In 2019, the Ghanaian government launched a drone service initiative to deliver critical medicine, vaccines, and blood to people in remote areas. President Akufo-Addo praised the service’s success, stating that “Ghana has the largest medical drone delivery service in the world with six Zipline Distribution Centres in Omenako, Mpanya, Vobsi, Sefwi Wiawso, Kete Krachi, and Anum.”
Since the launch of the medical drone distribution centre in Omenako, the service has expanded to include six centres across Ghana, serving approximately 2,500 healthcare facilities across 147 districts in the country. The drones deliver vaccines, blood, and medical products to the Ghana Health Service, the National Catholic Health Service, and other faith-based organizations.
Zipline, the company responsible for the drone service, has delivered nearly eight million doses of routine and COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana since its inception. The service has proven to be transformative for public health in the country, according to early research.
The Government of Ghana has also introduced an e-VAT and e-Invoicing System, leading to an improvement in revenue collection. The drone intervention has been instrumental in addressing healthcare challenges in Ghana, offering hope to many health centers in the country.
The Koforidua Youth Resource Center, which includes an estimated 1.8 million US dollars FIFA football field, a volleyball court, a basket court, a tennis court, and an ICT centre, has become a habitat for some creatures and is now overtaken by weeds, according to a Joy News report. The 5,000 seater spectator stands have also been left to deteriorate.
Weeds takes over the koforidua sport complex ongoing project
The Koforidua Sports Stadium is one of ten multipurpose sports centres that the government in the country. The other nine multi-purpose stadiums planned for regions such as Wa, Navrongo, Yendi, Nyinahin, Dormaa Ahenkro, Dunkwa-On-Offin, Axim, Ho, and Keneshie are approaching completion.
The project was designed to be completed by the contractor in nine months.
In late 2019, President Akufo-Addo toured the facility to assess progress on the project. According to reports, the president was pleased with how the project was progressing.
However, the contractor left the site due to the government’s failure to meet its financial obligations, and the work already done has begun to wear off. Furthermore, phase two of the project, which was scheduled to be completed by 2022, is still underway.
paintings on the wall are gradually deteriorating
The people of the Eastern region have expressed their displeasure about how the project has been abandoned and have called on the Minister for Youth and Sports to take measures to bring back the contractor to complete the project.
ThePresident Akufo-Addo, has said that, the Gold for oil program aimed at boosting the economy “is already bearing fruit”.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Wednesday, the President said the policy, which is aimed at reviving the economy “is already bearing fruit.”
“Firstly, it will help us preserve foreign exchange, especially the US dollar, and secondly, it will enable us to stabilise the price of oil products such as petrol and diesel on the domestic market.”
He indicated that some successes have been seen on both fronts, “with the price of US dollars and petroleum products falling since we announced the policy and began to implement it.”
“The average price of petrol at the pump, which had risen to twenty (20) cedis a litre, in the middle of December 2022, is now thirteen cedis and eighty pesewas (GH¢13.80) a litre. The price of diesel had risen to more than twenty-three cedis and seventy pesewas (GH¢23.70) a litre and is now selling on the average at thirteen cedis and eighty pesewas (GH¢13.80) a litre, which is a reduction of almost ten cedis a litre.”
“We expect this trend of falling fuel prices to reflect soon in our daily lives, since transport fares affect the price of everything. I hope the trend of prices going up and coming down become a regular feature of our retail economy as is being demonstrated in the fuel prices. Because, as we all know, prices, especially of petroleum products, used only to go up in our country,” he further indicated.
The Gold for oil policy was announced by the government to help reduce the pressure on the cedi and bring in cheaper fuel.
So far about 100,000 metric tons of fuel have been brought into Ghana under the policy.
Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has alleged that the Akufo-Addo-led government printed about GHC 54 billion to fund its activities between the period 2022 and the first quarter of 2023
He said this is one of the factors that have largely contributed to the economic crisis currently being experienced.
“Ghana is witnessing hyper inflation largely because Mr President your government allowed the Bank of Ghana to print GHC50 billion for the year 2022 and another GHC 4 billion in the year 2023 first quarter.
“Mr President let it be noted that this expenditure financed public expenditure on your over bloated government expenditure,” he stated.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament after President Akufo-Addo delivered the 2023 State of the Nation’s, the Minority Leader dismissed the government’s claim that the current economic crisis is not its doing.
During his address, President Akufo-Addo had alluded that COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war were the leading factors hampering economic development in the country.
Baffled by this claim, Cassiel Ato Forson , accused the government of plunging the country into an economic crisis.
“Our position is that Inflation is currently rising, monetary policy rate is at 280%. Ghana cedis has depreciated by 20% in January alone, Mr President unemployment is exceedingly high and as we speak, lending rate is at 40%.
“Our economy is in falters largely because it is self- Inflicted and your and government have failed to act and this is the true State of our nation,” he added.
In the Address, the President among other things said the NPP administration was judicious in borrowing and spending.
President Akufo-Addo stated that allegations of profligate spending are untenable.
“The debts we are servicing were not only contracted during the period of this administration,” he added
After the President’s address, the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam MP was invited to second the motion for House’s adjournment.
He enumerated some issues which he says reflect the actual state of the country but are not captured in the day’s address.
“Our economy is in its worst shape in decades. In fact, Ghana’s economy is bankrupt or insolvent. We are currently unable to repay our debt. Ghana has officially defaulted in the repayment of our debt since January 2022. Yet, Mr President, your government is failing is cut down on the size of government and public expenditure.
He accused the President of supervising this inefficiency and hardship suffered by Ghanaians.
“Mr President, our country is in tatters largely because it is self-inflicted, your government inflicted it on us and failed to act.
“Mr President, this is your scorecard… and this is the true state of the nation,” he added.
Ningo-Prampram MP, Samuel Nartey-George, has slammed President Akufo-Addo for claiming that the country has enjoyed complete free speech under his reign.
President Akufo-Addo during the 2023 State of the Nation’s Address, lauded his government for championing free speech in the country.
He mentioned that: “Today, we live in a country in which we enjoy complete freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and political affiliation. Indeed, freedom of speech has now reached such heights that even members of the diplomatic corps feel able to join in our national discourse, and pronounce on matters that would be problematic for Ghanaian diplomats in their countries of origin.”
But reacting to this, the vociferous MP disputed the claim, maintaining that free speech has been stifled under the current administration.
“This is a President who starts his speech by saying that we have the highest level of Freedom of Speech. The President has a short memory. His memory is failing him because if the President’s memory is not failing him, he will remember that on the 31st of January last year, he summoned the diplomatic corps to Peduase and warned them that they should stop engaging in local issues and dabbling in local discourse,” Mr George said.
The Ningo-Prampram MP also commented on the issues of Military men invading Ashaiman following the murder of one of their colleagues.
He was baffled over the President’s silence on the issue during the 2023 State of the Nation’s address, thus, accused Mr Akufo-Addo of endorsing the violence.
“The President is commander of the Ghana Armed Forces, your taxes, my taxes were used to fuel an air force helicopter, fuel armoured personnel carriers and carried men of the Ghana Armed Forces to go and wreak havoc on innocent citizens of Ashaiman and the President doesn’t think it is necessary to speak on that matter. In fact he endorses the violence and this is a man who was touted as a defender of Human and civil liberties,” he said.
He thus concluded that the title of a Human and Civil Liberties defender cannot be conferred on the President due to some of these issues.
President Akufo-Addo has announced that his government has constructed more roads than any other government in the history of the 4th Republic. He made this statement during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) for 2023.
As part of the ruling government’s developmental goals, Akufo-Addo declared 2022 as the third “Year of Road” to improve the construction works on major parts of the nation’s roads. Roads are regarded as one of the essential infrastructures upon which a nation’s development and expansion depend.
Addressing the nation, he said, “I am proud of the amount of work that we have done, especially in the road sector. Roads constitute the largest number of questions asked in this House by Members of Parliament, and a significant amount of the monies we borrow are for road construction. Shall we dare stop constructing roads? I would like to state categorically that this Government has built more roads than any government in the history of the 4th Republic.”
The government, in its 2022 budget statement, highlighted some of the major road projects that began in 2022, including the Accra-Kumasi Dualisation, Kumasi South and Western Bypass, Kumasi Outer Ring Road, Mamfe-Koforidua and Oyibi-Dodowa-Somanya-Akuse junction road.
Other projects include the Accra Outer Ring Road, Asutuare Junction-Volivo Bridge, Eastern Corridor Road (Gbintiri-Kulungugu), Sawla-Wa, Buipe, Yapei and Daboya Bridges, Adawso-Ekyi Amanfrom Bridge, Obuasi, Juanayilli and Nawuni Bridges, and the construction of five interchanges in the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (including Suame, Santasi and Airport Roundabout).
According to him, the shortage if not addressed immediately will affect negatively Ghana’s Childhood Immunisation Programme.
He explained that the shortage is due to the concentration of the Covid-19 fight.
Delivery the 2023 State of the Nation Address on Wednesday, March 8, President Akufo-Addo said the government has developed an elaborate programme to secure some of the vaccines.
President Akufo-Addo said this has been treated as an emergency situation for the country.
“Mr Speaker, I must say, however, that the current shortage of some childhood vaccines in the country has concerned me greatly. This shortage, if prolonged, will affect negatively Ghana’s Childhood Immunisation Programme, which has been recognized as one of the most successful in the world.
