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GRIDCo: Gov’t Needs Nearly $90m to Avert Power Crisis

By
Ivy Hollys
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gridco on power crisis

According to a report by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) the new government will require a total of $89.90 million dollars to procure liquid fuel in the absence of natural gas. This is necessary to enable electricity power generation companies in the country to produce adequate power for consumption.

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

GRIDCo announced the maintenance of gas pipelines from Nigeria to Ghana by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAGP) which was initially scheduled for October 2024 but was postponed by the previous government to January 2025.

The GRIDCo report details key strategies to mitigate the impact of the fuel shortage and maintain grid stability such as Rescheduling Planned Maintenance, Securing Alternative Fuels and Load Management Measures.

Meanwhile, the new government has already initiated steps to address the looming crisis by engaging in meetings with various power sector stakeholders.

The emergency meeting which was concluded today, has been tasked to come up with a roadmap by close of day today to address the challenge.

Read also: Dumsor Fears: Three Power Plants Facing Imminent Shutdown Over $259 Million…

Mahama Officially Sworn in as President of Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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President John Dramani Mahama on lgbtq+ bill
John Dramani Mahama

John Dramani Mahama has officially assumed office as the President of the Republic of Ghana, marking the beginning of his second term in office after a resounding victory in the 2024 general elections.

The historic swearing-in ceremony took place at the Black Star Square in Accra on January 7, 2025, with a crowd of dignitaries, political leaders, and citizens in attendance to witness this momentous occasion.

Mahama, the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, affirming his commitment to serve the people of Ghana and uphold the Constitution.

His victory in the December 7 elections was a decisive one, earning him a broad mandate from the electorate, and signaling widespread confidence in his leadership.

The ceremony was attended by various global dignitaries, including heads of state, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations, who all came to congratulate Mahama on his return to office.

The event also saw the official swearing-in of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the Vice President, making history as the first woman to hold the position in Ghana.

As Mahama embarks on his second term, his focus will be on addressing pressing issues such as youth unemployment, economic recovery, healthcare, and infrastructure development. His administration aims to foster an inclusive political environment, where every Ghanaian has the opportunity to thrive.

The smooth transition of power and the peaceful nature of the inauguration serve as a testament to Ghana’s strong democratic practices, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as one of the most stable democracies in Africa.

Fire ravages Tamale Timber Market 

By
Ivy Hollys
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tamale wood market fire

A massive fire swept through the Tamale Timber Market late Tuesday, destroying traders’ goods and livelihoods. The inferno, part of a worrying trend of market fires across Ghana, follows recent blazes in Accra and Kumasi.

Despite a rapid response, firefighters struggled to control the flames due to water shortages and the market’s congested layout. Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, which gutted significant sections of the market. 

This incident mirrors the Kantamanto Market fire in Accra, where hundreds of traders lost goods within the past week. Similarly, the Kwadaso Wood Market in Kumasi recently suffered a fire, leaving many traders counting heavy losses.

These repeated incidents raise concerns about fire safety measures and infrastructure in Ghana’s commercial hubs. Traders affected by the Tamale fire now face uncertainty as they attempt to recover from this devastating loss.

The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, has left several traders in distress as their livelihoods were reduced to ashes.

Firefighters cited challenges accessing water and navigating the congested market area as significant obstacles in their efforts to contain the blaze. It is not clear what started the fire yet. Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Ghana’s 9th Parliament Officially Inaugurated

By
Ivy Hollys
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The 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana has officially been inaugurated, marking the commencement of a new legislative session.

The historic event took place in the early hours of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Parliament House in Accra, following the dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the newly re-elected Speaker of Parliament, was sworn in by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo. Bagbin, who previously served as the Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was re-nominated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and received overwhelming support from Members of Parliament.

His re-election represents a pivotal moment for the country’s democratic journey, as he continues to lead with his extensive experience in the role. Following his swearing-in, Bagbin officially presided over the oath-taking ceremony for the 275 Members of Parliament-elect, excluding the representative from the Ablekuma North constituency.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and dignitaries, and marked the beginning of a new legislative era. It was a highly symbolic moment for Ghana’s Parliament, as it represents the new political landscape following the 2024 general elections.

