The Provost of the College of Education Studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, has been named the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

His appointment was announced through a Facebook post by the GES on Monday, January 27.

Professor Davis brings to the role a wealth of academic expertise and professional experience.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mathematics Education from Monash University in Australia.

His impressive academic career includes serving as a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow, a prestigious recognition awarded to scholars who contribute to the advancement of education and research in Africa.

He is also a prominent member of the Ghana Mathematics Association, an organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in mathematics education across Ghana.

In addition to his academic credentials, Professor Davis has held leadership roles in education research.

He served as the Vice President of the Ghana Education Research Association (GERA-Ghana), a professional body that focuses on enhancing educational policies, practices, and outcomes through research and evidence-based approaches.

Professor Davis succeeds Dr. Eric Nkansah, who was appointed as Director-General of GES on October 19, 2022, by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Dr. Nkansah’s tenure, though relatively brief, was marked by efforts to address key challenges within the education sector, including teacher welfare, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvements.

As the new Director-General, Professor Davis is expected to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor while introducing his vision and strategies to further enhance Ghana’s educational landscape.

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Isaac Adongo is the MP for Bolgatanga Central

Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central and Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo, has expressed concern over the widespread public mistrust in Ghana’s tax system, stating that many citizens feel the system is unfair and does not serve their interests.

Speaking on GHOne TV following recent initiatives announced by President John Dramani Mahama, Adongo emphasised that public perception plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of tax collection.

According to him, Ghanaians are more likely to resist taxation when they believe the process is inequitable or that public funds are being mismanaged.

“Confidence and trust are very key in the management of an economy. One of the challenges Ghanaians face when it comes to paying taxes is that they don’t believe they are being taxed fairly, nor do they trust that their money will be spent wisely,” he stated.

Adongo praised the shift in fiscal priorities seen in the current budget, noting that, for the first time in many years, the focus appears to be on taxing the wealthy to support the vulnerable.

“There has been a paradigm shift where, in this budget, the Minister for Finance, together with the Cabinet of Ghana, made a clear decision to take more from the rich to fund programs that benefit the poor and the implications are already visible,” he explained.

He also referenced the launch of two major social programs spearheaded by the President; MahamaCares, a healthcare trust fund aimed at supporting Ghanaians battling chronic illnesses, and the National Apprenticeship Programme, which targets over 10,000 unemployed youth.

“Recently, His Excellency launched a program to support over 10,000 unemployed Ghanaian youth through the National Apprenticeship Programme. He’s thinking about healthcare, and also about giving back to the people of Ghana who pay taxes but find themselves in difficult health situations. That’s MahamaCares,” he pointed out.

FKA/MA

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Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has dismissed accusations that he is treating Members of Parliament (MPs) like students, following his decision to suspend four MPs due to misconduct during the vetting of some ministerial nominees, on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Bagbin emphasised the importance of maintaining discipline within Parliament.

He rejected claims that his actions resembled those of a headmaster and pointed out the necessity of a structured environment in Parliament.

“Some members of the House have referred to me as a headmaster, treating Honourable Members like students. I reject that assertion. Where there are students, there must be a headmaster. If you don’t have a headmaster, you know what is going to happen to the school,” he remarked.

The Speaker also reminded MPs of the high expectations placed upon them, urging them to uphold decorum.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. You are not called Honourable for nothing. They expect so much from you. And don’t forget that there is life after Parliament,” he stated.

Alban Bagbin had earlier lifted the suspension of four MPs who were suspended for unparliamentary conducts, following heated altercations during the vetting session.

The suspended MPs were Frank Annoh-Dompreh (NPP, Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (NDC, South Dayi), Alhassan Tampuli (NPP, Gushegu), and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (NPP, Weija-Gbawe).

JKB/AE

Meanwhile, watch as NPP MPs protest suspension of 3 caucus members by Speaker

Ghanaian President John Mahama has suspended the country’s Supreme Court chief justice – a move that marks a first in the country’s history.

Three undisclosed petitions have been filed against Gertrude Torkornoo calling for her removal while an investigation is launched.

Chief justices in Ghana enjoy security of tenure – meaning they can only be removed from office on a few grounds, which include incompetence and misbehaviour.

