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Tag: Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

  • Akufo-Addo appoints Akoto Osei, Oboshie Sai-Cofie to advisory positions

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the first cabinet meeting of his second term held on March 6 appointed Dr Anthony Akoto Osei and Oboshie Sai Cofie, both former Ministers, to prestigious positions.

    This was disclosed by Yaw Osafo-Maafo on Tuesday, April 13, whilst addressing the Birim Central Municipal Assembly in Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region.

    Dr Anthony Akoto Osei

    Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, the immediate past Monitoring and Evaluation Minister, has been appointed as the Presidential Advisor on Economic Issues.

    During the erstwhile John Agyekum Kufuor administration, Dr Akoto Osei was appointed to serve as an economic advisor from 2001 and in 2003, he was appointed as a Deputy Minister of Finance.

    He was later a Minister of State at the Finance Ministry in 2005 and after the sudden demise of Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, the then Finance Minister, Dr Akoto Osei was elevated to a substantive minister.

    He was the MP for Old Tafo from 2005 to 2021.

    Oboshie Sai-Cofie

    Florence Oboshie Sai-Cofie has been appointed as a Presidential Advisor on Media.

    Oboshie Sai-Cofie, between 2001 and 2005 worked in the Office of the President, with responsibility at various times for managing estates, public relations, and speech-writing.

    She also worked with the Public Relations and Information Team to provide a link between the Office of the President and the Ministry of Information.

    Oboshie Sai-Cofie was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff. After a ministerial reshuffle, she was moved from the Office of the President to serve as deputy Minister for Information and National Orientation taking over from Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey who had been reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to serve as deputy minister.

    She also served as Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations swapping places with Stephen Asamoah Boateng who also took over as Minister of information and National Orientation.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ramadan: Akufo-Addo wishes Muslims well

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has wished all Muslims in Ghana the best, as they begin their month-long fast.

    Mr. Akufo-Addo posted the message on Facebook earlier today, Wednesday, 14th April 2021.

    In the post, he said: “This is a month of intense devotion and commitment to the principle of love, sacrifice, and dedication to duty and I wish all Muslims the best of the month.”

    Meanwhile, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has reminded his fellow Muslims to be mindful of the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic and strictly adhere to safety protocols as the month-long Ramadan fast begins.

    Muslims all over the world started the annual Ramadan fast on Tuesday.

    The period brings Muslims together for congregational prayers to break their fast in the evenings.

    In his Ramadan message posted on his Facebook wall, Dr. Bawumia encouraged Muslims to be “mindful of the presence of COVID-19 and continue to observe the safety protocols, especially in our various mosques.”

    He also urged Muslims to pray for the prosperity of Ghana and loved ones during the holy month.

    Source: Class FM

  • Akufo-Addo releases list of Deputy Ministers

    President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo has released a list of Deputy Ministers who will serve in his second government.

    This was after the Appointments Committee of Parliament approved the list submitted to them for vetting as Ministers.

    Below are the nominees who if approved, will serve in the Akufo-Addo led government as Deputy Ministers.

    Deputy Minister of Trade & Industries Kwaku Kwarteng

    Deputy Minister of Lands Patrick Boamah

    Deputy Minister of Communication & Digitalization- Richard Ahigbah

    Deputy Minister of Info Yaw Adomako Baafi

    Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture – Mark Okraku Mantey

    Deputy Minister of Education- Rev Ntim Fordjour

    Deputy Finance Minister Charles Adu Boahen

    Deputy Minister of Agriculture- Dr Vincent Eziah Crop Science Department, University of Ghana

    Deputy Minister of Works & Housing- Dr Jonathan Anaglo Department of Extension Service, University of Ghana

    Deputy Minister of Transport- Darkoa Newman

    Deputy Minister of Chieftancy & Religious Affairs- Jabaah John Bennam

    Deputy Minister of Gender Esther Nyinaa

    Deputy Minister of Employment Lawyer Justin Koduah

    Deputy Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development Akwasi Afrifa-Mensah

    Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Francisca Oteng

    Deputy Minister of Roads and High Ways David Asante

    Deputy Minister of Railways Development Dr Adomako Kissi

    Deputy Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Martin Kwabena Kwakye

    Deputy Minister of Defence Dr Muhammed Anyars

    Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Samuel Pyne

    Deputy Minister of the Interior Jones Kusi

    Deputy Minister of Health Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • I remain focused on helping achieve your vision for Ghana Bawumia to Akufo-Addo

    The remains focused on helping President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to realise his vision to transform Ghana.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, 24 March 2021 reacting to posters across the country endorsing him as the NPP’s 2024 flag bearer, Dr Bawumia office said the posters and other associated activities are without the consent of the Vice-President.

    While reiterating his focus on assisting the President to achieve his vision, Dr Bawumia also urged the rank and file of the party to also be in line and push towards the same direction with the President.

    Below is the full statement:

    The Office of the Vice President has taken notice of the proliferation of posters around the country apparently promoting H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the candidate of NPP for the 2024 elections.

    For the record, the Vice-President has not given his consent to these and other associated activities.

    The Vice-President remains focused on assisting His Excellency the President in the execution of his agenda to transform Ghana.

    Source: Class FM

  • Focus on how Ghana will benefit from Akufo-Addos presidency Oppong-Nkrumah to MPs

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has urged Members of Parliament to discuss the state of the nation address delivered by the president thoroughly and find out how the nation can benefit from the Akufo-Addo presidency.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered his first state of the nation address in his second term in office on Tuesday March 9.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah who is the lawmaker for Ofoase Ayirebi said in series of tweets that “The House has begun unpacking the content of the State of the Nation delivered by President @NAkufoAddo.”

    He added “I believe MPs will use the opportunity to highlight how the nation stands to benefit from an Akufo-Addo led presidency, as we recover from the Covid-19 induced setback. Keep safe folks!”

    Mr Akufo-Addo told the nation that his government has so far proven that they are the better managers of the economy.

    “My government found the resources to cushion the impact of the pandemic because we are good managers of the economy and we are good protectors of the public purse,” he said.

    He added that “I want to urge members of the house to lend their voices to the ongoing campaign with regards to the vaccination. “If we are to see the rebirth of our economy, our people must be healthy and not succumb to COVID-19.

    “The vaccination campaign is currently ongoing. The target is to vaccinate 20 million and the government is working hard towards that.”

    Source: 3 News

  • SoNA 2021: Government began full absorption of WASSCE registration fees in 2020 Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed that his government has begun absorbing registration fees for candidates writing the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) in public schools across the country.

    According to the President, the absorption of WASSCE registration fees forms part of several interventions by his government at the Senior High School level.

    Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) in Parliament on Tuesday, 9 March 2021, President Akufo-Addo said: “Government is facilitating the acquisition of 280,000 laptops for members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Association.”

    He further disclosed that the Minister for education will soon “detail an action plan for the implementation of the National Teacher Policy.”

    President Akufo-Addo added that: “Government has also introduced several interventions at the High School level, some of these are the GHS198 million academic intervention programme dedicated for extra classes for students in SHS.

    “Implementation of free internet connectivity for secondary schools, full absorption of BECE registration fee for all for students in public junior high school from 2017 till date, and full absorption of WASSCE registration fees for students, which started last year.”

    Meanwhile, the President has also revealed that government through the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will introduce new measures to curb examination malpractice among examination candidates in the country.

    “A key objective of our effort to improve quality education and ensure that our students become globally competitive is to maintain the integrity of our examinations and assessment.

    “In connection with this, government, working through WAEC, will introduce new measures to curb examination leakages and malpractices,” Nana Akufo-Addo stated.

    Source: Class FM

  • Resolving Ghanas housing deficit long overdue – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says his administration is still committed to embarking on its affordable housing projects.

    In his State of the Nation Address delivered on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the President said his intension is to place emphasis on resolving the housing deficit in the country.

    According to him, tackling the issue was long overdue, stressing, “Mr. Speaker, it is my intention to place special emphasis on resolving the problems of the housing sector in the country because tackling the housing deficit is long overdue”.

    He said: ”Under housing, the Government of Ghana Affordable Housing Programme, which seeks to increase access to safe, secure, adequate and affordable housing units across the country, is continuing in earnest. Thus far, one thousand, four hundred and sixty-four housing units in Borteyman, one thousand, and twenty-seven (1,027) in Asokore Mampong, and three hundred and twelve (312) housing projects have been completed in Kpone. The Koforidua, Tamale and Wa Housing Projects have been handed over to the State Housing Company Ltd for completion.”

    On Railway Development he said: “Mr. Speaker, one of the ministries created in my first term as President was the Ministry of Railways Development, and the benefits of its creation are showing. Government is mobilising some two billion dollars (US$2 billion) towards the development of railway infrastructure and services.

    He continued: “To this end, Government has rehabilitated a section of the narrow-gauge Western line from Kojokrom to Tarkwa through Nsuta to facilitate the haulage of manganese from Nsuta to the Takoradi Port, and also to provide a passenger rail service along the corridor. Construction of a new standard gauge line from Kojokrom through Eshiem to Manso is ongoing.

    “A five hundred-million-euro (€500 million) contract has been signed for the construction of a standard gauge railway line from Manso to Huni Valley, a contract which includes the conversion of the narrow-gauge tracks between Takoradi and Sekondi to standard gauge, and the development of standard gauge tracks from the Takoradi station to the Takoradi Port for efficient and effective access for cargo handling. The development of the project will result in the construction of one hundred and two (102km) kilometres of rail tracks between the Port of Takoradi and Huni Valley.

