President John Dramani Mahama has directed the newly inaugurated National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), along with Parliament, to consolidate all development plans into one clear and inclusive national plan.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 37-member commission chaired by Nii Moi Thompson on Tuesday, May 19, the president said a majority of Ghanaians desire a long-term development agenda that will impact their lives and generations.

“Ghanaians increasingly demand a stable and predictable path for national development that transcends our electoral cycles and partisan politics. Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, Ghana@100 long-term development framework, and the Vision 2057 perspective framework, I urge the Commission to consolidate all these various efforts into a coherent, inclusive and forward-looking national development plan.

“This must be done in close collaboration and consultation with Parliament and the people’s representatives to ensure that the final plan reflects a broad national consensus. And it’s subject to regular review and responds to evolving domestic and global challenges,” he urged.

UTAG-UG demands Auditor-General’s resignation over “unethical” audit report

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File photo representing Ghana’s gold for oil programme

President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged the impact of the nation’s boosted reserves on the recent stability of the cedi against the US Dollar.

The cedi traded at GH¢14.4 to a dollar at the beginning of the year but it has made a dramatic rebound in the month of May, trading at GH¢12.4 to a dollar this week.

Speaking at the opening of the Ghana–EU Business Forum in Accra, President John Mahama attributed the rebound to the gross international reserves which the previous Akufo-Addo government significantly bequeathed to the present administration.

At the end of 2024 before the President assumed office in January this year, Ghana’s reserves stood at $8.98 billion and the President attributed the gains to the overall improved reserves which now stands at $10.6 billion.

“Our gross international reserves have improved further from $8.98 billion in December 2024 to $10.6 billion by April 2025,” President Mahama said, adding that the continuous improvement of Ghana’s reserves is a good sign of growing investor confidence and external buffers.

Experts have also attributed Ghana’s improved reserves to the country’s timely gold purchasing programme introduced by former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

The policy allowed the Bank of Ghana to buy gold with cedis to improve Ghana’s gold reserves and use it to import oil products instead of depleting the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

This policy helped the bank to boost its reserves within a short time.

AME

In our everyday lives, effective communication is essential to ensure comprehension and build connections. It’s not just about talking but being heard and understood. But sometimes, these things may not come naturally, especially for children. This is where the work of speech and language professionals becomes incredibly important. They play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome communication challenges, which in turn enhances educational opportunities and promotes inclusivity.

One such dedicated professional is Keren Tetteh, a licensed speech and language therapist.

Keren specialises in diagnosing and treating communication disorders, and her work involves a variety of responsibilities.

What sets Keren apart is her holistic approach to therapy. She understands that communication is not just a clinical issue but also has emotional and social dimensions.

Keren is passionate about empowering individuals through effective communication, firmly believing that everyone deserves the chance to express themselves and connect with others.

She is currently working towards her doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Teachers College, Columbia University.

For her, this journey is not just about earning a degree; it’s an opportunity for her to dive into the fascinating world of communication and discover new therapy techniques that can truly make a difference.

In addition to her studies, Keren teaches part-time at the University of Ghana in the Department of Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy. Here, she shares her passion and expertise with future speech and language therapists, encouraging them to empower others and create positive change in their communities. Keren’s commitment to both her education and her students reflects her dedication to the field and her desire to inspire the next generation of professionals.

Keren’s philosophy centres on the idea that effective communication is a fundamental human right. “When individuals can express themselves, they gain confidence and a sense of agency,” she explains.

Though this empowerment benefits the individual, it also enriches the community as a whole. Keren emphasises that communication goes beyond just words; it includes non-verbal cues, social interactions, and emotional expression.

She believes society can drive greater understanding and collaboration among its members by breaking down communication barriers.

Keren also highlights the broader social and national benefits of communication empowerment. “In a diverse society like ours, effective communication is essential for social cohesion. Articulation is required for needs and ideas to be understood, leading to better relationships and a more inclusive environment.”  

Furthermore, she points out that strong communication skills can drive economic growth, as individuals who can express their thoughts are more likely to succeed in education and the workforce.

Keren’s dedication to her field is evident from her previous role in pediatric Speech and Language clinics, focusing on the health needs of children.

There, she played a vital role in ensuring that children received the support they needed to thrive. Keren, together with these facilities, promote their mission for optimal healthcare and development for all children. Her expertise was instrumental in achieving these goals. She collaborated with families, educators, and healthcare professionals to create comprehensive care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.

