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ORAL: Team Present Report to President John Dramani Mahama

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Operation Recover All Loot (Oral) Preparatory Team, under the leadership of Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, has today presented a report to President John Dramani Mahama. The team, established by President-elect John Dramani Mahama was tasked with demonstrating the necessity of proactive oversight in governance, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in public service.

According to Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, the team received 1,493 calls through the toll-free line and 924 emails. He said all of the calls are recorded automatically, and all the emails have also been preserved for verification and validation. This brings the total number of complaints received to 2,417. 

Highlighting some of ORAL’s achievements, he said the team’s intervention in preventing the demolition of 50 government bungalows, which were at risk of being taken over by private developers. The team, upon receiving distress calls from affected public servants, swiftly alerted the National Security Committee, leading to prompt action that safeguarded the properties. These bungalows, belonging to key government institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, might have been lost if not for ORAL’s intervention.

Additionally, the team played a pivotal role in saving prime government lands. The NDA lands, located directly opposite the U.S. Embassy, were nearly lost to private developers. ORAL’s intervention and collaboration with National Security led to the demolition of the illegal structure, reclaiming the land for public use.

Beyond real estate, ORAL also thwarted attempts to illegally acquire government vehicles, preventing hundreds of state-owned cars from being re-registered for private use. The report submitted by ORAL provides photographic evidence of number plate alterations, indicating a systematic effort to misappropriate state assets. 

Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa stressed that the team’s efforts in preserving state property and ensuring accountability have validated President Mahama’s decision to establish ORAL, showcasing the initiative as a masterstroke in governance reform. As ORAL moves into its next phase, focusing on recoveries and retrievals, it remains a key mechanism in the fight against corruption and the protection of public assets in Ghana.

Former Finance Minister Urges Economic Stability, Criticizes Mahama’s Claims on Economy

By
Ivy Hollys
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financial stability
Dr. Mohammed Amin

Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has expressed confidence that President John Mahama’s administration will provide economic stability achieved in recent years, rather than engaging in political maneuvering. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Wednesday, Dr. Adam emphasized the significant recovery the Ghanaian economy had experienced and cautioned against reversing this progress for political reasons.

While acknowledging that the economy was a dominant issue during the recent elections, Dr. Adam pointed out that the economic difficulties were not unique to Ghana, noting that many countries faced similar challenges around the same time. “The economy really dominated the political debate,” he stated, explaining that external factors were largely to blame for the crisis, rather than domestic mismanagement.

Dr. Adam highlighted Ghana’s resilience in recovering swiftly from the downturn, referencing data from 2022 to 2024 which showed a quicker recovery than initially anticipated by institutions like the World Bank and the IMF. “The recovery was faster than even anticipated by the World Bank, IMF, and many economic analysts,” he explained. He further noted that despite the ongoing debt restructuring, Ghana had maintained a positive growth rate of about 6.4% in the previous year, a figure that defied the typical contraction seen in countries undergoing such restructuring.

Dr. Adam emphasized the need for the incoming government to build upon the solid economic foundation laid by the previous administration, rather than dismantling it for political reasons. “The Ghanaian people decided that they wanted a change, and this is why I expect the new government to sustain the gains that we have made so that they translate into tangible benefits for the people,” he remarked. He warned that focusing on political maneuvering rather than preserving economic stability would hinder progress.

In a separate interview on Thursday, Dr. Amin Adam also pushed back against President Mahama’s claim that he inherited a struggling economy, questioning the foundation of Mahama’s call for a national economic dialogue. “When I hear President Mahama say that he inherited a struggling economy, I worry,” he said, expressing disbelief at the former president’s characterization of the economic situation. Dr. Adam referred to recent positive assessments from international financial institutions, such as the IMF and the World Bank, which had already provided positive evaluations of Ghana’s economy prior to the change in administration.

Reflecting on his tenure as Finance Minister, Dr. Adam highlighted the importance of his work with the IMF, particularly regarding Ghana’s debt restructuring efforts to help provide economic stability. He emphasized that those moments were critical to the country’s financial history, noting his successful negotiation and restructuring of Eurobonds. “I did a lot of external work, particularly working with the IMF to implement the IMF program and doing the debt restructuring with the Eurobonds,” he stated. Dr. Adam also credited his international engagements for ensuring the success of Ghana’s financial negotiations to support economic stability.

Dr. Adam viewed the smooth implementation of the IMF program as one of the major success stories of his leadership at the Ministry of Finance. He reflected on the three successful reviews, with the most recent review completed on December 2. His comments, which sharply contradicted Mahama’s economic claims, have set the stage for an ongoing debate about Ghana’s economic outlook under the new administration.

IMF to Hold Key Talks with Government Ahead of 2025 Budget Presentation

By
Ivy Hollys
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ghana imf programme

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will engage government officials this week as Ghana finalizes its 2025 budget for a March presentation. The discussions come amid government plans to abolish several taxes, including the E-levy, betting tax, and COVID-19 levy.

These levies, introduced to boost domestic revenue, have faced strong opposition from businesses and citizens since their implementation. With Ghana under a $3 billion IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility (ECF), the fund will assess the impact of these tax cuts. The IMF wants assurances that removing these taxes will not affect revenue targets or derail Ghana’s economic recovery efforts.

