President John Dramani Mahama is appealing to the international community to partner with his government in completing the stalled Agenda 111 hospital projects initiated by the previous administration.
The president has indicated that his government requires $1.7 billion to complete the hospitals.
Speaking during a credentials presentation ceremony for five newly appointed ambassadors to Ghana, Mahama emphasized the importance of private sector collaboration in delivering essential services, particularly in healthcare.
President John Dramani Mahama
“With regards to healthcare, we would like to see what the cooperation is. We do have a problem with our hospital facilities. The previous government started huge projects in healthcare, building more than 100 hospitals, and somehow we are stuck because they spent a lot of money and not being able to operationalise any of them.
“And so we are looking to see if we can have some cooperation with the private sector or any entrepreneurs that are into hospital management to finish those hospitals and manage them over a period of time in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service,” he stated.
The five envoys who presented their Letters of Credence to the President on Wednesday, March 12, include Ms. Laura Ranalli, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy; Julio Enrique Pujol Torres, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba; and Musu Jatu Ruhle, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia.
Also present were Dr. Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, and Ali Ghomshi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran.By:Akosua Otchere
Former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has filed a lawsuit against DSP Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, also known as Sir Mensah, for trespassing and violating his right to privacy.
The lawsuit follows an incident on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, when a group of individuals, including some in military and police uniforms, allegedly raided his residence in Cantonments. At the time of the incident, Ofori-Atta was reportedly out of the country, while some family members, including his wife, were present.
Eyewitness accounts and security footage indicate that approximately 12 individuals were involved in the operation. Among them, five were dressed in military uniforms, one in a police uniform, and the rest in plain clothes. The motive behind the raid remains unclear, and it is yet to be determined whether any items were taken.
Initial speculation suggested that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was responsible for the operation. However, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, categorically denied any involvement, stating that the OSP had not authorized or conducted the raid.
A writ of summons sighted by Citi News on Wednesday, March 12, indicates that Ofori-Atta is challenging the defendants’ actions as trespassory and a violation of his right to privacy.
The former minister is seeking multiple legal remedies, including a declaration that the defendants’ actions were unlawful, compensation for trespass and privacy infringement, and a perpetual injunction to prevent any further interference with his property. Additionally, he is demanding aggravated damages and legal costs.
The defendants, DSP Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, have been ordered to enter an appearance within eight days of being served with the writ.
The Energy Minister, John Jinapor says the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) has announced a reduction in gas supply to Ghana due to a $20 million debt, exacerbating the country’s ongoing energy crisis.
This development follows a series of escalating challenges within the energy sector, with independent power producers and ENI also threatening to cut supply.
According to him, the sector is struggling with a staggering GHS 80 billion debt, putting the stability of power generation at significant risk.
The Minister disclosed the situation to the media, acknowledging the severe financial challenges facing the energy sector.
He said despite these difficulties, the government has no intention of returning the country to prolonged power outages, commonly referred to as “dumsor.”
Mr. Jinapor stressed that efforts would be made to ensure a stable power supply while addressing the mounting debts.
He added that the country is not experiencing load shedding, and therefore, there will be no timetable.
“This is a supply situation; no load management will be required during this period. This is the official report I receive on a daily basis, so we are not shedding load. There is no load shedding, so we cannot publish a load shedding schedule when we are not shedding load.”
The minister emphasised that “Admittedly, we have inherited a very weak system; the transmission grid is very weak, and so, at the slightest opportunity, you will see some areas going off.”
He assured that, in the face of these challenges, the 2025 budget includes a proposal for a significant tariff increase this year, aimed at addressing the financial difficulties of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).Source: Albert Kuzor
Minster for Education, Haruna Iddrisu has revealed that approximately 5,000 schools across Ghana are still operating under trees, lacking proper infrastructure.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Iddrisu expressed concern over the existing infrastructure gaps, particularly in junior high schools, highlighting deficiencies in both physical and digital resources.
He questioned the quality of teaching materials, asking, “What kind of blackboards do they use? What kind of teaching goes on in there?”
The Minister further lamented that, three decades after the 1992 constitution, Ghana has yet to achieve free compulsory universal basic education.
“There are about 759 schools that require urgent infrastructure intervention, in terms of schools under trees, and it is a shame for me, I mean 30 years after the promulgation of the 1992 constitution, it is unacceptable that Ghana has not attained free compulsory Universal basic education,” he stated.
