The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has assured the public that there is no cause for alarm regarding the reported pockets of petrol shortage in the north.
A statement issued by the NPA said following reports of pockets of shortage of petrol in the Northern part of the country, the Technical Committee on energy set up by the Chief of Staff, met on 10th January 2025 to discuss modalities to resolve the issue.
It said the logistical challenge identified is being comprehensively resolved using a three-pronged approach .
The first approach is that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are being granted a special dispensation to load petrol from the Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) depot in Kumasi to serve retail outlets in the five regions in the northern part of the country.
Another arrangement is that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are being granted a special dispensation to load more petrol from depots in Tema to augment what is being loaded from Kumasi to serve retail outlets in the five regions in the northern part of the country;.
Arrangements are also being made in collaboration with BOST to move nine million litres of petrol in the pipeline between the Buipe and Bolgatanga depots into storage in Bolgatanga to immediately serve retail outlets in the five regions in the northern part of the country.
The statement said the three-pronged solution is being implemented concurrently to immediately address the issue.
‘Consequently, we wish to encourage the consuming public to go about their normal business and avoid panic buying.
‘The NPA wishes to reassure Ghanaians of adequate fuel stocks in the country and there are vessels lined up to discharge products into the country,’ it stressed.
President John Mahama speaking to the Ahmadiyya Muslim yesterday
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the Muslim community, outlining key initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and ensuring inclusivity in national development.
Speaking during an engagement with Muslim leaders, President Mahama highlighted his government’s dedication to addressing critical issues, including reducing Hajj fares, providing scholarships for destitute students, and supporting businesses within Muslim communities.
Reduction in Hajj Fares
The president announced the formation of a five-member committee, chaired by Alhaji Collins Dauda, Ghana’s longest-serving Member of Parliament. The committee is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to participate in the Hajj Conference.
“One of their key mandates is to negotiate a significant reduction in Hajj fares, making it more affordable for Muslims who wish to undertake this spiritual journey. This will allow many more of our brothers and sisters to fulfill their religious obligations,” President Mahama stated.
Additional Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday
In a move to recognize the importance of Eid-ul-Fitr, President Mahama pledged to add an extra day to the celebration. He assured the community that once Parliament is fully settled, an amendment will be made to the Holidays Act to reflect this change.
Scholarships and Educational Support
The president unveiled a scholarship program targeting destitute students in Muslim communities. The initiative will provide opportunities for young people to study medicine, law, and information technology.
Additionally, the government plans to:
Train more Arabic teachers to enhance education in Arabic schools.
Establish microfinance programs to support businesses within Muslim communities.
Justice for Election-Related Deaths
President Mahama reiterated his directive to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to report on the status of investigations into the deaths of 13 individuals during the 2020 and 2024 general elections. He also called on the Attorney General to determine fair compensation for the families of those who lost their lives.
The president emphasized that justice must be served for the victims and their families, adding “regardless of political affiliation, we must unite in our shared vision for Ghana’s development.
President Mahama urged the Muslim community to join hands in building a prosperous and inclusive Ghana, promising continued engagement and support for their needs.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to launch an immediate investigation into the deaths of Ghanaian citizens during the 2020 and 2024 general elections.
The president made this announcement during an address to the Muslim community earlier today, reiterating his administration’s commitment to justice and democratic accountability. The directive was formalized in a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, and dated January 10, 2025.
The letter underscores the need for a thorough and transparent investigation, describing the fatalities as a “lasting scar” on Ghana’s democratic process.
Measures Outlined
The letter outlined specific measures to guide the investigation:
1. Formation of a Specialized Taskforce: Establish a dedicated team within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to handle these cases exclusively.
2. Eyewitness and Victim Engagement: Conduct interviews with eyewitnesses, victims’ families, and others with relevant information.
3. Scrutiny of Security Personnel: Investigate the actions of security personnel deployed at polling stations where incidents occurred.
4. Forensic Analysis: Utilize advanced forensic techniques to examine evidence, including bullet casings and weaponry.
5. Collaboration with Electoral Bodies: Work with the Electoral Commission and civic organizations to review reports and contextualize the incidents.
The letter further emphasized the need for periodic updates to maintain public trust and transparency.
