The Concerned Youth of Essikado-Ketan, a group of young activists from the Essikado-Ketan constituency, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil a campaign promise made during the 2024 elections.
According to the group, then-candidate Mahama pledged to appoint Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah as a minister if he won the elections, in recognition of the constituency’s support.
The youth emphasised that this promise was instrumental in securing a historic victory for Professor Dr. Ayensu-Danquah, who became the first National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate to win the Essikado-Ketan parliamentary seat.
Having delivered on their part by voting overwhelmingly for the NDC, the group believes it is now President Mahama’s turn to honour his commitment.
They further highlighted the constituency’s and the Western Region’s pivotal role in the NDC’s record-breaking electoral performance, urging the President to acknowledge their efforts by appointing Professor Dr. Ayensu-Danquah to a ministerial position.
A portion of their statement reads, “We voted massively for the NDC to make history in this constituency because we believed and trusted in your promise to us.”
The Ashanti Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abass Nurudeen, has refuted claims made by Ohemaa Benz, a communicator and journalist, that President John Mahama is not concerned about the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
Ohemaa Benz, who is a journalist with Agyapa TV in the Ashanti Region and is known for her criticism of John Mahama, allegedly aimed at tarnishing his image while serving the interests of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a statement signed by Abass Nurudeen and released to the public, the NDC urged Ghanaians to disregard the journalist’s remarks, labeling them as falsehoods that misrepresent Mahama’s vision.
“Our attention has been drawn to a circulating video featuring a female journalist, Ohemaa Benz, expressing her personal views on the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. Unfortunately, these views are being deliberately misrepresented by NPP propagandists as the official position of the newly-elected Mahama administration.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the individual in question, Ohemaa Benz, is a journalist with Agyapa TV and a regular panelist on the Atene show hosted by El Lizato. She is widely known as one of the fiercest critics of H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as evidenced by her commentary in the attached video. We urge the general public to disregard this desperate propaganda effort by the NPP,” the statement said.
The statement also clarified Mahama’s commitment to the Free SHS policy.
“President John Dramani Mahama remains fully committed to his promise of enhancing the Free SHS policy, ensuring it becomes more effective, inclusive, and accessible to all Ghanaian children,” it emphasised.
It will be recalled that Ohemaa Benz had asked parents with children in senior high school to stop pressuring President Mahama over the Free SHS policy, claiming it is not a priority for him.
According to her, President Mahama prioritises his much-touted 24-hour economy over the Free SHS policy.
She alleged that the President would focus on successfully implementing the 24-hour economy rather than emphasising Free SHS.
In a viral video, Ohemaa Benz remarked that parents unable to afford their children’s secondary education should allow them to stay home.
Her comments sparked backlash from sections of the public, who expressed anger over her remarks.
Watch as Mahama pledges to introduce Islamic banking instruments, reduce Hajj fares
Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has asserted that Ghana has only had one republic, not four as widely accepted by the public.
According to him, although the country’s constitution has been overthrown and new ones created due to military takeovers, the republican status of the country has never changed since it became a republic on July 1, 1960.
“I also disagree with the concept of a 4th Republic. Ghana has always had only one republican state which has never changed,”
Pratt said during a panel discussion on the Good Morning Ghana program on January 9, 2024.
He explained that the idea of a new republic was created by those who overthrew the country’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to create the impression of a new beginning after their actions.
“This idea of a second, third, and fourth republic must have its origins in the overthrow of the Nkrumah government, where opponents of Nkrumah and reactionary elements wanted to portray the Nkrumah era as a different kind of republic, and that we needed a new republic,” Pratt added.
He also mentioned that some people are now referring to a “second independence” after President John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office on Tuesday, January 7, 2024.
Dr. Gideon Boako (R) and Dr. Tia Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, former aides of Dr. Bawumia are now MPs
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia may have lost the 2024 presidential election, but his influence will still be felt in the governance process of the country for the next four years.
While Dr. Bawumia did not succeed in his bid for the presidency, some of his close associates, whom he mentored, emerged victorious in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
These associates, who gained prominence through their work with the vice president, are now members of the 9th Parliament of Ghana.
They will play a crucial role in drafting laws for the country and providing oversight of the John Dramani Mahama government in accordance with the 1992 Constitution.
The proteges of the former vice president, Dr. Gideon Boako and Dr. Tia Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, though relatively new to Ghana’s political scene, are tasked with shaping the country’s legislation.
Here are brief profiles of the two men:
Dr. Gideon Boako:
Dr. Gideon Boako represents the Tano North constituency in the Ahafo Region.
He is a financial economist with extensive experience in academia, public policy formulation, and consulting for both governmental and non-governmental organisations.
Dr. Boako was a member of Ghana’s Economic Management Team under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration.
He served as a technical advisor at the Office of the President and was the spokesperson for Dr. Mahamudu. Additionally, he served on the boards of the State Insurance Corporation (SIC) Financial Services LTD and the Danquah Institute (DI).
He also acted as a spokesperson for the NPP campaign team during the 2024 election.
Before entering politics, Dr. Gideon taught finance and economics at institutions such as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the Garden City University College.
He is a Research Fellow at the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and holds Research Associate/Fellowship positions at various institutions globally.
Dr. Boako has consulted for organisations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the International Institute for Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, among others.
He holds a Ph.D. in Finance, as well as master’s degrees in Finance and Business Administration
.
Dr. Tia Abdul-Kabiru Mahama
Dr. Abdul-Kabiru Tiah Mahama represents the Walewale constituency in the North East Region.
He is a chartered economist and development economist with expertise in welfare, livelihood, and economic policy analysis.
Dr. Tiah Mahama holds an MPhil in Development Studies and a PhD in Development Studies.
Prior to his political career, he held various positions in project management and served as the National President of the Ghana National Service Scheme.
Kwame Nkrumah received a citation at Pennsylvania University
Former Ghanaian President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah obtained numerous degrees from various universities in the United States, revealing uncommon personal details.
According to the Pennsylvania Archives and Records Center, Nkrumah’s real name, as captured in his academic records, was Francis Nwia-Kofi Nkrumah .
His country of origin was listed as British West Africa Gold Coast, and he had transferred from another US university to continue his education
.
At the University of Pennsylvania, Nkrumah was admitted to the Graduate School of Education in 1941.
He then pursued a new course, earning a university scholarship to study for a Master’s degree in Philosophy in 1943.
In 1944, he successfully passed his preliminary examination for a doctorate and worked as an instructor-informant for Zelig Harris in the African Studies graduate group for a while.
Afterward, he left the United States to study in the United Kingdom for further studies before returning to Ghana in 1947 to commence his political journey.
Through Nkrumah’s diligence and perseverance, his Pan-African movement advocating for independence yielded positive results, leading the nation to gain independence in 1957.
His contributions earned him selection as the Prime Minister of the Gold Coast in 1960.
See images of Nkrumah’s transcript and student visa below:
Watch the full swearing-in ceremony of John Dramani Mahama as President
The National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service—Christian Worship and Celebration—is being held today, Sunday, January 7, 2024, in honor of President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
This event, which is part of the activities marking the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, is taking place at the auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The Islamic version of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service was held on Friday, January 10, 2025.
Ghana’s President John Mahama has scrapped seven government ministries as part of a cost-saving measure under the International Monetary Fund’s austerity program, the president said in an e-mailed statement.
The new government will work with 23 ministries instead of the original 30 to fulfill a pledge for a leaner and more effective administration. The country sought a $3 billion bailout from the Washington-based lender in 2022 because it couldn’t keep up with debt payments.
play videoThe Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin
The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, openly acknowledged his affiliation with the Freemason fraternity during the opening ceremony of the induction and orientation programme for members of the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana on Saturday, January 11, 2024.
Afenyo-Markin, who has faced criticism in the past for discussing his membership in both the Freemasons and the Catholic Church, shared insights from the fraternity’s rule book to guide the Members of Parliament.
He began his address with a quote from the rules that stated, “The second-degree working tools of the Freemason’s rule book provide: ‘We have all sprung from the same stock, partakers of the same nature, and sharers in the same hope. And although distinctions amongst men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet ought no eminence of situation make you feel superior over the other.”
“‘For he who is placed at the lowest ebb of fortune’s wheel is equally entitled to our regard. As the time will come, the wisest of men knows not how soon, when all distinctions, save those of goodness and virtue, shall cease, and death, the grand leveller of all human greatness, shall reduce us to the same state,'” he said.
Afenyo-Markin who is the Member of Parliament for Effutu, then warmly welcomed the new members of the 9th Parliament and encouraged them to approach the induction and orientation process with seriousness.
He emphasised that the programme would provide valuable insights into the workings of the House, particularly for new MPs, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the legislative process.
Additionally, he urged new members of the House to draw inspiration from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who began his legislative journey as a backbencher and has now ascended to the position of Speaker.
Watch his remarks in the videos below:
When the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, quoted from the Freemasons’ book during the Induction and Orientation Programme for Members of the Ninth Parliament (Cohort 1), held on Saturday, 11th January 2025.#GraphicOnlinepic.twitter.com/2kMyiWOhBA
12th Century – Various states established by the Akan people emerge and develop the gold trade.
1482 – Portuguese and later other European states set up posts to trade gold with the Akan states.
1500s – Transporting slaves overtakes gold as the main export in the region.
1600s – Dutch, English, Danish, and Swedish settlers arrive; slave trade becomes highly organised.
1642 – The Portuguese relinquish their territory to the Dutch and leave the Gold Coast.
1701 – Asante king Osei Tutu oversees a massive territorial expansion, backed by a disciplined royal and paramilitary army. The Asante or Ashanti Kingdom dominates the area for the next two centuries.