As a licensed speech and language therapist, Keren is also an active member of professional organisations like the Speech Therapists and Audiologists Association of Ghana (STAAG), currently working on some research papers.

Her involvement in these groups reflects her commitment to professional development and advocacy for the field. Keren holds a Master of Science in Speech and Language Therapy from the University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, which has equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in her profession.

The work of speech and language therapists like Keren Tetteh is vital in transforming lives through communication empowerment. They enhance personal well-being and contribute to the social fabric of their communities.

The impact of effective communication extends beyond individual lives, promoting inclusivity, understanding, and driving national progress. For Keren, helping individuals overcome barriers to expression makes her feel fulfilled and drives her passion to achieve a more equitable and connected world.

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.

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.

The management of the University of Ghana (UG) has rejected the Auditor-General’s Report that says the university overtated its employee compensation by Gh¢59.2 million between 2022 and 2024.

According to the management of thee University the report by the Auditor-General was misleading and attributed the claim to a misinterpretation of its payroll structure.

Explaining the University of Ghana said its payroll operates under two distinct components: the Government of Ghana (GoG) payroll and the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) payroll.

Payments under the IGF, including legally sanctioned contracts for post-retirement academic staff, were lawful and transparent, and not irregular expenditures as suggested in the Auditor-General’s report.

In a statement dated May 16, 2025 and issued by the Registrar, Emelia Agyei-Mensah, the university explained that IGF payments are made from its own revenue streams, not government funds, and are fully compliant with public financial reporting standards and that such payments, therefore, do not fall under the category of disallowances.

UG argued that the Auditor-General’s failure to differentiate between the GoG and IGF payrolls and the decision to aggregate the two created a distorted impression of payroll inflation. The institution maintained that the reported figure does not reflect a loss or misapplication of public funds.

The University further disclosed that between 2021 and 2024, it lost 887 staff members through retirement, resignation, and other separations, yet was only granted clearance to recruit 102 new employees in 2024. With student numbers surging to over 76,000 during the same period, UG resorted to internally funding strategic staff recruitment to uphold academic standards.

The management described the GH¢59.24 million as essential compensation for personnel required to sustain teaching, research, and administration in the face of limited government recruitment support. These interventions, UG said, were consistent with institutional and national financial policies and reflect its innovative response to workforce constraints.

UG also criticised the audit process for not giving the institution the opportunity to respond to preliminary findings, as is standard practice.

Attached below is a copy of the full statement

UG Management Responds to Joy News Report on Auditor-General’s Special Audit Findings

Passengers have lamented the poor condition of buses deployed for daily operations

Management of the Quality Bus Services (QBS), operators of the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system under the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), is facing mounting criticism over deteriorating service quality and poorly maintained buses.

Passengers and drivers alike have voiced frustration, accusing the company of mismanaging the once-promising World Bank-funded project, which was launched to improve urban mobility in Accra.

Commuters who spoke to Classfmonline.com at the Central Business District (CBD), CMB terminal behind the Greater Accra Regional Police headquarters, lamented the poor condition of buses deployed for daily operations.

According to them, the Aayalolo buses are no longer serving their intended purpose and have become a shadow of the modern transport system they were meant to represent.

Many complained about unclean buses, foul odours, and non-functional air conditioning systems, particularly during the early morning and evening rush hours when demand is highest.

“Some of the buses come with a terrible smell, and the air conditioning doesn’t work. It’s uncomfortable, especially when the buses are full,” a frustrated commuter told Classfmonline.com.

Drivers who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that the air conditioners in many of the buses have been intentionally disengaged to cut fuel costs, as the high price of diesel continues to strain operations.

“Management says keeping the air conditioners on uses more fuel, so we’ve been instructed to turn them off most of the time,” one driver disclosed.

In addition to the poor state of the buses, concerns were raised about disorderliness at the CMB terminal, particularly during peak hours.

Passengers accused some conductors of favouritism, allowing acquaintances to skip the queue — a situation that causes delays and tension among commuters.

“These days, you have to know someone to get on a bus quickly.

People queue for long hours, only to be bypassed by others with connections,” another passenger complained.

What was once envisioned as a world-class public transport solution is now under scrutiny, with calls mounting for GAPTE and the Ministry of Transport to take urgent steps to restore the integrity and reliability of the Aayalolo BRT system.

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May – 20 – 2025 , 16:03

2 minutes read

By Iddi Yire

Accra, May 20, GNA- President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a 37-Member National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), reminding the Commissioners that Ghanaians increasingly demand a stable and predictable path for national development that transcends electoral cycles and partisan politics.

