President-elect John Mahama has appointed a six-member team to oversee the national security of the state in the interim, pending substantive appointments.
In a press release issued by Mr Mahama’s special aide, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, it was announced that the team will be led by Prosper Douglas Ban, a former Minister for the Interior.
Other members of the team include: Lt. General Peter Augustine Blay (Rtd.), former Chief of Defence Staff, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, former Minister for National Security, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey Esq., former National Security Coordinator, Brigadier General Fuseini Iddrissu (Rtd.) and COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye (Rtd.)
The team is expected to begin their mandate on Tuesday, 7th January 2025.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has successfully released GH¢270 million to healthcare providers across the country to cover claims that were submitted and vetted up to October 2024, as well as part of November 2024.
In a statement issued on January 3, 2025, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the Chief Executive Officer of NHIA, confirmed that these payments fall within the agreed three-month reimbursement period and assured that there are no outstanding vetted claims.
“This latest payment brings the total amount released by the NHIA over the past four months to over GH¢1.2 billion, reinforcing the Authority’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare providers and ensuring the sustainability of the NHIS,” Dr. Aboagye stated.
He also urged healthcare facilities under the NHIA to submit their claims on time, stressing that claims should not cover periods exceeding 90 days.
This payment follows a series of significant disbursements made by the NHIA in recent months. On December 1, 2024, the NHIA released GH¢200 million to cover claims for September and part of October 2024. Earlier, on October 9, 2024, over GH¢335 million was disbursed for claims related to August 2024. Additionally, in September 2024, the NHIA allocated GH¢402 million to health facilities to cover claims for June and July 2024.
These payments demonstrate the NHIA’s continued efforts to meet its financial obligations to healthcare providers, contributing to the stability and improvement of Ghana’s healthcare Source:Dailymailgh.com
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed confidence in Ghana’s economic recovery, asserting that the nation’s economy has outperformed initial projections.
In his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered to Parliament on January 3, 2025, the President emphasized that Ghana is not in a state of financial distress and highlighted the resilience of the economy in the face of numerous challenges.
President Akufo-Addo delivering his last SONA at Parliament
He attributed the progress to strategic government actions, noting that these measures played a vital role in restoring economic stability.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo pointed to the successful completion of three consecutive reviews of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, with the latest review approved on December 2, 2024, resulting in a disbursement of $360 million to support ongoing recovery efforts.
Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President acknowledged the difficulties faced but underscored the nation’s strong recovery, reinforcing the government’s commitment to continuing its efforts to strengthen the economy.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims of the devastating fire that destroyed large parts of Kantamanto Market in Accra.
The fire, which occurred on January 2, has left many traders devastated, with their livelihoods and goods in ruins.
President Akufo-Addo described the fire as “deeply shocking” and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the traders who have lost both their investments and hard work in the inferno.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those affected,” he said in Parliament on Friday, January 3 in his last final State of the Nation Addressing.
The President emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the victims in their time of need.
President Akufo-Addo assured the public that the government would work closely with relevant agencies to ascertain the causes of the fire.
He also pledged that efforts would be made to provide the necessary support to the traders and help them rebuild.
“Government stands with you,” he affirmed, highlighting the importance of unity, compassion, and solidarity in times of crisis.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, the President called for all Ghanaians to come together and lend a helping hand to those affected by the fire.
“Together, we can extend a helping hand to our fellow Ghanaians in need during this challenging time,” he added.
Information reaching this portal indicates that all was not well with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), especially in the Oforikrom Constituency within Greater Kumasi.
The vehicle in question
The Constituency Chairman for the area, Mr. Anthony Amankwah, on Wednesday, 1st January 2025, was allegedly forced by one Kwadwo Manu and some machomen at his residence to release a pickup which was officially donated by Claudia Kwarteng Lumor to the party.
The constituency chairman, who had since reported the incident to the police, has also narrated the circumstances forcing him to release the pickup in a viral audio and video.
It would be recalled that Claudia Kwarteng Lumor, a former NPP parliamentary candidate hopeful for the Oforikrom constituency for the 2024 polls, donated a brand new pickup truck and over 3,000 branded T-shirts to the constituency, which was widely publicised on 16th October 2024.
Second video attached below:
Mr. Anthony Amankwah said Kwadwo Manu, the driver of Claudia Lumor led the team to take away the pickup.
According to him, he had no option to release the vehicle and take video and later on communicate the incident to the party because the style of Kwadwo Manu and his team to storm his new site residence gave clear indication that he needed to hand over the vehicle to save his life and that of his family.
The Oforikrom constituency chairman of the NPP recounted earlier calls he had from Kwadwo Manu and Claudia Lumor herself and the additional information communicated to him by Andy Owusu, an aide of Chairman Wontumi on steps Claudia Lumor needed to have taken before officially handing over the vehicle to the constituency.
