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Alex Segbefia Appointed Chief of Staff to the Vice President

By
Ivy Hollys
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alex segbefia

In an announcement, made on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama approved Alex Segbefia’s appointment as Chief of Staff to Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

This aligns with the government’s Resetting Ghana agenda to enhance policy coordination.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Acting Spokesperson to the President, highlighted the administration’s commitment to effective governance through experienced leadership.

Meanwhile, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo has also been named Policy Advisor to the Vice President.

Other key appointees include:

  • Alex Percival Segbefia – Chief of Staff to the Vice President
  • Mrs. Alberta Graham – Head of Administration
  • Professor Theresah Ennin – Presidential Staffer & Special Aide to the Vice President
  • Ms. Daniella Mavis Mathias – Secretary to the Vice President
  • Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo – Policy Adviser, Political
  • Prof. Sharif Mahmud Khalid – Policy Adviser, Economic
  • Dr. Hamza Zakaria – Policy Adviser, Economic
  • Ms. Mansa Amoa Awuah – Policy Adviser, Finance
  • Dr. Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisu – Policy Adviser, Social Sector
  • Maame Ama Pratt – Press Secretary

These appointments are a reflection of the government’s focus on utilizing seasoned professionals to drive policy implementation. 

They are also expected to strengthen the Vice President’s office and contribute to achieving Ghana’s developmental goals.

See full list of appointments below:

I’ve saved lives, save my life too- nurse cries for help

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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29-year-old Ashida Abass Nyasu, a nurse from the Tumu Municipal Hospital in the Sisaala East Municipality of Ghana’s Upper West Region, is fighting for her life after being diagnosed with kidney failure.

This young mother of two, who is currently breastfeeding her three-month-old baby girl, has seen her world turned upside down since her diagnosis on January 14, 2025.

Ashida’s journey in the medical field has been marked by her commitment to saving lives.

Now, as she faces her own health crisis, she finds herself in desperate need of support.

Following extensive medical evaluations at the Upper West Regional Hospital, it has been clinically recommended that Ashida undergo a kidney transplant in India—a procedure that comes with a staggering estimated cost of USD 18,500.

This amount does not include additional expenses for transportation, accommodation, and feeding during her stay abroad.

As Ashida battles her illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, the emotional toll on her family is palpable.

Her husband and children are struggling to cope with the reality of their beloved wife and mother being gravely ill.

The family is now making a passionate appeal to the public for financial assistance to help cover the costs of the life-saving transplant.

“I have saved lives, now I need help to save my own,” Ashida tearfully expressed, her voice filled with desperation. “I want to be there for my children, to watch them grow and to continue my work as a nurse. Please, I am pleading for your support.”

The community that Ashida has served tirelessly is rallying around her, hoping to raise the necessary funds to facilitate her treatment.

Friends, colleagues, and well-wishers are encouraged to contribute in any way they can, as every little bit helps in the fight for Ashida’s life.

A screenshot of the estimated costs for the transplant has been shared widely, serving as a reminder of the urgent need for assistance.

The family of Ashida would be immensely grateful for any support that can be provided during this challenging time.

As the clock ticks, Ashida’s family remains hopeful that the kindness of strangers will help them secure the funds needed for her transplant.

In a world where healthcare can often be a matter of financial means, Ashida’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the power of community support.

Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko Appointed as Acting Director General of NCA

By
Ivy Hollys
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Rev. Ing Edmund Fianko

Former President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko as the Acting Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA).

This is the first time the NCA has appointed a Director General from within its ranks. In addition to his technical expertise, Ing. Fianko is a Methodist minister, a published author, and the founder of the Nkwa Life outreach ministry.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Rev. Ing. Fianko has vast experience in telecom regulation, ICT research, teaching, and public speaking. Rev. Ing. Fianko has contributed to industry policies across Africa, working with organizations like ECOWAS and the African Telecommunication Union.

Rev. Ing. Fianko replaces Dr. Joe Anokye and is expected to steer the NCA into a new era of innovation and growth.

Facts About Rev. Ing. Fianko

Rev. Ing. Fianko holds an engineering degree from KNUST, a master’s in communications management from England, and an MPhil from Spain. He began his career at the NCA as a National Service Person in 2004, steadily rising through the ranks. In January 2024, he became the Director of the Engineering Division, overseeing telecommunications and broadcasting spectrum management.

He played a pivotal role in Ghana’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting between 2010 and 2016. He further served as secretary to the Digital Broadcasting Migration Committee, where he developed specifications that were later adopted as ECOWAS standards.

In 2022, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) elected him to its Radio Regulations Board (RRB) for a four-year term.

He also served as Chairman of the Significant Market Power Operations Team and shaped guidelines in Ghana’s communication industry. His leadership extended beyond Ghana, providing regulatory and technical support to countries like Benin and The Gambia.

He is a member of the Ghana Institution of Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

NCA LETTER

In a letter, the National Communications Authority Staff Association (NCASA) praised his journey as a remarkable example of dedication, expertise, and exceptional leadership. They also highlighted his hard work and perseverance.