The content of the petitions has not been made public and she is yet to comment, while Ghana’s former attorney general has claimed her suspension is an attempt to undermine the judiciary.

“I think it is a complete charade,” Godfred Yeboah Dame told the BBC.

“It’s the biggest assault on the [judiciary] in the nation’s history, the greatest assault on the independence of the judiciary under the constitutional dispensation of this country.”

Ms Torkornoo is Ghana’s third female chief justice and was nominated in 2023 by former president Nana Akufo-Addo.

It is her responsibility to oversee the administration of justice in Ghana.

According to news agency Reuters, Ms Torkornoo survived a removal request earlier this year when former President Akufo-Addo said a petition to have her dismissed had “several deficiencies”.

Copies of the three recently filed petitions against Ms Torkornoo were not initially made available to her.

But some lawyers argued that withholding the documents was a violation of Ms Torkornoo’s right to a fair hearing.

Copies of the petition were subsequently made available to the chief justice, allowing her to respond to the allegations privately and in writing.

Ms Torkornoo will be invited by the five-member committee to respond again to the petitions before a final decision is reached as to whether she should be removed from office or not.

William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, USA

New York, June 26, GNA – It’s the end of the road for the four contenders at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on going in the United States of America (USA).

Not even African giants and big spenders Al Ahly of Egypt could afford a round of 16 berth, despite having an enviable record in the competition where they place third on four occasions since the competition started.

Al Ahly could only afford two draws and a loss in a group that also featured Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, and that was not enough to grant them passage to the next round of the competition.

For a moment, expectations were high as South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, Africa’s last remaining hope at the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, were going to make it to the next stage but a draw game against Flumenense made their four points not enough for passage into the round of 16.

They fell to German side Borrusia Dortmund 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, having won their opener against Ulsan HD from South Korea.

Esperance of Tunisia on the other hand managed only a win and two defeats that saw them exit a group stages of the competition.

Esperance had to contend with tough customers like Chelsea and Brasilian Flamengo in the championships.

Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca have also exited the competition, are the poorest in the competition with no points after three matches.

With just a match in their group, Wydad would not make any progress if they win. It would be all about pride as they take on Al Ain in a dead rubber.

The competition would enter the next phase on Saturday, with some mouth-watering pairings.
GNA
WE

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the security agencies to tighten security around major markets nationwide in the face of recent market fires.

Revealing that he had asked his security heads to draw a plan to enhance security in the markets, President Mahama underscored the urgency of the situation and tasked his security chiefs to act fast.

“We held a meeting with the security heads [on Monday] to discuss how we can tighten security around all major markets to prevent such occurrences,” he stated.

Mahama stated that, “Just this morning, we heard about a fire at the Techiman Market, which indicates that this trend may continue unless we take immediate steps.”

“I’ve asked the security to arrange with the various security services to tighten security around major markets. We are also asking them to explore installing CCTV cameras at all vantage points of every market,” he added.

President Mahama made the disclosure in Accra on Monday when a delegation from the Katamanto market called on him.

The market in days past was razed to the ground by an inferno, rendering thousands who trade in the market facing a life without a source of livelihood. As part of the security measures, the President noted that the Fire Service had been directed to deploy fire tenders to major markets across the country, especially at night.

Market fires, the President emphasized, might not only be a result of faulty electrical installations but also suspected acts of arson.

“These fires take place at night, and that is what gives us room for suspicion that there are people who are deliberately doing this. In the daytime, you don’t hear that there is a fire [outbreak] anywhere. How the fire can decide that it is only at night that it ignites and burns is beyond anybody’s imagination,” he stated.

This suspicion, the President said, was found in a 2013 investigation his then government commissioned into market fires, which established arson.

“I remember it has happened before, in 2013 when I was newly sworn in as president. There were fires in almost every market, which was quite unusual, and in many cases, the investigations showed that people deliberately set the markets on fire in order to cause chaos and confusion,” he said.

He gave assurance of his government’s resolve to assist the affected traders back into business but said the market should be built into a strong facility.

“[The] Government is determined that nobody should be displaced because of this fire…but we must design it better and make sure that we build it in a better way,” the President indicated.

