In a symbolic gesture, President-elect John Dramani Mahama returned to the Jubilee House, the seat of the Presidency, on Monday, January 6, 2025.

This visit marked a significant moment for Mahama, who previously occupied the office from 2012 to 2016.

John Mahama was welcomed by outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who conducted him on a tour of the residency and offices.

The visit enabled Mahama to familiarize himself with the facilities and operations of the presidential complex, which will serve as his administrative base during his tenure.

The tour was also attended by Vice President-elect Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare, former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and Special Aide to Mahama, Joyce Bawa Mogtari.

John Mahama’s return to the Jubilee House comes after a eight-year hiatus, during which Akufo-Addo occupied the office.

The visit is seen as a significant moment in the transition process, as Mahama prepares to take the reins of power on January 7, 2025.

The inauguration ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Black Star Square, will be attended by dignitaries, diplomats, and representatives from various sectors.

John Mahama’s inauguration marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana’s history, and the visit to the Jubilee House is a significant step in that process.

BY Daniel Bampoe

A 26-year-old farmer, Yaw Nimoah, has been arrested by the Dambai Police Command for allegedly killing his mother, Madam Salomey Ama Serwaa, a 60-year-old with a pestle at Yabram, a suburb of Oti Regional capital, Dambai.

Philip Kwadwo Bidaba, the Assembly member of Kwame-Akura East Electoral Area told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that, suspect Nimoah had a long history of threatening his mother with cutlass on several occasions.

He said the suspect’s behaviour had become a concern for the community and he had previously threatened a neighbour with cutlass leading to his arrest, however, he was later released.

Bidaba told GNA that he received a distress call from a good Samaritan, who witnessed the suspect shouting for help, claiming someone had smashed the head of his mother.

According to the Assembly member, he and his Unit Committee Chairman rushed to the scene, where they found the woman lying in a pool of blood on a mat with a smashed head.

“I immediately called the Police command and reported the incident, the Police arrived promptly, arrested the suspect and later returned to collect the deceased, who was then deposited at the morgue of the WoraWora Government Hospital for preservation,” Mr Bidaba added.

The Police source, who confirmed the incident said investigations have been opened into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the suspect, Nimoah is currently in Police custody.

Watch the moment John Mahama arrived for his investiture as President of Ghana:

Ghana is on the verge of a severe power crisis, with the country’s fuel stock for power plants critically depleted.

According to John Jinapor, National Democratic Congress, NDC MP Yapei Kusawgu and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Ghana has less than two days of stock for both Distillate Fuel and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), with no plans in place to replenish the depleting fuel stocks.

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In a candid farewell address, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin blasted the National Democratic Congress (NDC) minority for their unyielding stance, which he claimed hindered consensus-building and the completion of government business during the 8th Parliament.

Afenyo-Markin’s remarks, made on Monday, January 6, 2025, painted a picture of a highly polarized parliamentary term, marked by tensions between the majority and minority sides.

Afenyo-Markin’s leadership style had been criticized by some, who saw him as combative and unyielding.

However, the Majority Leader explained that his approach was necessitated by the pressures he faced in navigating the complex and often contentious parliamentary landscape.

“Many did not understand why I was combative on a number of occasions,” he said. “There were those who didn’t know how the heat was on me and were saying, ‘You are the Majority Leader; reach out’”.

The Majority Leader’s comments also touched on the challenges of working with the minority, whom he described as “stubborn” and “difficult.”

Afenyo-Markin claimed that the minority’s stance made it impossible to reach agreements, as they were “smelling power” and prioritizing their interests over the needs of the nation.

Afenyo-Markin’s remarks were not without precedent. Throughout the 8th Parliament, tensions between the majority and minority sides had been palpable.

In May 2024, Afenyo-Markin accused the minority of using tax waivers to sabotage government business, highlighting the deep-seated divisions within the parliament.

BY Daniel Bampoe

Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson has launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of orchestrating a “malicious prosecution” against him in connection with an ambulance procurement deal.

Speaking on the Floor of Parliament on Monday, January 6, Ato Forson described the charges against him as “frivolous and trumped-up,” aimed at silencing his dissenting voice and intimidating him into submission.

The ambulance deal in question dates back to 2015, when Ato Forson was a Deputy Minister of Finance.