The statement said, “We are confident that under your leadership, the NCA will continue to thrive and achieve even greater heights in regulating Ghana’s communications sector.” 

The association also thanked the president for acknowledging the NCA’s internal talent by appointing Ing. Fianko to this vital role.

Read the full statement below:

NCA congratulatory letter

Read also: Muntaka, four regional ministers approved by Parliament.

Mining: Over 100 Licenses Issued in Akufo-Addo’s Final Week

By
Ivy Hollys
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mining

These licenses include 21 small-scale mining licenses, prospecting licenses, and mining support service licenses. 

Data from the Ghana Mining Repository reveals that over 100 mining-related licenses were issued during former President Akufo-Addo’s final week in office.

Out of the 103 licenses granted in 2025, 102 were approved between January 1 and January 6, before President John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in.

Under the current government, however, only one mining-related license has been issued so far this year.

This issuance brings the total number of active mining licenses across the country to 2,127.

The development has raised concerns, especially amidst public outrage over illegal mining’s impact on forests and water bodies. Illegal mining has also significantly affected cocoa production, reducing output and failing to meet buyer demands.

Presidential Candidates Sign National Pact Against Illegal Mining.

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), had invited all the presidential candidates contesting the 2024 elections to sign the National Pledge of Presidential Candidates against illegal and irresponsible mining.

Before the election, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the coalition explained that political leaders, civil, traditional authorities and local communities had to fight against the ‘galamsey’ menace. They emphasized that the National Pact signing is a step in that direction. The coalition said it believed the initiative would shape a new social contract with the people of Ghana, inspiring collective action and creating a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations.

Parties that signed on to the pact included the National Democratic Congress (NDC), The New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the Movement for Change, the All Peoples’ Congress (APC), and an independent candidate, George Twum-Barimah-Adu.

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey comprises of the media, organized labor, religious groups, youth organizations, academia, civil society, traditional leaders, and business organizations to fight illegal mining in Ghana.

Muntaka, four regional ministers approved by Parliament.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed has been approved as Interior Minister by parliament, following his successful, vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament and debate on the floor of parliament.

Muntaka, who is the Member of Parliament for the Asawase Constituency would lead the Interior Ministry of Ghana – a sector of government which is critical to national peace and security. His appointment is one that has spotlighted his hardwork and dedication to governance over the past years, with heightened expectation of him in his new office.

Alongside his approval is that of Ali Adolf John as Northern Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong as Oti Regional Minister, James Gunu as Volta Regional Minister, and Mrs. Rita Akosua Awatey as Eastern Regional Minister.

The newly approved regional ministers are expected to oversee the affairs of their jurisdictions and ensure its development.

Various stakeholders of regional development are expectant of the development strategies the newly approved ministers would implement for their region’s development.

Effutu: NDC Supporters Burn Party Office Equipment

By
Ivy Hollys
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ndc flag
NDC

Some supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Effutu have burned the party’s office equipment. The disgruntled supporters set office equipment ablaze in protest against the President’s failure to appoint their 2024 parliamentary candidate. 

Angela Mensah, serving as the spokesperson, told the media that they set them on fire because President John Mahama failed to appoint their 2024 parliamentary candidate, Dr. James Kofi Annan.

According to her, President Mahama promised during the 2024 NDC campaign to appoint Dr. Annan if he won the elections. She argued that Dr. Annan, who is a two-time parliamentary candidate, has significantly supported the party and deserves recognition.

The group called on President Mahama to fulfill his campaign promise and appoint Dr. Annan to serve in his government (the NDC). The spokesperson noted that Dr. Annan played a key role in strengthening the NDC in Effutu and maintaining peace in Winneba during his tenure.

There have been similar reports of disagreements over unfulfilled appointments emerging among NDC supporters in other parts of the country.

YEA: Malik Basintale Appointed Acting CEO

By
Ivy Hollys
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President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Malik Basintale as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).

Mr. Basintale is currently the NDC’s deputy national communications officer. He will officially assume office on Monday, January 27, 2025.

His appointment follows the resignation of Kofi Baah Agyepong, who stepped down to focus on personal commitments and aspirations.

Kofi Baah Agyepong, served as YEA CEO for two years. In resigning, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to tackle youth unemployment.

Agyepong described his tenure as both an honor and a privilege in his resignation letter to the President. 

The new appointee, Malik Basintale, thank President John Dramani Mahama with a post on X. The post read, “Thank you, Mr. President, H.E John Dramani Mahama. We shall not fail you.”

This leadership change at YEA aligns with broader shifts in state-owned agencies after the December 7 Presidential Election. 

About YEA

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) began as the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) in 2005 to address rising youth unemployment, which posed a potential threat to national security. It was officially inaugurated in October 2006 and operated under the Office of the President without legal backing.

In 2012, the government rebranded and repositioned the agency as the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Agency (GYEEDA) to better serve unemployed youth. Despite its migration into the public service, the agency still lacked the necessary legal framework to support its operations.

Management worked with stakeholders to draft a bill, which Parliament passed in February 2015 as the Youth Employment Agency Act (Act 887). The President assented to the bill in March 2015, providing the agency with a much-needed legal foundation.