He described the situation as “unacceptable,” noting that approximately 759 schools urgently require infrastructure interventions to eliminate the phenomenon of schools under trees.
Addressing disparities in educational quality, according to him, he had observed that urban areas tend to offer better education compared to rural regions, with southern Ghana generally outperforming the northern parts, including Western North and Oti regions.
“So when you come to secondary education, infrastructure is still a problem. We have 5,000 schools which are still under trees. You still have the quality problem between the north and the south and between rural and urban,” he said.
He added, “more quality in urban areas and less quality in rural areas, more quality in southern Ghana and less quality in Northern Ghana including western north and Oti region.”
He emphasised the need to correct these imbalances to ensure students acquire 21st-century competencies.”You have to work to correct that in order that the competences are 21st century,” he noted.Source: Emmanuel Tetteh
In commemoration of the International Women’s Day celebration, MTN Ghana partnered with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Charter House and the Eve Foundation as it organised various programs to celebrate and support the development of women in Ghana.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection organised a health walk from Circle to the premises of the ministry, Accra to create awareness on women’s rights. The walk was organised under the theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” The purpose of the partnership was to highlight MTN Ghana’s commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advocating for the rights of girls.
some scenes from the ceremony
Addressing participants after the walk, Senior Manager for Corporate Communication at MTN Ghana, Georgina Fiagbenu, noted that the theme for this year’s celebration challenges all persons to reflect on the strides made towards empowering women and girls while acknowledging the barriers that still hinder full participation.
She said, “this year’s theme resonates with MTN’s policy on equality and diversity. We are committed to breaking barriers that limit women in the workplace. We commit to achieving workforce gender equality by 2030 and gender pay parity as a key strategic measure to enhance the quality of diversity, equity and inclusion”.
In her address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey congratulated all women on International Women’s Day. She said, “today’s walk is significant for all of us, it not just a walk to exercise but a walk to acknowledge and recognise that women cannot be left behind. It is a message we are sending across that women are poised to ensure that their voices are heard everywhere, their efforts and contributions to national development are acknowledged and properly rewarded”.
At the National Women’s Summit and Expo organised by Charter House, MTN’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah Poku, shared her personal experiences on how she navigates through life as a career woman to encourage young professionals aspiring to climb the corporate ladder. She also shared details on how women could adopt technology to enhance their businesses and put their businesses on the global scale.
Women in Makola were also educated on how they could use technology to access healthcare though the MTN mCare service which is being rolled out onto the Ghanaian market. Speaking at the EVE International Foundation event held under the theme, “Celebrating Women at The Grassroot of Economic Empowerment”, Nsroma Delanyo Amoateng, MTN Manager of Products and Services, demonstrated how women can use their mobile phones to access medical care at very affordable rates.
International Women’s Day is a global movement that celebrates the achievements of women while advocating for gender parity. This year’s theme “Accelerate Action’ underscores the need to ensure that all women and girls, regardless of background, have equal access to opportunities, resources, and the ability to thrive in all aspects of life.
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Media Contacts:
Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
The budget provides funding for the following projects in the Ashanti Region:
1. Kejetia Market Phase 2 Completion
• Status: Stalled due to funding issues but budget has made provisions to resume work.
• Page: 17
2. Road Infrastructure (Under the Big Push Programme)
• The budget has allocated funding for various road construction and maintenance projects in the Ashanti Region.
President John Mahama and Dr.Frank Amoakohene,the Ashanti Regional Minister
Educational Infrastructure
• GETFund has been uncapped to provide additional funding for schools in the region.
• The budget has allocated funds for:
• Classroom block constructions in some districts.
• Provision of free textbooks for students (part of the nationwide intervention).
• Page: 59-60
Health Infrastructure
• Expansion of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Projects, including:
• Renovation and equipping of maternity and children’s blocks.
• Funding for new hospital wards under the MahamaCares Health Program.
• Page: 61
Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA)
• The Ashanti Region will benefit from support for commercial farming, irrigation projects, and mechanization services under this program.
• Districts with strong agricultural bases will be prioritized for funding.
• Page: 62
Expansion of Free SHS and Infrastructure Improvement
• Additional funding for school infrastructure, feeding programs, and dormitory expansion in Ashanti Region secondary schools.
• Page: 59-60
⸻
In Addition,
• Security Enhancements: Due to recent incidents, including attacks on traders and businesses, the region will receive increased police presence and CCTV installations in key market areas.