The government had contracted Big Sea General Trading LLC to supply ambulances, but the vehicles delivered were not fit for purpose.

The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has argued that Ato Forson’s actions were criminally negligent, leading to financial loss to the state.

However, Ato Forson maintains that the prosecution is politically motivated, designed to damage his reputation and weaken his influence as a prominent opposition figure.

He points to the timing of the prosecution, which coincided with contentious debates over the government’s controversial e-levy policy.

Ato Forson had been a vocal critic of the policy, and he believes this made him a target for political retribution.

-BY Daniel Bampoe

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama, after being sworn in on January 7, 2025, outlined four key pillars to rejuvenate Ghana’s economy and society.

These pillars are economic restoration and stabilization, improving the business and investment environment, constitutional review, and the fight against accountability and corruption.

Emphasizing the urgency of these initiatives, President Mahama stressed that the current challenges required decisive and swift action to implement a 24-hour economy.

“The circumstances we find ourselves in are indeed dire, but even so, I’ll be decisive and swift in my actions. We’ll focus our initial efforts on four critical areas.

“The first is the restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment. The second is the improvement of the business and investment environment to ensure that Ghana is once again open for business.

“The third is governance and constitutional reforms, and the final one is accountability and the fight against corruption,” he stated.

In his inaugural speech, President Mahama said that the implementation of initiatives under his four-pillar framework would focus on creating decent, well-paid jobs for Ghanaians, especially the youth.

He highlighted agriculture and agribusiness as key sectors for job creation.

The President, alongside Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, pledged to prioritize inclusivity, accountability, and innovation, ensuring that every citizen had an opportunity to thrive under their leadership.

“Our policies will be tailored to sustain innovation and foster industries that engage today’s young minds and equip them with the skills for tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.

President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration would work closely with the business community to create decent and well-paid jobs, emphasizing that diversity would be at the heart of governance decisions.

He urged citizens to have faith in the process, advocating for a national reset to rebuild trust in public institutions.

“We need a reset in our dear nation Ghana because all of us are Ghana.

“What can you do to help build that better Ghana that we all strive for? What behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets can we reset?” Mahama asked, urging Ghanaians to contribute their quota to building a stronger nation.

“I ask that we enter into a covenant with the Ghana we all love and the good people who make up our dear nation, and I ask that you envision a Ghana that you want to live in and leave behind for your children and grandchildren,” he said.

Watch the moment John Mahama arrived for his investiture as President of Ghana:

Patrick Yaw Boamah is the MP for Okaikwei Central

Tensions are reportedly high at Abeka in Accra, as some residents took to the streets, burning car tyres and blocking major roads to protest the declaration of Patrick Boamah as the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, after the final collation of results.

In a post shared on X by CITI FM, some residents alleged that results were manipulated to unfairly strip Baba Sadiq, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, of his victory.

In a video that accompanied the post, tyres were seen in flames in the middle of a road with several people holding placards chanting, “No Baba no MP”.

Some policemen were also captured at the scene.

The post shared on X read, “Some residents of Abeka have taken to the streets, burning car tyres on the Abeka stretch, reportedly protesting the decision to award the parliamentary seat to Patrick Boamah after the final collation, which they claim unfairly stripped Baba Sadiq of his position.”

Background

The Electoral Commission (EC) declared Patrick Yaw Boamah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Okaikwei Central constituency in the Greater Accra Region on January 5, 2024.

According to the EC, Patrick Yaw Boamah secured 21,099 votes to win the seat, while his opponent, Abdulai Abu Baba Saddiq, garnered 19,368 votes.

This announcement followed a High Court ruling on Saturday, January 4, which granted an application by the NPP seeking to compel the EC to complete the collation of parliamentary results for the constituency.

Justice Forson Agyapong, who presided over the case, ruled in favour of the NPP, issuing an order of mandamus that compelled the EC to complete the collation process.

In his judgment, Justice Agyapong stated that the EC had failed to collate results from 31 outstanding polling stations in the constituency, which was a breach of its obligations.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared Patrick Yaw Boamah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Okaikwei Central constituency in the Greater Accra region.