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Associate Professor Isaac Boadi, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has painted a sobering picture of Ghana’s fiscal landscape, characterising the nation’s financial troubles not as a state of bankruptcy but as the result of massive systemic losses.

Speaking at a Tackling Tax Revenue Leakages in Ghana Forum organised by his faculty, Prof. Boadi argued strongly that the risks are dire if immediate yet bold actions are not taken to tackle tax revenue leakages in Ghana.

“Ghana is not broke. Ghana is bleeding,” he declared, pointing out that “This is not a political matter. It is not NDC versus NPP. It is Ghana versus corruption.”

According to Prof. Boadi, Ghana loses about GH₵9 billion annually due to a combination of corruption, tax evasion, and systemic smuggling across various sectors of the economy.

He stressed that these are not abstract figures but stark indicators of missed opportunities and human suffering.

“These figures are not just numbers,” he said. “They represent classrooms unbuilt, machines and medicines unavailable, and dreams deferred.”

Sector-by-Sector breakdown of fiscal leakages

Prof. Boadi outlined detailed estimates of losses across several critical sectors, citing credible sources:

• Tax Administration: An estimated GH₵3 billion is lost annually to illicit financial flows, largely through high-net-worth individuals and foreign companies exploiting legal loopholes (GRA estimates).
• Customs and Trade: The World Bank’s 2023 report highlights import-related corruption costing Ghana over GH₵550 million annually due to under-invoicing, especially in machinery and textiles.
• Gold Mining: Losses in 2022 alone were pegged at GH₵2 billion, with about 60% of small-scale mining operations evading taxes entirely.
• Oil and Gas: An estimated GH₵1.5 billion in unaccounted revenues linked to production-sharing agreements, as reported by OPEC.
• Cocoa Smuggling: Approximately GH₵150 million lost annually due to cross-border smuggling activities.
• Forestry: Illegal logging is estimated to cost GH₵250 million annually in unpaid timber royalties (Forestry Commission).
• Public Procurement: The Auditor-General’s reports indicate a loss of over GH₵170 million due to procurement inefficiencies and waste.
• Fertiliser Subsidy Programme: Roughly GH₵100 million is lost yearly to fertiliser smuggling under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
• Port and Harbours: Corruption at Ghana’s ports results in an estimated GH₵250 million loss annually through unpaid import duties.
• Informal Sector: With an estimated 80% of the workforce operating informally, Ghana loses an additional GH₵15.6 million annually in untapped tax revenue.

Root causes and consequences

Prof. Boadi identified four root causes fuelling the leakages: weak enforcement, outdated systems, institutionalised collusion, and lack of transparency.

He warned that if these are not addressed, Ghana risks deeper social and economic consequences, including deteriorating public services, rising youth unemployment, and a worsening debt crisis.

“The loopholes are being exploited, not just by petty criminals, but by powerful corporations and even officials benefiting from a broken system,” he said.

The way forward

In his closing remarks, Prof. Boadi urged all stakeholders—government, private sector, and citizens—to rise to the occasion.

He outlined four urgent interventions:

1. Digitalisation of revenue collection systems – “We cannot tackle 21st-century challenges with 20th-century tools.”
2. Strict sanctions for offenders – “Without consequences, corruption becomes profitable.”
3. Transparency in public finance – “Every Ghanaian must be able to track how every cedi is raised and spent.”
4. Formalisation of the informal sector – “Bringing more economic actors into the tax net is essential for inclusive development.”

He warned: “The data is clear. The victims are real. And the solutions demand courage—from all of us.”

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Cocoa is a key export commodity for Ghana

Deputy Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo has emphasized the need for fair pricing of cocoa to prevent farmers from selling their lands for illegal mining.

Ghana’s cocoa industry is increasingly under threat from illegal mining, locally referred to as ‘galamsey,’ which has resulted in the destruction of large cocoa farms. It is believed that some cocoa farmers sell their land to illegal small-scale miners, who then convert it into mining sites.

Speaking during his vetting, Dumelo stressed that ensuring cocoa farmers receive competitive prices for their produce would serve as a strong incentive for them to retain and cultivate their farms.

He further highlighted the need for structural reforms in the mining industry to ensure responsible practices that do not negatively impact cocoa farms.

