Home Blog Page 1017

Takoradi port record impressive growth

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
-
0
Director of Takoradi Port, Peter Amo Bediako

The Director of Takoradi Port, Peter Amo Bediako, has stated that the Ports achievement in the year 2024 is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and innovation that continue to drive its operations.

The Port made a history in the year 2024 by receiving a transit vessel carrying approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of bagged rice – the first of its kind in more than 10 years.

The cargo was discharged efficiently within a reasonable turnaround time, showcasing the Port’s capability to handle high-volume transit cargo with precision and speed.

Speaking to Journalist at a press soiree, Mr Bediako announced that as of November 2024, the Port had recorded an impressive 32.28% growth in cargo volume, rising from 7.1 million metric tonnes in November 2023 to 9.4 million metric tonnes.

Also, cruise or passenger ship calls recorded a 100% growth in calls, increasing from seven (7) cruise vessel calls at the end of November 2023, to 14 cruise vessel call as at end of November 2024.

These achievements, he indicated, reflected the Ports unwavering commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction, but also most importantly, they reflected the positive brand image generated by the professional coverage and reportage by the media.

He gave the breakdown of the positive growth in cargo volume as follows:

Imported cargo volume as at the end of November 2024 was 2,877,273 metric tonnes compared to 2,591,340 metric tonnes recorded for the same period in 2023. This represents a positive growth rate of 11.03%.

Over 70% of these imports volume was driven by clinker and gypsum imports with a combined total volume of 2,072,490 metric tonnes as at the end of November 2024 compared to 1,757,883 metric tonnes recorded in the same period last year.

Exported cargo volume as at the end of November 2024 was 6,472,998 metric tonnes compared to 4,500,570 metric tonnes recorded for the same period in 2023, this represents a positive growth rate of 44 %.

This was largely driven by Manganese with 4,693,983 metric tonnes and Bauxite with 1,446,934 metric tonnes as at the end of November 2024, compared to 2,981,365 and 1,083,104 metric tonnes respectively of these two commodities, recorded in the same period last year.

Transit cargo volume as at the end of November 2024 was 51,086 metric tonnes compared to 2,247 metric tonnes recorded for the same period in 2023. This represents a very significant positive growth rate of 2,173.52% in our Transit Trade cargo volume.

However, Container TEU traffic recorded a decline in the year 2024 with a total traffic of 28,257TEUs as at end of November, compared to 31,763 TEUs recorded during the same period in 2023. This represents 11% decline.

This, the Takoradi Port Director, noted could be attributed largely to the delay in start of commercial operation of the YILPORT-ATSL Container Terminal.

Similarly, vessel calls recorded a decline in the year aforementioned with a total of 695 vessel calls as at the end of November, compared to 801 vessel calls recorded during the same period in 2023. This represents a 13.23% decline.

Ghana on the brink of severe energy crisis -Jinapor

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
Mr John Jinapor

Ghana is on the brink of a severe energy crisis as critical fuel shortages threaten to disrupt power generation across the country.

John Abdulai Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu and co-chair of the Energy Transition Team revealed that President John Dramani Mahama convened an emergency meeting yesterday to address the situation.

Speaking in an interview with TV3, Mr. Jinapor disclosed alarming details about the country’s dwindling fuel reserves.

AKSA, a key power plant, has fuel stock to last only five hours. if running at 120 megawatts.

Karpower KTPP has 1,275.45 cubic meters of distillate fuel, sufficient for just 1.5 days, with one unit operating continuously, or 7.5 days with both units running intermittently.

Meanwhile, Asogli has completely run out of fuel and Cenpower’s reserves – though expected to last 20.9 day – are insufficient to meet national demand on their own.

The crisis is compounded by the impending shutdown of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) for maintenance from January 20 to February 16, 2025.

This will cut off gas supplies to power plants in Tema, including AKSA, KTPP, Cenpower and Asogli, which rely heavily on the pipeline.

