By Francis Ofori

Accra, May 17, GNA-The African Chess Confederation (ACC) has congratulated Madam Christiana Naa Merley Ashley, Vice-President of Ghana Chess Association (GCA) for being awarded the title of International Arbiter. 

The sports administrator becomes the first Ghanaian woman to receive the prestigious recognition after years of contributing immensely to the development of the sport. 

The International Arbiter is a title awarded by the International Chess Federation to individuals qualified to officiate at major international chess tournaments.

A statement from the continent’s body said, “The African Chess Confederation (ACC) proudly congratulates Ashley Christiana Naa Merley on her historic achievement of being awarded the title of International Arbiter (IA)—making her the first Ghanaian woman to receive this prestigious recognition.” 

It said Madam Ashley Christiana Naa Merley had been a key part in the transformation plan of the African Confederation, hence the need to celebrate her success in the international stage. 

Madam Ashley’s accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Ghanaian chess and a major step forward in the promotion of gender inclusivity in chess officiating across the continent. 

“The ACC celebrates this groundbreaking moment and looks forward to seeing Ashley inspire a new generation of female chess officials in Ghana and beyond,” it said. 

In 2020, she was appointed Secretary of the Continental Social and Disabled Commission for Africa Chess Confederation. 

The Vice-President also won accolades like the 2022 FIDE Outstanding Chess Administrator award and outstanding female sports personality at the 2023 Ghana Women Awards. 

Her dedication, discipline, and passion for the game have earned her a place among Africa’s growing list of elite arbiters.

GNA 

KOA

The Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Mark Oliver Kevor, has expressed satisfaction with the smooth confirmation of all 33 MMDCE nominees in the region, attributing this success to effective and constructive engagement with the region’s Minority Members of Parliament (MPs).

In what is considered a remarkable feat, all the nominees for the MMDCE positions, put forward by President John Dramani Mahama, were confirmed in a single exercise without any rejections. Dr. Kevor believes that this unanimous approval is a direct result of the fruitful working relationship between the NDC leadership in the region and both the NDC and Minority MPs.

“We were not petty in wondering about people who were favourable to the region, the minister, or the MP, but genuine people that we thought would be accepted by the people. They have earned it on merit and deserve it. All the confirmed people were those that we shortlisted for the nomination, and the president also nominated from that list. We are grateful to the president for that.”

Out of the 33 constituencies in the Eastern Region, the NDC occupies 8 parliamentary seats, with one independent MP, while the Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) holds the remaining 24 constituencies. Despite the NPP’s dominance in the region, the smooth confirmation process showcases a rare display of cross-party cooperation, with the NDC leadership crediting the involvement of all MPs, including those from the Minority, for the success.

Dr. Kevor highlighted that the process was not driven by political favouritism but by the collective interest of advancing the region’s development. He commended the president for his responsive leadership, which he believes contributed to the merit-based selection of the nominees.

“The one-touch confirmation of all the MMDCEs is a clear indication that all the nominees earned it on merit after contributing immensely to the successes of the party over the years,” Dr. Kevor stated.

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Finance Ministry, BoG synergy yielding good results – Asaaki Awingobit

play videoForestry Commission CEO, Dr Brown speaking at the event

Timber and Wood industry players with­out the Forestry Law Enforcement Gov­ernance and Trade (FLEGT) license would not be able to export their products to the European Union (EU) market after June 30, this year, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, has cautioned.

Also, industry players operating domestically would also be required to obtain a Domestic Timber In­spection Certificate (DOTIC) license by the same time before they can operate.

FLEGT license is a voluntary part­nership agreement between Ghana and the EU signed in 2009 which seeks to ensure that timber and wood products exported to the EU from Ghana are legally compliant.

Speaking at a meeting organised by the Forestry Commission in Accra with stakeholders on the implemen­tation of the FLEGT licensing and the role of the players in ensuring a smooth transition, Dr Brown said the FLEGT agreement was to ensure that timber and wood products ex­ported to the EU from Ghana were legal.

He said the only way to ensure compliance was through the issuance of the FLEGT license.