“Giving cocoa farmers the right price will deter them from selling their cocoa farms. The second one is also to restructure or structure the whole mining industry well so that wherever they mine, it wouldn’t be able to affect these cocoa farms. But I think that the main one is about pricing.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn, has called on all relevant stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of Ghana’s Petroleum Hub project.

Addressing representatives from various agencies at the inaugural PHDC Inter-Agency Dialogue on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Dr Aubynn urged stakeholders to collaborate effectively to eliminate bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies that deter potential investors.

“We are here because we recognize that the success of Ghana’s Petroleum Hub vision is interconnected, not with one agency, one ministry, or one entity alone, but with the harmonised efforts of many institutions, both public and private,” he stated.

“Each of us in this room represents a cog in the wheel of national progress. And when that wheel turns smoothly, through collaboration, shared information, clear mandates, and mutual respect, our nation moves forward,” Dr Aubynn emphasised.

He continued, “Too often, however, our efforts have been siloed. We’ve had good intentions but fragmented actions. The result? Delays in policy execution, missed investment opportunities, and a general perception of bureaucracy that deters the very partners we are trying to attract.”

Dr Aubynn stressed that for progress to be made, inter-agency coordination must become a culture, not an afterthought.

“We must streamline processes, align timelines, reduce duplication, and ensure that our communications are consistent and timely. Investors are watching. Citizens are watching. And they are looking to us for leadership, not just in vision, but in execution,” he said.

He reaffirmed PHDC’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment that not only attracts but also retains investment in the Petroleum Hub.

According to Dr Aubynn, the hub will generate numerous job opportunities, contributing significantly to the growth and resilience of the local economy.

SA/MA

• Ghanaian media personality Serwaa Amihere and her younger sister Maame Gyamfua Yeboah have expanded their businesses
• The celebrity entrepreneurs have moved all their businesses to a plush building in East Legon, Accra
• Some social media users have congratulated the beautiful sisters and business partners on Instagram

Ghanaian media personality Serwaa Amihere, alongside her younger sister, has launched a new showroom for their clothing brand and an upscale salon in a prime location in East Legon.

This move marked a significant expansion for the sisters, who are both business partners in the fashion and beauty industries.

In a viral video, Serwaa Amihere, the host of the GHOne morning show, discussed the various challenges they have encountered in the fashion industry, including issues related to piracy.

Maame Yeboah Gyamfua, a skilled hairstylist and Serwaa’s sister, also addressed challenges in the beauty sector, particularly the difficulties in finding reliable and professional staff committed to fulfilling client needs.

Read also

Dulcie Boateng gifts lucky fan a brand-new Car at her Porials Pitch event: “Settings nkoaa”

The sisters showcased their fashion sense by donning stylish outfits that accentuated their figures, complemented by glamorous hairstyles.

Serwaa Amihere moves her businesses to one building

Ghanaian kente seller, Baaba Ankrah and others have congratulated Serwaa Amihere and her sister on their latest achievements. YEN.com.gh has compiled some reactions below:

regal_esi stated:

“This is beautiful. Congratulations sisters🙌🏾.”

theanitaerskine stated:

“Congratulations ladies!!!!!.”

baaba_ankrah stated:

“Congratulations sisters ❤️❤️.”

djangjasmine stated:

“Congratulations 🎉🎈🍾🎊.”

chichi.yakubu stated:

“Congratulations 🍾.”

ms.faakye stated:

“Congratulations ladies. Super proud of u 👏 👏❤️❤️.”

sparkles_jewellerygh stated:

“Congratulations 🍾 soo beautiful to watch.”

envisioningherglobal stated:

“Honest review: The clothing is quality!!! The fabric unmatched! Dress: Eloise Dress US Customer!.”

don_justbe stated:

“Congratulations, all the very best success to you and the team, Mami.❤️.”

menz_emporium stated:

“I can watch you ladies all day aww😢😩🙌🏽 you inspire me so much❤️❤️❤️.”

The video of Serwaa Amihere and her sister is below:

Read also

Nana Ama McBrown donates bags of rice to street hawkers: “Their happiness is contagious”

Serwaa Amihere rocks an African print outfit

Serwaa Amihere who is known for her fashionable ensembles, especially when presenting news on GHOne TV, and continues to inspire the youth and working-class women to embrace traditional attire on Fridays.