• Page: 35
• Support for Small-Scale Miners: The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBOD) will regulate and support artisanal gold mining activities in mining hubs, including parts of Ashanti Region.
• Page: 55
Kwabena Frimpong, the Deputy Protocol Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly criticized President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, for their silence following the recent disaster in Konongo-Odumase.
In an open letter addressed to the President of Ghana, Mr. Frimpong expressed deep concern over the lack of proper response from the President and Vice, despite the devastating impact of the disaster, which has claimed lives, destroyed properties, and left several residents injured.
Kwabena Frimpong and Prez John Mahama
According to Mr. Frimpong, it is a standard practice for national leaders to visit disaster sites, show empathy, and offer support to victims. He noted that while Mr. Mahama swiftly visited Agavedzi in the Volta Region to sympathize with victims of tidal waves, no such urgency has been shown towards the people of Konongo-Odumase.
“It has been five days since the disaster struck, yet not a single word of condolence, support, or even acknowledgment has come from Mr. Mahama or his running mate. If this had happened in one of their strongholds, would the response have been the same?” Mr. Frimpong questioned.
He also raised concerns over the adequacy of the GHC 5,000 allocated by the Ashanti Regional Minister to each of the 30 affected households. Highlighting the high cost of rebuilding homes and covering medical expenses, he argued that such an amount was insufficient and called for a comprehensive support plan for the victims.
Comparing the response to past disasters, Mr. Frimpong pointed out that when the Appiatse explosion occurred, the NPP-led government took proactive measures, including rebuilding an entire community for the victims. He urged Mr. Mahama to take similar action for Konongo-Odumase.
Mr Frimpong further touched on votes obtained by President Mahama in both 2020(11,067) and 2024(12, 390) election
“These are not just numbers; they represent real people who entrusted you with their votes. They deserve respect, acknowledgment, and tangible support in this difficult time,” he emphasized.
He called on Mr. Mahama to visit the affected area, empathize with the victims, and advocate for a thorough investigation into the disaster to ensure proper intervention and long-term assistance.
“Disaster victims are not statistics or political tools—they are Ghanaians, and they deserve to be treated as such,” Mr. Frimpong concluded.
As the people of Konongo-Odumase struggle to recover from this tragic incident, many will be watching to see if the former president heeds the call to action.
BELOW IS THE FULL WRITE UP
Konongo-Odumase Disaster Victims Are Also Ghanaians, Mr. President!
An Open Letter to John Mahama
Monday, March 10th, 2024
Dear President John Dramani Mahama,
I extend my warm regards from my abode. However, I write with deep concern over the deafening silence from you, President Mahama, and your running mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, regarding the tragic disaster that recently struck Konongo-Odumase. This unfortunate incident has claimed lives, destroyed properties, and left many injured—yet, five days have passed, and neither of you has visited or publicly acknowledged the plight of these affected Ghanaians.
It is a well-known tradition for national leaders to personally visit disaster-stricken areas, offering comfort and support to victims. Even when such visits aren’t immediately possible, at the very least, a statement or message of condolence is expected. Strangely, however, not even a simple tweet or social media post has been made from your camp. Imagine if this disaster had occurred in one of your perceived strongholds—would your response have been the same? Just days ago, on March 6th, you quickly rushed to Keta to visit victims of tidal waves. Why then has Konongo-Odumase not received the same urgency and attention?
On the GHC 5,000 Allocation From the Ashanti Regional Minister
Some may argue that the Ashanti Regional Minister visited the scene and allocated GHC 5,000 to support each of the 30 affected households. But this raises critical questions:
What assessment was done to determine the full extent of the damage to lives, properties, and livelihoods?
Can GHC 5,000 rebuild an entire home that has been completely destroyed?
Considering the current price of cement in Ghana, how far can this money go in construction?
Can this amount cover the full medical expenses of those who suffered severe injuries?
What about the long-term survival of victims who have lost their means of livelihood?
How are families who have lost their breadwinners supposed to cope?
When the Appiatse disaster occurred, the NPP government took decisive action, including rebuilding an entire community for the victims. Mr. President, the people of Konongo-Odumase deserve similar support. Their homes must be rebuilt, and a comprehensive plan must be put in place to restore their lives.