Dr Brown indicated that the smooth rollout of the FLEGT guide­lines would ensure that illegal logging was curtailed to enable key stake­holders or owners of the resource get their share.

He said through this, deforestation would also be reduced to the mini­mum when illegal logging is brought under control in the country.

The CEO also hinted that there would be an increase in revenue col­lection since every wood harvested would be subjected to the FLEGT guidelines.

To this end, he called on industry players to ensure total compliance with the rules and regulations of FLEGT to ensure a smooth running of their businesses.

The Acting Executive Director, Timber Industry Development Di­vision of the Forestry Commission, Dr Richard Gyimah, said that under the FLEGT, laws and regulations that guided timber harvesting would be followed strictly.

He also spoke about the guidelines on transportation of the timber, milling at the saw mills, the domestic and international trading and the exportation process.

Dr Gyimah noted that indus­try players would have to show the source of their timber before they would be issued with an FLEGT license.

The President of the Ghana Tim­ber Association, Alexander Kins­gfred Dadzie, on his part, said their members were aware and welcomed the FLEGT licensing guidelines.

He however reiterated the associ­ations concerns with the absence of a number of committees’ nonexis­tence and communication challenges prior to the implementation of the FLEGT.

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated contact tracing efforts to identify individuals who might have come into contact with the two confirmed cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) earlier reported in the Accra Metropolitan Area.

It said those contacts would be monitored for symptoms and provided with the appropriate care and guidance.

These formed part of the necessary public health measures the GHS was swiftly and effectively implementing to contain the spread of the virus after two such cases were confirmed in the country last Thursday

These were contained in a press release issued by the acting Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, on May 15, announcing the confirmation of two cases of Mpox in Accra.

Mpox is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or with material contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms typically include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

Ghana recorded its first case of Mpox in June 2022 with five cases. Since the beginning of 2022, Ghana recorded 116 confirmed cases of Mpox with four confirmed deaths. By the latter part of that year, Ghana reported nine new confirmed cases, with no new deaths.

The release said the service was enhancing surveillance in health facilities and communities to ensure that any further suspected cases were identified and investigated promptly.

“The Ministry of Health and the service are also intensifying public awareness campaigns to educate the populace about Mpox, including its symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures.

“The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all citizens and residents,” it addeid.

It assured the public that there was no cause for alarm, emphasising that it had the capacity and the expertise to manage the current situation and prevent a larger outbreak.

It maintained that Ghana’s public health system remained vigilant and that established protocols for the detection, management and control of infectious diseases were being rigorously followed.

The GHS, however, urged the public to practise good hand hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms such as rash, and immediately report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

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Zeqblog Blog of Saturday, 17 May 2025

Source: Okine Isaac

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is Ghana’s former Vice President

Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has predicted a paradigm shift in Africa’s trade dynamics as global tensions continue to escalate.

According to him, the recent spike in US tariffs will accelerate Africa’s move toward self-reliance and stronger regional integration.

Addressing delegates at the International Democrat Union (IDU) forum in Brussels, Dr Bawumia stated, “The U.S. has increased its average tariff rate from about 2.4% to 10%, the largest increase since 1943. The impact of this will not be insignificant,” he said, emphasising the ripple effects such protectionist policies could have on vulnerable African markets.

While Africa’s overall trade with the U.S. remains relatively small, accounting for just 6.5% of exports and 4.4% of imports, Dr Bawumia highlighted countries like Lesotho that rely heavily on U.S. markets.

He specifically cited the country’s textile industry, which sends nearly half of its exports to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as being particularly at risk.

“What you’re going to see in Africa, as you’re seeing across the world, is more clamour for self-reliance. And you’re going to see more political space being created for intra-African trade as a way of dealing with this,” he added.

Dr Bawumia’s remarks add to growing calls for Africa to accelerate the implementation of frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a buffer against shifting global trade policies.

Watch as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia impresses International Democratic Union (IDU) forum with his perspective on restoring stability in global trade uncertainty.#ghanaweb#ghanawebtv pic.twitter.com/3GhGf0O3SS

— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) May 17, 2025

SP/MA

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Nine people have been killed in a Russian drone attack on a civilian minibus in north-eastern Ukraine, local officials say.

