Ghanaian dancehall artist has once again been in the trends after his much-talked-about song “On God” made it to the Billboard Chart, sparking an uproar on social media.
Wale’s “On God”, released about two (2) years ago, had about 11 million views on YouTube, but after his performance at Vybz Kartel’s “Freedom Street Concert,” his views skyrocketed above 12 million.
The Minority in Parliament has expressed disappointment over the performance of Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson during his vetting as Finance Minister designate, describing his responses as evasive, inconsistent, and lacking clarity.
The Minority criticized the nominee, who previously served as a Deputy Finance Minister and ranking member of the Finance Committee, for failing to provide forthright answers on critical issues.
“Having held such significant roles, one would have expected him to demonstrate clarity of thought and present concrete solutions to pressing financial concerns,” a Minority spokesperson, Dr. Gideon Boako said at a press conference in Parliament.
Tuition Fees for Tertiary Students
The Minority was particularly dissatisfied with Dr. Forson’s response to whether the government would honour its campaign promise to cover first-year tuition fees for tertiary students.
“How can a finance minister designate claim he cannot address this issue because he is not yet in office? This response signals a betrayal of trust to the students and parents who believed in the NDC’s promise,” the Minority stated.
Free SHS for Private Schools
When questioned about extending the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme to private schools, as indicated in the NDC manifesto, Dr. Forson’s response was deemed dismissive, the Minority alleged.
The Minority argued the Finance Minister designate displayed ignorance of the fact that many private schools participated in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
“If President Mahama and the NDC knew that no private SHS writes WASSCE, why promise to include them in the program during the campaign?” the Minority asked.
Revenue Shortfalls and Tax Cuts
The Minority acknowledged the Minister designate’s commitment to scrap taxes such as the betting tax, e-levy, COVID levy, and emissions tax.
However, they raised concerns about his lack of clarity on how the government would address the resulting revenue shortfalls.
The Minority pointed out that while Dr. Forson suggested expenditure cuts as a solution, he failed to specify which sectors would be affected.
“Will expenditure cuts impact social programs like the Free SHS, nursing trainee allowances, and school feeding? Will salaries and infrastructure projects suffer?” the NPP MPs quizzed.
The Minority also questioned whether the tax cuts would lead to the introduction of new, potentially harsher taxes.
Integrity and Data Accuracy
The Minority again said nominee’s integrity came under scrutiny when he provided incorrect data during his responses.
In addressing concerns over misleading figures he presented in 2019, Dr. Ato Forson cited IMF data, which contradicted his claims.
The Minority expressed concern over his justification for presenting incorrect figures, describing it as “charitable.”
Minority’s Verdict
The Minority asserted that Dr. Ato Forson’s performance during the vetting process raised doubts about his preparedness to handle the critical role of Finance Minister.
“Ghanaians deserve a Finance Minister who is transparent, knowledgeable, and capable of addressing the nation’s pressing financial challenges,” they stated.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House
Pratt, speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show on January 14, 2025, described the advertisements as “wasteful” and “senseless,” especially considering the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
The renowned journalist raised concerns about the practicality of such spending in a nation struggling with a severe financial crisis and mounting national debt.
“We are a debt-ridden country, yet state institutions are engaging in such needless spending,” Pratt remarked, expressing his disapproval of the extravagant expenditure.
He called for a more responsible approach to managing state resources, emphasizing that supporting the president and vice president should extend beyond symbolic gestures like full-page adverts.
Instead, he urged public institutions to focus on tangible outcomes. “If you want to show love to the president, work hard to improve the institutions you’re managing,” Pratt suggested, highlighting the importance of results-driven support over wasteful spending.
Pratt’s comments came at a time when Ghana’s economic situation is causing significant strain on the government’s budget, and many citizens are calling for greater fiscal discipline.
He also questioned whether the funds allocated for the advertisements were properly accounted for in the budgets of these institutions.
In his closing remarks, Pratt stressed the need for the country to prioritize essential spending and avoid unnecessary luxuries during such tough economic times.
Some residents of Nungua Addogono and Baatsona in the Greater Accra Region have expressed concerns over a surge in robberies and phone-snatching incidents in the area.
Community members report feeling increasingly unsafe, particularly during the evening hours, and have called on the Ghana Police Service to intensify patrols to enhance security.
According to the residents, the perpetrators—often in pairs on motorbikes—target commuters by snatching phones, handbags, and other personal belongings before speeding off.
Mr. Isaac Young, a businessman and resident of Addogono, recounted a harrowing experience where he was chased and robbed by the miscreants on his way home around 10:00 p.m. last week.
“They even returned my old phone and told me to upgrade the phone I use,” he said, describing the robbers as six individuals riding on three motorcycles. He added that while they attacked several people, some managed to escape unscathed.
Another resident, Mr. Mawutor Gaar, shared how he witnessed a phone-snatching incident at the Addogono last stop about three months ago. The incident has since instilled fear in him, making him hesitant to carry his phone outside, especially in the evenings.
“I was coming home from work when two men on a motorbike snatched a lady’s phone from her hand. It happened so fast. People nearby tried to help, but the thieves sped off,” he recalled.
The residents are appealing for increased police visibility in the area, emphasizing that patrols, particularly at night and in high-risk zones, would deter criminals and improve public safety.
Mr. John Issah Andullah Tassa, the Assemblyman for Nungua Addogono, acknowledged the rising security concerns and assured residents of ongoing efforts to address the situation.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he said he would liaise with the district police command to intensify patrols and deploy additional teams to identified hotspots.
“There have been numerous reports of both daytime and nighttime robberies,” he admitted. He also urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to facilitate police efforts.
Mr. Tassa further noted that most streetlights in the area are not functioning, which has exacerbated the insecurity. He explained that the electoral areas had not received sufficient streetlights from the assembly but expressed hope for improvements soon.
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Media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah
Popular Ghanaian media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, has shared her approach to dealing with rumours.
Anamoah emphasised that she ignores rumours entirely, stating that such rumours are started by people who are bored or unhappy with their own lives.
“I do not have time for them. I am too busy and focused. Rumours are started by people who are bored, angry in life. People who have absolutely nothing to do. And so, they have cultivated the habit of fabricating stories. I do not make an effort to respond to any rumour,” she said.
Anamoah explained that she does not hear most rumours because her close circle of family and friends know she does not care about them.
“Nobody around me will come and say anything. Not my family, not my friends, not my circle. No one. The only time I will hear that there is something like this happening is when people outside my circle see me and ask about them,” she added.
She advised others to prioritise their sanity and not let rumours affect their lives.
Anamoah also urged her supporters to stop defending her against rumours, as she does not care about them and believes they should not either.
“People say things every day. Except that because we are in the limelight, the rumours about us become more projected. It should not be the focus of your life.
“So the people who go out of their way to fight for me, I want to tell them to stop because I don’t care. So, you shouldn’t care either,” she said.
Watch the interview below:
ID/AE
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Kofi Adomah is currently in a stable condition
Following reports that popular broadcaster and media personality, Kofi Adomah, had been shot in the eye, new details have emerged about the incident.
The news was first broken by fellow media personality, Afia Pokua, also known as Vim Lady, on her Facebook page on January 15, 2024.
A few hours after the initial news, new reports from media houses, including mynewsgh.com and myjoyonline.com, and also from Afia Pokua, said that the broadcaster was not deliberately shot, but was rather hit by gunpowder residues from muskets.
According to the reports, the incident occurred during a funeral at Dormaa in the Bono Region last week.
Kofi Adomah, who was covering the event, was struck in the eyes by some gunpowder residues from a musket that was being fired at the event grounds.
This led to severe injury to one of his eyes and complications to the other.
Adomah has subsequently been flown out to Dubai for further treatment.
Afia Pokua expressed her gratitude for the well wishes and urged people to keep sending prayers for his recovery.
“Bless you for all your prayers. Kofi Adomah is stable. He was hit by pellets from shots fired during a traditional event at Dormaa while working. Glory to God for his mercies.
“Continue to send your prayers Up To The Heavens. God remains on the throne,” she posted.
See the post below:
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Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries below:
MP of Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako
Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, has refuted claims that scrapping the E-Levy and Betting Tax would violate Ghana’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking at a Minority press conference, Dr Boako clarified his stance, stating that he has never made such a claim and that the matter has been misrepresented.
“I have never said anywhere that scrapping Betting Tax and E-Levy will violate the IMF programme,” Dr Boako insisted.
He explained that the decision to remove these taxes aligns with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) manifesto promise, which was championed by the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to him, the NPP is committed to fulfilling this pledge as part of its vision for economic relief and tax reform.