1807 – British ban on slave trade becomes effective.
19th Century – Sees a series of power struggles between Britain and Ashanti Kingdom for control of the area.
1821 – British Gold Coast colony established, after UK takes over the interests of other European countries. Britain steadily expands its colony through the invasion and subjection of local kingdoms.
1822-24 – First Anglo-Ashanti War.
1850 – Britain purchases and incorporates the Danish Gold Coast into its colony.
1872 – Britain acquires the Dutch Gold Coast.
1873-74 – Second Ashanti War; British sack the Ashanti capital Kumasi.
1893-94 – Third Ashanti War.
1895-96 – Fourth Ashanti War.
1900 – Ashanti Uprising. British forces capture Kumasi. Ashanti lose their independence.
1901 – British Gold Coast colony incorporates all the kingdoms and tribes into a single unit.
1948 – Rioting after British colonial police kill three World War Two veterans during a protest march demanding compensation for their war service. It becomes a milestone in Ghana’s struggle for independence.
1957 – Independence for the state now called Ghana, this unifies the Gold Coast, Ashanti, the Northern Territories, and British Togoland as one single country.
Ghana is the first country in black sub-Saharan Africa to shake off colonial rule, inspiring liberation struggles around the continent. Kwame Nkrumah becomes prime minister.
1964 – Nkrumah represses political opposition; Ghana becomes a one-party state, with Nkrumah as president for life.
1960s – Nkrumah promotes the concept of Pan-Africanism, which merges the teachings of Jamaican politician Marcus Garvey’s “Back to Africa” movement, the US’s Martin Luther King and Ghana’s WEB Du Bois, and plays a key role in founding of the Non-Aligned Movement,
1966 – Army overthrows Nkrumah and establishes military rule. A series of alternating military and civilian governments, affected by economic instabilities rule Ghana from 1966 to 1981.
1981 – Flt Lt Jerry Rawlings takes power. In the mid-80s he oversees economic and gradual political reforms.
1992 – New constitution, multi-party politics is restored.
1994-95 – Interethnic fighting in northern Ghana sees 1,000-2,000 people killed
2007 – Major off-shore oil discovery announced.
2010 – Offshore oil production starts.
2017 – Ghana and Ivory Coast set up a commission to implement an international ruling on a maritime border dispute involving oilfields.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn meets with MPs
The board chairman of AGRA and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn has urged partners and parliamentarians to support Ghana’s food systems transformation efforts.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn made the call at a meeting with key parliamentarians in Ghana as part of efforts to foster collaboration to help improve the competitiveness of agro-industries and enhance food systems in the country.
The meeting allowed the board chairman to interact with MPs who have been working closely with AGRA over the past year on food systems transformation and environment issues, particularly climate change.
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The engagement also allowed for MPs to understand from the board chair’s perspective, AGRA’s strategic direction and expectations moving forward, and what farmers and stakeholders can expect from AGRA Ghana in 2025.
“I think our conversation is very important because parliamentarians are at the center of development in the agriculture sector by allocating budget to the sector, as well as policy making,” Prime Minister Dessalegn said.
“They are very important to facilitate expeditious implementation and transformation of the food sector. So today we had a very productive discussion and I think we’ll continue to do so to greatly transform Ghana’s agricultural sector,” he added.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn meets with agric sector stakeholders
MPs have been instrumental in shaping efforts to improve food systems on the continent through the Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN). AFSPaN is a network of MPs who are working together to amplify the objectives of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Since 2003, CAADP has served as the framework for agricultural transformation across Africa. The current chair of AFSPaN Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw led the parliamentary delegation to the meeting with the AGRA board chairman.
“We are excited that we have the former prime minister of Ethiopia here. His country has been doing well… They are investing about 17% (of GDP in agriculture). This helped to catapult the agricultural sector, particularly irrigation and research. And he serving as board chair of AGRA, he’s been very instrumental in the food systems transformation conversation,” Dr. Jasaw said.
Ghana country director of AGRA, Dr. Betty Annan explained MPs play a key role as legislators in developing the right policies and legislation that can enable the transformation of Africa’s agriculture. AGRA worked with the MPs in Ghana on reviewing the just passed Environmental Protection Bill and is currently working with them on the Agricultural Extension Bill.
“One of the key challenges we are having in the agricultural sector is climate change. The EPA Bill has a whole chapter on what can be done to handle climate change. The bill, if implemented, will be instrumental in attacking some of the challenges we are having,” Dr. Jasaw who is MP for Wa East and former Ranking Member on the Food and Agricultural Committee, said.
Engagement with partners Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn also engaged AGRA partners in Ghana. The meeting was to appreciate the efforts of partners in supporting the implementation of AGRA’s strategy aimed at ensuring inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and adapt to climate change.
At the meeting were representatives from the Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES), Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), and Statistics Research and Information Directorate (SRID) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture; West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement at the University of Ghana; Crop and Soil Research Institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research under Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, among others. Representatives from NGOs and private sector partners also participated.
Dr. Annan said the partners are important stakeholders in AGRA’s work because “they help us to directly reach the smallholder farmer to help transform his or her life from that of a solitary struggle for survival to a business that thrives through the delivery of proven solutions.”
Nana Opoku Agyemang Prempeh, CEO of Grow For Me, a company working to provide ready market for farmers, was excited about the meeting. “We want to impact 130,000 smallholder farmers, providing ready market to about $10m worth of rice and soybean and enabling regular people to invest in agriculture at scale in Ghana through the mobile money networks… Meeting other companies is helping me align our thoughts on how we can impact communities,” he said.
Ing. Busia Dawuni, Managing Director of Integrated Water and Agricultural Development (IWAD) Ghana Ltd. said he looks forward to continue working with AGRA to improve food systems in the country. “We have been with AGRA for the past 5 years in the area of seed. We want to scale up the volume of seeds we produce and make them available to certified seed producers and smallholder farmers,” he said.
“We are importing over 80% of our seed needs in Ghana which is not good enough. Covid has taught us a lesson. We want to encourage AGRA to keep up support for the seed sector so we can stand on our feet to produce our own seeds for our farmers in order to contribute to food security, good income and reduce poverty in rural areas,” he added.
Acting Spokesperson for the Presidency, Felix Kwakye Ofosu
The Acting Spokesperson for the Presidency, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has defended President Mahama’s nomination of three ministers.
The President on Thursday, nominated Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for the Finance Ministry, John Jinapor for Energy and Dr. Dominic Ayine as Minister for Justice.
The list which was submitted to Parliament was however met with intense scrutiny from the Minority who said the announcement of only three nominees meant the National Democratic Congress was not ready for power.
However, speaking exclusively to Starr News, Kwakye Ofosu noted that there will be more of such announcements in the coming days.
“Even before President Mahama took over, he had been taking steps to ensure that, once in office, a functional government would be in place. He announced the ORAL team, the security team, and appointed staff at the Office of the President. He has also made three ministerial nominations, with more to follow in the coming days. His aim is to form his government as quickly as possible.”
“This urgency stems from the pressing challenges we face across all sectors. The energy sector, the economy, and nearly every part of our national life are under severe stress. The sooner the government is in place, the better. That is why President Mahama is moving at such a pace, even while maintaining significant levels of meticulousness.”
“President Mahama has promised the leanest government in Ghana’s history. He has committed to assembling an efficient team with the requisite expertise, experience, and know-how to turn around the dire situation our country faces.” He added
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has questioned the rationale behind the piecemeal announcements.
“When the names were read out by Mr. Speaker, only three names were announced: the finance minister designate, the energy minister designate, and the attorney general and minister of justice. These few appointments are simply unacceptable.”
“This is the same government that promised a 24-hour economy while in opposition. They assured us they were ready to govern.”
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially launched a public appeal to gather insights and feedback on its historic loss in the 2024 general elections.
The party’s Election Review Committee has provided an email address to receive information from party members and stakeholders.
In a statement released on January 11, 2025, the Secretary of the 2024 Election Review Committee, William Yamoah, emphasized the importance of collecting diverse perspectives to better understand the factors that led to the party’s electoral defeat.
“The 2024 Election Review Committee is pleased to announce to all party members and stakeholders à dedicated email address to facilitate the collection of information, insights, and suggestions from hard-to-reach party members and stakeholders.
“We encourage all party members and individuals with relevant information regarding factors that influenced the 2024 election outcome to share their input via [email protected].
“We look forward to receiving your contributions and insights as we work to strengthen our processes,” the statement read.
The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, on Monday, December 9, 2024, declared John Dramani Mahama the then candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) the winner of the election, with a total of 6,328,397 votes.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP received 4,657,304 votes.
Mahama’s party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), achieved historic success by gaining a huge majority in Parliament.
Entertainment pundit and artiste manager Lawrence Asiamah Hanson, popularly known as Bullgod, has praised President John Dramani Mahama for reducing the number of ministries from 30 to 23.
According to Bullgod, this decision is a well-thought-out move by Mahama’s team, designed to enhance government efficiency and help avert economic challenges.
Bullgod described Mahama as the most experienced president in Ghana’s history, expressing confidence in his ability to make decisions that will benefit the nation.
Speaking on the United Showbiz programme, aired on January 11, 2024, Bullgod commended Mahama for eliminating unnecessary ministries and encouraged him to continue implementing prudent measures.
“I always say that there has never been an experienced president in Ghana before; this is the first one, and it’s a fact. Mahama is the most experienced president Ghana has ever had, and he has proven it among all the presidents that came before him.