In a recent photoshoot, she wore a three-quarter sleeved top paired with a matching long, form-fitting skirt and styled her hair in a side-parted, lustrous black look, drawing attention to her elegant stud earrings.

Check out the photo below:

Maame Gyamfua talks about her pregnancy

Earlier, YEN.com.gh wrote about Serwaa Amihere’s sister who spoke about her unplanned pregnancy at the Women of Valour conference in Paris on March 7, 2025.

Maame Yeboah Gyamfua shared her personal journey and the steps she took to pursue her dreams, despite becoming pregnant at the age of 22.

She expressed her desire to avoid becoming a single parent like her mother, who worked diligently to support her family.

Read also

TV Host Mzgee looks magnificent in a pink corset lace gown and heavy makeup

Maame Gyamfua stated that she was five months pregnant before realizing her condition, just as she was completing her National Service and preparing to start a new job based on a recommendation.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Defence minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah

Defence minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has stated that Ghana’s economic condition does not reflect an economy that has “turned the corner,” but rather one in severe distress, weighed down by debt repayment burdens, mismanagement, and a lack of accountability.

Speaking on the state of the economy in a Facebook post after Finance Minister Dr Casiel Ato Forson presented his maiden budget to Parliament, Dr. Boamah emphasized that the 2025 budget aims to set Ghana on a path of fiscal responsibility, debt sustainability, macroeconomic stability, and job creation.

He noted that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, is focused on resetting the economy and restoring hope for Ghanaians.

Dr. Boamah criticized the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, accusing them of awarding contracts outside the expenditure framework and borrowing beyond Ghana’s capacity to repay.

He assured Ghanaians that President Mahama’s administration would exercise fiscal discipline while delivering efficient public services.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to meeting the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme targets while restoring Ghana’s creditworthiness.

He also acknowledged the progress made so far, stating that while a lot has been achieved within a short time, this is only the beginning of the administration’s reform efforts.

Dr. Boamah highlighted several key promises that the Mahama administration has fulfilled since assuming office:

Reduced Government Size: A commitment to running a lean and efficient government with 60 ministers has been delivered. Tax Reforms: The government has scrapped the E-Levy and the betting tax on winnings.

Education Reforms: Academic fees for first-year public tertiary students have been eliminated, and free tertiary education has been introduced for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). A dedicated source of funding has also been secured for Free SHS, while free textbooks are being distributed to schoolchildren.

Healthcare Initiatives: The administration is delivering Free Primary Healthcare and implementing the MahamaCares programme to finance the treatment of non-communicable diseases.

Social Interventions: The government has commenced the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls and uncapped the GETFund, NHIL, and Road Fund.

Policy and Infrastructure Development: The $10 billion Big Push Programme for accelerated infrastructure development is underway, along with constitutional review processes and national forums on education and the economy.

Anti-Corruption Efforts: The government has launched Operation Recover All Looted State Funds, reaffirming its commitment to accountability.

Dr. Boamah reiterated that the government is determined to navigate Ghana through these turbulent times and emerge stronger.

He urged Ghanaians to support the administration’s reform agenda, emphasizing that the people of Ghana “will no longer tolerate ineffective governance.”

“We committed to Reset Ghana, and we are delivering,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:

Chinese President Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the European Union (EU) amid global trade uncertainties.

“Both China and the EU are major economies in the world and staunch supporters of economic globalisation and free trade,” he stated, stressing the importance of collaboration to protect the international trade environment and oppose unilateral, coercive actions.

President Xi, during a meeting in Beijing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, highlighted the strong economic relationship between China and the EU, noting their combined economic output exceeded one-third of the global total.

“The two sides have already formed a strong economic symbiotic relationship,” he said.

Xi reiterated China’s support for the EU’s unity, development, and growth.

“In the current context, it is of great practical significance to strengthen the China-EU partnerships of peace, growth, reform, and civilisation. China and the EU should see each other as partners and embrace open cooperation,” he added.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions in global trade, following the United States’ tariff policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The White House recently announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from all foreign countries, prompting retaliatory measures from China and the EU.