“The WHO has only recently expressed worry about a steady decline in measles vaccination coverage globally, because of the concentration on the fight against COVID-19.
“In accordance with our desire not to become part of this global trend, Government has taken steps to ensure that stocks of these vaccines are procured and supplied, as a matter of emergency.
“The Ghana Health Service has developed an elaborate programme to catch up on children who have missed their vaccinations immediately stocks arrive.”
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo also insisted that no child has died due to the shortage.
“I want to encourage all parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children are vaccinated, once this programme begins.
No child should be denied access to vaccination. Mercifully, so far, not a single child has died as a result of the outbreak,” he added.
Already, over 100 children in the northern part of Ghana are suspected to have contracted measles.
This is according to the President-elect for the Paediatrics Society of Ghana, Dr Hilda Mantebea Boye.
The figures come amid the shortage of baby vaccines nationwide.
Ghana ran out of essential BCG and OPV vaccines as a result of the Ministry of Health’s failure to secure procurement of these vaccines since the year began.
The BCG vaccine is primarily needed to prevent the occurrence of tuberculosis in babies, while the OPV is to prevent polio infections.
Other essential vaccines to prevent diseases such as measles, whooping cough, etc. are also in short supply.
President Akufo-Addo has refuted claims that there was mismanagement of resources meant to facilitate the Covid-19 fight.
Delivering the 2023 State of the Nation Address on Wednesday, March 8, President Akufo-Addo said the accusations are unfounded as the government did what was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.
“I can assure this House that nothing dishonorable was done with the COVID funds,” he said
He further outlined a number of measures implemented by his administration that justify the sums of money expended during the pandemic.
“The responses from the Ministers for Health and Finance, on January 23 and 25, 2023, respectively, have sufficiently laid to rest the queries from the Auditor General’s report, and I believe any objective scrutiny of these statements from the Health and Finance Ministries would justify this conclusion.”
This position is however contrary to the Auditor-General’s Report on Ghana’s Covid-19 expenditure.
The report indicates that the country lost over GHS1 billion through various irregularities including unapproved and illegal payment of allowances.
Meanwhile, the President explained that the measures during the pandemic were necessary to save lives and also keep the country afloat.
“No auditor can put a figure on the cost of keeping the children in school safely during that crisis, nor the continuing cost of the effect of the pandemic on our young people; not the financial cost, not the emotional cost, and certainly not the social cost,” the President added.
According to Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution., the President shall deliver a message on the State of the Nation to Parliament at the start of each session and before the dissolution of Parliament.
All is set for President Akufo-Addo to deliver the State of the Nation’s Address (SONA).
Dignitaries and former heads of States including former President John Dramani Mahama, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, etc. are all in attendance.
Majority of the Members of Parliament from both sides (i.e the Majority and Minority side) are also in attendance.
The address in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Among other things, the President is expected to address the House on the progress of development in all sectors of the economy.
Additionally, he is expected to outline policies and strategies intended to liberate the country from the current economic crisis.
President Akufo-Addo, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has been urged by Chief Operations Officer at Dalrex Finance Mr Joe Jackson to take action against the brutality perpetrated against citizens by some military personnel.
After a soldier was murdered nearby on March 6th, some military personnel broke into the homes of locals in Ashaiman and brutally attacked them.
The Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Ernest Norgbey said on the Sunrise show on 3FM that “They can be peeved because one of their own is gone but brutalizing people is not the solution to this problem.”
He added “I know the men (military men) are coming from Michel’s camp. I have called the head there but his line is unreachable.”
Commenting on this in a tweet, Chief Operations Officer at Dalrex Finance Mr Joe Jackson said “I have several young men I call my ‘sons’ in Ashaiman. This situation scares and infuriates me in equal measure. The army must be brought to book. Soldiers who participated must be ‘court marshaled’ and thrown into jail. HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, please act.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, has apologized to the people of Ghana for the excesses recorded on Tuesday, March 4 when some soldiers launched a swoop in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.
The soldiers stormed Ashaiman to fish out perpetrators of a heinous crime, which resulted in the stabbing to death of 21-year-old soldier Imoro Sherrif.
Imoro Sherrif, a Sunyani-based trooper in the Ghana Armed Forces, was found in a pool of blood in the early hours of Saturday near the Amania Hotel in Ashaiman.
The Military High Command sanctioned the operation, 3news.com has been told.
Speaking on TV3‘s Ghana Tonight on Tuesday night, Mr Amankwa-Manu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Atwima-Kwanwoma Constituency, confirmed that the operation was a sanctioned coordinated military operation.
He, however, apologised for any excesses that may have resulted in the operation.
“There were excesses,” he conceded. “I will apologise.”
He continued: “Sometimes when missions are being carried out, you get one or two people who are being carried away and engage in excesses.
“If anybody has suffered, that we apologise but what I want to put on record this is a sanctioned coordinated military operations.”
So far, 184 persons have been picked up and handed over to the Military Police.
The Military Police has, in turn, handed the suspects over to the Ghana Police Service “for screening and for further action”.
Mr Amankwa-Manu warned that the military “will stop at nothing until we get those who committed this heinous crime”.
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has urged President Akufo-Addo to step in and find creative ways to widen the tax net as opposed to imposing new levies that burden private companies.
The Association is concerned that the government’s plans to impose a 20% Excise Tax and a 2.5% Growth and Sustainability Levy on beverage companies may lead to the closure of numerous businesses.
The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the AGI, Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo made the call ahead of the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for March 8, 2023.
“There are several taxes that are being levied on industries on a daily basis. We already pay VAT. As I speak to you, there’s a growth and sustainability levy which is 2.5% on profit before tax which is a bill before Parliament. This will bring an additional tax burden on industries. We have also got the excise duty bill which is proposing to introduce about 20% levy on beverage companies, and actually increasing the levy on bottled water from 17.5% to 20%,” Tsonam Akpeloo lamented.
About 600 new senior high school (SHS) students in the Birim South District of the Eastern Region have received support fromProf. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, the immediate-past Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
For those students who would be attending boarding institutions, he provided supplies and other food items to support them during their stay in school.
Prof. Opoku-Amankwa provided extra instruction and mock exam writing assistance to the candidates in order to help them get ready for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in 2022.
Pass
Many of those candidates have since gained admission to various SHSs and technical institutes, thatnks to favourable grades.
As they prepared to depart for school, Prof. Opoku-Amankwa presented them with the items as a means to motivate and encourage them in their studies.
His foundation is also supporting needy brilliant students in the district.
Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, he said the foundation of every country was on its educational system, and that it was, therefore, incumbent on nations to support the education of their children in order to develop and progress.
He said it was in that view that President Akufo-Addo introduced the free SHS programme since the development of the country’s human resources was key to its growth.
President
“When the President came to office, one thing he did not play with at all was education. Aside from the free SHS, he has also introduced free technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to provide hands-on skills to students.
“Moreover, he has set up the Ghana TVET Service to separately handle schools offering TVET programmes,” he said.
He said having taught at the university and served as Director-General for six years, he thought it proper to support the children in this area of their development.
The support to the children, Prof. Opoku-Amankwa said, would continue.
Support
The Birim South District Director of Education, Henry Sintim, said the support was not the first from the former GES boss, and that it was something he had been doing for some years now. He thanked Prof. Opoku-Amankwa for his support for the children.
The Chief Executive of the Birim South District Assembly, Asare Danso, also commended Prof. Opoku-Amankwa for his continuous support to the district.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the former GES boss.
They said the items would help them in their studies, and prayed for God’s blessings upon Prof. Opoku-Amankwa’s life.
Ghana has earned accolades from Guinea-president, Bissau’s Umaru Sissoco Embalo, for taking the lead in the continent’s quest forindependence.
According to him, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, inspired numerous African nations to continue their fight for independence because of his outstanding leadership qualities.
Mr. Embalo, who is also the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said that Ghana remained a powerful force that Africa looked to for democratic administration.
He said this when he was giving a speech during Ghana’s 66th Independence Day celebration at Adaklu Tsrefe.
“Nkrumah’s legacy is still valid for the whole of Africa,” President Embalo, the special guest at the event said.
He added that the people of Guinea-Bissau remained grateful to Ghana for supporting that country’s democratic journey.
Bilateral cooperation
President Embalo said his country looked forward to greater bilateral corporation with Ghana towards improving the welfare of their peoples and social development in both countries.
The celebration was on the theme: “Our unity, our strength, our purpose”.
The special guest said he was highly honoured to take part in the Independence Day celebration as Ghana still stood tall with gallantry for the liberation of the African continent.
The celebration took part on a carnival note with a large number of people from all works of life turning up at the venue long before sunrise.
When President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo turned up at the venue soon after 10 a.m., the crowd burst into a state of euphoria with loud applause as he lit the perpetual flame.
The day also featured thrilling cultural displays, with chiefs from more than 50 paramountcies in the region and others present.
Among them were the Chairman of the Council of State and Omanhene of the Juaben Traditional Area, Nana Otuo Siriboe II; the President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Anfoega, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV; the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, the Awomefia of Anlo, Torgbui Sri II; the Paramount Chief of Adaklu, Togbe Gbogbi Atsa V; the Paramount Chief of Ziavi, Togbe Kwaku Ayim IV, and the Paramount Chief of Klefe, Togbe Kwaku Dzaga.
Activities on the ground
The Youth Resource Centre at Adaklu Tsrefe, near Ho, the Volta regional capital, was a sight to behold as the security agencies treated members of the public who converged there for Ghana’s 66th Independence anniversary to artistic display of skills and drills.
