Patricia Appiagyei is the Deputy Minority Leader and MP for Asokwa

The Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, Patricia Appiagyei, has clarified her statement on President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of people from the north, which she made in a recent interview with Angel FM.

In a statement issued by the deputy leader’s office, she indicated that her remarks have been misconstrued to mean that she was castigating the president’s appointments of people from the northern parts of the country.

The office explained that Appiagyei, who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa, was only calling out the president over the low representation of women in some positions in his government.

“The Honourable Member, in her interview conducted in Twi, was responding to a question about women and gender representation in President Mahama’s administration. She expressed concern about the lack of regional balance and the inadequate inclusion of women in government appointments, as mandated by the Constitution of Ghana. Specifically, she questioned why even northern women who represent a significant and vibrant portion of Ghana’s population were excluded from leadership roles.

“Her comments were not in any way a critique of northerners or driven by tribal sentiment. Rather, they were meant to highlight the broader issue of equity, gender inclusion, and fair regional representation principles rooted in our constitutional values,” part of the statement reads.

It further clarified that; “It is unfortunate that this thoughtful call for inclusivity and representation has been twisted into a tribal narrative, which Hon. Patricia Appiagyei completely rejects and condemns. She has always stood for national unity, diversity, and equal opportunity for all Ghanaians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background.”

What Patricia Appiagyei said:

The Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, Patricia Appiagyei, accused President John Dramani Mahama of neglecting females in the appointment of Chief Executive Officers for the various state-owned institutions in the country.

According to the Deputy Minority Leader, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa, the president has not only failed Ghanaian women in his appointments, but has also failed to give adequate allocation to women from the northern part of the country, where the majority of his appointed CEOs hail from.

She added that the president’s action violates the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which provides for regional balance in appointments to such positions, and sets a dangerous precedent.

“One of the reasons I’m sad is that majority of them (women) who have been chosen to be chief executives are from the north. It is even more astonishing if you look at the Ashanti Region. What I think is that maybe he is not getting women from the north to appoint as he said… If this is the case, then there is a problem.

“Even the recent district assembly appointees they brought had the majority of them (the female appointees) from the north… This is very dangerous because it was the whole of Ghana that voted, and the law of Ghana, which is the constitution, states that appointments should be done in a way that ensures balance (regional balance),” she said in the Twi dialect during an interview on Angel TV, on May 15, 2025.

The Asokwa legislator added, “If you look at the population size, they are not more than the remaining of us. In terms of population, Akans and the other tribes are more than them, so why should the appointment be lopsided in this manner?”

Watch her remarks in the video below:

“I feel sad when I look at the list of President Mahama’s appointees. Most of them are Northerners, and I believe that’s a dangerous trend.”

– Deputy Minority Leader and MP for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has expressed concerns over what she describes as a disproportionate… pic.twitter.com/gVJYpzEjQo

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) May 16, 2025

BAI/AE

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FIle photo of a power plant

The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) has called on the government to renegotiate contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), arguing that the current pricing arrangements are a major source of financial inefficiencies and revenue leakages in the energy sector.

According to PUWU, the existing contracts are unfavorable and result in significant financial losses for the country.

On Thursday, May 15, Timothy Nyame, General Secretary of PUWU, expressed his concerns during an appearance on Citi Eyewitness News, and monitored by GhanaWeb.

He pointed out that there is a lack of attention to the cost implications of IPP contracts, which have become a significant source of revenue leakage.

“There are certain things that we are also raising about the pricing of IPPs… has the government taken the pain to renegotiate the IPP contract with them?” Timothy asked.

The union executive also stated that they believe that renegotiating these contracts could help optimise revenues and improve the sustainability of the energy sector.

Timothy noted that while public discussions often focus on utility tariffs and fuel supply, the inflated costs of electricity from IPPs are rarely considered, especially when compared to pricing structures in other African countries.

“These are some of the things that we are mentioning – that the pricing of the IPP is part of the leakages that they have to plug. Nobody is speaking about that. Nobody sees that IPPs should be renegotiated,” he added.

He also spoke about how fluctuations in exchange rates impact power pricing, and called for a shift to contracts denominated in Ghanaian cedis to better reflect local economic conditions.

