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Mahama fires Osafo-Maafo’s son, three deputies in latest SSNIT shake-up

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Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo former Director-General of SSNIT Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo former Director-General of SSNIT

The government has officially revoked the appointment of Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo as the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

According to a Citi News report, the president has also terminated the contracts of three deputies in a recent directive by the presidency.

The affected deputies include Kwame Adu-Darkwa, Deputy Director-General for Finance and Administration; Juliana Kpedekpo, Deputy Director-General for Operations and Benefits; and Nana Serwah Bonsu Amoako, Deputy Director-General for Investment and Development.

Osafo-Maafo’s removal comes less than a year after he was appointed to the position in April 2024 by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to a letter issued on February 10, 2025, by the presidency and sent to all heads of government institutions, the Chief of Staff directed that all appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024, be revoked.

“Consistent with government procurement in relation to near end of tenure appointments and recruitments, I wish to bring to your attention that all appointments and recruitments made in the Public Services of Ghana after 7th December, 2024, are not in compliance with established good governance practices and principles.

“Accordingly, all Head of Government Institutions are hereby requested to take the necessary steps to annul any such appointments or recruitments and submit a comprehensive report on the actions taken to this Office by 1th February, 2025,” the letter said.

It will be recalled that the Office of the President directed all heads of government institutions to submit detailed records of staff members added to their payrolls since December 7, 2024.

This request, issued on January 15, 2025, was part of ongoing efforts by the John Mahama administration to strengthen transparency and integrity within the government’s payroll system.

A letter signed by Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, outlined the specific information required for each new employee.

Heads of institutions were to provide the full names, designations or job titles, employee identification numbers (if applicable), date of appointments, and the date the employees were added to the payroll.

The directive emphasized the importance of this exercise in maintaining accountability in the management of public funds.

Heads of institutions were required to submit the requested data to the Office of the President by January 31, 2025.

“In line with ongoing efforts to ensure the accuracy and integrity of government payroll records under the John Mahama administration, I am writing to request your assistance in providing information on staff who have been added to your Institution’s Payroll since Saturday 7th December 2024,” part of the statement said.

The statement continued, “This information is critical to maintaining transparency and accountability in our payroll, management processes. Kindly ensure that the requested data is submitted to my office no later than Friday 31st January 2025.

“Should you require further clarification or have any questions regarding this directive, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your cooperation in this important matter is highly appreciated.”

AM/KA

Government moves to mitigate impact of US$156 million USAID aid suspension

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President John Dramani Mahama President John Dramani Mahama

In response to the recent suspension of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to urgently address the resulting financial shortfall.

The suspension has created a funding gap estimated at US$156million, with a projected US$78.2million shortfall threatening critical health interventions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 11 and signed by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the president expressed deep concern over the development’s potential to severely impact critical interventions.

“President John Dramani Mahama has directed that Minister for Finance Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson take urgent steps to bridge the funding gap arising from suspension of USAID’s international funding programme,” the statement read.

The president has requested that bridging arrangements focus on these priority areas to mitigate any deleterious effects occasioned by the USAID funding disruptions.

Of particular emphasis is malaria prevention, maternal and child health, family planning, reproductive health, nutrition and the fight against HIV/AIDS – under which the availability of antiretroviral drugs, testing and prevention programmes is vital.

The suspension of USAID funding is a consequence of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which temporarily halts all U.S. foreign assistance programmes for 90 days pending a review to determine alignment with his policy goals.

This move has led to significant disruptions in various international aid programmes, including those targetting health crises in Africa.

The Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID has severely impacted its ability to track US$8.2billion in unspent humanitarian aid, according to a government warning. The administration’s freeze on foreign funding and reduction of staff has rendered oversight largely non-operational, risking aid falling into extremist hands and commodities rotting.

Domestically, the suspension’s impact is particularly acute in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

According to the latest UNAIDS estimates – based on 2023 data and captured in the 2024 Global Aids Report – 18,000 people were newly infected with HIV (an incidence of 0.56 per 1,000 uninfected population) in the year.

This comes as 330,000 people were living with HIV (prevalence of 1.5 percent among adults aged 15-49).

The USAID funding shortfall threatens to disrupt the availability of antiretroviral drugs, testing and prevention programmes, which are vital to controlling the epidemic.

Analysts have expressed concern that the funding gap could reverse progress made in recent years. Data from the 2023 national and sub-national HIV and AIDS estimates and projections confirmed the UN body’s estimate.

It showed 17,774 people – 6,457 males and 11,317 females – became newly infected with HIV in that year. The number comprises 4,869 youth between 15 and 24, 1,698 children under 15, 1,520 adolescents between 10 to 19 and 16,076 adults.

Analysts have however questioned how government intends to bridge the gap, arguing that alternative funding sources to ensure the continuity of these essential health services are strained on account of limited fiscal space and pre-election tax-cut promises.

The broad expectation is that the Finance ministry will explore internal budget reallocations and engage with international partners to bridge the funding gap.

Watch highlights of the 5-goal thriller between Manchester City and Real Madrid

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Bellingham and Diaz celebrating Madrid's third goal play videoBellingham and Diaz celebrating Madrid’s third goal

Manchester City and Real Madrid sold out a five-goal thriller in the first leg of the round of 32 fixture of the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Fifteen-time champions, Real Madrid, had to come back twice to defeat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the first leg played at the Etihad.

Haaland shot Manchester City into the lead with a goal against the run of play in the ninth minute. The Norwegian connected to a pass from Vardiol to give City the lead.

Kylian Mbappe’s 60th-minute strike restored parity and swung the tide in favour of Real Madrid, who dominated most parts of the match.

City looked to have stolen a 2-1 win ahead of the second leg until their former player, Brahim Diaz, fired home the rebound to make it 2-2.

All signs were pointing to a 2-2 draw until English midfielder Jude Bellingham pulled the sucker punch to win the game 3-2, as Real Madrid produced yet another magical night in the Champions League.

The victory has given Madrid a huge advantage heading into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu in the next two weeks.

The winner of the tie will advance to the knockout phase of the revamped Champions League.

Watch the highlights below

2Baba Idibia breaks silence on Dating Rumors with Natasha Osawaru, Expresses Desire for Marriage

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Nigerian music legend, 2Baba Idibia, has finally responded to dating rumors involving Edo State Assembly member, Natasha Osawaru, following his widely discussed divorce from Annie Idibia.

The speculation began after a viral clip showed 2Baba and Natasha Osawaru together at a Lagos club. His recent visit to the Edo State Assembly further fueled the rumors, sending social media into a frenzy.

Nana B heads to court to fight termination of employment of Ghanaians employed after Dec. 7

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The national organizer for the opposition, New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye known popularly as Nana B has served notice of challenging the decision to terminate appointments of all public sector workers employed after December 7, 2024.

According to him, the decision to terminate the appointment has no grounds on the constitution of Ghana.