Fatalities During Elections
The directive follows reports of fatalities during both elections, with at least eight people, including a 12-year-old girl, allegedly shot and killed during the 2020 election, and five others losing their lives during the 2024 election.
These incidents have raised widespread concerns about electoral violence and the role of security forces in maintaining order during polls.
Civil society organizations and human rights advocates have long called for accountability, making this directive a crucial step toward addressing their concerns.
Police Response
While the Ghana Police Service has not publicly responded to the directive, internal minutes on the letter confirm receipt.
The Lawyers in Search of Democracy (LINSOD) has extended warm congratulations to Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine on his nomination as the Attorney General of the Republic of Ghana. The announcement, made in a press release dated January 9, 2025, was signed by LINSOD President, Eric Delanyo Alifo, Esq., and Secretary, Theophilus Dzimega Jr., Esq.
The nomination of Hon. Ayine by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, underscores his exceptional expertise and unwavering dedication to democracy and justice.
With over 25 years of experience as a lawyer and politician, Hon. Ayine brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven commitment to upholding democratic principles. He has previously served as Deputy Attorney General and is a respected lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Faculty of Law.
In the press release, LINSOD highlighted Hon. Ayine’s impressive track record, describing him as an ideal candidate for the esteemed position of Attorney General. The organization expressed confidence that his appointment would further its objectives and contribute significantly to advancing democracy in Ghana.
“LINSOD is confident that, given the already established relationship between it and Dr. Ayine, we can realize much of the objectives of LINSOD and tap into his experience for the benefit of the country,” the statement read.
LINSOD once again congratulated Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine on his well-deserved nomination and wished him success in his new role.
President John Mahama speaking to the Ahmadiyya Muslim yesterday
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has assured Ghanaians that his government would work to keep the lights on amidst threats of power outages.
According to him, the stakeholders’ meeting held at his behest had birthed innovative ideas to safeguard the nation from what is popularly known as dumsor.
“Like I said, you elected us to solve the problems, not to put the blame on anybody else or to shoulder you with those problems, and so yesterday I called a meeting all the stakeholders in the electricity value chain, and they have been sitting since yesterday to today, to come out with innovative solutions so that we’re able to keep the lights on.
“And so I can assure you with some of the ideas they’ve come up with, we would make sure that your lights stay on and that we do not have dumsor as you popularly call it,” President Mahama assured.
He gave the assurance on Thursday, January 9, 2025 when he made his first public engagement, attending the 2025 national convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in the Central Region.
CAUSE
President Mahama blamed the cause of the potential power cut on the Akufo-Addo government for delaying a planned shutdown of the West African gas pipeline for maintenance.
He said that this planned shutdown of the West African gas pipeline was supposed to take place in October last year, but the previous administration intervened and it was postponed till January.
“This is a long-delayed maintenance and has to be urgently done, but what it means is that there will be no gas available for all our generating plants in the east of Ghana,” President Mahama said.
EFFECT
If the West African gas pipeline is shut down, it would curtail the gas coming from Nigeria and the gas that comes in the reverse flow from Ghana’s gas processing plants in the West.
It means that the thermal generating plants in the thermal enclave would have no access to gas. The President indicated that, normally, to forestall blackouts because of the loss of almost 2,000 Megawatts of power, the government would have to make provision for fuel.
The fuel is unprocessed crude oil that needs to be processed, but “unfortunately, enough provision was not made for this eventuality.
“When the fuel arrives, it takes time to import it, three weeks to place an order and get delivered, and when it arrives you have to treat the fuel for another week and a half to make it ready for use in the generating plants, and so there’s a threat of power outages, but my brothers and sisters don’t despair.”
NO BASIS
Meanwhile, the former Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa, has refuted claims that Ghana may face an imminent energy crisis due to the failure of the previous Akufo-Addo administration to stock adequate fuel.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Mr. Krapa dismissed the claims as having no basis, stating that before leaving office, the Akufo-Addo administration ensured the availability of sufficient fuel for power generation.
He detailed that Cenpower was operating with light crude oil left by the previous government, while AKSA was continuing to receive heavy fuel oil for its power generation needs.
“These facts are easily verifiable with a phone call to both power plants. The responsibility of the new administration is to procure more liquid fuel to keep the lights on whenever liquid fuel becomes required to complement gas supply and to plan competently to avert power supply disruptions. We did it, and they can do it too – if they can,” Mr. Krapa added.