    “Contracts for standard gauge railway lines from Kumasi to Kaase, Kaase to Eduadin, Eduadin to Obuasi, Eduadin to Ejisu with a linkage to the Boankra Inland Port, Manso to Dunkwa, have all been signed. The Tema to Mpakadan rail project is currently about eighty percent (80%) complete, with the rehabilitation of the Railway Training School and two (2) location workshops being completed.

    “The Ghana School of Railways and Infrastructure Development, a school under the George Grant University of Mines and Technology, has matriculated its first batch of students, and will begin awarding certificates and diplomas in engineering and other related courses,” he concluded.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Election Petition: Supreme Courts verdict well-reasoned, excellent Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said that the verdict given by the seven-member justices of the Supreme Court on the election petition filed by Former President John Dramani Mahama, as well-reasoned and excellent.

    Delivering his first State of the Nation Address in his second term on Tuesday, March 9, Mr Akufo-Addo said the judgment was “Well reason and excellent of the Supreme Court presided over by the Chief Justice on 4 March.”

    The highest court of the land by a unanimous decision dismissed the election petition brought before it by the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 elections.

    The seven-member panel led by Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah dismissed the petition on Thursday, March 4, saying it was without merit.

    “The petitioner has not produced any evidence to rebut the presumptions created by the publication of CI 135. We are therefore of no reason to order a rerun. We accordingly dismiss the petition,” the Chief Justice said in the judgment.

    The justices of the apex court further told witnesses of the petitioner, Mr Rojo Mettle-Nunoo and Dr Michael Kpessa-Whyte to blame themselves for abandoning their duties in the strong room during the final collation of the election results if their claims are to be believed.

    During proceedings, the two witnesses told the court that they were sent by the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) to Mr Mahama at the time of the collation of the final results in the strong room. In their absence, the results were then announced.

    Delivering the judgment on Thursday, March 4 the court said “…Notwithstanding all these allegations of misunderstandings with the chair of the 1st respondent in the strong room and the fact that they were absent during the declaration, they did not give any indication as to how these happenings in their absence affected the final results announced by the 1st Respondent.

    “Having signed or certified these forms, the witnesses, particularly PW 3 cannot turn round to talk about irregularities in the forms.

    “The testimonies would have carried some little weight if the purpose of the petition was to change entries made on the collation forms or summary sheets but that is not the case.

    “Their testimonies were therefore of no relevance to the said issues set out for determination and so we find them unworthy for consideration whatsoever.”

    Source: 3 News

  • The Court has spoken, lets move on – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo says it was time the country unite and move forward after the Supreme Court validated his election as President.

    The President believes it is important for Ghanaians to unite and contribute to the development of the country.

    The President delivering the State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Tuesday, March 9 2021, maintained that institutions under his watch are working, and that reflected in the ruling of the court.

    ”Indeed, the institutions of our nation, whether the Executive, Legislature or Judiciary, are working.

    The Supreme Court, for example, last week determined the challenge to the validity of the 2020 presidential election and affirmed its validity in a unanimous decision. The Court has spoken. It is time for all of us to move on, and, in a united manner, confront the problems of post-COVID Ghana,” he admonished.

    He further described the ruling as ”well reasoned and excellent”.

    ”It is always good to be back in Parliament and to discharge the duty, in accordance with Article 67 of the Constitution, of delivering to the House a Message on the State of the Nation. I am particularly delighted as this Message is the first of my 2nd term, the validity of which was unanimously upheld last week in a well-reasoned and excellent ruling by a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by the Chief Justice, on 4th March 2021,” he added.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo, Bawumia join Election Petition on Judgement day

    2nd Correspondent in the Election Petition Hearing Case, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is monitoring proceedings at the Supreme Court from his office at the presidency.

    He is joined by his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Mr. Akufo-Addo is being challenged by Petitioner, John Dramani Mahama in the case.

    According to Mahama, neither himself, and President Akufo-Addo, who were the leading candidates in the 2020 elections, obtained more than 50 per cent of the valid votes cast per the results declared by Jean Mensa, the EC Chairperson on 9 December.

    Mr. Akufo-Addo is being represented in court by Campaign Manager for the New Patriotic Party, Peter Mac Manu, and a legal team comprising of Lawyer Akoto Ampaw who is the head of the team, assisted by Frank Davis, Kwaku Asirifi and Yaw Oppong.

    After weeks of legal arguments and cross-examination, the Supreme Court of Ghana is delivering judgement in the Election 2020 Petition trial.

    The court has set the following for determination:

    1. Whether or not the petition discloses any reasonable cause of action

    2. Whether or not based on the data contained in the declaration of the 1st Respondent (EC), no candidate obtained more than 50% of the valid votes cast as required by article 63 (3) of the 1992 constitution

    3. Whether or not the 2nd Respondent still met the article 63 (3) of the 1992 constitution threshold by the exclusion or inclusion of the Techiman South constituency Presidential Election Results of 2020

    4. Whether or not the declaration by the 1st Respondent dated the 9th of December was in violation of article 63 (3) of the 1992 constitution

    5. Whether or not the alleged vote padding and other errors complained of by the petitioner affected the outcome of the Presidential Election results of 2020.

    Watch a livestream of the judgement on GhanaWeb TV below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo sacks Domelevo with compulsory retirement

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has compulsorily retired embattled Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, despite the latter claiming he is not yet 60 years.

    A letter signed by Nana Bediatuo Asante, Executive Secretary to the President on Wednesday, March 3, and addressed to Daniel Yao Domelevo said:

    “The attention of the President of the Republic has been drawn to records and documents made available to the Office by the Audit Service, that indicate that your date of birth is 1 June 1960 and that in accordance with article 199(1) of the Constitution, your date of retirement as Auditor General was 1 June 2020.

    “Based on this information, the President is of the view that you have formally left office. Mr Johnson Akuamoa-Asiedu will continue to act as Auditor-General until the President appoints a substantive Auditor General.

    “The president thanks you for your service to the nation and wishes you the very best in your future endeavours.”

    Daniel Domelevo recently became a subject of many news discussions after a series of correspondence between himself and the Audit Service Board came to the fore.

    The Board alleged that records at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) provided by the Auditor-General indicated that his date of birth was 1960 when he joined the scheme on October 1, 1978.

    Again, the Board insisted that the hometown of Mr. Domelevo is Agbetofe in Togo, thereby making him non-Ghanaian, even though on October 25, 1993, Domelevo had changed those records.

    While the date of birth changed to June 1, 1961, the hometown of the Auditor-General was now Ada in the Greater Accra Region, the Board claimed in a three-page letter addressed to Mr. Domelevo on Tuesday, March 2, just a day before he was to resume work from a forced 167-day leave.

    Daniel Yao Domelevo duly informed the board that the two allegations were false and offered explanations.

    The Board replied indicating, “observation of your responses and explanations contained in your above reference letter make your date of birth and Ghanaian nationality even more doubtful and clearly establishes that you have made false statements contrary to law”.

    The Board consequently insisted that Mr. Domelevo was due for compulsory retirement on June 1, 2020, and was in fact not Ghanaian but Togolese.

    “Records made available to the Board indicate that your date of retirement was 1 June 2020 and as far as the Audit Service is concerned you are deemed to have retired,” it noted.

    Meanwhile, Domelevo returned to work on Wednesday, March 3.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo to receive coronavirus vaccine at 37 Military Hospital

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will today receive the first dose of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, alongside his wife Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    The event will be telecast live on TV to show Ghanaians that it is safe to take.

    President Akufo-Addo is doing this to boost public confidence in the safety and efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine that has been approved for use to slow the spread of the virus in Ghana.

    Announcing this during his 24th televised Coronavirus address to the nation on Sunday, February 28, Akufo-Addo said, “as your President, I want to assure you that the vaccine is safe. That is why tomorrow, on Monday, 1st March, ahead of the commencement of the vaccination programme on Tuesday, 2nd March, my wife the First Lady, the Vice President, his wife the Second Lady, and I will take the vaccine publicly at two health facilities in Accra.”

    He further announced that on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, other key public officials including the Speaker and Members of Parliament, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Superior Courts of Judicature, the Chairperson and Members of the Council of State, the Chief of Staff and senior officials at the Office of the President will take the jab publicly.

    The rest are prominent personalities such as some Eminent Clergy, the National Chief Imam, the Asantehene, the Ga Mantse, and some media practitioners.

    He subsequently called for an all-hands-on-deck approach for a successful vaccination programme saying, “I encourage faith-based groups, civil society, media and all Ghanaians to support the public education campaign associated with the exercise.”

    “Our domestic regulatory agency FDA (Food and Drugs Authority),” the President said, “has certified the safe use of the vaccine.

    “Taking the vaccine will not alter your DNA; it will not embed a tracking device in your body,” the President further assured. “Neither will it cause infertility in women or men. As your president, I want to assure you that the vaccine is safe.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus vaccine will protect us – Akufo-Addo assures

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the Covid-19 vaccine received will help protect us against the impact of Covid-19 on our health when taken.

    He also said the vaccine is also a major catalyst to restoring livelihoods and the national economy to the robust level it belongs.

    He said this during his 24th update on measures taken against the spread of the coronavirus disease.

    President Akufo-Addo encouraged faith-based groups, civil societies, the media and all Ghanaians to support the public education campaign associated with the exercise.