Regional military leaders said seven other people were injured in the attack on Saturday morning in Bilopillia, Sumy, as the minibus travelled to the regional capital close to Russia’s border.

The report came just hours after Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks since 2022. No breakthrough was achieved, although a prisoner of war swap was agreed.

Volodymr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, said the attack was “a deliberate killing of civilians”. Russia has not commented directly but state media reported forces had hit a “military staging area” in Sumy.

Zelensky added that Russian forces “could not help but understand what kind of vehicle they were hitting”.

Citing preliminary information, Sumy regional head Oleh Hryhorov said the bus was hit by a Russian Lancet drone at 06:17 local time on Saturday (03:17 GMT). He described the attack as “inhumane”.

Friday’s talks in Istanbul, Turkey, did not lead to any breakthrough as Ukraine and Russia remain far apart on how to end the war.

However, it was agreed that each side would return 1,000 prisoners of war to the other in the coming days.

Zelensky said of the talks that “as on any day of this war, there was an opportunity to cease fire. Ukraine has been offering this for a long time.”

Following the Istanbul discussions, Ukraine reiterated its call for a full and unconditional ceasefire but a deal with Russia remained elusive.

Ukraine said the next step in the process would be direct talks between Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Russia said it had “taken notice” of the request.

The US has claimed that progress on ending the war would only be made if President Donald Trump and Putin held face-to-face talks.

During a visit to the Middle East, Trump told reporters on Air Force One “nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together”.

“He wasn’t going if I wasn’t there and I don’t believe anything’s going to happen, whether you like it or not, until he and I get together,” Trump added.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine used Sumy to launch offensives into Russia’s Kursk region in August. Russia drove the majority of Ukraine’s troops back earlier this year and has intensified cross-border artillery and air attacks in recent months.

Earlier this week before talks began with Ukraine, Russia carried out drone strikes across the region, killing three people and injuring nine others, according to Sumy’s regional military administration.

On Saturday, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an ammunition depot in Crimea, the region illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

According to Reuters, Ukraine’s strike caused the detonation of warehouses where military equipment, weapons and fuel was stored.

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Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko is a leading member of the New Patriotic Party

New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has praised former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the current performance of Ghana’s currency, the Ghana cedi.

In a post shared on X on Saturday, May 17, 2025, Gabby suggested that the former vice president’s vision of “Gold for Forex” has been adopted by the John Dramani Mahama government and is the reason for the appreciation of the Ghana cedi currently being seen.

He indicated that the Ghana cedi started appreciating long ago under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government due to the “Gold for Forex” formula but was heavily criticised when he wrote about it.

“Long may the trend of a stronger cedi continue. I recall when I started posting daily the strengthening trend of the cedi before December 7, I was criticised for reminding Ghanaians rather of the bad state of the cedi and had to delete some!

“Today, the Bawumia Formula of Gold for Forex has become the gold standard, so to speak. Other gold-producing African nations, including recently Namibia, are adopting it. I am delighted to see the cedi regaining strength against the dollar, and long may it continue.”

The leading member of the NPP added, “We pray that it is not just temporary.”

He said that the performance of Ghana’s economy is in the interest of every Ghanaian and therefore wished the John Dramani Mahama government well.

“I wish the managers of the economy well. If it works, it works for all of us and the capacity of businesses to create jobs and spread prosperity. Let us get to the stage where we elevate our political competition to not praying for your failure as the only route to my success, but where I can show that I can do better than your best. In the end, Ghana wins. The people win.”

The Ghana cedi continues to appreciate against major foreign currencies, including the United States (US) dollar.

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Ghana’s local currency appreciated on the interbank market against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, according to rates from some forex bureaux.

In its daily update, the Bank of Ghana noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢12.31 and a selling price of GH¢12.32 to the dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢16.32 and sold at GH¢16.33, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢13.71 and a selling price of GH¢13.72.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on 17 May 2025, at 9:00 a.m. indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢13.65, while the pound is selling at GH¢18.00 at some forex bureaux across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢15.50 on the retail market.