Mr. President, if electoral statistics matter to you, then consider this: apart from Greater Accra (1.28 million votes) and the Central Region (781,000 votes), Ashanti was your third-highest vote contributor in 2024, with 678,000 votes—far more than what the Volta Region gave you. Even in Konongo-Odumase, your votes increased from 11,067 in 2020 to 12,390 in 2024. These are not just numbers; they represent real people who entrusted you with their votes. They deserve respect, acknowledgment, and tangible support in this difficult time.
Mr. President, I urge you to visit Konongo-Odumase, show empathy to the victims, and initiate a proper investigation into the disaster. These citizens deserve more than a token GHC 5,000; they deserve real assistance and proper government intervention.
Disaster victims are not just statistics or political tools—they are Ghanaians, and they deserve to be treated as such.
Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its 120-day Social Contract in the upcoming 2025 budget, set to be presented on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
The Social Contract outlines 26 key pledges aimed at revitalizing the economy and easing the financial burden on Ghanaians. Among the major commitments are the removal of the E-Levy, the COVID levy, the 10% tax on bet winnings, and the emissions levy—all within the administration’s first 90 days in office.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Friday, March 7, Kwakye Ofosu disclosed plans to review taxes and levies on vehicles and equipment imported for industrial and agricultural purposes. He also highlighted the government’s intention to introduce key economic initiatives, including the launch of the 24-Hour Economy Policy and the implementation of a ‘No-Academic-Fee’ policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
Additionally, the government plans to establish a Women’s Development Bank and roll out major job creation programs as part of its first budget.
“The finance minister has clearly indicated that we are on course to meeting those promises. So when on Tuesday he unveils the details of his budget, you will find that we have kept faith with the people of Ghana regarding the specific promises we made in the 120-day social contract,” Ofosu stated.
He also addressed concerns about Ghana’s currency depreciation, assuring that long-term and medium-term measures would be introduced to stabilize the economy.
“In terms of the currency, the finance minister will highlight measures both within the long term and medium term to address the financial weaknesses within our economy, one of which is rapid currency depreciation.
“In concert with development partners and other stakeholders within the economy, appropriate measures will be prescribed for addressing this perennial challenge of currency depreciation,” he added.
The 2025 budget is expected to outline comprehensive policies to drive economic stability and growth while delivering on key campaign promises.
The Kenyasihene in the Kwabre Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Barima Fredua Agyeman Ababio II, has made a passionate appeal to media practitioners across the country to be very circumspect in their reportage.
According to him, the need for a fair and accurate reportage by the media cannot be overemphasised.
Barima Fredua Agyeman Ababio II speaking at the ceremony
Barima Ababio II made the appeal during the Thanksgiving & Get-together ceremony of the Ashanti Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The Kenyasihene, who was the chairperson for the ceremony held at Longford Event Centre at Kwadaso on Friday, 7th March 2025, commended Ghanaian journalists, especially those in the Ashanti Region, for their committed contributions to the development of Asanteman and the country as a whole.
He said, “You (journalists) are our key partners in development and no success can be achieved without your support. It is, therefore, very important that you don’t allow people to use your medium to tarnish the reputation of others, especially politicians and nananom.
“I’m calling on you to always verify your pieces of information before going on air to publish them. Asanteman and Ghana need you, so please be circumspect in your reportage in all your endeavours.”
Barima Ababio II encouraged the media to have the country at heart and always cross-check their information or facts before publishing them.
Besides, he advised the media to always give a fair and balanced reportage. “Don’t rush to publish your stories and turn back to render apologies and retractions,” he added.
He stressed the need for media practitioners to unite and plan for their future. “We have you in mind because your role in development, especially in Ashanti and the country as a whole, cannot be underestimated,” he pointed out.
He seized the opportunity to invite the media to his Easter Homecoming which is geared towards the construction of an ultramodern market for the community.
On his part, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, also commended the media in the region for their contribution to peace and the growth of the country.
He promised to work hand in hand with the media towards the development of Asanteman.
The Minister also stressed the need for the media to be guided by the ethics of their profession.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA, Mr. Kingsley E. Hope, used the occasion to renew his call for justice for all media personnel who were attacked during the Ashanti Regional Council of State election.
He thanked the stakeholders for their continued support for the Association. He acknowledged the key support of the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kofi Job Construction; Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, the General Secretary of NPP; and Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, aka COKA.
The GJA Chairman gave special thanks to Dr. Amoakohene for his participation and donation, including the support of other stakeholders.
