ofori Boateng as new members of the commission.
But pictures have since gone viral alleging in particular Dr. Peter Appiahene as a patron of the NPP’s tertiary institutions wing, TESCON, specifically at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.
Many including the Centre for Democratic Development(CDD) Ghana, have expressed misgivings over the appointment of Dr. Appiahene who was at one time tipped to be a Regional Minister.
Speaking on the Morning Starr on Starr FM Wednesday, Dr. Asa Asante argued that the development does not auger well for confidence in the EC to be a fair arbiter.
“The Electoral Commission is a body which by law and by practice must be a neutral arbiter of electoral issues. So for that reason, if somebody is politically exposed, he should not be there. Even if he or she is appointed, the appointing authority can take a second look and withdraw that person because for elections to be free and fair, the electoral body must be neutral at all times and create a neutral enabling environment for all parties and political actors to act on that political sphere.
On that basis, any action taken by an appointing authority that has something to undermine the credibility of the EC obviously flies in the face of the work of the EC.”
He added: “So, I believe that this particular appointment given the evidence that is coming out now, it is important that Mr. President will take a second look at this appointment and withdraw the person. Because from the word go, it will create a whole lot of problems for the EC. The commission itself has over the years been suffering from a lot of concerns from political parties, particularly the NDC.”
As claimed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo manipulated his delivery of the State of the Nation message to Parliament.
The largest opposition group claims that the President ignored the nation’s grave situation and solely focused on glorifying himself.
Presenting what it called the “true state of the nation”, the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, touched on various issues, ranging from the bad state of the economy, the oversize government to the growing spate of corruption and described the current state of the nation as one of “hopelessness, recklessness and corrupt, with a leadership paralysis”.
Attendance
The event, which took place at the UPSA Auditorium yesterday, brought together the rank and file of the NDC, including members of its Functional Executive Committee (FEC), the National Executive Committee (NEC), regional executives and Members of Parliament (MP).
Notable personalities were the running mate to John Dramani Mahama in the 2020 presidential elections, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang; a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong; the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson; the General Secretary of the NDC, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey; a member of the Council of Elders, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, and an aspiring flag bearer of the party, Dr Kwabena Duffuor.
The auditorium was filled with an enthusiastic crowd who clapped and cheered intermittently as the presentation was made.
Flowery speeches
Mr Nketiah said “the true state of our dear nation no longer lies in flowery speeches laced in political chicanery that never accepted responsibility for anything but in taking the bull by the horns”.
He called on President Akufo-Addo to demonstrate leadership by taking immediate steps to cut down the size of his government to signal a new beginning.
“We further expect the government to be tolerant of dissent, heed calls for the implementation of the Constitutional Review recommendations, eschew profligacy, desist from nepotism and corruption, sanction corrupt officials and be honest about the true state of our nation,” he said.
Mr Nketiah stressed that it was unacceptable that in the midst of the economic crisis the country was going through, and despite the numerous calls by many groups, the President remained adamant to cut down the size of his government.
He said some appointees at the Presidency had no business keeping their positions when they added nothing unique to the country’s governance.
Economy
Turning to claims that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) inherited a bad economy, Mr Nketiah said the NDC-led government rather handed over an economy with better indicators.
He noted that it was bad governance, wasteful expenditure and a bloated government that put the economy in a crisis situation.
The NDC chairman said the public debt increased from GH₵120 billion in 2016 to GH₵600 million currently, with the debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio also increasing from 56 per cent to 103 per cent within the same period.
Again, he said the budget deficit of 6.2 per cent in 2016 had increased to 12 per cent currently, while inflation also skyrocketed from 15.2 per cent in 2016 to 52 per cent.
Touching further on economic indicators, he said the lending rate, which stood at 25 per cent in 2016, increased to between 38 and 45 per cent, with the rate of exchange depreciating from 9.6 per cent in 2016 to 23 per cent in the first two months of 2023.
Mr Nketiah said the downgrading of the country’s economy from B- in 2016 to below junk status was ample testimony of a country that had failed to honour its debt obligations.
In terms of the rate of unemployment, he said the situation worsened from 8.4 per cent to 14 per cent as of 2021, as captured by the 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC).
He said the debilitating economic conditions, in addition to the high taxes and high cost of power, had led to the laying off of workers by businesses, while some of them had relocated to some African countries.
“The growth of the agricultural sector reduced from 2.7 per cent in 2016 to 0.7 per cent in 2022, despite the so-called planting for food and jobs (PFJ); growth in the manufacturing sector reduced from 7.9 per cent to 4.5 per cent in 2022, in spite of the one district, one factory (1D1F); growth in the construction sector declined from 8.4 per cent in 2016 to 4.2 per cent in 2022, despite the claim that the government built 11,000 kilometres of road. This is the true state of the nation,” he said.
The NDC Chairman said the President also failed to tell Ghanaians the state of the country in terms of the fight against corruption.
“Instead of confronting the canker head-on, President Akufo-Addo has constituted himself into a corruption clearing agent, ever willing to whitewash himself and any of his appointees who dabbles in corruption, even before investigative processes commence,” he said.
For instance, he cited President Akufo-Addo’s declaration of “nothing dishonourable was done with the COVID-19 Funds” as one of the issues among the litany of failed attempts to conceal the rot that had left many scandalised following the publication of the Special Audit into COVID-19 funds by the Auditor-General.