Mr. Jinapor explained that the repair works on the WAGP were originally scheduled for October 2024 but were postponed to January 2025 by the previous government to allow time for adequate stockpiling of light fuel for power generation. However, he noted that no substantial fuel procurement has been made.

A recent report from the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) indicates that $90 million is urgently needed to procure alternative fuel stocks to sustain power generation during this period.

Mr. Jinapor hinted that the country is in a dire situation, adding that at the transition briefing, GRIDCo presented a 12-page report outlining the shortfall.

Mr. Jinapor criticised former Energy Minister Herbert Krapa for the lack of preparedness, pointing out discrepancies in assurances given before the transition.

“The $70 million that was supposed to be transferred to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) for fuel procurement has not been delivered. No parcels of fuel have been ordered, and we are running out of time,” he said.

In response to the growing crisis, President Mahama has tasked Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah to lead an emergency meeting with key stakeholders, including GRIDCo, the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ministry of Energy, and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST). The objective of the meeting is to devise immediate solutions to avert a nationwide power crisis.

Although Mr. Krapa denied the allegations on his Facebook page, claiming that former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration left sufficient light crude oil in stock, which Cenpower is currently using, and that AKSA continues to receive deliveries, Mr. Jinapor dismissed these assertions.

Mr. Jinapor said the former Minister for Energy still has more to learn, giving his understanding about loadshedding, saying “If AKSA is drawing fuel, what is the stock left? How much fuel did you leave in stock? How long will it last? When is the next consignment you ordered landing?”

Mr. Krapa had suggested that the current challenges could be attributed to technical or administrative lapses by the new administration. However, Mr. Jinapor maintained that the former minister still has much to learn about managing the energy sector.

‘Nobody Should Tag Blakk Cedi As My Manager; Sammy Flex Remains In Charge’ – Shatta Wale

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
-
0
Shatta Wale

Shatta Wale, the popular Ghanaian dancehall artist, has cleared up rumors that Blakk Cedi, former manager of Stonebwoy, is now his manager. These rumors emerged after Blakk Cedi publicly expressed his gratitude for his involvement in Shatta Wale’s successful performance at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street Concert in Jamaica.

Blakk Cedi took to social media to express his gratitude, saying, “I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to serve as part of your team during the Freedom Street Concert in Jamaica. It was an honor to step in and contribute to your vision, and I do not take that privilege lightly. Your unwavering respect, trust, and love throughout this process truly humbled me.”

However, when Shatta Wale arrived in Ghana on January 8, 2025, he spoke to JoyNews and cleared up the confusion. He explained that although Blakk Cedi helped out at the concert, his long-time manager, Sammy Flex, is still in charge of his career. “His contribution is just like JoyNews coming here to interview me, so that’s what Blakk Cedi did,” Shatta Wale said.

“I don’t have a problem with anybody. Like I always say, Blakk Cedi formerly managed Stonebwoy but I don’t have any problem with Stonebwoy. I am ever ready for anybody who wants to support me. Shout out to Blakk Cedi, he’s done well. Nobody should tag Blakk Cedi that he is managing Shatta Wale. Sammy Flex is still my manager.”

Shatta Wale also took the chance to thank his fans for their continued support and shared his plans to release more music and grow his business in 2025.

Credit: ghanacelebrities.com

Ghana Blind Union members in Takoradi celebrate New year with feast and empowerment

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
-
0
Some of the members of the Ghana Blind Union with the organisers

On January 4, 2025, 233times.com, an online news channel, organized the 6th edition of its annual ‘Jawuley with the Visually Impaired’, a New Year party for members of the Ghana Blind Union (GBU), Western Region chapter.

At the Anaji Choicemart in Takoradi, the event, which was a combination of celebration and empowerment, benefitted over 65 members of the union.

The day was packed with various activities, including haircuts, pedicures, manicures, and a sumptuous feast. The initiative also featured the continuation of the ‘Vision Project’, aimed at providing sustainable support for the members. As part of the project, a seed capital of GH₵5,000 was set aside to help members start businesses, enabling them to achieve financial independence. This is the second time the organization has extended this opportunity to the GBU members.

