More than 200,000 children in Ghana suffer from uncorrected refractive errors, a leading cause of visual impairment, with one in four schoolchildren requiring vision correction.

A Chief Optometrist at the Trust Hospital in Accra, Dr Naa Kowah Agyemfra, said that although refractive error, which causes visual impairment, accounts for 50 per cent of the cases, less than 30 per cent of those with refractive errors have access to proper correction due to cost, access issues or myths.

“Obviously, this is not just a clinical problem but a public health crisis and a cultural communication gap,” she stressed.

Dr Agyemfra made the remarks while delivering an address at the second Refractive Error Day Symposium & 8th White Coat Ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

it was on the theme: “Bridging the gap: Dispelling refractive error myths to improve access”.

The white coat ceremony marked the transition of 100 level 400 Doctor of Optometry students from preclinical studies to clinical practice, where they were robed in white coats, widely recognised as a symbol of medical professionals.

They took the optometry oath, promising to practise the art and science of optometry diligently and conscientiously, uphold and promote the highest standards, ethics and ideals of the profession, as well as safeguard patients’ information.

Disproving myths about refractive errors, she explained that it was false to believe spectacles weaken the eyes.

Instead, she emphasised they help the eyes focus better, stressing “without them, you strain your eyes more and may even develop headaches”.

Additionally, she said sugar does not directly cause refractive errors.

However, it can affect the vision of people with diabetes, but glasses or spectacles are for refraction and not for sugar levels.

She also added, “children, teens and adults can all have refractive errors.”

Dr Agyemfra, also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eye Express, Accra, emphasised that wearing glasses was not a sign of weakness but a means of empowerment, noting, “refractive errors are not curses but are correctable conditions”.

Recruitment

The President of the Ghana Optometry Association (GOA), Professor Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, stated that no optometrists have been employed in the public sector for nearly five years, despite training institutions producing approximately 200 optometrists annually.

Instead, he said that what was always done was replacing those in active service who retired, resigned or died.

Therefore, he called on the government to recruit optometrists to work actively, especially in underserved areas.

Furthermore, he urged the Ministry of Health and its agencies to urgently review the long-overdue approval of a two-year horsemanship programme for Doctors of Optometry, with suitable remuneration.

Prof. Boadi-Kusi advocated refractive services to be integrated into primary healthcare and included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He emphasised that refractive error was a health issue and a barrier to education, opportunities and dignity.

Challenges myths

A Professor at the School of Optometry and Visual Science, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Emmanuel Kwesi Abu, who chaired the event, said that globally, refractive errors remained underdiagnosed, undertreated and misunderstood.

Despite the availability of simple, affordable interventions such as spectacles, he expressed concern that millions still suffer because of misinformation, cultural beliefs and limited access to services.

He told the students that their field was rapidly evolving with advances in diagnostic imaging, ocular therapeutics, contact lens innovations, and public health strategies.

Therefore, he encouraged them to stay curious and keep up with new trends.

Impact

In a welcome address, the Head of Department of Optometry and Visual Science at KNUST, Professor Mohammed Abdul-Kabir, stated that refractive error, if left uncorrected, can significantly and adversely affect patients’ well-being and may also lead to poor academic performance among children.

He urged the students stepping out to begin the clinical phase of their training to work harder and stay up-to-date with modern eye health and optometry care techniques.

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

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

• Ghana partners with Hattat Traktör to set up a tractor assembly plant.
• Aim to boost agricultural mechanization, with 78% of work still done manually.
• Part of a broader national support program for farmers.

Ghana has finalized an agreement with Turkish equipment manufacturer Hattat Traktör to establish a new agricultural tractor assembly plant within the country. Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku announced the deal on July 4 via his Facebook page.

Under this partnership, Hattat Traktör will provide technical assistance to 10G Globaltech Ltd, a Ghanaian firm selected to lead the industrial project alongside the Ministry of Agriculture.

Once operational, the assembly unit is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s ability to supply tractors to farmers. Further information regarding the start date, construction timeline, production capacity, or specific location of the plant has not yet been disclosed.