Dr Boako further highlighted that Dr Bawumia has consistently opposed taxes of this nature, referencing a 2020 interview on Peace FM where the NPP leader shared his views against the E-Levy.
He stressed that the party’s stance is rooted in its longstanding policy positions, not in any potential conflict with the IMF programme.
The Tano North MP reiterated the importance of honouring campaign promises, particularly those aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens.
He called on stakeholders to focus on the broader objectives of Ghana’s economic recovery rather than misconstruing the party’s intentions regarding tax policies.
Meanwhile, watch as Joe Wise outlines two key strategies Minority can employ to be effective
Kenyan lawyer Judy Thongori die
Many Kenyans and legal practitioners including President William Ruto don begin dey send condolence messages to di family of ogbonge lawyer Judy Thongori wey die.
On Wednesday morning, pipo for Kenya bin wake to di news of di death of dis ogbonge lawyer wey dem describe as human rights advocate wey don touch lives of odas.
Kenya President William Ruto say di lawyer bin dedicate her life to family law for di kontri wen she dey alive.
“Her dedication to family law and human rights touch many lives and leave lasting impact on our society,” Ruto tok for im statement.
As President Ruto say late ‘Judy kindness, wisdom and service go dey deeply missed and remembered’, several Kenyans don dey pour in dia condolences.
According to Faith Odhiambo wey be di 51st President of di Law Society of Kenya, she say di contribution of Thongori and her impact go remain for di legal profession.
“Dis morning, di legal fraternity mourn di loss of a distinguished member and beacon of excellence. Judy Thongori SC na monument of legal prowess and exemplified all di qualities of a professional North Star.
“Her noteworthy contributions to family law and human rights dey timeless and kontinue to propagate a learning curve for many ifor di profession. Di legacy she leave behind go remain an indelible mark of her impact wey go live on among us.”
Odhiambo send condolence to di family wia she pray make dem heal and find comfort.
Di Council of Legal Education for Kenya wia Thongori don serve bin also send dia condolene as dem describe di kain pesin wey she be for di legal profession.
“We dey deeply saddened by di demise of SC, Judy Thongori. Her dedication and commitment no get any match and di legal profession don loss an epitome of excellence and professionalism,” according to di statement by di council.
Wetin cause her death
According to tori, na small illness bin lead to di death of dis legal professional wey don spend most of her life to fight for family law reform for Kenya.
Di death still dey shock some legal pipo for Kenya.
Who Judy Thongori be?
Judy Thongori na ogbonge family and human rights lawyer for Kenya wey don contribute to different aspect of di law profession for di kontri.
Ms. Thongori bin previously serve for di Council of Legal Education as a Council Member wia she contribute to regulate legal education and training for Kenya
According to 15th Chief Justice and President of di Supreme Court of Kenya, Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, she describe Thongori as one of Kenya most distinguished legal practitioners.
Ms. Thongori na trailblazer for di legal profession and a passionate advocate for justice for di matters wey dey affect families, women and children.
For di early 2000s, Thongori bin lead di Legal Department of FIDA-Kenya with unmatched dedication and brilliance wia Hon Justice Koome bin serve as Chairperson.
Wen Thongori dey FIDA, she dey instrumental to di law wey dey protect di rights, interests, and dignity of vulnerable women, children and di family well-being.
She also dey strong for Family Division of di Kenya High Court wia she advocate for family law reform.
Wen Thongori begin private practice, she become one of Kenya foremost family law practitioners.
For November 2024, Thongori speak Supreme Court at12 Conference, wia she lead panel discussion on family law
We join the family, friends, and the legal fraternity in mourning the loss of Judy Thongori SC, an exceptional advocate and champion for justice.
Her dedication to family law and human rights touched many lives and left a lasting impact on our society.
Judy’s kindness, wisdom… pic.twitter.com/7H1K9OUVaj
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) January 15, 2025
I rise with a heavy heart to join my colleagues in the legal fraternity and the nation at large in mourning the untimely demise of Senior Counsel Judy Thongori, a beacon of excellence in Family Law and an unwavering advocate for women’s rights.
Senior Counsel Judy Thongori… pic.twitter.com/WBUpZJFjKS
— Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang’ula (@HonWetangula) January 15, 2025
We are saddened by the passing on of Ms Judy Thongori,SC.We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. pic.twitter.com/1Sfnojgf1g
— Council of Legal Ed. (@CLE_Kenya) January 15, 2025
Rest in power @Judy_Thongori. It’s such a huge loss to the legal profession and the country at large. pic.twitter.com/q2Dzn9l8v1
— Wakili-Steven Mbugua (@WanjiruSteven) January 15, 2025
This morning, the legal fraternity mourns the loss of a distinguished member and beacon of excellence. Judy Thongori SC has been a monument of legal prowess and exemplified all the qualities of a professional North Star. Her noteworthy contributions to family law and human rights… pic.twitter.com/nqz73gnwGj
— Faith Odhiambo (@FaithOdhiambo8) January 15, 2025
President John Mahama has kicked off his presidency with resounding success, securing an 85% approval rating in his first week in office.
This outstanding approval score comes from Professor Ransford Gyampo, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department.
The lecturer has lauded Mr. Mahama’s swift response to the nation’s pressing issues and his proactive approach to governance.
In an exclusive interview with Adom News, Professor Gyampo expressed his admiration for President Mahama’s rapid decision-making and the strategic appointment of ministers and officials, which has set the stage for a functional and effective government.
According to Professor Gyampo, Mr. Mahama’s leadership style so far has demonstrated a sense of urgency and a commitment to tackling the country’s challenges head-on, rather than getting bogged down in political blame games.
“President Mahama has shown a remarkable determination to hit the ground running,” said Professor Gyampo. “He is not waiting for things to unfold; he is taking immediate action to address the concerns of the people and ensure that governance is efficient,” he said.
While the previous government failed to deliver on securing stable fuel supplies for consistent power, President Mahama is taking decisive action to ensure that the lights stay on.
His approach to leadership contrasts sharply with that of Akufo-Addo’s government, which, even on Election Day, continued to blame the administration it succeeded instead of offering solutions.
Mahama’s focus on addressing the root causes of the power challenges demonstrates true leadership—taking responsibility and working towards sustainable solutions for the benefit of the people.
Professor Gyampo also highlighted Mahama’s refreshing approach to governance—one focused on practical solutions rather than finger-pointing.
This, he argues, has earned the President significant respect from Ghanaians and placed him on a promising trajectory.
However, Prof. Gyampo did offer a word of advice for the President to ensure his appointments reflect a mix of both seasoned, competent figures and fresh, dynamic faces.
“We do not want to fall into a cycle where only familiar names are recycled,” he cautioned. “The public will be eager to see new faces—individuals who bring innovative ideas and energy to the table,” he urged.
The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors has refuted reports suggesting a critical fuel shortage in the country in the coming days.
Speaking to Citi News, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Dr. Patrick Ofori reassured the public that there is enough fuel at the port with supply expected to increase as stakeholders take steps to avert any potential crisis.
However, he noted that the Gold-for-Oil policy under the previous government had devalued imports in favor of BOST.
Dr. Ofori also urged the Mahama government to maintain the Bank of Ghana’s forex initiative to help stabilize the currency.
“Most of the BDCs currently have products at anchorage, with vessels discharging petrol,” he explained.
“In addition, over the next week or two, we’re expecting about 100,000 metric tonnes of petrol to arrive in the country. There is no cause for alarm, and our members do not face any capacity or financial constraints. Nothing of that sort is happening.”
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) has warned of a potential fuel shortage in the coming days.
The Chamber attributes this looming crisis to the suspension of the gold-for-oil programme and the operational halt of Sentuo Oil’s refining activities.
Speaking on the issue on GHOne TV, Dr. Riverson Oppong, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, urged the government to take swift and decisive action to avert the anticipated shortage.
“When the gold-for-oil started, it peaked and when it peaked, we in the petroleum sector saw this coming. Anytime you are drawing a graph and there is a peak, there is a fall and we warned the government but it won’t listen.
“And when the supply was cut to an extent and when the Sentuo Oil refinery also ceased to produce, or let’s say, process, we anticipated a loss. Today, the fuel shortage we find in the market has to do with the PMS. BDC’s ceased to import because there was gold-for-oil.”
Do you want to introduce ‘goro boys’ into ECG activities? – Minority asks John Jinapor
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Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has voiced strong disapproval of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing the party of abandoning him during his ongoing legal battles with investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Hot FM, Nyantakyi highlighted the lack of support from the party, even as he faced allegations stemming from the infamous “#Number 12 exposé.”
Nyantakyi disclosed that his candidacy for the NPP parliamentary primaries
Lisa Laryea’s journey of courage and hope moved hearts far and wide. At just 10 years old, she inspired many with her dream of becoming a paediatric oncologist to help children like herself battling cancer.