    “We need all hands on deck to make this a success,” he said.

    Ghana took delivery of 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine on 24th February 2021.

    Rollout of the vaccine will begin on Tuesday, March 2,2021 at 43 epicenter districts accros the country.

    Meanwhile, the President assured that the vaccine is safe and will not kill people as speculated, stating that himself and his wife, others, will take it publicly for all to see it is not harmful.

    He urged all to continue to adhere to the safety protocols despite having the vaccine.

    Source: Atinka Online

  • Akufo-Addo didn’t order closure of our office – Director of LGBTQ+ group

    Alex Kofi Donkor, leader a same-sex relations rights group has reacted to reports earlier this week that their offices in the capital Accra had been shut down on the orders of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    In an interview with Thomson Reuters Foundation, he said the main consideration for the closure was to ensure the safety of people who sought shelter and other support services there.

    Donkor said the anti-gay rhetoric was “scary” and he could not risk the safety of people at the centre, which offers paralegal services, counselling and training through workshops, even though its location had not been made public, the Reuters report said.

    He dismissed local media reports that police had shut down the centre on the orders of Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, adding that he had not received any communication from authorities directing its closure.

    The office was opened on January 31 in the presence of the Australian ambassador and other European diplomats.

    Since the report was published widely on local media sites, neither the government nor police have confirmed or denied the said operation which was reportedly undertaken by personnel of National Security and police.

    Donkor, however, stressed that his group will not give up the fight for recognition of their sexual orientation. The subject of same-sex relations continue to elicit strong sentiments across the social strata – especially from the clergy.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Five oldest ministerial nominees by President Akufo-Addo

    Residents of the Krowor Municipality of the Greater Accra, have appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr James Oppong-Boanuah, to take appropriate steps to intensity patrols, beef up security and protect lives and properties, in the area.

    The residents, particularly those of Regimauel Gray Estates, have raised the alarm that they were living in a state of insecurity and fear as armed robbers continued to harass and attack them, using sophisticated means.

    Some victims, who have fallen prey to the antics of the robbers, told the Ghanaian Times that they were terrorised in the evenings when traffic flow had reduced.

    They said the robbers stood by the road well-dressed, armed with guns tucked under their dresses and knives that look like combs concealed in their hair and waited for potential victims.

    Once the way was clear, they drew closer in a friendly manner towards victims, who include motorists and other road users, and engaged them in conversation. The residents said that as soon as the conversation begun, they robbed victims at gun point.

    One of the victims(name withheld), told the Ghanaian Times that she was walking towards the Nungua Market around 8:00pm when a gentleman neatly dressed engaged her in a conversation as though he knew her.

    She said two more men joined them, and one of them pulled a gun, pointed it at her and demanded her to hand over all her belongings.

    Another victim (name withheld), said she complied with the request of the gang and handed everything, including her mobile phone to them.

    She said that “The most astonishing aspect of the incident is that they warned me not to raise the alarm until they had left the scene or I risk being killed. As if hypnotized, I stood there in awe and watched them escape with my items.”

    Similarly, James Boateng, who also fell victim to the criminals, said he was attacked while walking towards the nearest bus stop from church.

    He said “While walking to the nearest bus stop, I realised two guys were walking behind me. One of them overtook me and blocked me from moving any further. The other person behind me came closer with a knife pointed at my side and ordered that I release my belongings to them.”

    Mr Boateng said without any hesitation he released everything in his possession to the criminals and they fled.

    But when contacted by Ghanaian Times on the issue, the District Police Commander for Nungua, Superintendent Abraham Apusyine, said the situation was yet to come to the attention of security personnel.

    He said stressed that “Interestingly, none of the victims has come to lodge a formal complaint to us.”

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Akufo-Addo, NPP against LGBTQ – Adomako Baafi

    “Nana Akufo-Addo; from his head to toe: we are conservative and we are against it (LGBTQ). It will not be tolerated; right from the presidency to the grassroots” Former Director of Communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party, Lawyer Yaw Adomako Baafi said.

    His comments come after an LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) office was opened in Tesano, Accra to promote their rights in Ghana. Meanwhile, the government has been called upon to closed down the office.

    Adomako Baafi who was speaking on Kumasi-based Hello FM hinted that the office will soon be closed.

    Listen to him in the video below:

    Source: Peace FM

  • Stop soldiers from bodyguard duties Minority to Akufo-Addo

    The Minority in Parliament has called on President Akufo-Addo to take steps to demilitarize the country.

    According to the NDC MPs, the recent visibility of military men and women across the country serving as bodyguards to individuals is a course for worry.

    Addressing the media in parliament Tuesday, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu questioned why the police who are responsible for the protection of persons and properties have been sidelined.

    The development comes in the wake of concerns over military personnel detailed to provide protection to the chairperson of the Electoral Commission in the ongoing election petition.

    Touching on the work of the Appointments Committee which commences Wednesday, the Tamale South MP assured the minority side will execute its work without fear or favour.

    The ranking member of the Appointments Committee also disclosed handing over notes of former appointees have been made available to members as demanded earlier.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, ex-Presidents pay last respect to late Rawlings

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, together with his Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Heads of State, as well as heads of constitutional bodies are expected to pay their last respect to ex-President Jerry John Rawlings on the second day of the file past in a state funeral which will be climaxed tomorrow January 27.

    Later today, Members of Parliament, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin; former Speakers of Parliament, the Chief Justice, justices of the Supreme Court, former Chief Justices, former chairmen and members of the Council of State, former ministers of state, among others, will file past the body.

    Members of the Diplomatic Corps and organised groups will also pay their respects on Tuesday.

    The main funeral event would take place at the Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, January 27.

    Earlier Sunday, January 24, a Catholic Requiem mass was held for the statesman as part of four-day funeral rites.

    Later that night, a vigil was held at the Air Force Officers Mess in Accra in honour of late Jerry John Rawlings.

    The vigil was attended by the family of Mr. Rawlings, government officials, dignitaries, and other senior officers of the various security agencies.

    Source: 3 News

  • Joe Ghartey lauds Rawlings-Akufo-Addo relationship

    Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency, Hon. Joe Ghartey, has lauded the healthy relationship that existed between late former President Jerry John Rawlings and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    In his tribute to the late Rawlings in Parliament, Hon Ghartey said
    “We see pictures of Rawlings & Akufo Addo together, talking. People who were committed to different forms of governance”.

    President Akufo-Addo led demonstrations during the Rawlings era demanding a return to multi-party democracy.

    Hon Ghartey stated that “It teaches us that we must be humble, as we experience changes in life”.

    Hon. Ghartey further remarked that after MPs finish debating on the floor, they share a cup of tea together.

    He said the relationship that exists between politicians on opposite sides should be an example to their supporters.

    “Yes we may not agree with each other, but we must not be enemies”.

    Hon Ghartey, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice noted that the beauty of life and the maturity of democracy is that people can disagree with each other vehemently for many years and end up being friends.

    The example set by these two Presidents is worth emulating, according to the immediate past Railways Development Minister.

    Source: Melvin Tarlue, Contributor

  • AfCFTA is the most important initiative introduced by AU Akufo-Addo

    The most important initiative introduced by the African Union (AU) is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said.

    In January 2021, the trading phase under the AfCFTA which was signed by 54 African countries commenced.

    The general objectives of the agreement include, among other things, creating a single market, deepening the economic integration of the continent; establishing a liberalised market through multiple rounds of negotiations; aiding the movement of capital and people, facilitating investment move towards the establishment of a future continental customs union.

    Speaking during the Virtual Summit 58th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, on Saturday, 23rd January 2021, Mr. Akufo-Addo said “We can best attain this objective by strengthening our regional integration. Thus, the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began trading on 1st January, presents us with additional opportunities to reach our objective.

    “The AfCFTA, as we all know, is, arguably, the most important initiative launched by the African Union. We all have a duty to ensure its success.

    “I remain confident that, as is customary, the quality of our discussions and the decisions we take together will be commensurate with the ambitions we have for our region.”

    He further called on ECOWAS member countries to engage on the growing menace to the maritime security of our region.

    Mr. Akufo-Addo said acts of piracy and maritime destabilization are on rapid increase in the Gulf of Guinea, illustrated by the data, which indicate a forty percent (40%) rise in pirate activities in the Gulf in 2020 over 2019.

    “This calls for a strong regional response,” he said during the Virtual Summit 58th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, On Saturday, 23rd January 2021.

    He further stated that “Ghana, on its part, has decided to pledge fifty million dollars ($50 million) over the five (5) year period, of which ten million dollars ($10 million) is destined for the Fund, and forty million dollars ($40 million) for the domestic empowerment of our border security against potential terrorist incursions. Half of the ten million dollars ($10 million), i.e., five million dollars ($5 million), has been paid by Ghana into the ESRF account, of which confirmation transfer instructions for this payment has been received.

    “The remaining one hundred million dollars ($100 million), which is to be voluntarily paid by the other five (5) countries and other sources, will complete the establishment of the entire Fund. We need to do this as quickly as possible.

    “We also need to engage on the growing menace to the maritime security of our region. Acts of piracy and maritime destabilization are on rapid increase in the Gulf of Guinea, illustrated by the data, which indicate a forty percent (40%) rise in pirate activities in the Gulf in 2020 over 2019. This calls for a strong regional response.