“There is efficiency in the list he has released [list of ministries]. It tells you that he has removed waste from the system. It was well-planned and crafted; he has really done well,” he said in Twi.
His comments came after President Mahama announced the reduction of ministries from 30 to 23 to streamline governance and improve efficiency.
The Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to cut down ministries as a response to public sentiments and not about running an efficient government.
He explained that most of the ministries that have been scrapped or merged receive low finances to run during budget allocation, which means that it will not have a major impact on attaining government efficiency.
The IMANI Africa vice president further noted that the bigger ministries like health, education, and institutions like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and others are the real cost drivers that need to be reviewed to save costs instead of scrapping the less significant ones.
In an article titled, ‘The Stressful Difference between Cutting Ministries and Cutting Costs in Ghana,’ Bright Simons explained why Mahama’s move is a response to sentiments.
“Because, frankly, the usual concern about the “number of ministers” is primarily about optics and symbolism. The people just don’t like seeing presidents appoint a large number of ministers because it “feels” and “looks” quite “obscene.” Cutting down the number of ministries and ministers is thus an exercise in “reading the sentiments” of the public, and in being “responsive” and not about lean and efficient government reforms per se. Being a “listening government” can have its own rewards separate from efficiency gains.
“To actually move in the direction of government efficiency, you must ask whether the thousands of workers in collapsed ministries would leave the government payroll or would simply be redistributed. How come we never touch the actual agencies where 98% of public workers and government business reside? Ministries are merely the tip of the iceberg. Agencies like the Police, Ghana Educational Service, and Ghana Revenue Authority are far heftier. State-owned enterprises like GNPC and ECG matter in every respect of spending efficiency than 60% of ministries,” he noted.
Simons shed more light on the reason the scrapped ministries do not make financial gains for the country as the staff may be redistributed to the government payroll.
He also added that one of the ways of saving government spending is undertaking reforms in the health and education ministries to trim their budgets.
“Furthermore, ministries are very varied. There are some like the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs that received, on average, less than $5 million a year as its entire budget. The funny Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs gets barely $600k a year. Frankly, ministries like that and the one for “business development” won’t be missed by anyone. They look like nuisances. On that score alone, citizens like to see them axed. But their total burden on the exchequer is puny.
“Then there are the giant ministries. Health, education, Roads & Highways, and the Interior. Education gets a cool $2 billion a year, more than 20% of the total government budget in most years. In fact, in 2024, the budget of the Ghanaian Ministry of Education was twice that of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education (in dollar value at market rate). Even if you add all public spending on education in Nigeria up, Ghana’s ministry still spends more. It is a true behemoth. The Health Ministry gets a billion dollars. If you really want to make major savings in government spending, you could introduce reforms in health and education that would eclipse the savings made from abolishing 5 ministries,” he added.
He further continued, “And, here I am talking about truly ABOLISHING. Like, man, sacking workers and auctioning V8s. Not the Ghana-style ministerial collapses in which everything remains as before except the few titles dropped. Anyway, the issue of how to save money across the government is a very broad and multifaceted one. The biggest area is actually in debt management. Then capital expenditure. And finally procurement related to general government operations. Only then does one even get to payroll issues.”
This comes after President Mahama announced the reduction of ministries from 30 to 23 to help his government run efficiently.
Read the full article below:
The Stressful Difference between Cutting Ministries & Cutting Costs in Ghana
1. Ghana’s new president has reduced the number of government ministries to 23 from the previous 30 in line with his campaign promises.
2. When it comes to clustering subsectors to create ministries, every wise person you meet would have different opinions.
3. In the 2000s, the Kufuor government decided that “youth and sports” belonged with “education.” The Mills government disagreed. But the latter government felt that “works and housing” somehow fit well with “water resources.” In all this clustering business, no government ever bothers to detail its thoughts as to justification. It is just what it is.
4. I, too, can have an opinion without explanation, I guess. Looking at the new list, I might argue that “water resources” fit best with “land and natural resources” due to similar concessioning and control issues. And that the same ministry should handle “environment.” “Innovations”, nowadays, fit best, in my modest view, with “Science and Technology”. I might question why “agribusiness” is being pulled out of Agriculture and ask whether “pharma business” too doesn’t deserve to be pulled out of “health” if we want to go on that tangent. Etc. I doubt anyone cares.
5. Because, frankly, the usual concern about the “number of ministers” is primarily about optics and symbolism. The people just don’t like seeing presidents appoint a large number of ministers because it “feels” and “looks” quite “obscene.”
6. Cutting down the number of ministries and ministers is thus an exercise in “reading the sentiments” of the public, and in being “responsive” and not about lean and efficient government reforms per se. Being a “listening government” can have its own rewards separate from efficiency gains.
7. To actually move in the direction of government efficiency, you must ask whether the thousands of workers in collapsed ministries would leave the government payroll or would simply be redistributed. How come we never touch the actual agencies where 98% of public workers and government business reside? Ministries are merely the tip of the iceberg. Agencies like the Police, Ghana Educational Service, and Ghana Revenue Authority are far heftier. State-owned enterprises like GNPC and ECG matter in every respect of spending efficiency than 60% of ministries.
8. Would there be less spending on bureaucracy across the government as a whole following the reduction in the number of ministries? Where are the financial numbers to prove this? If you went back in history and compared spending on “office of government machinery” before and after “listening governments” cut down on the numbers of ministers, you might be surprised to see that the expense tends to increase year on year regardless.
9. Furthermore, ministries are very varied. There are some like the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs that received, on average, less than $5 million a year as its entire budget. The funny Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs gets barely $600k a year. Frankly, ministries like that and the one for “business development” won’t be missed by anyone. They look like nuisances. On that score alone, citizens like to see them axed. But their total burden on the exchequer is puny.
10. Then there are the giant ministries. Health, education, Roads & Highways, and the Interior. Education gets a cool $2 billion a year, more than 20% of the total government budget in most years. In fact, in 2024, the budget of the Ghanaian ministry of education was twice that of the Nigerian federal ministry of education (in dollar value at market rate). Even if you add all public spending on education in Nigeria up, Ghana’s ministry still spends more. It is a true behemoth. The Health Ministry gets a billion dollars. If you really want to make major savings in government spending, you could introduce reforms in health and education that would eclipse the savings made from abolishing 5 ministries. And, here I am talking about truly ABOLISHING. Like, man, sacking workers and auctioning V8s. Not the Ghana-style ministerial collapses in which everything remains as before except the few titles dropped.
11. Anyway, the issue of how to save money across the government is a very broad and multifaceted one. The biggest area is actually in debt management. Then capital expenditure. And finally procurement related to general government operations. Only then does one even get to payroll issues. Ministerial perks should be on the list somewhere, for sure, perhaps on page 17 of the memo, in between stationery and guest house management. Fuel coupons, useless workshops, and travel imprest are all certainly higher up.
12. In short, the issues plenty. And Mr. President has only 4 years. So, the work dey. Serious! But God too dey.
Division One side Home Stars FC will face Hearts of Oak in the Round of 32 of the MTN FA Cup.
The visitors enter this highly anticipated clash with momentum, having secured a remarkable victory in the previous round by eliminating Premier League side Legon Cities FC in Accra.
Now, Home Stars FC have set their sights on another giant as they take on Hearts of Oak at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon today, Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Hearts of Oak are in excellent form, currently sitting 4th in the Ghana Premier League after 16 matches. They are on an impressive run, having won their last three games.
Home Stars FC, on the other hand, are fired up to pull off another upset. They are currently 10th in Zone 3 of the Division One League but are determined to rise to the occasion against their formidable opponents.
Dr. Likee, Kwaku Manu, Wayoosi, and Top Kumawood Stars Pay Tribute at C Confion’s Funeral
News Hub Creator2h
The Kumawood community came together to bid a heartfelt farewell to beloved actor Bright Owusu, known as C Confion, at his funeral held on January 11, 2025, at the Buokrom Government School Park.
The ceremony was attended by numerous stars, including Dr. Likee, Kwaku Manu, and Wayoosi, who joined family, friends, and fans to honor the late actor’s memory.
The presence of these prominent figures highlighted the deep impact C Confion had on the industry and his colleagues.
Their tributes and shared memories painted a picture of a talented and cherished individual who brought joy and laughter to many through his work.
The funeral was marked by emotional speeches and touching moments, as attendees reflected on C Confion’s legacy and the void he leaves behind.
The Kumawood community’s unity during this time of grief was a testament to the strong bonds formed within the industry and the enduring influence of C Confion’s contributions.
The event served as a poignant reminder of the power of community and the lasting impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
The Operation Recover All Loots(ORAL) team, led by Samuel Okudzto Ablakwa, has intensified its investigation into alleged land encroachments linked to state capture in Accra. During a field inspection of several sites, Kofi Boakye urged the team to start breaking the wall around the Cantonment office of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), which has been identified by the team as a key location for suspected encroachments.
When the team got to the location, the place was walled and the gates were locked. The ORAL team being unable to assess the facility and inspect for activities of encroachment, Kofi Boakye suggested they start breaking the wall. According to him, when they start breaking the wall, whoever is inside that facility will show up.
“Let’s start breaking the wall, the person will come out.” Kofi Boakye remarked, emphasising the team’s determination to uncovering the individuals behind the land related Irregularities.
The inspection was conducted on key sites such as the Dubois Centre, Agric Mechanisation lands, Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront, and the La Trade Fair, also focused on the NDA’s Cantonments property, which has raised concerns over alleged encroachments by private individuals and some officials.
The ORAL Team aims to gather enough evidence and validate public outcry regarding claims of state capture. Kofi Boakye’s comments on breaking the wall to access the facility tells us the team means business and no one can escape their grip.