President Trump defended the policy as a move to bolster the US manufacturing and industrial base.

In response, the Chinese Government stated: “As the second largest economy and second largest market for consumer goods, China is committed to opening ever wider to the world, no matter how the international situation changes.”

President Xi remarked in the meeting with Prime Minister Sanchez, “There are no winners in tariff wars. Going against the world will only lead to self-isolation.”

On China-Spain relations, President Xi stressed the importance of mutual support and respect, particularly on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Prime Minister Sánchez acknowledged the steady growth of China-Spain ties over the past 20 years and praised China’s contributions to global prosperity and stability.

“Spain values its relationship with China, and firmly upholds the one-China policy,” he said.

Prime Minister Sánchez expressed Spain’s readiness to deepen cooperation with China in trade, investment, innovation, green energy, education, culture, and tourism.

“The Spanish side stands ready to maintain high-level exchanges with China, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, scientific and technological innovation, green energy and other sectors, and strengthen exchanges in education, culture, and tourism to elevate bilateral relations to new heights,” he assured.

The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis during their meeting.

By Iddi Yire, GNA Special Correspondent in Libreville, Gabon

Libreville (Gabon), May 02, GNA – Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama Friday arrived in the Gabonese capital of Libreville, to attend the inauguration of Gabonese President-elect General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

President-elect Nguema, the outgoing military leader, won the April 12 Gabonese Presidential election with 90.35 per cent of the valid votes cast.

He will serve a seven-year term.

President Mahama’s participation in the event scheduled for Saturday, May 3, is in pursuit of Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of good neighbourliness.

 He is being accompanied by Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr Prosper Douglas Bani, the National Security Advisor; Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President and Mr Stan Xoese Dogbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency in-charge of Operations.

Gabon, a major oil-producing country in Central Africa, has a population of about 2.3 million.

In August 2023, Nguema led a coup that ended 56 years of rule by former President Ali Bongo and his family. 

He has pledged to boost agriculture, industry, and tourism, while diversifying the economy, according to Reuters news agency report.

GNA

Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor has received an appointment from the president

The former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, has been appointed by President John Dramani Mahama as the Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness at the Office of the President.

In an appreciation post to the president, Dr. Otokunor announced the news of his appointment, expressing his gratitude. He described the opportunity to serve under the government as a ‘rare’ one and pledged to dedicate himself fully to executing his mandate and delivering on the job.

“I want to express my deepest heartfelt gratitude to H.E John Dramani Mahama for this rare opportunity to serve in his government as the Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness at the Presidency.

“I promise to commit every bit of my knowledge, skills, experience and energy to this new role to deliver on his vision. And thanks to all the Comrades, party folks and well-wishers for the best wishes. Akpe kaka! ‘Ny3yi Waladon’!! Medaase!!” he posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

His appointment comes amid differing sentiments from many, particularly experts, who believe he would have been better suited for the role of Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture.

One such person is governance expert Professor Enoch Antwi, who opined that Otokunor’s expertise and his involvement within the party should have been rewarded with the role.

“I thought Otokunor, who has been involved in party structures, would have taken the position, but instead it went to John Dumelo, which has raised some questions,” he said in a TV3 interview on February 14, 2025.

Dr. Otokunor, an agriculture and financial economist, is expected to bring his expertise in the agriculture sector to help grow and improve the Ministry of Agriculture. He will work closely with the ministers in that department to drive progress and development.

MAG/EK

Watch the latest episode of The Lowdown featuring NPP MP Patrick Yaw Boamah

By Iddi Yire 

Accra, Jan 19, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama, has, in fulfilment of his promise to see through the implementation of the Constitution Review Process, established a Constitution Review Committee. 

The eight-member Committee is under the Chairmanship of Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, the Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), while Dr Rainer Akumperigeya is the Secretary. 

Other members are: Justice Sophia Adinyirah, Dr Godwin Djokoto, Mrs Charlotte Osei, Dr Esi Ansah, Prof Kwame Karikari and Mr Ibrahim Tanko Amidu. 

A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesman to the President, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said the Committee was expected to identify and address the gaps in, and the challenges with the implementation of, previous constitutional review work done by the 2010 Committee. 

