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Tag: AICC

  • LIVESTREAMING: 2-day National Economic Dialogue underway

    LIVESTREAMING: 2-day National Economic Dialogue underway

    The Government of Ghana, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is set to open the National Economic Dialogue today, March 3, at the Accra International Conference Centre. 

    The two-day event is designed to tackle the country’s economic challenges and identify solutions for sustainable growth and development.

    President Mahama will deliver the keynote address under the theme “Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together.” The dialogue is part of the government’s effort to ensure citizen participation in shaping economic policies and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.

    The forum will bring together representatives from the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, and public policy institutions. 

    Discussions will focus on achieving macroeconomic stability, promoting economic transformation, advancing infrastructure development, implementing structural reforms, ensuring private sector-led growth, and restoring good governance while combating corruption.

    Participants are expected to work towards clear commitments and actionable steps that will drive economic recovery and long-term resilience. 

  • Parliament to reconvene today after historic 2024 elections

    Parliament to reconvene today after historic 2024 elections

    Parliament will hold its first meeting today, Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). This marks the first session since the December 7 general elections.

    The meeting follows a notice from the Speaker’s Office on December 11, confirming the venue. Earlier, on December 2, 2024, Speaker Alban Bagbin had issued a summons for Parliament to resume, stressing the importance of this gathering due to recent political changes.

    The December 7 elections brought significant shifts in Ghana’s political scene, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) gaining a majority in Parliament. Several prominent MPs from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Ursula Owusu-Ekulful, Henry Quartey, KT Hammond, and Andy Appiah-Kubi, lost their seats, changing the balance of power in the legislature.

    The NDC’s success extended to the presidency, with John Dramani Mahama defeating the NPP’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to become President-elect.

    Before the elections, the Majority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had repeatedly urged Speaker Bagbin to recall Parliament for urgent legislative matters. However, the Speaker declined, stating that Parliament would only reconvene after the elections, a decision that sparked debate among lawmakers.

    Today’s session will likely focus on key post-election matters, including preparations for the transition to a new government and setting priorities for the next administration.

  • Parliament will operate smoothly on Dec 16 – Afenyo-Markin

    Parliament will operate smoothly on Dec 16 – Afenyo-Markin

    The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has promised Ghanaians that the upcoming parliamentary session on Monday, December 16, will proceed smoothly and without issues.

    He pointed out that the recent court ruling, which confirmed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Majority party, has cleared up any confusion surrounding the composition of Parliament.

    Speaker Alban Bagbin has announced that the session will be held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

    In an interview with Citi News, the Effutu MP expressed optimism that the court’s decision has settled the dispute over the Majority and Minority, and he is confident the session will be peaceful and productive.

    “This Parliament would expire on the 6th of January 2025. The NPP is the Majority in Parliament and there is no doubt about it. The Speaker of Parliament made a certain pronouncement. We disagreed with that, and we filed a process at the court. The court ruled in our favour.

    “The matter has been settled. The interpretation of the constitution is to the effect that all those who had filed as independent candidates had filed for the 2024 elections.

    “Therefore, it did not affect their tenure in Parliament and did not affect the caucus to which they belong. It has been settled, and so I don’t see any reason for any further controversy.”

  • Parliament to resume sitting at AICC Grand Arena on Dec 16

    Parliament to resume sitting at AICC Grand Arena on Dec 16

    Parliament is set to reconvene on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), as directed by the Speaker, Alban Bagbin.

    This decision was formally announced in a circular issued by the Speaker’s Office on December 11, confirming the venue for the upcoming parliamentary session.

    The directive follows an earlier notice dated December 2, 2024, in which Speaker Bagbin called for the resumption of parliamentary duties.

    The choice of date and venue has drawn attention, particularly in light of ongoing political conversations during the post-election period.

    Before the December 7 elections, the Majority in Parliament had repeatedly pushed for an earlier recall of the House, citing urgent legislative needs. However, Speaker Bagbin rejected these requests, maintaining the initial timeline for Parliament’s reconvening.

