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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
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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.

E/R: Police probe 9-year-old’s drowning at Koforidua Hotel

By
Ivy Hollys
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ghana police

The Koforidua Police divisional Command is investigating the drowning of a nine-year-old girl at Tonyx Hotel in Aberewa Nkwanta, Eastern Region. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday while the girl was at the hotel with her father and five siblings.

Reports suggest she did not join swimming activities but was taking pictures with other children near the pool. Her lifeless body was discovered at the bottom of the pool after a search was initiated when she went missing.

She was rushed to the Eastern Regional Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by health officials.

The hotel management has pledged full cooperation with police investigations and is expected to address the media soon.

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.

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