The 20 contingents drawn from the various security agencies, namely the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Prisons Service, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), as well as the National Ambulance Service (NAS) engaged in a quick match past, after performing various drills.
The GAF, in particular, performed more drills and displayed essential skills, including risky rescue operations and gymnastic displays to the admiration of spectators.
Displays
The displays by the security commenced with soldiers from the physical training school of the GAF, based at the El-Wak Barracks.
They engaged in physical fitness displays and rescue exercises.
Led by Lt Paa Kwesi Owusu of the 66 Regiment, the officers engaged in a series of ground operations, including forehead springs, dive and roll in pairs, running hand springs in pairs, staggered dive and roll, front somersault in pairs as well as individual skills.
The breath-taking moment for the gathering was when the soldiers took a dive and somersaulted through the loop with flames of fire around it.
The team also engaged in gymnastic displays including the pyramid formation.
As if that was not enough, the Special Force Unit of theGAF took the display to another level with deployments of ground troops to support an air assault team on a mock risky mission to rescue a government appointee from terrorists who are demanding hefty ransom.
About 10 rescuers, with a Belgian trained dog, Hazy, rappelled down a helicopter that hung about 70 metres from the ground to conduct the rescue exercise.
Equipment
Aside from the gymnastics, the security agencies also demonstrated their capacity to execute their mandate with the showcasing of sophisticated weapons, armored vehicles, fire-fighting equipment, helicopters, motorbikes for improved visibility and other resources.
The Ghana Police Service also showcased some equipment and new units such as the Canine Unit and the Formed Police Unit, alongside crowd control vehicles and three helicopters.
Besides the security services, 14 selected senior high and basic schools also took part in the march past at the centre.
A 21-gun salute by the GAF was flooded by fly pasts by a fighter jet, heralding the end of the parade and an invitation to the President to deliver the anniversary speech.
With patriotic songs in a background, the gun salute was sounded amid cheers from the crowd.
Cars and human beings competed for space at the venue, giving security personnel a hectic time controlling the crowd at the celebration which witnessed no untoward incident.
President Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to look for a bright spot despite the persistent economic gloom.
According to him, in light of events elsewhere, the crisis’ effects may have been worse.
Ghana is currently banging on the doors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout amid intensifying hardship, a rising cost of living and a depreciating cedi.
For him, other countries going through a similar predicament have seen chronic shortages seeing winding queues at fuel stations.
“Maybe we should also count our blessings and how together, we are managing the difficulties. We’ve all seen the images around the world. Here in Ghana, we have not had any fuel queues. We have not suffered shortages in food and essential items or the catastrophe of dumsor,” he said on Monday.
He made these comments at the 66th Independence Day Anniversary celebration at Adaklu in the Volta Region.
Addressing the gathering, President Akufo-Addo also communicated his administration’s resolve in finding solutions to the situation.
“We are working hard to resolve them,” he added.
Ghana has currently secured a staff-level agreement with the IMF in its bid to get a $3 billion bailout.
Ghana gained independence from British colonial rulers on March 6, 1957.
The path to emancipation was marked by many struggles, with many nationals laying their lives for the cause.
As a result, Ghanaians set aside the 6th of March each year to commemorate its independence and take stock of the country’s progress.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Our Unity, Our Strength, Our Purpose’.
The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, has congratulated President Akufo-Addo and Ghanaians on the country’s 66th Independence Day celebration.
In a letter addressed to Ghana’s President, Akufo-Addo, Putin wished him (Akufo-Addo) good health and success and Ghanaians peace.
The Russian President also said that he hopes that the relationship between Ghana and Russia will continue to grow.
“Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the National Holiday of the Republic of Ghana – the Independence Day!
“I am confident that the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Ghana will continue to develop for the sake of our peoples, contributing to a stronger security and stability on the African continent.
“I wish you good health and every success, and all the citizens – peace and wellbeing,” Putin said in his letter.
Meanwhile, Ghana voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding that Russia leaves Ukraine, where it has in the last year waged a war against Kyiv’s plan at the time to join the Euro-military bloc, NATO.
Ghana was one of 141 nations that voted ‘IN FAVOUR’ of the resolution with 7 countries voting ‘AGAINST’ and 32 ‘ABSTENTION.’
A UN statement after the vote read: “The results were 141 member states in favour and seven against – Belarus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, Russia and Syria. Among the 32 abstentions were China, India and Pakistan.
Akufo-Addo has also stated that Ghana was against Russia’s occupation of Ukraine and the use of African countries as training grounds for foreign powers, particularly Russia.
“Apart from not accepting the idea of great powers once again making Africa their theatre of operation, we have a particular position that you know about over the Ukraine war, where we have been very, very vocal and up front about condemning the invasion of Ukraine by Russia,” he said at a meeting in Washington with officials of the US government, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, on Thursday, December 15, 2022.
On Wednesday, March 8,President Akufo-Addo will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament.
This is in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, which states that the President shall deliver a message on the State of the Nation to Parliament at the start of each session and before the dissolution of Parliament.
The address, which was rescheduled from last month, is expected to highlight the government’s key policy objectives for the coming year as well as provide information on how the government intends to address economic conditions.
Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, explained why the meeting has been rescheduled.
“After extensive discussions, the address has been shifted to the 8th of March. It is for good reason that the President agreed to the date. The 6th is an important date for all of us and there will be national event in Ho and the President is expected to be there. On the 7th also, definitely for good reason, it cannot be held. So, we have agreed to sacrifice some assignments and do the SONA on 8th.”
TheNational Cathedraland all related issues will be investigated by a committee, according to a private members’ proposal accepted by the Speaker of Parliament from the Minority caucus.
The Committee will also make appropriate recommendations for consideration of Parliament.
The National Cathedral project has been engulfed in several controversies and has also faced stiff opposition with a section of the public being of the view that the project is not relevant considering Ghana’s economic woes.
ButPresident Akufo-Addohas on numerous occasions stated that he will build the cathedral regardless of the opposition from the public.
The Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral in January this year also resolved to subject the project to a “normal statutory audit”.
This followed what the Board said are recent nagging issues that have enveloped the construction process.
It has engaged the services of an audit firm, Deloitte for the audit work to begin.
“The Board is already in discussions to engage Deloitte, which accepted to be the auditors when the National Cathedral was registered, to commence the normal statutory audit”, the Board through its Chairman, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah said in a statement.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Rev. Kusi Boateng has also been fingered by Okudzeto Ablakwa for having multiple identities and receiving some 2.6 million cedis for no work done.
Two members of the Board of Trustees – Founder and Leader of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba, President of the Eastwood Anaba Ministries have called for an immediate suspension of the construction of the National Cathedral pending an audit of the project.
President Akufo-Addo has asked Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the recently elected president ofNigeria, to strengthen the close ties that already exist between Ghana and Nigeria.
Mr Akufo-Addo in his congratulatory message to him said it is his expectation that the President-elect would continue in the stead of past Nigerian leaders..
In a tweet on Thursday, March 2, Mr Akufo-Addo said “On behalf of the Ghanaian people and their Government, I extend warm congratulations to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory in the Nigerian presidential election of Saturday, 25th February.
“It is my expectation that the President-elect would continue in the stead of past Nigerian leaders, and deepen even further the strong friendship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana, which has been based on a shared agenda of freedom, development, security, progress and prosperity.
“Warm congratulations, once again, to President-elect Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria. Best wishes for his and Nigeria’s success.”
Warm congratulations, once again, to President-elect Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria. Best wishes for his and Nigeria’s success.
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) March 2, 2023
Per the official results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) the Mr Tinubu polled 8,794,726 votes – 36% of votes counted.
The former Lagos Governor beat his closest rivals Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).
In his address to the nation on Wednesday, March 1, he said “…No woman, no nation, they did everything possible – creative dancing, intelligent discussions, programmes of ideologies.”
The outgoing President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari also said in a tweet on Wednesday morning, that his successor is the “best person for the job”.
The election was Africa’s largest democratic exercise. In a region that has undergone backsliding and military coups in recent years, this election demonstrates democracy’s continued relevance and capability to deliver for the people it serves.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) March 1, 2023
“I shall now work with him and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power.”
John Dramani Mahama has pledged to investigate how public funds were expended under the Akufo-Addo-led government if given the nod again.
He said this includes the COVID-19 Audit and the findings from the Auditor-General’s reports over years.
According to Mr Mahama, the time has come for Ghanaians to receive proper accountability from those they elect to political office.
This accountability, he said, can only be achieved by a new party in government.
“We must clean the Augean stables and rid them of the filth and corruption. The anti-corruption [agencies] will be given unfettered space to do their work. The days of the infamous ‘clearing agent’ will be well and truly over,” Mr said at his campaign launch in the Volta Region today, Thursday, 2 March 2023, adding that “But to ensure efficiency and professionalism at this endeavor, institutions of state would be empowered to be independent in their work.”
Mr Mahama noted that as President, state-owned enterprises will not be a gravy train for political apparatchiks.
He said he would re-introduce the hallmark of his previous administration – tolerance for criticism and the creation of a conducive atmosphere for the media to do its work without the fear of threats, harassment, and possible assassination.
Responding to calls from his party supporters that the next NDC government must also exact its pound of flesh on the NPP, Mr Mahama said “I daresay, there is no use fighting for political power, if it is only to come and repeat the same mistakes of the NPP administration that have brought our dear nation to this sorry state. We must, therefore, engage our grassroots to work together with us to build the Ghana we want.”