  • Parliament to reconvene at AICC for the 5th time today

    Parliament to reconvene at AICC for the 5th time today

    Parliament will kick off the fifth meeting of its fourth session today, October 15, 2024, at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

    This temporary shift in venue is a result of ongoing renovation works in the main parliamentary chamber, which usually hosts the legislative body.

    Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin made this announcement on September 30, 2024.

    This session is significant in the legislative calendar as Members of Parliament (MPs) return from a brief recess, with expectations to tackle several pressing national matters.

    Among the highlights is the anticipated review and discussion of key bills and agreements critical to Ghana’s developmental agenda.

    In particular, Parliament recently convened for an emergency two-day session at the Dome on September 3 to approve a $250 million loan agreement with the World Bank.

    This loan, initially rejected before the recess, is crucial for the country’s Energy Sector Recovery Programme.

    The government stressed the importance of this agreement to bolster the nation’s energy sector and foster economic recovery, underscoring the need for Parliament’s financial backing for essential national projects.

  • Parliament to reconvene at AICC on October 15 following renovation of main chamber

    Parliament to reconvene at AICC on October 15 following renovation of main chamber

    Parliament will commence its fifth meeting of the fourth session on October 15, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre’s Dome, as announced.

    The change in venue is due to ongoing renovation in the main chamber, where parliamentary sessions are typically held.

    In a statement released on Monday, September 30, 2024, Speaker Alban Bagbin notified Members of Parliament about the upcoming meeting and the temporary shift in location.

    The forthcoming parliamentary meeting is part of the legislative schedule and will focus on addressing important national matters.

    At a recent two-day emergency session held at the Dome, Parliament approved a $250 million loan from the World Bank to aid Ghana’s Energy Sector Recovery Programme.

    This loan agreement had initially been rejected before Parliament went on break.

    One of the main reasons for recalling MPs for the emergency sitting on September 3 was to reconsider and approve the crucial financial support needed for the country’s energy sector recovery initiatives.

  • Cynthia of Daughters of Glorious Jesus, leaves crowd speechless with drumming skills at Pat Thomas Highlife Night

    Cynthia of Daughters of Glorious Jesus, leaves crowd speechless with drumming skills at Pat Thomas Highlife Night

    Cynthia Appiadu, the esteemed leader of the renowned Gospel music ensemble, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, epitomized the saying, “A woman can excel beyond what a man can achieve,” through her enchanting drumming prowess.

    This remarkable display took place during the ‘Pat Thomas Highlife night’ concert on August 4, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Centre [AICC].

    The event, dedicated to celebrating the Ghanaian highlife icon Pat Thomas, showcased captivating performances from some of Ghana’s most illustrious musical talents, including Pat Thomas, Kwabena Kwabena, Naa Agyemang, Okyeame Kwame, KK Fosu, Mark Anyim Yirenkyi, and the Daughters of Glorious Jesus.

    However, it was Cynthia, leading the Daughters of Glorious Jesus, who emerged as the star of the evening with her spellbinding drumming prowess.

    Widely recognized for her commanding vocals, Cynthia left the audience in awe when she unexpectedly took command of the drums and delivered a virtuoso exhibition.

    Her drumming display held such a captivating allure that it left even President Akufo-Addo

    in a state of speechlessness. Distinguished figures such as former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, Alan Kyeremanten, and Mark Okraku-Mantey, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, were equally entranced by her performance.

    Following the concert, attendees who shared their thoughts with Ghanaweekend couldn’t help but shower praise upon the legendary gospel vocalist for her exceptional drumming ability.

    They heralded her as one of Ghana’s premier drummers, solidifying her esteemed reputation in the realm of musical artistry.

  • Akufo-Addo, Kufuor, others attend ‘Pat Thomas Highlife Night’ concert

    Akufo-Addo, Kufuor, others attend ‘Pat Thomas Highlife Night’ concert

    On Friday, August 4, 2023, the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) was brimming with enthusiastic music aficionados from across Ghana who had convened to commemorate the life and musical legacy of the iconic Highlife maestro, Pat Thomas.