Speaking at the event, Nana Kwesi Coomson, coordinator of the program, highlighted the purpose of the seed capital initiative. “The goal is to empower members of the GBU to become self-reliant by starting small businesses rather than depending on others for their daily survival,” he explained.

The success of the program was made possible by the contributions of various individuals and organizations. Emmanuel Ampaabeng, a member of the organizing team, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the numerous supporters who made the event a reality. Among those acknowledged were: Corpnation Foundation, Deo Gratis, Sticheez, Adonab Event, Anaji Choicemart, Wenette Hope Foundation, Empowered Men in USA, Virtuous Boardroom, Caddy Sleek Touch, Aseda Foundation, Philip Osei Bonsu, host of Ekosiisen, Mr. Justice Acquah, Managing Director of Prestea Sankofa Gold Mines, Lawyer Fiifi Buckman, Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim Constituency. Their collective efforts contributed to the success of the program and provided hope for the visually impaired community in the Western Region.

The ‘Jawuley with the Visually Impaired’ initiative, now in its 6th year, continues to leave an indelible mark on the lives of its beneficiaries. With its unique blend of celebration and empowerment, the program has grown to become a significant part of the New Year festivities for the visually impaired in the region.

 

Kofi Kinaata’s ‘Made in Taadi’ Concert attracts over 40,000 fans in grand comeback

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
-
0
Kofi Kinaata performing to the ecstatic crowd

The much-anticipated Made in Taadi Concert, hosted by celebrated Ghanaian musician Kofi Kinaata, made a triumphant return after a two-year hiatus, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 40,000 fans at the Jubilee Grounds in Takoradi.

The event, which was sponsored by Enterprise Life, kicked off on Friday, December 20, 2024, with a youth seminar at the Western Serene Atlantic Hotel, Takoradi, themed ‘Bridging the Gap – From Dreams to Reality. The seminar brought together over 1,000 participants, including students and industry players.

Distinguished speakers included Philip Osei Bonsu of Ekosiisen fame, Wilson Arthur of Skyy Media Group, Kwame Adu Mante, CEO of Focus One Group, Pamela Arvoh-Mensah, a private legal practitioner, and Fiifi Buckman, a private legal practitioner and MP-elect for the Kwesimintsim Constituency. They shared inspiring insights and practical tools to empower the youth to pursue their aspirations.

A team from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) also took the participants through safe and regular migration topics.

At the Takoradi Sports Club, the main concert began on Saturday with a meet-and-greet session at 3:00 PM. The event officially launched into performances at 7:00 PM, showcasing over 20 emerging artistes who warmed up the massive crowd.

The stage later saw electrifying performances from top-tier acts, including Eno Barony, Samini, Beeztrap KOTM, Donzy, Lasmid, Abochi, Nemesis Loso, and Orkortor Perry. In a delightful twist, Fameye and Kwaw Kese, though not originally billed, surprised the audience with spontaneous performances that left fans ecstatic.

The show ended at 7:21 AM on Sunday, December 22, 2024, after an impressive 12-hour musical marathon. Fans hailed Kofi Kinaata for the event’s seamless organization and its impactful blend of entertainment and youth empowerment.

He crowned the series of events with the corporate edition of the Made in Taadi Concert at the +233 Jazz Bar in Accra on 27th December, 2024. The event attracted high profile personalities from media, oil and gas, United Nation’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and a lot of fans from the diaspora.

With its massive success, the Made in Taadi Concert reaffirms its status as one of the most anticipated and impactful annual events in Ghana.

Management of Kofi Kinaata has since been hailed for the security details they ensured at the event.

With over 200 security personnel from Ghana Police, Ghana Airforce, Prisons Service, Private Security, and Ambulance Service, the event recorded no casualties and no major incidents, attracting thunderous applause on social media for such a record.