    “On the critical issue of the single currency for the community, we have agreed on a revised convergence policy, about which a report will be presented to us at this meeting. I am of the view that the difficulties involved in meeting the convergence criteria should not stand in the way of the rapid establishment of a payments and settlement system in ECOWAS, which will enable a rapid expansion of trade and investment in the Community. We will receive, at this Summit, a report on progress on this matter.

    “Excellencies, achieving strong economic growth, built on resilient economies, is a challenge that we must accept and realise. We must remain focused on the implementation of our programmes and projects in all areas to ensure the well-being of our peoples.

    Source: 3 News

  • ‘Akufo-Addo has kept his word’- Koku Anyidoho reacts to ministerial nominations

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Attah Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho has welcomed President Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominations.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominations were confirmed by Mr. Eugene Arhin, the Acting Communications Director at the Presidency in a release on Thursday, January 20, 2021.

    The nominations are subject to the approval of the 8th Parliament headed by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

    The release of Akufo-Addo’s appointments has been met with different reactions on social media but the former Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress believes that the President has kept his word that he will reduce the size of his government in his second time.

    He made this statement in a tweet that was sighted by GhanaWeb.

    “President Akufo-Addo has kept his word – thinned his govt & shall have no Deputy Regional Ministers: Let’s pray this early positive move filters through the whole of his 2nd term so he can leave some solid legacies as we all strive to build the Better Ghana that we so deserve.”

    See his post on Twitter below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I’ll find you another job – Akufo-Addo consoles ex-ministers

    It appears all hope is not lost yet for the former appointees who could not make the list of Akufo-Addo’s new ministers as the President has assured he will find them “possible roles” to play.

    The President released a new list of Ministers on Thursday, January 21, 2021, who if approved by Parliament, will aid him in his second term.

    Unlike the first term, the President has indicated that the number of ministers he will work with, in his new government will not exceed eighty-five (85), a decision that has resulted in many of the former appointees being pulled up.

    But a statement issued by the Communications Directorate of the Jubilee House stated the President has promised the affected ministers he will find them another job in the larger government structure.

    According to the statement signed by Acting Director of Communications at the Office of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, Mr Akufo-Addo made the assurance when he had one-on-one meetings with both the outgoing and the incoming Ministers.

    “On Wednesday, 20th January, and Thursday, 21st January, President Akufo-Addo held one-on-one meetings with the Ministers-Designate, as well as his first-term Ministers who will not transition into the new government, to break the news to them.” Portions of the statement read.

    It added, “To the Ministers-Designate, President Akufo-Addo congratulated them on their nominations, and expressed his expectation that they will be promptly approved by Parliament, to allow them to start work forthwith. To the former Ministers, the President assured them possible roles to be played in the larger government structure, and wished them the best of luck in their future endeavours.”

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Coronavirus: Laboratories will be sanctioned if data on positive cases is withheld from GHS Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has warned laboratories to immediately update the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on all positive Coronavirus cases.

    According to the President, any laboratory that fails to do so and decides to hold back records on positive cases will be sanctioned.

    “All laboratories, public and private, must supply, in real-time, data on all persons tested on the common platform established by the Ghana Health Service. There will be sanctions against laboratories who fail to comply,” Akufo-Addo said during his televised address to the nation on Sunday, January 17.

    He added that the government has intensified contact tracing, testing and treating of persons who test positive of the virus.

    “A considerable number of contact tracers are being mobilised to follow up on contacts of all who test positive,” he stated.

    Akufo-Addo continued: “The provision of adequate medicines, equipment, and personal protective equipment to enable health workers to attend to home-based patients is being effected.

    “Government is reactivating available treatment and isolation facilities across the country in anticipation of any further increase in infections.”

    Ghana has so far recorded 57,714 Coronavirus cases with 55,592 recoveries and 346 deaths leaving 1,776 active cases.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • How police took charge at Supreme Court premises ahead of Mahama-Akufo-Addo election petition hearing

    The Ghana Police Service deployed some of its personnel to carry out their duties at the Supreme Court as the hearing of the Mahama-Akufo-Addo election petition case commenced today.

    As at the time GhanaWeb got to the Supreme Court, some of the policemen were seen at the entrance of the court monitoring the movement of both persons and cars that went to and fro the premises.

    With the serene environment at the court premises, only a few lawyers could be seen moving about in their apparels.

    The presidential election hearing was filed by John Dramani Mahama who is calling on the Supreme Court to order a rerun of the December 7, 2020 elections.

    The NDC flagbearer in his petition to the court claims neither him nor his main contender, Akufo-Addo got more than the 50 per cent of the valid votes cast on the election day.

    Meanwhile, the election petition will be broadcast live on television after the NDC requested for it.

    Per the rules governing the case, judgement on the petition is expected to be delivered by February 10, 2021.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo tells MMDCEs to remain in office until further notice

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief executives (MMDCEs) to remain in office until further notice.

    The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare on Tuesday Janury 12.

    “The President thanks all persons who served as members of statutory boards and corporations and wishes them the best in their future endeavours,” the statement added.

    The statement added that statutory boards and corporations are going to be reconstituted by the President.

    Source: 3 News

  • Deliver Ghanaians from poverty TUC to Akufo-Addo, MPs

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has asked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and all the Members of Parliament to work hand-in-hand to deliver Ghanaians from poverty.

    TUC noted in a statement that most Ghanaians are saddled with extreme poverty, a situation the union said requires immediate attention by authorities.

    In a statement on the inauguration of the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and all the lawmakers, the TUC said “We count on the new leaders to deliver us from mass poverty that has afflicted a significant section of the people of Ghana.

    “As we have pointed out time and again, it is unpardonable that, almost 64 years after independence from colonial rule, millions of Ghanaians have no access to basic necessities such as clean water and sanitation facilities; 4.5 million Ghanaians have no access to electricity despite the fact that Ghana has excess capacity of electricity; a significant number of Ghanaian children and women of childbearing age are suffering from chronic malnutrition and anemia; many children are dying needlessly from malaria and other preventable diseases because of the unhygienic conditions and poor healthcare; our roads are comparable to war zones in terms of the number of people who lose their lives through preventable road accidents every day; many Ghanaians are living in streets because they have no access to housing; our national daily minimum wage is a paltry GHS319 per month, and young graduates cannot find jobs many years after graduation.

    “The task ahead is huge. In his Inaugural Address, the President acknowledged “the considerable amount of work that is to be done over the next four years in our drive to take our nation firmly onto the path of progress, prosperity and development following the havoc wreaked by COVID-19”.

    “That is why we urge NPP and NDC to find a way of working together, not only in the parochial interest of their parties but, more importantly, in the supreme interest of the good people of Ghana.”

    The statement added “The President gave some indications of his commitment to lead us away from poverty to prosperity in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) and his Inaugural Address.

    “He promised that his government will provide water and electricity to the communities without these basic social amenities, construct more hospitals to improve healthcare and provide more houses for the people.

    “He reiterated his commitment to Ghana Beyond Aid with its emphasis on economic transformation, self-reliance, attitudinal change, and respect for core values including honesty, hard work, compassion, social partnership and patriotism.

    “We believe that we can propel our country to higher levels of prosperity and progress if we pursue this vision more vigorously.”

    “On Job Creation, in the State of the Nation Address, the President mentioned the recruitment of 95,000 health workers into the public health sector, which helped the nation to fight COVID-19. We note the recruitment of additional teachers, security personnel and the implementation of Nations Builders Corps (NABCO) as well as the state-sponsored entrepreneurship development programmes.

    “We expect more of such initiatives to help address the employment crisis facing our youth. In the next four years, all efforts towards economic recovery and transformation must focus on job creation. We have to work together as social partners to create more and better jobs for young Ghanaians in both public and private sectors of the economy.

    “We can make a huge difference if we work together to remove the numerous constraints in the way of domestic production including corruption, high-interest rates, ultra-liberal trade policy, and the deficit in our social and economic infrastructure.

    “The One-District-One-Factory and the Planting for Food and Jobs, if pursued more vigorously, can strengthen the domestic private sector.

    “These initiatives need rapid expansion and support from all social partners. They can make a significant difference in strengthening the industrial base of our economy for job creation, especially in rural communities.”

    Source: 3 News

  • GNUTS congratulates President Akufo-Addo for a well-deserved re-election victory

    The Ghana National Union of Technical Students (GNUTS) has congratulated President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo following his inauguration as President of the Republic of Ghana for another four years.

    In a release co-signed by its President and General Secretary, GNUTS said that the victory of the president in the December 2020 presidential election was made possible through the large turnout of Ghanaian students and the youth.

    Taking notice of the recorded incidents of violence, death of activists, election petitions and counter-petitions related to the period of the election and its aftermath, GNUTS said it was hopeful that all challenges recorded will be addressed before subsequent elections, and those found culpable made to face the full rigours of the law.

    The student group whilst expressing expectations of the president extending a hand for an all-inclusive government urged other candidates to in the interest of democracy congratulate the president for his victory.

    “No nation can wholesomely survive without giving concentration to the development of its youths, structurally, academically and morally,” parts of the statement read.

    The Union also called on all sides of the newly inaugurated 8th Parliament to work to promote oneness, impartiality and justice in the supreme interest of Ghanaians.

    The group also stressed the need for the government to give detailed concentration to the development of the youth, structurally, academically and morally.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Oppong-Nkrumah, Buaben Asamoa, others to speak for Akufo-Addo on election petition

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has designated a team to speak for and on his behalf on the 2020 elections petition.