With the NDC securing a majority in the 2024 parliamentary elections, winning 183 seats out of 276, the party retained its leadership team for the new Parliament. The NDC’s leadership team includes:

  • Majority Leader: Cassiel Ato Forson (MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam)
  • Deputy Majority Leader: Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembelle)
  • Majority Chief Whip: Governs Kwame Agbodza (MP for Adaklu)
  • Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Ahmed Ibrahim (MP for Banda)

Despite the smooth proceedings of the swearing-in ceremony, the event was marred by a legal challenge surrounding the Akwatia parliamentary seat. The Koforidua High Court upheld an injunction that prevented Ernest Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate for Akwatia, from holding himself out as the Member of Parliament-elect. The injunction also barred the Clerk of Parliament from swearing him in.

This legal challenge arose after the NDC’s candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, filed a petition against the Electoral Commission, Ernest Kumi, and the Clerk of Parliament, citing irregularities in the December 7, 2024, elections. The court granted the injunction on January 2, 2025, which halted Kumi’s swearing-in.

NPP counsel, Gary Nimako Marfo, contended that the injunction was improperly filed and urged the court to dismiss the petition, arguing that election results can only be challenged within 21 days after they have been gazetted. Despite the NPP’s arguments, the injunction remains in place pending further hearings.

In the aftermath of the legal ruling, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed that Ernest Kumi was willing to participate in the swearing-in process and the subsequent election of the Speaker, even if it meant facing legal consequences.

However, Clerk Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror emphasized that allowing Kumi to participate in the swearing-in ceremony would be a violation of the court’s order.

Source: Citinewsroom

9th Parliament: Bernard Ahiafor and Andrew Asiamah as Deputy Speakers

By
Ivy Hollys
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parliament today: Bagbin issues warnings

Bernard Ahiafor, Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, has been elected 1st Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominated Ahiafor and was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader.

Andrew Amoako Asiamah, MP for Fomena, retained his position as 2nd Deputy Speaker, a role he has held since 2021. Ahiafor, a seasoned legislator from the Volta Region, has served Akatsi South in Parliament since 2013.

A practising lawyer, Ahiafor is respected for his expertise in legal matters and his contributions to parliamentary committees. He has been a key member of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, showcasing his procedural knowledge.

His experience in legal and parliamentary affairs is expected to strengthen his contributions as 1st Deputy Speaker. The elections for Deputy Speakers followed the 9th Parliament’s inauguration on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Accra.

Earlier, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo swore in Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, re-elected as Speaker of Parliament, during the ceremony. Bagbin, Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was re-nominated by the NDC and gained overwhelming support from MPs. His re-election as Speaker underscores his influential role in Ghana’s democratic development and parliamentary leadership.

Bagbin presided over the swearing-in of 275 MPs-elect, excluding the Ablekuma North representative, during the inauguration.

The event, attended by dignitaries and families, marked the start of a new legislative session. The NDC, with 183 seats after the 2024 elections, retained its leadership team for the 9th Parliament. 

The leadership includes Cassiel Ato Forson as Majority Leader and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as Deputy Majority Leader.

Governs Kwame Agbodza serves as Majority Chief Whip, with Ahmed Ibrahim as Deputy Majority Chief Whip.

Akufo-Addo Denies Pardoning 11 Convicts

By
Ivy Hollys
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akufo-addo
Nana Akuffo Addo

The Office of the President has refuted reports that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted a presidential pardon to 11 individuals.

In a statement issued on January 6, 2025, Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications, clarified that the reports were inaccurate. The statement emphasized that President Akufo-Addo had not exercised his prerogative of mercy to pardon the individuals in question, as suggested by some media outlets.