“How does President Akufo-Addo reasonably expect Ghanaians to accept as honourable the Auditor-General’s finding that COVID-19-related payments totalling over GH₵543 million were made to various service providers outside of the Ghana Integrated Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378)?” he quizzed.
He stressed that the government’s management of the COVID-19 funds could not be said to be honourable when the Auditor-General could not verify bills and validate dubious payments amounting to over GH₵37.6 million by the Ministry of Finance to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private individual water providers under the ‘free water’ initiative.
Economist Stephen Adei says incessant borrowing without the capacity to repay is one of the most significant contributors to the country’s economic crisis.
The former Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Board Chairman insists this development is what has become an albatross around President Akufo-Addo’s neck.
“I think the biggest mistake they made is that they borrowed beyond our capacity to service it,” he said.
He made these comments on the sidelines of the Signature Market Pre-launch campaign at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Prof Adei explained that even though exogenous factors such as the coronavirus pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia war played a role, overborrowing is the final nail that threw it entirely out of gear.
“If you are a country and you borrow beyond your capacity, you will be in trouble, of course, COVID-19 came in, and the Russia-Ukraine [war]. But the reason why things got worse is because of these underlying mistakes they made and they must admit it”, Prof Adei explained.
He told pressmen that if this was not the case, “they won’t be going to IMF.”
“We have to learn and not repeat our mistakes by going on a borrowing spree”, he urged the government.
Three years into the next [NDC] administration, the reality, according to Bernard Oduro Tacky will dawn on President Akufo-Addo for him to know the mess he presided over in his tenure.
That would be the time, the Chartered Economist says Akufo-Addo, will apologise to Ghanaians.
He has been telling Dr. Prekese on Onua FM’s drive time show, Efie Ne Fie, Monday, March 20, 2023, that when the President leaves office, that would be when he would know the real deals that were happening around him.
For instance, after realising his successor is ruling effectively with 60 ministers, that would be when he will know he shouldn’t have drained the public purse for the many ministers he appointed without results.
Mr. Oduro Takyi says President Akufo-Addo as it stands may not appreciate the truth which he may term as mere criticisms but will know the truth after leaving office.
TheBest Cocoa Farmers Association (BCFA) has urged the government to impose a ban on the shipment of Ghanaian poultry manure to its neighboring countries in the West African area as soon as possible.
The Association made the call when they paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House today Tuesday 21 March 2023, to register their appreciation to the him for what they said is “the numerous support the [Akufo-Addo administration] “has given to cocoa farmers since assuming office in January 2017”.
Export of Poultry manure
Addressing President Akufo-Addo through their President Charles Gyamfi, the Association noted that their call for a total ban on the export of poultry manure has become necessary because the cocoa sector in the country needs the full compliment of all the poultry manure produced in the country in order to increase cocoa production and reduce the sector’s dependance on imported chemical fertilizers.
President Akufo-Addo meeting with the BCFA delegation at his office in the Jubilee House
“We want a ban on the export of poultry manure to neighbouring Countries. Currently, there is high export of manure to Cote d’Ivoire in recent times and we think this is not a good sign for our country and our cocoa sector” Charles Gyamfi the BCFA President Charles Gyamfi said.
“Instead, we want a deliberate effort by government to reduce importation of chemical fertilizers into our operations while at the same time, plans are put in place to support the production of poultry manure and its wide application in cocoa farming. As you are already aware, this type of manure protects the ecosystem and conserve the environment from destruction” the BCFA President added.
Pension’s Scheme / Cocoa roads
Turning his attention to the pension’s scheme of cocoa farmers, Mr Gyamfi noted that the promise of government made to them to establish the scheme “seems to be delaying in its full scale roll out”.
President Akufo-Addo in a group picture with the BCFA leadership
“Our members keep on asking when they will be enrolled onto the scheme as you promised in December 2020. We will be grateful if you could intervene to see to its full implementation sooner rather than later” Charles Gyamfi said.
About Cocoa roads, the BCFA President pointed out that their “advice is that very soon the rains will set in and the ongoing roads may suffer if we do not complete them”.
“We suggest that attention is paid to all on-going roads, complete them before new contracts are given. This will ensure value for money” the Association indicated in their submission during the meeting with President Akufo-Addo.
Prompt attention
President Akufo-Addo in his response to the cocoa farmers noted that he is happy that the farmers have drawn his attention to the issue of export of poultry manure by elements in the nation to neighbouring countries.
He assured the delegation that together with the caretaker Minister for Agriculture, Hawa Koomson, who was present at the meeting, their concern will be given the necessary attention it deserves in order to deal with the phenomenon.
The President also noted that the two other concerns they have presented which are the cocoa farmers pension scheme and cocoa roads, will both be given immediate attention.
Timely interventions
In their presentation, the BCFA noted that several interventions of the Akufo-Addo administration have helped to improve cocoa farming in the country.
“The Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme for instance, has helped to restore hope, joy and position the country’s cocoa sector on a solid path to recovery after years of continuous devastation caused by the CSSVD. The pruning and hand pollination exercises have also played their part in increasing yields significantly as well as bettering our livelihoods.