    The soirée featured notable guest appearances, including President Akufo-Addo, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, and the aspiring presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Alan Kyeremanten.

    The event served as a jubilant tribute to Pat Thomas’s extensive and illustrious music career. With classic tunes like “Sika Ye Mogya,” “Mewo Akoma,” and “Odo Adaada,” Thomas, a Ghanaian Highlife luminary, has delighted generations of fans.

    Beyond the festivities, the concert held a philanthropic aim, raising funds for the Pat Thomas Music Foundation’s initiative to establish a music school in Agona, Ashanti Region, fostering the growth of young talents.

    Dubbed the “Pat Thomas Highlife Night,” the concert turned out to be an overwhelming triumph, treating the audience to an exceptional evening of music while paying homage to one of Ghana’s most cherished musical icons.

  • Minority blocks GH₵1.3bn budget for new AICC structure, new embassies

    The government’s 2023 plans to demolish the Accra International Conference Centre(AICC) and build a new one for €116 million were thwarted by members of parliament from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), both in the Foreign Affairs Committee and in plenary last night, Tuesday, December 20, 2022. (GHC 1.3 billion).

    The MPs also successfully blocked proposals to open new Ghanaian embassies in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico.

    MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who disclosed this in a Facebook post, said the government cannot be defaulting on its loan obligations and imposing “crude haircuts, particularly on pensions for the vulnerable aged and still be pursuing fanciful projects which can be deferred to better economic times in the future.”

    This comes after the trade, industry, and tourism committee of parliament also rejected the GHC 80 million budgetary allocation for the construction of the National Cathedral.

    The minority side of the committee voted against the budget in a 11:10 majority decision.

    A member of the committee, Mr. Yussif Sulemana, told journalists on Tuesday, December 20, 2022: “I can tell you on authority that at the end of the day, we had to vote, and after the vote, the minority carried the day. We have voted against it, and we are saying that this is not the time for us to be spending that huge sum of money on building a cathedral.”

    The Bole-Bamboi MP said: “Apart from that, we were told at the committee level that they had already spent GHC 339 million, and when we asked them to give us evidence of how the money was spent, it was a challenge.”

    Again, he noted, “We were told that they have moved the cathedral from wherever it was to the ministry of tourism. And the question I put to them was that the organisation that is handling this cathedral, the secretariat, is it under the ministry of tourism?”

    “If it’s not under the ministry of tourism, then it means that you want to use the ministry as a conduit to send the money wherever you want to send it, and we, the minority, will not accept it.”

  • The matter has been resolved; galamsey documentary will take place at AICC – Mgt

    The management of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) has said that the showing of the ‘Galamsey Economy’ documentary by Tiger Eye PI, headed by ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, will come off at the centre as scheduled.

    The management said the matter which resulted in rescheduling of the venue, has been resolved.

    “Our attention has been drawn to reports that an advertised event due to take place at the Accra international Conference Centre (AICC) by Tiger Eye PI was being moved from our venue.

    “The initial confusion was due to a scheduling conflict at the level of the AICC staff and not in any way a pollical decision as is being speculated.

    “The matter has been resolved. We have made contact with the organizers and the event is expected to come off as scheduled.”

    Tiger Eye PI earlier said in series of tweets on Sunday November 13 that it “is saddened that barely 48 hours to the public screenings, when invitations have been sent to the diplomatic community and other high-profile individuals in society, and flyers sent out to the public, we have had to look for a new venue.

    “We would like to apologise to the public for the inconvenience in change of venue. Our agent is securing another auditorium and we will update the public soon on the new venue.

    “All tickets already out are valid for the new venue.”

  • Premiere of Anas’ galamsey exposé to proceed as AICC makes U-turn

    The new investigative piece on illegal mining titled ‘Galamsey Economy’ by Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Tiger Eye P.I. will proceed as scheduled after the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) suddenly made the venue available.

    Anas’ Tiger Eye P.I had earlier alleged that barely 24 hours to the premiere, the AICC said the venue was no longer available despite paying the charge which was increased by about 30 percent at the eleventh hour.

