President John Dramani Mahama continues to clear the impurities amid purities in his administration.

It is reported that the president has revoked the appointment of Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng as the CEO of the Minerals Income and Investment fund.

The news was made known via an official letter that was written to the CEO of Minerals Income and Investment Fund.

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By James Esuon 

Gomoa Abonyi (C/R), Jan 14, GNA- The youth of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been admonished to desist from attacking public officials, and the destruction of state property to ensure peace and tranquillity. 

The Chief of Gomoa Tarkwa, Nana Atta Kwakwa Egyiri Oposu VII gave the advice when he addressed a durbar to climax the annual Ahorbakese festival of the chiefs and people of Gomoa Abonyi  in the Gomoa Central District of the Central region. 

He said it was very critical to stop unleashing such attacks and threats on public officials for them to go about their normal duties. 

Nana Egyiri Oposu, however, warned that the police and other state security agencies should not hesitate to apprehend and prosecute any youth who would be found culpable of the offence.. 

Nana Egyiri Oposu,  called on the people of Gomoa Abonyi, especially the youth both at home and abroad to get actively involved in all self-help projects initiated to aid the transformation of the community. 

He urged every inhabitant, especially those who have migrated to cities and urban areas to endeavour to contribute their maximum quota towards building Gomoaman to become a better place to live. 

Nana Osuan Asare VI, Chief of Gomoa Abonyi said the 2025 Ahorbakese festival was targeted to raise funds towards the construction of a market which had been on the drawing board since last year. 

He made an appeal to the inhabitants of Abonyi to pay their projects development levies to facilitate the completion of the market and other targeted projects to give the town a facelift. 

The Chief of Abonyi said the chiefs and the project implementation committee had also decided to construct a modern ICT attached library to enhance the reading skills and learning of computer by the pupils and students. 

Nana Osuan Asare hinted that education is the only key to end poverty and the only legacy every parent can bequeath their children to enable them grow to become responsible adults in the society. 

Nana Apenkwa I, the newly installed Development Chief of Abonyi outlined plans for the youth in the areas of improved quality education and health to help transform human resources. 

The Development Chief pledged that as a youth himself, he would support the construction of the library and ICT centre by providing quality books, computers and accessories and Internet connectivity. 

GNA 

A widely recognized illustration of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.

Revenue & Financing Fellow, Geoffrey Kabutey Ocansey, has advised the Mahama-led administration not to scrap the COVID-19 Levy.

He has proposed that the government repurpose and rename the COVID-19 levy and redirect its use for other purposes.

Speaking to Kwabena Agyapong on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he posited that the COVID-19 levy should be redirected for the use of the free dialysis initiative.

He noted that although the government promised to scrap some taxes, the COVID-19 levy must stay.

“I am appealing to the government not to scrap the COVID-19 levy. They should rename it and repurpose it. What the COVID-19 levy was introduced to do has been achieved. But we can repurpose and redirect it. One would ask how we can redirect the levy. We can redirect it for the use of the free dialysis initiative. We can use the money for the free dialysis because it is faced with challenges.”

He also believes the revenue collected from the COVID-19 levy could be used to complete the Agenda 111 hospital projects and any other health-related infrastructure.

He stated that we could consider removing it or sustaining it after four years since by then, we would have achieved a lot with the levy.

Ocansey underscored the need for the Minister-designate for Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, to deal with waste and compliance issues if he is approved as the minister for the ministry.

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The Minister-designate for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has indicated that the government of President John Dramani Mahama would introduce road tolls to raise revenue.

According to him, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has always maintained the position that it would return the paying of road tolls and would do exactly that, having taken office.

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On 11th January, 2025, Ghana’s new president, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama announced a reduction in the number of government ministries from thirty (30) to twenty-three (23).

This major policy reform measure is consistent with the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) campaign promise to downsize government by appointing no more than sixty (60) Ministers as a strategy to streamline government operations and reduce public spending.

The last New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo operated thirty (30) ministries with 129 ministers in 2017. However, this number was significantly reduced to eighty-five (85) ministers by 2024, mainly in response to the need for reforms under the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.

The unprecedented policy decision has elicited varied reactions from policy experts and the ordinary Ghanaian. These reactions reflect optimism for potential government efficiency, as well as scepticism about the real impact on public spending.

Some economic experts agree that the reduction in the number of ministers is an indication of the commitment of the new president to run government with 60 ministers.

This also demonstrates the president’s commitment to streamlining government, reducing inefficiency, and focusing on delivering better governance outcomes.