President Akufo-Addo receiving a citation from the BCFA leader
“The mass spraying exercise, which was repackaged to become more useful and timeous has helped to control pests and reduced the incidence of the black pod disease whereas the free seedlings project has assisted our members to establish new farms, and fill in vacancies” the association President said.
“The irrigation programme is gradually becoming a new concept in our traditional operations and those of us who have the set-up on our farms have seen how useful it has been to boosting yields.
“Cocoa Producer Prices have remained extremely good although we wish more could be done in that light. We commend you for taking all the bold steps to ensure that we get value for our cocoa farming business. “Most importantly, your decision in 2019 not to reduce the price of cocoa when all forces pressured you to reduce. It showed how much you care about farmers” he added.
Introduction of new awards
Speaking to the issue of awards instituted to encourage cocoa farmers, the association state that President Akufo-Addo gave “approval for two new awards to be added to the national cocoa awards categories”.
“The first one is the “Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer Award”. The new form of this award, which is in its 5th year, has served as a motivation to the youth in our communities.
“Today, there is heightened competition among the youth to work harder to win this award. The second award is the “Most Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer Award” the BCFA President said.
“This one too, has encouraged our women to do better and triggered keen competition among our women who play significant roles in cocoa farming” he added.
The National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has alleged that President Akufo-Addo is responsible for corruption in the country.
He again accused President Akufo-Addo of promoting corruption to the extent of going ahead with investigations to exonerate his appointees accused of engaging in corruption-related cases.
Sammy Gyamfi further slammed government officials for engaging in corruption which he said has taken a toll on the economy.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu, on Face to Face on Citi TV, Sammy Gyamfi claimed, “they have come to promote corruption.President Akufo-Addocame to enable corruption, if corruption was a human being, its name would have been President Akufo-Addo. If you wanted to see corruption, and you saw President Akufo-Addo you would have found your answers”.
He stressed, “no President in the history of this country has promoted corruption than President Akufo-Addo. This President engages in corruption, his Vice President engages in corruption, and their officials engage in corruption. When they are caught by state agencies, they either fight them or even before investigations are done, the President comes out to whitewash himself and sometimes his corrupt officials”.
He wondered why the President conferred a national award on the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, who has been indicted by the Auditor General for misusing COVID-19 funds.
“As I speak with you, the Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang -Manu has been indicted by the Auditor General for paying $81 million for vaccines not supplied. Instead of sacking this man, President Akufo-Addo conferred a national award [Order of the Volta-Companion] on him. He also engaged in procurement breaches of Sputnik V vaccines,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo has tasked the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that election 2024 is free, credible, and fair.
According to him, a fair election will strengthen Ghana’s democratic credentials.
“It is no secret that I have spent most of my adult life trying to fight for the establishment of democracy and human rights in this country and I have always fought and advocated for credible elections in Ghana. In emphasizing the importance of the credibility of elections, it must be pointed out that the counting, collation and declaration of the results, cannot and should not be more important than the sacred God-given rights of the citizen casting his or her ballot.”
Nana Akufo-Addo made this statement at the swearing-in of two EC Board members at theJubilee House.
The President further charged that the electoral management body should not be intimidated by pressure from political parties.
According to the President, criticisms are part of the country’s democracy and cannot be dismissed.
He asked the electoral management body to focus its efforts on the expectation of Ghanaians.
“Remember that now and ever, every single decision you take will be scrutinized to the letter.” That, however, should not scare you, and let no one try to coerce you into submission. On the contrary, let this expectation of the Ghanaian people spur you on to great heights, and above all, work to ensure that the will of the Ghanaian people is upheld.”
President Akufo-Addo swore in three new members of the Electoral Commission (EC) at the Jubilee House.
The newly inducted EC officials, namely, Dr Peter Appiahene, Salima Ahmed Tijani, and Rev. Akua Ofori Boateng, were inducted into office on Monday, March 20.
The President, however, urged them to uphold diligence in executing their mandate.
Following the swearing-in, Dr. Appiahene, speaking on behalf of the members, declared that they were prepared to deliver and strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
“We are, therefore, aware of the massive responsibilities and tasks that come with it.
“We want to state that we are poised and more prepared to deliver and contribute to the development of our democracy, especially in this digital era.” he said
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has stated that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has failed woefully in the fight against corruption.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah insists that the lackadaisical attitude of President Akufo-Addo towards the canker has empowered his appointees to arrogate state resources to themselves.
Delivering an address titled, “The True State of the Nation Address” on Monday, March 20, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Mr Asiedu Nketiah also criticised President Akufo-Addo’s silence on the matter during the 2023 State of the Nation Address.
He described the President’s silence on the menace as loud and one that means defeat to the battle.
“President Akufo-Addo’s silence on corruption in his infamous address was loud. It was as loud as his guilt. Evidently, corruption has defeated his family and friends’ government.
“Instead of confronting this canker head-on, President Akufo-Addo has constituted himself into a “Corruption Clearing Agent”, ever-willing to whitewash himself and any of his appointees who dabble in corruption, even before investigative processes commence.
“The President’s actions and complicity have emboldened many of his officials, not least the Vice President, Alhaji Bawumia whose name has come up in multiple corruption scandals such as the PDS scandal, the shady Gold-for-Oil deal, the Stolen Rice scandal and the appearance fee scandal”.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah also condemned the recently held National Awards.
According to him, the President desecrated the country’s national honours by conferring the honours on corrupt individuals in his government.
