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Jul – 27 – 2025 , 20:07

The government of Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is set to rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure across the country to boost food sufficiency, Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has revealed. 

Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony to rehabilitate the Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme, Opoku stated that the government, in collaboration with its development partners, would rehabilitate the various irrigation infrastructure to enhance food production in the country. 

He further noted that Ghana has over 1.9 million hectares of irrigable land, but just a little, about 226,000 hectares, is being utilised for irrigational purposes, stressing that the government, as a matter of urgency, would undertake a major rehabilitation exercise to revive defunct irrigation infrastructure and possibly build new ones to augment the existing infrastructure. 

He indicated that 10 irrigation dams in the Northern Region would be rehabilitated and another eight would be built, saying that the Volta, Ahafo, and Ashanti Regions would not be left out under the irrigation rehabilitation project. 

Opoku further stated that the move would enhance all year-round farming in the country and migrate farming from rain-fed status, adding that farmers would have value for their input and make themselves self-sufficient. 

The minister added that about 250 solar-powered boreholes would be built to aid farmers who are into the production of vegetables, saying the youth and women in farming would be the beneficiaries. 

“With farming, we can feed the entire country and even export to other places to create wealth for our people,” he added.

Dorng Hyun Lee, the Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), expressed the Korean Government’s readiness to support Ghana’s agriculture sector. 

Lee further called for a collaborative approach in ensuring farmers were given the needed training and skills to increase yield and create job opportunities for the farmers through scientific and modern farming techniques.

Accra, July 27, GNA-Some businesses have called on business mongul Ibrahim Mahama to stay away from business alliances that could jeopardize his reputation and brand.

“A strong wave of caution is being sounded from within Ghana’s business community, urging prominent businessman Ibrahim Mahama to stay clear of embattled Adamus Resources CEO, Angela List, whose recent actions and associations have sparked serious legal and ethical concerns”.

According to credible sources familiar with the unfolding situation, Angela List is reportedly making strategic overtures to draw closer to Ibrahim Mahama, with the aim of leveraging his influence and credibility for personal protection and business relevance amid mounting scrutiny.

However, several business leaders and insiders are warning that such proximity could backfire disastrously for the respected industrialsourcA statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the caution stems from a deepening issues involving Ms. List, who is already embroiled in multiple controversies within the mining and corporate space.

“Most recently, she has been accused by businessman Michael Benziecie of orchestrating a $100,000 fraud under the pretext of granting access to a mining concession near the operations of Adamus Resources.

“Benziecie alleges that after meeting List through the Minerals Commission CEO, he was misled into a deal that saw the same land awarded to another group through a separate, shady transaction”.
The statement said beyond this was, Ms. List was also facing a rapidly unfolding scandal involving corruption, manipulation, and mismanagement spanning Liberia, Ghana, and beyond.

Known for her strategic connections and strong influence across governments and industries, Angela List’s reputation is now tarnished, with her former allies distancing themselves as multiple scandals.

“Her alleged toxic alliances with corrupt officials and her pattern of undermining economic reforms have reportedly caused severe setbacks in both Liberia and Ghana.”

The statement said the regional and International Scrutiny Intensified as the ripple effects of her alleged misconduct spread beyond Ghana and Liberia, international watchdogs and development partners were reportedly taking notice.

“There is concern that List’s involvement in extractive industries—where transparency is crucial—may have compromised due diligence processes and exposed state institutions to manipulation. Diplomats and economic observers in Accra and Monrovia suggest that international partners could reconsider cooperation or funding in sectors where she had substantial influence, particularly in mining”
Reports suggest that internal investigations are being conducted within agencies and ministries that previously worked with hee companies. Several whistleblowers are believed to be cooperating with authorities, shedding light on how contracts were awarded, payments processed, and oversight evaded.

Some of the claims involve high-level officials who allegedly turned a blind eye to contract breaches and regulatory violations in exchange for undisclosed favors”.

If substantiated, these revelations could trigger a new wave of political and legal consequences.
Calls for Asset Freezing and Prosecution
Amid growing public anger, civil society coalitions in both Ghana and Liberia are demanding concrete action: the freezing of Angela List’s assets, prosecution for financial crimes, and a ban on future government contracts.