The ORAL investigation forms part of John Dramani Mahama’s vision to recover all state properties that has been looted by individuals during the past administration.
Watch video of Kofi Boakye’s remarks below.
Video: Kofi Boakye’s statement on land encroachment
Fabulous Styles Ladies Can Rock For Weekend Occasions
News Hub Creator1h
Women know how essential it is to present their cultural history with elegance and pride on their wedding day. Lace and Ankara fashions stand out among the many available because of the fascinating way they combine traditional elements with a modern sense of style.
The rich cultural tapestry of the Arewa region is brilliantly displayed in the prints of Ankara, which are recognized for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. When fashioned into Arewa Ankara styles, it becomes a canvas for creativity and self-expression.
There is a broad variety of designs available, from elegant dresses to trendy two-piece sets, so that any Arewa woman may select an outfit that complements her figure and personal style.
A woman who dresses in an Ankara style exudes her own brand of self-assured, royal beauty while also celebrating her cultural heritage. They are perfect for weddings when cultural pride and current elegance are equally important to the couple.
Choosing to wear the brilliant and regal Arewa Ankara fashions at weddings is a certain way for Arewa women to make a grand entry full of indisputable elegance and grace, perfectly expressing the spirit of celebration and tradition.
Please like, share and comment for more beautiful Arewa Styles. Much appreciated.
Accra, Jan 11, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama, through the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument 2025, has restructured the government ministries, merging some key portfolios.
The new arrangement reduces the number of ministries to 23 from the previous 30, in a move to enhance efficiency.
Notable changes include the integration of Energy into the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and the inclusion of Digital Technology and Innovations under the Ministry of Communication.
The also move aims to streamline governance and align with contemporary national priorities.
Ministries of the Civil Service
The following Ministries in the Civil Service are hereby established:
(a) Ministry of Finance; (b) Ministry of Health; (c) Ministry of the Interior; (d) Ministry of Defence; (e) Ministry of Education; (f) Ministry of Energy and Green Transition; (g) Ministry of Roads and Highways; (h) Ministry of Transport; (i) Ministry of Sports and Recreation; (j) Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice; (k) Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; (l) Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; (m) Ministry of Foreign Affairs; (n) Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations; (o) Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology; (p) Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment; (q) Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources; (r) Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; (s) Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts; (t) Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment; (u) Ministry of Food and Agriculture; (v) Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture; and (w) Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), Sulley Sambian, has refuted allegations of encroachment on the authority’s land by unknown individuals.
He assured the public that the land allocated to the NDA remains intact and secure.
This clarification comes after concerns were raised by some NDA staff about the potential sale of portions of the authority’s land following the sudden construction of a fence wall by unidentified individuals.
The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee, led by Chairman Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, inspected the property on Friday, January 10, to assess the situation.
Speaking on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mr Sambian explained that the authority possesses only 1.2 acres of land, not the reported 1.73 acres, and that the 1.2 acres remain undisturbed.
“There is no such encroachment on our land in the sense that what the Lands Commission offered us was 1.2 acres. We have paid the premium on the 1.2 acre land and we have that land intact. As to why there is another person on the lands, it is for Lands Commission and not us,” he stated.
“When I heard that they were erecting a wall, I wasn’t even the first person to tell the officers to stop. Then I asked them to ensure that there is no encroachment on our lands. So, as far as I am concerned and to the best of my knowledge, we have our one 1.2-acre land intact. We have not given that land to anybody.”
However, the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini expressed dissatisfaction with Mr. Sambian’s clarification, describing it as inconsistent with available records.
“I am scandalized listening to the CEO of the NDA. Available records that should also be available to the CEO indicate clearly that as of 2017 when the NPP government was taking over, the land size which has become the subject of this conversation was 1.714 acres and for the CEO of NDA to reduce the size of the land in his submission, clearly points to what is similar to what has happened to other landed state properties,” he stated.
“… It is imperative that John Mahama actually goes by the promise of setting up an investigative committee to look into the way this government has dealt with landed properties, especially belonging to state agencies.
ORAL committee tours NDA office over land encroachment
Nigerian gospel singer Moses Bliss and his wife, Marie Bliss, have welcomed their first child, a baby boy.
The singer shared the joyous news on his Instagram page on Friday, accompanied by a newly released song video featuring his wife.
He wrote, “This is the doing of the Lord. We are in awe of His mercy. Join us to thank God for blessing our family with a baby boy. This song is our testimony.”
The couple, who tied the knot in March 2024, have kept most of their personal affairs private, including the pregnancy. Marie Bliss, a Ghanaian-born, London-based lawyer, and her husband have now shared their testimony with the world.
Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, an energy analyst and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has rejected claims made by John Jinapor, the Minister-Designate for Energy, regarding the state of Ghana’s energy sector.
Poku, speaking on Neat FM, emphasized the need to focus on facts rather than politics in addressing the sector’s ongoing challenges.
Poku specifically refuted Jinapor’s assertion that the NPP had left insufficient fuel for electricity generation. He explained that Ghana’s energy mix relies heavily on thermal power, with about 75% of the country’s electricity coming from thermal plants and 25% from hydro. “The claim of insufficient fuel doesn’t align with the reality on the ground,” Poku said, adding that the real issue is managing deficits and ensuring sustainability, not just fuel supply.
Criticizing the politicization of energy debates, Poku pointed out that opposition parties often criticized energy challenges without offering lasting solutions. He noted that when the NPP was in power, similar challenges were faced, but the government worked to ensure a consistent power supply. “Excuses won’t solve the problem,” he stated.
Poku also expressed concern over the current administration’s reliance on expensive fuel for electricity generation, describing it as unsustainable and placing unnecessary strain on the economy. He called for practical, solution-driven strategies to stabilize the sector and ensure a consistent power supply moving forward. “The new administration must focus on solutions,” he urged.
MTN Ghana Foundation distributed 600 hampers to mothers in 30 hospitals across the 16 regions of Ghana.
Hampers, containing essential items such as newborn clothing, detergents, toys, blankets, and personal care products, were presented to mothers at the various hospitals, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in the Greater Accra Region, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti Region, the Tamale Teaching Hospital in the Northern Region, Wiawso Government Hospital in the Western North Region, and the Dambai Hospital in the Oti Region.
The recipients expressed their gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for the kind gesture. One of them, Madam Sylvia Essuman, said the hamper will help ease the financial burden of the mothers. Another beneficiary, Madam Gifty Amoah, described the donation as a pleasant surprise. “We were not expecting this, but we are very happy; thank you, MTN,” she said.
Victoria Jamoo, senior midwife at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, observed that the donation would go a long way in supporting new mothers who often struggle to afford essential baby items.
Speaking during the presentation in Accra, Samuel Bartels, representing the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer for MTN Ghana, said, “This initiative is our way of sharing in the joy of new mothers and congratulating them on the arrival of their babies. We believe that these little ones will grow up to achieve greatness, and we are excited to be a part of their journey.”
MTN staff volunteers in Western, Western-North, Central, Eastern, Oti and Volta regions were led by Prince Owusu-Nyarko, Senior Manager, Regional Sales while Kwami Aseye Akude, Manager – Retail Experience led the volunteers in Northern, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, Northeast, Savanna, Upper East, and Upper West Regions.
Since the inception of the Baby Hamper Project in 2011, the MTN Ghana Foundation has distributed over 3,500 hampers to new mothers across Ghana. The initiative is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable and making a positive impact in the lives of Ghanaians.
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra). Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale). Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn. Follow us: X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073 Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3 LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5 Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3. YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra. Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652. #AsaaseRadio #AsaasePa #TheVoiceofOurLand
The World Bank has pledged to fund the $30 million gap in the implementation of the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) to boost irrigation farming and agricultural productivity.
Ousmane Diagana, the Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa for the World Bank, made this disclosure when he visited the Kpong Irrigation Scheme and Kpong Left Bank Irrigation System sites.
“There’s a $30 million funding gap to see the full completion of this project. We’re a long-standing partner for Ghana in every area… and we will be happy, of course, to consider adding financing if necessary. So, this is something that is absolutely possible,” Diagana said.
While the Bank estimates Ghana’s irrigable land to be 1.9 million hectares, about 1.6 percent is equipped with irrigation, compared with the West and Central Africa average of 13.9 percent, causing a blow to the country’s agricultural and food resilience.
Speaking to this subject, Diagana noted that agriculture was essential for job creation and fundamental for income generation, adding that “no country can develop without investing in its agriculture.”
He called on the government to provide sustainable investment in smart agriculture to boost productivity and reduce the country’s reliance on the importation of rice, maize, and vegetables.
“The best experience suggests that if you do this type of investment and you are able to be close to seven tonnes per hectare, then you’re really making good use of the time, resources, and the likelihood to have the project really achieve its impact will be extremely high,” Diagana said.
Osei Owusu Agyeman, the Project Coordinator of FSRP, indicated that the project was combining adaptive mobility and sustainable interventions to arm vulnerable households, families, farmers, and communities to withstand uncertainty and shocks in food production and distribution.
He stated that investing in agriculture was an investment in the community for food security and jobs, citing that with an amount of $22.5 million from the World Bank, the FSRP had modernized major irrigation schemes in the country.
Priscilla Adom Tawiah, the Secretary of the Investors Cooperative at the Kpone Left Bank Irrigation System site, said the project had been beneficial, particularly to the youth and women in agriculture.
Tawiah called for increased access to affordable funding for players in the agriculture value chain.
“We believe that if there’s a dedicated matching grant, we’ll be able to develop our businesses faster than we’re doing now, transform the whole of the left bank, and become an agribusiness tourist site for the country and beyond,” she said.