He said the awards scheme which was established by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah is to honour distinguished Ghanaian nationals and institutions for their contributions to the development of the country.
For him, it was therefore untenable for the President to confer such honours on corrupt individuals whose cases are before Parliament for investigations.
He explained that awarding appointees whose corrupt acts are under investigation with national honours is tantamount to rewarding criminality, saying “Kwame Nkrumah did not establish the awards to reward criminality.”
National Chairman for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused President Akufo-Addo of deceiving Ghanaians with the claim that he knows how to “revive the economy.”
Speaking at a press conference dubbed the “True State of the Nation’s Address,” held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), he noted the government has failed in reviving the country’s economy, as it promised.
On the contrary, he said the current administration has plunged the country into a severe economic crisis.
“Despite being the luckiest and most resourced government in Ghana’s history, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has the least to show in terms of socio-economic development. This is because the NPP has used all your money mainly for consumption. This is contrary to the President’s claim that his government has used “a large amount of the money we borrowed on road construction,” he said on Monday, March 20, 2023.
He further refuted the government’s claim of constructing 11,000 kilometres of new roads, describing it as false “and should be completely disregarded.”
“It is a tragedy that the President will classify routine minor road management repairs such as re-sealing, refilling, reshaping, pothole filling, re-gravelling and even desilting of gutters as new road construction,” he said.
Baffled by the address presented by the President, Mr Asiedu Nketiah noted that the President is being evasive about the reality on the ground with regards to what the true State of the nation is.
“It is obvious that President Akufo-Addo who continues to revel in the largesse of high office does not appreciate the present reality of the Ghanaian people. The President continues to live in his own world, far removed from yours and mine, that he fails or neglects to appreciate the true State of the Nation.
“The true State of the Nation is when a ball of kenkey which used to sell between 50 pesewas and GHS1.00 in December 2016, is now being sold between GhS4.00 and GHS5.00. The true State of Ghana today is that, a sack of maize which used to sell for GHS170.00 in 2016 is now being sold for GHS900.00 as at February, 2023.
“The true State of the Nation is when a bag of Gino Rice (5kg) which used to go for GHS25.00 in December 2016, is now being sold for GHS185.00. Similarly, a tuber of yam which used to sell for GHS5.00 is now being sold for GHS25.00, while a bag of Sachet Water which used to sell for GHS1.50 in 2016, is now being sold for GHS10.00 as at February 2023. Also, a bag of cement which sold for GHS27.00 in December 2016 is today selling at a staggering GHS90.00 and last, but not least, sanitary pad which used to sell for averagely GHS2.50 in December 2016 is today selling for GHS20.00.
“When everything is said and done, this is the true State of the Nation. This is what we feel when we go to the market. This is what we feel in our pockets. This is our everyday reality. A reality in which babies do not have vaccines leading to a measles outbreak; the youth do not have jobs; the middle class faces imminent extinction; and the elderly are being deprived of their life-savings by the very government that swore to protect them.
He concluded that: “This is not the Ghana we deserve; this is not the Ghana our forebears toiled and sacrificed for. The NDC shall not be complicit in this mess.”
“It is absolutely important to awaken President Akufo-Addo and the ruling NPP to the uncomfortable, but frank True State of Ghana today – a nation of many living in fear of where to find their next meal, leaving many parents to endure sleepless nights.
“The true State of our dear Nation no longer lies in flowery speeches laced with political chicanery that never accepts responsibility for anything. Neither does it lie in abstract theories that blame personal failings on events that have no significant impact on our lives,” he added.
Today, Monday, March 20 the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will address the country on the theme ‘The True State of the Nation’.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the Chairperson of the NDC, will deliver the speech during the event, which will be held at the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA).
The ‘True State of the Nation Address’ is expected to counter ‘The State of The Nation Address’ delivered by President Akufo-Addoon Wednesday, March 8.
The NDC address, under the auspices of the party’s National Communications Bureau, is expected to focus heavily on the economy and factors that have pushed the country for an IMF bailout.
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament says Ghana will not be able to secure the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) board approval at the end of March 2023 contrary to claims by the government.
The opposition group explained that the government has not been able to satisfy the financing assurances regarding the bailout which includes the board documents.
“Mr Speaker, our President said on authority that Ghana would get an IMF Board approval by the end of this month, I don’t know who is briefing our President, but Ghana will not be able to get an IMF Board approval by the end of this month because even the board documents are prepared.
“We need to get China to give Ghana financing assurance and that they are ready to take a haircut and China has not agreed,” Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson said.
According to the minority in parliament, President Akufo-Addo‘s administration has made the worst progress on roads in the fourth republic.
Speaking during discussions of the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Minority Chief WhipKwame Agbodza contended that the President’s claim was not substantiated by government statistics.
According to the Adaklu MP, there are many projects for which sods were cut for their commencement including the Suame interchange have not seen any action so far.
“President Akufo-Addo’s records are probably the most appalling in terms of roads, the records we have and I quote paragraph 505 of the 2017 budget as a reference point as against paragraph 700 of the 2023 budget. You will see that President Akufo-Addo’s record on road maintenance work is the worst in the history of the fourth republic.
