The Founding President of IMANI-Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has responded to the viral image of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia bowing to President John Dramani Mahama during the inauguration ceremony for his second term.

The ceremony, held at Accra’s Black Star Square, was a grand display of Ghana’s democratic strength, featuring speeches, music, and cultural performances.

However, one particular moment gained significant attention: Dr. Bawumia’s respectful bow to Mahama.

The image, shared on Facebook, quickly went viral, sparking various emotions among Ghanaians.

Some praised the former Vice President for demonstrating humility, maturity, and statesmanship.

They highlighted how his gesture showcased respect for political opponents and promoted unity in a politically divided country.

The bow was seen as a reflection of Ghana’s political values, emphasizing mutual respect and democratic principles.

But in an interview on Adom FM’s, morning show, Franklin Cudjoe shared his perspective on the moment.

He explained that the bow was a true reflection of Dr. Bawumia’s character, rather than a carefully orchestrated act for the cameras.

“That’s Bawumia for you—he’s not arrogant, and he’s always respectful. His gesture was simply to show respect for Mahama. It’s not about putting on a show or pretending” he said.

He continued, “People should not read too much into it. This is just his nature—he values competition but respects others. He even conceded defeat earlier, which was also a gesture of grace.”

Mr. Cudjoe concluded by stating, “Bawumia has a bright future ahead of him, and I believe his actions reflect his genuine values.”

Mr. Cudjoe, further urged Ghanaians not to overanalyze the gesture but to appreciate it as a sincere reflection of Dr. Bawumia’s humility and respect for the nation’s democratic ethos.

President John Mahama says Ghana has the expertise and human resources necessary to address the ongoing energy crisis effectively.

Speaking on the matter, President Mahama acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome them.

“There are a few surprises that have come up in respect of the energy sector, in respect of some aspects of governments decisions and things over the last seven years. 

“But I think that Ghana has the human resources to be able to deal with the situation and turn things around as quickly as possible,” he stated.

His remarks come in response to concerns raised by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Abdulai Jinapor, who warned of a looming energy crisis due to insufficient fuel stocks for power generation.

Energy crisis: We have the personnel capable of dealing with the looming power crisis – @JDMahama #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/xe67qEp9zN

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) January 8, 2025

Mr Jinapor revealed that the outgoing Nana Akufo-Addo-led government had failed to procure the necessary fuel despite multiple warnings.

“If you look at the heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel, we don’t have enough to last two days. So, in two days’ time, we are likely to run out of fuel,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has stated that the incoming government will require $89.90 million to purchase liquid fuel in the absence of natural gas.

According to them, this is crucial to ensuring that electricity generation companies can produce sufficient power to meet national demand.

The West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAGP), which supplies natural gas to the country, is scheduled to undergo a major maintenance work, known as pigging, and will be unable to supply gas to Ghana for nearly one month.

In a statement issued by GRIDCo, the maintenance of the gas pipelines from Nigeria to Ghana by WAGP was initially set to take place in October 2024. However, the previous government postponed the maintenance to January 2025.

According to GRIDCo, if WAGP proceeds with the maintenance, the country will face a severe power crisis, resulting in frequent power outages, commonly referred to as dumsor, as the power producers do not have sufficient liquid fuel to generate more electricity.

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.

In a stunning development, it has emerged that Nana Addo, the former president of Ghana, is accused of transferring a staggering 2 billion to a different account just a day before stepping down from office.

The alleged illegal transaction has raised significant concerns about the handling of state funds during his administration, with investigations already underway.Sources close to the matter reveal that the transfer, which took place on the eve of her departure from office, bypassed proper protocols, raising questions about its legitimacy.

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Zeqblog Blog of Wednesday, 8 January 2025

Source: Okine Isaac

NPP Secretary Attacked Over Alleged Use Of Party Vehicle In Ashanti Region

NPP Secretary Attacked Over Alleged Use Of Party Vehicle In Ashanti Region

Nsiah Boakye Andrews, the Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Offinso South Constituency in the Ashanti Region, is recovering from injuries sustained in an attack reportedly orchestrated by the Constituency Chairman, Joe Sala, and a group of individuals.

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The Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) has encouraged parents to provide their children with enough provisions for school.

According to the conference, this is to help with the feeding challenges in SHSs.

CHASS had requested the Ministry of Education to promptly disburse pending funds for the uninterrupted functioning of SHSs across the country, warning that unresolved financial shortfalls could disrupt academic activities and compromise student welfare.

A communiqué signed by CHASS National Secretary, Primus Baro, highlighted the financial challenges faced by schools, which persist despite previous communications and verbal assurances from the Minister of Education during a Zoom meeting on December 18, 2024, and appealed for an extension of the January 3, 2025 reopening date.

However, the Ghana Education Service (GES) later announced that it was in discussions with the Ministry of Education to expedite the resolution of issues brought forth by the leadership of CHASS and insisted that students were expected to report back to school on January 3, 2025.

Primus Baro, National Secretary of CHASS, told JoyNews in an interview on Wednesday, January 8, that the situation had heightened and the help of parents was needed.