“Looking at the pricing across, how much some of the IPPs are charging compared with Ghana, also, changing the pricing to Ghana cedi. We are not looking at that,” he added.

PUWU’s demand is on the back of ongoing concerns regarding the financial implications of IPP contracts on Ghana’s economy.

NAD/AE

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Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey returned to the salt mines of Keta following Parliament’s recess

The Member of Parliament for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for many in Ghana, particularly in his hometown of Anlo-Afiadenyigba.

Following the recent parliamentary recess, the MP returned to his roots, engaging in artisan salt mining, a humble trade reflective of his challenging beginnings.

This gesture, captured in images widely shared on social media platforms, testifies to Gakpey’s deep connection to his community and his remarkable journey from adversity to prominence.

Born into modest circumstances, Gakpey’s early life was marked by resilience and determination. As a young boy, he walked barefoot to school due to the financial hardships his family endured.

“I didn’t have shoes, but I had a dream,” he recalled in an interview with GhanaWeb. His pursuit of education, despite these challenges, laid the foundation for his eventual rise to political leadership.

Today, as the MP for Keta, he represents not only his constituents but also the possibility of transcending humble origins through hard work and perseverance.

Gakpey shared further details of his teenage years, during which he supported his family by trading crabs.

“I used to carry crabs from Anloga Market to Afram Plains to sell,” he revealed, highlighting the lengths he went to contribute to his household’s income.

This entrepreneurial spirit, born out of necessity, shaped his understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Ghanaians, particularly those in rural communities like Keta. According to the MP, his experiences continue to inform his advocacy for policies that address poverty, education, and economic opportunities for his constituents.

His recent return to Anlo-Afiadenyigba to engage in salt mining was, to him, more than a symbolic act; it represented a powerful reminder of his unwavering commitment to his roots.

Dressed in simple attire and working alongside local miners, Gakpey demonstrated that leadership is not about distancing oneself from the people but about sharing in their daily realities.

As he shovelled salt under the scorching sun, the MP’s actions reflected his commitment to his roots, emphasising humility and service in leadership.

Keta, in the Volta Region, is a constituency known for its rich cultural heritage but also its economic challenges.

As a predominantly fishing and farming community, Keta faces issues such as coastal erosion, limited infrastructure, and youth unemployment. However, Gakpey, who is currently serving his second term in Parliament, has consistently championed initiatives to address these concerns, including advocating for improved educational facilities and support for local fishermen.

His personal story fuels his passion for creating opportunities that enable others to rise above their circumstances, just as he did.

To his constituents, Gakpey’s reverence for his roots demonstrates authenticity and relatability, key qualities required of leadership in Ghanaian politics. His ability to connect with his constituents on a personal level sets him apart in a field often criticised for being out of touch.

His return to the salt mines not only honours his past but also sends a strong message to the youth of Keta and Ghana at large: no beginning is too humble, and no dream is too big.

GA

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Alhaji Seidu Agongo (R) seen presenting a cheque of GH¢500,000 to the Minister of Health

Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has fulfilled a pledge of GH¢500,000 to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a move to support the country’s growing dialysis needs.

Alhaji Agongo, who is also the founder and owner of Alive Industries, made the donation at the Ministry of Health in Accra, together with his management.

He described the initiative as “a programme that touches the very foundation of the Ghanaian people”.

Dialysis treatment in Ghana has become a growing burden for patients, many of whom struggle to afford the high cost.

According to Agongo, the average dialysis session costs around GHS700, and a patient typically requires three sessions per week — a monthly total of approximately GH¢8,400 (around $800).

“In a developing country where people hardly get food to eat, this is a significant strain,” Agongo said. “That is why I see this programme as one that truly resonates with the grassroots and deserves all our support.”

Agongo, who operates a dialysis centre himself, underscored the link between health and economic productivity.

“As a businessman, my business only flourishes in a healthy environment. We all need access to proper healthcare.”

He also extended his appreciation to the Minister of Health for his commitment to the programme and President John Dramani Mahama, under whose leadership the Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) initiative was launched. “This is not for his own sake, but for the citizens of Ghana,” Agongo added.

The Minister of Health, speaking at the event, lauded Alive Industries for the donation, saying: “We are so grateful and we know this is not just corporate social responsibility. It’s a true gesture of national solidarity.”