To be able to achieve all the above, Mr Mahama said “we must see different personalities and backgrounds. We must not see NDC and NPP. We must not see Ga, or Ewe or Akan or Dagomba. We must not look to religious differences. We must look to ourselves. We must look to Ghana. One united people. You and I, hand in hand and working together.”
He added “In Building The Ghana We Want Together, it will take grit, It will take determination, but we have what we did not have before – the benefit of hindsight and reflection from afar, and the benefit of experience – to improve upon our successes and avoid our mistakes.”
Mr Mahama has promised to engage the public and various interest groups to tap into their views on how to fashion “the Ghana we want” as he begins his campaign.
President Akufo-Addo has congratulated Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the newly elected president of Nigeria, on his victory in the just ended elections.
Bola Tinubu who was the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the fiercely contested elections held on February 25, 2023.
“On behalf of the Ghanaian people and their Government, I extend warm congratulations to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory in the Nigerian presidential election of Saturday, 25th February,” President Akufo-Addo posted on his social media handles.
He expressed hope that the Nigerian President-elect would deepen the strong friendship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana.
“It is my expectation that the President-elect would continue in the stead of past Nigerian leaders, and deepen even further the strong friendship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana, which has been based on a shared agenda of freedom, development, security, progress and prosperity,” he said.
Tinubu won the election ahead of other contenders — the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi; and the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The three leading presidential candidates won in 12 states each, while Kwankwaso claimed only Kano State.
Tinubu edged Atiku, a former vice president and his closest challenger, with no fewer than 1.8 million votes.
Read below President Akufo-Addo’s full statement
On behalf of the Ghanaian people and their Government, I extend warm congratulations to the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his victory in the Nigerian presidential election of Saturday, 25th February.
President-elect Bola Tinubu’s victory has ensured that the ruling APC Government has been given four (4) more years to continue in office, which, I am hopeful, will go a long way to enhancing the quality of governance, the rule of law and the performance of the Nigerian economy.
The presidential candidates of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and the Labour Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, are to be commended for their vigorous, well-fought campaigns, and I am confident that their reactions to the results of the election will reinforce the boundaries of Nigerian democracy, and consolidate the peace and stability of Nigeria, Africa’s giant.
It is my expectation that the President-elect would continue in the stead of past Nigerian leaders, and deepen even further the strong friendship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana, which has been based on a shared agenda of freedom, development, security, progress and prosperity.
Warm congratulations, once again, to President-elect Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria. Best wishes for his and Nigeria’s success.
Frances Awurabena Essiam, dismissed managing director of the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company (GCML), has apologized to President Akufo-Addo over her inappropriate remarks.
The vociferous immediate past MD of the Cylinder Company was dismissed from her position byPresident Akufo-Addo over undisclosed reasons and replaced with a new MD.
Interestingly, after her dismissal, Frances Essiam clandestinely tendered her resignation letter from her post last Friday.
She then went on media attack and accused the Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, of interference in her role as the Managing Director of the company.
She lambasted the Executive Secretary to President Akufo-Addo, Nana Bediatuo Asante over his conduct in the whole saga.
Frances Essiam claimed to have resigned on Friday February 24, 2023 but a letter from the Presidency signed by Nana Bediatuo Asante on February 21, 2023, went ahead and announced the appointment of Madam Genevieve Sackey as the new MD.
This upon realisarion did not go down well with Frances who vowed never to accept any appointment from the President again saying she is a woman of integrity.
“I’m a woman of substance. I don’t need any appointment from Nana Akufo-Addo. Loyalty, which is not respected, is not worth following and a party and nation that doesn’t reward its heroes and heroines is not worth dying for,” she said on UTV.
Shockingly, Frances Essiam has issued a statement Monday, begging President Akufo-Addo after her pompous and attacks in media.
She said “Your Excellency,
“I have reflected on the incidents following my permanent resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company Limited. Concerning your esteemed personality and ‘Office’ as The President and Primus Inter Pa-res of The Republic of Ghana and an elderly citizen, I render my sincere apologies to you.
“Your Excellency, I remain a committed member of the New Patriotic Party. Accept my highest assurance and warm regards. I wish the Government the best in all its endeavours.”
According to Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, government has adjusted its goal for the Green Ghana Initiative this year in order to focus on catering for the trees that have already been planted throughout the country.
The Minister revealed this when he announced government’s intention to plant 10 million more trees this year.
Government, despite its target to plant 20 million trees in 2022, planted some 22,671,696 million trees across the 16 regions of the country instead.
According to the Lands Minister, this year, the target was reviewed downwards as government wants to give more attention to nurturing the already over 30 million planted trees over the two years.
This is to ensure the tress reach maturity.
Speaking to journalists, on Tuesday, 28 February 2023, the lands Minister urged Ghanaians to own the initiative by government.
“This year the president of the republic has decided that we lower the target to 10 million trees,” Mr Jinapor stated.
“This is to enable us devote much attention to nurturing over 30 million treesalready planted to ensure that all of them reach maturity,” the Minister added.
The Minister further disclosed that his Ministry is partnering with the departments of parks and gardens and the urban roads to implement a Green Street Project.
Under the Green Street Project, trees are being planted in the medians of streets and avenues of major roads in the various cities across the country to beautify the cities at the same time fight climate change.
President Akufo-Addo announced the Green Ghana Initiative to rally Ghanaians for a nationwide tree-planting exercise.
The Minister for Lands in March 2021, launched the maiden greening project as part of activities to mark the International Day of Forests on 21 March.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority(NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide, has condemned recent comments made by the German Ambassador, Daniel Krull, regarding the need for President Akufo-Addo to downsize his government.
Hadzide believes that such comments indicate that Ghana’s development partners, including Germany, do not have the country’s best interests at heart.
During a press conference, Ambassador Krull had questioned why Ghana was pleading for assistance from the international community while still maintaining a government that is larger than Germany’s.
He suggested that there were certain expenditures that could be lowered substantially without hurting economic development, and called on the government to take action in this regard.
Responding to Krull’s comments, Hadzide noted that the government was already committed to finding the right balance between public expenditure and revenue. He also questioned which areas of expenditure should be cut, asking whether it should be in the road sector, education, or health.
Hadzide went on to say that Ghana’s development partners should appreciate the severity of the country’s problems and the need to jump-start development if it is to compete on equal terms.
He argued that if these partners had their way, Africa would be a production force for them to be feeding their economies, and suggested that Ghana should take its own decisions based on its own context.
President Akufo-Addo had appointed a total of 123 Ministers and Deputies during his first administration, but he subsequently reduced the number of Ministers to not more than 85, as promised to Ghanaians.
However, there have been calls for further reductions in light of the current economic situation.
To honor the memory of late Ghanaian football playerChristian Atsu, the Ada Traditional Council has asked the government to create a monument.
According to the family, Christian Atsu’s contribution to the growth of football and humanity cannot be forgotten.
Speaking with President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, the Mankralo of the Ada Traditional Area, Nene Agudey III, described Christian Atsu as a philanthropist who helped to improve the lives of many people.
“If your Excellency and the Ministry will lead in the process to ensure that there is a monumental thing done in his honour, to exemplify to all that it is good to be kind to other people in this life, we would like you to do something in the honour of Christian Atsu so that it will serve as an example to all and sundry in this country.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said government will offer a state-assisted burial for Christian Atsu, the former Black Stars player who perished in the Turkish earthquake.
In the meeting, the President said the country is devastated by the news of Atsu’s death.
The family of Christian Atsu paid him a visit at the Jubilee House on Monday, February 27, 2023, to officially inform him of the death of the former Black Stars player.
The meeting was also attended by officials of the Ghana Football Association led by its president,Kurt Okraku.
“Our responsibility is to give you enough support that you need. It can never erase the loss of this brilliant man. I want the Chief of Staff…to make sure that we organise a state-assisted funeral for Christian Atsu depending on the date the family and GFA will select. Everything will be done from the point of view of the government to make sure he gets a dignified exit. That is my duty and responsibility as a president to make sure that happens,” President Akufo-Addo added.
The president also urged Atsu’s family to fast-track the burial process.
“I don’t know what your plans are, but I think that the sooner we get this unfortunate episode behind us the better for all of us… With that said, the decision as to when the funeral will take place is still up to the family as our customs demand”.
Christian Atsu was tragically trapped under the rubble of the earthquake that hit some parts of Turkey and Syria on February 6.
Atsu’s lifeless body was recovered on February 18 and brought back to Ghana on February 19.
Former President John Dramani Mahama announced on February 28, 2023, through a social media post that he will launch his campaign for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer position on March 2, 2023, in Ho, Volta Region.
The event will take place at the Cedi Auditorium, located at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHIA), and the theme of the launch is “Creating the Ghana we want together.”
Mahama will be contesting against three other candidates for the NDC flagbearer position. They includeDr. Kwabena Duffuor, a former finance minister; Kojo Bonsu, a former mayor of Kumasi; and Ernest Kwaku Kobeah, a 43-year-old businessman based in the United Kingdom.
The NDC began accepting presidential candidate nominations on February 22, 2023, and closed it on February 24, 2023. According to the Party’s timetable, submission and filing of nomination forms for the flagbearer position will take place from March 20 to March 22, 2023.
The vetting of aspirants will be conducted from March 27 to March 29, 2023. Aspirants who have issues with the vetting process will have the opportunity to appeal from March 30 to April 6, 2023.