One prominent activist, speaking at a recent press conference in Accra, said, “We cannot keep letting powerful individuals walk away from damage they cause. Angela List’s legacy is one of broken systems and betrayed trust. The government must show that no one is above the law.”
Uncertain Future for Angela List
For Angela List, the future remains uncertain. Once regarded as a powerhouse in West Africa’s mining sector and a symbol of private sector leadership, she now faces the prospect of legal battles, reputational ruin, and permanent exclusion from political and business influence.

As multiple investigations unfold and former allies speak out, the businesswoman’s downfall may serve as a cautionary tale in the ongoing fight against corruption and elite impunity across the continent.

Whether this moment becomes a turning point for transparency and accountability in West Africa remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Angela List’s empire, once untouchable, is now teetering on the edge of collapse.

In light of these controversies, respected voices within the private sector are urging Ibrahim Mahama not to associate his name or brand with Ms. List. Some warn that her pattern of behavior and questionable business dealings could ultimately bring reputational harm to anyone closely aligned with her.

“She’s actively seeking proximity to influential individuals like Mr. Mahama, not for collaboration, but for cover,” one senior business executive remarked. “If he opens the door to her, she will bring scandal and disgrace.”

Others are calling on Mr. Ibrahim Mahama to cancel any potential plans for business partnerships or investments involving Angela List, emphasizing that while she may appear resourceful, her track record reveals a troubling pattern of manipulation, legal impropriety, and disregard for lawful business conduct.

As regulatory bodies like the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) begin investigations into the mounting allegations, the broader business community continues to watch closely with caution.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

Renowned security and international relations expert, Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, has pointed to political interference as a key driver of the protracted Bawku conflict, cautioning that military deployments alone will not resolve the crisis unless these political undercurrents are tackled head-on.

In an interview on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, July 27, 2025, Dr. Antwi-Danso said the government’s reliance on military and police deployments amounts to a stopgap measure that fails to address the underlying factors fuelling the violence.

“…military presence, police presence in their numbers will not solve the problem,” he stated. “There are several pillars propping up the conflict. It could be history which has not been properly related and we’re adding on and twisting history. It may be the media—the way we handle it. It may be the people themselves, intra-community miscommunication. It could be politics.”

He was unequivocal in identifying political influence as central to the Bawku crisis: “In the Bawku case, politics is one of the greatest beams supporting the conflict,” he said.

Dr. Antwi-Danso warned that unless these “beams” are dismantled, security interventions will achieve little more than temporary calm.

“So until you remove these props one by one for the conflict triangle to fall, you have done nothing. So using the military often is only a stopgap,” he stressed.

His comments come at a time of renewed violence in Bawku, where the government has imposed a strict curfew and ordered the evacuation of students from conflict-prone areas following deadly attacks believed to be linked to the long-running chieftaincy dispute.

Calls are growing for the government to take a more comprehensive approach—one that recognises the political manipulation and historical distortions that continue to fuel tensions. Dr. Antwi-Danso’s remarks have reinforced demands for sustained dialogue, transparency, and depoliticisation of the conflict to break the cycle of violence.

US-based journalist Kelvin Taylor commented on Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) through his media platform.

Taylor stated in a verified social media post: “8 Years in Power the NPP Couldn’t Do Foko. What can they do now that We determined to keep them in Opposition for 42 years?”

The remarks followed Taylor’s arrival in Ghana, where he operates his “With All Due Respect” media channel. Public records confirm Taylor frequently comments on Ghanaian political affairs from abroad.

Taylor added: “Imagine One Man sitting on your happiness for 8 years with all the powers and about to do same for 42 years with No Power? Lol, Mo Bleedi.” He concluded the post with a reference to Ghana travel.

The statement occurs within Ghana’s current political context where the National Democratic Congress (NDC) holds government under President John Mahama. The next general election is constitutionally scheduled for 2028.

Government has discontinued the gold for oil programme

The Bank of Ghana has confirmed that a total loss of GH¢2.14 billion was incurred under the Gold for Oil (G4O) programme in 2023 and 2024.