The announcement follows Opoku’s June unveiling of the “Farmers Service Centres.” This government program aims to equip each agricultural district in the country with fully stocked centers containing machinery and inputs to boost farm productivity. For authorities, enhancing local tractor assembly capacity is a major strategic priority, especially since mechanization in Ghanaian agriculture remains limited.

A 2022 study found that approximately 78% of agricultural operations in Ghana are still performed manually. This low level of mechanized farming is one of the main obstacles to expanding cultivated land in the country. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Ghana has 10 million hectares of arable land, of which 7.4 million hectares were being used in 2022.

Moreover, several factors must be addressed to meaningfully advance agricultural mechanization in Ghana. A 2020 report by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) highlighted the lack of well-structured mechanization services in the country. The organization cited high equipment costs and limited access to credit as major barriers for both farmers and the development of the local supply market.

Stéphanas Assocle

Dr Adrian Alter is a Senior Economist with the IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed Dr Adrian Alter as the new Resident Representative for Ghana.

He is set to assume the role on September 2, 2025, replacing the current Resident Representative, Leandro Medina, who was appointed in 2022.

Ghana is currently in its second year under the ongoing $3 billion bailout programme aimed at supporting economic recovery.

So far, Ghana has fulfilled all its obligations under the programme and is therefore expecting the disbursement of the next tranche of $370 million this week.

Here is Dr Alter’s profile as published by the IMF:

Adrian Alter is a Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund. During his decade-long career at the Fund, he has contributed to a broad spectrum of IMF operations and publications, including the Global Financial Stability Report and Regional Economic Outlooks for Africa and the Middle East.

Leveraging his extensive engagement with country authorities and sound policy judgment, Adrian has participated in various country assignments, including Ghana’s third program review (2024), Tunisia’s program negotiations (2021–2023), and Serbia’s PCI program (2019–2020).

He has also contributed to several Financial Sector Assessment Programs (FSAPs) and Article IV consultations, including those for Canada, Singapore, and Lesotho.

Prior to joining the Fund, he held research fellowships and internship positions at the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, and UBS Investment Bank. Adrian holds a PhD in Economics, a Master’s in Finance, and also completed the 2016 Program on Financial Stability at the Yale School of Management.

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President John Mahama has called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s democracy and to consolidate its position as West Africa’s most peaceful nation.  

The President made the remarks while addressing the closing session of the Post-2024 Elections Evaluation Dialogue in Koforidua, organised by the National Peace Council (NPC) in partnership with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and other stakeholders.  

The three-day conference, on the theme: “Dialoguing for a Stronger Democracy and Social Cohesion,” was funded by the European Union (EU), the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and aimed to assess the conduct of the 2024 general election to improve future electoral processes.  

Peace ranking

Citing the 2024 Global Peace Index, which ranked Ghana 55th globally, a four-place drop from 2023, President Mahama described the report as a reminder of the need for continuous efforts to maintain peace.  

“While we remain the most peaceful country in West Africa, we cannot afford complacency.

We must address electoral violence, toxic political rhetoric and mistrust in institutions,” he stated.  

He condemned isolated incidents of violence during the 2024 polls and directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure swift investigations and prosecution of offenders.

He also disclosed that the Attorney-General was finalising a report for Cabinet to compensate victims of electoral violence.  

Democratic governance

President Mahama commended the Electoral Commission of Ghana, security agencies, political parties and civil society organisations for their roles in ensuring a peaceful election, but emphasised the need for further reforms.  

“Democracy should not be a winner-takes-all system. We must invest in civic education, youth engagement and non-violent political participation,” he said.  

While acknowledging the impact of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act (2019, Act 999) in reducing political violence, he stressed the need for stronger measures to address grievances and ensure fairness in institutions.  

Inclusive governance

The President urged participants to ensure the dialogue’s recommendations, covering electoral integrity, misinformation, youth engagement and media responsibility, were forwarded to relevant institutions, including the Constitutional Review Committee, for implementation.  

Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said: “Great anger and violence can never build a nation.”