The NDC’s presidential primaries are expected to take place on May 6, 2023. Parliamentary aspirants will be required to pay a GH¢5,000 nomination fee, and the filing fee is set at GH¢40,000.
The NDC is Ghana’s largest opposition party and will elect a flagbearer to contest the 2024 presidential election.
President Akufo-Addo has eulogised the late King of Gonja, Yagbonwura Sulemana Tuntumba Bore Essa I.
He said the deceased had been a blessing to his presidency.
President Akufo-Addo said this when he led a government delegation to the seventh day ‘Adua’ (Prayers) for the late Chief of Gonja, who died on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Damongo in the Savannah Region.
The President said the contribution of his late friend, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Bore Essa I, to national development, particularly the resolution of the Dagbon crisis and the establishment of the Savannah Region, will never be forgotten.
“There are two things that will always stick in my mind when I come to think of him. First, the contribution he made as one of the three eminent chiefs in the resolution of the Dagbon crisis.
“It was a blessing for me when I became President to have these eminent chiefs in place to help in the governance of our country. And the history of our country will never forget his contributions and participation in that successful enterprise,” he stated.
“And the second was (contribution to development) the role he played leading to the demand for the creation of Savannah Region. It was his insistence we had the referendum and allowed the people of Savannah to express their preference of choice and ultimately, made it possible for me to sign a Constitutional Instrument that created the Savannah Region. He will always be the founder of Savannah Region”, the President indicated.
The President donated GH₵100,000, 20 bags of rice, and a bull towards the funeral.
Present at the Jakpa Palace were representatives of traditional rulers, thus Dagbon, Ashanti Moi, Wa and politicians from across all the political divides and security personnel.
Meanwhile, according to Gonja Traditional Council sources, the late King’s successor will perform all traditional rites in the coming weeks to prepare for his enskinment in Damongo.
Today, Monday, February 27, 2023, President Akufo-Addois scheduled to meet with the family of late Christian Atsu as well as representatives of the Ghana Football Association, and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif to discuss the final burial arrangement for the deceased.
Following the 7.8 magnitude catastrophe, Christian Atsu was discovered dead under the debris at his residence in the Turkish province of Hatay.
His body was subsequently brought to Ghana with government representatives, members of the football community, colleagues, supporters, and Ghanaians, in general offering their condolences to the bereaved family.
On March 4, 2023, the deceased footballer will be remembered with a one-week memorial observation at Adjiringanor in Accra.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Yussif told the media that: “We will call on the President on Monday. Once we do that, the plan that the family has tabled before the Ministry and GFA would be made public because it is subject to the confirmation of the president. A funeral planning committee has also been set up to ensure a befitting funeral.”
The government has vowed to fully engage with the family in giving Atsu a proper burial.
Last Friday, discussions were completed between the Atsu family, Ghana Football Association representatives, and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif ahead of the late footballer’s final funeral rites.
Meanwhile, the family says it is incredibly grateful for the affection and support shown to them in the wake of the tragic passing of their relative in the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
The Twasams are especially appreciative of the assistance received from the government, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Ghanaians during this difficult time.
Robert Ani, a family spokesman, told Citi News that the family’s gratitude for Christian Atsu’s demise cannot be adequately expressed in words.
“The support of government and Ghanaians has been overwhelming. First, I want to thank President Akufo-Addo for taking a keen interest right from when the incident occurred. The President has been very helpful. We just want to say thank you to him and Ghanaians also. The support has been overwhelming. People have been calling, visiting and offering the support they can. So far, I will say that it has been overwhelming”, he said.
The family of Christian Atsu will meet withPresident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday, February 27, 2023, to discuss the player’s funeral arrangements, according to a statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
On Friday, February 24, 2023, Christian Atsu’s family, led by Nene Gabriel Kofi Tswasam, called Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, to formally inform him of their son’s passing.
The meeting, according to the Ministry, also covered the late Black Stars winger’s burial and funeral, as the government had previously promised to pay for the funeral through Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“On February 24, 2023, the family of the late Christian Atsu Tswasam called on the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, to officially inform him of the death of their son and to deliberate on the burial and funeral of the late Atsu.”
“After deliberating on the burial of the late Atsu, it was concluded that a meeting will be held with the President of the Republic of Ghana on Monday, February 27, 2023, to agree on a suitable date for his burial,” read part of the minister’s statement.
Background
Twelve days after a devastating earthquake struck parts of Turkey and Syria, Christian Atsu was discovered dead on the morning of Saturday, February 18, 2022, at the scene of his collapsed apartment.
Christian Atsu’s one-week celebration has been set for Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Accra.
Christian Atsu participated in four other African Cup of Nations competitions in addition to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
He played for the Black Stars in 65 games overall from 2012 to 2019, scoring nine goals.
The leader of the majority party inParliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has asked for a new constitutional provision that would impose a limit on the number of ministers that the President may designate.
His call follows demands by the Minority caucus in Parliament for President Akufo-Addoto downsize his government in the wake of the economic challenges.
Speaking at the launch of the 30 years of parliamentary democracy, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu outlined a series of benefits to be achieved with the consideration of constitutional reform.
“We need a constitutional order that would mitigate the winner takes all attitude and prevent the do-or-die combat associated with our elections. We need a new constitutional order that would prevent the constant increase in the number of seats in Parliament.”
“We need a new constitutional order that would put a cap in the number of ministers of state. We need a new constitutional order that would ensure that the Speaker of Parliament is a serving member of Parliament,” the Suame MP said.
The Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Prof. Vladimir Antwi-Danso has also called for an entirely new constitution contrary to calls for the 1992 constitution to be amended.
Prof. Antwi-Danso holds the view that a new constitution written by a committee so established will repair any defects that currently plague the country’s democratic dispensation.
“I believe that if we have something new (new constitution), politicians will jump to it to serve a better purpose,” he stressed.
On proportional representation, he believes it will be the best for a true representation of the people in parliament, but fears implementing it may be fraught with challenges.
The Parliamentary Minority caucus is still committed to its stance that none of the ministerial nominations should be approved.
The Minority had stated on Monday that they will not approve any of the nominees selected by President Akufo-Addo to fill some vacant positions in government.
The decision followed a directive by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, for Minority members on the Appointments Committee to reject all the nominees.
A section of the public had, however, hoped that the position of the Minority will be altered after participating in the two-day vetting process and particularly grilling some of the appointees for long periods.
The Majority caucus in Parliament on Tuesday also appealed to the National Democratic Congress as well as the Minority caucus to rescind the decision not to approve the new ministers.
Addressing the media, the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh appealed to the NDC and its members in Parliament to support the approval of the ministerial nominees.
“I just want our colleagues to understand that for the sake of unity, and the desire for us to forge a working relationship, this is their major decision. In terms of the fact that they are coming into leadership, this is the first time more or less they are going to make such a significant decision”.
But speaking to the media on Tuesday, Minority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza, said their position remains the same.
The Adaklu MP added that their decision was based on principles and not personal interest.
“We stated earlier initially that it has nothing to do with the personalities. We also stated that it was based on principles and that the country’s debt levels were unsustainable and government should find a way of realigning ministries.
“As we speak there is no movement in terms of our decision not to support at this stage, so nothing has changed in our position about approval or disapproval of the nominees.”
The nominees vetted include Bryan Acheampong, who will head the Ministry of Food and Agriculture replacing Dr Afriyie Akoto who resigned to pursue his presidential vision; Stephen Asamoah Boateng will also oversee the affairs of the Chieftaincy Ministry.
The rest are OB Amoah, the MP for Akwapim South now Minister of State at the Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development Ministry and Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, MP for Karaga now Minister of State designate at the Finance Ministry.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the country’s crime rate has drastically decreased as a result of increased police visibility.
In the president’s view, the visibility has brought discipline on the roads and made communities safer.
Speaking at the presentation of some 100 Toyota Hilux Pick Ups and 600 motorbikes to the Police Service, President Akufo-Addo said the government will continue to support the police to reduce crime in the country.
“We are all witnesses to the increase in police visibility which has contributed to improved police response time. Instilling discipline on our roads is one of the areas the police have made a lot of gains.”
The one hundred (100) pickup vehicles, six hundred (600) motorbikes and six (6) APC vehicles are to be used by the Formed Police Units (FPUs) in all regions of the country.
Until recently, the FPU was only stationed in Accra.
However, through support from the government, the Unit was extended to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and is now being formed in all the other regions. All regions across the country are soon going to benefit from the services of this specialised unit.
These Regional FPUs will be spread across one hundred and forty (140) bases in various communities in all the regions. Without any doubt, their presence will enhance greatly security, law and order in the country.
The President added that “all of these are evidence if any were needed, of Government’s commitment to the continuous retooling of the Police, a responsibility my government takes very seriously”.
“It is borne out of the fact that the police play a critical role in the development of our country, hence the need to ensure that the Police Service is adequately resourced to discharge its duties for the safety and security of all of us, as well as for the growth of economic activity.”
The demise of the Overload of Gonja, Yagbonwura Prof. Tuntumba Bore Essa I, has officially been announced to President Akufo-Addo.
Vice President of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, Buipewura Jinapor II, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, led a delegation to break the news to President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Buipewra said the Overlord’s demise occurred on Saturday, the 5th of February, at about 2am at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo.
He added that the King of Gonja Land was laid to rest on the 6th of February, 2023 at the Royal Mausoleum at Mankuma in the Bole district of the Savannah Region according to the custom and tradition of the Gonja Kingdom.