The Ghana Football Association has received a letter from SAS Finance Group inviting the 21 players who won the 2009 U-20 World Cup with the Black Satellites to collect their investment cheques.
This development follows the maturity of a 15-year investment made by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on behalf of the 2009 Black Satellites U-20 World Cup squad, which reached maturity on January 4, 2025.
The news will come as a relief to the players, who have been requesting their investments in recent months. Notably, Philip Boampong alleged that the returns mentioned by SAS Finance Group were significantly lower than what they had initially been promised.
A letter sent to the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, with a copy forwarded to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, formally invited the players to receive their investment returns.
The Ministry had invested a total of GH₵210,000 on behalf of the 21 players in 2009, allocating GH₵10,000 to each player.
The statement from SAS Finance Group read:
“This investment has matured after 15 years, and the players can now collect their cheques from the SAS Office in Accra, starting from January 8, 2025,” said SAS.
“To collect their cheques, players must present a valid Ghana Card for identification purposes. If a player is unable to collect their cheque personally, they can authorize a third party to do so by presenting a notarized Power of Attorney.”
“The SAS Office is located on the 14th floor of the World Trade Centre, Independence Avenue, Accra,” the statement added.
According to SAS, the investment package also included an annual insurance policy that provided life and health insurance coverage for each of the 21 players throughout the 15-year investment term.
The Black Satellites made history by becoming the first African team to win the U-20 World Cup in 2009, defeating Brazil in Egypt leading the government to announce a $750,000 package for the players.
Dr. Like Wears Blue Jeans Instead of Black to C Confion’s Funeral – Ghanaians React
News Hub Creator16min
The funeral of beloved Kumawood actor Bright Owusu, known as C Confion, was marked by an unexpected choice of attire by Dr. Likee.
Instead of the traditional black, Dr. Likee wore blue, which quickly caught the attention of attendees and sparked reactions on social media.
Many Ghanaians took to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to express their opinions on Dr. Likee’s unconventional choice. While some praised his individuality and personal touch, others felt it was inappropriate for such a solemn occasion.
Despite the mixed reactions, the focus remained on honoring C Confion’s memory and celebrating his contributions to the Kumawood industry. The funeral was a poignant reminder of the impact he had on his fans and colleagues.
The Kumawood community mourned the loss of Bright Owusu, affectionately known as C Confion, during his funeral on January 11, 2025, at the Buokrom Government School Park.
The event was attended by many stars, including Kwaku Manu, who was visibly emotional and on the brink of tears.
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.In recent years, married women’s local styles have increased, which is indicative of a larger trend among women toward fashion that is culturally aware.
These magnificent indigenous clothing not only pay homage to heritage but also combine modern fashion with a touch of polished finesse. Native designs give married ladies a way to be fashionable and stand out at weddings and other social events. Due to its vibrant colors and striking designs, which are characteristic of African fashion, Ankara cloth is a popular choice for married women.
Ankara designs can be used to create a variety of styles, such as long, flowing dresses, tailored skirts and blouses, and kaftans.
It is customary to complete the elegant appearance of these costumes with matching head coverings, jewelry, and shoes. Women attending social events like weddings are required to wear matching Aso Ebi, a popular native style.
Married women can demonstrate their solidarity and cultural respect by dressing in Aso Ebi. Often made of silk, lace, or brocade, the fabric is fashioned into elaborate clothes that often feature exquisite beadwork and embroidery. Married ladies may also wear a gele, a traditional hat, to accentuate their attractiveness.
Nothing compares to the timeless iro and buba, a wrapper and blouse hybrid, for married women. Its versatility and availability in a range of fabrics (such as chiffon, damask, or lace) make it ideal for any occasion where comfort and style are key considerations. Married women can look stylish and proud of their heritage by incorporating native styles into their attire, and these gorgeous native garments continue to influence women by fusing traditional and contemporary styles.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has released the official presidential results for each candidate in the 2024 general elections.
This result is an update to what the EC declared on December 9, 2024, in which the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate John Dramani Mahama was announced as the winner.
The announcement, made by the Electoral Commission (EC) on Monday, December 9, confirmed Mahama’s victory with 6,328,397 votes cast representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast, defeating his primary rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who garnered 4,657,304 votes representing 41.61%.
However, in an updated version of 275 out of 276 constituencies, John Mahama secured 6,591,790, representing 56.42%. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia garnered 4,877,611 with 41.75%.
Nana Kwame Bediako, the Independent Candidate, secured 88,944, representing 0.76% while Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Independent Candidate polled 32,457, representing 0.28%.
Haruna Iddrisu to submit recommendations on LGBTQ Bill to Mahama
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The Nigeria Police Force said it has identified and detained its personnel shown in a viral video where sons of Lagos businessman, Chief Razak Okoya allegedly abused the naira.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in an X post early Friday morning.
Yesterday, Friday, January 10, 2025, a massive candlelight procession was held to honor the memory of Bright Owusu, affectionately known as C Confion, who tragically passed away recently after a long battle with illness.
The event, which was reportedly organized by Akabenezer Production, saw an overwhelming turnout of fans and industry players who came to pay their respects to the late actor.
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a reduction in the number of government ministries from the current 30 to 23.
This decision, which is part of a broader strategy to improve the delivery of public services and reduce the cost of government operations, was revealed in an Executive Instrument issued on January 9, 2025.
The announcement is in line with one of the key promises made by President Mahama during his election campaign, where he committed to reducing the number of ministries and ensuring a more focused and results-oriented administration.
Mahama had previously pledged to govern with a reduced number of ministries, aiming to limit the government’s size to just 60 ministries as a means of fostering better accountability, cost-efficiency, and streamlined decision-making processes.
The move comes as part of a broader agenda to reconfigure the country’s governance structures and improve the overall effectiveness of the public sector.
In the official Executive Instrument dated January 9, 2025, the President exercised his constitutional powers to implement this reduction under the provisions of section 11(3) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (P.N.D.C.L. 327).
Some ministries have therefore been merged with others.
The Civil Service Act empowers the President to make adjustments to the structure of government ministries and agencies, as deemed necessary, to improve the efficiency of the civil service.
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The Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has criticized the description of Ghana’s economy as robust.
He said this cannot be the case given the inconsistent economic indicators over the years.
Speaking to Alfred Ocansey on TV3’s the Keypoints on Saturday, January 11, 2024, on the country’s economic performance, Mr. Jackson highlighted that while reserves have been cited as a sign of economic stability, a deeper analysis of other parameters paints a different picture.
He pointed out that reserves have been precariously low at certain points.
“At the beginning of the year, the reserves were just 0.8% of the months’ worth, barely enough to stabilize the cedi’s value. The government tried to inject funds to shore up the currency towards the end of the year, but the problem is far from solved,” he stated.
Addressing comments by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Mr. Jackson noted that claims of leaving behind $8 billion in reserves at the end of 2024 failed to capture the full context of the economy’s health.
“He proudly talked about reserves, but ignored other critical indicators like inflation,” Jackson remarked.
Using inflation as an example, he emphasized how misleading isolated statistics can be.
“Inflation in December 2016 was at 7.9%, but when you dig deeper, it’s not the full picture. If inflation for one year was 50%, it doesn’t mean prices decrease in subsequent years when inflation drops. For instance, if an item cost GHS 100 in 2022 with 50% inflation, its price would be GHS 150. Even if inflation drops to 30% the following year, the price rises to GHS 195. Inflation reduction doesn’t mean price reversal,” he explained.
Joe Jackson also criticized political narratives for using selective economic data to create a false sense of progress.
“These figures are sometimes deliberately deceptive, focusing on one favorable indicator while ignoring the challenges in others. For example, inflation trends and exchange rate depreciation are equally critical and often ignored in such claims,” he noted.
He urged the government and stakeholders to focus on sustainable measures rather than short-term fixes, highlighting the importance of building a resilient economic framework that reflects across all parameters, not just reserves or isolated data points.
Ghanaian rappers, Medikal and Amerado, have ignited a feud on social media over the title of the ‘best rapper’ in the country.
The online spat began when Amerado, in a series of posts on X, asserted that he deserves to win ‘Artiste of the Year’ at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards for his hard work in 2024.
“Artiste of the Year conversation without Amerado under the 2024 Year of Review is an exposure of ignorance and consequently brutal to the industry and upcoming ones,” he wrote, highlighting a long list of achievements.
Medikal, however, disagreed with this assertion and boldly claimed that he could easily overshadow any rapper in Ghana, including Amerado.
“I fi ghostwrite rap for your favourite rapper and still kill am on a song, nobody de rap pass Medikal for Ghana I swear. And that’s why I’m the highest-paid rapper in the country too! … Beyond,” he stated.
Medikal then sided with a fan’s claim that Amerado is nowhere near him, stating, “He no fi sellout Linda dor sef.”
In a sharp response, Amerado satirically jabbed Medikal, labelling him a ‘sellout’ and referencing a past incident where Medikal exposed his wife, Fella Makafui that she had undergone surgery for a flat tummy and used it to promote ‘flat tummy tea’ products.
“That’s right and I nor fit sell out my girl ein secrets too sia! Tell everybody about your flopped New York show you cancelled last year Obiaa ansi hor…..2025 who dey listen to Mia me dokono? Jon,” Amerado replied.
Medikal fired back by mocking Amerado’s achievements, including a claim that his songs were played in the Al Nasar football club.
“My one show fee de clear all these beer bar shows Ananse. Al Nasar dressing room? Ah! Santaase Spiderman,” Medikal jabbed.