A video during the official presentation of the pickup attached below;
However, he was not convinced and was waiting for Claudia Lumor to officially communicate to them on when she wants her donated vehicle back. So that he could have also invited the constituency executives, polling station executives, and electoral area coordinators as well as Council of Elders to witness same as was done during the official donation time.
But, unfortunately, Kwadwo Manu and other guys invaded his residence unaware to demand that he should release the vehicle to them.
Some scenes from the donation ceremony attached below;
The Committee For Public Accountability (CPA), a public interest group has cautioned members of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) to stay clear of any attempt that would be aimed at intimidating legitimate business persons or outfits in Ghana.
Collins Owusu Amankwah, Executive Chairman of CPA
Addressing the press Thursday morning, Hon Collins Owusu Amankwah, Executive Chairman of CPA said it has learnt with great concern some irresponsible comments from Raymond Archer, a member of the ORAL that seeks to threaten Mr Daniel Mckorley, Group CEO of McDan Company that he should pray NPP stays in government forever.
Hon Amankwah stated that, “CPA finds it necessary to address this unacceptable conduct which has the potency to kill entrepreneurial spirits, nation building and also threaten our fledgling democracy”.
“As a matter of fact, we take a very serious view of the past and present statements of Mr. Raymond Archer to McDan Group CEO that he should pray that his government stays in power forever. We also want to put on record that Dr. Daniel Mckorley is NOT card-bearing member of NPP or any other political organization” Hon Amankwah stated.
Details:
The CPA Executive Chairman said any acts of intimidation or threatening aimed at business people would reduce the confidence people have in doing business in Ghana
“We find this statement and attitude of Mr Raymond Archer very unfortunate, uncalled for and unwarranted, in that, it sought to undermine the business community”, Hon Amankwah posited
Hon Amankwah also intimated that Daniel Mckorley like any other Ghanaian had every right to do legitimate business to help grow the economy of Ghana
Showing a documentary to provide evidence of the hard work and diligence of the McDan Group CEO, Hon Amankwah said, “from a humble background Dr. Daniel Mckorley has gone through a lot but God Almighty has been kind to him and other equally successful entrepreneurs in Ghana”.
Assurance:
Hon Amankwah has therefore assured the Ghanaian businesses of the group’s readiness to protect their legitimate business interests and operations.
The group therefore urged all businessmen and women to continue with their legitimate businesses since the group stands ready to defend them through the deployment of legal actions.
“As a pro-democracy and good governance group, the C.P.A. would like to respectfully assure the general public that we will continue to seek the promotion and advancement of responsible conduct, ethical leadership, and well-mannered cultural behaviors in our Ghanaian society”, Hon Amankwah stated.
He added that, “our platform seeks to encourage citizens participation especially the Business community in nation building.
Caution:
The CPA Executive Chairman cautioned Raymond Archer and others to act professionally without any form of biases while serving on the ORAL TEAM.
He said using the ORAL TEAM to settle personal scores against Dr. Daniel Mckorley and other business magnates would be fiercely resisted by the leadership of C.P.A.
He noted that the CPA was closely monitoring events, adding that it stands ready to defend and protect the interest of Ghanaian citizens especially the business community through all avenues including legal actions.
“The State has the responsibility to support and protect the business community to thrive for the collective benefits of society”, Hon Amankwah said.By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie
On December 31st, I saw how some people can be ungrateful to their old friend(s).
The way some people described 2024 on the radio, TV, and social media platforms was as if they didn’t even get water to drink, yet they were praising the year they haven’t seen.
They never saw anything good in 2024. The same people will do the same to 2025 to welcome 2026.
It is not about the year, but it is about our mindset and character.
Always wanting to depend on people for survival, your inability to say sorry, or keep a secret, and spending more than your budget. These are things you need to work on if you want to see a successful year. Coka, I care.
Source:myjoyonline.com dated 16 October 2024 4:55am
Claudia Kwarteng Lumor, a former NPP MP aspirant for the Oforikrom Constituency has contributed to the party’s 2024 election campaign.
She donated a brand new pickup truck and over 3,000 branded T-shirts to the Oforikrom Constituency in the Ashanti Region.
The donated pickup
At the donation event on Sunday, October 13, Ms Kwarteng Lumor emphasised the importance of party unity.
“At this point, unity is paramount. Our objective is to increase our votes and secure Dr. Bawumia’s election as president,” she said.
Her enthusiasm for the campaign was evident as she added, “Every day, I see Dr. Bawumia as the next president of Ghana. I believe the people of this country recognize his leadership qualities.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the party, constituency chairman Mr Anthony Amankwa expressed gratitude and pledged that the resources would be used effectively for the campaign.