The Gonja Kingdom, he said, has a good record of laid down system of chieftaincy succession according to custom and tradition especially when it comes to the Yagbon skin.
The Buipewura therefore assured President Akufo-Addo of a smooth and peaceful process of selecting a new Yagbonwura.
He touted some of the good works of the late King saying “His Majesty served his whole life in the local government sector and in the chieftaincy institution. He was a member of the three Eminent Chiefs who found lasting peace to Dagbon. His Majesty was a peace loving Overlord and father for all in every aspect of the life he lived”
Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor officially invited President Akufo-Addo to the 7th day Adua of the late Overlord of Gonja which he said is slated for the 25th and 26th of February, at the Jakpa Palace.
“Mr. President, your presence will be highly anticipated on the 26th of February to join the people of Savannah Region to mourn our late Overlord.”
The President on his part, assured the King and his delegation that he will be present at the funeral and also expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and the Gonja Kingdom, adding that the whole country is mourning with the Chiefs and the people of the Savannah Region.
The representative for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has lauded President Akufo-Addo for traveling toGermanyand Ethiopia in Ghana’s presidential jet.
In a tweet shared on Monday, February 20, 2023, the MP said that the president’s decision not to use a luxury private jet for his recent trip has saved the country almost GHC6.5 million.
He added that if Akufo-Addo had been consistent in using the presidential jet for his travels, he will have saved Ghana a lot of money and possibly averted the current economic crisis in the country.
“I can confirm from our unimpeachable tracking that for President Akufo-Addo’s latest travel to the Munich Security Conference and AU meetings in Addis Ababa, he used Ghana’s Presidential Jet (Dassault Falcon 900 EX) for the entire 17hr:53min flight time. He returned to Accra at 11:40 pm last night.
“By this commendable conduct, and having regard for the current luxury VIP private jet market rate, the President has saved the suffering Ghanaian taxpayer some €480,000 (GHC6.5 million) by avoiding his favourite profligate luxury chartered jet.
“This is the prudent presidential conduct Ghanaians have been demanding for years- a sensitive and frugal leadership which could have saved Ghana over GHC100million and perhaps averted the current economic crisis,” parts of the MPs tweet read.
Ablakwa added that it is his hope that President Akufo-Addo will continue to use the presidential jet till he leaves office for the sake of the country.
View the MPs’ tweet below:
Our unimpeachable tracking of Prez Akufo-Addo’s latest foreign travels to Germany & Ethiopia reveal that he used Ghana’s Presidential Jet for the entire duration.
His commendable conduct saves the suffering taxpayer some GHS6.5million.
This is what Ghanaians have been demanding pic.twitter.com/4QgfCrxo18— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) February 20, 2023
A Member of Parliament (MP) for the Akim Swedru Constituency, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, has made a passionate defense for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to be chosen as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer .
The lawmaker and former Deputy Minister of Agriculture opined that Dr. Bawumia’s sacrifices and contributions to the party amid attacks and vilification by both the opposition and government are sufficient grounds for him to lead the governing party into the 2024 elections.
“He led our 2016 campaign and received all the attacks from our opponents and won us power with a historical margin. He is still receiving attacks for the party and government, and you think I should sidestep him? All the current attacks from the opposition parties are being directed at him just because he has decided to sacrifice himself for the party,” he wrote on Facebook.
Kennedy Osei forcefully stated that there are positions being occupied and enjoyed by government appointees under President Akufo-Addothat are the results of the sacrifices of Dr. Bawumia, whom he further described as the nemesis of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
“Many are today holding different portfolios and positions in this Government because of the work he did for the party then in opposition in 2016. He singlehandedly took the entire NDC government on, both in opposition and in government, so no wonder they are after his head and would prefer that he not be on the NPP’s ticket. He is the greatest nemesis of the biggest opposition party,” he added.
This latest endorsement by the Akim Swedru MP adds up to the overwhelming number of NPP parliamentarians who have thrown their weight behind the Vice President ahead of the party’s presidential primaries.
Though Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has not officially declared his intentions to be president, Dr. Gideon Boako, a spokesperson for the Vice President, has stated that the official announcement will be made if the party opens nominations for the primaries.
Members of Parliament on the Minority side have been directed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to boycott and disapprove the new ministers appointed by President Akufo-Addo.
In a press release dated February 19, the party explained that this is to help push for the reduction in the size of the current government.
The NDC stated that, the party together with other civil society organisations have on numerous occasions expressed concern over government’s size but the President has yet to act on the calls for a reduction.
“The leadership of the NDC, has, against this backdrop, directed the Minority caucus in Parliament not to approve any of the new ministerial nominees and to further push for a reduction in the size of government with a view to reducing the needless drain on scarce public resources.”
Stephen Amoah, K.T. Hammond and Brian Acheampong
“In this moment of haircuts, the most important thing the government can do is to do a “governmental haircut”. Our directive to the Minority in Parliament, we believe strongly aligns with the genuine sentiments of most Ghanaians. Enough is enough,” parts of the statement read.
This comes after President Akufo-Addo made changes to his government on February 7. He appointed new persons while other ministers have been reshuffled to other ministries.
Asamoah Boateng, Mohammed Amin Adam, Hebert Krapah and O.B Amoah
These ministers are expected to appear before Parliament on Monday, February 20, for vetting.
Below is the list of ministers appointed
Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, K.T Hammond has been appointed Minister-designate for Trade and Industry.
2. Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Brian Acheampong has been appointed Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture.
3. Member of Parliament for Karaga, Mohammed Amin Adam, who was stationed at the Energy Ministry as deputy Minister has been given a new post.
He has been appointed Minister of State at the Finance Ministry. He is set to replace Charles Adu Boahen.
4. Stephen Asamoah Boateng has been appointed Minister-designate for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
5. Herbert Krapah, who was Deputy Minister at the Trade Ministry has been moved to the Energy Ministry as Deputy Minister-designate. He replaces Mohammed Amin Adam.
6. Meanwhile, Dr Stephen Amoah is now Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry to replace Herbert Krapah.
7. Member of Parliament for Akuapem South, Osei Bonsu Amoah, has been appointed Minister of State at the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry.
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be delivered by President Akufo-Addoin Parliament on February 28, 2023.
The address will be done pursuant to Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution.
President Akufo-Addo will be expected to present his plans for the next 2 years of his governance.
This includes government programs and what strategies the government intends to implement, how to achieve them, and also how to rally the people of Ghana towards accelerated national development and progress among others.
This was revealed by the Majority Leader when he presented the business statement for the third week ending February 24.
Ghana’s presidential jet has returned according to a report.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo got what could best be described as a Valentine’s Day gift when the presidential jet touched down on February 14, 2023 in Accra.
The Falcon 900-EX Presidential Jet, had been in France for the past six-months undergoing a full refurbishment.
GhanaWeb sources confirmed that the jet aside from refurbishment also underwent some retrofiting with avionics systems upgrade in Paris.
With this, aviation and military sources said the Presidential Jet will now be capable of embarking on trips to most countries in Europe, a local newspaper with close links to government reported on February 16.
The Daily Guide newspaper said the upgrade will allow the jet flight times of six hours, as it used to do before the unfortunate incident of September 30, 2018, where it had to land immediately in Washington DC, soon after taking off because it developed a fault.
The jet is usually for the local and international use of the president and key government officials but throughout last year attracted a lot of chatter after North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reported that it had been abandoned by the president for high-end ultra-luxury-chartered flights.
The government serially refused to disclose the cost of these supposed luxury flights citing national security implications.
Meanwhile, president Akufo-Addo is said to have used the jet for his trip to Germany and Ethiopia to attend the Munich Security Summit and African Union’s Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government respectively.
GhanaWeb is yet to confirm if he traveled on the jet on February 16 when he left town.
The new Board will have former MP for Offinso South, Alhaji Ben Abdallah Banda as Chairman and Deputy Majority Chief Whip and Tolon MP, Habib Iddrisu as a member.
The rest of the members are Hajia Safia Mohammed, Chief Saddique Jimala III, Sheikh Amin Bonsu, Alhaji Inusah Amadau, Osumanu Yunusah, Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed, Seidu Zakaria, Abdul Rahman Alhassan Gomda, Alhaji Musah Akambonga, ans Hajia Azara Haroun.
The President has also appointed Alhaji Farouk Hamza as the new Executive Secretary of the Hajj Board Secretariat, with Ibrahim Adjei as a member of the Secretariat as well as Ahmed Abu and Ahmed Tijani.
The Government has completed 160 kindergarten (KG) blocks out of the 350 under construction, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed.
He said several dilapidated KG blocks, meant to expand the base of early childhood education, had also been rehabilitated.
President Nana Akufo-Addo made this known at the inauguration and handing-over of the Kwabenya Atomic Model Kindergarten (KG), Ghana’s first play-based ICT-empowered KG, at Dome-Kwabenya, in the Ga-East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
The project, executed by Messrs. BSW International, was funded by the Ghana Education Trust (GET) Fund.
The President indicated that improving educational infrastructure was critical to creating access for the Ghanaian youth to be educated to an appreciable standard.
Therefore, the Government was determined to inject the needed resources to achieve the desired educational goals to enhance the nation’s human resource base, he noted.
President Nana Akufo-Addo said promoting quality and inclusive early education helped to build the cognitive abilities of the child.
This was also needed to promote the core competencies of Ghanaian children, as well as language and physical development, he said.
