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Joe Biden Announces Delegation for Mahama’s Inauguration

By
Ivy Hollys
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joe biden
President Joe Biden speaks during an event about his Investing in America agenda, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at the Dundalk Marine Terminal in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced a Presidential Delegation to attend the inauguration of Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, scheduled for January 7, 2025, in Accra.

In an official statement from the White House, President Biden designated Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, to lead the delegation.

The delegation comprises notable figures, including:

  • Virginia E. Palmer, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, who has played a key role in fostering bilateral relations between the two nations.
  • Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, California, known for her longstanding engagement in U.S.-Africa relations.
  • Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the White House National Security Council, reflecting the administration’s focus on African partnerships.

John Dramani Mahama won the December 7, 2024, presidential election, defeating incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. This marks Mahama’s return to power after serving as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017.

The U.S. delegation’s presence underscores the importance of Ghana’s democratic credentials and the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Credit: Citinewsroom

Akufo-Addo’s aide-de-camp Collapses During State of the Nation Address (SONA)

By
Ivy Hollys
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SONA: Akufo addo;s aide

An incident during President Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament today, January 3, 2025, has sparked widespread concerns.The President’s aide-de-camp Colonel Isaac Amponsah, collapsed while standing guard in the chamber.

The collapse occurred shortly after President Akufo-Addo began delivering his speech. The speech was meant to highlight the government’s achievements and vision for the country.

Col. Amponsah has been a dedicated member of the President’s security detail for many years. However, during the SONA he suddenly lost his footing and collapsed without warning.

The sudden nature of the collapse prompted immediate attention from Parliament’s medical team, who rushed to the scene to assist.

Col. Amponsah was promptly attended to and, after receiving initial first aid, was quickly transported to a nearby facility for further medical evaluation.

The President, visibly concerned by the incident, paused his address briefly to ensure that Col. Amponsah received the necessary attention.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA), though briefly interrupted by the incident, continued without further disruptions. The event remains significant as President Akufo-Addo’s final address to Parliament before his term ends. 

Further updates on Col. Amponsah’s health are expected in the coming hours.

SONA: President Akufo-Addo says Ghana is not Broke

By
Ivy Hollys
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akufo-addo
Nana Akuffo Addo

President Akufo-Addo in his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered to Parliament has expressed confidence in Ghana’s economic recovery. He delivered the statement to parliament today, January 3. 

In his address, the outgoing president asserted that the nation’s economy has outperformed initial projections. He emphasized that Ghana is not in a state of financial distress and highlighted the resilience of the economy in the face of numerous challenges.

He said the progress made was a result of strategic government actions that played a vital role in restoring economic stability.

President Akufo-Addo further pointed to the successful completion of three consecutive reviews of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, with the latest review approved on December 2, 2024. He said this has resulted in a disbursement of $360 million to support ongoing recovery efforts.

The President acknowledged the difficulties faced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he reinforced the government’s commitment to continuing its efforts to strengthen the economy.

E-Gates cost $1.7 million, not $240 million—GIS 

By
Ivy Hollys
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E-gates

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has refuted false claims on social media that the recently commissioned electronic gates (e-gates) at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), cost the nation $240m.

In a press release issued on Thursday, December 19, 2024, GIS stated emphatically that the installed e-gates at the KIA, cost the nation $1.7 million and not $240 million. The statement further explained that the GIS is implementing a new integrated border management system known as “Immigration 360” at all of the nation’s entry points and seized the opportunity to present in detail various components and costs of the integrated border management system, which has the installation of the e-gates as a component of the system.

“The Ghana Immigration Service is implementing a new integrated border management system known as “Immigration 360. The system seeks to fully automate passenger processing and data management at all forty-eight (48) approved entry/exit points to Ghana and other operational commands. The new system seeks to address challenges with sovereignty, interoperability, and other inadequacies associated with the existing systems installed at twelve (12) approved borders,” said the press release.

“It is inaccurate that the e-Gate system installed at the KIA cost a total of $240 million dollars. The e-Gate system alone (comprising 15 units of e-Gates with accessories), which form part of the border management system being installed at KIA, costs $1.7 million (i.e., $1,760,479.80).”

With regards to the $240m being mentioned, the Ghana Immigration Service explained it is for the entire cost of phases one and two of the border management system at all of the nation’s 48 entry points, including installations, maintenance, licensing, and taxes.