The eighth Commission, which is chaired by Dr Nii Moi Thompson, replaces the 49-Member previous Commission.

The NDPC was established under Articles 86 and 87 of the 1992 Constitution as part of the Executive.

The National Development Planning Commission Act, 1994 (Act 479) and the National Development Planning (System) Act, 1994 (Act 480), provide the core legal framework for the establishment of the Commission and the performance of its functions.

President Mahama charged members of the Commission to work together to deliver a development plan that charts a bold and transformative path for the nation, and one that would guide future generations and liberate Ghanaians from the limitations of the past.

H said provisions of the Constitution empowered the Commission to prepare National Development Plans, monitor and evaluate the performance of government programmes and provide informed advice to the President and Parliament through rigorous research and policy analysis.

“This is a significant mandate that demands broad consultation and active engagement with citizens across all sectors of society,” the President said.

“Over the years, the Commission has upheld this responsibility, and I trust that under your leadership, it will continue to do so with renewed diligence, integrity and commitment.”

Article 10(5) of the Constitution enjoins the President to present a Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies to Parliament within two years of assuming office and the President explained that since 1994, that task had been carried out in close collaboration with the Commission.

He said preparations were underway for his Administration’s next coordinated programme.

“My office stands ready to support this important process as the programme will reflect not only the vision and policy priorities of this government but also the collective aspirations of the Ghanaian people,” the President said.

He said Coordinated Programme would also be the foundation for the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework as had been the practice.

The President reiterated that the framework would guide the operations of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies over the next four years.

The President invoked the legacy of Ghana’s first leader, Kwame Nkrumah, emphasising the need for a long-term vision to break free from the country’s reliance on primary commodities.

“Nearly 70 years after independence, our economy continues to rely heavily on a narrow range of primary commodities, with limited diversification and value addition.This reality reflects the persistence of structural constraints that continue to hold us bac-proof that in many respects, we remain ‘prisoners of our past.”

The President said since the completion of the 40-year National Development Plan in 2017, under the leadership of Dr Nii Moi Thompson, who now returns to chair the Commission, other frameworks with similar long-term ambitions had emerged.

Notable among these were the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, the Ghana at 100 Long-Term Development Framework, and the Vision 2057 Perspective Framework.

He asked the Commission to consolidate all these various efforts into a coherent, inclusive, and forward-looking national development plan.

This, he said must be done in close collaboration and consultation with Parliament and the people’s representatives to ensure that the final plan reflects a broad national consensus and is subject to regular review in response to evolving domestic and global challenges.

“The task before you is immense, but I’m confident in your collective expertise, experience, and commitment,” President Mahama said.

Dr Nii Moi Thompson, the Chairman of the NDPC in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the President for entrusting them with such an important responsibility.

On behalf of all the Commissioners, Dr Thompson pledged their commitment to fulfill to the best of their ability the duties and obligations that come with this responsibility.

GNA

Lydia Kukua Asamoah

Data from the Bank of Ghana reveals a significant appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the United States (US) dollar in the first half of May 2025. 

Comparing the mid-rate of GH¢13.8 recorded on May 2 to the mid-rate of GH¢12.3 on May 19, the cedi has strengthened by approximately 10.9 per cent against the dollar during the period. 

Further analysis by the Ghana News Agency shows some fluctuation within the timeframe.  

For instance, between May 9 and May 16, the cedi also showed an upward trend, appreciating by roughly 6.1 based on the provided mid-rates of GH¢13.1 and GH¢12.3, respectively. 

These figures underscore the volatility inherent in the foreign exchange market and the current positive trajectory of the cedi against the dominant US currency. The Bank of Ghana continues its oversight of these developments. 

Despite this progress, opinions on the factors accounting for the appreciation of the cedi against the dollar differ, as experts attribute various contributory factors. 

Dr Zakaria Mumuni, First Deputy Governor, Bank of Ghana, said the cedi’s appreciation against the dollar was due to the Central Bank’s aggressive liquidity management, including tightening monetary policy and a hike in interest rates. 

Dr Kabiru Mahama, Member of Parliament for Walewale, attributed the appreciation to two monetary policies by the central bank, including the injection of an excess of $492 million into the market. 

He said the Government’s decision not to spend in the first quarter of the year also helped to shore up the cedi. 

According to the Ghana International Trade and Finance (GITF), an investment agency, the cedi’s appreciation was partly due to market sentiments and external factors. 