Tragically, Lisa’s fight ended at the Wits Donald Gordon Hospital in South Africa, where she passed away during a bone marrow transplant.
At her funeral service at the Lashibi Funeral Home, her mother, Georgia Golightly Thompson, read a heartfelt tribute, capturing the essence of Lisa’s short but impactful life.
“I lived the past 10 years of my life with the most amazing child I could ever ask for. Thank you, Lisa, for making me a proud mother. Your stay on earth was short, but you gave me so many memories to hold onto. You touched so many lives; even in your death, you’re still touching lives because of the star you are,” she wrote.
Lisa’s selflessness and contentment stood out even in the face of hardship. Her mother recounted how, despite her young age, Lisa made life easier for those around her and was always appreciative of the little she had.
Lisa’s battle with leukemia drew attention when her family launched a desperate plea for help to fund her treatment.
After exhausting all their resources, philanthropist and businessman Ibrahim Mahama stepped in, covering the over $100,000 required for her bone marrow transplant.
His generosity gave Lisa a fighting chance and filled her family with hope.
Lisa inspired everyone who met and heard her story, including the medical teams in both Ghana and South Africa. Her story highlighted the urgent need for awareness and support for children battling cancer.
Even in her passing, Lisa’s legacy continues to shine. Her story has created awareness about childhood leukemia, inspiring others to support cancer care and treatment.
Her mother, in her tribute, said it best: “You’ll always be my sunshine. You’ll always be in my heart. Sleep well, my sunshine. I love you to the moon and back.”
Lisa Laryea’s life was brief but her memory will continue to inspire others to dream big and extend kindness to those in need.
The funeral service was attended by Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, family, friends and well wishers.
TRIBUTE BY MOTHER TO HER LATE DAUGHTER – MONALISA LARYEA
I lived the past 10 years of my life with the most amazing child I could ever ask for. Thank you, Lisa, for making me a proud mother. Thank you for coming into my world, and thank you for choosing me as your earthly mother. Thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me. As little as you were, you made life so easy for me.
You never gave me a reason to worry because you were always content with whatever I had to offer. Your selflessness made me love you even more. You’ll always be my sunshine. You’ll always be in my heart.
Your stay on earth was short, but you gave me so many memories to hold onto. They’ll remain with me forever. You touched so many lives; even in your death, you’re still touching lives because of the star you are. Your story has been heard all over the world and has created awareness for others. I know for a fact that this is what you wanted to do.
Sleep well, my sunshine.
I love you to the moon and back.
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.
Actress cum politician, Ebi Bright
Ghanaian actress and politician, Ebi Bright, who ran for the Tema Central seat on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket, has shared her motivations for entering politics and her commitment to the creative arts industry.
In an interview, Bright stated that Tema Central initially lacked a candidate because many believed it was not a viable constituency to contest.
However, she said she decided to step up, despite being described as a ‘Kantata actress,’ and run for office.
“Incidentally, Tema Central didn’t have a candidate because everybody said, ‘This place, why will you come and contest here?’ And then there was someone called Ebi Bright, whom they described as a ‘Kantata actress’ coming to the contest,” she said.
On her shift from acting to politics, Ebi Bright admitted that she was once critical of the Ghanaian movie industry but later realised it was her responsibility to use her voice in Parliament to advocate for change.
Bright highlighted the economic potential of the creative arts sector, describing it as a significant contributor to the nation’s survival.
“So, now I have an appreciation for the movie industry because of politics, that I didn’t have before. What many people fail to understand is that making that kind of intervention in the creative space is not only about the space. It’s about the whole economic survival of the country, the nation. This is potentially our number one earner.
“So, it’s about making investments into the spaces, providing jobs, and reaching the lives of those already employed within the ecosystem,” she said.
She also pointed out the challenges faced by creatives, stating that the nation owes a responsibility to its creatives, and it is crucial for those in the industry to speak up and demand better conditions.
“It’s an embarrassment to see the way that creatives retire. Oh, the way that creatives live. You know, this is painful. You know, there’s no dignity, and it’s not a viable career path for many people.
“And so, this is a responsibility that the nation owes us. But then it’s also a responsibility for creatives to speak about,” she said.
After a series of disputes, Ebi Bright lost her race to be Member of Parliament for Tema Central.
Despite her loss, she remains confident and resilient in her efforts to be a voice for her constituency and the creative arts industry.
ID/AE
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Nigerian Gospel singer Timileyin Ajayi was arrested for the murder and beheading of his girlfriend, 24-year-old Salome Adaidu.
Ajayi was apprehended near a church in Orozo, a border community between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), after being found with a sack containing the severed head of the victim.
Upon his arrest, Ajayi reportedly confessed to the crime, expressing no remorse. According to him, Adaidu was “always cheating” on him and as a result he doesn’t regret taking her life. He added that an argument ensued after he discovered her communicating with another man, leading to a violent altercation during which he took her life.
The gruesome discovery was made when church members noticed Ajayi’s suspicious behaviour during a service. He was seen attempting to dispose of a black nylon bag in a nearby river. Upon confrontation, he fled but was subsequently apprehended by vigilant members of the congregation.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Police Command has taken Ajayi into custody, and investigations are ongoing. The incident has sparked outrage and sorrow among Nigerians, with many mourning the tragic loss of Adaidu and calling for justice to be served.
Watch the video below;
Source:Ghanacelebrities.com
Ghanaian journalist Stephen Kofi Adomah has reportedly been attacked by unidentified assailants, sustaining gunshot wounds.
Details about the incident remain unclear, but the news was revealed by his colleague and friend, Afia Pokuaa Vim Lady, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
In her post, Afia Pokuaa expressed deep concern for the Chief Executive Officer of Kofi TV and offered prayers for his recovery.
She wrote: “Yesu, Kofi, I’m praying for your full recovery and healing. Kofi Adomah, I have been panicking since hearing the news that you were shot in the eye. May the Lord work overtime on you.”
The incident has sparked concern among journalists and the public, with many calling for swift investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Bulk oil distributors deny imminent fuel shortage
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Bertha Badu-Agyei/Harriet Akosua Kwakye
Accra, Jan,15. GNA – The Eastern Regional Women’s Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has extended its gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for nominating Madam Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey as the Eastern Regional Minister nominee.
Madam Shirley Naana Osei Ampem, the Eastern Regional Women’s Organiser in a statement copied to the GNA, said the appointment of a woman as a regional minister significantly enhanced women’s participation in politics and governance.
“Indeed, this action is an ode to the commitment of the NDC to enhancing the participation of women in politics and an extension of profound goals of bridging gender inequality in line with the Affirmative Action Act, 2024.”
Madam Awatey, the nominee has a wealth of experience in governance, education, and community development, having served as the presiding member of the Yilo Krobo municipal assembly.
She is the Deputy Eastern Regional Womens Organizer for the NDC and holds an MPhil in Leadership from the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
Madam Awatey is an educator and an advocate for women’s empowerment and currently pursuing PhD in Migration at the University of Ghana.
The Eastern Regional Minister-designate is one of the three women out of 10 nominees appointed by President Mahama to serve as regional ministers.
GNA
Absa Bank has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Ghanaian small businesses by donating GHS 150,000 to support traders affected by the devastating fire on January 2. The donation comprised GHS 100,000 in cash and GHS 50,000 worth of roofing sheets to aid rebuilding efforts of the traders.
The brief presentation at the Kantamanto market was attended by officials of Absa Bank and representatives of all the trading associations in Kantamanto.
Kobla Nyaletey, Executive Director, Retail and Business Banking at Absa Bank Ghana during his remarks, expressed deep sympathy for the traders’ losses and emphasized Absa Bank’s proactive support in his address.
Mr. Nyaletey outlined three key initiatives for the traders: a donation of GHS 150,000, offering loans to traders at a favorable 10% interest rate, and establishing an Absa presence within Kantamanto Market to facilitate seamless transactions.
The Director of SME, Agency Banking, and Partnerships at Absa Bank, Audrey Abakah, also highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting traders through innovative financial solutions.
“As a bank that cares and seeks to empower Africa’s tomorrow, we could not sit idly by but felt compelled to meet with the executives of the Second-Hand Used Clothing Association to make a donation and present specially designed packages for wholesalers and traders.”
Dr. Joseph Obeng, president of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), expressed gratitude for the bank’s swift intervention, saying, ‘We thank Absa for listening to our cry and coming to help us. Absa has once again proven to be a friend of traders. The support Absa has given us today shows the integrity of the bank.”
“We will use the money to rebuild Kantamanto and not for anything else,” added Dr. Obeng.