“The $240 million referenced in the circulating article on social media is in relation to the whole cycle cost of the project (including the initial implementation cost of $94,664,374.57),” the statement said.

“The $240 million includes two (2) periodic wholesale upgrades of the critical components of the system and cost of maintenance and licenses over the 10-year cycle of the project. The first upgrade type is in three (3) replacement cycles of key components of the system. The second upgrade type is two (2) 5-year upgrade cycles within ten (10) years to replace major components of the technical infrastructure. This is to ensure a refresh of the system at all times and to ensure the handback of a brand-new system at the end of the ten-year period.”

“After accounting for VAT and other taxes, the total comes to $274 million, which includes maintenance and hands-on support services over a ten-year period to guarantee the system is operational around the clock.”

Source: Joynewsonline

Anti-corruption team (ORAL) Launches Platforms to Collect Information

By
Ivy Hollys
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Operation recover all loot (ORAL)

Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), set up by President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s has unveiled secure platforms to gather information.  The platforms are designed to facilitate public reporting of suspected acts of corruption.

Multiple channels have been established to ensure inclusivity for diverse preferences. The team also assured the public that all information provided would be treated with discretion and processed quickly. 

On Friday, December 20, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for Mahama’s Transition Team, announced the initiative in an official circular.

Reports can be submitted through a toll-free number (0800 900 111), the official website (www.oralgh.org), or via email (public@oralgh.org). The transition team assured that these platforms prioritize security and confidentiality to protect informants from any risks of reprisal. The transition team guaranteed confidentiality to bolster public confidence in the initiative.

The ORAL team was launched on Wednesday, December 18, with Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as its chairman. The ORAL initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to combat systemic corruption and financial impropriety in the public sector.

See the circular below: 

ORAL team on launch of corruption platforms

Election 2024: Akufo-Addo’s loyalty cost his party- Nana Yaa Jantuah says

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Nana Yaa Jantuah, the former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s electoral loss to President Akufo-Addo’s loyalty to his appointees.

She pointed out that despite calls for a reshuffle during challenging times, the President chose not to make any changes.

In 2022, many Ghanaians, including members of the NPP, urged President Akufo-Addo to replace his ministers, particularly the then Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta.

However, he remained unconcerned to these requests, which Nana Yaa Jantuah believes significantly contributed to the party’s heavy defeat in the recent elections.

Speaking on the Orange Sunrise, she also commented on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy, stating that he began to lose support the moment he was selected as the party’s candidate.

She argued that the party’s unity was compromised, leading to disarray that ultimately affected Bawumia’s chances.

“Bawumia started losing the moment he was chosen, because that’s when the front broke. You cannot go to war with a divided front. The party was broken into three factions: Alan, Kennedy, and Bawumia himself. Kennedy only later came to show his face; didn’t you see his body language?” she told host Alfa Ali.

Free SHS students voted against NPP- CPP Former General Secretary claims

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party, Nana Yaa Jantuah, has stated that beneficiaries of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy played a significant role in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the recent elections.

She claimed that despite the party’s attempts to entice these beneficiaries with financial incentives to vote for the NPP, many ultimately chose to reject the governing party.

“Their free SHS made them lose, the people who went and voted against them were the free SHS students whom they gave money to go and vote but they still voted against them,” Nana Jantuah disclosed.

Speaking with Alfa Ali on the Orange Sunrise, Nana Yaa Jantuah expressed her belief that Ghanaians are discerning and that monetary incentives alone cannot sway their mindsets.

She also criticized President Akufo-Addo’s decision to commission numerous projects during the election campaign, suggesting that this move overshadowed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

She also pointed out that the failure to complete the National Cathedral project contributed to the party’s poor performance in the elections.

Ghana Secures $316M in FDI During First Three Quarters of 2024

By
Ivy Hollys
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fdi funding

Ghana secured $316 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first nine months of 2024, reflecting its strong investment appeal.

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) disclosed this in its Third Quarter Report, which registered 108 projects worth $325.88 million.

Local investment contributed $9.88 million of the total, indicating significant foreign interest alongside domestic participation in Ghana’s economy.

Of the 108 projects, 85 were wholly foreign-owned, valued at $303.49 million, representing 78.7% of all registered projects.