Downsizing government can potentially stabilize the economy and improve the country’s fiscal health in the short to medium term for Ghana, a country under IMF program. Several empirical studies indicate that a lean government contributes to lower deficits, better fiscal health, improved governance and stronger economic performance through efficient, accountable, and prudent spending (IMF 2010; OECD 2012 and World Bank 2000).

Under the current IMF program, Ghana is seeking to reduce its debt by $4.7 billion and $4.4 billion in cash flow relief.

For this end, a small government can inspire hope in the economy by signalling the country’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, efficiency, long-term stability, as well as positive signals to local and international creditors.

A 2014 Afrobarometer survey shows that Ghanaians may be willing to pay higher taxes to support development if they trust the government’s effective use of tax revenues and the delivery of quality public services (Afrobarometer 2014).

The reduction in the number ministries which will reflect in the comparatively lower number of government ministers will demonstrate government commitment to cutting public expenditure to enhance public trust and support for the system.

This measure will also reassure the public that resources are allocated more efficiently and that measures are being taken to avoid excessive debt and financial crises.

This commitment can foster a sense of trust, as citizens see their leaders prioritizing sustainable development and the well-being of future generations.

Furthermore, reducing public expenditure can lead to a more effective public services, lower taxes, and improved economic conditions, all of which directly benefit the citizens, and result in a more positive relationship between the government and its people.

However, it will take real leadership to reduce public expenditure in a lean government. According to Mr Kwesi Jonah, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Democratic Governance, the reduction in the number ministries which will ultimately lead to a reduced number of ministers is a very good idea.

He however, advises the President to remain committed to the actual policy intent of cutting expenditure. He noted that political patronage is a significant feature in many African countries, including Ghana where political appointments are used to reward party supporters through jobs and other benefits.

He, however, expressed optimism that Prez Mahama will avoid the situation where the number of potential appointees to the ministries that have been merged or scrapped will be ‘catered for in other areas in of government’ which will defeat the real intention to save public cost.

2024 Running Mate of the NPP, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh

The 2024 Running Mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has attributed the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections to governance-related issues, and voter apathy, while rejecting claims that economic mismanagement played a significant role.

Speaking on Channel One TV on January 13, 2025, Dr. Prempeh emphasised that voter apathy, rather than economic dissatisfaction, was the primary reason for the party’s defeat.

“Voter apathy. Voter apathy affected both parties but affected NPP even more. When you analyse it, my party has sent the team around as an academic team. They’ll come up with only one answer which is governance issues. This current government governance issues.

“See, when people in your party are fed up with the way you are governing, they decide not to go to flock to the opposition. But they don’t even want to turn up to vote. So, if you’ve cared to listen, everywhere you go, sometimes in some places, who were even at the police station who were saying they’re not going to vote. It has never happened,” he said.

Dr. Prempeh pointed out instances where voters, including party supporters, openly expressed their unwillingness to participate in the polls, describing this as unprecedented in Ghana’s political history.

“If you do the diagnosis of every country in the world, when people have lost elections based on economic management, they go in droves to vote for the other party or abstinence. No, I’ll tell you the reason for abstinence. Everywhere citizens move in droves to support the opposition.

“Number one reason is economic. In Ghana, I’ll give you an example. In the US, Donald Trump lost an election. Even when he won the first time, he lost the popular vote, he won the electoral college. This time around, when he won, he won hugely on the popular vote at the electoral college. And the number one reason the base, America will tell you, they saw grocery prices going through the roof,” he noted.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has released updated results for the 2024 presidential election, with President John Dramani Mahama securing 56.42% of the votes from data across 275 out of the 276 constituencies.

President Mahama garnered 6,591,790 votes, while his closest contender, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 4,877,611 votes, representing 41.75%.

JKB/AE

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In the recent vetting of the Attorney General designate, Mr. Kwaku Ansah-Asare, the former Director of the Ghana School of Law, has made it clear on the handling of inquiries, particularly concerning the legality of Operations Recover All Loots (ORAL).

Mr. Ansah-Asare expressed his disapproval of the Attorney General’s responses, suggesting that his response during the vetting on matters of O.R.A.L revealed a lack of decisiveness in addressing its legalities.

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Flag of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a detailed directive to guide the selection and appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the country.

This follows a presidential directive dated January 2, 2025, aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the vetting and selection process.

In a statement signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC has instructed all regional chairmen and secretaries to establish Regional Vetting Committees to oversee the process.

The committees will ensure that only competent, experienced, and constitutionally qualified individuals are considered for the crucial roles of MMDCEs.