View Gabby’s post below:

Long may the trend of a stronger cedi continue. I recall when I started posting daily the strengthening trend of the cedi before the Dec 7, I was criticised for reminding Ghanaians rather of the bad state of the cedi and had to delete some! Today, the Bawumia Formula of Gold for… https://t.co/KusKBfQ9oY

— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) May 17, 2025

BAI/MA

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New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko

New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has praised former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the current performance of Ghana’s currency, the Ghana cedi.

In a post shared on X on Saturday, May 17, 2025, Gabby suggested that the former vice president’s vision of “Gold for Forex” has been adopted by the John Dramani Mahama government and is the reason for the appreciation of the Ghana cedi currently being seen.

He indicated that the Ghana cedi started appreciating long ago under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government due to the “Gold for Forex” formula but was heavily criticised when he wrote about it.

“Long may the trend of a stronger cedi continue. I recall when I started posting daily the strengthening trend of the cedi before December 7, I was criticised for reminding Ghanaians rather of the bad state of the cedi and had to delete some!

“Today, the Bawumia Formula of Gold for Forex has become the gold standard, so to speak. Other gold-producing African nations, including recently Namibia, are adopting it. I am delighted to see the cedi regaining strength against the dollar, and long may it continue.”

The leading member of the NPP added, “We pray that it is not just temporary.”

He said that the performance of Ghana’s economy is in the interest of every Ghanaian and therefore wished the John Dramani Mahama government well.

“I wish the managers of the economy well. If it works, it works for all of us and the capacity of businesses to create jobs and spread prosperity. Let us get to the stage where we elevate our political competition to not praying for your failure as the only route to my success, but where I can show that I can do better than your best. In the end, Ghana wins. The people win.”

The Ghana cedi continues to appreciate against major foreign currencies, including the United States (US) dollar.

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Ghana’s local currency appreciated on the interbank market against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, according to rates from some forex bureaux.

In its daily update, the Bank of Ghana noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢12.31 and a selling price of GH¢12.32 to the dollar.

The British pound is being bought at GH¢16.32 and sold at GH¢16.33, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢13.71 and a selling price of GH¢13.72.

Checks by GhanaWeb Business on 17 May 2025, at 9:00 a.m. indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢13.65, while the pound is selling at GH¢18.00 at some forex bureaux across the country.

Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢15.50 on the retail market.

View Gabby’s post below:

Long may the trend of a stronger cedi continue. I recall when I started posting daily the strengthening trend of the cedi before the Dec 7, I was criticised for reminding Ghanaians rather of the bad state of the cedi and had to delete some! Today, the Bawumia Formula of Gold for… https://t.co/KusKBfQ9oY

— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) May 17, 2025

BAI/MA

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Dr Joseph Obeng is President of GUTA

President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng, has said that prices of goods in the market will begin to decline in the coming days.

He attributes this to the consistent appreciation of the cedi against the US dollar.

According to him, retailers have already made some gains due to the cedi’s appreciation, and these gains will soon start reflecting in market prices.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on May 17, 2025, as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Dr Obeng stated that all traders would have to comply with the directive to ease the burden on consumers.

“Even if you are a retailer, by now you should have sold some of your goods. All I’m saying is that if you sell some stock and buy new ones, you should strike a reasonable average so that you’re not pushed out of the market,” he explained.

However, Dr Obeng cautioned consumers to lower their expectations regarding price reductions following the cedi’s appreciation.

He explained that increases in utility tariffs and an unfavourable VAT system mean that traders cannot fully reduce prices.

SP/MA

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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has initiated contact tracing efforts to identify individuals who might have come into contact with the two confirmed cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) earlier reported in the Accra Metropolitan Area.

It said those contacts would be monitored for symptoms and provided with the appropriate care and guidance.

These formed part of the necessary public health measures the GHS was swiftly and effectively implementing to contain the spread of the virus after two such cases were confirmed in the country last Thursday

These were contained in a press release issued by the acting Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, on May 15, announcing the confirmation of two cases of Mpox in Accra.