He called for a rejection of divisive politics and a renewed commitment to national unity.  

“As President, I reaffirm my dedication to preserving Ghana’s peace and upholding the dignity of every citizen. Let this dialogue mark a new chapter of cooperation and progress,” he declared.  

The event brought together political leaders, religious groups, civil society organisations and development partners to evaluate the 2024 polls and propose measures for more credible future elections.  

Winner takes all

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NPC Governing Board, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, stressed the need for participants to critically reflect on the role of political parties in restraining their members and cultivating democratic tolerance.  

“Our democracy must never be reduced to a winner-takes-all contest where the stakes are so high that violence becomes an option,” he said.

Most Rev. Fianu called for more investment in civic education and youth political dialogue.

The government is finalising processes to start implementing an incentive-based payment system to encourage the return of electronic waste (e-waste) to designated collection centres.

When operational, the programme will be part of a broader effort to manage e-waste effectively and promote a circular economy for electronic and electrical equipment.

This initiative aims to significantly reduce the environmental and health risks associated with improper e-waste disposal, such as pollution and contamination, and to promote sustainable waste management practices that prioritise human health and environmental protection.

It will be implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Electrical and Electronic Waste Management Fund (E-Waste Fund), as a funding agency.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the E-Waste Fund, Amos Blessing Amorse, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic during an engagement with operators in the e-waste value chain in Accra last Thursday, stated that the programme, when fully operational, would help reduce environmental and health risks associated with improper e-waste disposal.

“These are ways of disposing of e-waste. In fact, in the coming days, what we want to do is that we will be collaborating with the EPA, where we will have bins for the collection of some of these fractions.

“A lot of people do not even know that when you have e-waste products in your house and you take them to certain designated centres, you are entitled to incentives.

This is something that is not known, and so, we want to introduce it to encourage people to return their e-waste,” he said.

The workshop

The workshop brought together actors across the electronic waste value chain, including representatives from academia, development partners, industry associations, recyclers and scrap dealers to validate a new guideline on engagement with stakeholders.

The engagement marks a major step in ensuring transparency, collaboration and clarity in how the fund interacts with its diverse partners and how those stakeholders, in turn, engage the fund.

The workshop created an opportunity for participants to review and provide feedback on the draft guidelines, which outline the channels, modalities and procedures for engagement between the fund and various stakeholder groups.

These include protocols for public consultation, information sharing, feedback mechanisms, and roles during project implementation.

Accountability

Mr Amorse stated that the validation of the guidelines was expected to pave the way for a more inclusive and accountable management system for the fund, especially as it scales up operations in line with Ghana’s environmental and development goals.

He said the fund was established under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) with a mandate to mobilise and disburse financial resources to support the sound management of electrical and electronic waste across Ghana.

Significant strides

The Head of Operations at the E-Waste Fund, Obed Boah, stated that the fund over the past year had made significant strides in implementing pilot projects, awareness campaigns and financing mechanisms aimed at reducing the harmful environmental and public health impacts of e-waste.

He said as part of its institutional strengthening, the fund has developed a set of engagement guidelines to streamline communication, roles and expectations with its stakeholders.

He added that the E-Waste Fund remained committed to working hand in hand with both formal and informal sector actors to ensure that the country’s growing electronic waste challenge was tackled sustainably and equitably.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is the Minister of Finance

The government has committed $1.4 billion to servicing Eurobond debts in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Ghana has cumulatively serviced $1.174 billion in Eurobond payments since 2024.

In a statement on July 3, 2025, the ministry announced that the government had successfully made a payment of US$349 million towards Eurobond debt service obligations on the same day.

The debt payments were detailed as follows:

The government has committed $1.4 billion to servicing Eurobond debts in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Ghana has cumulatively serviced $1.174 billion in Eurobond payments since 2024.

In a statement on July 3, 2025, the ministry announced that the government had successfully made a payment of US$349 million towards Eurobond debt service obligations on the same day.

The debt payments were detailed as follows:

• In October 2024, the government made an initial payment of US$475.60 million, covering obligations due under the restructuring agreement, including the first post-restructuring debt service.