Beyond tax concerns, Ghana’s energy sector debt remains a significant issue, straining public finances and increasing economic risks. The sector’s liabilities, exceeding $2 billion, threaten power producers and could lead to electricity supply disruptions if unpaid. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have warned that failure to clear arrears may affect Ghana’s electricity supply.

IMF officials will push for structural reforms in the energy sector to enhance cost recovery and financial sustainability. The Government is expected to present a clear strategy for revenue recovery, debt settlement, and macroeconomic stability alongside these tax reforms.

Former SIC MD withdraws lawsuit against company

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Duah-Yentumi withdraws lawsuit against company

Hollister Duah-Yentumi, former Managing director of State Insurance Company(SIC) has withdrawn the lawsuit she filed against the company and the newly appointed acting managing director, James Agyenim-Boateng, opting for an out of court settlement.

James Agyenim-Boateng replaced Hollister Duah through a presidential appointment on January 27th, 2025 as acting Managing Director of SIC Insurance. However, Hollister argues that termination of her contract was unlawful as it only ends on January 1, 2028. The lawsuit also explains that her contract could only be terminated by the Board of Directors or all shareholders through an annual meeting.

In her lawsuit, she demanded a declaration of unlawful dismissal, a salary payment for the unexpired duration of her contract and other perks the office comes with.

Duah-Yentumi has withdrawn the lawsuit, but her reasons for the action remains unknown.

Written by: Cindy Adasah Boamah

Ashanti Regional Minister gives two-week ultimatum to illegal miners

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has issued a two-week ultimatum for illegal miners operating on water bodies and within forest reserves to vacate the areas immediately.

“We’re giving them up to two weeks to vacate the forest reserves if they are engaged in mining activities. If you want to avoid legal issues, you must leave those areas within this timeframe,” he stated.

“Again, we want to address the issue of our water bodies. We are also giving a two-week period for anyone with investments that are polluting these water bodies to stop their activities and vacate those areas,” he added.

Illegal mining has become a significant challenge in Ghana, causing extensive damage to farmlands and water bodies, which has led to serious issues for many communities.

The Regional Minister is determined to combat this problem.

Dr. Amoakohene announced that a team will be deployed by the council to enforce the directive after the deadline, with the aim of removing all illegal miners from these critical areas.

During his inaugural press engagement at the Regional Coordinating Council, he noted the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations as a key step in addressing this pressing issue.

Association of Liberal Muslims commends Mahama for reducing Hajj fares

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The association of Liberal Muslims- Ghana has expressed its gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, for fulfilling his promise to reduce the cost of Hajj for Muslims in Ghana after being subjected to paying exorbitant amounts under the previous government.

The group noted in a statement that, this remarkable achievement is a testament to the president’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of the Muslims in Ghana.

The government announced a reduction in the Hajj pilgrimage fee from 75,000 Ghana cedis under the previous administration to 62,000 Ghana cedis.

This move fulfills President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promise to lower the cost of the pilgrimage, making it more accessible to Ghanaian Muslims.

This reduction in Hajj costs according to the association will undoubtedly bring relief to countless individuals and families who have been striving to fulfil their spiritual obligations.

“We commend the President’s efforts to make Hajj more accessible and affordable for all. This initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to supporting the spiritual growth and development of Muslims in Ghana,” the statement said.

“Once again, we extend our sincerest appreciation to President Mahama for this outstanding achievement. May this noble endeavour be rewarded with blessings and prosperity for our great nation,” the statement further stated.

Minority Caucus Rejects Samuel Nartey George as Minister-Designate for Communications

By
Ivy Hollys
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Samuel Nartey George
Hon. Samuel Nartey George

During parliamentary proceedings, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin emphasized that all 88 members of the caucus remained opposed to George’s nomination. He reiterated their earlier stance. And also affirmed their refusal to endorse his appointment.

“We leave this matter entirely in the hands of the Majority. It is their cross to carry.” Afenyo-Markin stated.

However, the Minority announced that, out of respect for representations made by some members of the house, they would not push for a secret ballot. Instead, they opted to abstain from the vote. And will allow the Majority to take full responsibility for the decision.

“In view of the representations made, we would rather opt to abstain from the vote so that it becomes your sole decision.” He added.

With this, the Minority has distanced itself from the approval process putting the onus on the Majority to confirm or reject George’s nomination. The majority proceeded to confirm Samuel Nartey George. 

Background Of Samuel Nartey George

Samuel Nartey George’s nomination has sparked debate, with concerns raised by the opposition regarding his suitability for the role. The decision by the Minority to abstain, rather than actively vote against him, marks a strategic shift in their parliamentary approach.

The Majority are therefore solely responsibility for deciding that Samuel Nartey George is now the minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations. 

No MP Will Offer You a Job on Social Media – Sam George

By
Ivy Hollys
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sam george on affordable data costs

The Minister-Designate for Communications, Samuel Nartey George (Sam George), has raised concerns over the growing menace of online impersonation, warning the public against fraudulent schemes using fake social media accounts.