It said external factors such as the United States trade rift with China, occasioned the appreciation, especially when investors offloaded US assets. 

The GITF attributed the appreciation to the Gold Board initiative through strengthened reserves. 

Source: GNA 

Minister of Finance, Dr Ato Forson with the 11-member SEC Board

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated the Governing Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

He noted that Ghana has experienced significant economic stress in recent years, and the concerns of the public are valid.

“As the regulator of our capital market, the SEC bears a critical responsibility to restore confidence, integrity, and dignity in the sector,” he stated.

Dr Forson emphasised the need for accountability, saying, “The taxpayer cannot continue to be used as a punching bag. The public must no longer bear the burden of regulatory failures. This new board must act with focus and integrity to protect investors, promote transparency, and uphold accountability across our financial markets.”

He congratulated the board and its chairman, and urged them to demonstrate the highest level of responsibility in carrying out their duties.

“I have every confidence that, under your leadership, and working with the astute Dr James Klutse Avedzi, we will build a renewed, resilient, and investor-friendly capital market,” he added.

Members of the SEC Governing Board:

• Dr Adu Anane Antwi – Chairman

• Dr James Klutse Avedzi

• Mensah Thompson Emmanuel

• Deborah Mawuse Agyemfra

• Dr Zakaria Mumuni

• Louis Kwame Amo

• Maame Samma Peprah

• General Legal Council Nominee

• Edward Kaale-Ewola Dery

• William Coffie

• Helen Adwoa Ntoso, MP

SSD/MA

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By Laudia Sawer

Tema, May 20, GNA – At the banks of the Sakumo Ramsar Site at Tema Community Five, popularly known as Church Village, a heart-wrenching scene is seen in various flood-affected structures.

Dirty brown water has inundated the entire floor, submerging the base of furniture, including beds, chairs, and other items, while clothes are piled on furniture in a desperate attempt to keep them dry.

This is not only seen at the Church Village but also at other places such as parts of Adjei-Kojo, Lashibi, Railways, Klagon, and Baatsonaa, which revealed a similar setting conveying distress and displacement, bringing to the fore the harsh reality many residents face after heavy rains, just like what occurred on Sunday.

This and other scenes of inundated communities became known when officials of the Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA), led by Mr Ludwig Teye Totimeh, the municipal chief executive, on Monday visited the flooded areas.

Ms Mary Borketey, an affected resident, lamented that they were really going through a lot. “We have not reached the rainy season itself yet but see what is happening. No place to sleep; we must use stones to chock our beds till today.”

She added that the water during the rains reached their knee level and destroyed everything, stressing that “we can’t use our electric gadgets; the hall and the bedroom are all soaked in water.”

According to her, their children were unable to go to school, while workers were left with no choice but to stay home to clear the mess from the floods, lamenting further that they could not even cook as all their properties were soaked with water.

Ms Millicent Adjato, a flood victim, having a baby strapped to her back, demonstrated how they scoop water with a bucket from the corridor into the compound, expressing, however, that because the water in the compound was yet to recede, they have been left with the ordeal of living with water-filled rooms.

She said, in the past, when it rained, the water seeped into the room from the ground, but the Sunday rains brought a new dimension of water overflowing from the compound and into the room.

Mr Totimeh, the Tema West MCE, inspecting the areas, said the engineers of the assembly were assessing the situation to advise on whether there was the need for an immediate demolition exercise as a solution to the issue.

“We would not stand here and say we are going to see demolishing, but if we must do some demolishing to solve the problem, engineers are the experts; they will give that expert advice.

“What we want is to solve the problem; if it is some demolishing or giving way to allow the water to go through its rightful path, then that is exactly what we will do, but it all rests with our experts,” he said.

He gave the assurance that officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) who accompanied him to the scenes would mobilise and give the needed relief items to affected residents.

He also announced that a safe shelter had been provided for affected areas and urged them to relocate to the shelter till the water recedes.

Mr James Enu, the Member of Parliament for Tema West, said some of the areas are low-lying areas where people have filled up and built in without taking precautionary measures.

“I think the whole problem has been occasioned by the fact that development is unregulated, people build without permits, and people build without the necessary paperwork where the technical people at the assembly will advise,” he said.

He also called for intensification in education on good sanitation practices in the communities to ensure that drainage and waterways are not filled with refuse, which also contributes to rainwater overflow.

He further called on residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert, be careful and be prepared to move to higher areas during the rainy season to reduce the devastating effect.

GNA

Kenneth Odeng Adade