John ‘The 4th’ In The Driving Seat … World Leaders Congratulate Him

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
-
0
President John Dramani Mahama holding the sword of authority

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, known in Ghana’s political circles as the Fourth John, has assumed the Presidency of the Republic of Ghana.

He has since 11.13 am on January 7, 2025 been sworn in by the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Mrs. Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo for the enviable third time, after he had won the December 2024 elections decisively, as admitted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP’s) flagbearer, Dr. Mahammudu Bawumia, less than 24 hours after the polls.

President Mahama polled 57.7% of the valid votes against Dr. Bawumia’s 38.8%.

The now ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has 183 Members of Parliamentwhile the opposition NPP has 88, with four standing in the name of Independent candidates, thus making President Mahama the Supreme Leader.

In 2016, John Mahama polled 4,771,188 (44.53%) behind Nana Akufo-Addo’s popular vote of 5,755,758 (53.72%).

There was not much change in 2020 as Nana Akufo-Addo maintained his position with 6,730,587 popular votes (51.30%) against 6,213,182 votes (47.36%) by John Mahama.

The victory of John Mahama in the last election has manifested the divine feat, making the likes of Bishop J.Y. Adu and Apostle Kwabena Owusu Agyei liars, whilst  Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, Rev. Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom (Opambuor), Prophets Nigel Gaisie and Telvin Sowah Adjei have become heroes.

John Mahama previously served as President of Ghana from July 24, 2012 to 7 January 2017 and Vice President of Ghana from January 2009 to July 2012. He took office as president on 24 July 2012, following the death of his predecessor, Prof.  John Evans Atta Mills.

When ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on November 24, 2024 at the True Vine Hotel in Kumasi described John Mahama as a failure because he had served only one term and, therefore, would not hand over power to such a failure, little did he know that God had his own plans against the propositions of Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi and Dr. Maurice AmpawEsq.

JDM, as the President is popularly called, used the No. 8 on the ballot to break NPP’s own bid to stay in power.

By divine intervention, JDM has confirmed that he is the luckiest politician in this part of the world, having passed through the mill and risen from an Assemblyman, Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister, Minister, Vice President and President.

As if God’s favour and blessing are not enough, John Dramani Mahama is the only President to be sworn in three times, even if Samuel Koko Anyidaho, the former NDC Deputy General Secretary disagrees.

The eight year term of Nana Akufo-Addo has thus ended on January 6, 2025 ushering in John Mahama, the fourth of the John’s (John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Atta Mills and John Mahama), to break his own record to become the sixth President of the Republic of Ghana, thus breaking the intrusion of a non-John (Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo) into the Presidency in the fourth Republic.

It is finished.

Mahama Tells Akufo-Addo: You Have Been A Worthy Opponent

By
admin
-
0
President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has described former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a worthy opponent in the game of politics.

Delivering his inaugural address at the Independence Square in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Mahama said the handing over ceremony “feels a bit like a déjà vu,” as they both had handed over to each other in their leadership roles.

President Akufo-Addo

“That is because eight years ago on this day, on January 7, 2017, we shared this same space and performed this same transitional exercise,” he added.

“At the time, I was the outgoing president, having served one term, and he was the incoming president, having been given a mandate by the people of Ghana to lead this great nation of ours.

“He and I both understood on that day, as I’m sure we are today, that it is the people of Ghana that we are elected to serve”.

President Mahama said somehow, it seemed fitting that it was with former President Akufo-Addo that he twice shared the handing over stage, which had a unique historical distinction, because they both began their national political careers in Parliament the same year, 1996.

“He (former President Akufo-Addo) had always greeted me with warmth, a firm handshake and a smile, and he is perhaps the only person in my life who has persistently chosen to call me Johnny,” President Mahama said.

“While we belonged to opposing political parties, we shared a sense of mutual respect,” he said, adding that little did they know that destiny would bring them to the leadership of their respective parties.