Addressing Parliament today, Sam George revealed that he personally dealt with a case earlier in the day where an impersonator was using his identity to offer fake immigration jobs. He cautioned Ghanaians to remain vigilant. He stated that no Member of Parliament or Minister of State would ever reach out on social media to offer jobs.

Sam George stated, “I want to believe everybody in this House—the 275 members in this House have suffered an issue of impersonation online. either with a fake Facebook account or a fake TikTok account or Twitter account. In fact, just this morning, I had to deal with a case of someone impersonating me and offering immigration jobs.”

“Mr. Speaker, let’s use this opportunity to state emphatically to the people of Ghana that no member of Parliament or Minister of State will reach out to you on social media to offer you a job. Any such approach is a scam,” he emphasized.

Sam George further called for enhanced public sensitization on cybersecurity threats. He also revealed ongoing efforts to collaborate with at least an ECOWAS framework or an AU framework that will then compel meta. 

“it’s one thing, Ghana, as a country, speaking to Meta, as a multinational, that’s worth trillions of dollars. It’s a different thing when Africa is speaking as a collective voice. Because Europe, even as a continent, doesn’t deal with these tech platforms as individual countries. The GDPR is a Europe-wide regulation that has the weight of all European countries backing it.

And so we need to have at least an ECOWAS framework or an AU framework that will then compel meta.”

”Because, Mr. Speaker, even if you were to issue a summons for Meta to appear before this Parliament’s Committee on Communications, I doubt that you’ll be able to summon anybody to appear before this committee… You don’t have meta appearing before individual EU countries. But if we do this as collectively, I believe we’ll be able to push it.”

Mahama appoints Dumelo, Nyarko Ampem, Gizella as Deputy ministers

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Deputy minister designates

The Office of the President has released the list of Deputy minister designates appointed by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

Hon. John Dumelo, MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon was appointed Minister designate for Agriculture.

The president also appointed Justice Srem Sai as the Deputy Minister-designate for Attorney General and Justice and Thomas Nyarko Ampem as Deputy Minister of Finance.

“Jobs Are Created In The Private Sector More Than In The Public Sector” – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

By
Ivy Hollys
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Oppong Nkrumah

Hon. Oppong Nkrumah during parliamentary proceedings on the 5th of February 2025, addressed the Minister for Employment and Labor Relations, Rashid Pelpuo, emphasizing the need to focus on private-sector job creation. He advised the minister to collaborate with economic sector ministries to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and generate employment.

“We congratulate him on his nomination. A couple of things that we, who have just left government, would like to draw his attention to. Jobs are created mostly in the private sector [rather] than the public sector. And so, it will be on him to liaise with his colleagues in the economic sectors so that they can create the enabling environment for the private sector to create jobs,” he noted.

He further suggested establishing an independent labor statistics body, similar to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to provide reliable data on job creation. He recalled previous administrations’ struggles in reconciling employment figures, stressing the need for accurate and independent reporting.

Hon. Oppong Nkrumah also raised concerns over the government’s claim that consolidating ministries would lead to significant cost savings. He argued that while merging ministries reduces the number of ministers, it does not necessarily cut overall government expenditure.

Hon. Nkrumah highlighted that although the Ministry of Information no longer exists, a Minister of State at the Office of the President now oversees government communication. He emphasized that the minister’s salary remains unchanged, and civil servants from the dissolved ministry continue to receive salaries. Similar consolidations in other ministries, such as Works, Housing, and Water Resources, have not resulted in job losses but have merely merged administrative functions.

Hon Oppong Nkrumah

“the claim that we make sometimes that there’s been a wholesome cut in expenditure is not exactly accurate, and I think that it’s something that we should also address our minds to,” Nkrumah stated. 

Environment Minister Tasked with Strengthening Galamsey Fight

On environmental matters, Hon. Nkrumah urged Minister Murtala Mohammed Ibrahim to intensify efforts in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey). He referenced past government commitments to tackling the issue and called for a stronger collaborative approach involving the Lands and Defense ministries.

“It’s a fight that successive governments have battled…..So, the Honorable Murtala, as you go there, today, the cap is squarely on your head, and you have to collaborate with your colleagues to try and achieve some results in addition to what has been achieved in that area,” he remarked.

Digital Economy and Fintech Development Prioritized

Hon. Oppong Nkrumah called on the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation to focus on expanding value-added services in the telecom sector. He noted that beyond voice and data services, there are opportunities in business process outsourcing (BPO) and financial technology (fintech) that can create jobs for young Ghanaians.

“Singapore, [and] some other parts of the world are creating a lot of jobs for young people through BPOs. It will serve Ghana well if the minister pays attention to that area.” he urged. He also emphasized the importance of supporting fintech startups, noting that many young Ghanaians possess digital skills that, with proper guidance, could be channeled into legitimate economic ventures.

Hon. Oppong Nkrumah also called on the Minister for Sports and Recreation to integrate sports into the government’s proposed 24-hour economy. He suggested leveraging astroturf facilities across the country to facilitate night sports, creating additional economic opportunities.

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