Watch the video below:

Some residents of Abeka have taken to the streets, burning car tyres on the Abeka stretch, reportedly protesting the decision to award the parliamentary seat to Patrick Boamah after the final collation, which they claim unfairly stripped Baba Sadiq of his position.… pic.twitter.com/JP0ccKOJr2

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) January 7, 2025

RAD/AE

The inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, was a grand event full of celebration, tradition, and cultural pride.Among the many highlights of the ceremony, one thing that stood out was the President’s carefully chosen attire, which symbolized Ghana’s heritage and values.
Here’s a breakdown of the symbols in the President’s outfit and their meanings:First, the predominance of white, a significant color in Ghanaian culture, symbolises victory, while the vibrant kente

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According to the Ghanaweb report. The monument of Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, the Executive Director of Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), was destroyed barely moments after Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, was sworn in. This unexpected incident has sparked a whirlwind of comments on social media, with Ghanaians around the country expressing a mix of elation and outrage.

The statue, which had been erected to honor Mrs. Addo-Danquah for her service at EOCO, was reportedly toppled by anonymous individuals in what many believe was a symbolic act of protest or a reflection of the political upheaval that followed Mahama’s inauguration. The incident has renewed debate about her term at EOCO and her perceived connection with the previous administration, led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Social media responses have been highly different, highlighting the profound differences in public opinion. One person expressed their approval, saying, “Good news,” and another said, “Good effort! The Akufo-Addo statue remains at Takoradi Roundabout. A third comment expressed a desire for responsibility, saying, “Waiting for her arrest.” Criminality at EOCO has finally ended.” These remarks highlight the conflicting perspectives on Mrs. Addo-Danquah’s leadership and the larger backdrop of Ghanaian politics.

Mrs. Addo-Danquah was scrutinized and criticized throughout her time at EOCO, with some claiming that her investigations and enforcement actions were politically motivated. Critics accuse her of disproportionately pursuing opposition figures while protecting former government cronies. Her admirers, on the other hand, believe she carried out her duties professionally and made significant contributions to Ghana’s fight against economic and organized crime.

Many see the removal of her statue as a symbolic rejection of her legacy and an indicator of the tense political atmosphere that has formed after the change in leadership. While some see the act as an important step toward accountability and justice, others see it as an unneeded and damaging gesture that undermines trust in public individuals and institutions.

This episode highlights larger considerations regarding how Ghanaian presidents’ legacies are perceived after they leave power. It also exposes Ghana’s deep political differences, where even emblems of service may become heated battlegrounds. The split in reactions to this tragedy highlights the nation’s concerns as it navigates a new political terrain.

As news of the statue’s removal spreads, many Ghanaians are waiting for formal statements from the EOCO, Mrs. Addo-Danquah, and the new administration led by President Mahama. This episode serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges of maintaining national unity and respect for institutions, especially during times of political change.

The reactions to this occurrence reflect the intricacies of Ghana’s political atmosphere, in which history, legacy, and public perception are intertwined. As the country transitions to new leadership, the destruction of Mrs. Addo-Danquah’s statue could spark broader debates about accountability, governance, and the role of prominent people in defining the country’s destiny.

Samira Bawumia

In a heartfelt message, Samira Bawumia, the wife of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed her gratitude to Ghanaians for the opportunity to serve as the Second Lady of the Republic.

She described her tenure as the 6th and youngest Second Lady of the 4th Republic as an “incredible honour”.

Born in 1980, Samira Bawumia is the daughter of Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, the former National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC).

Her early education began at the Answarudeen Islamic School in Fadama, Accra, before moving to Alsyd Academy in Dzorwulu.

She later attended Akosombo International School and Mfantsiman Girls’ Secondary School in the Central Region.

Samira Bawumia’s academic achievements are impressive.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science in Law, Sociology, and Technology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

She also obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), where she was awarded the Best Student in 2012.

Recently, she graduated from the University of London with a Bachelor’s degree in Law.

As Second Lady, Samira Bawumia has been a strong advocate for various causes, including climate action, women empowerment, health, and education.

She is the founder and CEO of the Samira Empowerment & Humanitarian Projects (SEHP), a non-profit organization that aims to empower the underprivileged in Ghana.

Her humanitarian work has been recognized globally, earning her several awards, including the Ghanaian Women Association of Georgia Global Humanitarian Award and the African Women of Excellence Awards.