Inclusive Vetting Committees

The directive mandates that the vetting committees include representatives from various stakeholder groups. Each committee will comprise the Regional Chairman, Secretary, and Organizer, as well as representatives from the council of elders, former appointees, the women’s wing, and the parliamentary caucus. Two constituency executives, who are not candidates for the MMDCE positions, will also serve on the committees.

Guidelines for Candidate Selection

The NDC outlined four key criteria for assessing applicants:

1. Proof of Membership: All applicants must provide verifiable proof of membership in the NDC. “All applicants must provide verifiable proof of membership in the party,” the statement noted.

2. Constitutional Eligibility: Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria stipulated in Article 94(3)(c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

3. Diversity and Balance: The directive stresses the need for customary, geographical, and ethnic balance to ensure equitable distribution of political influence. “Due consideration must be given to the customary, geographical, and ethnic composition of each district to ensure a balanced distribution of political power and influence. This approach aims to foster unity and rally the entire district around a common developmental agenda,” the statement read.

4. Competence and Experience: The party emphasized that candidates must demonstrate the expertise needed to handle the complex responsibilities of an MMDCE. “The competence and relevant experience of each applicant should be critically assessed, as these attributes are essential for effectively managing the intricacies and complexities associated with the office of an MMDCE,” he stated.

Call for Cooperation

Kwetey urged all regional leaders to ensure strict adherence to the directive and emphasized the importance of transparency in the process.

“Please ensure that ALL members of the vetting committee are served with copies of this letter. Your full cooperation and strict adherence to this directive are highly anticipated and appreciated.”

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Stakeholders urged to support broader revenue collection frameworks

L – R: Statues of former President Akufo-Addo, former President Prof Mills and COP Addo-Danquah

Tuesday, January 14, 2025, marks exactly one week since the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

One ‘unfortunate’ incident that has been recurring since the inauguration is the destruction of statues erected during the government of the immediate past president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Since Mahama’s takeover, at least three statues on public properties have been vandalised, and there has been no statement by authorities on it.

Ghana’s laws indicate the deliberate destruction of property, either private or public, is considered an act of vandalism and crime.

Even though this recent vandalism, which appears to enjoy public support, constitutes a crime per the laws of the country, there has been no indication that the perpetrators of these acts would be punished.

Here are three instances where statues erected during the Akufo-Addo government have been vandalised:

EOCO boss’s statue:

The first Akufo-Addo government-inspired statue to go down was that of the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.

The statue was vandalised around 11:30 AM on January 7, 2025, when unidentified individuals entered the EOCO premises and destroyed the statue.

Despite the presence of two officers at the scene, they were reportedly unable to stop the vandals.

The statue, unveiled in October 2024, has been subjected to public controversies.

It was commissioned by EOCO staff to honour the then executive director, with the surrounding area named “Obatanpa Tiwaa Gardens” to honour her.

Prof Mills’ statue:

The next statue erected under the previous government that was touched was that of the late former President John Evans Atta Mills.

Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, took to social media to express his frustration over the vandalization of a statue of the late former President Prof John Evans Atta Mills at the former president’s resting place, the Asomdwee Park.

Visuals from the Asomdwee Park show the plaque of the statue, which named Koku Anyidoho as the person who donated the statue, removed.

The writings on the plaque, before it was destroyed, showed details of the late former president and the inscription “Donated by Samuel Koku Anyidoho”.

Although the plaque of the statue could be seen broken into pieces, the sculpture of the late Prof Mills was intact and still standing.

It is not clear who removed the plaque, but the Asomdwee Park is state property, intended to be the resting place of the country’s presidents who pass on.

Statue of Akufo-Addo:

The third statue that has gone down is that of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo himself.

The former president’s statue at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi was completely destroyed by unknown individuals on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Before the destruction of the statue, several people had called for the relocation of the statue. Among them was Blay Nyameke Armah, the Member of Parliament for Sekondi in the Western Region of Ghana, who suggested that they seek permission from former President John Dramani Mahama to relocate Akufo-Addo’s statue to his hometown, Kyebi.

President Akufo-Addo faced significant criticisms after unveiling the statue on November 6, 2024.

A section of the public, including former President John Dramani Mahama, accused Akufo-Addo of self-glorification through the statue.

Mahama stated that it should not be the president’s decision to erect a statue of himself, but rather, people should do so after his tenure in recognition of his achievements.

Some residents of Sekondi expressed displeasure over the placement of the statue in their community, with some highlighting the poor condition of the very road where the statue was erected.

BAI//EK

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Watch as Archbishop Duncan-Williams urges leaders to connect with their voters