According to a myjoyonline.com report, this was contained in a formal response to a request for information filed by NPP member and energy analyst, Kwadwo Poku, under Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).

The BoG confirmed that GH¢320 million was lost in 2023 and a further GH¢1.82 billion in 2024.

The bank further explained that “the losses incurred were primarily on gold and petroleum transactions. Loss on gold transactions amounted to about GH¢1.80 billion, which were mainly due to exchange rate differentials; the exchange rate used in the local gold market for gold purchases and the Bank’s internal rate.”

It also cited losses on petroleum trading, which amounted to about GH¢340 million, which were mainly due to a large stockpile prior to a sharp decline in world market fuel prices.

On whether the programme had any impact on the foreign exchange market, the bank said; “The G4O initiative had a positive impact on the foreign exchange market and ex pump fuel price in the first year (2023)of its implementation.”

It also noted that the program helped reduce demand for US dollars from the Bulk Oil Distributors (BDCs).

“A total FX demand of $1.66 billion would have otherwise increased demand

on the interbank FX market and put pressure on the exchange rate to cover the

delivery of 56 cargoes totalling over 1,847,000 metric tons of petroleum products as at the close of December 2024,” it added.

The BoG also noted that prior to the G4O Initiative, petroleum suppliers were charging petroleum premiums between $150 and $170 per metric ton.

“Petroleum premium declined significantly and ranged between $50-$80 per metric ton due to competition from the G40 Initiative. This competition among market players led to lower ex-pump prices. The G4O initiative eliminated the use of the forward exchange rate in pricing petroleum products, which contributed to moderating price increases at the pump,” the BoG added.

However, the Central Bank said it exited the programme in line with the conditionalities of the International Monetary Fund.

“As a consequence of the Bank’s decision to exit the G40 programme, a new framework will be put in place to shorten the cash cycle and cede the business of trading and financing of fuel to BOST and its bankers,” it added.

SSD/AE

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The Creative Explosion Concert, held at the National Theatre on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025, delivered a night of music, dance, poetry and cultural celebration as part of the PANAFEST 2025 programme.

Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Black Star Experience and under the auspices of the Government of Ghana, the event reflected this year’s theme: “Africa Leads, the World Follows.” It brought together performers and audiences from across Africa and the diaspora to celebrate the continent’s artistic leadership and ancestral heritage.

The concert featured a stirring opening performance by Big Twins, whose northern Ghanaian rhythms energised the crowd. It continued with appearances from celebrated musicians and groups including Amandzeba, Santrokofi Band, Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, David Conscious, Ehalakasa, the Afro Latino Dance Community, the National Dance Company and Acao Zumbi Brazilian Theatre Arts.

Beyond entertainment, the event carried deeper meaning, paying tribute to the late Efua Sutherland, the literary icon and Pan-Africanist whose vision helped shape Ghana’s cultural narrative. She would have turned 101 this year.

Professor Esi Sutherland, Chairperson of PANAFEST and daughter of the late Efua Sutherland, underscored the festival’s purpose in an emotional address. “PANAFEST is a call for us to use the art to tell stories that are difficult to tell, but to try and create bridges among ourselves,” she said. “So here we’re creating bridges, with the North, with Jamaica, with Barbados. Why? Because as Africans, we have been separated when we shouldn’t have been. It’s time to come back together again. So, we create our own platform.”

She urged Ghanaians to embrace the pride of owning the festival, adding: “PANAFEST is a fully Ghana-conceived idea. We are the hope of Pan-Africanism on our continent. PANAFEST is about art with a message.”

Deputy CEO of the GTA, Mr Abeiku Aggrey Santana, also called on Africans and the diaspora to sustain the vision of the festival. “Let us keep the flame of PANAFEST burning; in song, in movement, and in purpose,” he said.

The concert drew a diverse audience, including the Deputy Brazilian Ambassador, government officials, historians, artists, cultural leaders and students from Accra High School, Achimota Abofu Keep Fit Club, Accra Technical University and the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT).

Mr George Lomotey, Director of Marketing at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, described PANAFEST as “not just one of the events on the cultural calendar of Ghana” but “a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility; of the struggles, triumphs that have shaped our identity as a people, and of the bridges we continue to build between Africa and the rest of the world.”