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established to support citizens who are unable to afford critical medical services, especially those requiring long-term treatments such as dialysis.

The government has called on more individuals and institutions to follow suit in helping to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.

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Ghana could see its current account surplus improve to 5.1% of Gross Domestic Production (GDP) in 2025 from last year’s 4.3%, that is the latest forecast from Absa Cedi Report released in May 2025.

According to the report, Ghana could build reserves on the back of gold and cocoa export to support the cedi. It added that gold and cocoa production are projected to increase in Ghana with new mines coming on board, and favourable weather conditions for farmers.

“Given these developments, we now expect the current account surplus to improve to 5.1% of GDP in 2025 from last year’s 4.3%”, it predicted.

The report is optimistic Ghana will continue to benefit from export of gold and cocoa to support the cedi, which recently appreciated aggressively to GH₵12.40 to the dollar from GH₵15.50.

“We believe export receipts will continue to benefit from supportive gold and cocoa prices”, it said.

According to the report, Ghana is in a good position to benefit from export receipts of gold to build buffers for the cedi due to the coming onboard new mines.

“Several new mines (including the Cardinal-Namdini and Ahafo South mines) are expected to commence production in 2025, according to their owners”, it said.

The situation, the report pointed out could help Ghana ramp up gold production as the commodity is not affected by the numerous tariffs imposed by the U.S

“The yellow metal is exempt from the latest wave of US tariffs”, it said adding that the heightened uncertainty in global trade has also triggered a flight to safe-haven assets such as gold, driving its price to all-time highs of USD3,300/bl in recent weeks. We also expect Ghana’s gold output to improve”

On coca, the report warned that bad weather conditions could generally affect production, with Ivory Coast being hit the hardest.

“Amid expectations of a smaller harvest in the West African region. In particular, output from the Ivory Coast could suffer amid volatile weather conditions”.

It however pointed out that rainfall levels have been more consistent in Ghana, which has led to a handsome rebound in output after last year’s subdued crop output.

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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.

Dr Zakari Mumuni is the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG)

The First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Zakari Mumuni, has noted that Ghana has about 3.7 months of import cover according to the metrics of the International Monetary Fund.

He noted that the target set by the IMF, rather ambitious, has been exceeded by the government.

“If there is one thing under the IMF programme that we have done well as a country, it is reserves accumulation. These were very ambitious targets. Anybody would have doubted whether we could achieve them.

“You know the target. The target at the end of the programme period is three months of import cover. We are above that. We’re around 3.7 months using the IMF metric,” he was quoted by myjoyonline.com.

Dr Mumuni explained that on a larger scale, Ghana’s recovery has been phenomenal in the last few months.

He said, “If you look at it broadly, including the petroleum funds, which also belong to Ghana, we are even at 4.7 months of import cover. This tells you we’ve devised very innovative ways of meeting market demand while still accumulating buffers.”

According to the deputy governor, the bank has been strategic in balancing its foreign exchange interventions, accounting for the performance of the cedi.

“Whatever we are doing is now weighted more towards reserve build-up rather than just market support. We are meeting market demand without affecting our reserves,” he said.

SSD/MA

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By Mavis Quansah 

Tema, May 16, GNA — The MedChoral Korle-bu, a humanitarian choir, has appealed to the public to support it to raise funds to embark on medical outreach programmes as part of its 10th anniversary celebration. 

The choir is founded by a group of medical doctors, medical students, nursing students, and other allied health professionals of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital with the aim of raising funds to support their patients and others with medical conditions. 

The anniversary celebration, which was on the theme: “Chorus”, was used to motivate the public to use songs as a healing and mental health mechanism. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Kojo Poku Asiedu, the Director of Music for MedChoral, mentioned that the choir, through its song ministration and annual Christmas concert dubbed the “Venite Adoremus”, has been able to reach out to many medical needs. 

Mr Asiedu added that the choral group has, over the past years, raised funds to support childhood cancers, mental health at Accra Psychiatrist Hospital, breast cancer and other health conditions. 

He expressed the hope that the 10th anniversary project would open a foundation on the pillars of medical advocacy, choral evangelism and charity. 