The Minority in Parliament has urged former government officials to reject any invitations from the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) team, describing its operations as unconstitutional and redundant.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, January 15, Suame MP John Darko insisted that the team’s activities undermine Ghana’s legal framework, as they duplicate the functions of established investigative bodies such as the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance-designate
The Minority in Parliament has sharply criticised the Minister of Finance- designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for what they say are his inconsistent responses during his vetting on Monday, January 13, 2025.
According to them, answers were evasive, unclear, and lacked clarity, especially given his experience as a former Deputy Minister of Finance and Ranking Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament.
In a statement issued on January 15, 2025, they pointed out his failure to address the government’s promise to pay fees for first-year university students.
“How can a finance minister-designate look into the faces of parents and young Ghanaian students and say that because he is not yet the minister, he cannot answer whether the pledge by President Mahama to pay for their fees would be honoured?” it noted.
They further suggested this was a deceptive move by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), potentially misleading students into voting for them.
The Minority also criticised Dr. Ato Forson’s responses concerning the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
They reminded the government of President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promise to include private SHSs in the program.
“We can all recall that during the election campaign, President Mahama met the leadership of private senior high schools and promised to include private schools in the Free SHS program,” it stated.
They expressed concerns over his apparent lack of awareness of private SHS schools that write the WASSCE exam, calling it shocking that he feigned ignorance.
“There are private SHS’ in Ghana that write WASSCE, and they are anxiously waiting to be included in the Free SHS program,” it added.
The Minority also raised concerns over the government’s unfulfilled promise to pay the fees of first-year tertiary students.
They specifically pointed out that the deadline for payment of fees for freshers at KNUST had already passed, and students were still awaiting action.
“The number of students in our tertiary schools is a public record, and an estimate ought to have been known with the promise. On behalf of our sons, daughters, nephews, and nieces, we wish to remind the government that these students will be entering tertiary institutions any moment now. Particularly for KNUST, the deadline for payment of fees for freshers was just yesterday. The students are waiting,” it stated.
The Minority also called into question Forson’s credibility, citing an instance where he used incorrect data during the vetting.
They noted that Forson had referenced IMF data, which turned out to be inconsistent with the actual figures, further undermining his trustworthiness.
“The integrity of the finance minister designate was again called into question when he provided incorrect data in response to a question about some misleading data he had used in 2019. The Minister Designate clearly sought refuge in IMF data, which turned out to be different from what he presented. When he realised that his own source could not substantiate his case, he claimed he was being charitable by providing a lower figure for the fiscal deficit of 6.1% for 2016, while the IMF’s figure was 6.3%. Can a Minister boldly claim he was charitable in presenting incorrect figures? Interesting,” it explained.
On Monday, January 13, Dr. Ato Forson appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament following his nomination as Minister of Finance.
He answered questions on taxation, inflation the economy among others.
JKB/AE
Watch a compilation of the latest Twi news below:
Kumawood actor, Kwaku Manu
Popular Kumawood actor, Kwaku Manu, has proposed the establishment of a support club for Kumawood actors and stakeholders to assist those in need.
This suggestion comes in the wake of the deaths of fellow actors C Confion and Bernard Nyarko in 2024, both of whom battled illnesses.
In an interview with Kumasi-based Big Ben TV, Kwaku Manu attributed their deaths to poor health conditions that the film industry failed to address adequately.
He expressed regret that the late actors did not inform many people in the industry about their illnesses, which might have prevented the tragedy if help had been offered.
“He (C Confion) did not inform his family when he was sick, and he shouldn’t have done that. They could have potentially averted this disaster by offering help. Bishop had been ill for over a year, but only a few people were aware of his condition,” he said.
Manu stressed the importance of unity within the industry, suggesting that a united front could have facilitated the sharing of critical information and provided timely assistance.
“If the group had been united and presented a united front, we could have shared the information on our WhatsApp platform to inform others and we would have been able to provide assistance,” he said.
He lamented the lack of genuine care in the movie industry, describing it as pretentious and advising industry members to be cautious.
“There is no love in the movie industry — it’s all just pretense. If you are part of the industry, you need to be very careful,” he added.
ID/AE
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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance-designate
The Minority in Parliament has sharply criticised the Minister of Finance- designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for what they say are his inconsistent responses during his vetting on Monday, January 13, 2025.
According to them, answers were evasive, unclear, and lacked clarity, especially given his experience as a former Deputy Minister of Finance and Ranking Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament.
In a statement issued on January 15, 2025, they pointed out his failure to address the government’s promise to pay fees for first-year university students.
“How can a finance minister-designate look into the faces of parents and young Ghanaian students and say that because he is not yet the minister, he cannot answer whether the pledge by President Mahama to pay for their fees would be honoured?” it noted.
They further suggested this was a deceptive move by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), potentially misleading students into voting for them.
The Minority also criticised Dr. Ato Forson’s responses concerning the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
They reminded the government of President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promise to include private SHSs in the program.
“We can all recall that during the election campaign, President Mahama met the leadership of private senior high schools and promised to include private schools in the Free SHS program,” it stated.
They expressed concerns over his apparent lack of awareness of private SHS schools that write the WASSCE exam, calling it shocking that he feigned ignorance.
“There are private SHS’ in Ghana that write WASSCE, and they are anxiously waiting to be included in the Free SHS program,” it added.
The Minority also raised concerns over the government’s unfulfilled promise to pay the fees of first-year tertiary students.
They specifically pointed out that the deadline for payment of fees for freshers at KNUST had already passed, and students were still awaiting action.
“The number of students in our tertiary schools is a public record, and an estimate ought to have been known with the promise. On behalf of our sons, daughters, nephews, and nieces, we wish to remind the government that these students will be entering tertiary institutions any moment now. Particularly for KNUST, the deadline for payment of fees for freshers was just yesterday. The students are waiting,” it stated.
The Minority also called into question Forson’s credibility, citing an instance where he used incorrect data during the vetting.
They noted that Forson had referenced IMF data, which turned out to be inconsistent with the actual figures, further undermining his trustworthiness.
“The integrity of the finance minister designate was again called into question when he provided incorrect data in response to a question about some misleading data he had used in 2019. The Minister Designate clearly sought refuge in IMF data, which turned out to be different from what he presented. When he realised that his own source could not substantiate his case, he claimed he was being charitable by providing a lower figure for the fiscal deficit of 6.1% for 2016, while the IMF’s figure was 6.3%. Can a Minister boldly claim he was charitable in presenting incorrect figures? Interesting,” it explained.
On Monday, January 13, Dr. Ato Forson appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament following his nomination as Minister of Finance.
He answered questions on taxation, inflation the economy among others.
JKB/AE
Watch a compilation of the latest Twi news below:
Reports indicate that the cedi is currently selling above GH¢16 for the first time since November 2024.
According to cedirates.com, one would now need approximately GH¢16,200 to purchase $1,000 at some forex bureaus.
Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, experienced marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the dollar, at some forex bureaus from October 2024.
However the Central Bank, in its daily update, noted that as of 8:00 AM on January 14, 2025, the cedi was trading at a buying price of GH¢14.79 and a selling price of GH¢14.80.
The British pound is being bought at GH¢17.99 and sold at GH¢18.01, while the euro is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.10 and a selling price of GH¢15.12.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business at 8:20 AM on January 14, 2025, revealed that the cedi was trading at GH¢15.85 to the dollar, while the pound was trading at GH¢19.70 at some major forex bureaus across the country.
Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢16.60 on the retail market.
In an effort to curb the depreciation of the cedi, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million during the last quarter of 2024.
BREAKING: $1 has crossed 16 cedis for the first time in 2025.
You need ₵16,200 to get $1,000 now at forex bureaus. Contact forex bureaus using the link in replies. pic.twitter.com/rasAkRTJCm
— CediRates (@CediRates) January 14, 2025
SSD/MA
Betting tax will be abolished as President Mahama promised – Ato Forson
Dear Friends in the Media,
Three days ago, in accordance with the constitutional requirement outlined in Article 78 (1), the Appointments Committee of Parliament met to consider the vetting of three ministerial nominees for the positions of Finance Minister Designate, Energy Minister Designate, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Designate.
By Iddi Yire
Accra, Jan. 15, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang have held a crucial meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Accra, regarding the ongoing financial support package for Ghana.
They discussed key aspects of the funding arrangement, focusing on strategies for economic stabilisation, growth, and fiscal sustainability.
The engagement emphasised collaborative efforts between the Ghanaian government and the IMF to address the country’s current financial challenges and ensure long-term prosperity and sustainability.
The focus of the meeting was on stabilising the economy and fostering sustainable growth.