In response, Amerado accused Medikal that he had to cancel his New York show due to low ticket sales.
“Tell everybody about your flopped New York show you cancelled last year Obiaa ansi hor…..2025 who dey listen to Mia me dokono? Jon,” he retorted.
Medikal lfurther labelled Amerado a ‘many more’ artiste, further escalating the feud.
The ongoing back-and-forth has since sparked mixed reactions from fans of both rappers, with supporters passionately defending their favourites.
Read their back-and-forth posts online below, along with reactions from fans,
Amerado in 2024 ❤️
Artiste Of The Year conversation without Amerado under the 2024 year of Review is an exposure of ignorance and consequently brutal to the industry and upcoming ones pic.twitter.com/Qx3dTk7fYs
That’s right and I nor fit sell out my girl ein secrets too sia! Tell everybody about your flopped New York show you cancelled last year Obiaa ansi hor…..2025 who dey listen to Mia me dokono? Jon https://t.co/bCTRwKokcP
Despite several backlashes on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration over economic hardship and mismanagement, the former statesman made a humorous name for himself in the eyes of the public and the international community.
The president, on several occasions, portrayed certain gestures, utterances, and other traits that will forever remain with Ghanaians, as most of these instances became topics of discussion for years.
GhanaWeb compiles eight unforgettable moments of President Akufo-Addo in no particular order:
1. Akufo-Addo orders a chief to stand and greet him
In the 12-second video that went viral, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at an event believed to be a funeral, was shown making his way to greet traditional leaders at the event.
But in what should have been a routine activity, the president and one of his bodyguards are seen signaling to some of the chiefs to rise to their feet before he greets them.
In the video, when the president reached one particular chief, who was also seated, he gesticulated at him and then, as if to communicate something to him, pointed at himself and then again hand-gestured to the traditional leader to rise to his feet. He did this before President Akufo-Addo extended his hand to the man to shake it.
2. Money doesn’t like noise – Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo warned persons talking down the local currency, the Cedi. He said that talking down the Cedi was contributing to its woes.
Addressing the nation on the economy on Sunday, October 30, Akufo-Addo said, “Fellow Ghanaians, as the French would say, l’argent n’aime pas le bruit, to wit, money does not like noise, ‘sika mpɛ dede.’ Where there is chaos, where there is noise, where there is unrest, you will not find money.
“Money doesn’t like noise. If you talk down your currency, it will go down. If you allow others to talk down your currency, it will go down.”
“All of us have a role to play in strengthening the Cedi and stopping speculation. Those who publish falsehoods resulting in panic, the relevant state agencies will act against such persons,” he added.
3. You don’t vote for me
President Akufo-Addo, in October 2023, assured the people of Mepe and other flood-affected areas in the Volta Region, caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage, that the government would spare no effort to assist them during these challenging times.
Regardless of their political affiliations or voting history, Akufo-Addo reaffirmed that he is president for all Ghanaians and that he remains committed to his presidential mandate of standing up for them in their times of trouble.
During an interaction with the residents on Monday, October 16, 2023, the president emphasized his commitment to the welfare of every Ghanaian, stating, “When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath of office as president for every single individual in Ghana, of all the people in Ghana, all districts, whether they voted for me or not. Once I have taken the oath of office, I am the president of all the people.”
“So Togbe, you and your elders, I want you to understand that when something like this happens and the government acts, the government is acting for Ghanaians.
“I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and suffering, and it is my responsibility to try and help. If it is the question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, I shouldn’t be here because you don’t vote for me, but that is not my concern,” he said.
4. Akufo-Addo mistakenly endorses NDC’s Nii Lante Vanderpuye at the final rally
A pretty awkward and perhaps funny moment was witnessed at the NPP’s last rally at Mantse Agbonaa in Accra in December 2020 as President Akufo-Addo introduced the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the area as Nii Lante Vanderpuye instead of Nii Lante Bannerman.
“In Odododiodio, if you are voting for me, then you are also voting for Nii Lante Vanderpuye,” the president said as he held the hand of Nii Lante Bannerman.
Having been notified that he had caused a blunder, President Akufo-Addo quickly mentioned Nii Lante Bannerman. Amid laughter, he apologized and urged the people to pick Bannerman over Vanderpuye.
“I didn’t speak well at all. I have made a mistake. What am I going to do with Nii Lante Vanderpuye? I meant Nii Lante Bannerman, and I want you all to vote for him,” Nana Akufo-Addo said as the crowd cheered and applauded.
5. Complete the abandoned E-block if you are frustrated – Akufo-Addo tells Aflao chief
The first incident occurred during a radio interview on Peace FM in October 2021. The paramount chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, Torgbui Adzonugaga Amenya Fiti, had given the government a four-month ultimatum to open the E-block community day senior high school, which, in his view, had stalled since 2016.
The GH¢9 million project, which was part of some 200 classroom blocks the erstwhile Mahama administration started, was supposed to have some 26 classrooms attached and five departments, including a science block.
Torgbui Adzonugaga Amenya Fiti, speaking with the Minority side of the Education Committee who toured the uncompleted school buildings in the Ketu South constituency, said the government’s approach to education was appalling.
“If we have to beg for education before people can go to school, then I don’t know what we call democracy at all. Look at the structure, it’s almost 90 percent complete. The thieves are having a field day, going in there to have everything removed at will.”
“The NPP government now has free SHS education, but my people are not benefitting because there is no school here. So, I am giving the Education Minister up until February [2022] for the school to be completed,” the chief added.
In response, during an interview on Peace FM, President Akufo-Addo suggested that the paramount chief should complete the abandoned block himself if he was frustrated with the delay.
“Is he the one going to give the Minister of Education an ultimatum? Then he should go and complete it.”
6. Open your eyes, you’ll see our factories – Akufo-Addo tells NDC MPs
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo took a swipe at critics of his government, particularly regarding the fulfillment of some of his major promises like the One District One Factory (1D1F) Initiative.
On that flagship industrial transformation policy, President Akufo-Addo said 232 projects are at various stages of implementation.
Addressing the Eighth Parliament in his first state-of-the-nation address to members on Tuesday, March 9, the president said his government would continue the agenda of rapid industrialization “with the aim of transforming the structure of the Ghanaian economy from one dependent on the production/export of raw materials to a value-added industrialized economy.”
He said the Initiative has already seen 76 firms operating as 1D1F companies while 112, including five medium-sized agro-processing factories and 63 common-user facilities, are under construction.
“Open your eyes [and] you will see them,” he jabbed the Minority Caucus, whose members jeered him at the mention of the program in his address.
7. Akufo-Addo mocks NDC as a huge umbrella falls on him
President Akufo-Addo, delivering a speech at a durbar organized at the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Area, Jamestown in honor of him and the First Lady in April 2017, amused the gathering with an innuendo to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) when an umbrella that provided shade for him fell on his head.
“Cooperate with my government and me towards progress [umbrella falls]. This is what happens when you have an umbrella. It’s never steady,” he said with a broad smile on his face.
The NDC, a social-democratic political party, has an umbrella with the head of a dove at the tip as its symbol with red, white, green, and black as its colors.
8. Akufo-Addo angry at Mempeasem chief’s conduct during the national anthem
A viral video that circulated on social media captured the attention of Ghanaians, showcasing a moment of intense emotion by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the commemorative tree-planting exercise on Green Ghana Day.
The footage reveals President Akufo-Addo seemingly provoked as he orders the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, to take immediate action.
The said incident occurred at the University of Ghana, where dignitaries gathered to grace the Green Ghana Day initiative on June 9, 2023.
During the event, as the national anthem was being sung, attendees proudly stood, symbolizing their patriotism. However, towards the conclusion of the anthem, President Akufo-Addo can be seen in the video visibly agitated and forcefully instructing Henry Quartey to address a situation that purportedly had transpired during the anthem’s recitation.
The specifics of the incident, as shared on social media, suggest that a chief at the event was seated while the national anthem was being played, and the president, furious, had ordered the Greater Accra Minister to call him to order.
President John Dramani Mahama has by Executive Instrument reduced the number of ministries from 30 to 23.
The move by the President forms part of an administrative restructuring initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency and streamlining government operations.
The restructuring was formalised through the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2025 (E.I. 1) and signed by President John Dramani Mahama on January 9, 2025.
Additionally, the Executive Instrument outlines the newly established ministries and revokes the previous arrangement under the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2021 (E.I. 12).
Some key changes include the establishment of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry and among others.
See the list of the newly established ministries below:
Jeremie Frimpong plays for Bayern Leverkusen in Germany
Bayer Leverkusen’s star Jeremie Frimpong has been the subject of intense transfer speculation following the club’s triumph in the 2023/24 Bundesliga.
Premier League giants like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid have all been rumored to be keen on securing the talented fullback’s signature.
However, Frimpong has dismissed these rumors, reaffirming his commitment to Leverkusen. “I’m 100 percent here in my head just like I always have been since I’ve been here,” Frimpong told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
Frimpong has made it clear that despite the swirling transfer talk, he remains focused on his current goals with Leverkusen. “I kept hearing things about myself that I’m going to go here, there, or there. And I’m still here. These rumors are part of football, so I won’t let them influence me,” he explained.
The Dutch international also shared his aspirations, noting, “As long as I win trophies, I’m happy. I definitely want to win the Champions League. That’s my dream. And then preferably the World Cup.”
Di body of Jimmy Carter don arrive in Washington DC
Di body of Jimmy Carter don arrive in Washington DC, wia di former US president go lie in state bifor a large state funeral.