District Chief Executive Abraham Antwi also urged party members to work towards maintaining unity and collective action to ensure a successful campaign.
Although Ms. Kwarteng Lumor did not win the internal party primaries, her dedication to the NPP remains strong.
“Our goal as a party is clear: to win the upcoming elections and see Dr. Bawumia become the President of Ghana,” she reiterated.
Her support for Dr. Bawumia’s leadership and vision has been unwavering, including her efforts to publish reviews on his policy positions.
The donation is expected to significantly boost campaign efforts in Oforikrom and contribute to the NPP’s broader goal of victory in the December 7, elections.
Claudia Lumor making presentation
It also supports the “Break the 8” campaign, aimed at securing an NPP victory and ending the alternating political power between the two major parties every eight years.
Livelihood Environment Ghana(LEG), a Sunyani-based environmentally inclined Non-governmental Organisation, which is currently operating in over 46 communities in Seven regions,has held its 20th anniversary and Annual General Meeting(AGM) in Kumasi.
The event was held on Monday,30th December,2024 at Charleva hotel at Adoato-Adumanu in Kumasi.
It was on the theme “Reimagining nature, Livelihood and Community Rights”.
The vision of LEG is to see a diverse environment where there is equity, inclusiveness and decentralised decision-making,free from all forms of impunity and human rights abuses and offer equal opportunity for all class of people to enhance sustainable development”.
With the mission of empowering women,youth and the marginalized for active citizenship and engagement with policy-makers and duty-bearers to promote sustainable livelihood , environmental justice, community rights and improve minerals governance and policies through, policy proposals and Advocacy to enhance sustainable development”.
In his welcome statement,Mr Richard Adjei-Poku,the Executive director of LEG, recounted that,prior to the formation of LEG, an organization known as Guards of the Earth and the Vulnerable (GEV) was formed in 2001 by (Richard Adjei-Poku) and a group of farmers such as Thomas Oppong, Simobrass, Atta Nsiah, Seth Appiah Agyemang, Thomas Addai, Ataa Brini, Eric Addai the former District Chief Executive of Asutifi North District Assembly and others.
He explained that the cardinal reason for the formation of these organisations was to ensure fair and adequate payment of compensation for crops and other properties which were destroyed by the activities of the mining. GEV was initially known as the Ahafo Concerned Communities Affected by Mining (ACCAM).
Mr.Adjei said towards the end of the year 2001, ACCAM was changed to GEV following a revision of their objectives from the narrow compensation issue to include a border advocacy role, environmental sustainability and the protection of the rights and interest of the vulnerable.
Mr.Ruchard Adjei-Poku, Executive director of LEG
” In 2004, Newmont made an offer to GEV to serve as the community liaison tool.
This offer appeared to undermine the stated objectives and autonomy of GEV. Failure on the part of Mr. Eric Addai, the then Executive Director of GEV and majority of Board members of GEV to recognize the potential risks of the offer led to their acceptance of it from Newmont Ghana Gold Limited”.
The Executive director said as a result, after the meeting in Accra between Eric Addai, Richard Adjei-Poku and TWN-Africa proved futile, Adjei-Poku decided to break away from GEV and founded LEG in July 2004 which together with Atta Nsiah.
Professor (Mrs.) Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa Derkyi, chairperson of LEG Board
The moral and technical support in the formation of LEG came from Dr. Abdulai Darimani, then Environmental Program’s Officer and employee of the Third Word Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) who later became the Chairman of Board of Directors of LEG between the period of 2017 – 2021.
He further explained that,
LEG was formed to deal with the issues left behind by GEV after they,had become fragmented with Newmont and to response to other growing social, environmental, livelihood and human rights threats from the company, a US multinational mining corporation.
He said LEG began with only one community, Kenyasi No.2 without office space. “Meetings were held in Asutifi Educational Complex classroom.
The organization with support from Third Word Network-Africa (TWN-Africa) in 2005 conducted what we called “community film shows” using the Prestea and Tarkwa examples. The purpose of the film show was to educate the communities on both the positive and the negative effects of surface gold mining because the then Newmont and the government were preaching solely the good things about mining without the negative aspects.
Mining was a new thing to the people of Ahafo, therefore, the film show provided them with sufficient and useful information on surface gold mining which helped the communities in most of their decisions with the company”.
He recalled that, during the film show, some community members willingly offered themselves to work with the organization as community volunteer. The communities in where the film show took place include Kenyasi No.1, Kenyasi No.2, Ntotroso, Gyedu and Wamahinso all in the Ahafo South project of Newmont in the Asutifi North District. The other communities were Yamfo, Susanso, Tanoso, Afrisipa, Techire, Adrobaa, Bisi, Kromfrom, Subriso and Mosikrom in the Ahafo North project area of Newmont in the Tano North Municipality.
