TIG Post

Tag: Vice President

  • Your opponents may berate you but God will see you through – Bunkpurugu chief to Bawumia

    The Paramount Chief of Bunkpurugu Traditional Area, Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong, has urged the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to focus on his good works for the country and not be discouraged by the negativity of his opponents, who he said, will always find negative things to say about the Vice President.

    Welcoming Dr. Bawumia, who is on a working visit to the north, to his Palace on Tuesday, the Bunkpurugu Naba, commended the Vice President for his “indefatigable leadership,” and the recognition he has given to the people of Bunkpurugu and the north in general, adding that God will crown his efforts.

    “I am excited to have you present at my Palace, once again, to pay a courtesy call on me and my people in the Bunkpurugu Traditional Area. We are highly delighted having you with us today, because of the recognition you have given us as a people in this part of our country,” Naba Abuba Nasinmong, who was flanked by his elders and indigenes of the community, said.

    “You are a true statesman and an astute modern politician who has efficiently aided the first gentleman of the Ghanaian State, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to maintain law and order, peace and tranquillity, and implementation of people-centred policies that have touched the life of every Ghanaian, especially in the Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District such as Free SHS policy, Planting for Food and Jobs, an extension of electricity, an improvement on our roads, etc.”

    As he lauded Dr. Bawumia and the Akufo-Addo Government, he expressed his support and “wholehearted” encouragement to the Vice President not to be discouraged by the negativity of his critics.

    “Permit me to wholeheartedly express the following: your opponents would always find negative things to say about you, but continue with your good works and Almighty God will grant you victory.

    “I wish to, on behalf of my people, assure you of our maximum support.”

    The Vice President has been on a working tour of the northern part of the country since Sunday.

    After touring the Northern Region on Sunday and Monday, paying courtesy calls on traditional leaders, and inspecting ongoing government projects, the Vice-president took his tour to the North East Region on Tuesday.

    The Government’s construction of Agenda 111 District hospitals is among the key government projects the Vice President has been inspecting on his tour.

  • I express my gratitude to my brother the Asantehene and other chiefs for protecting our son – Nayiri

    The Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga has expressed appreciation to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and other Chiefs around the country, for protecting their son, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    The Nayiri welcomed Dr. Bawumia and his delegation, made up of members of Government from various parts of the country, to his Palace on Tuesday morning, before the Vice President commenced his working tour of the North East Region.

    As members of the Vice President’s powerful delegation were introduced one after the other, the Nayiri realised that the delegation was made up of people from different parts of the country.

    He acknowledged the diversity of the delegation during his address and commended Dr. Bawumia for being inclusive, adding that the diversity of the delegation is also an indication that the Vice President is widely accepted and also has a very good relationship with people.

    To the members of the delegation, the Nayiri urged them to continue to work together with the Vice President until the right destination is reached.

    “You have come far with the Vice President and since you have not yet reached your destination, you cannot complain of being tired. The plea to all of you is that, continue to lend support to the Vice President so that we will all get to our preferred destination.”

    Expressing gratitude to all present and Chiefs for supporting the Vice President to serve, the Nayiri delivered a special message to the Asantehene, through members of the delegation from the Ashante Region.

    “The Asantehene is a blood brother to the Nayiri and a very good friend. Each time they are together and they speak the same language. So those of you from Ashanti, when you get back, go to the Asantehene and tell him that his brother, his friend extends warm greetings to him and expresses his gratitude to him for protecting our son. I also request his continuous support for his son so that he can get to where he wants to get to.”

    The Nayiri urged Dr. Bawumia to continue to work hard in service to the nation, assuring that God will reward his efforts.

    The Vice President has been on a working visit to the since Sunday. After spending two days in the Northern Region, he started the a tour of the North East Region.

    Members of his delegation is made up of Ministers, MPs, Senior Government and Party Officials, former party executives and other party stalwarts.

  • What Bawumia is really doing with his Northern Region Tour – Spokesperson clarifies

    Following some media reports that Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent tour in the Northern Region is a subtle campaign move, his spokesperson has emerged with some clarification.

    Dr. Bawumia began a three-day tour of the Northern Region on Sunday, October 2, 2022, to visit some constituencies as well as inspect some ongoing projects in the region.

    He also took the opportunity to interact with the chiefs and people of the Northern Region.

    There have however been suggestions that the Vice President has intentions of killing two birds with one stone – touring while introducing himself to the people.

    His spokesperson has however emerged to debunk the suggestions, providing clarifications to the issue.