• In January 2025, the government paid US$349.52 million.

• In July 2025, a further US$349.52 million was paid.

“This brings Ghana fully up to date on all scheduled Eurobond debt service obligations for 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, a total debt service of US$1,409.06 million is scheduled. This timely payment reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, prudent debt management, and constructive engagement with external creditors,” the statement said.

The ministry further noted that this development is expected to positively influence Ghana’s credit ratings trajectory in the coming months, as it demonstrates continued discipline in debt servicing post-restructuring.

It added that this will also boost investor confidence in Ghana’s sovereign credit profile and economic recovery programme, while supporting foreign exchange market stability, as the debt service has been factored into the Bank of Ghana’s reserves and liquidity management strategy.

In October 2024, the government made an initial payment of US$475.60 million, covering obligations due under the restructuring agreement, including the first post-restructuring debt service.

In January 2025, the government paid US$349.52 million.

In July 2025, a further US$349.52 million was paid.

“This brings Ghana fully up to date on all scheduled Eurobond debt service obligations for 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, a total debt service of US$1,409.06 million is scheduled. This timely payment reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, prudent debt management, and constructive engagement with external creditors,” the statement said.

The ministry further noted that this development is expected to positively influence Ghana’s credit ratings trajectory in the coming months, as it demonstrates continued discipline in debt servicing post-restructuring.

It added that this will also boost investor confidence in Ghana’s sovereign credit profile and economic recovery programme, while supporting foreign exchange market stability, as the debt service has been factored into the Bank of Ghana’s reserves and liquidity management strategy.

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Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe

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The Ashaiman community came alive on Saturday, 5th July, as hundreds of young people gathered for the premiere of three youth-led short films under the Ghana Grows Program. The event, a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Springboard Road Show Foundation, with creative direction from Meraki Arts Africa, utilised the power of storytelling to redefine how young Ghanaians perceive agriculture and agribusiness.

The films, written and produced by Meraki Arts, boldly challenges long-held stereotypes around agriculture and ATVET (Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training), while spotlighting real-life stories of transformation and purpose.

Describing the evening, Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, said:

“This was more than a film premiere. It was a turning point, proof that stories can unlock confidence, reshape mindsets, and inspire a new generation to see agriculture and ATVET as creative, fulfilling, and dignified career options.”

Celebrated actor Adjetey Anann, who appeared in the series, praised the energy and insight the young filmmakers brought to the screen. “It’s more than entertainment, it’s about identity, dignity, and the future we’re building together,” he said.

The premiere drew participation from youth across Ashaiman and beyond, along with media houses, creative industry leaders, and key stakeholders. Following the screenings, a lively panel discussion offered the cast and production team a platform to share their journey and reflections on storytelling as a tool for mindset change.

Ashaiman was chosen for its vibrant youth population and track record of community-led success stories. Its energy and engagement captured the very essence of Ghana Grows, to spark real change where it matters most.

Led by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, the Ghana Grows Program continues to make strides nationwide by promoting agriculture and ATVET as modern, viable, and respected career paths for Ghana’s youth. With support from creative and technical collaborators such as Meraki Arts Africa, Lyme Haus, and others, the program remains committed to mindset shift, skills development, and youth empowerment.

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

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

Ghana welcomed over 1.28 million international visitors in 2024. Business travel topped the list at 24.3%, followed closely by holidays and family visits. Kotoka International Airport handled the most visitors—over 1.13 million—while key land borders like Aflao and Elubo saw steady regional traffic. The US, Nigeria, and the UK led as top source countries, highlighting Ghana’s strong diaspora and business links. Most importantly, visitors to the country loved the experience. An impressive 88% rated Ghana as an ideal tourist destination, citing warm hospitality, rich culture, and safety. Notably, 78% rated their stay in the country as “excellent,” affirming the tourism sector’s success. These ratings make it clear that Ghana’s tourism sector is thriving, blending memorable experiences with meaningful connections that are bound to keep people coming back.

Business Insider Africa

The security guard at the seat of government, the Jubilee House, is being changed today, Monday, July 7, 2025.