The jubilant atmosphere saw audience members clapping, dancing and chanting, embodying the pride and unity that the festival represents.

The Creative Explosion Concert lived up to its name, transcending borders and stereotypes while uniting the continent and its diaspora in a night that was more than entertainment. It was a movement, affirming once again that Africa is not waiting for a seat at the table but is building its own and leading.

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 Government has deployed the Ghana Armed Forces and imposed curfews in Bawku and other areas following a spike in violence that has left three students dead and a Kusasi chief shot and killed in Kumasi.

Two students of Nalerigu Senior High School in the North East Region were shot in their dormitory on the night of Friday, July 25, 2025.

On the same night, a final-year student of Bawku Senior High School in the Upper East Region was also killed. 

The attacks are believed to be linked to the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy dispute.

Earlier in the week, the Kusasi Chief of Asawase in the Ashanti Region, Naa Abdul-Malik Azenbe, was fatally shot in his residence by unknown gunmen said to be wielding an AK-47 rifle.

A few days later, another man was killed in broad daylight in the same community, further raising alarm among residents.

In a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday, July 27, 2025, the government said it was shifting its approach from peacekeeping to what it called “peace enforcement” in response to the recent escalation.

“The Ghana Armed Forces have been deployed to maintain law and order, as we intensify curfews to ensure public safety,” the statement said.

The release, signed by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, said the military had been instructed to take all necessary steps to protect lives and property.

Mr Ofosu also acknowledged the role of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in mediating the conflict, noting that the efforts of the Asantehene, along with the Nayiri and Zugraana, had brought the process close to resolution before the renewed killings.

“These very recent killings have necessitated drastic actions to protect all in the interests of the greater good,” the statement said.

The government is urging all parties involved in the conflict to avoid violence and to support the peace process. Residents have also been advised to cooperate with security forces and to observe curfew regulations.

Although the Presidency expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the heightened security presence, it said restoring calm in Bawku and the affected regions remained a top priority.

A dusk-to-dawn curfew has since been introduced in Nalerigu, alongside a ban on the possession of weapons.

Security agencies have commenced investigations into all recent incidents as public pressure mounts for swift and decisive action to contain the unrest spreading across the Upper East, North East and Ashanti regions.

The Bawku conflict, which stems from historical disagreements over chieftaincy and ethnic claims, has led to repeated outbreaks of violence and loss of life, despite earlier mediation efforts.

By Morkporkpor Anku  

Accra, July 26, GNA – The Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has opened with 35,000 guests, faith-inspired exhibitions, peace seminars, prayer congregations, and visitors from 120 nations at Alton, Hampshire in the United Kingdom. 

The three-day unique event commenced on Friday July 25, 2025, and will end on Sunday July 27, 2025. 

It will have faith-inspired exhibitions, peace seminars, prayer congregations, and visitors from 120 nations. 

The 59th edition of the Convention aimed to strengthen the link of man with God as well as bring the Community together in a spirit of brotherhood. 

The event also aimed to enhance the understanding of the teachings of Islam through various keynote speeches. 

It is also an occasion where civic leaders, parliamentarians, political leaders, diplomats and faith-based organisations deliver speeches on the pathway to peace. 

The participants around the world gather to listen to the spiritual exhortation of righteousness by the community’s leader. 

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmed, the Worldwide Leader of the Community, said in these three days, “we can only benefit from these speeches when we focus on what is being addressed to us and also try to purify our hearts.” 

“We continue to supplicate before Allah Almighty. We recite the Durood upon the Holy Prophet Then and only then, the effects of these speeches and these gatherings will benefit you,” he added. 

Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, the Ameer and Missionary-in-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, said there was the need to avoid acts that were against divine teachings.  

“You need spiritual reorientation, moral reorientation and what you have. Because the basic, the immediate most important need now in the world is leadership,” he said. 

He said Leadership should be based or driven by morality and without moral leadership, “we will not be able to make it anywhere in the world.  

Our country particularly, we need it more than anything.” 