He hinted that the country was reviewing its educational curriculum from an objective-based to standard-based, saying this was being implemented to nurture a generation of critical-thinkers.
This was required to bring Ghana’s educational development in tune with the demands of the 21st Century, he said.
President Nana Akufo-Addo was optimistic the Kwabenya Atomic Model KG would provide a world class early childhood education.
Contrary to assertions made by some people that thegovernment has not done enough, Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, asserts that President Akufo-Addo’s administration has made unprecedented investments in the development of sports facilities.
Addressing the media in Ho and Koforidua after inspecting on-going construction works on the Ho and Koforidua multi-purpose sports centres, Mustapha Ussif provided data on a number of renovation works and new sports facilities the Akufo-Addo government has invested in,to buttress his point of unrivalled investment by the government, running into millions of US Dollars.
“There has been recent talk of lack of Government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure in the country, but the data and incontrovertible evidence on the ground rather points to the contrary, especially under the Government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” Mustapha Ussif told the media.
“Until the Government of Nana Akufo-Addo assumed office, our national stadia in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Essipong were deteriorating, as they had not received any serious attention for some time. However, in the past six years under this government, these facilities have undergone major renovation works, which are continuing, to bring these facilities up to standard.
“Also, this Government has invested massively in community sports infrastructure by building close to 100 astro-turfs across the country. Before the Government of President Akufo-Addo, there were only two public astro turfs in the country. To have close to 100 astro turfs, fairly distributed across communities in the country, is a remarkable feat never seen before, which demonstrates a government committed to developing sports infrastructure.”
The Sports Minister continued: “In addition to this, the government has also embarked on the unprecedented nationwide development of multipurpose facilities across the country – that is the 10 National Youth Centres. This audacious, national scale sports infrastructure development has never been witnessed in our country before.”
Concerns have been raised over the slow pace of work for the completion of the 10 multi-purpose sports centres, but theMinister reiterated government’s commitment to completing a project it conceived, beginning with six, which he said are on Phase 2.
“Even though the project (10 multi-purpose stadia) is behind schedule due to several factors, government’s commitment to completing it is never in doubt,” Mustapha Ussif assured.
“We have focused on completing six of the youth centres as soon as possible and work is progressing steadily, as the Ho Stadium shows. Indeed, no one can be more committed to seeing the completion of these projects than the very government which conceived the idea and started it.”
The Sports Minister added that in addition to the on-going renovation of the national stadia, the community astro turfs and the 10 multi-purpose sports centres, government is also investing heavily in sports infrastructure at the University of Ghana and Borteyman, in readiness to host the African Games.
“Government also decided to bid and host the African Games in Accra, in order to offer the country an opportunity to develop more sports infrastructure. Currently, construction works are ongoing at the Borteyman Stadium as well as at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra. For these projects alone, Government has committed over $200 million.
“This is unprecedented in our nation’s history, and this is a clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure.”
The Minister added that government’s investment on sports infrastructure he has outlined, excludes the government’s collosal funding of national sports teams, especially football, which runs into millions of US Dollars.
President Akufo-Addo has said that the government is committed to finding a successful solution to the problems the country is now facing.
Speaking at the 18th Consultative Council Meeting of the Anglican Church on Sunday, 12th February 2023, President Akufo-Addo indicated that he was aware that these are difficult times in Ghana, just as they are for most people in the world.
“However, with the help of Almighty God, and backed by a sense of determination, hard work, and collective sacrifices on our part, I am confident that we will successfully confront the difficulties, bring relief to the Ghanaian people, and return the economy back to the high rates of growth that characterised the management of our economy in the three (3) years preceding the COVID outbreak in 2020 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
Government, according to the President, “is implementing a number of policy measures to this end, and, sooner rather than later, we shall overcome.”
Anglican Consultative Council
Welcoming the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt. Hon. Justin Portal Welby, and the Anglican Consultative Council, to Ghana, the President told the gathering at the Anglican Church has been a good example of what it means to love one another and give cheerfully to those in need, and it continues to play a significant role in the growth and development of the nation.
“All Anglicans are extremely indebted to the Primate and Metropolitan Archbishop and his team for the dynamism that we are experiencing in the Anglican Communion in Ghana presently. I have been involved, as well as following up with activities, of which I am proud as an Anglican,” he said.
Addressing the financial sustainability strategy of the Anglican Church in Ghana, which seeks to move the Church to a position of self-reliance, President applauded the decision by the Church to establish an insurance brokerage.
“I also wish to congratulate the Bishop, Rt Rev Dr. Daniel Torto, and the entire membership of my Diocese, the Diocese of Accra, for its substantial investment in the area of agriculture, through the cultivation of its one thousand (1,000) acre rubber plantation, the largest, private-owned rubber plantation in the country,” he stressed.
The President continued, “These and other projects being embarked on by various Dioceses are contributing positively towards Ghana’s economic growth and the creation of jobs in various communities. Government stands ready to partner and support the various initiatives of the Church, especially those in line with the directive principles of state policy, to help develop a progressive and prosperous Ghana.”
President Akufo-Addo, has indicated that his administration will relentlessly tackle challenges confronting the nation.
Speaking at the 18th Consultative Council Meeting of the Anglican Church on Sunday, 12th February 2023, President Akufo-Addo indicated that he was aware that these are difficult times Ghana, just as they are for most people in the world.
“However, with the help of Almighty God, and backed by a sense of determination, hard work and collective sacrifices on our part, I am confident that we will successfully confront the difficulties, bring relief to the Ghanaian people, and return the economy back to the high rates of growth that characterised the management of our economy in the three (3) years preceding the COVID outbreak in 2020 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
Government, according to the President, “is implementing a number of policy measures to this end, and, sooner rather than later, we shall overcome.”
Anglican Consultative Council
Welcoming the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt. Hon. Justin Portal Welby, and the Anglican Consultative Council, to Ghana, the President told the gathering at the Anglican Church has been a good example of what it means to love one another and give cheerfully to those in need, and it continues to play a significant role in the growth and development of the nation.
“All Anglicans are extremely indebted to the Primate and Metropolitan Archbishop and his team for the dynamism that we are experiencing in the Anglican Communion in Ghana presently. I have been involved, as well as following up with activities, of which I am proud as an Anglican,” he said.
Addressing the financial sustainability strategy of the Anglican Church in Ghana, which seeks to move the Church to a position of self-reliance, President applauded the decision by the Church to establish of an insurance brokerage.
“I also wish to congratulate the Bishop, Rt Rev Dr Daniel Torto and entire membership of my Diocese, the Diocese of Accra, for its substantial investment in the area of agriculture, through the cultivation of its one thousand (1,000) acre rubber plantation, the largest, private-owned rubber plantation in the country,” he stressed.
The President continued, “These and other projects being embarked on by various Dioceses are contributing positively towards Ghana’s economic growth, and the creation of jobs in various communities. Government stands ready to partner and support the various initiatives of the Church, especially those in line with the directive principles of state policy, to help develop a progressive and prosperous Ghana.”
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to reshuffle and reduce the size of his government shows how insensitive he is to the plight of Ghanaians.
The party says the President does not appreciate the extent of the economic crisis the country is facing by keeping a large size of government.
The National Communications Officer of the party, Mr Sammy Gyamfi said the actions of President Akufo-Addo mean he does not respect the suffering of Ghanaians.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, the outspoken politician said any responsible leader would have downsized government considering the hardship the country is facing.
“This so-called reshuffle has once again highlighted the insensitivity and the intransigence of the Akufo-Addo Bawumia because we all know the times we are living in. This country is in crisis.
“Our economy has been so mismanaged that today it is in bankruptcy such that we cannot even service our debt such that we are compelling our creditors to accept crude haircuts on coupon rates they are entitled.
“That is how serious the crisis we have plunged and what any responsible government should be doing is to show prudence and frugality in its expenditure.
“Where we make it imperative for any responsible leader to downsize and to reduce drastically the government and its expenditure and not this insults to Ghanaians,” he said.
A Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has described President Akufo-Addo’s recent appointments as no ministerial reshuffle at all.
According to him, the exercise mainly filled vacancies in government where there have been resignations, complemented with token movements that really do not carry any weight.
In effect, the exercise fell far short of the expectations of members of the public who have been clamouring for a real reshuffle.
Since Ghana’s economy started showing signs of instability, a section of Ghanaians called for a ministerial reshuffle and a downsized government, he said.
This call initially was met with indifference.
However, when it became incessant the President finally replied saying, “The calls come for all kinds of reasons; NDC wanting to destabilise the government is one. There are people who are also looking for jobs.”
Six months later, President Akufo-Addo reshuffled some ministers in his government.
But this has not met the expectations of many Ghanaians.
Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM), a comedian and television broadcaster, has requested that President Akufo-Addo apologize to the people of Ghana for the economic catastrophe that they are now experiencing.
In a myjoyonline.com report, the renowned comedian claimed that Ghanaians have lost the plot when it comes to managing the country’s issues.
“The president should come and tell us that we are in a big mess and that ‘we are sorry.’ We created this mess. The mess didn’t come from anywhere; our pettiness drove us this far,” he said.
KSM also outlined a few ways the government might lessen Ghanaians’ burdens.
“The first step is to eliminate ex gratia… ex gratia from now to, say, five years is being eliminated.” Let us cut down the number of people at the presidency to let the people know that we are in a mess,” KSM further stated.
Meanwhile, in December 2022, KSM expressed frustration that leaders don’t think through their plans thoroughly and that affects its citizens. This was in response to the announcement that road tolls would be reinstated by Kwasi Amoako-Atta.