Mr. Krapa’s remarks come in response to Mr. Jinapor’s statement, in which the MP alleged that insufficient fuel stocks were endangering the nation’s energy security.
Mr. Jinapor, who serves as the co-chairman of the Transition Team Sub-Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, criticised the Akufo-Addo government for allegedly leaving inadequate reserves.
Men in military uniform seen on the premises of the DACF
Just a day after the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama, some public offices across the country were hijacked by alleged assigns of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In the morning of Wednesday, January 8, 2025 The Chronicle picked up reliable information that some men in military uniform had taken custody of the office of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in Accra, locking staff outside.
The Chronicle gathered that these alleged military officers would not listen to any explanation and stood their stance not to open the gate for the workers of the DACF to enter the office to carry out their duties as public workers.
The situation was so bad that the staff were left stranded outside the main entrance of the DACF head office in Accra, near the presidential annex, close to the Parliament House, which shares a boundary with the new Electoral Commission headquarters.
Some of the staff who could not bear the embarrassment had to return to their various homes around 10am, after spending close to two hours standing outside, while the alleged soldiers dutifully cordoned the premises.
Speaking to The Chronicle, a staff member who was distressed said they worked in their offices on Monday, but did not see the presence of the military, nor was there any communication to them not to come to the office on Wednesday, since Tuesday was a public holiday.
Explaining the situation, the staff (name withheld) indicated that “We came to work on Monday and there was no problem. But when we got here this morning [Wednesday], the main gate had been locked and soldiers were guarding the place. They told us that we cannot enter the office, without telling us why.”
One of the affected staff said “Some people, after standing outside in the scorching sun, went back home.”
Before midday, when the rest of the staff, who stayed behind with hope of being permitted to enter their offices to work, also left, only those in charge of finance allowed entry.
The Chronicle was informed that the finance department had a meeting with auditors, thus, the alleged military officers allowed them to enter to have the meeting.
It is not known whether the action was sanctioned by the government, but at the time of filing this report in the evening of Wednesday, no communication had emanated from the government on the situation.
RELATION
In related developments, news broke yesterday of alleged supporters of the ruling NDC locking some public offices and hijacking public installations, including the Kotoka International Airport.
It was reported that the National Identification office in Koforidua, Eastern Region, was locked up by alleged supporters of the NDC.
On Wednesday, a group believed to be supporters of the ruling NDC invaded the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly, locking the offices of the National Disaster Management Organisation, National Service Secretariat, National Identification Authority and the National Health Insurance Authority.
REOCCURRENCE
In all the places where public offices were locked up, no violence was recorded, except that those institutions did not work due to the situation.
It is not clear what the motive behind those acts is, but they have some semblance to incidents in 2017 when the New Patriotic Party took over governance from the NDC.
Some of the students displaying their project works
The first cohort of about sixty young girls have successfully completed Molex Foundation Africa’s Initiative for Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.
The week long training programme, which saw the participants camped at the Superannuation Hostel, at the University of Cape Coast, was meant to fully equip the young girls with adequate skills in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
Dr Patrick Essien , CEO of Molex
It further included intense mentorship in-STEM and career guidance for the participants which illustrated Molex Foundation Africa’s commitment, to assisting the participants to make informed decisions about their future careers.
Challenges faced by young girls in STEM
The female coordinator of Molxe, Madam Charlotte Owusu-Ansah enumerated some of the major challenges young girls faced in the field of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics education.
According to her, there was huge gap between men and women in the Ghanaian society in terms of male and female representation in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education across the country.
This, she noted, meant that there were less female role models in-STEM for the younger ones to look up to, so as to develop deep interest and to influence their perceptions and influence their career choices.
The scarcity of female role models in the area of STEM, according to her, formed part of Molex’s commitment to empowering young girls at the high schools, who have shown interest in STEM education.
Exhibition of works
At the end of the intensive training, the participants, who went through various stages of the programme demonstrated their practical understanding of what they were taught, and showcased this with the exhibition of project works.
Two young girls – Nana Efua Eduafowa Afful and Tabitha Sharon Scott-Lutterodt – from Mfantseman Girls and Edinaman High Schools respectively, developed Smart Lighting System sensor using LDR and RGB LED.