“I wish my senior colleague, a very affable Road Minister will be here, let him know that if you are Road Minister you have to call for a bipartisan committee to investigate roads that are physical for everybody to see. It means you haven’t done any work because if you fix the roads we will see them,” the lawmaker stated.
The ranking member on roads further stated that the road sector in the country is in a very terrible state.
Background
President Nana Akufo-Addo has stated categorically that this Government has built more roads than any government in the history of the 4th Republic.
In his address on the State of the Nation in Parliament on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, President Akufo Addo said: “Mr. Speaker, the details of all these roads are attached in the annex to this Message. I have done so because, last year, when I made a similar pronouncement, I was met with howls and gasps of incredulity from the Minority benches, and so I thought it appropriate, this time, to present it as an annex to the Statement, which will be part of Hansard.”
He said he is proud of the amount of work that his government has done, especially in the road sector.
“Roads constitute the largest number of questions asked in this House by Members of Parliament; a large amount of the monies we borrow are for road construction. Shall we dare stop constructing roads?” he asked.
Since Christian Atsu’s passing was reported in February, comments about his selflessness have poured in.
Today, the deceased Hatayspor player’s family, friends, football players, and prominent figures, including President Akufo-Addo, gathered to pay their respects.
Veteran commentator Kwabena Yeboah was one of them. He walked past the body this morning as the funeral for the former Black Stars player was taking place on the grounds of the State House in Accra.
Mr. Yeboah praised Christian’s humility in his interview , noting that he was at the height of his success.
For him, the late footballer’s humility is worth emulating.
“He never allowed his fame and well to get into his head. Often times when footballers get very famous, they tend to be a bit haughty and they tend to be a bit super zealous. He never ever got to that point. He never forgot his roots,” he added.
Atsu, 31, was found dead on February 18, 2023, following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, which killed more than 50,000 people in both countries.
Ever since Christian Atsu’s demise was announced testimonies about his selfless being keep pouring in.
Asamoah Gyan, former captain of the Black Stars, has joined the others in penning down a heartfelt homage to the late Ghanaian international.
According to him, Atsu was one of his favorites as he derived support and encouragement from him.
He commended Christian for remaining humble despite reaching the height of his career.
The former captain added that Ghana and the world at large has lost a great soul, as Atsu is irreplaceable.
Find Asamoah Gyan’s tribute:
Christian was one of my favourite players and also one of the guys very close to my heart.
I’m not God but the trust Christian had in me was unbelievable. He always tells me “ Asa, please try and play every game for us cos I don’t see us winning without you”.
Anytime he sees me, he shakes he head and starts laughing. After every goal I score, Christian always walks to me and always say “ Asa, Nyame shira wo (God bless you). My heart is in pain for loosing humble, innocent and unbelievable footballer like Christian. Thank you for everything. Rest in Peace Brother.
Today, Friday, March 17 the late Christian Atsu’s family, friends, football players, and prominent figures, includingPresident Akufo-Addo, have gathered to pay their final respects.
Atsu was discovered dead on Saturday, having spent the previous 12 days trapped beneath wreckage after the terrible earthquake that devastated Turkey and Ukraine.
In the most recent chieftaincy conflict between the two sides, the Akyem Abuakwa traditional council has given notice to the residents of Nsawam Adoagyiri that it will not transfer any of its land to them.
Addressing at a news conference in Kyebi, in the Eastern Region, Akyem Abuakwa’s state secretary, D. M. Ofori-Atta, informed the Akyem Kotoku people that they are unwilling to make a concession in the dispute.
Ofori-Atta said the Abuakwa state has maintained a healthy and cordial relations with the Akyem Kotoku people and will strive to keep that relationship going forward.
He said at the appropriate time a new chief will be installed at Nsawam Adoagyiri.
“The actions of a few persons with parochial monetary interest to present George Twum as chief of Adoagyiri threaten the public peace and communal solidarity in these areas,” Ofori-Atta said.
“The appropriate law enforcement measures shall be taken if the situation persists,” he added.
The Adoagyiri stool has been vacant since the death of its chief Barima Adu Korkor in 2007.
The Minority in Parliament has refuted claims that there were no deaths recorded due to shortage of childhood vaccines in the country.
This follows assertions by President Akufo-Addo and Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, that no deaths have been recorded as a result of the vaccine shortage.
However, according to reports five lives have been lost.
Debating the president’s State of the Nation Address, Ranking Member for the Committee on Health Kwabena Minta Akandoh cited the chief paediatrician at the Tamale Teaching Hospital for the figures on casualties.
“Mr. Speaker, the President, on the floor of the House, said that we had recorded no deaths; the Minister also repeated on this floor that no deaths have been recorded. Mr. Speaker, that is again a palpable falsehood. According to the Northern Regional Paediatrician at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Prof. Lumin Alhassan, we have recorded about five fatalities.”
The Juaboso MP further revealed that even though the government has managed to secure some vaccines from Nigeria, there is also a shortage of reagents to confirm tests at Noguchi, adding that “this is the state of the country; these are facts.”
Mr. Akandoh questioned how the government managed to secure vaccines from Nigeria if, indeed, the shortage was global, as claimed by the President.
In order to strengthen its effort to combat COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic, President Akufo-Addo has revealed that his administration hired an additional 58,000 healthcare providers.
Speaking at the Accra International Conference Center’s National Honours and Awards ceremony, the president noted that as part of the government’s commitment to guaranteeing residents’ safety, it had to make certain challenging but essential decisions, such as hiring medical personnel.