Earlier reports had claimed that the President had pardoned individuals including William Ato Essien, who was convicted for his involvement in the collapse of Capital Bank. Essien, sentenced to 15 years in prison after defaulting on a GHS90 million fine, suffers from serious health conditions.

Other individuals allegedly included Philip Akpeena Assibit, convicted in 2018 for financial loss to the State, and Akwasi Alhassan, a convicted murderer who had been serving a life sentence after a 1993 conviction.

The Office of the President reiterated that these claims were unfounded, further clarifying that the President has not granted any pardons to these individuals or any others as claimed.

“We wish to categorically state that these assertions are inaccurate, and no pardon has been granted by President Akufo-Addo,” the statement read.

The Office of the President has urged the public to disregard any contrary information and to rely solely on official communications from the President’s office.

Read full statement below:

presidential pardon not granted to convicts

Source: Citinewsroom

Akufo-Addo Grants Presidential Pardon to 11 Convicts

By
Ivy Hollys
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akufo addo pardons convicts

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pardoned 11 convicts, including Ato Essien and Philip Assibit, under the constitutional prerogative of mercy.

A letter dated December 31, 2024, announced the clemency initiative, aimed at fostering reconciliation and leniency as the year concluded. Ato Essien, former CEO of the defunct Capital Bank, faced legal issues after the bank’s collapse during the 2017-2019 financial cleanup.

He was convicted for mismanaging GH¢620 million in liquidity support and sentenced to 15 years in prison in October 2023. Essien’s failure to fully repay a GH¢90 million restitution deal, despite several extensions and lifelines granted to him since December 2022, led to his incarceration. 

He is said to be suffering from severe life-threatening medical conditions and has undergone multiple surgeries as a result. Philip Assibit, was serving 12 years for causing financial loss to the state, was also granted clemency under the initiative.

Assibit’s conviction stemmed from a fraudulent $4 million  Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) loan deal, which caused significant losses to the state. He was found guilty of fabricating documents to justify the payment, resulting in significant financial loss to the state.

Nine other convicts also benefited from the pardon, with various crimes and circumstances prompting the decision to release or reduce sentences.

Full List of Pardoned Individuals and Crimes:

  1. Akwasi Alhassan – He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death on 19th March 1993. He has been in prison since then (31 years). He is now serving life imprisonment per presidential order.
  1.  Beatrice Ofori – She was convicted of human trafficking on 6th June 2023 for 8 years with hard labour. She is currently 64 years old and is seriously hypertensive. This has affected both legs, leading to her inability to move freely. She spends most of her time in the prison infirmary.
  2.  Frank Obeng – He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 40 years in prison. He is currently serving his sentence in Nsawam Prison. His sentence is proposed to be reduced from 40 to 12 years.
  1. Stephen Nyarko – He was convicted of conspiracy to rob and robbery in December 2010 and sentenced to 30 years. He has served 22 years in total, including time spent in remand.
  1. Osman Inusah – He was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery even though he was found not guilty of armed robbery. A petition submitted on his behalf states that he has mental health challenges, which need to be treated and managed at home.
  1. Joseph Nana Kwaku Boateng – He was convicted for attempted export and possession of narcotic substances on 28th May 2019 and sentenced to 15 years. He has served 8 years in total including five spent in remand.
  1. Emmanuel Adu Mensah – He was convicted of possession of narcotics and sentenced to a prison term of 15 years in April 2024. He is currently serving his prison term in Nsawam Prison.
  1. Kwame Twum Ampofo – He was convicted of possession of narcotics and sentenced to a prison term of 10 years in April 2024. He is currently serving his prison term in Nsawam Prison.
  1. Alexander Andrew Nii Lante Lawson – He was convicted of stealing and sentenced to a prison term of 5 years with hard labour and ordered to refund an amount of GH¢532,193.26 on 5th November, 2021. He has served 3 years in prison. His health has deteriorated significantly while he has been in prison, and he is dependent on medication.