Mpox

Mpox is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or with material contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms typically include rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

Ghana recorded its first case of Mpox in June 2022 with five cases. Since the beginning of 2022, Ghana recorded 116 confirmed cases of Mpox with four confirmed deaths. By the latter part of that year, Ghana reported nine new confirmed cases, with no new deaths.

Surveillance

The release said the service was enhancing surveillance in health facilities and communities to ensure that any further suspected cases were identified and investigated promptly.

“The Ministry of Health and the service are also intensifying public awareness campaigns to educate the populace about Mpox, including its symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures.

“The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service, is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all citizens and residents,” it addeid.

It assured the public that there was no cause for alarm, emphasising that it had the capacity and the expertise to manage the current situation and prevent a larger outbreak.

It maintained that Ghana’s public health system remained vigilant and that established protocols for the detection, management and control of infectious diseases were being rigorously followed.

The GHS, however, urged the public to practise good hand hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms such as rash, and immediately report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

The Director of Communications for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has urged President John Mahama to seek legislative backing for the Code of Conduct he has proposed for public officials, stating that such a move would give the initiative genuine weight and credibility.

On 14 May, government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed that Sammy Gyamfi had been cautioned to conduct himself appropriately following public backlash over his controversial dollar gift to self-styled evangelist, Agradaa.

A video of the incident — which the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, later described as a regrettable act of kindness — went viral across social media platforms.

In the footage, Gyamfi was seen in the backseat of his vehicle, counting dollar notes, some of which he hands over to Agradaa.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation, with political analysts and members of the Minority in Parliament calling for Gyamfi’s removal from any future role in John Mahama’s prospective administration, citing a breach of the Code of Conduct issued by the former president to all his appointees.

Following a reported meeting with Mahama’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the party resolved not to take further disciplinary action.

Instead, a public apology issued by Gyamfi the day after his encounter with Agradaa has been deemed sufficient.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mr Ahiagbah questioned the efficacy and impartiality of a Code of Conduct that relies solely on the discretion of the President.

“What I think we should do as a country — if President Mahama would help all of us — he should seek legislative backing for this Code of Conduct so it’s law,” he said.

He warned against a system where enforcement of ethical standards is left to the subjective judgement of the presidency, describing it as open to bias.

“So that it doesn’t fall to his office and say, ‘Oh, you are my favourite, so you are this or that’,” Ahiagbah remarked. “We are a serious country.”

The NPP communicator argued that if conduct among public officials is truly a matter of national importance, it should not remain within the exclusive preserve of the President to determine sanctions or responses.

“If the matter to do with conduct of public officials is one that is key — and I believe it is — then why does it become the preserve of the President to determine what sanction? We should make it law,” he added.

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President John Mahama (left) with Togo President Faure Gnassingbé

President John Drama­ni Mahama is urging a new public debt management strategy to free African countries from what has become a debt crisis on the continent.

He said debt must not lead to crisis but serve as a worthy fuel to accelerate development of a continent with a debt service obligation of over US$90 billion last year alone.

Addressing the opening session of the African Union Debt Summit in Lome, Togo, on May 12, 2025, President Mahama said Africa must adopt a three-prone approach if the continent was to unlock debt as a tool for development.

The strategies are transparency and accountability, productive, efficient and responsible borrowing and regional soli­darity and global financial reforms.

The conference, on the theme: ‘Afri­ca’s Public Debt Management Agenda: Restoring and Safeguarding Debt Sus­tainability,’ was attended by delegates and financial sector players from AU member countries and multinational institutions.

“Debt should serve the people and this means strengthening parliamentary oversight, enhancing audit, and pro­moting open-budget systems,” he said, describing it as an unfortunate the IMF report, which found that less than 40 percent of countries in Africa publish detailed debt reports.

“The second is productive, efficient and responsible borrowing. Borrowing must be tied to high-impact projects that deliver tangible returns to our people. In Ghana, we are prioritising value-added agriculture, renewable energy, road and digital infrastructure, health and edu­cation. These sectors yield multiplier effects in jobs, exports and innovation,” he explained.