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister for the Interior was expected to address the conference which ends on Sunday, July 27, 2025 

GNA 

Christian Akorlie  

Convention People’s Party member Kwame Jantuah acknowledged signs of economic stabilization in Ghana while warning deep-seated challenges require urgent government action.

Speaking on Asaase Radio’s The Forum following Saturday’s mid-year budget review, Jantuah cited declining inflation, a relatively stable cedi, and easing food prices as positive indicators. He suggested these trends demonstrate some effective policy implementation under the current administration.

Jantuah stated the economy appears workable based on observed progress. He credited the government with doing well in certain areas. This cautious optimism reflects the Finance Minister’s presentation of economic gains under ongoing International Monetary Fund oversight.

Significant hurdles within the private sector remain, however. Jantuah specifically highlighted persistently high interest rates and burdensome production costs. He questioned whether businesses can yet compete effectively under these conditions. These factors continue to impede robust private sector growth.

The analyst raised strong concerns about capital flight driven by Ghana’s reliance on importing refined fuels and poultry while exporting raw gold and cocoa. Jantuah argued this lack of domestic value addition represents a critical drain on national resources. Processing these commodities locally would capture significantly more value, he stressed.

Regarding the IMF programme, Jantuah described progress as encouraging but emphasized sustainability post-programme as the true test. Maintaining fiscal discipline without the Fund’s direct oversight will be crucial for long-term recovery. The mid-year review occurred within this framework of external monitoring.

On illegal mining, Jantuah delivered a sharp critique, questioning the government’s commitment. He asserted enforcement must target the financiers, not just low-level operators, linking the practice to political funding. Naming and shaming these backers is essential, he stated. Jantuah urged President Mahama to ensure his appointees fully align with his stated vision for tackling such issues.

Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah called on Ghana’s Civil Service to adapt to the demands of a digital era, emphasising that e-governance must be treated as a necessity rather than a luxury.

Speaking on behalf of President John Mahama at the climax of the 2025 Civil Service Week Celebration and 2024 Awards Ceremony at the Alisa Hotel, the Chief of Staff stressed the need for continuous training and upskilling of civil servants to deliver faster, more transparent, and cost-effective services.

“Civil service is no longer limited to filing papers and manually processing applications,” he stated. “The modern civil service staff must therefore be digitally literate, data-driven, and agile. Citizens now expect services to be delivered faster, cheaper, and more transparently and rightfully so.”

He stated that adopting digital tools is no longer optional. “E-governance is not a luxury, it is a necessity in these times,” he said.

He assured that the Mahama-led administration is fully committed to supporting this transformation.

“The administration of President John Mahama is committed to supporting the Civil Service to become a fully modernised, responsive, and digitally empowered institution,” he said.

He also acknowledged the importance of collective effort in achieving this vision.

“We recognise that while reforms begin with leadership, their success rests on the commitment and capacity of the entire service,” he noted.

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.

Ghana’s persistently high lending rates are stifling private sector expansion and job creation, according to Solomon Owusu, a prominent figure in the Movement for Change.

Speaking on a July 26 business news programme, Owusu acknowledged government progress in stabilising inflation and fiscal indicators but argued these gains haven’t translated into tangible benefits for citizens, particularly unemployed youth.

He identified interest rates exceeding 23% as a critical barrier preventing businesses from thriving and competing regionally.

“The clarion call is that the youth are looking for jobs, but you don’t create jobs by only focusing on government employment,” Owusu stated. He highlighted the limited capacity of the public sector, estimating it can absorb only about 700,000 people, emphasizing that the bulk of employment must originate from a vibrant private sector.

Owusu pointed to significantly lower rates in neighbouring countries like Togo, where borrowing costs are below 5%, questioning Ghanaian competitiveness: “How do we expect our private sector to compete?”

Owusu called for an urgent economic policy shift prioritizing affordable credit access. He stressed that reducing borrowing costs is fundamental for stimulating enterprise growth and tackling the nation’s high youth unemployment rate. His comments reflect widespread private sector concerns that macroeconomic stability alone is insufficient without enabling practical business conditions.

Finance Expert Lauds Indigenous Bank Support

Contrasting with Owusu’s critique, Professor Godfred Bokpin, a finance expert at the University of Ghana, commended recent government efforts to bolster indigenous banks.