In attendance at the meeting were Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Finance Minister-designate and Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
GNA
The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) of TUC (Ghana) has called on the Mahama government to finalize the implementation of the reviewed conditions of service currently under negotiation with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
The union noted that stalled negotiations had led to a nationwide strike in November 2024, which was subsequently suspended after the FWSC assured expedited action for the affected institutions. However, these assurances remain unfulfilled.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the General Secretary of TEWU, King James Azortibah, appealed to President John Mahama to ensure the conditions of service are implemented without further delay.
“TEWU of TUC (Ghana) has some emergency pending issues with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) with the delayed conclusion and implementation of reviewed conditions of service for the members in Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and the Ghana Library Authority (GLA), as well as the public and technical universities. The gift we want from the new government for our members, in respect of the above-mentioned institution is to ensure a timeous and speedy conclusion of the negotiations on the long overdue reviewed conditions of service for them.”
The union also urged the government to include them in socio-economic policy reviews.
“TEWU of TUC(Ghana), would like to urge the new government not to see labour as an afterthought, when taking major socio-economic policy decisions, like any review of the Free Senior High School Programme, the 1992 Constitution, Ghana-IMF agreements, among others. Labour’s input must be sought and seriously factored into any such future reviews because the cumulative negative effect is borne by Ghanaian workers both in the formal and informal sectors”.
In addition, TEWU appealed to President Mahama to ensure that public universities discourage the formation of tribal unions.
“It is the expectation of the TEWU of TUC (Ghana) that the new government will denounce the actions of this management in the public universities who are bent on promoting the formation of rival Trade Unions for parochial interest and get the relevant state agencies to bring such officers pursuing the illegalities to order.”
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During a stakeholder meeting at O’Reilly Senior High School on January 15, he argued that parents should be responsible for financing their children’s tertiary education.
He questioned the value of tertiary education, suggesting that families should be able to afford this expense on their own.
He voiced skepticism about the graduates’ capabilities, stating that many struggle to find jobs and contribute meaningfully to society.
Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah also indicated his desire to share his views with President John Dramani Mahama, although he expressed doubt that his opinions would be taken seriously due to the political nature of the administration.
Additionally, he criticized the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) initiative, recommending a reevaluation to better assist disadvantaged students.
“…They can’t even produce solar energy to power lights for us. They can’t do anything, so don’t waste our money on them,” he stated.
He claimed that the universal implementation of the policy has resulted in resource constraints, such as food shortages in high schools.
He believes the government should have encouraged parental contributions while offering scholarships to those who cannot afford to pay.
The immediate past Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has earned the admiration of the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva for his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to Ghana’s economic stability during his tenure.
In a letter to bid farewell to the former Minister, Ms. Georgieva commended Dr. Amin Adam for his commitment to the successful implementation of Ghana’s $ 3billion dollars-IMF-supported program, which played a key role in restoring Ghana’s macroeconomic stability, ensuring debt sustainability, and fostering inclusive growth during challenging economic times.
“You have had a profound impact on Ghana and its citizens,” the IMF boss stated. “Your efforts have not only strengthened Ghana’s economy but have also inspired confidence in the country’s future.”
Ms. Georgieva also acknowledged the instrumental role Dr. Amin Adam played in positioning Ghana for long-term growth and praised his leadership during the IMF-backed reforms, which had a positive impact on the Ghana’s financial outlook.
She expressed confidence that his duties as a legislator would continue to drive meaningful changes in governance and economic policies in Ghana.
“I have every confidence that you will continue to make a meaningful difference, particularly as you assume your role as a reelected member of Parliament. Your passion for public service and commitment to positive change will serve as a beacon of inspiration for many,” Ms. Georgieva concluded.
With the IMF expressing optimism that Dr. Amin Adam continued work will positively impact Ghana’s growth trajectory as he embarks on a new chapter in his public service.
Ghanaian gospel singer Joyce Blessing has set her sights on collaborating with some of Ghana’s top music icons, including Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale. In an interview with Andy Dosty on ‘Daybreak Hitz’ on January 15, 2025, the Victory hitmaker revealed that this ambition has been on her heart since her time at Zylofon Media.
Joyce Blessing is no stranger to working with artists from different genres. She has previously collaborated with Becca, the late Jewel Ackah, Amerado, and King Paluta. Now, she is eager to push boundaries by blending her gospel sound with the unique styles of secular stars like Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale.
She explained her openness to these collaborations, stating, “I am ever ready to collaborate with any secular artiste who is willing to make songs with me in the gospel way.”Speaking about criticism she might get for working with secular artists, she said she hasn’t faced any backlash so far. “No one has been bold enough to ask me why I feature secular artists,” she said
Currently promoting her latest single, ‘Correct’ featuring rapper King Paluta, Joyce shared that her creative process is guided by a dedicated team that ensures all her songs stay true to gospel principles.
Watch the video below..
By Christopher Arko
Accra, Jan.15 GNA – Dr. Bright Kwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has urged President Mahama’s new administration to focus on reinforcing Ghana’s democracy and reforming the local government system.
He explained that the unique combination of multi-party and non-party-based democracy had been in place for nearly 33 years, raising questions about the effectiveness of the local government system.
Speaking at the 76th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC), Dr. Akwetey charged the new administration to reform the local government system to deliver the development goals to all categories of persons.
The ANYSC is being organized by the School of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana, Legon.
The programme is on theme: “Attaining the 5-Ps of sustainable development for a resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.”
The conference which runs from January 14- 16, 2025 is being attended by people from academia, policymakers, business leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to create a platform for discussions on sustainable development.
Dr. Akwetey also emphasized the NDC’s commitment to strengthening the non-partisan election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
In her remarks, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, noted that the conference theme aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, offering a collective framework for peace and prosperity.
She stressed that the Five Ps of sustainable development—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership—serve as a foundation for collective progress, guiding the path towards an equitable and sustainable future for all Ghanaians.
Prof. Amfo noted that technological resilience is key to sustainable development, making the conference’s theme highly relevant as Ghana redefined its strategy for sustainable growth through the current government’s four priority areas.
She concluded that the conference’s outcomes would shape government strategies to accelerate sustainable development, creating a resilient country.
Prof. Amfo further emphasized the importance of investing in strategies to transform lives through scholarships, innovation, and results-oriented discoveries, fostering a national conversation on sustainable development and contributing positively to global progress.
She said the University of Ghana, was poised to distinguish itself as a beacon of excellence in higher education globally.
“Our reputation is testament to our commitment to knowledge creation and mentoring young minds to become 21st century philosophers, with a mindset to tackle global challenges” she added.
She noted the University was set to make greater impact with the launch and operationalization of its new strategic plan, with priority areas covering transformative student experience, impactful research, commitment to faculty and staff, engagement and partnerships, and sustainable resource organization and stewardship.
GNA
The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, accusing him of hindering the thorough vetting of ministerial nominees.
According to the Minority, Ahiafor’s conduct during the vetting process was overly protective of nominees and highly partisan, depriving the Ghanaian public and Minority members of the committee of the opportunity for comprehensive scrutiny.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Gideon Boako, Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North, alleged instances of Ahiafor shouting at committee members, including Abena Osei-Asare, the MP for Atiwa East.
“His actions appeared to shield the nominees and suppress legitimate questions from committee members, effectively fast-tracking the vetting process in a manner that raises serious concerns,” Boako stated.
The Minority described their confrontation with Ahiafor as a direct protest against what they viewed as his obstructive behaviour. Boako stressed that the Appointments Committee is a sub-body of Parliament tasked with ensuring accountability, and its members should not be silenced or denied the chance to thoroughly vet nominees.
He warned that Ahiafor’s approach undermines the committee’s constitutional oversight role and could damage public trust in the democratic process.
“The Majority members on the committee, led by Ahiafor, must work collaboratively to fulfil the committee’s mandate. If such behaviour persists, it risks enabling unqualified individuals to occupy critical positions, which would be detrimental to our democracy,” Boako cautioned.
The Minority reiterated their call for fairness, transparency, and due diligence in the vetting process to safeguard the integrity of governance.
Read the full statement from the minority here
Boycott invitations from ORAL team – Minority tells former gov’t appointees
Music executive, Ubi Franklin, has responded to the allegations levelled against him by singer Spyro.
In a recent interview, Spyro alleged that Ubi used Davido’s name to get him to perform at a birthday party in Ghana and that Ubi has yet to pay him the money he claimed Davido was going to give to him after the performance.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken legal action against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) concerning the disputed election results in Obuasi East, Ahafo Ano North, and Ahafo Ano Southwest constituencies.
The NDC-led lawyer Evans Amankwah, speaking on behalf of the party has expressed the NDC’s Disapproval, grievances, and the legal proceedings initiated to address the perceived irregularities.