In 2006, the organization with support from TWN-Africa rented office accommodation, conducted election to appoint Board members and other officials including the Executive Director for the first time and acquired a legal status as an NGO through registration with the Registrar General’s Department, Accra on March 23rd, 2007.
The Executive director said in that same year that they received their first time Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) grant support which helped furnished the office with the necessary office equipment.
The Board of Directors of the organization with the late Adu Yaw Saliu as the chairman worked till December 2012 before new board members with Dr. Abdulai Darimani as chairman took over in January 2013 – December, 2017, followed by the third Board of Directors with Dr. John Adu Kumi,who is now an Associate professor took over from January, 2018 to December, 2021 and succeeded by the current Board with Professor (Mrs.) Mercy Afua Adutwumwaa Derkyi as chair and Dr. Erica Mac Granaham as vice chair, the first time two women occupying the positions of Chair and the Vice Chair.
According to Mr Richard Adjei-Poku,LEG has worked tirelessly through its community advocacy and sensitization programs, capacity building and training sessions, women economic empowerment, afforestation, community rights and litigation, engagement with corporate bodies, duty bearers and policymakers, networking and strengthened media engagements to enhance the living conditions of the poor and the marginalized in its 46 operational communities better and the mother earth a safe place to live.
He revealed that,over the past two decades,LEG has championed initiatives that empower marginalized groups, including women,youth, and persons with disabilities through skills training,seed funding,and support for alternative income-generating activities and soft loans.
“We have provided opportunities for communities to rebuild and thrive.
In the past nine years,we have trained 3,753 people in five mining affected communities (Yamfo,Susuanso,Afrioakrom,Terchire and Adrobea) and two nin-mining communitities(Bogyampa and Sunyani) on different sustainable skills and offered the basic business and financial management principles.
We have supported 2,017 women and 13 men(youth) within Yamfo, Susuanso, Afrioakrom,Terchire and Sunyani with an amount of Ghc 10,200,000.00 as soft loan through our program called “women economic empowerment”..
According to the Executive director, most of the beneficiaries have either set up of new businesses or expanded their existing businesses.Also, under this model, access to clean water has been made possible in some communities through the provision of mechanized boreholes”.
Dr. Yao Graham, Coordinator of Third World Network-Africa (TWN-Africa), has commended the efforts of Livelihood & Environment Ghana (LEG) for its impact on the communities and people affected by mining companies.
Dr. Graham, who was the special guest of honour at the 20th anniversary celebration of LEG held at Charleva Hotel at Adoato-Adumanu on Monday, 30th December 2024, said the great impact of LEG clearly justifies his continuous calls for all organisations to come together to ensure that communities and citizens benefit from mineral revenue.
Dr.Yao Graham,LEG Executive director in a group photograph with participants
He stated emphatically that abuse of power and intimidation are characteristic of mining companies.
According to him, chiefs who are supposed to stand by their people affected by the actions of such mining companies and successive governments care less about this issue because of their personal interests.
Mr Richard Adjei-Poku,the Executive Director of the Livelihood Environment Ghana (LEG), Dr Yoa Graham and some board members
“Some chiefs who are supposed to work for their people are now supporting mining companies to violate the rights of their own people. Some chiefs are now claiming powers they don’t have by asking their people to ask permission before even speaking or demanding their rights,” he pointed out.
Dr. Graham noted that in spite of the great efforts by LEG, among the interventions of other organisations, there are still a number of problems affecting people living within mining companies.
He said issues of intimidation, abuse of power and the rights of people are still prevalent despite the efforts of LEG and that of other organisations.
“Let’s all commit ourselves to these efforts to ensure that mineral resources are used for the benefit of the citizens and no Ghanaian rights are violated,” he added.
Dr. Graham, therefore, stressed the need for all the organisations to come and work together to help achieve the best results they’re looking for.
“We look forward for more than 20 years of LEG growth and opportunities and we’ll continue to work with you,” he said.
LEG, one of the leading environmental advocacy organisations in Ghana, held its 20th anniversary celebration under the theme: “Reimagining Nature, Livelihood and Community Rights”.
The vision of LEG is to see a diverse environment where there are equity, inclusiveness and decentralised decision-making free from all forms of impunity and human rights abuses, and also offer equal opportunities for all classes of people to enhance sustainable development.
The mission of LEG is to empower women, the youth and the marginalised for active citizenship and engagement with policy-makers and duty-bearers to promote sustainable livelihood, environmental justice, community rights and improve minerals governance and policies through policy proposals and advocacy to enhance sustainable development.