“Our priority then was the health and safety of Ghanaians and that is why we put in place a comprehensive strategy in place to deal with the virus which incidences were unknown, and we were restrained from shaking hands and hugging each other, and we had to endure stress caused by the poking of our noses and throats anytime we underwent a PCR swap.”
Delivering the keynote address before presenting the awards, the president added that “the government also found the money to recruit, on a permanent basis, 58,041 more health professionals. COVID-19 inspired our domestic manufacturing capabilities and deepened our self-reliance. The pharmaceutical industry under my instigation responded positively to the need for the domestic production of sanitisers, disinfectants, and liquid soaps.”
The president also disclosed that his government procured GH¢81million worth of personal protective equipment from local manufacturers to ensure the safety of Ghanaians.
“Furthermore, Ghana was able to procure some GH¢81 million worth of personal protective equipment such as face masks, garments, medical scrubs, and hospital gowns from domestic garment and textile manufacturing companies for health workers and students who wrote their final exams during the period.”
“Our relative success in winning the fight against COVID-19 is a testament to the tireless work of our researchers, scientists, advisors, public health managers, frontline healthcare workers, hospital staff, contact tracers, security services, public and private sector agencies, faith-based organizations, and so many others,” the president added.
Among the persons honoured by the state, the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, was conferred with the Order of the Volta-Companion.
A member of parliament representing Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has urged Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng to look into any claims of suspected galamsey involving presidential staff.
Even if the investigation may involve President Akufo-Addo, the MP maintains that the OSP should not be hesitant to proceed.
Dr Clement Apaak was responding to allegations made by former Environment Minister Prof. Frimpong Boateng that some officials at the seat of government are involved in illegal mining.
He stated that the OSP should launch an investigation into the matter right away because Prof. Frimpong Boateng has not left Ghana. He is currently in the country. He has not gone underground. He is alive and well, and I believe that completing the investigation will aid us in uncovering the truth”.
Dr. Apaak says we cannot live in a country where the same government pretending to be fightinggalamsey including, the President, Vice President and public officials who are paid with taxpayers’ money to protect Ghanaians, our river bodies, our water bodies, our forest against illegal mining, are the ones who are engaged in the criminal act.
He emphasised that Ghanaians cannot accept this criminal act, especially when people in positions of power are involved.
He asserted that it is clear that the Akugo-Addo, Bawumia and NPP government has a deliberate policy to sabotage requisite constitutional and state agencies mandated to investigate acts of corruption and allegations of corruption.
He said the same thing happened to Martin Amidu, who was denied the needed resources and information to produce acts of corruption.
To that end, he has asked Ghanaians, civil society groups, labour unions, and well-meaning Ghanaians to demand that the government make the resources available for this investigation to be conducted; otherwise, the government will have no choice. But if we don’t, I’m afraid nothing will happen.
He alleged that this government has either compromised our anti-corruption state bodies or denied them information and resources to work.
”That is why our democracy is endangered. Do you remember how the president cleared Akonta Mining when the OSP was investigating the matter? The President is known as the clearing agent. That is what he does.
“If OSP is not up to the task, then we could look up to CHRAJ. I expect some citizens to file complaints at these institutions and demand a probe into the matter.”
According to deputy minister for roads and highways, Stephen Pambiin Jalulah, the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is the finest candidate to succeed President Akufo-Addo.
Speaking to the mediaon Sunday, March 12, the Pru West MP said he was confident that the Vice President would succeed the president ahead of the party’s presidential primaries.
Even though, the conversation on the programme centred on President Akufo-Addo’s claim that his administration has built more roads than any other government in Ghana’s 4th Republican history, the Deputy Minister could not hide his desire for Dr Bawumia to become NPP’s next flagbearer and Ghana’s next president.
He was arguing against claims by members of the opposition National Democratic Congress the Akufo-Addo administration dare not take credit for the Pokuase Interchange because an NDC-led government secured funding for the project. But the Deputy Minister insisted that actual works, including sod-cutting, started in the Akufo-led administration.
“The construction of the Pokuase Interchange was just a dream to them (NDC) because constantly, we don’t have enough and as a result we are constantly looking outside either to get the commercial facility or the grant to come and cause the development of the nation.
His argument was that whoever executes a project takes credit for it, not those who dreamt it.
“Now if you go to talk to the government and people of Japan that we need an interchange at this point please help us; and we are even doing one currently but I will not name the place- which will not materialise under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo but the next government which will be Insha Allah Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, but Nana Akufo-Addo cannot claim credit for what he is doing now for an interchange to be built in another city of the country.
“It is a dream which must happen because governance is a continuous process,” he said.
Already, several bigwigs in the party including the former Trades and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, and the former Agriculture Minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto have declared their intentions to seek the party’s mandate to lead it as flagbearer for the 2024 election.
Even though, the Vice President has not officially declared his candidacy, party folks and political analysts say it is only a matter of time when he declares his interest.
It is his anticipated candidacy the Deputy Minister has thrown his weight behind.
Deadlock with date for primaries
The National Executive Committee and the National Council of the governing NPP, has a couple times failed to agree on a date for its presidential and parliamentary primaries.
