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

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.

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.

play videoMinister 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:

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 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.”

————————————————————————————

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital

There is some exciting news on the horizon for those with West Africa on their 2025 bucket list. Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will resume flights to Ghana for the first time since 2013. The airline’s new daily service from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra will commence in May 2025, providing passengers of both business and leisure more options for this important connection from London.

Virgin Atlantic will be treating passengers to a premium experience aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The flight pattern is designed to cater to a variety of traveler types, be it visiting family, transitioning to other Virgin Atlantic destinations like New York, or exploring what Ghana has to offer tourists in 2025.

So, allow Travel Radar to take you for a run down of the new route. 

Route Summary

• • Route Launch: May.1 2025 (subject to government approval)
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Flight Duration: 7h
  • Flight Schedule:
    • VS403: Departs LHR at 22:30, arrives ACC at 05:00 (+1)
    • VS404: Departs ACC at 09:15, arrives LHR at 17:25

The re-introduction of this route breaks a 12-year hiatus and offers welcome competition to the London-Accra route, currently only served by British Airways. The route makes sense for a number of reasons. Firstly, the UK is home to the third-largest diaspora of Ghanians in the world. This new route competition will inevitably create more affordable prices, in order to keep up with the steady and consistent demand of family visits and business trips.

Beyond passengers, this route also offers economic incentives. Virgin Atlantic will offer 30 tonnes worth of cargo capacity per flight. In turn, this will facilitate the transport of fresh produce and other goods between Ghana and important markets in the UK and US. 

Why Ghana?

From a tourism perspective, the route has arrived at the perfect time. The tourist market in West Africa has experienced notable growth since the COVID-19 outbreak. According to Statista, this is just the beginning, with the travel market in the region projected to grow by 7.71% per year until 2029, contributing a potential $350 bill to West African economies.

So, whilst not a typically travelled tourist route from the UK, here is why you shouldn’t look past Ghana’s vibrant capital city for your next adventure.

The Visit Ghana website captures the nation’s allure in just three words: “Culture, Warmth and Rhythm”.

Alongside that, the bustling coastal city of Accra is a hub of history, culture and commerce. Enjoy the lively streets, welcoming locals and the unique cuisine it has to offer. 

Undoubtedly one of the highlights that should bring any tourist to Ghana, is the vibrant array of food available. Enjoy fragrant jollof rice, savory waakye and spicy kebabs from local street vendors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore local dishes available. 

Must-See Attractions in Accra:

• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum: Visit this remarkable monument which honors Ghana’s first president and key leader in the country’s independence movement. Located in downton Accra, the monument is surrounded by idyllic gardens.
• Jamestown: Walk through this historic neighborhood filled with colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Bring your camera as Jamestown is a photographer’s dream.
• Makola Market: Visit this famous market and enjoy a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. This busy market is perfect for finding local crafts, souvenirs and fresh produce.
• Labadi Beach: A thriving beach spot to enjoy the Atlantic coastline, Labadi Beach is most well known for its live music, traditional drumming and dancing, especially on weekends.
• W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre: This is a well-known tribute to the Pan-Africanist leader, Dr W.E.B Du Bois. The cultural landmark offers history buffs among you a fascinating insight into Ghana’s cultural and political past.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Virgin Atlantic’s return to Accra is significant as more than just a new route: It is a bringing together of families, cultures and business between two heavily connected nations.

So, whether you’re looking to visit on holiday or simply just to reconnect with loved ones, thanks to Virgin Atlantic’s new route, Accra and London are more connected than ever and should certainly be on your radar in 2025.

Stay tuned for travel insights, trip suggestions and route announcements with Travel Radar.

Raymond Archer, Member of ORAL Committee

The Chief Executive Officer of Universal Labels & Packaging Company Limited and Colour Planet Limited, Raymond Archer, has suggested that his printing press may have been targeted due to his role as a consultant.

According to Archer, he served as a consultant for an international risk management company involved in key projects in Ghana, which might have put him at risk.

Speaking on Citi TV, he explained, “I think it has more to do with my work as a consultant. I worked for a very big global risk management company and became a risk advisor to one of the key projects happening in Ghana.

“The way the business was targeted, I know that could be one of the reasons. And we are all under very strict and terrible contracts as international consultants.”

Raymond Archer’s printing press was among the businesses affected by the Trade Fair demolition exercise back in 2020 to pave the way for a redevelopment project.

The renowned investigative journalist was recently nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to serve on a five-member team leading the National Democratic Congress’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.

The ORAL initiative is a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing systemic corruption and financial impropriety.

It will focus on recovering misappropriated funds and resources to strengthen governance, restore public trust in state institutions, and provide much-needed fiscal space for national development.

SSD/MA

Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries:

Ghanaian model, philanthropist and advocate, Prisca Abah, known for her contributions to the fashion industry, is strutting her stuff on higher levels.

She was recently selected as one of the models for the Big8 Girls Project, an initiative by Clinton Samuel to celebrate influential African models.

The project consisted of three episodes: the Bio Shoot which highlighted Abah’s professionalism and relatability through a corporate-themed photoshoot; Afrodeity which focused on showcasing her confidence and artistry, celebrating the African divine feminine; and Royalty which presented Abah as a symbol of African cultural pride, embodying strength and elegance.

The BIG8 concept produced by Clinton Samuel, intentionally highlights and celebrates the strongest and most influential models on the African continent, congratulating their steadfastness and contributions to the African fashion industry, even as they grind and win in other aspects of life.

The BIG8 sets hierarchy and high standards in the African fashion and modeling industry, crowning 8 of them with the ‘TOP MODEL’ status as the leading female models in Ghana at the moment.