Their sensor could check the illuminance or the lux level in a room to ensure its adequacy for learning during the night and other usage of light that are especially done in the night.
According to their work, as exhibited, the sensor would give red indication if the light is too high, produce blue indicator when the light is too dark and turn green when the light is normal.
Other project works exhibited by the participants were distance measurement application with ultrasonic sensor, temperature control application and fire alarm application, which were all designed by students.
Engagement with the media
At the exhibition event, which climaxed the weeklong programme, the Chief Executive Officer of Molex Africa, Dr Patrick Essien, stated that Molex was fully committed to assisting young girls who have passion in stem to develop their interest.
Dr Essien mentioned that though the world was gravitating towards AI and Robotics due to advancement in technology, Molex was focused on identifying young girls who have deep passion for STEM.
Dr Essien said “We all agree that STEM is the new way but it will be counterproductive to impose the concept on young girls and force them to pursue STEM programmes at all costs without considering their interest too”.
“So, at Molex, we are committed to inspiring the young ones who have interest in the fields of STEM education to consciously develop their interests so that they can make informed decisions,” he added.
He extended sincere thanks to Henry Luce Foundation for their belief in Molex vision and their generous support adding that “This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving positive change”.
Majority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister-designate for Finance
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has announced his first batch of ministerial appointments, nominating three persons to the ministries of Finance, Energy and Attorney General and Justice.
The Majority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been named as the Minister-designate for Finance, John Abdulai Jinapor nominated as Minister-designate for Energy and Dr. Dominic AkuruntingaAyine appointed as Attorney General and Minister for Justice-designate.
The nomination of these three leaves a total of 57 ministers yet to be appointed since the President promised during the campaign to appoint not more than 60 ministers.
On Thursday, January 9, 2025 during the second sitting of the first meeting of the first session of the ninth parliament of the fourth Republic, the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, read the letter from the President, informing Parliament of the nominations.
The letter, dated January 9, 2025 signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, submitted the names and curriculum vitae of the three nominees to Parliament for consideration and approval, in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 constitution.
He said, “Honourable Members, I have received on your behalf a message from the Office of the President dated 9th January 2025. And it reads, Right Honourable Speaker, Nomination of Ministers for Parliamentary Approval.”
Speaker Bagbin continued that, “In accordance with Article 78.1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana 1992, I hereby, on behalf of His Excellency John Mahama, submit for consideration and approval of Parliament the following nominees for ministerial appointments:
Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, MP, Minister-designate, Ministry of Finance; John Abdulai Jinapor, MP, Minister-designate, Ministry of Energy; Dr. Dominic AkuritingaAyine, MP, Minister-designate, Attorney General and Ministry of Justice.”
Attached to the letter were the nominees’ credentials and records of service, which the letter stated demonstrate their competencies to support the government’s agenda and serve the people of Ghana effectively.
“I trust that Parliament will expedite the approval process in accordance with constitutional requirements. Signed, Callistus Mahama P.A.D., Secretary to the President,” Speaker Bagbin read.
The Speaker referred the nominees to the newly constituted Appointments Committee for consideration and report to the House. Following the report of the Committee, the Plenary would take a decision on the Committee’s recommendation.
PROFILES
Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson
Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the MP for Ajumaku-Enyan-Essiam, is an economist, chartered accountant, and tax practitioner with extensive experience in public finance, macroeconomics, fiscal policy, tax policy, and business management.
A five-term lawmaker, Dr. Forson holds a PhD in Finance from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Master of Science degrees in Taxation and Economics from the University of Oxford and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, respectively.
The Minority Leader for the 8th Parliament, Ato Forson, who was a deputy minister for finance under the first term of John Mahama, also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from London South Bank University.
John Abdulai Jinapor
John Abdulai Jinapor, three-term MP for Yapei-Kusawgu, brings a wealth of hands-on experience, competence, and know-how to the energy portfolio.
John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister-designate for Energy
He served as deputy minister for energy in the first term of John Mahama. The government says it expects Jinapor, who was critical about the shortfalls of the Akufo-Addo administration in the energy sector, to bring much-needed dynamism and capabilities to transform the energy sector.
He holds a Master of Arts Degree (MA) in Economic Policy Management, an MBA in Marketing, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Development Finance from the University of Ghana.