A meeting on Thursday, February 2, which had in attendance the President, the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, some Members of Parliament and presidential hopefuls which was expected to officially set a date for the remaining two elections on the party’s calendar ended in a deadlock.
Already, blocs within the party are pushing for an early congress whilst others want the party to stick to its constitution of electing a flagbearer 12 months to a major election.
Builsa South MP Clement Apaak has demanded a probe into allegations by former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, that some NPP bigwigs are involved in illegal mining.
The Professor, last week, alleged that there are many top government officials engaged in the canker popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
The renowned professor who served under President Akufo-Addo insists that the rot goes as high as the government seat, Jubilee House.
“Let me tell you that I did not take one excavator for anything, they know the truth. Now things are coming up, we know those who are behind it and the party people who are there, people in government including Jubilee House who are doing galamsey and so on, even now,” he said on GBC.
But Mr Apaak believes this assertion is enough grounds to commence a full-blown investigation.
“We DEMAND an investigation into allegations by Prof. Boateng, a former NPP Minister, then head of the anti-galamsey fight, that “People in the NPP, people in gov’t and people at Jubilee House are engaged in galamsey”. Galamsey is a crime and those involved must be punished.
In a brief statement, the Builsa South MP explained that the investigative bodies owe Ghanaians a duty to get to the bottom of the matter.
“Ghanaians expect the requisite state agencies/institutions (OSP, BIN, CID) to show loyalty to Ghana by initiating investigations into the allegations made by Prof. Boateng. By his stature and previous position in this NPP gov’t, these allegations cannot and must not be ignored,” he wrote.
During the interview with GBC, Prof Frimpong Boateng further suggested that it was his effort that prevented the forest reserves from further dissipation by these government officials for which reason there are reports of breaches now that he is no more in office.
“There was an orchestrated scheme, even within the party and government to get me out. Why is it that when I left now everyone is in the forest?” he added.
According to former president John Mahama, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo constantly assigns blame for Ghana’s economic woes to someone or something else other than himself.
The NDC flag bearer candidate claimed that the president often looks for a scapegoat rather than accepting responsibility for his “recklessness” while addressing branch and constituency executives of the party at Jema in the Kintampo South Constituency.
In his state of the nation address to parliament on Wednesday, 8 March 2023, the president, for the umpteenth time, blamed the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war for Ghana’s economic woes.
The president, once again, blamed the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war for the troubles of the Ghanaian economy.
President Akufo-Addo insisted his government was steering the nation to prosperity before the twin global crises, stressing: “We have not been reckless in borrowing and spending.”
Mr Mahama, however, said it was high time Mr Akufo-Addo acted as a true leader.
“The first principle of leadership is responsibility”, Mr Mahama said, explaining:. “You must take responsibility for every situation and work to solve it”.
He said: “If you are a leader who is always looking for somebody to blame, you will never be able to solve problems”.
“What is more reckless than what he and his finance minister have done”, the former president wondered.
He said even the World Bank warned the government about its reckless borrowing but was ignored.
“Even the World Bank told them that you are risking going into debt distress because of too much debt, and they refused to listen. Today, exactly what they were warned against is what has happened. And you will not take responsibility?” he asked.
According to Abraham Amaliba, head of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team,President Akufo-Addois no more traveling in fancy private jet due to lack of funds.
He alleged that the President was able to fly in luxurious private jet due to Covid funds made available by the World Bank to assist nations in managing the economic difficulties they were experiencing in the course of the pandemic.
According to the legal practitioner, the use of Covid funds to finance the President’s travels is one piece of evidence of the mismanagement of the funds by Ghana.
Mr Amaliba was speaking on TV3‘s New Day during a discussion on President Akufo-Addo’s reply in his sessional address to Parliament on Wednesday, March 8 to assertions that government has misused Covid funds.
According to the NDC representative on the show on Friday, March 10, theCovid funds were what the president “used to finance his lifestyle”.
Asked by host Berla Mundi if the decision by the President was not as a result of incessant calls, especially by the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for accountability, Mr Amaliba retorted: “Did we start crying today?”
For him, he believes government no longer has enough to continue to rent the “luxurious” private jets for the President’s international travels.
Mr Amaliba added that President Akufo-Addo should rather thank his stars that he is still the President of Ghana because other countries have chased out their leaders from office for the same “infractions”.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, has criticizedPresident Akufo-Addofor not addressing the murder of a soldier in Ashaiman during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Tuesday saw a military raid on Ashaiman locals after a soldier was killed.
In a debate on President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the President should have commiserated with the families of the deceased officer and the innocent people brutalized by the military.
“As Commander in Chief of the GAF, he should have first of all commiserated with the family and the GAF over the loss of the solider. But the President did not say a word. He didn’t think that he should condemn the brutality and assure that there will be a committee to probe the killing and the high-handedness meted out to the residents, and he is the Commander in Chief of the GAF?”
President Akufo-Addo is under increasing pressure to address the military abuses in Ashaiman.
Many anticipate that the President will make a public statement on the subject as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Amnesty International, a non-governmental and human rights advocacy group claims that during his state of the nation address, the President had a chance to address the issue but failed to do so.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has advised the military to refrain from meting out extra-judicial justice to them adding that there are many people who live and work in Ashaiman who are innocent of this heinous crime.
He further advised the military to exercise restraint and allow due process to work.
