In a bid to ensure the accuracy and integrity of government payroll records, the Office of the President has issued a directive to all heads of government institutions requesting detailed information on staff members who have been added to the payroll since December 7, 2024.
The request, part of ongoing efforts under the John Mahama administration, aims to maintain transparency and accountability in payroll management processes.
Heads of government institutions are required to submit the full name, designation, employee identification number (if applicable), date of appointment, and date added to the payroll for each staff member added within the specified period.
The information is to be submitted to the Office of the President no later than January 31, 2025.The directive emphasises the importance of this data in ensuring the integrity of the government’s payroll system.
Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff in a letter assured that any further clarification or questions regarding the directive can be addressed by contacting the Office of the President.
The directive letter Mr.Julius Debrah,Chief of Staff
Ayisah Foster, the Managing Editor of “The Punch” Newspaper is urging President John Dramani Mahama to nominate competent individuals as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
His appeal emphasizes the need for capable leaders,who can drive development and improve governance at the local level.
Ayisah Foster
President Mahama, has acknowledged the challenges of unemployment, particularly among graduates, and has emphasized the importance of creating jobs and providing skills training .
However, the appointment of competent MMDCEs is crucial in addressing these challenges and promoting local development.
Ayisah Foster’s appeal suggests that ,the president should prioritize merit and competence in his nominations, rather than relying on political affiliations or other factors.
This approach, according to The Punch editor,would help ensure that MMDCEs are equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing their districts and provide effective leadership.
Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has pledged to draw inspiration from the legacies of former leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament as he assumes his role as Majority Leader.
In a statement issued on January 23 following his confirmation, Ayariga assured that the leadership styles and achievements of his predecessors would guide him in his new role. He takes over from Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who has been appointed Finance Minister.
“I am guided by the illustrious precedents set by former distinguished leaders of our caucus. Twenty years ago, our current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, led us. Then Hon. Cletus Avoka, Hon. Benjamin Kunbuor, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, and most recently, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson. Their leadership styles will remain guideposts,” Ayariga said.
He affirmed the NDC caucus’s commitment to pursuing President John Dramani Mahama’s agenda to “reset Ghana.”
Ghanaian-themed art
“As Leader of the House and Leader of Government Business, I assure the people of Ghana that, consistent with the overwhelming mandate given to President John Dramani Mahama and the 187 members of this caucus, we will rigorously pursue the agenda to reset Ghana,” he stated.
Ayariga also emphasized a commitment to inclusivity, consensus-building, and national unity, vowing not to abuse the NDC’s numerical advantage in Parliament.
“As President John Dramani Mahama has said, these overwhelming numbers will not be abused. Even though we are an overwhelming majority, we will strive for inclusivity, consensus-building, and deeply uphold the principles of probity and accountability in the fulfillment of the dreams of our founding fathers. We will foster national unity, advance democracy, and ensure equitable development.”
Ghanaian-themed art
Acknowledging potential challenges ahead, Ayariga expressed confidence in the collective ability to overcome them through collaboration and respect.
“The road ahead will not be without challenges, but I am confident that together, through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, we can overcome any obstacles and deliver on our collective vision,” he concluded.
PRESS RELEASE
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES
DATE:23RD JANUARY 2025
The African Electoral Institute (AEI) is urging competent, capable, and patriotic Ghanaians to step forward and be elected as members of the Council of State. This call to civic duty is rooted in the belief that Ghana has talented individuals who can help the government improve the country’s fortunes.
Unfortunately, many citizens with the capacity to serve the nation shy away from public office, leaving room for questionable individuals to fill the gap. The AEI emphasizes that when citizens of integrity, competence, and loyalty avoid active public service, the nation ultimately loses.
The Council of State: A Platform for Service
The Council of State, established by Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, is a body of prominent citizens who advise the President on national issues ¹. The Council consists of various members, including former government officials, regional representatives, and appointees of the President.