    Speaking in a Citinews interview, Gideon Boako said that the Vice President was merely engaging with people in his community.

    “Some of them are technically not party people, but the fact that he lives within their community, he has a property within their community, and he comes back home after work, they want to visit him and talk to him, and it is quite normal

    “It is time for him to avail himself to the community for people to come and interact with him,” Mr. Boako said.

  • Ghana plans to transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy by 2070 – Dr. Bawumia

    Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said government plans to transition from the use of fossil fuel to renewable energy by 2070.

    According to him, the future development will require stakeholders in the energy sector to hasten efforts aimed at enhancing production and utilisation of Ghana’s oil and gas reserves.

    Addressing participants at the 5th Ghana International Petroleum Conference (GhIPCon) on September 28, the Vice President said Ghana remains committed to achieving zero net carbon emissions but will do so at a slow and sustainable pace.

    “Let me add that Ghana has set a target of 2070 to fully transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. So, even though as a government, we are fully committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070, we also have to take steps to accelerate the production and utilization of our oil and gas reserves,” he noted.

    “What this means is that even though we want to contribute to reducing emissions, we are of the view that a balance must be struck and maintained in the context of our social, economic, and environmental requirements,” Dr Bawumia added.

    He further pointed out that natural gas use will remain a key part of Ghana‘s energy mix in the short term.

    “…So, fossil fuels, particularly natural gas will continue to be part of Ghana’s energy mix in the short term, whilst strategies will be put in place to increase the share of renewable energy in the mix from medium to long term,” the Vice president stated.

    Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid said government will continue to ensure emissions from petroleum products are significantly reduced in the future.

    “We at the NPA are committed to support government’s agenda in reducing the emissions from the energy products we consume in Ghana. And I’m glad to mention we were the first west African country to reduce sulphur content in transport and industrial fuels from a maximum of 5000ppm to a maximum of 50ppm,” Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid stated.

  • Gold firms begin sales to BoG – 125,000 Ounces expected last quarter

    Under the Domestic Gold Purchase Program, gold has begun to be sold by Ghanaian gold mining businesses to the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

    Between now and December of this year, the businesses that are members of the Ghana Chamber of Mines will sell the BoG around 125,000 ounces of gold.

    The central bank declared last year that it will start holding some of its reserves in gold in order to strengthen its international reserves.

    The transaction is anticipated to support the cedi and reduce inflation.

    Meeting

    This was the outcome of a meeting between the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, other members of the Economic Management Team, the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) on one hand ,and the leadership of the Ghana Chamber of Mines on the other.

    “It was agreed that to help shore up the foreign exchange reserves of the Bank of Ghana, starting September 1, the Bank of Ghana will purchase a portion of the output of the gold mining companies on a continuous basis at world market prices but payment will be made in Ghana cedis,” Dr Bawumia said after the meeting.

    Mining firms

    In all, there are 10 mining companies that will sell gold to the BoG under the deal.

    The firms are Newmont Ghana Gold, which operates the Akyem and Ahafo mines, Gold Fields, which operates the Tarkwa and Abosso mines, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem, Perseus, Asanko, Golden Star Wassa and Adamus Gold Resources.

    The central bank will buy the gold in cedis at $1,600 per ounce at the Bloomberg exchange rate of GH¢10.3 to the dollar.

    According to the central bank it would pay market prices for the precious metal but make the payments in cedis.

    Per the plan, the BoG wants to purchase about GH¢2.1 billion worth of gold by December this year.

    Ahead of the meeting, Newmont Ghana had already sold 3,500 ounces of gold to the BoG as part of the deal.

    Mutual benefits

    The President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Joshua Mortoti, said in an interview with the Daily Graphic that the gold purchase programme was mutually beneficial to all the stakeholders.

    “As good corporate citizens, the Chamber will support the BOG to ensure that the nation and mining companies benefit from the programme,” he said.

    Also commenting on the deal, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Sulemanu Koney, stated that members of chamber would further engage the central bank to fast-track the implementation of the programme.

    Foreign reserves

    The BoG is the latest central bank to announce plans to increase its gold reserves.

    A survey from the World Gold Council last year showed that out of 57 central banks, more than 20 planned to add more gold to their foreign reserves.

    Most of the demand is coming from central banks of emerging markets.

    Analysts have stated that the gold purchase deal was a significant boost to the country’s foreign exchange reserves, and would strengthen the country’s balance of payments.