In the view of President Mahama, he indicated that, “Africa must speak with one voice to push for fairer global financial rules. Credit rating agencies must adopt methodologies that reflect the structural reforms and the growth potential of African economies. Not just penalise us for volatilities we did not create.”

He urged that the capacities of Afri­can financial institutions like the African Development Bank, the Afri Exim Bank and the proposed to offer concessionary financing tailored to Africa’s develop­ment reality.

“Sustainable debt should not be about debt to debt-to-GDP ratio but what the debt is used to finance and the governance that underpins that debt, and we African leaders must take some responsibility for the debt to trap our countries find themselves,” he added.

The G20 common framework which, he said, remains slow and creditor driven and the yet-to-be-fulfilled SDR allocations of US$ 100 billion pledged to Africa all undermine restructuring efforts and demand urgent multilateral reforms and Africa’s voice must be heard at the table.

Ghana, President Mahama empha­sised, was committed to rebuilding its fiscal buffers, strengthening institutions and promoting inclusive growth through strategies like investment in education, youth empowerment and rural develop­ment amongst others.

“Our goal is not just to reduce our debt. It is to transform our economy. Debt must not erode our dignity or delay our development. It must finance the oppor­tunity and lay the foundation for inter-generational progress,” he emphasised.

To this end, President Mahama said Africa must have a common position ahead of the 2025 G20 summit to de­mand timely, transparent and a fair debt restructuring framework.

He proposed a standardised debt transparency benchmarks across the AU, integration of climate adaptation and sustainable development goals into national debt strategies and the full op­erationalisation of the Africa monetary institute, the pan African payment and settlements systems in order to reduce forex demands and burdens.

“Let’s leave here with a new vision where debt is not synonymous with crisis but with capacity, where our economies are built not on restructuring aid but on innovation and value addition and equity where we don’t act as debtors asking for re­lief but as partners demanding reforms.

“Let’s redefine the African debt narra­tive and Ghana stages ready, shoulder to shoulder with our fellow African nations to champion this agenda,” he reaffirmed.

The President’s 120-day social contract with Ghanaians has been subjected to various assessments over the past week.

This contract emerged during the 2024 presidential election, where then candidate John Mahama promised to complete twenty-five (25) specifics tasks within his first 120 days in office, if elected.

This type of early-day assessment, in my view, is designed to send signals to citizens about how a government intends to govern.

The most important question – are Ghanaians seeing a difference in the governance and socio-economic development of the country- can only be fairly and comprehensively answered after all key policies and programmes are fully implemented and allowed time to mature including bearing fruit.

And that takes time.  

Having said that, there is something politically positive about these time-bound contracts.

If all elements are accomplished within the specified time, it cements goodwill and trust between citizens and the President.

The opposite is also true when certain elements remain unfulfilled. 

Voters can lose trust, and goodwill can be eroded.

It is precisely for this reason that I believe it was extremely important for the President himself to update citizens on progress made in fulfilling the social contract and explain any areas where work was still in progress.

There are three areas in the social contract that I would like to highlight as the government moves into the post-120-day social contract period.

The Code of Conduct for Public Officers

As the document rightly notes, the code of conduct is designed to ensure that the government reflects the following principles – “integrity, honesty, impartiality, respect, decency, incorruptibility, competence and professionalism.”

Even more instructive is this –“standards of conduct that can withstand the closest public scrutiny.” 

In pursuance of these principles, the code of conduct comprehensively covers a wide range of issues public officers confront daily.

These guidelines are meant to protect them in carrying out their duties and in doing so also ensure good governance.

Hopefully, our public officials won’t see it as a burden that constrains their ability to do their work.

Strict enforcement and compliance will be key to making this important initiative a success.

I have one suggestion. The measures against violation remain too vague.

The code must develop a more comprehensive and specific list of sanctions for specific violations.

For example, what is the appropriate punishment for a first-time offender?

Are there various classes of violations?

Will the code treat improper filing of a government document the same way as accepting a gift above the specified threshold?