He stressed that food supplies were not reaching the schools and in some cases, they were relying on the old practice of sending students what they had.

“I encourage parents, and I have already advised my PTA to this effect, to let their children bring food like gari, shito, and sugar to supplement whatever the school provides. I urge parents across the country, as the food situation has still not improved in the past two and three years, and it has worsened at this particular time.

“Food supplies are not reaching the schools. In places like the Upper West, Upper East, and Northern regions, apart from rice, the schools have no stable food supplies. Oil is completely unavailable. For example, in my school, I currently don’t have a single drop of oil, so my matron has been using margarine to replace oil for cooking. I don’t have maize or beans—only rice and some gari.

“We are still relying on the old practices of sending students with what they have, and that’s the only reason we allowed the students to return. Otherwise, the situation is still far from ideal,” Baro stated.

Matthew Agambire, the designer behind President John Mahama’s ‘agbada’ which he wore to his Inauguration on January 7, 2025, has revealed the President was involved in the creative process.

In an interview on JoyNews, Matthew who owns the Bondaana fashion brand disclosed the inspiration behind the design.

“President Mahama is someone who believes so much in Ghana and he wanted something of Ghana, from Ghana and by Ghana. When I approached him about designing the outfit, I gave him a few ideas as to what I wanted to do. And in fact, he is actually a very key person in co-creating the brand. So he said he would need something that represents Ghana and he needed a Ghanaian to do it. So that was actually the brain behind the outfit,” he said.

Asked whose decision it was to incorporate the Adinkra symbols into the design, Matthew said “I had been planning and thinking on what to do on his outfit for the past two months. So what happened behind the scenes was that I would usually come up with something and go show it to him, and then he either approves or gives his contributions. So the Adinkra symbols were originally thought by me and shown to him for his approval. So it was teamwork between the two of us.”

About President Mahama’s inauguration ‘agbada’

On January 7, 2025, the man who secured a decisive victory in Ghana’s 2024 election made an equally commanding statement as he arrived at the Black Star Square for his inauguration.

President John Mahama, 66, took the Oath of Office and raised the glittering State Sword, a powerful symbol of authority, to a thunderous applause from the jubilant crowd.

However, it wasn’t just the ceremonial sword that captured the attention of Ghanaians at the venue and online on the sunny mid-morning.

He wore a white ‘Agbada,’ an outfit consisting of an inner garment of varying lengths and a pair of traditional trousers.

Mr Mahama’s unique twist featured two long kente embroideries flanking the three-piece attire.

The long kente design on the cloth matched the pattern of his hat.

The Kente design is named ‘Ɛmmerɛ Pa Da W’anim,’ which translates to Better Days Lie Ahead.

Noticeable at the centre of the attire were four Adinkra symbols.

They are, ‘Gye Nyame’, ‘Sankofa’, ‘Dwennimmen’ and ‘Nyame Dua’.

Dr. Tony Aidoo, a former Senior Presidential Aid and Head of Policy and Evaluation under the late Prof. Mills, offered his comments on the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s next president, calling it a momentous day for the country.

Dr. Tony Aidoo was upbeat about the occasion, highlighting the ceremony’s grandeur and the large number of dignitaries in attendance, even as he noted the difficulties the nation faces. This degree of foreign engagement, he said, suggests Ghana may make a comeback to the world diplomatic scene.

Nonetheless, Dr. Tony Aidoo did not hold back from critiquing the situation that the departing administration had left behind. He said that Ghana’s current state is similar to a “second independence with nothing to build upon,” and he blamed the previous government for sabotaging the country’s development and regional ties.

In particular, Dr. Tony Aidoo denounced the acts of former President Nana Akufo-Addo during his last days in power. Akufo-Addo cut diplomatic connections with the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic just three days before his mandate expired, he noted.

Additionally, on a visit to the United States, Akufo-Addo accused Burkina Faso of hiding terrorists along Ghana’s border, a move that Dr. Tony Aidoo called foolish and detrimental to Ghana’s diplomatic credibility.

Such acts, he said, have left Ghana politically isolated and relations with important neighbors strained, and he questioned how a head of state could take them.

Dr. Tony Aidoo is optimistic that President Mahama’s administration can improve Ghana’s reputation both domestically and abroad in spite of these setbacks.

He was disappointed with President Mahama’s inaugural speech’s content, but he praised the remarkable occasion and its potential to improve Ghana’s international status.

According to Dr. Tony Aidoo, the speech did not address the urgent issues facing average Ghanaians and was unduly diplomatic. He chastised the President for failing to be honest about the actual situation in the country, especially the serious harm the previous administration had done to the economy.

“President Mahama failed to provide a clear picture of the dire situation on the ground, despite acknowledging that the government cannot succeed alone and needs the support of all Ghanaians,” Dr. Tony Aidoo said.

Using the example of how the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by Nana Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had ruined the nation’s economic foundations, he contended that the President ought to have been forthright and honest. Dr. Tony Aidoo feels that Mahama lost a chance to unite Ghanaians around the truth, regardless of the diplomatic ramifications for other countries.