    Ghana is Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth largest producer, producing more than 117 tonnes of gold last year.

    Dollarisation trend

    Market analysts see the central banks’ growing appetite for gold as part of the general de-dollarisation trend that countries are trying to lower their exposure to the US dollar.

    Ghana has been struggling to tame galloping inflation, reduce public debt and shore up the local currency.

    Its balance-of-payments deficit swelled to nearly $2.5 billion by the end of June, this year, from around $935 million in March.

    The government is also putting together a post COVID-19 economic programme that will form the basis for negotiations with the IMF.

    The programme seeks to ensure debt and macroeconomic stability through key structural reforms and social protection.

    Already in the country is an IMF team that is discussing policies and reforms with government officials and the central bank after the country requested a bailout from the Fund in July.

    The BoG has therefore rescheduled its September 26 Monetary Policy Committee meeting to October 7 to coincide with the end of the negotiations between the government and the IMF.

  • Government dedicated to digitalising justice delivery system – Bawumia

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, vice president, has urged Commonwealth nations to use technology to achieve justice.

    The Vice President stated that the largest lesson from the pandemic should be the implementation of technology for the benefit of all people seeking justice, citing Ghana’s experience with Covid-19.

    On Monday, September 5, 2022, he was giving a speech in Accra at the start of the 19th triennial session of the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association.

    “The advancement in technology means that we do not have to be physically present to perform a task anywhere. We can reduce the man-hours required to perform any task. The Justice system in the commonwealth and around must fully embrace the power of digital tools in order to boost access to justice.”

    “It will be criminally negligent to ignore the latent hour we have and allow the situation to fester where our court is clogged and justice out of the reach of many.”

    He said government is fully committed to ensuring that justice is available to all through the effective use of digital tools.

    “Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the digitization of our courts was underway. We now have virtual courts for our citizens and justice for all system that remains heavily on technology.”

  • Capitol riot: Trump ignored pleas to condemn attack, hearing told

    Ex-US President Donald Trump watched last year’s Capitol riot on TV at the White House, ignoring his children and aides who “begged him” to rebuke the mob, a congressional inquiry has heard.

    “He chose not to act,” said Adam Kinzinger, one of two Republicans on the Democratic-led committee.

    The prime-time hearing was told Mr Trump did not make a single call to law enforcement or national security staff.

    He was motivated by “his selfish desire to stay in power”, the inquiry alleged.

    On Thursday night, the House of Representatives select committee used its eighth hearing of the summer to draw a timeline of Mr Trump’s activities over 187 minutes on 6 January 2021 as a mob of his supporters raided Congress.

    The panel is seeking to build a case that Mr Trump, a Republican, acted illegally in a bid to overturn his defeat by Joe Biden, a Democrat, in the November 2020 presidential election.

    Members of the committee have suggested there might be enough evidence to charge Mr Trump with such counts as obstructing an official proceeding of Congress, conspiracy to defraud the American people or witness tampering.

    Any potential prosecution of Mr Trump would be led by the Department of Justice. But some commentators have suggested that advice issued by Attorney General Merrick Garland requiring prosecutors to obtain approval before embarking on politically sensitive investigations means it is unlikely Mr Trump will ever face trial.

    Mr Trump, who has been hinting he may run again for president in 2024, has dismissed the inquiry as a “kangaroo court” designed to distract Americans from the “disaster” of Democratic governance.

    The hearing was told that former President Trump had watched coverage of the riot on Fox News in the private dining room at the White House for more than two-and-a-half hours.

    Elaine Luria, a Virginia Democrat on the committee, said: “President Trump sat at his dining table and watched the attack on television while his senior-most staff, closest advisers and family members begged him to do what is expected of any American president.”

    The lawmaker also said the chief White House photographer had wanted to take pictures during the historic event, but was told not to.

    Demonstrators at the US CapitolGetty Images
    Trump supporters at the US Capitol during the 6 January riot

    A former White House national security staffer, whose voice was obscured to conceal his identity, said officials in the executive mansion were “in a state of shock” over what was unfolding at the Capitol.

    The committee also played parts of a videotaped testimony by former Trump White House counsel Pat Cipollone, who said he had pushed for a strong statement from the president condemning the onslaught.

    “I said that people need to be told, there needs to be a public announcement, fast, that people need to leave the Capitol,” said Mr Cipollone.

    The president’s children, Ivanka Trump and Don Jr, had also wanted him to call off the rioters, the committee heard.