President Mahama extended his warmest wishes to former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who was his closest contender in the December 7, 2024 general election.

“It was a grueling campaign, and we gave it our all. Your sportsmanship in making an early concession eased tensions and contributed to the early conclusion of the electoral contest. I wish you all the best in your endeavours,” the President said.

Togbe Bagbin Maintains Number 3 Position

By
MAXWELL OFORI
-
0
Speaker 'Togbe' Bagbin

The Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has been re-elected to lead the 9th Parliament.

Known for cherishing the position of the Speaker, the former Nadowli/Kaleo legislator has once again secured the bragging rights as the third gentleman of the land, ‘Number 3.”

He was the only person nominated for the position of the Speaker for the 9th Parliament, so there was no voting, but a unanimous acceptance by both sides of the House.

He was sworn in on the dawn of Tuesday, January 7, 2024 at Parliament House, Accra.

His nomination was announced by the majority leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and seconded by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

RECORD

The late Justice Daniel Francis Annan, until Speaker Bagbin’s feat, was the only Speaker to have retained the position for a second term, since 1993.

Justice D.F. Annan served from January 7, 1993, to January 6, 1997, and then from January 7, 1997, to January 6, 2001.

However, Speaker Bagbin has also set a record of being part of all Parliaments of Ghana since January 7, 1993, both as a Member of Parliament and Speaker of Parliament.

Apart from Justice D.F. Annan, the first Speaker under the 4th Republican Constitution of 1992, who served two terms from January 7, 1993 to January 6, 1997 and then from January 7, 1997 to January 6, 2001, all other Speakers of Parliament have served just one term each.

ACCEPTANCE

In his acceptance speech, Speaker Bagbin promised to bring his “experiences to bear in guiding this House to perform its mandate with efficiency, diligence and above all with a sense of being, the bulwark of democracy in Ghana.”

He urged Ghanaians to support their Parliament and be interested and engaged with the work of Parliament.

“I am grateful to the Almighty God for His grace and mercies for me to achieve this rare feat. To Him be all the praise and honour,” he said.

PROFILE OF SPEAKER BAGBIN

  1. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Bagbin attended the Sombo R.C. Primary and Wa Secondary Schools in the Upper West Region. He then proceeded to Tamale Secondary School in the Northern Region where he obtained his Advanced Level Certificate in 1977.
  2. He gained admission to the University of Ghana School and graduated in 1980 with a Degree in Law and English. He enrolled at the Ghana Law School and was subsequently called to the Bar in 1982.
  3. He holds a Certificate in Privatization in Public Utilities and Infrastructure from the Eastern South Africa Management Institute (ESAMI), Tanzania, and an Executive Master’s Degree in Governance and Leadership from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2008.
  4. Rt. Hon. Bagbin earlier worked with the antecedent of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) as Assistant Administrative Officer and acting Secretary to the Board. Having joined the Akyem Chambers earlier, he continued with his legal practice whilst at GSS. He was later employed by the erstwhile State Hotels Corporation as Personnel Manager before leaving for Libya to teach English. He returned in 1986 and between 1989 and 1992, he was the external solicitor for a number of Banks, Industries, Stools and other clients.
  5. Later, he established a private Law Firm, the Law Trust Company, together with two partners. He was the Managing Partner.
  6. The Speaker was elected MP in 1992 and sworn to Parliament in January 1993. He chaired various committees of Parliament, including the Public Accounts Committee, Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, and House Committee.
  7. Sometime in late December 2000, he was appointed by then NDC leadership to be its Minority Leader in Parliament. In this role, he distinguished himself. In January 2009, he was again appointed this time as the Majority Leader.
  8. He was later brought into the Executive to serve as the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, and also as Minister for Health. He also worked as an adviser in the Office of the President.
  9. He was returned to Parliament leadership once more as the indefatigable Majority Leader. Again, he distinguished himself.
  10. In January 2017, as the record 7th Term MP for Nadowli, he was elected as the 2nd Deputy Speaker to serve under the Speakership of Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye Snr., in the 7th Parliament.
  11. Speaker Bagbin has served on a number of Boards and international organizations including the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Group (ACP), the European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly (EUJPA), International Council for Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), and Global Organization for Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC). He served on the Governing Board of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), National Media Commission (NMC) and the Legal Aid Board.
  12. He was eventually elected as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana. He has been in Parliament since January 1993 to January 2021 as MP for Nadowli and from January as MP for Nadowli and from January 2021 to January 2025 as the substantive Speaker.
  13. He is the immediate past President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and also the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments in Africa.
  14. He has been a Member of the Ghana Bar Association since 1982. 43yrs at the Bar.