Ghana National Fire Service Cautions Against Rebuilding Kantamanto Market

By
Ivy Hollys
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ghana national fire service

The Greater Accra Regional Fire Service (GNFS) has urged victims of the Kantamanto market fire to delay reconstruction efforts. Victims began rebuilding structures destroyed in last week’s fire, which ravaged the market and wiped out thousands of shops.

At a press conference in Accra, GNFS Regional Commander ACFO II Rashid Nisawu emphasized the importance of fire safety precautions before rebuilding. He said this should be done before rebuilding, lest the risk of another fire incident.

He said without seeking professional advice, reconstruction could lead to another fire incident. He stated, “As we speak, I have spoken to them. The authorities, and I have made them aware that if they have not come for professional advice and go on with the reconstruction [and] if they are not lucky and one day there is fire, they will be telling the same story.

“The last time the minister came to sympathize with them, I suggested that even if they have to construct, they have to come for advice. We give them standardized structures and the type of materials they should use. But I cannot go in there and force them,” he stated.

Mr. Rashid also dismissed allegations that fire officers escalated the fire by pouring petrol at the scene.

He said, “As for the people making allegations that we poured petrol on the fire when we attempted to bring the situation under control. That is why we are holding this press conference to explain to the people of Ghana.”

“Why on earth should anybody put petrol in a fire tender and pour it on the fire? Even if you take petrol there, you will get burnt yourself… So that is unfortunate, to say the least,” he added.

“I hope Mahama completes Agenda 111” – Akufo-Addo

By
Ivy Hollys
-
agenda 111

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to focus on completing the Agenda 111 projects.

The initiative, introduced during Akufo-Addo’s administration amid the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to construct 111 district and regional hospitals nationwide, including psychiatric facilities.

This is to help bridge significant gaps in Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure. Despite progress made, several projects remain unfinished as Akufo-Addo’s tenure nears its conclusion.

Speaking during his final State of the Nation Address on January 3, 2025, he highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential.

Akufo-Addo described Agenda 111 as a key step toward improving healthcare access and reducing pressure on existing health facilities.

He expressed confidence that completing the initiative would significantly enhance Ghana’s healthcare system and serve as a lasting legacy.

“The pandemic showed us some of the alarming shortcomings of our health delivery system and we strived to seek measures to ensure that we are reasonably prepared in the next. 

“The most important intervention is the Agenda 111 project, where we attempted to place a hospital in every district; adding 111 district hospitals and 2 psychiatric hospitals to the project list.”

“There are 99 districts and 2 psychiatric hospitals where contractors are deployed and work is in progress. I hope the construction will be completed, but that at last was not to be. I am pleased to report that on December 3, I had the pleasure of commissioning three of the district hospitals.”

“Hundreds of works on the other 98 active sites, ranging from 5% to 95% in other sites. I am hoping that the incoming Mahama administration will ensure that the project is completed to add to our health infrastructure,” he stated.

Kantamanto Fire: Affected shops were closely situated – GNFS

By
Ivy Hollys
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kantamanto fire

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has clarified its response to the devastating fire that engulfed the Kantamanto market, destroying over 100 shops.

According to the GNFS, the close proximity of the shops made it easier for the fire to spread rapidly, resulting in extensive damage.

This explanation comes in response to accusations from some vendors, who claimed that firefighters prioritized dousing the flames in surrounding structures that had not yet been affected, instead of focusing on the burning market.

Addressing these concerns, ADO1 Alex King Nartey of the GNFS explained that the decision was strategic, aimed at preventing the fire from spreading to nearby buildings, as much of the market had already been consumed by the flames.

“Per our evaluation, the fire has destroyed over a hundred stores because many of them were closely situated by each other. So, once the fire catches one, the spread becomes easier. But the good thing is that the salvage is much more than the damage. Because, looking at the other buildings, we have been able to salvage them from the fire.

“It has been a daunting task, especially considering the fact that there isn’t any working fire hydrant here, it was a big problem for us. We had to travel to Frisco or GRA to go and replenish. In the early hours, it was so much of a problem, but when it was morning and the whole place became congested; it became a bigger problem,” he said.

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