“The President ought to have stated it honestly,” Dr. Tony Aidoo argued. Whether it offends foreign sensibilities or not is irrelevant. He was purposefully set up for failure by the NPP government, and the people have a right to know the truth about their situation.

In order to restore confidence and togetherness among Ghanaians, Dr. Tony Aidoo emphasized that President Mahama must take a more direct approach to resolving national issues and that openness and honesty are essential.

Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson

It’s Not A Suprise , We’ve Been Asked To Go Home By Mahama’s Gov’t-Dean Of MMDCEs

It’s Not A Suprise , We’ve Been Asked To Go Home By Mahama’s Gov’t-Dean Of MMDCEs

The Dean of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Richmond Agyabeng Amponsah, has expressed his acceptance of President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to revoke the appointments of all MMDCEs across the country.

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By Iddi Yire

Accra, Jan 08, GNA – The colourful historic inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama, which has once again put Ghana in the global limelight was graced by over 30 presidents and prime ministers from Africa and across the globe.

Among the high profile dignitaries who graced the occasion were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was the special guest speaker and President William Ruto of Kenya.

Others included President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Adama Barrow of the Gambia, President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone and President Joseph Boakai of Liberia.

The rest were President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo, President Patrice Guillaume Athanase Talon of Benin, President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, President Mahamat Idriss Deby of Chad, President Mamady Doumbouya of Guinea Conakry and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau.

There were also President Brice Oligui Nguema of Garbon, President Duma Boko of Botswana, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, Vice President Philip Isdor Mpango of Tanzania, Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo of Uganda, and Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue of Equatorial Guinea.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of Moroccan House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami, Mr Adama Bictogo, the President of the Na­tional Assembly of the Ivory Coast, and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé of Haiti, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger and Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga of Mali.

The United Kingdom’s delegation to Mahama’s inauguration was led by Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa, while the United States delegation was led by Madam Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, and that of the European Union was led by Mr Bernard Quintin , Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions.

Among the former African leaders who were in attendance included former President Jacob Zumah of South Africa, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and two former Presidents of Nigeria – Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo.

Also in attendance were Mrs Lordina Mahama, the First Lady of Ghana, Madam Patricia Scotland, outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General and Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the incoming Commonwealth Secretary-General.

On the local front, eminent personalities who were in attendance included former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his wife, Rebecca, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira, former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress.

The Presidential inauguration, which took place before Parliament at the Independence Square in Accra, was presided over by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

The Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, administered the oaths of allegiance and office to President Mahama.

She also administered the oath of allegiance and office to Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

GNA

By Kodjo Adams

Accra, Jan. 7, GNA- Mr Bernard Quintin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institution of Belgium, has hailed Ghana’s robust economic development agenda to create opportunities and enhance Intra-African and global trade.

He expressed satisfaction about Ghana’s cocoa, which was produced partly for the national market and for export.

“It is important to export in order to have forex to make your economy work and translate into a better social life,” he said at a press briefing in Accra.

Mr Quintin was directed by Ms Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, to represent the European Union (EU) at the inauguration ceremony of President-elect John Mahama on January 7, 2025.

The inauguration ceremony is a significant moment for Ghana, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s history.

The high-level EU delegation has demonstrated commitment to Ghana as a partner on sustainable and inclusive development and regional security.

Mr Quintin was impressed by the number of more than 20 heads of state who were present at the inauguration ceremony.

Mr Quintin visit demonstrated the importance of the relations between Belgium, the European Union, and Ghana and the shared desire to strengthen the partnership in the political, economic, and human domains.

“It is so important to come for this ceremony because Ghana is a very important partner of Belgium and the European Union in Western Africa, not only in trade traditionally, but also in the security matters.

“The EU has become the first partner of Ghana on security matters,” he said.

As the EU’s representative, he reaffirmed the EU-Ghana partnership priorities on job creation, economic diversification, sustainability, regional security, and others.

He met with Ghanaian and African leaders to discuss key issues such as the security situation in the Sahel, the fight against jihadism, and economic development opportunities.

These matters, the Belgian Foreign Minister stressed, were of common concern and underlined the importance of effective collaboration between European and African partners.

He expressed happiness about the programme of President John Mahama and his new administration, particularly with the accountability and the fight against corruption.

“We do think that accountability is important, and we certainly support this new administration in this business-minded environment and all the important elements that were said in President Mahama’s inauguration speech,” he said.

President Mahama’s four key policy areas are economic restoration and stabilisation, improvement of the business and investment environment, governance and constitutional reforms and accountability and the fight against corruption.

Mr Quintin and his team had an audience and lunch with Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, met with Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS, and had bilateral meetings with regional leaders.

The team also visited Niche Cocoa, a Ghanaian company receiving Belgian funding via BIO-Invest.

The Belgian Foreign Minister was accompanied by Mr Irchad Razaaly, EU Ambassador to Ghana; Mrs Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana; Mrs Sibille de Cartier d’Yves, Belgium Special Envoy for the Sahel and West Africa; and Mr Philip Haspeslagh, Adviser to the Belgian Foreign Minister.

GNA