“Working with these fiery women will surely ignite more creative minds and stir the pot of positive competition,” said Clinton.

About Prisca Abah

Early Life and Career

Prisca Abah began her modeling career in 2013, achieving her first notable milestone in 2014 with an editorial shoot for 5 Star International Modeling Agency. In 2015, she made her runway debut at the Ghana Fashion Awards.

From 2016 to 2018, Abah participated in major African fashion events such as Glitz Africa Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Johannesburg, and Rhythms on the Runway. During this period, she received accolades including the “Best Female Model of the Year” and spoke as a UN Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 12 at the Sustainable Rice Platform Conference.

International Recognition and Pageantry

In 2022, Abah expanded her reach by entering the pageantry world. She placed as the first runner- up at the Beauty of Africa International Pageant and represented Ghana at the Miss Globe World Finals, where she earned the title of Miss Globe Africa 2022.

Philanthropy

Abah founded the Plains Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed at empowering women and youth through initiatives in education, skills training, and personal development.

Awards and Collaborations

In 2023, Abah received the Best Model of the Year award at the Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards. She has collaborated with leading designers such as Charlotte Prive and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, further solidifying her influence in African fashion.

Legacy

Prisca Abah is recognised not only for her contributions to the fashion industry but also for her philanthropic efforts. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young Africans, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while giving back to society.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ghana’s newly elected President John Mahama has announced plans to investigate his predecessor’s contested $400 million National Cathedral project, a stalled religious landmark that for critics become a symbol of fiscal irresponsibility.

Mahama and his National Democratic Congress or NDC party easily won the December election after voters punished President Nana Akufo-Addo and his ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for economic mismanagement and high living costs. 

The National Cathedral, envisioned by Akufo-Addo as a tribute to God for his 2016 electoral victory, was initially billed as a privately funded initiative. But allegations that $58 million in public funds had been spent — and charges of financial impropriety — sparked public outrage.

Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) late last year had recommended an audit into the project, citing procurement breaches.

“We will soon activate such an investigation,” Mahama said at a thanksgiving service this week. While he did not rule out completing the cathedral, he hinted at a more modest approach, noting, “any decisions moving forward will prioritise accountability and national interest”.

Set on a 23,000 square metre site in the heart of Accra, the cathedral was designed to include a 5,000-seat auditorium, chapels, a baptistery, a choir school, an art gallery, and multipurpose spaces. 

But three years after construction stalled, the site remains a gaping crater. Some argue the project contributed to the electoral defeat of Akufo-Addo and his NPP party in December.

– ‘Restoring public trust’ –

“This cathedral represents everything wrong with governance – opaque processes, lack of accountability, and misplaced priorities,” said Emmanuel Wilson Jnr, a campaigner with Crusaders Against Corruption.

“Investigating this project isn’t just about the money; it’s about restoring public trust in government.” 

The project’s suspension comes as Ghana struggles with an economic crisis exacerbated by high inflation, mounting debt, and a reliance on a $3 billion IMF bailout to stabilise the economy.

New Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson recently told Parliament that public funding for the cathedral had been halted as part of broader efforts to curb wasteful expenditure. 

“The government cannot justify pouring scarce resources into an unfinished project when Ghanaians are struggling to afford basic necessities,” he said. 

Contractors have abandoned the site due to unpaid invoices, and at least five trustees have resigned from the project’s board, further eroding public confidence.

– ‘Public frustration’ –

Mahama’s pledge to investigate the project has drawn praise and scepticism in equal measure.  

“Mahama is not just addressing the financial mismanagement associated with the cathedral; he’s tapping into public frustration over governance failures,” political scientist Kwame Asah-Asante from the University of Ghana told AFP.

“This investigation could set a precedent for holding leaders accountable, but it also risks becoming a political weapon if not handled transparently.” 

With Ghana facing a delicate balancing act between fiscal discipline and public sentiment, the fate of the National Cathedral remains uncertain. 

Over 70% of the population identify as Christian in the deeply pious West African country.

“When people are struggling to feed their families, such extravagance becomes indefensible,” Asah-Asante said.

kme/jj

The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has expressed shock and disbelief over the results of the just-ended 2024 parliamentary elections.

He stated that one major issue before the 2020 election was how the party had imposed some candidates on certain constituencies.

“So we vowed not to allow such instances to repeat themselves again in the 2023/2024 primaries. You can testify that we ran one of the most transparent and efficient parliamentary primaries in our party, with no traces of controversy after the election. The various constituencies were given the opportunity to elect whoever they wanted to lead them in the 2024 election,” he said.

He revealed that an album validation committee was established to ensure transparency during the election and avoid any misunderstandings among members.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen Show on Tuesday, January 14, Mr Kodua mentioned that parliamentary candidates of the party acknowledged that the party had fairly provided maximum support during the election, making it unprecedented.

“Some of us are still mesmerized, we are still shocked by the outcome of the election,” he emphasized.

Mr Kodua further explained that he chose not to grant any interviews after the election because he was puzzled by how the party lost so many seats despite ensuring a smooth election process during the primaries.

He expressed strong confidence in the committee set up to investigate the aftermath of the 2024 election.

“The committee, headed by Prof Mike Oquaye, will probe further to find out what really happened,” he stressed.

He also attributed the party’s loss to apathy that had crept into the party, which he claimed led to the poor performance.

“The kind of apathy that infiltrated the party in the 2024 elections affected both the presidential and parliamentary candidates…” he concluded.

Although both parties had 137 MPs with one independent MP backing the NPP to give them a slight majority in the 8th Parliament, the 9th Parliament has seen the NDC winning 183 seats, with the NPP managing just 88 seats with four Independent MPs.

There’s just one parliamentary seat yet to be determined by the Electoral Commission due to an outstanding dispute.

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.