    These individuals are Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah Ofoase-Ayirebi MP, and Yaw Buaben Asamoa Esq – NPP National Communications Director.

    The rest are Henry Nana Boakye – NPP National Youth Organizer, Fatimatu Abubakar Deputy Communications Director at the Presidency and Nana Adobea Asante Legal committee.

    Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has in his response to the petition filed by former President John Dramani Mahama described it as incompetent

    The president in his response said the complaints by the former president are weak and inconsistent in 30 out of 35 paragraphs, and that the remaining 5 are empty.

    He has therefore asked the apex court to determine that the petition is incompetent, frivolous, and vexatious, with no reasonable cause of action in terms of Article 64(1) of the Constitution.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • We have hope in next Akufo-Addo’s government – Techiman residents

    Residents in the Techiman municipality have expressed confidence in the next President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government and hope for improvements in access to quality healthcare and education.

    They also believed creating economic livelihood opportunities for all would greatly make life better for the ordinary citizenry.

    In a random interview during a visit to Twemia, Bamiri,Fanti New Town Goshen and Ahenbroso in the Municipality, the residents told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) they were optimistic President Akufo-Addo’s government would prioritize and create more jobs for the people.

    Mr Solomon Awuni a Teacher at the Techiman Zongo said he expected the government to improve on educational and health infrastructure, build quality road network and create decent jobs for the youth.

    He commended the government for the measures put in place to contain the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) as school re-opened in January 18 and hoped adequate nose masks would be supplied to schoolchildren to stem the spread.

    Mr Justice Effah, a businessman said high unemployment threatened national security and stability and called on the President to strengthen the One-District-One-Factory project to fetch jobs for the teeming unemployed youth.

    In a related development, residents in the Sunyani Municipality have congratulated President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia for their swearing-in, and appealed to Ghanaians to support their next government to achieve vision for the nation.

    Mrs Leticia Amponsah Gyan, a trader told the GNA the government had previously laid a solid foundation for economic prosperity.

    “What is left is for me and you and everybody to support the implementation of government’s social and poverty intervention policies to alleviate the plight of the people”, she stated.

    Mr Augustine Ansu Gyeabour, a policy analyst stressed the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PfFJs) programme was laudable saying its successful implementation would spur rapid socio-economic growth and development.

    He expressed the hope that Ghanaians would bury their differences and support the next government towards the implementation of realistic policies and programmes that would enhance the socio-economic livelihoods of the people.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo’s call for consensus mere talk – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has called out President Akufo-Addo accusing him of all talk without commensurate action in attempts to build consensus in Parliament.

    The President in his final State of the Nation address reiterated that the results of the December 7 elections show Ghanaians want the two main political parties NDC and NPP to work together in the interest of the state.

    But speaking at a final leadership media encounter before the dissolution of the 7th parliament, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisudisclosed that the president has not made any move to engage the NDC or its flagbearer since the polls.

    The Tamale South MP served notice that the results of the Parliamentary elections put out by the EC can only mean a tough time for the NPP in the next parliament.

    Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, however, insists that the NPP will constitute the majority in the 8th parliament. The Suame MP also urged the NDC to abandon its litigious posture.

    Both the NDC and the NPP have a split number of MPs. The NDC has 137 seats while the NPP also has 137 seats, however, an independent MP for Fomena has indicated his willingness to sit with the ruling NPP giving the party a slim majority in the law-making chamber.

    Meanwhile, Members of the NDC in Parliament have nominated experienced lawmaker and current Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin as Speaker in the 8th Parliament which begins Thursday.

    The Nadowli Kaleo lawmaker will come against his current boss Speaker Mike Oquaye as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has settled on him.

    Both parties have equal numbers in the House 137 each- with the only independent MP-elect opting to sit with the NPP.

    Meanwhile, the 7th Parliament of the 4th Republic will be dissolved at Midnight today Wednesday 6th January 2021.

    The dissolution is in accordance with Article 113(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

    Immediately after 12 am, newly elected members of the incoming session of Parliament will convene to elect a Speaker and two deputies in accordance with Articles 95, 96, and 100(2) of the 1992 Constitution after which the elected Speaker will swear members in as lawmakers.

    Source: Starr FM

  • My government increased budgetary allocation to parliament, judiciary Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed that his administration has increased the budgetary allocation to all accountability institutions of state including Parliament and the judiciary.

    Due to the increased allocation, the president, the judiciary for instance has received ninety (90) newly constructed courts across the country.

    Delivering his last State of the Nation Address in his first in office, on Tuesday, January 5, Mr Akufo-Addo said “There is no question but that many people got attracted to the unsustainable high-interest rates that some of these financial houses were offering. In all financial dealings, we have to accept what the experts tell us that, whenever whatever on offer sounds too good to be true, it invariably ends up being untrue and unsustainable.

    “Government is committed to paying all validated claims, and I expect the process to be completed soon after the courts grant the liquidation orders for the remaining failed fund management companies.
    “Government, since my assumption of office, has increased annually the budgetary allocations to all the accountability institutions of State, including Parliament and the Judiciary, with the latter, for example, being the beneficiary of ninety (90) newly constructed courts across the country.

    “Our security agencies have been equipped with more personnel and the requisite tools needed to maintain law and order, as well as protect the territorial integrity of our borders. At the 81st Cabinet Meeting, the decision was taken to exclude the security services, i.e., the Police Service, Immigration Service, Fire Service, Prisons Service, as well as other security and intelligence agencies, just like the Armed Forces, from the unification of pension schemes.

    “In other words, all the security agencies will continue to enjoy benefits under the CAP 30 Pension Scheme, and the appropriate legal regime will be put in place by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to ensure this.

    “I am pleased to report that our undertaking to bring peace to Dagbon has been successful. For decades, this ancient and proud kingdom had been bedevilled with conflict. Since 2002, when a fresh eruption of the conflict ended in the tragic killing of my friend, Ya Na Yakubu Andani, Dagbon had become designated as a troubled land. A generation of young people had grown up knowing nothing else but Dagbon as a troubled land where there was no peace, and public officials hesitated to accept postings there.”

    Source: 3 News

  • SONA 2021: Mahamas petition good for Ghanas democracy Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has welcomed the election petition filed at the Supreme Court by the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama.

    Delivering his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) in his first term on Tuesday, January 5, Mr Akufo-Addo said this path is the best option for any aggrieved person in an election.

    Mr Mahama on Wednesday, December 30 filed the petition at the apex court which seeks, among other things, a rerun of the presidential elections, asking the Court for an order to restrain Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Second Respondent, from holding himself out as President-elect.

    He refused to accept the results of the elections because in his view the figures were tampered with by the Chair of the Electoral Commission in favour of President Akufo-Addo.

    He further said Mrs Mensa and the other commissioners should have resigned by now following what he described as a blemished election that they conducted on December 7.

    Mr Akufo-Addo told Parliament that “The constitution demands that we go to the people after every four years to demand their mandate.”

    “We must listen to the voice of the people. I said to you in the election campaign that it is my firm and passionate view that I shall be president in a fairly conducted elections which I believe, the elections of 7th December was.”

    “I recognize that my main opponent in the election Former President John Dramani Mahama has gone to the Supreme Court to seek intervention and be granted reliefs that he believes were compromised in the conduct of the elections.”

    “It is good for the nation that in the end, he chose the legal path instead of the pocket of violence.”

    He further added that “We all have to make a deliberate decision to trust in the rule of law and uphold the integrity of the institutions of our state so that no person or groups of person take the laws into their own hands with impunity,” he said.

    Source: 3 News

  • Trump sends delegation to Ghana for Akufo-Addos investiture

    US President, Donald John Trump has announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the second inauguration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Thursday, January 7, 2021, in Accra, Ghana.

    A statement by the White House said the Honorable Dr J. Peter Pham, Ambassador, United States Special Envoy for the Sahel Region of Africa, will lead the delegation.

    The Honorable Stephanie S. Sullivan, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana will also be part of the delegation.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered his last State of the Nations Address(SONA) today, January 5, 2021, at the Parliament House.

    Source: 3 News

  • Follow Akufo-Addo’s inauguration on TV if you are not invited Committee to Ghanaians

    The public has been advised to stay away from the precincts of Parliament House where President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to be sworn in for a second term of office on Thursday, 7 January 2020.

    The event, according to the Inauguration Committee, is strictly by invitation.  

    The team, at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, 5 January 2021, explained that the decision was taken in consultation with Parliament, taking into consideration the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Chair of the inauguration sub-committee, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, indicated that so far, 12 heads of state have confirmed their participation.

    The ceremony is expected to commence at 11 am.

    Invited guests, apart from Heads of State, will be expected to be seated by 9.45 am.

    Ms. Botchwey said: “Twelve Heads of State and Government have so far confirmed their participation for the Swearing-in Ceremony. More confirmations are expected as the date draw close. Other foreign dignitaries have also confirmed their participation.”

    “The Foreign dignitaries attending the Inauguration ceremony will have the appropriate courtesies extended to them in line with standard protocol. Arrangements for possible courtesy calls and bilateral meetings have also been catered for. I should mention in that regard that the relevant information pertaining to the specific protocol/courtesies have been communicated to the respective diplomatic missions here in Accra.”

    Additionally, she noted that a welcome desk will be set up at the Airport (Terminal Three) which will be manned by designated Protocol/Liaison/Security officers to facilitate the smooth participation of the various delegations in the ceremony.