Carter bin die on 29 December at di age of 100 for im hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Dem bin first hold one funeral service for am for Atlanta on Saturday at di Carter Presidential Center, wia hundreds of members of di public come pay dia last respects.
Di largest funeral celebration for Carter dey take place for di Washington National Cathedral.
President Carter’s grandson speaks first, focusing on his life of service
Di first speak at President Carter funeral na im grandson, Joshua Carter.
Joshua remember how im grandfather bin dey committed to teach Sunday School for im home for Plains, Georgia throughout im life.
“E bin teach di Bible evri Sunday from World War II to Covid,” e tok, and add: “Evri time I go church wit am, pipo dey full.”
E say di church dey get many pipo from around di world, wit different backgrounds and beliefs.
Joshua say im grandfather dey begin im Sunday School teachings by talking about im week – and illustrate di remarkable life e bin live.
“If e monitor election, e go tok about am. If e stop a conflict, e go tok about am. If e eliminate disease from a village or a kontri, e go tok about am,” Joshua tok.
“Wen my brother Jeremy die, e announce dat news for Sunday School.”
Wetin be state funeral?
State funeral for di US na very ceremonial event wey dey mostly reserved for former president.
Dis burials dey sometimes held for high ranking officials or military leaders but e depend on di sitting president.
Di events for am det include Lying in State period wia dem go fly di bodi go Washington DC often for military aircraft. Dem go come keep am for di Capitol Rotunda for few days so mourners from di public go it come pay dia respects.
Afta words na di state funeral service for di National Cathedral wia plenti dignitaries dey mostly among those wey go attend.
Afta dat, di bodi go go wia dem decide to bury am. For President Carter, na for im hometown of Plains, Georgia wia dem go bury am next to im wife, Rosalynn for im family peanut farm.
Opoku Bilson’s “Sugar Mummy” Diana in Uncontrollable Tears at C. Confion’s Funeral
News Hub Creator49min
The funeral of the beloved Kumawood actor Bright Owusu, affectionately known as C Confion, was a heart-wrenching event that left many in tears.
Held on January 11, 2025, at the Buokrom Government School Park, the ceremony drew family, friends, and fans who came to pay their respects to the late actor.
Among the grieving attendees was Diana, popularly known as Opoku Bilson’s “Sugar Mummy” from their on-screen collaborations.
Her uncontrollable tears during the funeral were a testament to the deep bond she shared with C Confion. The sight of Diana’s sorrow moved many in attendance, highlighting the profound impact C Confion had on those who knew him personally and professionally.
The funeral was marked by heartfelt tributes and shared memories, as the Kumawood community came together to honor the life and legacy of a cherished actor. C Confion’s influence on the industry and the lives of those who knew him will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
Accra, Jan 11, GNA – Mr Franklin Cudjoe, the Founding President of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, has lauded the appointment of Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson as the finance minister-designate, describing it as “sensible”.
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, he recalled how in April 2024, he had an opportunity to engage with Dr Forson to discuss what must be done to prevent further damage to the nation’s “jalopy economy.”
Mr Cudjoe said he had invited Dr Forson to meet a small team of Ghanaian and British consultants the British Government recently engaged to design a modest £5m programme – the Financial and Economic Resilience in Ghana (FERG) programme.
That was to complement existing workstreams, and those of other development partners, to address Ghana’s longstanding challenges with fiscal and macroeconomic instability.
He noted that the interaction was eye-opening and worth every second of the two-hour encounter.
“I was convinced that Hon. Ato Forson had earned the stripes to be a successful financial minister,” Mr Cudjoe said.
“As deputy team leader of the mission, I will endorse the release of the £5m as soon as possible to help Ato Forson strenghten ministerial budget preparation to cut out waste and capacitate Ghana’s debt management office….”
He said mortgaging of the country’s gold resources through deals like ‘Agyapa’ was horrible and should not be tolerated.
Armed thugs led by a known activist of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have ransacked Electrochem Ghana Limited’s salt warehouse at Ada resulting in considerable financial loss and disruption of its daily operations.
A statement issued and signed on Thursday, January 9, 2024, by the Chief Executive of Electrochem Ghana, Abdul Razak Adam, said the armed assailants who attacked its facility at approximately 3:00 am, wielding cutlasses and firearms claim they were sent from the NDC Headquarters in Accra.
“This criminal act has resulted in considerable financial loss and a profound disruption to our daily operations. More alarmingly, some of our staff members sustained injuries during the chaos, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures and accountability”.
It said the brazen attack was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend that poses a grave threat to the safety and security of its employees and the integrity of its operations as the assailants wreaked havoc on the premises, stealing essential office supplies and a significant quantity of salt product from the warehouse.
Electrochem Ghana Limited is a proud Ghanaian enterprise, employing approximately 1800 permanent workers and over 3,000 casual workers during the salt mining season.
“These recurring security breaches not only endanger our personnel but also jeopardize our operational stability and our ability to provide sustainable employment opportunities for Ghanaian citizens Such lawlessness undermines the investment climate in our region and threatens the trust we have cultivated with both local and international investors who have committed substantial resources to our endeavors”.
It also said the persistent nature of these attacks creates an environment of uncertainty that could deter future investments vital to the growth of the company and the broader Ghanaian economy as the safety and security of its workforce remain paramount concerns.
The company further indicated that it was also alarmed by the escalating frequency and severity of these attacks and therefore called upon the relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect legitimate businesses operating in the region as these incidents do not only threaten its operations but also risk destabilizing the local economy which relies heavily on mining activities.
“Since assuming control of the concession, Electrochem Ghana Limited has made significant strides in community development, including the establishment of community pans, implementation of an out-grower scheme, and development of commercial pans that provide sustainable income sources for residents”.
“Our commitment to community betterment extends beyond salt production; we have invested in education, const111cted clean water infrastructure, and launched micro-loan programs for women entrepreneurs to foster sustainable businesses” it stated
Electrochem Ghana Ltd. has therefore urged the government to take a firm stance against the violence by directing security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the act holding the perpetrators of the attack accountable for their actions and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who might contemplate similar acts of aggression against its operations in future.
“We call for public condemnation of these violent acts and demand an immediate investigation into this incident. The time for action is now, as the safety of our workforce and the stability of our operations hang in the balance”. It added.
American singer and rapper, Jhene Aiko and her children, Noah Hasani and Namiko Love have been rendered homeless after their house was burnt down in the Los Angeles fire.
The music star, who disclosed this on Thursday, revealed that she and her children are safe but their properties have been destroyed.
2025: Dr. Omane Boamah Calls For Forensic Audit of the Voters Register And The IT System Of The EC
News Hub Creator3h
Director of Elections and Information Technology for NDC, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has called for the forensic audit of he voters register and the IT system of the Electoral commission.
Omane Boamah made this comment through a post shared on his Facebook page on 11th January, 2025.
He asserted that revisiting the forensic audit of the Electoral Commission will increase the credibility of future Elections in Ghana.
“Thanks to everyone who showed up at the nationwide Enough Is Enough Demo when we made that patriotic call for a forensic audit of the 2024 voters register and the IT system of the Electoral Commission Ghana
That patriotic call for the forensic audit is as relevant today as it was before the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.” He added.
Omane Boamah continued that we must get to the bottom of the cause(s) of the illegal transfers, deleted names on the voters register among others.
“We must also unearth how Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) equipment could be stolen from the headquarters of the Electoral Commission under CCTV surveillance with 24-hour military and police protection.We must also understand the genesis of the theft of Biometric Voter Devices (BVDs).” He added.
According to Omane Boamah, the NDC must unravel the causes and causal associations of the dubious ballot papers that were flying around on election day as was arrested in Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region.
“Furthermore, we must search in order to appreciate the criminals behind the theft of the ballot paper(s) that caused Special Voting in Eastern and Western regions to be postponed leading to reprinting of the ballot papers for the two regions.” He added.
Dr. Omane Boamah concluded by calling on all lovers of democracy to support this patriotic call for the forensic audit of the Electoral Commission.
This Saturday’s edition of JoyNews’ Newsfile will delve into key national issues making headlines, from the inauguration of President John Mahama to the dismissal of a petition against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and the controversial presidential pardon granted to William Ato Essien and others.
Join the conversation for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on these critical topics.
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 oil and gas sector holds the keys to a brighter economic future, but the road ahead is littered with challenges—many of them self-inflicted.
Institutions like the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Petroleum Commission (PC), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), are critical pillars of the nation’s resource-driven economy.
Yet, their potential remains stifled by an Achilles’ heel: political interference.
For Ghana to unleash the full potential of its resources, it’s imperative to liberate these institutions from the constraints of political control. Let’s delve into why this is non-negotiable and draw lessons from global giants that have charted a successful course.
The Case for Political Independence
Strategic Vision Over Short-Term Gains
Political interference often results in shortsighted decision-making, with policies shaped by the whims of election cycles rather than sustainable growth. Independent institutions, on the other hand, provide stability, continuity, and focus.
Helge Lund, former CEO of Equinor, captures this perfectly: “To succeed in resource governance, you must keep political interests at arm’s length and let professionals drive decisions that ensure long-term national benefit over political expediency.”
In Ghana, this means policies that don’t change with every government but instead support the sector’s growth over decades. For example, decisions about exploration, licensing, or even refining capacity should be based on economic and technical merit, not on populist agendas.
Protecting Financial Integrity
Political meddling in oil and gas institutions is often a breeding ground for corruption, nepotism, and financial mismanagement. The siphoning of funds for political campaigns or appeasing cronies compromises public trust and deters investment. Paul Collier, in his seminal work The Plundered Planet, warns: “When natural resources are captured by politics, they become a curse instead of a blessing. Strong, independent institutions are the antidote to this curse.”