He specifically praised Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for steering initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of state and local banking institutions to drive inclusive economic growth. “If you look at the board composition and the direction they are giving… I think that is commendable and we need to do more,” Prof. Bokpin stated.

Bokpin singled out Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) as strategically vital, urging its transformation into a financial powerhouse capable of supporting major investments. “In the next five years, GCB must have the balance sheet to handle big-ticket transactions.

Without that, we cannot achieve the kind of economic transformation we envision,” he asserted. He further pressed the government to provide concrete policy support and capital backing to state-owned financial institutions like GCB and the National Investment Bank (NIB), moving beyond rhetorical support.

The BoG warns against dollarisation of government contracts

Economist Dr. Evans Nunoo has welcomed the government’s decision to award all public sector contracts in Ghanaian cedis. This follows finance minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement that government contracts will no longer be awarded in foreign currencies but exclusively in cedis.

Speaking to Tutuwaa Danso on StarrToday, Dr Nunoo stated that the move is a deliberate effort to strengthen the Ghanaian cedi and reverse the growing trend of dollarisation in the economy.

“Dollarisation is not something any country outside the U.S. should encourage. I don’t believe that we, as nationals of other countries, would be happy to see our economies dollarized. That’s why maintaining and reinforcing the use of our own currency — the cedi — is a step in the right direction,” he remarked.

Dr Nunoo stated that the cedi is Ghana’s legal tender, and all financial transactions, contracts, and pricing should reflect that reality.

“This shouldn’t require a special declaration from the finance minister in Parliament — it should be the norm. We know and trust the cedi, and our economy should reflect that confidence,” he added.

He further explained that solidifying exchange rate gains requires a conscious effort to resist dollarisation in all its forms. “A contract denominated in cedis but paid in dollars is just as problematic as one directly denominated in dollars,” he warned. “If contracts are awarded in cedis, payments must also be made in cedis.”

Dr Nunoo offered a relatable example: “If you go to a hotel and they quote a room at $100, even if you’re allowed to pay in cedis using the exchange rate, it’s still better for that room to be priced directly in cedis — say, 100 cedis. You can’t walk into a hotel in Europe or Asia and expect to pay in Ghana cedis, so why should we be so willing to accept foreign currencies here?”

He concluded by urging the government to go beyond discouraging the pricing of goods and services in dollars and to actively prohibit the normalisation of foreign currency use in everyday transactions — particularly in sectors like real estate.

“That practice must be strongly discouraged if we truly want to protect and promote the cedi,” he asserted.

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Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has noted that he would not claim he has “arrested” the cedi despite its impressive run in the last few months.

He said; “I can’t say I have arrested the cedi. The cedi has appreciated, that is what I can say. I’m not a policeman.”

According to him, he would not use the words of the former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

This comes after the minister’s presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review on July 24, 2025.

Ato Forson noted that the past administration was fiscally reckless, printing money indiscriminately till it caused hyperinflation.

“So, first of all, let me name one policy. Number one, they [Akufo-Addo administration] were indisciplined. We are disciplined. That is the bottom line. They were spending recklessly when the Central Bank was printing money as if there was no tomorrow.

“At one point, they printed until inflation reached 54%. You know, when that happens, you deplete your reserves. It is not happening now. The Central Bank is not printing. The government of Ghana has been disciplined. The fiscal consolidation is happening. So, why won’t you build reserves?” he was quoted by myjoyonline.com to have said.

Ato Forson took a swipe at Dr Bawumia, noting that despite portraying himself as an economic messiah, he couldn’t save the economy even though he had eight years in office.

“If, for example, he knows that he could do this, why didn’t he do it during the 8 years of office? He was there as Vice President and chairman of the economic management team.

“He was the chairman of the economic management team. Remember, he touted himself as the Messiah, and he said he was going to fix it. He had eight years in office, so, why couldn’t he do what we are doing? Dr Mahamudu Bawumia had eight years in office. There was a time he said that he had arrested the cedi. Why couldn’t he do it?” he added.

Ato Forson, however, insisted he would not claim to have arrested the cedi despite the 42.6% appreciation in the last 6 months.