Samira Bawumia’s husband, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, serving as Vice President since 2017.

He was the running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections and has been elected as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 presidential election.

In a post on her Facebook page, she said “Thank you, Ghana, for the incredible honour to have served as the 6th and youngest Second Lady of the 4th Republic”.

“I am deeply grateful for your support and particularly proud of the many lives I inspired and impacted throughout this tenure. From the high-level advocacy both globally and locally to everyday interactions, it has been a great privilege and honour”.

“I look forward to more exciting endeavours as I continue my work in climate action, women empowerment, health and education. God bless us all and our homeland, Ghana,” she added.

-BY Daniel Bampoe

With around 20 African leaders in attendance, the 66-year-old is sworn in as Ghana’s president for third time.

John Mahama has been sworn in for a second term as Ghana’s president at a ceremony in the capital Accra, with around 20 African leaders in attendance.

Mahama won 56 percent of the vote in the nation’s presidential election on December 9, defeating ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41 percent.

Mahama takes over from outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who served two terms in power.

“Today should mark the opportunity to reset our country,” the 66-year-old new president, wearing the West African country’s national dress, told a jubilant crowd decked in the green, red, black and white hues of his National Democratic Congress (NDC) party on Tuesday.

Energy radiated from Accra’s Black Star Square, as a sea of elate faces waved Ghanaian and NDC flags, chanted and broke into spontaneous dance to the beat of drums and the blaring honk of vuvuzelas.

Among those present were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore, Kenyan President William Ruto, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema.

Mahama, 66, was sworn in alongside Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the first woman to become vice president in Ghana.

Mahama’s return to the presidency ends eight years in power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose last term was marked by Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in years, a bailout by the International Monetary Fund, and a debt default.

Mahama, who led Ghana from 2012 to early 2017, had previously failed twice to win back the presidency. But in December’s election, he managed to tap into expectations of change among Ghanaians.

On Black Star Square, supporters of the elected leader exuded joy, hope and optimism.

“I’ve never been so proud to be Ghanaian,” Akosua Nyarko, 28, a teacher from the southern city of Cape Coast, told the AFP news agency. “The energy here is amazing … This is the dawn of a new era!”

Mohammed Abubakar, a 50-year-old farmer from Tamale in northern Ghana, said he was confident Mahama would prioritise rural development.

“Coming here to Accra for this historic event is a dream come true,” the farmer said, adding that Mahama’s “leadership gives me hope that my children will have a better future”.

A writer and devotee of Afrobeat music, Mahama wrote in his memoir – My First Coup d’Etat, And Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa – that he was changed by his boyhood experiences during a 1966 military coup.

He was born in northern Ghana as a child of privilege, his house being the only one in the village with a diesel generator.

His father, who served as a junior government minister, was briefly detained and interrogated by the 1966 coup leaders but later released unharmed.

Mahama was also a member of parliament and chairman of the West Africa Caucus at the Pan-African Parliament in Pretoria.

With a history of political stability, Ghana’s two main parties, the ruling NPP and the NDC, have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992.

The country of 33 million people is Africa’s top gold exporter and the world’s second-largest cocoa producer.

The devastating fire that swept through the Kantamanto Market in Accra, leaving traders with substantial losses and an uncertain future has gotten support.

In response to the tragedy, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia visited the market, offering consol ation and a donation of GH¢200,000 to support the affected traders.

The fire, which occurred recently, destroyed goods and stalls, leaving many traders struggling to cope with the financial impact.

During his visit, Dr. Bawumia toured the damaged areas, engaging with traders and reassuring them of the government’s commitment to supporting their recovery efforts.

Addressing the victims, Dr. Bawumia conveyed his heartfelt sympathy and pledged to investigate the incident to ascertain the cause of the fire.

He also promised to provide assistance with the reconstruction of the market and the installation of CCTV cameras to improve security.

“We will do well to help you with those items you need to put up on the market,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“When we finish the market, there is something I want to propose. We have to ensure that we establish an internal security. Apart from the internal security, I will ensure that we install CCTV cameras around the market.”

The Vice President’s visit and donation are a welcome relief to the affected traders, who are struggling to recover from the devastating fire.

The government’s commitment to supporting their recovery efforts is a testament to its dedication to the welfare of Ghanaians.

BY Daniel Bampoe