This is the 44th Guard Changing Ceremony. The ceremony is held every three months.

This means that the new guards will be responsible for the security at the Jubilee House for the next three months.

In attendance at the event are President John Dramani Mahama, as well as senior officials of his government.

Watch a livestream of the event below:

BAI

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Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is now the immediate past President of Ghana

In July 2024, the then President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, called on Ghanaians to protect the nation’s forests, describing them as invaluable assets.

He noted that while forests offer ecological, economic, and cultural benefits, they are increasingly under threat from illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and climate change.

Akufo-Addo made these remarks at the International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation held in Brazzaville.

Read the full story originally published on July 8, 2024 by Classfmonline.com.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasised the importance of Africa’s forests to its people, describing them as invaluable.

He said that although the forests provide ecological, economic, and cultural benefits essential to our way of life, they are threatened by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and climate change.

At the closing ceremony of the International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation in Brazzaville, on Friday, July 5, 2024, he encouraged leaders to take decisive action to implement sustainable forest management policies, combat illegal activities, and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems.

He suggested that investing in research and technology to enhance the understanding of forest dynamics is also crucial for improving reforestation efforts.

Making a case for Ghana, he said the West African country has made significant strides in forest restoration, adding that since 2016, “we have established over one million hectares of forest plantations, enrichment planting, and native tree seedling projects.”

These efforts, he said, have created rural employment for thousands and supported food security through agroforestry initiatives.

Nana Akufo-Addo further stated that Ghana’s Green Ghana Day Initiative, launched in 2021, has seen the planting of over 52 million trees in just four years, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of citizens, schools, and the private sector.

Despite these achievements, he admitted that much work remains.

“We need increased and dedicated financing to sustain our efforts. The tropical domain, home to nearly half of the world’s forests, cannot fund the required $393 billion annually alone. We must pool resources and incentivize local communities to protect forests,” he said.

He encouraged the gathering to think globally but act locally, prioritising environmental stewardship alongside development.

He indicated that Ghana remains committed to leading in forest conservation and restoration, thus helping to ensure a sustainable future for all.

More than 200,000 children in Ghana suffer from uncorrected refractive errors, a leading cause of visual impairment, with one in four schoolchildren requiring vision correction.

A Chief Optometrist at the Trust Hospital in Accra, Dr Naa Kowah Agyemfra, said that although refractive error, which causes visual impairment, accounts for 50 per cent of the cases, less than 30 per cent of those with refractive errors have access to proper correction due to cost, access issues or myths.

“Obviously, this is not just a clinical problem but a public health crisis and a cultural communication gap,” she stressed.

Dr Agyemfra made the remarks while delivering an address at the second Refractive Error Day Symposium & 8th White Coat Ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

It was on the theme: “Bridging the gap: Dispelling refractive error myths to improve access”.

The white coat ceremony marked the transition of 100 level 400 Doctor of Optometry students from preclinical studies to clinical practice, where they were robed in white coats, widely recognised as a symbol of medical professionals.

They took the optometry oath, promising to practise the art and science of optometry diligently and conscientiously, uphold and promote the highest standards, ethics and ideals of the profession, as well as safeguard patients’ information.

Disproving myths about refractive errors, she explained that it was false to believe spectacles weaken the eyes.

Instead, she emphasised they help the eyes focus better, stressing “without them, you strain your eyes more and may even develop headaches”.

Additionally, she said sugar does not directly cause refractive errors.

However, it can affect the vision of people with diabetes, but glasses or spectacles are for refraction and not for sugar levels.

She also added, “children, teens and adults can all have refractive errors.”

Dr Agyemfra, also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eye Express, Accra, emphasised that wearing glasses was not a sign of weakness but a means of empowerment, noting, “refractive errors are not curses but are correctable conditions”.

Recruitment

The President of the Ghana Optometry Association (GOA), Professor Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi, stated that no optometrists have been employed in the public sector for nearly five years, despite training institutions producing approximately 200 optometrists annually.

Instead, he said that what was always done was replacing those in active service who retired, resigned or died.