Ghana’s experiences echo this warning. TOR’s inefficiencies and GNPC’s deviations from its core mandate to fund politically driven projects exemplify how political control can derail institutional effectiveness. By insulating these institutions, Ghana can safeguard public resources, ensure transparency, and rebuild trust.
Attracting Talent and Investments
Investors and professionals gravitate towards environments characterized by predictability and meritocracy. Independent institutions foster both. Dr. Daniel Yergin, a leading voice in global energy, underscores this point: “Energy sectors flourish when governed by meritocratic systems and insulated from short-term political distractions. Predictability and professionalism are the cornerstones of global investment flows.”
Ghana’s oil and gas sector needs a regulatory environment where contracts, licensing, and operations are devoid of political risk. Similarly, attracting top-tier talent to GNPC or TOR requires competitive hiring based on expertise, not political connections.
Global Playbooks: Lessons from Success Stories
Norway: The Sovereign Wealth Pioneer
Norway’s Statoil (now Equinor) and Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) exemplify how independence drives success: Statoil operated as a commercial entity with performance benchmarks, free from political manipulation and NPD’s strict regulatory oversight ensured sustainable resource management.
The Result? A $1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund—the largest globally—and policies that prioritize long-term prosperity over fleeting political gains has ensured intergenerational equity. Johan Sverdrup, a key architect of Norway’s oil success, noted, “We treated oil as a national trust, requiring transparent and insulated institutions to ensure its prudent use for generations to come.”
Malaysia: PETRONAS’ Corporate Model
PETRONAS, one of the most profitable national oil companies globally, owes much of its success to its operational independence. Although it reports to the Prime Minister, PETRONAS adheres to strict corporate governance standards, shielding it from political interference. PETRONAS has evolved into one of the most profitable national oil companies (NOCs) worldwide and Positioned Malaysia as a regional energy hub.
Former CEO Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin emphasized, “Corporate governance is non-negotiable in ensuring that resource wealth benefits the entire nation rather than a select few.”
Botswana: A Diamond in Resource Governance
While not an oil story, Botswana’s partnership with De Beers in Debswana offers a compelling parallel. By balancing government oversight with operational autonomy, Botswana has turned diamonds into sustained economic growth.
Mo Ibrahim, founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, praised Botswana’s approach:
“Botswana’s success lies in its ability to manage resources through strong institutions, transparency, and an unyielding focus on national interest.”
This partnership between government oversight and private-sector efficiency has fostered sustained economic growth, demonstrating the benefits of professional management free from political manipulation.
Reclaiming Ghana’s Energy Future
Governance Beyond Politics
Ghana must establish statutory boards for its oil and gas institutions, with fixed terms for directors and leadership appointments based on merit. Transparency in hiring and clear performance benchmarks will ensure these institutions operate professionally and independently.
Empower Regulatory Oversight
Grant entities like the Petroleum Commission legislative protections to shield them from political whims. The Petroleum Commission and similar bodies must be granted legislative protections to shield them from political interference.
Regular audits, public reporting, and adherence to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) will bolster accountability.
Privatize to Improve Efficiency
Partial privatization of operational entities like GNPC or TOR can introduce private-sector efficiency while retaining strategic state control. Jeffrey Sachs, renowned economist, supports this approach: “Resource wealth is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for developing nations. Without strong institutions and a long-term vision, it can become a missed opportunity instead.”
The Cost of Inaction
The consequences of politicization are already evident:
TOR’s Decline: Inefficiencies and mismanagement, often tied to politically motivated appointments, have crippled its operations.
GNPC’s Drift: The corporation has strayed from its core mandate, diverting resources to politically driven projects.
If left unchecked, these issues will continue to erode public trust, deter investors, and squander Ghana’s resource wealth. As Kofi Annan, Ghana’s own global statesman, wisely stated:
“Good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development. This applies doubly to managing natural resources.”
The Way Forward
Ghana stands at a crossroads. The choice is clear: remain tethered to the inefficiencies of politicized institutions or rise to the challenge of reform. By drawing on lessons from Norway, Malaysia, and Botswana, Ghana can design a future where its oil and gas institutions are synonymous with professionalism, accountability, and long-term vision.
The prize? A thriving energy sector that delivers not just profits but prosperity for generations to come. It’s time for Ghana to break free from the shackles of political interference and unlock the true potential of its oil and gas wealth
Skit maker Ben South has shared how his recent collaboration with Sarkodie has had a positive impact on his career.
In an interview with Zion Felix on January 9, 2025, Ben noted that 2024 was a breakthrough year for him.
He explained that after working with Sarkodie on his single “No Sir,” he was generously compensated.
“2024 has been my best year yet. It was a turning point in my life when Sarkodie reached out to me and expressed interest in working together. The payment I received from him was substantial, and I am confident I will be able to use it wisely. Working with Sarkodie has definitely boosted my career,” he said.
Ben South also recounted how he unexpectedly received a visa to visit the Netherlands for the first time.
He shared that he only met the person who facilitated his visa when he was returning to Ghana after his trip.
“In 2024, something truly miraculous happened. A kind individual arranged my visa for me without me even knowing.
“I only met this person when I was heading back to Ghana. I had casually mentioned my desire to travel, and this person, who admired my work, took it upon himself to make it happen.
“He asked for my passport and bank statement, and before I knew it, everything was sorted without any cost,” he explained.
In December 2024, Sarkodie released his highly anticipated single “No Sir.”
play videoBola Tinubu (left) and John Mahama (right)
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged President John Dramani Mahama to collaborate with him in addressing the urgent issues of youth unemployment, poverty, and instability in the West African sub-region.
He noted that one of the main challenges in the sub-region is instability and insurgency, which are worsened by the high rate of coups in some West African nations.
Speaking at the presidential inauguration on January 7, 2024, Tinubu encouraged Mahama to use his presidency to strengthen relationships between Ghana, Nigeria, and the wider West African region.
“I am confident that the new government led by President Mahama will partner with Nigeria to enhance our ties, leading to greater shared progress and prosperity for our people. I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.
“With a sharp focus, we can address our people’s most critical issues: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and other obstacles to our advancement. May Ghana’s democracy continue to flourish,” he stated.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mahama was successfully sworn in as Ghana’s President following a decisive victory in the 2024 general elections.
Mahama won by a significant margin over New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Cocoa futures surged, reversing losses from the prior session, on news that chocolate maker Hershey Co. is seeking permission for a large purchase through the New York exchange.
The most-active contract rose as much as 10.1% in New York on Thursday. Prices had fallen as much as 7.7% on Wednesday after Bloomberg reported that the maker of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups wants to take a position that will allow it to purchase more than 90,000 metric tons of cocoa on ICE Futures US, citing people familiar with the matter.
The market has been trying to assess the reasoning behind Hershey’s request to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which equates to about 5,000 20-foot containers. That’s more than nine times the amount the exchange currently allows.
The move signals a nervousness among cocoa buyers about tightening supplies in the physical market, according to market veteran Marc Donaldson, former managing director of Asia Pacific at Barry Callebaut AG.
While bean arrivals at ports in top grower Ivory Coast are still ahead of last year, they have slowed down in recent weeks, adding to fears the market is set for a fourth year of supply shortages. Dwindling global stockpiles are also putting pressure on both buyers and chocolate makers.
“It looks as though the crop will stop coming in very rapidly now,” said Donaldson. “And Hershey decided that the best way to get some physical stock was to go and buy off the New York terminal, which is what they did before.”
JPMorgan analysts including Ken Goldman said Hershey could be trying to replicate what it did in 2020 when it took advantage of price dislocations to curb cocoa costs, though that deal “did not have much to do with underlying supply-and-demand dynamics.”
Still, the current efforts “don’t have to be for the same reason or have the same directional impact,” the analysts said. “For all we know, Hershey may very well want to buy hard cocoa because of supply concerns. We also don’t necessarily believe all of 2025’s cocoa needs are hedged.”
The chocolate-making ingredient ended 2024 as the top-performing major commodity, its massive annual gain of more than 178% driven by supply fears and market volatility. The rally has been fueled by a series of poor harvests in Ivory Coast and Ghana, where the majority of the crop is grown.
The record prices have thinned out liquidity to the lowest in over a decade, as margin calls climbed and positions became increasingly pricey to hold. That low futures liquidity has added to the wild swings, with prices moving more than a thousand dollars on some of the most volatile trading days.
FC Porto continues to strengthen its youth ranks with the addition of Ghanaian midfielder Dennis Konney to the U19 team, GHANAsoccernet.com can confirm.
At just 18 years old, Konney joins the squad led by Sergio Ferreira, bringing his talent and ambition to one of Portugal’s most successful clubs.
This marks the midfielder’s first international experience after honing his skills at the prestigious Rising Stars of Africa Academy in Accra, Ghana.
Konney describes himself as a defensive midfielder with qualities reminiscent of Sergio Busquets, emphasizing intelligence, control, and vision on the field.
His focus lies in facilitating his teammates’ success, stating, “I like watching my teammates so they can score.”
These attributes make him a valuable asset for the Dragons as they aim for more victories in the 2024-25 season.
The young midfielder is eager to embrace the challenge and is filled with determination.
“I came to be champion this year,” he declared, expressing confidence in his new team’s quality and potential.
His ultimate dream is to one day step onto the pitch at Estadio do Dragao, following in the footsteps of club icons like Samu, Galeno, and Fabio Vieira, whom he deeply admires.
With his drive, talent, and passion for the game, Konney’s journey at Porto is just the beginning of his footballing adventure.
President John Dramani Mahama
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