By Edward Acquah
Accra, Jan. 15, GNA – The Future Trends Africa Manifesto, a policy document aimed at transforming Africa’s economy, has proposed several measures to boost Ghana’s economic self-reliance.
Key recommendations include the establishment of a “domestic wealth generation machinery” and activation of “domestic capital raising and capital formation” to address economic challenges.
Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi, the author of the Manifesto, shared in a policy brief with the Ghana News Agency that these goals could be achieved through crowd financing, domestic capital collection, and the creation of conglomerates.
“There should be drastic reduction of bank interest rates for loan-to-enterprise, rigorous and elaborate inventory taking of all the tangible and intangible assets, including formation of mineral, agricultural, energy, and water resources banks,” he said.
On January 7, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as Ghana’s new leader, with a commitment to revitalize the country’s struggling economy, create sustainable jobs, and set the nation on a path to growth.
Ghana is currently participating in an International Monetary Fund programme and has received US$1.9 billion as part of a 3-year US$3 billion Extended Credit Facility arrangement since May 2023.
Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi, author of the Future Trends Africa Manifesto, argued that relying on Foreign Direct Investments alone would not solve Africa’s economic challenges.
He emphasized that the policy measures in the Manifesto could potentially expand Africa’s economy from US$3.2 trillion to US$60 trillion within a decade.
Dr. Kamalabadi said there was the need for African countries to invest in one another and “raise the consciousness of the countries to work collectively.”
He said micro-economic policies were “cosmetic” and could not help African countries to tackle pressing economic problems sustainably.
“Africa with its abundant resources is the giver and not the receiver. Africa must create wealth internally,” he said, and added: “wealth is not given as donation, wealth is generated.”
GNA
Dr Samiu Kwadwo Nuamah and George Alex Kojo Monney
Reliable power supply remains a key driver of economic growth and is globally correlated with higher per capita income. According to the World Bank, electricity is one of the top constraints to business activities and is identified by 22% of managers globally as the most significant obstacle to operations (World Bank, 2015).
Ghana’s experience is of no exception; the unreliable power supply during the 2013–2016 period, dubbed dumsor, led to a contraction of the economy from USD 63.7 billion in 2013 to USD 56.85 billion in 2016 (Statista, 2024). Despite a subsequent economic recovery to USD 76.4 billion by 2023 (Ministry of Finance, 2024), these gains remain fragile without sustainable energy policies and robust political accountability.
It is important to note that Ghana’s energy problems are more of a financial nature than a technical one. With an installed generation capacity of 5,492 MW exceeding the system’s peak demand of 3,848 MW as of 2024 (Energy Commission, 2024), the sector’s persistent difficulties stem from financial inefficiencies. By the end of 2024, Ghana’s energy sector faced liabilities amounting to USD 2.5 billion—a situation that necessitated the formation of a 12-member team by President Mahama to avert another “dumsor” crisis (Baisie, 2025).
These financial issues have been politicized by successive governments, using them to discredit their predecessors yet have failed to offer definitive solutions.
For instance, the outgone NPP government inherited the same energy sector debt in 2016 (SONA 2024) but managed to stabilize power supply in very difficult conditions. Current political actors must be reminded that political rhetoric does not keep the lights on; proactive measures and strategic financial management do.
The heavy reliance on expensive thermal generation constituting 68.9% of installed capacity underscores the need for innovative financing models and cost recovery mechanisms as well as focusing on cheaper but reliable power sources that transcend political cycles (Energy Commission, 2024).
Recommendations for Sustainable Energy Governance
Ghanaians deserve transparency and accountability in energy governance. To this end, we call on the John Mahama administration to adopt the following measures:
1. Establish Transparent Energy Accounting: Publish energy sector debt, expenditures and revenue streams reports that are comprehensive and verifiable to build public trust.
2. Implement Cost-Reflective Tariffs: Implement and improve upon a balanced tariff system that assures an affordable tariff rate for all vulnerable customers while still ensuring utilities can recover operating costs. Political actors must resist the temptation to manipulate tariffs for electoral gain.
3. Decouple Distribution and Retail Functions: Separating the retail and distribution functions of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). This will allow ECG and NEDCo to concentrate on their core mandates of efficient power distribution and loss reduction.
4. Privatize the Retail Sector: Privatize on concessionary basis the retail segment of the power supply chain. Commercial losses in the sale of power in Ghana can be significantly reduced by the involvement of private companies, under performance-based contracts.
5. Reform the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM): Implement the CWM at the point of purchase to ensure timely and equitable disbursement of revenue. The current practice of pooling funds into an account before apportioning them via committee decisions must be discontinued.
6. Invest in Renewable Energy: Set a course for a renewable energy transition plan based on solar, wind and hydro and reducing reliance on high-cost thermal generation. The bureaucratic hurdles to private sector investments in renewable energy must be removed.
7. Depoliticize Energy Management: Empower independent regulatory bodies such as the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission and the Energy Commission to oversee the energy sector free from political interference, ensuring consistent and effective management.
8. Foster Political Consensus: Call for a non-partisan energy summit to create a long-term roadmap to energy sustainability. This is to ensure that successive administrations adhere to this framework to prevent policy reversals that disrupt sector progress.
Conclusion
The future of Ghana’s energy cannot be a hostage to partisan politics. A sustainable and transparent energy policy is not only an economic imperative but also a moral obligation. Past and present political actors must put aside “political blame games” and focus on the well-being of the citizenry.
As a Civil Society Organization (CSO) committed to advancing the interests of Ghanaians, we reiterate that ensuring reliable and affordable power is non-negotiable. The government must demonstrate political will to address the root causes of financial inefficiencies in the energy sector. Keeping the lights on is not a political favour; it is a fundamental right of every Ghanaian.
References
1. World Bank. (2015). Enterprise Surveys: Energy as a Constraint.
2. Statista. (2024). Economic Growth Data for Ghana (2013–2023).
3. Energy Commission of Ghana. (2024). Energy Outlook for Ghana.
4. Ministry of Finance. (2017). Energy Sector Debt Report.
5. Baisie, S. (2025, January 8). Mahama calls emergency meeting over looming ‘Dumsor’ crisis. GBC Ghana Online – The Nation\’s Broadcaster | Breaking News from Ghana, Business, Sports, Entertainment, Fashion and Video News. https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/news/mahama-calls-s/2025/
6. Statista. (2024, November 8). Gross domestic product (GDP) in Ghana 2029.
Kumawood actor, Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin, has detailed the amounts of monies he spent to produce one of his much-anticipated movies titled, “A Country Called Ghana.”
In a discussion with Zion Felix on January 15, 2025, LilWin noted that in order to get Nigerian actor, Ramsey Noah, as part of the cast, he had to pay him an amount of forty thousand dollars.
“I paid Ramsey Noah more than $40,000. There was one guy I wanted to feature but the money he wanted to charge was too much, I couldn’t pay. When I called him, they thought I was a Nigerian so they wanted to charge higher. Even accommodation and feeding are not included in the $40,000 I paid him,” he said.
LilWin also detailed the amount of money he spent on promotion and the idea behind the movie.
“The promotion I did for that movie is more than one million Ghana cedis. Ghanaians don’t understand promotion… It was because of the promotion that I bought the Benz and it helped me.
“The attention the Benz got me is another reason why the ministers and MPs came to Accra to watch the premiere. I did over twenty billboards and also over four thousand pieces of T-shirts. Just calculate the amount of money I spent on that,” he added.
Watch the full video below:
Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries:
JHM/AE
Members of the ORAL committee have been accused of seizing lands genuinely owned by people
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has made serious allegations against the committee members of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).
Speaking to the media at a press conference on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the caucus, led by Suame MP John Darko, accused the corruption and accountability team of targeting former appointees over their legitimate properties.
According to him, the committee appears to be going around confiscating people’s properties and causing distress, an action he said he strongly disapproves of.
“What they are doing is to go about disturbing people, entering homes, seizing vehicles and more or less taking over lands from people who have genuinely purchased lands. What the former government officials have done is to acquire properties legally. No illegality has taken place,” John Darko claimed.
The lawmaker went on to suggest and allege that some members of the ruling National Democratic Congress party may have acquired lands considered state property under previous governments.
“NDC members have acquired lands in this country. The executives, Okudzeto Ablakwa and co live at Cantonments, Airport – all lands which were government lands that they bought many years ago,” he alleged.
The first-time lawmaker stated that ORAL’s modus operandi could be seen as a witch hunt of former government appointees and urged Ghanaians to reconsider accepting or tolerating the committee’s actions.
“The people of Ghana should not tolerate this ORAL which is out there to only persecute the former government officials,” he continued.