    The Foreign Minister further noted that the committee has been minded by the COVID-19 protocol of social distancing, which will be adhered to.

    As part of the protocol guidelines drawn up for the ceremony, visiting delegations will be required to provide a negative 72-hour PCR test before they are admitted into the country.

    Participants in the ceremony will be required to keep their face masks on at all times.

    She disclosed that “the need to strictly observe the COVID-19 protocols informed the number of persons which will be accredited to participate in the ceremony.”

    “The committee understands the huge public interest in the ceremony but increasing the numbers will be simply disregarding the COVID-19 protocols, with its attendant dire consequences for the health and safety of everybody.”

    “I will, therefore, wish to plead with the members of the public to follow the ceremony from the comfort of their homes as it will be broadcast live on all major television and radio stations.”

    Source: Class FM

  • SONA: Food is in abundance in Ghana Akufo-Addo

    President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said that there is an abundance of food in the country as a result of the Planting for food and jobs programme initiated by his government.

    Delivering the last State of the Nation Address for his first tenure in Parliament today, the President said the Planting for Food and Jobs program has vindicated his government.

    “Thanks to the Planting for food and jobs programme food is in abundance in our country,” the President told Parliament.

    Planting for Food and Jobs was a flagship agricultural Campaign of the Government, with five (5) implementation modules. 

    The first module PFJ (Crops) aims to promote food security and immediate availability of selected food crops on the market and also provide jobs. 

    This module was officially launched by President Akufo-Addo at Goaso on April 19, 2017, in the then Brong Ahafo Region.

    The five Modules are:

    Food Crops (PFJ)

    •Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD)

    •Greenhouse Technology Villages (3 Villages)

    •Rearing for Food and Jobs ( RFJ)

    •Agricultural Mechanization Services (AMSECs)

    Source: Starr FM

  • Probe death of 8 Ghanaians in 2020 polls – Nyaho, Tarzan, Pratt to Akufo-Addo

    Some prominent Ghanaians have called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to establish an independent body to investigate all acts of violence and threats of violence associated with the December 7, 2020 elections leading to the death of eight Ghanaians.

    According to the renowned Ghanaians namely; Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby and Kweku Adu Gyamfi Opoku, these investigations must lead to prosecution of all those who will be identified as the purveyors of the “senseless violence which characterised the elections.”

    In a statement jointly signed by the four men, they said the state and its organs must demonstrate that the people of Ghana reject vigilantism in all forms.

    According to the four, the culture of silence, especially the erosion of fundamental freedoms of free assembly, free speech and free expression is creeping back into the country and they demand a stop to it because it threatens “the very foundations of our democratic experiment and portend no good for a people struggling to overcome serious economic and social challenges.”

    Read the full statement below:

    BRING BACK OUR FREEDOMS NOW

    Over 25 years ago, we acted together with like-minded Ghanaians, including the current President of the Republic of Ghana, as the Alliance For Change to defend the Rights to Free Assembly & Free Speech guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution. We organised the historic Kumepreko March of May 11 1995 first in Accra and later in other Regional capitals, to assert our right to peaceful demonstrations.

    Today, in the wake of a fiercely competitive general election which has witnessed the killing of innocent citizens and a creeping return of intimidation and acts of state brutalities, we the undersigned, feel compelled to speak out loudly & clearly in defence of the Rights to Free Assembly, Free Speech & Fearless Choice of Leader. We make this statement in these extraordinary times. We are again in dangerous times and how we emerge will depend on the willingness of Ghanaians to stand up and be counted. We have been here before, and we triumphed. So we are confident that Ghanaians will rise again to defeat the forces of repression and gain our basic freedoms.  

    For the very first time in the fourth republican dispensation, as many as eight (8) Ghanaians have lost their lives in election related violence. Since December 7th, 2020, when the people went to the polls to elect a president and members of parliament, national political discourse has been characterized by allegations of electoral fraud and a crazy rhetoric of threats of arson and death. These undoubtedly threaten the very foundations of our democratic experiment and portend no good for a people struggling to overcome serious economic and social challenges.

    From the onset of peaceful protests over the election results, those who have sought to express their concerns publicly have been met with opprobrium by sections of the media, state repression and now death threats from those with a vested interest in preserving the status quo and sweeping the glaring malfeasance of the Electoral Commission under the rug. We note in particular that very high-profile leaders of the governing party have called on their members to burn the houses of leading members of the opposition and to kill their opponents. This development is particularly troubling to the extent that it sets our country on the dangerous path to Armageddon.

    We call on all the political players in the country to pull back from the brink and to find reasonable and practical ways of resolving all the disputes springing out of the December 7th elections. To this end, we welcome the referral of the major disputes & disagreements on the elections, to the Supreme Court & other relevant courts for adjudication and resolution.

    Just as happened in 1995 when 4 Ghanaians were killed at the Kumepreko March, we demand that President Akufo-Addo establishes an Independent body to investigate all acts of violence and threats of violence associated with the elections, especially the cause of the death of eight innocent Ghanaians. These investigations must lead to prosecution of all those who will be identified as the purveyors of the senseless violence which characterized the elections. The state and its organs must demonstrate that the people of Ghana reject vigilantism in all its forms.

    Last but certainly not the least, we demand that the President takes immediate steps to return our dear nation to the practice of democracy we fought for together in 1995. Specifically, we ask for the immediate reversal of the creeping environment of THE CULTURE OF SILENCE, ESPECIALLY THE EROSION OF FUNDAMENTAL Freedoms of FREE ASSEMBLY, FREE SPEECH & FREE EXPRESSION. 

    Mr President, please put the leash back on the totally out of order security apparatus

    LONG LIVE DEMOCRACY, FREEDOM & JUSTICE

    LONG LIVE THE 4TH REPUBLIC OF GHANA

    SIGNED ON MONDAY 04TH JANUARY,2021 BY:

    KWEKU ADU GYAMFI OPOKU DR NYAHO NYAHO-TAMAKLOE KWESI PRATT, JNR DR CHARLES WEREKO-BROBBY

    Source: Class FM

  • President Akufo-Addo to open 72nd Annual New Year School

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will on Tuesday, January 19, inaugurate the 72nd Annual New Year School and Conference at the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.

    The School, which is scheduled for January 19-20, is being organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education, College of Education, University of Ghana, on the theme, “Building Ghana in the Face of Global Health Crises”.

    Mr Godfried Kudzo Akpanya, the Coordinator/Prefect of the Annual New Year School and Conference, made this known on Monday in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

    He said the Annual New Year School and Conference since its inception in 1948, had been the flagship programme of the University, which always opened at the beginning of the New Year and that it had never been truncated.

    Mr Akpanya said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which broke out in 2020, the 72nd Annual New Year School and Conference would focus on global health crises; adding that because of the COVID-19pandemic, the annual weeklong programme had been shortened to two days.

    He said participants would be drawn from all sectors of the economy – health, education, organised labour and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

    Mr Akpanya said the Annual New Year School and Conference, since its inception in 1948, had over the years played a crucial role in community development and capacity building.

    He said the School, which had been held regularly since 1948, brought together people from all walks of life to deliberate on topical issues of national and international interest.

    He noted that resolutions from the School were presented in a communique to relevant government and parastatal agencies; which had over the years played a key role in policy formulation.

    Mr Akpanya, said a major challenge facing the organisation of the School was funding and appealed to cooperate institutions for support.

    He also appealed to Government to resource the Secretariat of the Annual New Year School and Conference with a vehicle for its operations.

    Source: GNA

  • Speaker admonish MPs to offer Akufo-Addo full courtesies in last SONA presentation

    The Speaker of Parliament Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye has admonished parliamentarians to give the President, Nana Addo Dankwa the courtesies he deserves when he appears before the House to deliver his last state of the nation address tomorrow, Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

    The speaker admonished the House to desist from heckling and the use of placards on the day.

    He asked the MPs to be mindful of the decision taken by both sides of the House to have MPs give the president the courtesies he needed anytime he appears before the House.

    He said the House agreed that whenever a president appears in parliament, full courtesies would be accorded him or her hence the ban placed on the use of placards and uncourteous interruptions.

    He made the appeal in his opening remarks when he welcomed legislators on Monday, January 4, 2021.

    The Majority leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu in his remarks said parliament will continue to sit until it is dissolved on January 6, 2021.

    He further stated that on Wednesday the house will wind up the programs of activities relating to the 7th Parliament before it is dissolved.

    He advised legislators to find proper ways in expressing their disagreements on issues.

    He was hopeful members have learned useful lessons throughout the 7th parliament.

    On his part, the Minority Chip Whip Muntaka Mubarak advised his colleagues to make use of the lessons learned from the current House and make sure it guides them as they prepare for the 8th parliament.

    He wished them well and prayed their aspirations would be met.

    President Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver his last State of the Nation address for his first term in office come Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

    The event is expected to come off at 10:00 am on the said date.

    The presentation is in line with Article 67 of the 1992 constitution which states that “the President shall, at the beginning of each session of Parliament and before a dissolution of Parliament, deliver to Parliament a message on the state of the nation”.

    Meanwhile, the current Parliament is set to be dissolved come January 6, 2021 for the 8th Parliament to be inaugurated on January 7.

    This is also in line with the Presidential Transition Act, 2012 (Act 842) of the 1992 constitution.