    The documentary exposes alleged bribery, and corruption as well as corruption-related offences in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining otherwise known as galamsey.

    But in a sudden twist of events, the AICC through a release said the premiere will proceed as scheduled.

    According to the AICC, the misunderstanding was due to a scheduling mix-up on the part of the staff at the venue and not due to political reasons.

    “The initial confusion was due to a scheduling conflict at the level of the AICC staff and not in any way a political decision as being speculated.”

    “The matter has been resolved. We have made contact with the organisers and the event is expected to come off as scheduled.”

  • Stonebwoy announces 6th edition of BHIM Concert

    For the sixth time, Stonebwoy will be headlining his annual BHIM Nation Concert.

    The event is slated for December 23 at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre, AICC.

    The goal of one of Ghana’s biggest music nights, which attracts fans from all over the world, is to connect the African-Caribbean roots through music, arts, and culture.

    The musician will perform songs from across his discography, backed by a full band.

    After a year hiatus due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Bhim Concert made a comeback in December 2021.

    The Burniton Music Group produced event, themed “Beam of Hope”, featured special guest, Jamaican reggae & dancehall heavyweight, Beenie Man, and some of the country’s most talented musical artistes, such as DBlack, MzVee, Samini, Sefa, Kofi Kinaata, and more who delivered noteworthy performances.

    Fans can get their tickets on the BHIM Nation Concert platform or dial *365*2022#.

    Stonebwoy announces 6th edition of BHIM Concert

    Stonebwoy has been exceptionally busy this year, having recently signed a world record deal with Universal Music Group/Def Jam Recordings.

    The 2015 BET award-winner released two official singles, “Therapy” and “Gidigba”, and has performed at over 15 festivals across Europe and America, most notably SummerJam Festival, Reggae Sundance Festival, Global Citizen Festival, Afropunk Festival, Uppsala Reggae Festival, Afrobeats Festival, and the self-curated Ashaiman To The World Festival.

    He also scored enviable collaborations this year with renowned reggae musicians, Gentlemen and Alpha Blondy.

    He released his last album, “Anloga Junction” in April of 2020; it featured Diamond Platnumz, Kojo Antwi, Jahmiel, Alicai Hailey, Zlatan, and Keri Hilson. The album currently has over 100 million streams across all credit.

    Meanwhile, Stonebwoy has scheduled two concerts for December namely Afrochella Festival on December 28 and 29 and Afronation Festival on December 29 and 30.

    Source:myjoyonline.com

  • State House, Conference Centre, & Independence Sq areas declared security zones

    The Ghana Police Service has advised the public to stay off the immediate vicinity of the State House Complex, Accra International Conference Centre, Accra Sports Stadium and the Black Star Square ahead of the swearing-in of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Thursday, January 7.

    “These places would be secured and patrolled by security personnel,” a statement from the Service on Sunday, January 3 said.

    “Crash barriers would also be mounted at certain areas to cordon off and control movements to these venues, with security personnel directing movement.”

    The swearing-in will be preceded by the dissolution of the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic on Wednesday, January 6 and the inauguration of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

    As a result, the patrolling of the areas mentioned above will be from Wednesday.

    “Only persons bearing invitation cards or accreditation would be allowed entry into the specified venues on 6th or 7th January, 2021.”

    In all, 6,000 security personnel drawn from the Service, the Ghana Armed Forces and allied agencies will provide security around the events.

    “This will be augmented by technology to ensure maximum security,” the statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Service, Sheilla Kessie Abayie-Buckman, said.

    All VVIPs attending the events to adhere strictly to Covid-19 protocols will be provided “close protection as appropriate”.

    There will be police field clinics to be mounted at the venues to provide emergency care.

    “There would also be ambulances on standby.

    “Similarly, the Ghana National Fire Service would mount stations at strategic locations to ensure fire safety.”

    The police say arrangements regarding road closures, restriction and diversion of traffic will be announced by Tuesday.

    “The Police is urging the public to continue to cooperate with security arrangements for the inaugural ceremonies of 7th January, 2021 in support of the constitutional framework of government.”

    Source: 3 News