He also holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.
Dr. Dominic AkuritingaAyine
The four-term MP for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic AkuritingaAyine, is a senior lawyer with three decades of experience in practice.
He previously served as Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice and is the founding partner of Ayini & Partners Law Offices.
He holds a Ph.D. in law from Stanford University, a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana. He has also lectured at the University of Ghana Law School for many years.
Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus has promised the Majority that they would put their shoulders to the wheel at the Appointments Committee to properly vet the nominees. The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, informed the nominees to attend the vetting “prepared,” because “it is not going to be business as usual.”
The 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic has adjourned after two sittings of the 1st meeting of the 1st session. The House, which stood adjourned on Thursday, January 9, 2025, is expected to resume sitting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
During the 12-day period of adjournment, all first-time Members of Parliament would undergo a 4-day orientation to learn the practices and rules of the House.
“The House is accordingly adjourned till Tuesday, the 21st day of January, 2025,” the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who is the MP for Akatsi South, announced.
Not much was done for the day, as there was no government business to transact, given that the second Mahama administration is now being formed.
The day began with the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, reading the message from the President, nominating Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for the position of the Minister for Finance, John Abudulai Jinapor for Energy, and Dr. Dominic Ayine for Attorney General and Minister for Justice.
STATEMENT
After correcting the votes and proceedings for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, a statement was made to eulogise former Oforikrom MP, Dr. Emmanuel Marfo.
He has been appointed by the Climate Parliament as its director for Central and West Africa. Members took turns congratulating the former MP and made comments on climate change.
The maker of the statement, the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, said that he was proud that the good works of Dr. Marfo on climate had been recognised by the Climate Parliament headquartered in London, UK.
The feat, according to the Nsawam-Adoagyiri legislator, not only elevates the status of their former colleague, but also promotes the positive image of the nation, Ghana. The MP for Oforikrom, Michael Kwasi Aidoo, who replaced Dr. Marfo, said the constituency was proud of the achievement of his predecessor.
The MP for Asante-Akim Central, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, also commended Dr. Marfo and urged his colleagues to continue making exploits in their fields of profession as they would yield positive results.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The MP for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, in his commendation, spoke about the effects of climate change. He said that today, rainfall patterns have changed and farmers no longer could predict rainfall due to the effects of climate change.
He advocated measures to deal with the matter, stating that members were prepared to support Dr. Marfo to succeed.
The MP for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nettey George, called on the country to pay more attention to the challenges the food sustainability of Ghana faces due to the effects of climate change.
He observed that Ghana, as a developing nation, contributes an insignificant amount to greenhouse emissions and pollution to the ozone but is one of the highest casualties of the effects of climate change.
He stated that the research on the shelves of tertiary institutions in the country should be implemented by government institutions, as most have pragmatic solutions to problems such as climate change.
The MP for Assin North, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, who joined his colleagues to congratulate Dr. Marfo, also said the education system is badly hit whenever there is a climate-induced disaster.
As such, he urged that it was important for schoolchildren to be guided to adopt climate-resilient practices at their younger stages to grow with it.
Kofi Job and his wife Dr. Esther Gyebi, presenting the items one of the beneficiaries
Kofi Job Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) donated food items to one thousand widows in the Ashanti region during the yuletide.
The foundation presented items such as rice, provisions and cash to widows at an event held at Otec FM, Asawase, a suburb of Kumasi.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kofi Job, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Esther Gyebi, explained that the Kofi Job Foundation aims to help the down trodden.
He expressed worry that some patients are still being kept in hospital because they cannot pay their bills and that he and his wife have decided to help such patients.
This philanthropic gesture, according to the road contractor, is not a nine-day wonder, but has come to stay, stressing that he would collaborate with Otec FM every year and donate to the poor and needy in the society.
Kofi Job who doubles as an evangelist stated at the event that God brought each and everyone to this world for a purpose and that God wanted mankind to worship Him so that we could join Him in Heaven.
“God has blessed me and I have realised that all the worldly things are vanity. I pity wealthy people who are arrogant.
“When you are ill, that is when you realise that human beings are feeble. Many are wealthy people who can donate to the less privileged in our society, but have turned their backs on the poor”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kofi Job, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Esther Gyebi, explained that the Kofi Job Foundation aims to help the down trodden.