Speaking with GhanaWeb’s Doreen Abanema Abayaa, KSM said the roads minister to stop the collection of road tolls because he thought the government could maximize revenue through the E-Levy.
“I’m a much, much, older person, and this is part of my frustrations in this country, that to date, we are not going to sit down and do things after we think them through thoroughly. Everything we do is a ‘knee jerk reaction’…
“Even when he (roads minister) was describing the road tolls, he talked about how it was not going to create traffic jams and it was going to be digitised,” KSM argued.
All Specified Entities have been directed by President Akufo-Addo to deliver all of their management accounts to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department by February 28, 2023.
He expressed concern that as of the first quarter of 2022, only 54 per cent of State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) submitted their financial statements for consolidation into the national accounts.
The President gave the directive when he addressed participants at the Annual Stakeholder Meeting of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) at Kwahu-Nkwatia in the Eastern Region on Friday.
He noted that the late and non-submission of financial statements by SOEs undermined the work of the Controller and Accountant General in providing a total picture of Ghana’s public finances.
“I wish to reiterate strongly that by 28 February this year, all management accounts should be submitted to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department.
“The more we consolidate the national accounts with additional SOEs, the wider the national assets and fiscal space become” the President said.
President Akufo-Addo also directed all SOEs to submit to SIGA’s performance contract process to facilitate the inclusion of their financial statements in the preparation of the national accounts.
Currently, SIGA has 175 Specified Entities under its supervision.
These entities are mandated by law to submit management accounts by 28th February to allow the Auditor General to submit audited accounts to Parliament by April 30.
The number of financial statements submitted by SOEs in the consolidated national accounts rose from 19 in 2020 to 47 in 2021.
In 2020, the 19 SOEs included in the national accounts contributed 30 per cent to the national assets. It further increased to 49 per cent when 47 SOEs were included in the 2021 national accounts.
President Akufo-Addo charged Chairpersons of Boards and Chief Executive Officers of SOEs to collaborate with their respective internal auditors in the preparation of their management accounts to reduce incidents of infractions in the ongoing 2022 audit process.
He said it was unacceptable for SOEs to control about half of the country’s national assets and contribute less to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
SOEs, President Akufo-Addo insisted, must own up to their responsibilities and take a centre stage in the country’s development.
“Jumpstarting our economy begins with you. You should be the major drivers of Ghana’s economy rather than being a financial burden,” he said, adding: “excuses for non-performance should no longer be tolerated.
The 2023 Stakeholder Meeting of SIGA brought together Board Chairs, CEOs of Specified Entities, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the Specified Entities into high-performing organisations and ensuring they meet the President’s vision of contributing 30 per cent to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product.
The two-day Conference, which was in accordance with Section 30 of the SIGA Act 2019 (Act 990), was on the theme: “A Time to Reflect and Rebuild.”
The immediate-past Chief Justice of Ghana, Sophia Akuffo, has stated that she is able free to share her genuine thoughts without restriction since she no longer occupies a government position.
Speaking with the media at the forefront of the Ministry of Finance in Accra, Madam Akuffo voiced her displeasure against government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) as she stood with the many pensioners who picketed at the Finance Ministry.
“Let me see you doing something serious because we’ve seen these sorts of things for a very long time. I’m over 70 now, and I’m no longer a government employee. My mouth has been ungagged and I’m talking and I’m saying what I feel and it is important that, the elderly in this nation…”
“There are quite a number of people here today, who retired last year, last two years. When they retired, they put everything into government bonds and now all of a sudden, you virtually want to, at gunpoint, force them to agree with you that the repayment of their investment or yields of their investments should be as you dictate it. Why?
“Why are we in the mess we are in, nobody has fully explained it to us, yes debts, we took debts, what was it used for? Where is the accountability? You are not telling us about how you are going to make things better but just ‘help me and I’ll help you’ no, you help yourself first.
The immediate-past Chief Justice of Ghana, who was appointed by the sitting president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, explained that she is there with the pensioners out of solidarity.
She stated that while she is not going to be affected by the government’s DDEP, she finds it wicked for the government to sacrifice the profits of retirees – people who have sacrificed for Ghana, just so that it is able to solve its own problems in managing the economy.
“This is just by God’s grace that I’m not included and it’s very heart-breaking to see people of, particularly, this age group – some are a bit older than me, some are somewhat a bit younger than me, but these are all people who have worked, worked very hard. They could have left the country when others were leaving, they left, they stayed, they worked for the nation and we’ve had our ups and downs and everything but bit by bit.
“A lot of us are from the generation where you were encouraged to save for tomorrow. We’ve been through times when all your savings become nonsense because of some government policy. Then over the years, bit by bit, people have become more confident in the economy, in investments and all that,” she added.
She stressed that it is unlawful for the government to be pushing this agenda, including profits of pensioners who have invested in bonds.
“I find this wicked; I find it disrespectful; I find it unlawful; I find it totally wrong. Period. Because you don’t solve your problems by sacrificing your aged. That’s the last thing you should do especially when we don’t have any services that are specially geared at the comfort and the relief of the aged,” she added.
Sophia Akuffo, the first person to be appointed by President Akufo-Addo as Ghana’s Chief Justice, has expressed her displeasure with the leader for attempting to address his financial issues by manipulating the weak.
She said that it is wickedness for the government to sacrifice the profits of people who have worked their entire lives serving the country, just so that it can solve its own problems of fixing the economy.
Speaking at the forefront of the Ministry of Finance in Accra, where some pensioners have been picketing since Monday, February 6, 2023, she said the last thing the Akufo-Addo government should have been done was to think of touch pension funds.
“I find this wicked; I find it disrespectful; I find it unlawful; I find it totally wrong. Period. Because you don’t solve your problems by sacrificing your aged. That’s the last thing you should do especially when we don’t have any services that are specially geared at the comfort and the relief of the aged,” she said.
The immediate-past Chief Justice of Ghana joined her fellow retirees at the Ministry of Finance on Friday, February 10, 2023, to picket over the government’s intention to involve the bonds of pensioners in its Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
A lecturer on governance at Central University, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, has expressed his concern for impending instability at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
This follows the appointments of Kobina Tahiru Hammond and Stephen Amoah by President Akufo-Addo as Minister of Trade and Industry and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, respectively.
The appointments of the two became necessary after Alan Kyerematen, the former minister, tendered in his resignation in January 2023 so that he could focus on his presidential ambitions.
But reacting to the news of the appointment of the two while speaking on Peace FM and monitored by GhanaWeb, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah said that knowing Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, the way he does, someone needs to speak with him.
He said that with the two personalities heading the Ministry of Trade and Industry, if care is not taken, it might result in a very chaotic situation at the ministry.
“When you take a look at the trade ministry, Sticker is my friend. He is hot; he does not lose arguments. He can go on with you for even three months without stopping. And then KT Hammond is also hot and now the two of them have been sent to one ministry.
“I plead that if the elders will speak with the two of them, it will help, otherwise, I see fire ahead.
Stressing that he is not one to wish such people doom, Dr. Otchere-Ankrah said that it is necessary that there is a balance between the personalities and energies of the people asked to be at the helm of organisations, even more so politically.
“I am not a prophet of doom, but there should be a balance of hot and cold so that must be looked at,” he stressed.
Among the new appointments made by President Nana Akufo-Addo to his government are Bryan Acheampong as Minister of Food and Agriculture; Stephen Asamoah Boateng as Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Studies; Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance; and Osei Bonsu Amoah as Minister of State for Local Government.
According to Bernard Mornah, a former national chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed NPP members who have remained devoted to him as ministers.
According to him, all the people who were appointed are people who have defended President Akufo-Addo and his appointees no matter how unpopular their actions were.
Mornah, who made these remarks in an XYZ TV interview, on Wednesday, said that the Trade and Industry minister-designate, Kobina Tahiru (KT) Hammond, once called Ghanaian youth, ‘coconut heads’ after the president was booed at a Global Citizens event in 2022.
“All these people who have been appointed, which of them have not defended the indefensible? KT Hammond insulted young people that they have coconut heads after Akufo-Addo was booed at a Global Citizen event.
“And when Ken Ofori-Atta was under the motion of censure, KT Hammond’s theatricals lead to Ofori-Atta being freed. That (his appointment) is the reward for ensuring that we continue to harbour thieves. So, KT Hammond has been rewarded for insulting young people.
“Stika (Dr Stephen Amoah) championed the passage of the E-Levy, he has now been rewarded. Bryan Acheampong sent people to beat and kill people at the Ayawaso West Wuogon and other places, he has been rewarded,” he said in Twi.
President Akufo-Addo, on February 7, 2023, appointed Kobina Tahiru Hammond (MP for Adansi Asokwa) as the minister-designate for Trade and Industry and Bryan Acheampong (MP for Abetifi) as the minister-designate for Food and Agriculture.
Other appointments the president made are Stephen Asamoah Boateng, for the Ministry of Chieftaincy; Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Osei Bonsu Amoah as Minister of State for Local Government.
Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, was also appointed a Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry.
These new appointments by the president, which were announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, come following the recent resignations of Alan Kyerematen as Minister of Trade; Afriyie Owusu Akoto as Minister of Food and Agriculture; Ebenezer Kojo Kum as Minister of Chieftaincy as well as the sacking of Charles Adu Boahen as Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance.
The appointment is, however, subject to parliamentary approval.