For him, the government must step in to address the situation between Ashaiman residents and GAF while pushing for compensation for all persons affected.
The world’s greatest medical drone delivery network will be based in Ghana, according to President Akufo-Addo, who applauded his government’s intention to use drones in healthcare delivery.
President Akufo-Addo made this statement during his State of the Nation speech on March 8, 2023, at the Parliament House. He also emphasized the nation’s success in the health sector since the international logistics delivery company Zipline established distribution hubs throughout the nation.
In Ghana’s healthcare delivery system, the government’s collaboration with Zipline appears to have changed the game.
The service has been instrumental in delivering critical medicines, vaccines and blood to health facilities in Ghana. The country now boasts six distribution centres in Omenako, Mpanya, Vobsi, Sefwi Wiawso, Kete Krachi and Anum, making it the largest aerial logistics delivery network in the world.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo said, “Zipline’s drone delivery service is firmly established, and the country now has six (6) centres, making Ghana the largest drone delivery network in the world. Zipline, through the national drone delivery services, has delivered more than 14.8 million units of lifesaving medicines, vaccines and blood products to health facilities by the end of 2022”.
“Childhood vaccines top the list with the delivery of 8.3 million doses, followed by 2.05 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines,” President Akufo-Addo added.
The introduction of drones in the delivery of critical medicine, vaccines and blood products to people in various communities became more crucial in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the period, Covid-19 samples for testing and highly sensitive vaccines from donor countries, pharmaceutical industries and the COVAX initiative were transported via Zipline drones to expedite vaccine inoculation and disease management.
The result marked Ghana as one of the countries with the least vaccine expiry and wastage due to Zipline’s fast delivery, particularly to remote areas of Ghana.
The success of Ghana’s drone delivery service has not gone unnoticed on the global stage and has been widely praised for its efficiency and effectiveness. In 2020, Zipline’s aerial logistics distribution services won the “Award for Corporate Excellence in Health Security” from the US Secretary of State for using drone technology to deliver medical supplies in communities in Africa.
Zipline’s service in Ghana has become a model for many countries, prompting other African nations to implement similar systems to improve their healthcare delivery systems. Zipline began operating in Ghana in 2019 and has successfully expanded to Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Japan and the USA.
Ghana’s achievement in establishing the world’s largest drone delivery network is a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to leverage innovative technology to improve the lives of its citizens.
A pressure organization, Ashaiman Lives Matter, has urgedPresident Akufo-Addo to swiftly form a committee to look into the brutality certain soldiers committed against Ashaiman residents.
The group is also demanding compensation forvictims assaulted by the soldiers.
The invasion followed the death of a young soldier who was stabbed to death by some unknown assailants in the community.
“We are currently in a constant state of fear for our dear lives because the soldiers told the residents that it is a Month’s Operation and they have instructions from above to put the fear of God in them to avenge the murder of the fallen soldier.
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the press we the people of Ashaiman condemn the beastly acts of the Ghana Armed Forces and we also call for President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo Danquah, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces to do same and render an unqualified apology to the Good People of Ashaiman for the criminal acts of his troops.”
The group also called on the media, civil society, the Ghana Bar Association, and the clergy among others to condemn the violence and criminal acts of the soldiers.
A list of government’s completed road projects between January 2017 and December 2022 has been released by theMinistry of Roads and Highways.
This follows the president’s claim while delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Wednesday, March 8 that his administration had built more roads than any other in the history of Ghana’s 4th Republic.
President Akufo-Addo indicated that the majority of monies borrowed had gone into the construction of roads.
The Roads Ministry named Pokuase Interchange, Tema Motorway Interchange Ph.1, Suhum Interchange, among others as some of the road projects completed by the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.
The Minority inParliamentfinds it regrettable that President Akufo-Addo has denied allegations that the government deliberately misappropriated monies allocated for the nation’s fight against COVID-19.
According to the Auditor General’s 2020 report on the government’s COVID-19 expenses, just 25% (GH5.5 million) of the US$ 2.5 billion mobilized for the battle against the pandemic was spent on health.
According to violations cited in the audit report by the Auditor General, the Information Ministry improperly compensated its employees GH¢151,500 for COVID-19 insurance while failing to deliver $81 million worth of government-paid vaccines.
The state among other things is said to have spent US$607,419.02 out of US$4,049,460.12 for the acquisition of 26 ambulances, but the vehicles were never delivered.
According to the report, the remainder of the monies was spent on government programmes such as Free SHS, LEAP among others.
But President Akufo-Addo presenting the State of Nation Address on March 8, 2023, noted that the COVID funds were not misused.
“The economic consequences of the pandemic have been devastating. It is precisely because the economic fallout from the pandemic was so widespread and long-lasting that it is important to show clearly that the COVID funds were not misused. It is critical that we do not lose the confidence of the people that a crisis that they were led to believe we were all in together was abused for personal gain,” the President said.
Reacting to the matter, Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza said the President’s comment on the issue came to them as a surprise.
“I’m somehow extremely disappointed in the President who sought once again to even clear members of his government who are suspected of doing wrong things in the COVID-19 expenditure.
“It doesn’t lie in the mouth of the President to decide to become an auditor of his own government by pretending that nothing went wrong with the COVID expenditure. Mr. President you are not an auditor, leave that to the professionals to do,” Minority Chief Whip said.