In 2016, the Youth Employment Agency Regulations (L.I. 2231) were passed, gazetted in February, and became effective in May.

Energy Minister Inspects about 2,500 Uncleared Containers

By
Ivy Hollys
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uncleared containers

In helping to address inefficiencies within the energy sector, the Minister for Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor has carried out an inspection of about 2,500 uncleared Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) containers at Tema Harbour.

The inspection was to evaluate the status of the containers, which were procured under the previous administration. 

The containers have accumulated demurrage charges totaling GHS 1.5 billion. During the visit, the Minister highlighted inefficiencies in resource management and poor inter-agency coordination causing this financial burden.

Hon. Jinapor expressed concern over the situation, describing it as unacceptable and promising immediate corrective measures. He emphasized the urgency of clearing the containers to prevent further losses and facilitate critical energy projects.

The Minister assured Ghanaians that steps will be taken to ensure better management of public resources going forward. 

This inspection of the containers underscores the Ministry’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and advancing national development objectives.

Post-Election Violence: Mustapha Ussif’s Home Attacked

By
Ivy Hollys
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mustapha ussif on post-election violence

In the wake of post-election violence stories, thugs have reportedly attacked the home of Mustapha Ussif, former Minister of Youth and Sports. Mustapha is also the Member of Parliament for Yagaba/Kubori. 

Mr. Ussif expressed his concern about the security situation, condemning what he described as unchecked acts of violence. According to him, the attack occurred just weeks after December 7, 2024. This act adds to growing concerns about escalating insecurity across the country after the election. 

Speaking on the floor of parliament, he said, “These hooligans have unleashed unrestrained mayhem on public institutions and innocent citizens.” 

Touching more on the security concerns being faced in the country, he said, “In my constituency, some miscreants attacked the district assembly office, locked up the place, and sacked all the staff.”

Role of Police 

Mr. Ussif argued that the Ghana Police Service did nothing to prevent these happenings. He equally criticized them for not making any arrests. “This act of violence is a serious threat to the peace of our country,” he said. 

He further accused the new government (NDC) of failing to restrain its supporters.

In his words, “It is worrying the new government, and the NDC has not been able to take any action to restrain their supporters from this act of violence across the country.” He appealed to President Mahama to take swift measures to address the growing insecurity and lawlessness. 

He said, “I want to call on His Excellency the President to prioritize the security situation of our country by taking action over the increase in violence and lawlessness being displayed by his party members.”

Ghana ranked 2nd safest place in Africa by Altezza Travel

By
Ivy Hollys
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altezza travel

Altezza Travel, a global tourism firm has ranked Ghana as the second safest place in Africa describing the crime rate in the country as very low.

The report which recommends tourism destinations for 2025 said Ghana’s crime rate is lower than Canada, Greece, and Australia.

The report confirms the findings of several international organizations that have praised the performance of the Ghana Police Service in recent times with its scaled-up community patrols.

“In terms of the Global Peace Index, Ghana surpasses Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, China, and even Jamaica. In the Terrorism Index, it is among the countries with a zero score. Its crime rate is lower than in Canada, Greece, and Australia,” the report noted.

“Regarding the Global Safety Report and the Human Development Index, Ghana lags behind all “first-world” countries yet outperforms the majority of African nations, including popular tourist destinations like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Madagascar (often romanticized in Hollywood),” portions of the report.

It further noted: “According to the Numbeo Crime Index 2025, the top 3 countries with the lowest crime in Africa are Ghana, Rwanda, and Tunisia. However, crime can be difficult to measure, and rankings often depend on how crime is defined and reported. Different sources or indexes may rely on varying data collection methods, time frames, and survey approaches, leading to variations in their findings.”

Altezza Travel selected eight countries as the safest in Africa based on various reports and assigned each country a point. The analysis was based on several rankings, including indexes on Global Peace, Global Terrorism, KOF Globalization, Crime, Global Safety, and Human Development.

Find the details of the report by Altezza Travel below:

Capital: Accra

Population: 34.5 million

Along its coastline, Ghana borders the Atlantic Ocean, and on land, it neighbors Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and the notoriously troubled Burkina Faso. Despite its location, Ghana is known for having an independent judicial system, multiparty democracy, and freedom of speech, including a free press.

In terms of the Global Peace Index, it surpasses Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, China, and even Jamaica. In the Terrorism Index, it is among the countries with a zero score. Its crime rate is lower than in Canada, Greece, and Australia.

Regarding the Global Safety Report and the Human Development Index, Ghana lags behind all “first-world” countries yet outperforms the majority of African nations, including popular tourist destinations like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Madagascar (often romanticized in Hollywood).

Which country in Africa has the least crime?

According to the Numbeo Crime Index 2025, the top 3 countries with the lowest crime in Africa are Ghana, Rwanda, and Tunisia. However, crime can be difficult to measure, and rankings often depend on how crime is defined and reported. Different sources or indexes may rely on varying data collection methods, time frames, and survey approaches, leading to variations in their findings.

Source: Citinewsroom

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