He urged the public and organisations interested in charity works to participate in their activities to help them raise funds for the project. 

Professor Joel Yarney, a Medical Cconsultant at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, speaking with the GNA, admonished the choir to strengthen their bond and work in unity. 

He explained that, considering the busy nature of their work, only commitment and unity could help maintain the group and there is a need to move on with passion in the midst of their difficult times. 

He added that songs were good food for the soul, and since the choir members daily engage with patients, it was a good initiative to motivate and calm them with their music. 

Using biblical characters David and Saul as an example, he said, “Songs have a calming effect on the soul; that’s why when Saul was sick, they invited David to go and sing for him. When you come to Korle-Bu and see the doctors engage in a morning devotion with their patients, you can tell that the patients are at peace.” 

Professor Yarney showered God’s blessings on them while reiterating the call to individuals and organisations to support their activities. 

GNA 

LS/CA 

Former President John Dramani Mahama has sought to downplay the controversy surrounding the recent dollar gift saga involving the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, by clarifying a similar gesture he made during a public event.

During his ‘Thank You Tour’ stop at the Old Ghanata Astroturf in Dodowa on Friday, May 16, Mahama handed money to a dancer who performed at the event.

Addressing supporters shortly afterward, he clarified that the amount he gave was in Ghanaian cedis, not U.S. dollars.

“To put on record that the money I have was GHS500 not dollars,” he said.

Mahama’s clarification follows public criticism directed at Sammy Gyamfi, who came under scrutiny for gifting U.S. dollars to priestess-turned-evangelist Patricia Asiama—a gesture many deemed inappropriate and emblematic of broader concerns about propriety in public office.

After facing backlash, Gyamfi issued an apology for his actions. Mahama subsequently accepted the apology but cautioned him, urging restraint and better judgment moving forward.

Ken Ofori-Atta is a former Minister of Finance

A former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who has been out of the country for medical assessment, is expected to return between May 14 and May 30, 2025, to undergo an in-person interrogation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

His anticipated return was communicated to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in February 2025, through his legal team, establishing a timeline for his appearance.

Additionally, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, also confirmed Ken Ofori-Atta’s impending return, noting that the former minister’s legal representatives have been in communication with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

“The legal team of the former minister has been in communication with the OSP and has indicated that he is scheduled to return between May 14 and 30, 2025. He is prepared to present himself for questioning upon his arrival,” Afenyo-Markin was quoted as saying by myjoyonline.com on February 18, 2025.

Afenyo-Markin also read a letter from Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyers, explaining the reasons for his absence and confirming his expected return.

“We respectfully indicate that our client, who is due for his return, cannot travel before six to eight weeks post-surgical intervention, as indicated in the hospital’s letter. Considering the scheduled surgery between March 20 and 21 and the necessary recovery period, our client expects to be back in Ghana between May 14 and 30, 2025. We hope this timeline will guide your office in scheduling an in-person appearance,” the letter stated.

Following this communication, his name and details were subsequently removed from the OSP’s list of wanted persons, where he had earlier been declared a fugitive from justice.

As of May 16, 2025, the date for Ken Ofori-Atta’s return is fast approaching, with just 15 days remaining until the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s accepted deadline of May 30, 2025.

Should he fail to appear and honor the invitation, the OSP has warned that it will re-enter his name onto the list of wanted persons and again declare him a fugitive from justice.

“Mr Ofori-Atta is mandatorily required to appear in person before the OSP on 2 June 2025. If Mr Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the scheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP shall consider him a fugitive from justice,” portions of the OSP’s statement on March 17, 2025, read.

The OSP further stated that it will take additional severe measures to apprehend the former minister, including requesting the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice, which calls on law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest individuals declared wanted.

“Whereupon the OSP will cause the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice in his regard and also cause the initiation of extradition proceedings in any jurisdiction in which he may be found,” it added.

Ken Ofori-Atta’s expected return is in line with investigations by the OSP against the former minister regarding contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sectors.

Another investigation concerns the termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology Limited for distribution loss reduction and network improvement.

He is also being investigated over procurement, payments, and activities related to the controversial National Cathedral project.

Additionally, he has been linked to contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health initially through the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

Furthermore, the OSP is examining payments made from and the utilisation of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account.

MAG/AE

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