Therefore, he called on the government to recruit optometrists to work actively, especially in underserved areas.

Furthermore, he urged the Ministry of Health and its agencies to urgently review the long-overdue approval of a two-year horsemanship programme for Doctors of Optometry, with suitable remuneration.

Prof. Boadi-Kusi advocated refractive services to be integrated into primary healthcare and included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He emphasised that refractive error was a health issue and a barrier to education, opportunities and dignity.

Challenges myths

A Professor at the School of Optometry and Visual Science, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Emmanuel Kwesi Abu, who chaired the event, said that globally, refractive errors remained underdiagnosed, undertreated and misunderstood.

Despite the availability of simple, affordable interventions such as spectacles, he expressed concern that millions still suffer because of misinformation, cultural beliefs and limited access to services.

He told the students that their field was rapidly evolving with advances in diagnostic imaging, ocular therapeutics, contact lens innovations, and public health strategies.

Therefore, he encouraged them to stay curious and keep up with new trends.

Impact

In a welcome address, the Head of Department of Optometry and Visual Science at KNUST, Professor Mohammed Abdul-Kabir, stated that refractive error, if left uncorrected, can significantly and adversely affect patients’ well-being and may also lead to poor academic performance among children.

He urged the students stepping out to begin the clinical phase of their training to work harder and stay up-to-date with modern eye health and optometry care techniques.
 
Writer’s email: [email protected].

 The Anti-Landguard Unit of the Ghana Police Service on Thursday arrested 10 sus­pected landguards who were allegedly terrorising residents of Ashongman Estates in the Ga East District of the Greater Accra Region.

The specialised unit, led by DSP Nafiu Shittu, carried out the operation at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) lands within the Ashongman Estates.

Included in the suspects who were arrested during the raid are Yussif Touffik, Chief Ali Ibrahim, Abdul Wajeed, Seidu Issah and Graham Smith.

The rest were Latiff Larry, Mohammed Omar, Emmanuel Mensah, Abdul Wallah, and Said Abdullai.

According to DSP Shittu, the suspects were part of a well-organised criminal group that has operated with impuni­ty for several years.

He added that the raid was based on intelligence gathered from continuous complaints by residents about the activities of the gang.

DSP Shittu also indicated that his outfit would contin­ue to ensure that lives and properties are protected, and make the area and country at large, very uncomfortable for criminals to operate in.

He added that the operation was part of a broader national strategy to eliminate landguard activities, restore peace, and secure landowners’ rights.

Residents have expressed joy over the arrests and com­mended the police for raiding the hideout of the landguards, whom they described as ter­rorists.

“We finally feel protected. These men have destroyed homes and lives for far too long,” Mr Isaac Ansah, one of the residents stated.

 BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG

John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana

During his campaign in the 2024 general elections, John Dramani Mahama categorically stated that appointees and public office holders would not be permitted to acquire or own state assets in any form if he won the elections.

His remarks followed allegations against government officials of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who were accused of acquiring and owning state assets.

Read the full story originally published on July 7, 2024 by www.ghanaweb.com.

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has declared that appointees and public office holders in his administration will not be allowed to acquire or own state assets in any form.

His comments come after some current government officials of the ruling New Patriotic Party have been accused of owning and acquiring state assets.

Speaking with journalists during a media encounter on Sunday, July 7, 2024, the former president said his administration will not tolerate the acquisition of state assets if given the nod in the upcoming December polls.

“Appointees and public office holders must change their attitudes. That is what we’re going to insist on. People that we appoint must be modest and humble, open to the people, and do things that will improve the lives of our young people. So, we’re going to hold them to a higher standard of service. You must not go and buy state property,” John Mahama declared.

“Anybody serving in my government will not be allowed to buy a state asset. Nobody serving in my government will buy a state asset. Vehicles, cars, buildings, land, or anything else, nobody serving in our government will be allowed to buy a state asset,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the acquisition and ownership of state assets by government officials. This has prompted the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to initiate a process to push a Private Members’ Bill preventing any government official or public office holder from acquiring state assets.