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Cassiel Ato Forson, Finance Minister Designate in Focus

By
Ivy Hollys
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Cassiel Ato Forson
Cassiel Ato Forson

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is a respected economist and chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Dr. Forson has been nominated as the finance minister for the ninth parliament. 

Some things to know about Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson:

  • Dr. Forson’s academic journey includes a Bachelor’s in Accounting from London South Bank University, an MSc in Taxation from the University of Oxford, and another in Economics from KNUST.
  • Dr. Forson recently earned a Ph.D. in Finance from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
  • Professionally, Forson served as Deputy Finance Minister from April 2013 to January 2017. 
  • He played a crucial role on Ghana’s Economic Management Team and the boards of the Bank of Ghana and Cocoa Board.
  • He chaired the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) reforms committee, driving public financial management improvements.
  • Since 2009, Forson has represented the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency as an MP under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).


Forson has supported initiatives in education, healthcare, job creation, and poverty alleviation to benefit Ghanaians. He remains a vocal advocate for transparency and good governance.

Read also: Meet John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy Designate

Meet John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy Designate

By
Ivy Hollys
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John Jinapor: energy minister designate

John Abdulai Jinapor is a prominent Ghanaian politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for the Yapei Kusawgu Constituency since 2017. He has been nominated as the Minister for Energy of the ninth parliament. 

Mr. Jinapor, born on June 8, 1979, brings extensive expertise and technical insight to Ghana’s energy sector.

Here are some things to know about Mr. Jinapor:

  • Mr. Jinapor was  born on June 8, 1979 and  holds an M.A. in Economic Policy Management and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Ghana.
  • He also earned an M.Sc. in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.
  • Under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jinapor has represented the Yapei Kusawgu Constituency in Parliament since January 7, 2017. 
  • Before serving as MP, he was Deputy Minister of Power during President John Mahama’s administration. In that role, he worked to stabilize Ghana’s energy supply and enhance energy infrastructure.
  • As an MP, Jinapor has been active on parliamentary committees focusing on energy, finance, and national development. He is known to consistently advocate for reliable energy solutions and fair development in rural communities.

Jinapor’s appointment reflects a strategic push by President Mahama to tackle Ghana’s energy challenges with innovation and expertise.

Read also: Meet Dr. Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Justice Minister Designate

Meet Dr. Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Justice Minister Designate

By
Ivy Hollys
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dominic ayine

President John Dramani Mahama, has appointed Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Attorney General and Minister for Justice Designate.

 Dr. Dominic Ayine is a seasoned legal expert and former Deputy Attorney General. His dedication to justice and legal reform is expected to strengthen legal transparency and drive crucial judicial reforms in Ghana’s ninth parliament. 

Here are some noteworthy facts about Dr. Ayine:

  •  Dr. Ayine was born on January 6, 1966 and holds a Ph.D. in law from Stanford University, alongside a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana. He also has a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
  • With 30 years of legal practice, Dr. Ayine has become a leading figure in Ghana’s legal profession.
  • Dr. Dominic Ayine has lectured at the University of Ghana Law School where he has mentored several leaders in Ghana’s legal landscape.
  • He is the owner of Ayine & Partners, a firm known for delivering top-tier legal services.
  • Dr. Ayine significantly contributed to Ghana’s legal and judicial reform initiatives while serving as Deputy Attorney General.

His appointment underscores his extensive qualifications and his expertise in legal matters make him a valuable asset to the government.

Ministerial Picks: Jinapor, Ato Forson and Dominic Ayine Nominated by John Mahama 

By
Ivy Hollys
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Parliament vets ministerial-picks-by-john-mahama

President John Mahama has nominated Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Finance Minister-designate, with John Abdulai Jinapor and Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Ministers-designate for Energy and Attorney General cum Minister of Justice respectively.

A statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Ag. Spokesperson to the President, has announced.

John Dramani Mahama 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. 

Mahama, the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. 

These appointments by President John Mahama come on the back of a letter issued on Wednesday, January 8, stating that President John Dramani Mahama had revoked all appointments of Chief Executives for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

See communiqué below:

john mahama appointees
john mahama appointees

Mahama revokes all MMDCE appointments

By
Ivy Hollys
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john mahama:president of Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has revoked all appointments of Chief Executives for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

A letter issued on Wednesday, January 8, stated that in accordance with the powers vested in President Mahama under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). As amended by the Local Governance (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act 940), the following appointments are revoked, effective immediately:

  1. Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies
  2. Assembly Members appointed under the relevant provisions of the Act

The letter was signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President.

The letter of revocation was directed to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development in Accra.

The letter further directs that, as an interim measure, respective Coordinating Directors of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) step in. They will act as chief executives until new appointments are made.

Inflation: Government Misses its 2024 end-year Target

By
Ivy Hollys
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inflation rate in ghana

The government has missed its 2024 end-year inflation target of 15% as inflation for December 2024 rose slightly to 23.8%. This is up from 23% in November. This rise is said to be primarily driven by increases in food prices.

This marks the fourth consecutive monthly rise after a five-month decline. Food inflation jumped from 25.9% to 27.8%, while non-food inflation saw a slight decrease, from 20.7% to 20.3%.

Government Statistician Professor Samuel Kobina Annim explained that “In December 2024, average prices of goods and services went up by 23.8%. On a year-on-year basis, specifically between December 2023 and December 2024, general price levels of goods and services went up by 23.8%.

“This is against the backdrop that on a year-on-year basis, in November 2024 we recorded an overall rate of inflation of 23.0%. Indicating that on a year-on-year basis between November and December 2024 we saw a marginal increase of 0.8 percentage points. This is for the year-on-year inflation.

“Disaggregating year-on-year inflation from a food and non-food perspective. We identified a 7.5 percentage point difference between inflation for food and inflation for non-food. With inflation for food standing at 27.8% in December 2024 and non-food inflation at 20.3% for December 2024.

“We have seen an increase in food inflation increasing from 25.9% to 27.8%. In contrast, we have recorded a decline in non-food inflation declining from 20.7% by 0.4 percentage points to 20.3% for December 2024.

Source: citinewsroom

Read also: Ghana’s Inflation Eases in August—Prof Annim

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
-

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

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