The sanctions regime at this point runs the risk of appearing arbitrary whenever invoked.

The 24-Hour Economy

This is the key signature economic policy advanced by the current government in the lead up to the 2024 election.

As per the President’s update, several plans are underway to prepare to roll out this policy initiative fully.

Given how central the policy is to spur economic growth and tackle the issue of unemployment, treating it as the topmost priority beyond the 120 days cannot be overstated.

My anticipation around the initiative hinges on three things – a) comprehensive legislative backing for the policy; b) the structure of incentives targeted at the private sector; and c) anchor sectors of the economy that will be prioritised. 

The Galamsey Menace    

The NDC promised a committed fight against galamsey. Their manifesto detailed several initiatives critical to a successful fight against galamsey. As the government rolls out ways in which it intends to deal with this it will be important to revisit the 2024 campaign blueprint on the yet-to-be-implemented measures as outlined in the manifesto.

The government has come under criticism concerning the repeal of LI 2462.

The President’s explanation makes sense in terms of amending the LI to deal with the clause offering perverse incentives to the executive in terms of permitting mining in forest reserves.

However, it is at odds with the promise to repeal the LI made during the campaign. 

Granted, during his address updating citizens on the 120-day social contract, he did indicate government’s plan to amend the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 (Act 703) to include a ban on mining in forest reserves.

If done, it fulfils the policy promise of banning mining in forest reserves. 

However, it does not solve the political headache of repeal vs. amend.

The government must therefore explain more fully how a combination of amending LI 2462 and amending the Act 703 effectively addresses the concern Ghanaians have regarding mining in the country’s forest reserves.

What Next?

The signals from the government are largely positive in terms of how it intends to govern, challenges notwithstanding.

The real test of governing will be how well the government deals with challenges while remaining focused on the job Ghanaians voted them to do – addressing the country’s governance and socio-economic challenges. 

The writer is Project Director, Democracy Project

Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has forecast a shift in Africa’s trade orientation as rising global tariffs — particularly from the United States — begin to impact the continent’s export-reliant economies.

Speaking at the International Democrat Union (IDU) Forum, Dr. Bawumia argued that the wave of protectionism will push African countries toward greater self-sufficiency and stronger regional trade ties.

Referring to recent U.S. tariff hikes, he noted: “The US has increased its average tariff rate from about 2.4% to 10% — the largest increase since 1943. The impact of this will not be insignificant.”

While acknowledging that Africa’s overall trade exposure to the U.S. remains limited — with just 6.5% of exports and 4.4% of imports involving the United States — Dr. Bawumia highlighted the vulnerability of specific countries on the continent.

He cited Lesotho as a case in point, explaining that the country sends roughly 50% of its exports, primarily textiles, to the U.S. under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). With the new tariff regime, he warned, those benefits are under threat.

“AGOA is essentially going to collapse under these tariffs,” he said.

As a consequence, Dr. Bawumia expects a significant shift in trade strategy across the continent, with African nations increasingly looking inward for solutions.

“What you’re going to see in Africa, as you’re seeing across the world, is more clamour for self-reliance. And you’re going to see more political space being created for intra-African trade as a way of dealing with this,” he stated.

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You can’t fix trade deficits with tariffs – Bawumia tells policymakers

Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia speaking at IDU forum on trade issues

At the International Democratic Union (IDU) forum this week, former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia joined a high level panel of global leaders to discuss the subject ‘Trade Wars, Tariff Battles and the New Geoeconomic Order: How to Restore Stability”.

Dr Bawumia moved the audience with his incisive perspective on how to restore stability in the midst of global trade uncertainties.

Dr Bawumia explained that trade imbalances are as a result of macroeconomic imbalances, adding that tariffs cannot be used to fix macroeconomic imbalances and any attempt to do so is bound to fail as history has shown.

The former Vice President also stressed that at the heart of trade wars and negotiations is the element of trust (as is happening between the United States and China), describing it as “mutually assured suspicion” which, he noted, has the tendency to result in suboptimal outcomes in trade negotiations.

He urged key global players to resolve the issues of mistrust amongst them.

AME