The Role of Regional Representatives
According to paragraph C of clause 2 of article 89, one representative from each region of Ghana is elected to the Council of State ¹. These representatives are chosen by an electoral college comprising two representatives from each district in the region, nominated by the District Assemblies.
Your Opportunity to Serve
If you’re a patriotic Ghanaian with a passion for public service, now is the time to step forward. The AEI urges you to consider being elected as a regional representative to the Council of State. Your expertise, experience, and integrity can make a meaningful difference in shaping Ghana’s future.
Don’t let questionable individuals fill the gap. Answer the call to civic duty and join the Council of State. Together, let’s build a better Ghana for ourselves and future generations.
.END.
SIGNED
Joshua Adjin-Tettey Director of Communications and External Relations
0540904550
About Us:
African Electoral Institute ( AEI) is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) founded to deliver sustainable electoral solutions to Emerging and Developed Democracies to strengthen, augment, and build electoral stakeholders capacity and participation on electoral issues through electoral education on voter’s rights and freedom, electoral research, election monitoring, election observation, election results collation, election security awareness and training of polling agents and elections directors underscoring the fact that “elections are won at the polling stations’’ and the participation of all identifiable electoral stakeholders in an electoral process such as Political Parties, Governmental Institutions, underpinning transparency and accountability for a free, fair, and credible elections in Africa and the wider world.
We are on: africanelectoralinstitute.com
X: @AFRICANELECTORA
Lindedin: African_Electoral_ Institute
The Ejura Divisional Council has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Ejura District Police Command, calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The Council is urging that all suspects be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
Some scenes from the meeting
Following the attack, the traditional authority, led by Ejurahene Barimah Osei Hwedie II, met with the Member of Parliament for the Area, Zongo Chiefs, police, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the chaos.
The meeting aimed to address the underlying issues that led to the attack, in which some youth from Ejura Zongo burnt down the police station and other properties.
The attack was reportedly sparked by the death of a suspect in police custody, who had been arrested on suspicion of theft.
The youth claimed that the suspect had been mistreated by the police, leading to his death.
Ejurahene Barimah Osei Hwedie II expressed concern over the destruction of properties and called for calm among community members.
He urged them to allow the police to do their work.
The Ashanti North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Jude Cobina, briefed the gathering on security arrangements, stating that over 100 police officers had been deployed to restore peace.
He assured that the police would collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure complete restoration of peace in Ejura.
DCOP Cobina also noted that all suspects involved in the attack would be brought to book, and he urged Ghanaians to be law-abiding citizens to avoid facing the law.
These actions must stop – Ashanti NPP Organiser urges NDC members destroying state properties
The Ashanti Regional Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Francis Adomako, popularly known as Francois, has called on nananom, pastors, imams, zongo chiefs, the media and leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to rise up and speak against the attack on some people and the destruction of state properties by some members of the NDC.
According to him, Ghanaians have spoken and President John Mahama has won the 2024 presidential election, with the NDC having an overwhelming majority in Parliament.
“l believe it should end there. Today you see NDC youths entering organisations and sacking all workers and destroying properties but no one is talking about it. Unfortunately, even NDC leaders have kept quiet and these youths have taken the law into their own hands and doing what pleases them,” he pointed out.
Francois, who doubles as the Dean of all Regional Organisers, expressed worry that the NDC youth are destroying public properties, destroying NPP properties and threatening public officials in their various workplaces.
The Ashanti NPP Organiser added, “I don’t think this is right. The NDC government has promised a 24-hour economy and we are all waiting for the government to create employment for its teeming youths and not to go about it this way.”
Dr. Adomako, therefore, called on the NDC leadership to speak to their youths, else the NPP would retaliate.
He questioned the whereabouts of the security agencies, the Peace Council, chiefs, civil society organisations, the media and development partners.
“Let’s start talking and let’s put a stop to it. What is going on doesn’t help anyone. Even national service personnel are being chased out of offices and everyone is quiet; this is not helpful,” he added.