Joint Venture partnerships between Ghanaian and foreign entities accounted for 23 projects, representing 21.3% of the total. This brings estimated  investment value of US$22.39 million.

Initial capital transfers into the country during this period amounted to US$22.1 million, signalling significant investor confidence. The manufacturing sector emerged as the top recipient of foreign investments, securing the highest number of projects and the largest FDI inflow.

It attracted 55 projects and received an FDI value of US$190.7 million, cementing its role as a key driver of Ghana’s industrial development. The liaison sector followed with FDI inflows of US$76.3 million, while the general trade sector recorded US$21 million in investments.

The sectoral breakdown of the 108 projects highlights a strong focus on industry and services. After manufacturing 55 projects, the services sector secured 27 projects, followed by general trade (11 projects), export trade (7 projects), agriculture (3 projects), tourism (2 projects), and building and construction (2 projects). Liaison services rounded up the list with one project.

The robust inflows into Ghana’s manufacturing sector reflect the country’s strategic focus on industrialization and job creation.

Read also: IMF Warns of Risks to Ghana’s Recovery and Stability

 Akufo-Addo Petitioned to Remove Chief Justice Over Alleged Incompetence

By
Ivy Hollys
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nana addo and chief justice

Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, a citizen of Ghana, has petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for alleged misbehavior and incompetence.

The petitioner, in a letter dated December 17, noted that “The legal basis of my petition is Article 146 (1) of the 1992 constitution of the republic of Ghana [the constitution]. 

For the avoidance of doubt, my petition focuses on stated misbehavior and incompetence related to the Chief Justice’s administrative functions as head of the judiciary responsible for its supervision and administration under Article 125 (4) of the constitution.”

Article 146 (1) stipulates that a Justice of the Superior Court or a Chairman of a Regional Tribunal shall not be removed from office except for stated misbehavior or incompetence or on the ground of inability to perform the functions of his office arising from infirmity of body or mind.

The petitioner said his petition does not arise from the Chief Justice’s exercise of her judicial functions. “Accordingly, the petition does not challenge any decisions, orders, or directives issued by the Chief Justice in the performance of her duties as a justice of the Supreme Court, including those made to enforce judgments, decrees, or orders in cases she has adjudicated.”

The petitioner indicated, for instance, that the Chief Justice’s elaborate scheme of requesting the president to appoint specific judges and later presenting the names for the Judicial Council’s approval subverts the constitutional scheme and converts both the council and president into rubber-stamping her preferred judges.

“When the petition is being considered at any stage, members of the Judicial Council will be subpoenaed to testify on the matter,” he added.

The petitioner further noted that there have been reported incidences of the Chief Justice’s direct interference with duly constituted panels with no explanations or public interest reasons for so doing.

“We consider the reconstitution of panels to be beyond the Chief Justice’s administrative power and amounts to a direct interference with the impartiality and independence of duly constituted judicial panels,” he added.

Source: Citinewsroom

Mahama Appoints Five-Member Team to Lead ‘Operation Recover All Loot’ (ORAL) Initiative

By
Ivy Hollys
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Operation recover all loot (ORAL)

President-elect John Dramani Mahama has named a five-member team to spearhead Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) anti-corruption initiative.

The ORAL program, a cornerstone of Mahama’s campaign and part of his 120-day social contract agenda, focuses on combating corruption and reclaiming looted state resources.

A circular dated December 18, issued by the Office of the President-elect, confirmed the team’s composition and outlined its mandate.

ORAL aims to strengthen governance, enforce accountability in public institutions, and recover misappropriated funds to support Ghana’s national development.

The ORAL team members are:

  1. Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Chairman
  2. Mr. Daniel Domelevo – Former Auditor-General
  3. COP (Rtd.) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye
  4. Mr. Martin Kpebu – Private Legal Practitioner
  5. Mr. Raymond Archer – Investigative Journalist

Operation Recover All Loot was first introduced on September 4, 2024, during protests organized by NDC-affiliated groups at the Ministry of Finance. The protest was attended by civil society groups, students, and private citizens.

The protests highlighted concerns over alleged financial mismanagement under the outgoing Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration.

The ORAL initiative aims to rebuild public trust in state institutions and address systemic financial impropriety across the public sector.

Read also: Ghana Faces Billions in Revenue Loss if E-Levy and COVID-19 Tax…

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