    Source: rainbownradioonline.com

  • Ghana to procure first consignment of coronavirus vaccine in first half of 2021 Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said that the country is expected to take delivery of the coronavirus vaccine in the first half of the year.

    So far only two vaccines have been approved by the World Health Organization and are on sale.

    The vaccines which are available are the BioNTech and AstraZeneca.

    Speaking during a coronavirus address on January 3, 2020, President Akufo-Addo said the country is in the process of procuring a first shipment of the vaccine and that he is hopeful it will be done in the first half of the year.

    “With Ghana set to procure her first consignment of the COVID vaccines within the first half of this year, there is light at the end of the tunnel. But, we are not yet out of the woods. So, let us all continue down the path of strict adherence to the protocols,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo warned that despite the availability of a vaccine, it is important that Ghanaians continue to observe the preventive protocols.

    “The adherence to the enhanced hygiene, social distancing protocols and mask wearing protocols continue to be the tools of our welfare even when the vaccine arrive in Ghana. By observing these protocols, we are also making sure that the imposition of crippling restrictions and lockdowns do not become options for government”.

    The President also announced the date for the reopening of all schools across the various levels of education.

    “We are satisfied that in the current circumstances the reopening of our schools is safe. So, from 15th January our children in Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High in both private and public schools will be back in schools.

    “All SHS 1 students will start classes from 10th March and all the students embarking on the single-track academic calendar , their seniors in SHS 2 and SHS 3 will however, return to school from 18th January.”

    The President further disclosed that the new variant of the coronavirus has not been detected in the country.

    “Thus far, we in Ghana have not detected any case of this new variant. Our scientist tell us the genetic make-up of the virus in this country has still not changed. The Ghana Health Service with the support of other relevant institutions continue to monitor events closely and will advise government on the way forward”.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Heavy security in Accra ahead of Akufo-Addo’s inauguration

    The Ghana Police Service has indicated in a statement that it is deploying Security personnel including the Military and allied Security agencies for the inauguration of the President-elect.

    According to the Police, this is to ensure the safety of state property and the general maintenance of law and order in the country.

    The statement indicated that all VVIPs will be provided with protection on the day of the inauguration and the same attention will be given to the entire State House Complex; Accra International Conference Centre; Accra Sports Stadium and the Black Star Square.

    The President-elect for Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will on January 7 be sworn in at the Parliament house.

    Prior to the swearing-in, Members of Parliament will elect a speaker who will lead the 8th Parliament which experts say promises to be one to watch.

    Source: My News GH

  • Police Service releases tight security arrangements for Akufo-Addo’s swearing-in

    The Ghana Police Service has said it is among other measures drawing a manpower strength of six thousand (6,000) personnel from its outfit, the Ghana Armed Forces and allied agencies to provide security for the swearing-in ceremonies of the President-Elect, Vice President-Elect, Speakers and Members of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2021.

    In a news release detailing security arrangement mapped out for the event, the Police Service said it will ensure the provision of a conducive environment around all dignitaries attending the inaugural ceremonies and other related events whiles ensuring all VVIPs in attendance are offered close protection as appropriate.

    The Service has thus asked the public to stay off the immediate vicinities of the Accra International Conference Center, the Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Star Square and the Entire State House Complex on January 6 and January 7 when the ceremonies will take place.

    The aforementioned areas according to the Ghana Police Service will be secured and patrolled by security personnel who would also mount crash barriers at vantage points to cordon off and control movement to the venues. The police adds that it will only admit into the areas persons bearing invitation cards or accreditations into the specified venues on January 6 and January 7, whiles also conducting covert and overt operations in communities surrounding the State House Complex.

    On COVID-19 protocols, the Police says it will ensure strict enforcement of all COVID-19 protocols including mask wearing for all attending dignitaries and role players. There will be field clinics, ambulances on standby and fire service stations at strategic locations to ensure medical emergency and fire safety during the event.

    In addition to providing security, the Ghana Police Service will also support protocol duties of the State Protocol Department by performing ceremonial duties which will include Bearing of the State Sword, Performance by the Police Band, Escort by the Police Mounted Squadron and motorcade.

    The Police Service indicates that there will be planned road closures, restrictions and diversions in parts of Accra occasioned by the ceremonies of which details will be made available to the public on January 5, 2021.

    Signed by its Director of Public Affairs, SP Sheila Abayie-Buckman, the Ghana Police Service in the release has urged the public to cooperate with the security arrangements for the inaugural ceremonies of January 7, 2021 in support of the constitutional framework of government.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo prays for a Coronavirus-free, prosperous 2021 for Ghana

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is upbeat that Ghana would surmount the scourge of COVID-19 pandemic as she mitigates its impact on the economy in the new year.

    In a short interaction with the media on Friday after he joined congregants of the Accra Ridge Church to usher in year 2021, he prayed that “we have a good year, that this disease is brought finally under control in our country, and we begin to rebuild our economy and secure the peace and stability of our nation…that is my wish for the people of Ghana.”

    The President was accompanied by his wife Rebecca, some senior government officials and family members to the service.

    The watch-night service was marked with joyful songs of praise to God and thanksgiving for seeing the country through the difficulties the COVID-19 presented in 2020, and intercessory prayers for Ghana, the government, the legislature, Judiciary, the security services, and for all health workers and affiliates.

    Prayers were also raised for good counsel for President from his appointees, and for God to imbue him with the spirit of discernment, and for divine guidance to steer the affairs of the country successfully.

    The congregants of the Church prayed also for God’s protection and shield around the country, as the coronavirus pandemic continued its raging run around the world.

    A minister of the Church, Reverend Andrew Odjawo, in an exhortation, said God had been good to Ghana and indeed the people of Africa.

    He noted that projections made that huge numbers of Africans would die from the COVID-19 disease did not materialise, saying, “Though many lost their lives, God has been gracious to us, and spared our country the wrath of the disease…and we should indeed be grateful to Him.”

    “We thank God for our country, and for the leadership in our country,” he said.

    Taking his sermon for the night from the second chapter of the book of Collossians.

    In which the Apostle Paul cautioned the Collassians against false teachings, Rev. Odjawo warned of the danger of spiritual deceit in the Church.

    He said the body of Christ was now abound with “con artists” who “swindle” the brethren with wrong philosophy and doctrines.

    The Rev. Minister implored the congregation to shun with vehemence, any philosophy that did not follow Christ’s teaching, and make Him the centre of their lives because Christ was the fullness of the God head.

    “As we move into 2021, Christ must be the centre of our lives, because in Him, there was the fullness of God head.

    “Let us make Christ the centre of our lives. He is all we need in 2021, whether coronavirus or not. Whatever comes, Jesus should reign in our lives. Nothing else matters when we place Christ at the centre.. Let everything resolve around Him,” he said.

    Rev. Odjawo prayed that the people of Ghana recovered what the lost in 2020.

    “As we move into 2021, let us be assured that God would lead us to recover all our losses of 2020. He will bring us back to the pasture where there will be increase. 2021 is our year of recovery,” he added.

    Source: GNA

  • NDC Election Petition: Legal team of President Akufo-Addo ready for legal tussle – NPP

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says the Legal Team of President Akufo-Addo is ready to expose the emptiness of NDC Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama‘s Election Petition at the Supreme Court.

    A statement signed and issued by Mr Yaw Buaben Asamoa, NPP’s Communications Director, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, on Thursday, said the court process would indeed, reaffirm President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the true winner of the 2020 Presidential Election.

    It said the NPP’s response in court would show that the NDC had no material evidence of value and expose the Party’s false claims that its flag bearer, John Mahama won the just-ended election.

    “The NPP is assured that the 7th December 2020 Elections was won fair and square. Indeed, the evidence presented by the NDC has only reassured the people of Ghana that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo won the elections.

    Mr Mahama, through his lawyers, on Wednesday, December 30,2020 filed a petition at the country’s apex court to legally challenge the 2020 Presidential Election, which the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, declared President Akufo-Addo, as President-elect on December 9,2020.

    “The fact of transparency of the General Election was also resoundingly affirmed by the myriad of local and international observers that participated in the electoral process,” the statement said.

    The NPP urged Mr Mahama to call the NDC’s supporters to order and halt the street protests to ensure peace and tranquility in the country.

    “It is also unfortunate that even after filing the Petition in court, the NDC led by John Dramani Mahama continues to incite supporters to pour onto the streets to cause chaos and anarchy.

    ” They have attempted and continue to use lies, threats, violence, and intimidation to seek forlornly to overrule the manifest will of the people as freely expressed on 7th December, 2020.

    “We are absolutely confident that the facts and figures as presented in court, even by the NDC, will very easily, in a transparent and indisputable manner, reaffirm the expressed will of the voting public that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo won the 2020 Presidential Election “one touch” and convincingly so.

    The statement said it was quite worrying that Mr Mahama, through his social media handles, continues to incite violence even as he invokes his right to use the court process to settle his grievance.

    It said Mr Mahama wrote on his Facebook and Twitter walls that while in court, the NDC will continue all legitimate actions, including protests, to demand the enforcement of the rule of law and protection of life and property of the good people of Ghana.

    That, the NPP viewed the action as unfortunate and unbefitting of a former President of the Republic.

    ” In his latest Press Conference, he (Mahama) explained he is going to court only “to remove doubt.” Does he need the Supreme Court to remove his doubts about losing the elections?”