    But former press aide Sarah Matthews testified that an unnamed White House colleague had argued that if Mr Trump were to disavow the violence. it would be “handing a win to the media”.

    At 14:24 that day, Mr Trump sent a tweet attacking his Vice-President, Mike Pence, saying he “didn’t have the courage to” spurn his constitutional duty of certifying Mr Biden’s election win at Congress.

    Ms Matthews said the post amounted to “pouring gasoline on the fire”. She and Matthew Pottinger, who was deputy national security adviser to the president, testified that that tweet had prompted them both to resign.

    Three hours and seven minutes after the assault began, Mr Trump released a video at 16:17, recorded from the White House Rose Garden, in which he praised the rioters as “very special”, but asked them to disperse.

    Bennie Thompson, chairman of the committee and a Mississippi Democrat, said in his opening remarks: “For 187 minutes on Jan 6, this man of unbridled destructive energy could not be moved.

    “Not by his aides, not by his allies, not by the violent chants of rioters, or the desperate pleas of those facing down the mob. He could not be moved.”

    The committee also aired a previously unseen video outtake of Mr Trump on 7 January repudiating the violence at the Capitol of the day before.

    “I don’t want to say the election is over,” Mr Trump said during the recording as he apparently read from a script.

    Polling in the US has suggested that the hearings are having little impact on Mr Trump’s personal popularity among Republican voters.

    A recent survey by the PBS broadcaster found that just one in five party members think the 76-year-old should face prosecution for his actions on 6 January, while more than half would like to see him as the Republican candidate for president in 2024.

    Source: CNN

  • Official: Wives of President, Vice President to receive salaries

    The spouses of the President and Vice President will from now onwards officially enjoy salaries from the government of Ghana.

    This was after the government adopted a recommendation by an emolument committee which was approved by the seventh parliament.

    The new arrangement will see the spouses of the first and second gentlemen officially being paid salaries which is a departure from the previous practice of paying them allowances.

    Earlier reports had suggested President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had unilaterally decided to pay his wife Rebecca Akufo-Addo and the wife of his vice, Samira Bawumia, salaries but Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has clarified that the approval was done by the previous parliament.

    “The President does approve salaries and benefits for the Executive. Under Article 71, the First Lady and Second Lady are not office holders so no one can determine their benefits under that article.

    “However, a committee only recommended that an arrangement for the spouses be made formal and that received approval from Parliament,” he indicated. Oppong Nkrumah referenced some practices in the past where the allowances for the spouses of first and second ladies were increased by the executive arm of government.

    “President Kufuor, in his wisdom, instituted this because of the bad situations of some spouses of some former Heads of States then. Presidents Mills and Mahama even increased the rates of these benefits during their time.

    “The truth of the matter is that all surviving spouses of Heads of State, current and former, have always received salaries. Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Faustina Acheampong, Fulera Liman etc have all been receiving salaries since President Kufuor’s time.

    “What has happened now is that the arrangement has been made formal but that was done legally based on the recommendation by the Emoluments Committee,” the Information Minister emphasized.

    Oppong-Nkrumah disclosed further that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2019 established a committee chaired by Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu to make proposals on allowances paid to wives of President and his vice.

    The other members of the committee included Majority Leader and former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh, the Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Dr Edward Kwapong, the current Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, Dr Eric Oduro Osae, and a former Managing Director, Donewell Life Insurance Co. Ltd, Mrs Stella Segbawu,

    The Information Minister stressed that the committee recommended the that the wives be paid and that was approved by the seventh parliament.

    “That recommendation was then forwarded to the Seventh Parliament which then gave the approval and it is now to be implemented. It is, therefore, not true as it is being circulated that the President has approved of emoluments to the First Lady and Second Lady,” he added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Vice President, others sign book of condolence for Osu Mantse

    The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and other personalities last Wednesday signed the Book of Condolence for the late Osu Mantse, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona IV, at the Osu Mantse Palace in Accra.

    Nii Dowuona, who was also the President of the Osu Traditional Council and President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, passed on after a short illness.

    His death was formally announced by the Osu Traditional Council on April 11, 2021.

    The traditional council and elders said they would officially announce the date for the funeral arrangements and other traditional rites to the public in accordance with Ga tradition.

    Other dignitaries

    Other dignitaries who have so far signed the book are the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; the US Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Stephanie S. Sullivan; the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Tom Norring; and the Executive Chairman of estate development company, JL Properties, Dr James Orleans Lindsay.

    Source: Peace FM