“Let me say that I’m very focused. We want to ensure that we’ll end the year with the same level of appreciation. We want to make sure that this level of appreciation and the stability we are seeing is sustained. That is where my focus is,” he said.

SSD/AE

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By Mavis Quansah   

Azizanya-Ada, July 27, GNA — The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has engaged the residents of the Azizanya community in Ada to mark the National Drowning Prevention Day and educate the public on water safety precautions.  

Dr Mrs Bertha Kusimi, the Director of the Geological and Radiological Department, NADMO, said the National Drowning Prevention Day was celebrated to create awareness on drowning cases and to educate people on water safety.  

Dr Mrs Kusimi said a study done by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) indicated that 1,320 people from 52 districts died from drowning in Ghana between 2019 and 2021.  

The research, she said, revealed that children below five years were at higher risk and young adults aged between 20 and 34, adding that most of these cases happened at river bodies more than the sea.  

Dr Kusimi explained that the cases were high at river bodies as people who live around these water bodies engaged daily with the water, stating that “The river bodies serve as their source of water; that’s where they fetch water to bathe, cook, and do all their house chores; hence the result.”  

She said poor judgement, alcohol and drug consumption, and the carrying capacity of the boat are the main causes of drowning.  

She encouraged residents to teach their children how to swim to enable them to swim back to shore should their boat capsize. 

She asked them not to overload their boats and to ensure they wear a life jacket for a safe journey. 

In line with the theme: “Your Story Can Save a Life,” some residents who have been victims of drowning were called to share their story.  

Mr Ahmed-Rufai Afarahim Aggudey, the Deputy Director of NADMO, presented life jackets to the community and urged them to learn from each other’s stories.  

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he said the National Drowning Prevention Day was an opportunity for NADMO to create awareness and also train people to become lifeguards, especially ahead of the Asafotufiami festival.  

Mr Aggudey added that people would come from far and near to celebrate the festival; therefore, it was their responsibility to ensure that there were enough life jackets and lifeguards around to ensure the safety of the visitors and the residents. 

He encouraged people to take charge of their lives by wearing a life jacket when swimming to prevent drowning during the festival.  

Mr Denise Adjannor Nartey, the Greater Accra Regional Director of NADMO, said that they were preparing to deploy lifeguards to the community to ensure that those crossing or swimming in the river wear life jackets.  

Mr Nartey added that they would be working with the Ghana Ambulance Service and other institutions to ensure the safety of visitors and the residents.  

Nene Narh Nartey Azago III, Chief of Azizanya, expressed gratitude to NADMO for the insightful education, saying he would work with other chiefs to constantly remind residents of water safety precautions through town hall meetings.  

He pleaded with institutions and individuals to support the community with life jackets as they prepared for the festival to ensure everyone who came to swim was safe.  

GNA 

Edited by Laudia Sawer/Christian Akorlie

By Iddi Yire  

Accra, July 27, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday joined his Liberian counterpart President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to mark the country’s 178th  Independence Day celebration in Monrovia.  

A statement issued by Ghana’s Presidency said the event, which was held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia,  Montserrado County, was attended by other heads of states from the West Africa subregion. 

Among them were President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone, and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau.  

Also in attendance were representatives of the governments of the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and The Gambia.  

Liberia used the occasion to recognise the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Member States that contributed troops to the multinational peacekeeping force, ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), which played a key role in ending the civil war as well as securing humanitarian corridors during the Liberian war.  

President Mahama received Ghana’s honour from the Liberian President on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces and the people of Ghana for the contribution of its gallant soldiers. 

President Boakai in a spirit of national reconciliation said Liberia must heal itself, unite for a common purpose and inspire all for a faster development of the country.   

He called on all his citizens to leverage on technology to transform Liberia.  

The celebration, which was held on the theme: “One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past and Building the Future,” reflected on the past, the need for stock taking, reconciliation, and a united national identity to rebuild a peaceful Liberia, endowed with rich natural resources. 

The Members of President Mahama’s Delegation include Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister; the Minister for Defence; Lieutenant General William Agyapong, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces and Mr Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency incharge of Operations. 

GNA 

Christian Akorlie