It is to engage key stakeholders to solicit their views on the proposals for Constitution Review Commission and the 2023 Constitution Review Consultative amendment of the 1992 Constitution, and make actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing democratic governance in the country. 

It said the composition of the Committee underscored the President’s desire to engage persons of proven expertise, dedication to the service of the nation and commitment to good governance, to manage the process. 

The statement said the Committee would present its recommendations for constitutional amendments within five months for consideration by the Government. 

GNA 

Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team will have a final opportunity to qualify for the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships as they return to the track on Day 2 of the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou.

On the opening day of the competition, the Ghanaian quartet of Barnabas Aggerh, Sean Safo-Antwi, Joseph Paul Amoah, and Ibrahim Fuseini posted a season best time of 38.49 seconds. However, their third-place finish behind Great Britain & Northern Ireland and Poland was not enough to secure one of the two automatic qualification spots from their heat.

As qualification now hinges on time rankings across heats, Ghana must produce a faster performance in their second race, where they face a strong field including France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Korea, and Chinese Taipei in Heat 1.

The race starts at 12:32 Ghana Time.

France and the Netherlands pose significant competition, having both registered national records under 38 seconds—37.79 and 37.91 seconds, respectively. Switzerland and Korea have seasonal bests closely aligned with Ghana’s, while Chinese Taipei trails slightly behind.

Ghana’s national record of 38.07 seconds remains within reach, and improving upon their Day 1 performance could place them among the top teams qualifying by time.

Elsewhere in the competition, other qualification hopefuls include Jamaica, Brazil, Australia, China, and Belgium, all of whom are scheduled to compete in other heats. Notably, Jamaica and Brazil bring world-class pedigree, with national records of 36.84 and 37.72 seconds, respectively.

With only a limited number of remaining slots available for Tokyo, Ghana’s performance on Day 2 will be critical in determining whether they will be part of the 4x100m relay line-up at the World Championships later this year.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

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Patience Gbeze 

Accra, May 16, GNA – Chance for Childhood (CfC), a child-centred non-governmental organisation, has donated teaching and learning resources to public schools in Accra. 

In all, 35 public schools in five districts in the Greater Accra Region, including Accra Metro, Ablekuma West, Korle Klottey, La Dade-Kotopon and Adentan Municipalities benefitted. 

The tactile materials worth over GHC 196,000 is to improve teaching and learning and inclusive play-base practices in Kindergarten One and Kindergarten Two Classrooms. 

The items include block alphabet and numbers; sandpaper letters and numbers; abacus; building blocks; learning clocks; colour towers; animal puzzle; toddler puzzle, and alphabet memory. 

Dr Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister for Education, commended CfC for playing an active role in bridging gaps in the delivery of quality inclusive education in the country. 

He noted that CfC’s holistic interventions aligned with the Ministry’s efforts to improve inclusive education by ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities at all levels of education, had equitable access to quality education, participate fully in classroom activities, and achieve learning outcomes. 

Dr Apaak said CfC’s major interventions of screening and assessment for learners at Early Childhood Education level, would ensure early detection and intervention for children with disabilities. 

“…In line with implementing the Inclusive Education Policy in Ghana, the Ministry is increasing its efforts to improve equitable access for quality inclusive education for learners with disabilities and other special educational needs. 

“However, we acknowledge that promoting inclusive education requires strong collaboration from key stakeholders, and this regard, we commend CfC for its roles,” he added. 

Mr Abdul-Ghaffar Adam, CfC Country Representative, announced that similar donations would be made next week to 20 public schools in four districts in the Northern Region. 

He said aside from impacting teaching and learning in their target districts, the CfC also worked with the GES to build the capacity of teachers and parents with children with disabilities to pay particular attention to their wards’ learning needs. 

He urged institutions and stakeholders to come on board to enable them achieve their common goals. 

Mr Richard O. Opoku, the CfC’s Inclusion and Safeguarding Lead/ Senior Programmes Manager, also called on the private sector, corporate bodies and all partners to join them in enhancing inclusive practices within mainstream education. 

“Your partnership can help us create a more equitable learning environment for all children, especially those with disabilities and other special educational needs,” he added. 

GNA 

CA/