He also called on former government appointees to consider boycotting any future invitations from the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee, raising concerns about the committee’s legal standing and constitutionality.
“If you are a former government appointee and you are invited by ORAL, our advise to you from the Minority is to boycott any invitation from the ORAL team. We are not going to be part of it because we believe that there are constitutionally established bodies that can investigate any so-called misdeeds of the government,” he concluded.
The Minority in Parliament is urging all individuals invited by the ORAL team to boycott their invitations, citing a lack of legal mandate for the team’s activities.#TV3GH pic.twitter.com/DDTMXLvShX
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) January 15, 2025
MAG/AE
Watch a compilation of the latest Twi news below:
Minister of Energy-designate, John Abdulai Jinapor
Minister of Energy-designate, John Abdulai Jinapor, during his vetting before parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, said the country’s energy sector debt has surged past US$3billion – rising from the approximately US$2billion recorded under the previous administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
Mr. Jinapor cited a document titled ‘Summary of Energy Sector Debt and Lenders’ which detailed the debt trajectory.
In August 2017, ESLA PLC conducted a full audit of the energy sector debt, revealing a total liability of US$2.1billion – validated as the debt level when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government exited office in 2017.
Therefore, the Minister of Energy-designate is refuting claims that the debt stood at US$5billion at the time – explaining that reconciliations during the 2024 transition of power placed the debt stock at US$2.5billion as of September 30, 2024.
Mr. Jinapor said data from the Ministry of Energy, Energy Commission and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) confirm the current figure at just over US$3billion.
The Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) generated approximately GH₵45billion which has been used to clear part of the debt including interest payments amounting to GH₵9.4billion, he observed.
The ballooning energy sector debt has long been a significant financial challenge, placing immense pressure on state utilities and posing a threat to the country’s economic stability.
Jinapor attributed the rising debt primarily to unpaid bills for electricity that has been supplied and consumed. Consequently, he outlined his vision to prioritise revenue collection and improve operational efficiency in the energy sector.
He called for private-sector participation, particularly in areas such as billing and revenue collection for the ECG – a process he had previously spearheaded. This is essential to strengthen efficiency, enhance collection rates and reduce revenue losses in the energy sector, he added.
Well, private sector participation has long been on the table as a solution to our creeping energy sector debt and to improve efficiency. However, the attempt at privatisation during the previous administration turned out to be a fiasco.
The aborted PDS deal was laced with under-hand dealings – leading to the president aborting the whole enterprises while citing fraud. It is therefore hoped that this time around there will be transparency and the state’s interest held paramount.
Watch the video of John Jinapor below:
Daniel Agyei was part of the U20 World Cup winning squad
Under-20 World Cup winner, Daniel Agyei, has expressed concerns about the declining standards of the Ghana Premier League.
He lamented the low salaries paid to players and urged them to seek opportunities abroad.
Agyei, who played for Medeama in 2016, emphasized the need for action to improve the league’s fortunes.
“The Ghana Premier League is sinking and is no longer attractive. The current salaries of players in the league are not good. I advise players to take advantage of better offers when they receive contracts from outside Ghana,” he said, as shared by GhOne TV on X.
Agyei represented Ghana at the Under-20 level, winning both the African Youth Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.
He has since plied his goalkeeping trade notably with African clubs such as Free State Stars in South Africa and Ethiopian sides Jimma Aba Jifar, Jimma Aba Buna and Sebeta City.
SB/EK
A social media user known as Nana Ama Osei Kufuor has dropped a list of NPP supporters allegedly at Ministry of Lands earning salaries totaling GHS135k for no work.
The whistleblower made this serious allegation against NPP supporters at the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources under a scheme under called National Alternative Employment Livelihood Programmes (NAELP).
Sammy Awuku
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has critisised the NDC government for multiple inconsistencies in its approach to policies and governance.
Speaking on various issues in an interview with DGN, Mr. Awuku pointed out contradictions regarding the government’s stance on betting and lottery taxes.
“I’m excited that the betting tax is going to be scrapped, I’ve been consistent about it, even during the NPP era. And I said it is something that personally has not worked in many of the jurisdictions, anytime you have introduced taxes on betting.
“Lottery was part of the betting tax. The National Lottery Authority, for instance, is owned by the government, and apart from the things that they do, at the end of the day, they must also contribute to the national kitty.
“And then, even when they have a surplus, they must do good courses in collaboration with the Ministry and the Minister of Finance and the board. So clearly, you do have a situation where National Lottery Authorities are owned by the government. They have the monopoly to operate, supervise, and regulate the lottery.
“So if the government is taxing itself, then what will happen is that the underground operators that we call the illegal operators, they will become emboldened, because if you play with the government, you attract a 10% tax on what you win. But if you play with the illegals, you get your full money. So I told them that, for me, it was counter-productive. There are several examples, and even we drew the government’s attention to it.
“Clearly, it was something that whether Dr. Bawumia Or John Mahama, it was going to go. The difficulty with the NDC position is that earlier the Finance Minister-designate, in time past, had said that it should be banned.
“Lottery and betting should be banned, not just the tax being scrapped, that should be banned.
He raised concerns over a policy shift in the handling of betting, particularly with statements made by Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
He questioned the logic behind Dr. Forson’s change in position, from advocating for a complete ban on betting and lottery to now overseeing the sector under the Ministry of Finance.
Mr. Awuku further criticized the government’s creation of a new Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, citing potential confusion and inefficiencies.
He also noted overlaps between the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology and the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology.
On the economic front, Mr. Awuku pointed out inconsistencies in statements regarding government revenue expectations, particularly concerning taxes from the betting industry.
In his conclusion, Mr. Awuku called for clearer policies and more transparent communication from the government, especially as it navigates its ongoing engagement with the International Monetary Fund and other fiscal matters.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House
Ghanaian Journalist, Stephen Kofi Adomah has allegedly been attacked and sustained gunshot wounds.
Colleague journalist and friend to Kofi, Afia Pokuaa Vim Lady disclosed this information in a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Sharing the devastating news, she prayed for God’s healing for the Chief Executive Officer of Kofi TV.
Accra, Jan. 15, GNA – Absa Bank has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Ghanaian small businesses by donating GHS 150,000 to support traders affected by the devastating fire on January 2.
The donation comprised GHS 100,000 in cash and GHS 50,000 worth of roofing sheets to aid rebuilding efforts of the traders.
The brief presentation at the Kantamanto market was attended by officials of Absa Bank and representatives of all the trading associations in Kantamanto.
Kobla Nyaletey, Executive Director, Retail and Business Banking, at Absa Bank Ghana, during his remarks, expressed deep sympathy for the traders’ losses and emphasised Absa Bank’s proactive support.
Mr Nyaletey outlined three key initiatives for the traders: a donation of GHS 150,000, offering loans to traders at a favorable 10% interest rate, and establishing an Absa presence within Kantamanto Market to facilitate seamless transactions.
The Director of SME, Agency Banking, and Partnerships at Absa Bank, Audrey Abakah, also highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting traders through innovative financial solutions.
“As a bank that cares and seeks to empower Africa’s tomorrow, we could not sit idly by but felt compelled to meet with the executives of the Second-Hand Used Clothing Association to make a donation and present specially designed packages for wholesalers and traders.”
Dr. Joseph Obeng, president of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), expressed gratitude for the bank’s swift intervention, saying, “We thank Absa for listening to our cry and coming to help us.
“Absa has once again proven to be a friend of traders. The support Absa has given us today shows the integrity of the bank.”
“We will use the money to rebuild Kantamanto and not for anything else,” added Dr Obeng.
One person died, while 14 were injured following the fire, whose cause is under investigation.
More than 7000 shops with their content were destroyed with more than 30,000 traders affected.
GNA
The case will be determined by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is set to hear the National Democratic Congress'(NDC) case seeking to quash the High Court’s order directing the Electoral Commission (EC) to collate outstanding parliamentary results on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
According to a report by citnewsroom.com, the Deputy Director of Elections and IT of the NDC, Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, in an interview on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, explained that the party’s earlier suit to stay the execution of the collation exercise was adjourned indefinitely.
“We went to court on Monday, and the judge indicated that the NPP candidates had not been properly served, so, our lawyers must find a way to serve them before the matter can be properly heard. As a result, the case was adjourned indefinitely until they are properly served,” he stated.
He indicated that the NDC will be in court to argue their case.
“The certiorari we filed at the Supreme Court is scheduled for January 23, where we will ask the court to quash the decision made by the trial judge, which allowed the EC to proceed with what we consider an illegal activity. We will be in the Supreme Court on the 23rd to argue our case,” he added.
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, an Accra High Court presided over by Justice Forson Baah Agyapong approved a mandamus application submitted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), instructing the Electoral Commission (EC) to finalise the collation process for Okaikwei Central, Tema Central, Techiman South, and Ablekuma North and announce the results.