    The statement said the several attempts by the NDC to use lies, threats, violence and intimidation to overrule the will of the people is disappointingly undemocratic of Mr Mahama and a breach of the Peace Pact signed on December 4, ahead of the election.

    “We call on John Dramani Mahama to immediately retract his insightful statements to his supporters. It is highly irresponsible of him to commence the judicial process yet still admonish his supporters to continue with the violent protests that have threatened the security and peace of Ghanaians,” the NPP said.

    It said when NPP filed a Petition in 2012, the Party admonished its supporters not to hit the streets and they compiled and urged the NDC and its flag bearer to do the same.

    The statement said the NPP is confident that due process would prevail, and the Supreme Court would deal with the Petition in accordance with the rule of law.

    Source: GNA

  • Safo Kantanka manufactures a car for Akufo-Addo

    During the 40th Kristo Asafo Tech Exhibition which took place on Sunday, 27th December 2020, the Ghanaian automobile giant exhibited cars which were ready for the market.

    A section of Ghanaians expressed delight at the cars and other electronics gadgets the Kantanka group exhibited today.

    At the exhibition, the Kantanka Amoaniwah EV Price was announced by the Kantanka company to cost between Ghc40,000-Ghc50,000.

    The group also announced that they have manufactured a brand new vehicle for the President.

    Watch the video below:

    Source: Sammy Kay Media

  • Akufo-Addo thinks Ghanaians are imbeciles NDC MP

    Member of Parliament for Builsa South Constituency in the Upper East Region Dr Clement Apaak is incensed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently described the just-ended elections as free, fair, transparent and peaceful.

    President Akufo-Addo has described the December 7 elections as such in his Christmas message to Ghanaians.

    But Dr Apaak of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has rejected results of the polls, said the president may be taking Ghanaians for fools.

    “Well if true, he must think Ghanaians are imbeciles!,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

    “How could an election that saw the killing of citizens, Akufo-Addo military/vigilante raids on collation centres, attacks on NDC MPs elect, padding of votes for Akufo-Addo and reducing JMs votes at regional collation centres, the changing of Presidential results 6 times, be described as such?” he quizzed.

    Find his write-up below:

    Merry Christmas Is it true that Mr. Akufo-Addo described the 2020 elections as transparent, free, fair, credible and safe in his Xmas message? Well if true, he must think Ghanaians are imbeciles!

    How could an election that saw the killing of citizens, Akufo-Addo military/vigilante raids on collation centres, attacks on NDC MPs elect, padding of votes for Akufo-Addo and reducing JMs votes at regional collation centres, the changing of Presidential results 6 times, be described as such?

    The 2020 elections were NOT transparent, free, fair, credible and safe! The outcome of the 2020 elections are NOT credible, neither were the processes leading to the outcome transparent, free, fair and safe.

    Jesus stood up against injustice! Jesus challenged exploitative temple practices! Jesus preached fairness and equity. Jesus would not accept fictionalised results of a flawed election.

    Merry Christmas!

    Dr. Clement Apaak M.P and M.P Elect, Builsa South

    Source: 3 News

  • Name Farouk Aliu Mahama as part of your cabinet Northern Youth to Akufo-Addo

    A Youth Group calling itself the Progressive Youth of the North has called on the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to add the Member of Parliament-elect for Yendi to his next cabinet.

    According to the Group, Yendi has been good to the President in the just-ended election and it is in the right light for the President to honour their son with a Ministerial appointment.

    “Yendi is the traditional capital of the Dagbon Kingdom and traditional Dagbon in this election has favored the President handsomely at the last polls” for which reason, Yendi which symbolizes the Dagbon State should be represented in the cabinet of President Akufo-Addo.”

    The Group continued “Indeed, we recognize the hard work and dedication he put in the just-ended polls was able to open another historic chapter in the electoral successes of the part in the constituency. Not only did Farouk Aliu Mahama convincingly beat his arch opponent with sixteen thousand votes margin, but the young politician added over ten thousand votes to the President votes enabling Nana Akufo-Addo to beat John Mahama by fourteen thousand votes margin”.

    To the youth, the action-driven Farouk Aliu Mahama and result-oriented person and will deliver creditably on any appointment given him by the President.

    “ He has wide expertise and knowledge in international procurement and supply chain management garnished with exceptional experience in industry and governance. His exploits in the professional space can be traced to the Ghana Cocoa Board where he has rendered marvelous service to the institution and has risen to the top management level of the cocoa administrative body.”

    Source: My News GH

  • Akufo-Addo challenges Ghanaians to remain determined, hardworking and disciplined

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to remain determined, hardworking and disciplined in order to propel the country despite the coronavirus pandemic which has set the economy backwards.

    In a recorded Christmas message to Ghanaians, President Akufo-Addo stated: “We in Ghana have good reason to be thankful to Almighty God for how far he has brought us,” adding that Ghanaians have to use the season to reaffirm their faith, hope and trust in God and Jesus Christ.

    “Our nation is united and at peace. We continue to be a beacon of democracy on the continent having conducted even in the midst of the pandemic a transparent, free, fair, credible and safe general election which have been recognized by both local and international observers.”

    He continued: “And we are seeing the transformation of the Ghanaian economy which will bring in its wake, jobs for our youth in our nation. We are not there yet, but there is now a much greater belief that with discipline, determination and hard work, we will make it.”

    Admitting that celebrating Christmas in a COVID-19 era will be an unconventional one, Akufo-Addo urged that Ghanaians remain committed to stemming the spread of the novel Coronavirus by adhering to all the safety protocols announced by his government.

    He said, with hygiene and mask-wearing protocols the New Year will be healthier.

    “Let us be a blessing on the lives of those in need, and through our actions bring a good cheer to all,” he said.

    “I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the Christmas season bring you joy and the New Year usher in a new era of blessing and growth and for everyone you hold dear,” Akufo-Addo stated.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Appoint technocrats, ‘real patriots’- Dr Antwi-Danso advises Akufo-Addo

    Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso, Dean of Armed Forces Command and Staff College, has advised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to consider appointing technocrats with knowledge in governance in his next government.

    That, he said, would promote good governance and pragmatism to consolidate his legacy and gains in the first term of his administration.

    Dr Antwi-Danso, also an International Affairs Expert, gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

    He said, “Considering the nature of the 2020 Election results and the kind of Parliament we will have in terms of numbers and complexity…,
    What President Akufo-Addo can do to consolidate his legacy is to bring on board more technocrats and people who understand governance to promote issue-based governance system.

    “The kind of bickering, polemics and partisan nature of our politics should give way to consensus building and pragmatism”.

    Dr Antwi-Danso, added, ” We need people who are forward-looking, real patriots and love Ghana, and not people who only shout because of their political parties’ interest.

    “And when the positive result begins to show, it will shape our democracy and Ghana will be the ultimate beneficiary”.

    He underscored the need to allow state institutions to work according to the remit of the law and refrain from tagging them with political colours.

    Dr Antwi-Danso said appointment of heads of state institutions should also not be conterminous with the tenure of governments so that they could continue to operate even after a particular administration exited power.

    Over 13 million Ghanaians on Monday, December 7, 2020 elected a President and 275 parliamentarians for a four-year term, beginning, January 07, 2021.

    Incumbent President, Akufo-Addo was elected as the eighth President of the Fourth Republic after the Electoral Commission (EC) declared he got 51.3 per cent of the total valid votes cast, beating the main opposition leader and former President John Dramani Mahama, who the EC said had 47.4 per cent of total valid votes.

    Mr Mahama refused to concede defeat, describing the election results as “flawed”.

    Meanwhile, domestic and international election observer missions described the electoral process as free, fair and transparent.

    Source: GNA

  • Appoint fresh ministers, reduce size of government Akufo-Addo told

    A US-based Ghanaian professor Kweku Asare has asked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to appoint new faces as ministers of state.

    He also asked the president to reduce the number of appointees who are  serving in his government.

    Prof Asare revealed that he asked the president to reduce the number of ministers he appointed after winning the 2016 elections however, his advice was not taken.

    He has reiterated his call after the 2020 election which was also won against by Mr Akufo-Addo
    In a Facebook post, he said “I know his Excellency rejected my March 15, 2017 advice on running a smart government.  Nothing that I saw in the last 4 years has changed my mind. So I offer the same advice as he contemplates a new team.

    “I will also add that he needs fresh faces, not just as ministers but also as staff.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Three presidential candidates concede to President Akufo-Addo

    Three presidential candidates have acknowledged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo‘s projected victory at the polls and have called to congratulate him.

    The Presidential Candidate of the Ghana Consolidated Peoples Party, Dr Henry Herbert Lartey, called the President on Tuesday to concede defeat and congratulate him on his projected victory at the polls.

    Flagbearer of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Mr Christian Kwabena Andrews, known also as “Osofo Kyiri Abosom”, also called the President on Wednesday to wish him well on his electoral victory.

    The latest to congratulate the President was the candidate of the Liberal Party of Ghana, Mr Percival Kofi Akpaloo, who called at the Nima residence of President Akufo-Addo to acknowledge his victory.

    The Electoral Commission is yet to declare the final results of the presidential elections, but early projections place President Akufo-Addo the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 12 candidates who contested the race by some 51 per cent of the total votes at the polls.

    The main opposition National Democratic Congress has dismissed the projections.

    Mrs Jean Mensah, Chairperson, Electoral Commission, told a midnight press conference that results of the presidential election would be announced by close of Wednesday.

    Source: GNA