Press Release By Asokwa PM, Hon Nana Yaw Wiredu on Activities of NDC Footsoldiers.
I, Hon Nana Yaw Wiredu, Presiding Member of the Asokwa Municipal Assembly and the elected Assembly Member for the Ahinsan-Estate Electoral Area writes to bring to the attention of the President of the Republic and the general public the unruly behaviour of some NDC members and footsoldiers across the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the country ,especially in the Ashanti region where they are seizing state properties and facilities with careless abandon.
Nana Yaw Wiredu,Asokwa PM
In Asokwa yesterday, members of the Assembly learnt with utter shock that our colleague, Hon Raymond Opoku Agyemang, Assembly for Atonsu- Agogo-South had been slapped and man-handled by some NDC footsoldiers allegedly led by one Issachar.
Upon investigation, we realised that the Assembly Member was slapped for ensuring that the right thing was done at the Astro Turf belonging to the Asokwa Municipal Assembly.
Details:
Earlier in the day, the NDC footsoldiers are said to have stormed the astro turf at Asokwa demanding that a football club that were playing at the time should vacate the pitch.
The team manager therefore called the Assembly Member to inform him about the incident.
He narrated to Hon Raymond that all efforts to get the NDC footsoldiers to exercise patience had failed.
Sensing danger the Assembly Member went to the place to calm tempers and to indicate that the Astro turf was operated by the Assembly and that team playing at the time had been given approval by the Asokwa Municipal Assembly.
However, while explaining this point, one of the footsoldiers slapped the Assembly Member on the cheeks resulting in a violent confrontation.
Action:
As the PM of the Asokwa Municipal Assembly and Member of NALAG, i register my displeasure about the violent behaviour of the NDC members who stormed the site of the Astro Turf.
I therefore ask the Asokwa Police to take note and bring the perpetrators into book and serve the necessary sanctions to the conspirators.
I also call on the NDC regional Chairman as well as the Asokwa NDC Constituency Chairman to call their members to order since any acts of intimidation and violence would not be entertained by the Assembly Members at Asokwa.
It is important to note that the Assembly has complied with the directive revoking the appointments of all government appointees and this should have paved the way for a smooth transition process.
Assurance:
I also want to assure all Assembly Members in Asokwa to remain calm as together with the security agencies and the Coordinating Director we work to ensure their safety in the discharge of their duties.
We will also ensure that all processes that would lead to the appointment of a New MCE and other government appointees are carried out peacefully.
Thank you.
Signed:
Hon Nana Yaw Wiredu, Presiding Member for Asokwa and NALAG representative for Ashanti Region
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
PRESS STATEMENT:
GHANA JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION (GJA)ASHANTI REGION
As we step into the new year of 2025, the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association(GJA) wants to take a moment to express its gratitude for the tireless efforts of all journalists and media practitioners in the region and beyond in keeping our communities informed.
Your dedication to seeking truth, holding leaders accountable, and sharing the stories that shape our region and Ghana as a whole is invaluable.
In this era of rapid change and evolving media landscapes, our roles as journalists, reporters, and storytellers are more crucial than ever.
The Association encourages all of us to continue pushing boundaries, asking tough questions, and shedding light on the issues that matter most.
It looks forward to working with all and sundry in the year ahead, sharing our perspectives, and collaborating to inform and engage the public.
The GJA remains committed to promoting excellence in journalism, defending press freedom, and upholding the highest ethical standards in the profession.
Let us all pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure that the media landscape in the region and Ghana remains vibrant, diverse, and truly representative of the voices and perspectives of the citizens.
The GJA urges all journalists and media practitioners to join the quest for excellence and to uphold the principles of truth, accuracy, and fairness in our work.
Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient media community that serves the public interest and promotes the values of democracy and good governance.
SIGNED:
KINGSLEY E. HOPE,
ASHANTI REGIONAL CHAIRMAN,
GJA.
JANUARY 1, 2025
CC:ALL.MEDIA HOUSES.