JKB/AE
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Sports have long been a major contributor to global economies, generating billions through job creation, investments, taxes, and remittances.
In Ghana, however, the sector has been marred by neglect, raising the question of whether the country has truly recognized and harnessed the potential of sports to drive economic growth.
Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1993, Ghana has had five presidents—Jerry John Rawlings (deceased), John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills (deceased), Nana Akufo-Addo, and John Dramani Mahama—and a host of ministers responsible for sports. Yet, there remains a glaring lack of a comprehensive, long-term plan for sports development. The country, which once boasted world-class athletes and achievements in boxing, football, and athletics, has seen its fortunes dwindle over the past three decades.
Despite Ghana’s impressive past, marked by success in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the country has failed to win AFCON in over 40 years. Moreover, it has not produced any world champions in boxing or athletics, and other sports disciplines have been neglected entirely. This decline can largely be attributed to a lack of investment in sports infrastructure, a key enabler of success in the sector.
Ghana’s sports infrastructure is woefully inadequate. Over 60 years post-independence, the country has only five national football stadia, with barely one or two meeting the standards required for CAF competitions. Prior to the 2024 African Games, Ghana didn’t possess a single world-class athletics track, aquatic pool, or indoor sports complex suitable for volleyball, basketball, or other indoor games. The lack of significant investment from the state in sports facilities has further hindered the growth of the sector, leaving the country unable to compete at a global level.
Now, as President John Mahama prepares to name a new sports and recreation minister, there are questions about who will be chosen and how this new leadership can turn the tide for Ghana’s sports sector. The country is searching for someone who can lead with vision, fairness, and the ability to make a real impact in the industry.
Rumoured candidates for the position include Nii Lante Vanderpuye, a former sports minister with experience in the sector and a tough, determined persona. Dr. Randy Abbey, a well-respected media figure and member of the Ghana Football Association executive council, is another potential contender. Herbert Mensah, president of Rugby Africa and a former board chairman of Asante Kotoko, is also mentioned, though his current role may complicate any transition to the sports ministry.
Whoever takes on the role, Ghanaians expect a bold and strategic approach. The next sports minister must be someone who understands that sports is no longer just a recreational activity, but a multi-billion-dollar industry. They must ensure fair investment across all sports disciplines, not just focus on the Black Stars (Ghana’s national football team), and work to position Ghana as a leading player in the global sports arena. The stakes are high, and the opportunity for Ghana to benefit from the economic power of sports is vast—if only the right leadership is in place.
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The widow of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known by his stage name Mohbad, Omowunmi, has accused Joseph Aloba, the father of her late husband, of postponing the DNA test that was mandated to settle her son Liam’s paternity question.
Salawu Akingbolu Chambers, Omowunmi’s attorney, charged Mr. Aloba with turning down the medical facilities she suggested for the examination.
According to a letter from Omowunmi’s attorneys dated January 9, 2025, Aloba rejected her preference for Lagoon Hospitals even though she objected to using UCH Ibadan.
Omowunmi proposed Eko Hospital and Reddington Hospital as substitute facilities in order to negotiate a settlement, but alleged that Aloba did not reply.
The Magistrates Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, ordered both parties to look into alternate dispute settlement procedures, which sparked the current legal war.
“To our utter surprise however, instead of you responding to our letter of the above-quoted date, we saw Mr Taiwo Odumosu of counsel, whom we have profound respect for and Counsel to the Applicant, saying on social media that we are the ones who are not ready for the DNA, whereas that is not the case, and we are by this letter denouncing any such misrepresentation Mr. Taiwo Odumosu of counsel must have tainted us with on the social media. As a matter of fact, we deserve an apology for such unhealthy allegations,” the letter added.
Omowunmi also accused Mohbad’s father of portraying her son as a “bastard” on social media.
“We shall inform the court of our position in this regard,” her letter read.
Meanwhile, Aloba’s former legal team, Hillceetee Partners, in their response dated January 11, 2025, denied allegations of misrepresentation on social media, clarifying that no statements had been made implying Omowunmi’s unwillingness to cooperate.
“Mr Odumosu wishes to inform you that there was no time during his media interaction that he mentioned that your client ‘was not ready for the DNA.
Former Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah (Rtd), has voiced strong reservations about the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration’s manifesto promise to introduce free tuition for first-year tertiary students.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement at O’Reilly Senior High School on January 15, Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah argued that parents who wish to send their children to tertiary institutions should bear the financial responsibility.
“Why pay for them? What is the essence of tertiary education? What is the use? You don’t have to pay for it. Come on, it’s not necessary,” he stated. “If someone wants to go to tertiary education, the parents should afford it because you don’t need them anyway. I don’t need them. They finish, then they will be roaming about in Accra finding jobs. They can’t even produce solar energy to power lights for us. They can’t do anything, so don’t waste our money on them.”
He also expressed his intention to communicate his stance directly to President John Dramani Mahama. “I’m going to tell President John Dramani Mahama, it’s not necessary. But they won’t listen to me because they are politicians; I’m not,” he said.
Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah also criticized the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, urging the government to revise it to better support underprivileged students. He argued that the policy’s universal approach had led to resource challenges, including food shortages in senior high schools.
“It’s a wrong policy. They should have encouraged parents to pay. Those who cannot pay should have applied for scholarships,” he suggested.
His comments add to the ongoing debate on the sustainability and effectiveness of the country’s educational policies and the need for targeted support for those most in need.
Mahama names Kofi Boakye, Prosper Bani, Charles Kipo in new security appointments
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Nigerian singer, Oludipe David, popularly known as Spyro, has accused music executive and talent manager, Ubi Franklin, of using the name of Afrobeat singer, Davido, to scam him.
Naija News reports that the ‘Who’s Your Guy’ crooner made the accusation during an interview on ‘The Link Up’ podcast.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) challenge against a High Court order instructing the Electoral Commission (EC) to finalize the collation of parliamentary results in specific constituencies on Thursday, January 23.The High Court, on January 4, presided over by Justice Forson Baah Agyapong, granted a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Minority in Parliament has vehemently opposed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice nominee, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine’s proposal to reintroduce public tribunals, describing it as unnecessary and potentially detrimental to Ghana’s justice system.
During a press conference on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Minority condemned the idea as a regression to a ‘kangaroo’ justice system.
Dr. Ayine, while appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, had proposed the establishment of public tribunals in local communities and districts to complement existing regional ones.
He argued that these tribunals would offer a more accessible and efficient mechanism for resolving certain types of cases, particularly local disputes and criminal matters.
The Minority, however, rejected this justification, asserting that Ghana’s current judicial infrastructure is adequate to meet the country’s justice needs.
They questioned the necessity of reintroducing public tribunals, especially in light of significant progress made in expanding court infrastructure nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the Minority at the press conference, John Darko, MP for Suame, tagged the proposal as regressive, highlighting the historical links between public tribunals and abuse of power as well as political interference.
“Mr. Attorney General-designate, why the Public Tribunal? What is our High Court not doing right, necessitating the creation of the Public Tribunal? In the last 8 years, through the District Assembly Common Fund, 110 new courts have been created.
“If it’s about more courts, like the NPP, the NDC should build more. In any event, the Chief Justice has the power to create more specialised courts, including specialised criminal high courts. There is, therefore, no need for the Public Tribunal, which is associated with killing our mothers and fathers.”
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Seid Mubarak is the Sunyani East MP
The Member of Parliament of Sunyani East, Seid Mubarak, has issued a firm warning to party officials in his constituency against any potential plans to extort constituents during job recruitments.
According to him, he will ensure the arrest and prosecution of any official found guilty of extortion, particularly if there is mass recruitment, specifically into the security agencies.
Speaking on TV XYZ on January 15, 2025, the lawmaker said, “God willing, if as an MP I get a slot to probably present names of five people for recruitment into the security agencies, and I send the list to the officials in Sunyani to oversee and organise qualified individuals but use the opportunity to extort such persons, I will personally get the person arrested, irrespective of how they relate to me.”
Mubarak explained that his constituents voted him into power without making any demands or accepting payments from him, and as such, he feels obligated to ensure their development and the progress of the constituency.
He added that he intends to give back to his constituency freely, emphasising that they are entitled to it.
The NDC lawmaker reiterated that he will not spare any individual, regardless of their relationship with him, but he will allow the law to take its full course.
“If investigations are conducted and they are found guilty, I will not forgive them. My constituents did not take a dime from me when I was canvassing for their votes and still went ahead to elect me for no amount. If they do that, they are tarnishing my image and so, I have cautioned them,” he added.
MAG/AE
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