Fifty 50 Club Supports a kidney patient

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
Emmanuel Mensah receiving the donation from Jacob Edmund Acquah

Fifty 50 Club, an Obuasi-based Non-Profit Association has donated GH¢10,000 to Emmanuel Mensah, a 26-year-old kidney patient, as part of its health interventions at the 14th donation.

The donation is to help in the definitive management of his renal condition. The Club also provided GH¢4,500 to a 9-year-old Sarah Gyasi to enable her to procure a prosthetic leg.

The Fifty 50 Club has made several donations over the past years, including contributing to the cost of surgeries and/or medical treatments for kids and other individuals with various heart/medical conditions. They have also being supporting community clinics with medical equipment and supplies, providing scholarships to brilliant but needy students and setting up businesses for many artisans among others.

Dr. Kwadwo Anim of the AngloGold Ashanti Health Foundation, who is a member of the Club, disclosed that renal problem has been one of the leading causes of death in the country.

According to him, Statistics show that nearly 14% of the over 30 million Ghanaians are suffering from chronic kidney disease.

He expressed the view that treatment is not cheap, as patients require between GH¢400 and GH¢1000 for three dialysis sessions a week.

He indicated that the cost of dialysis is a fraction of the bills, excluding regular medication and other health services.

Dr Anim, while commending the Fifty 50 Club for their support called for collaborative efforts in making sure the cost of treating kidney diseases is affordable to all, advised the public to maintain healthy lifestyles to avoid developing kidney disease.

The Fifty 50 club also supported the Kyekyewere-Dadwene community health center with some medical equipment and supplies worth GH¢34,810.

The items included 1 Delivery Bed, 1 Dressing Bed, 1 Drip Stand, 1 Nebulizing Machine, 1 Oxygen Cylinder with Flowmeter, 2 BP Apparatus, 2 Forceps, 2 Weighing Scales and 2 Thermometers among others.

Eric Atuahene Agyemang, the Adansi North District Health Director, receiving the items lauded the club for the kind gesture at the crucial time, where the facility is challenged with lack of basic medical equipment and logistics.

He said the health facility has always been overwhelmed with OPD attendance because of the ever growing population and called on other NGOs to support the facility.

The Artisans receiving the items from the Executives of Fifty 50 Club

The Club has also donated various tools/equipment (totaling GH¢9,350 to 5 artisans in the Obuasi and its surrounding communities, Three (3) dryers, 3 hand dryers and 3 washing basins were given to 3 Hairdressers and two (2) sewing machines and 2 pressing irons to 2 Seamstresses, to equip the artisans to set up their own businesses and provide them with a steady stream of income.

Eric Broni, member of the club, noted the club believes in human capital development, hence decided to consistently support artisans who have fully completed their apprenticeship by setting them up with Start-up tools and equipment.

Jacob Edmund-Acquah, the President and Founder of the Club disclosed that they were motivated by the objective of the group to impact lives together, as they identify some key challenges in the society and contribute to resolve them.

According to him, the total cost of the donations at the event was GH¢61,000 and commended members of the group for their generosity and continued support.

He called on individuals and corporate institutions to consider joining the club and/or making donations to support the activities of the club.

Mahama promises fairer tax system

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
President John Dramani Mahama holding the sword of authority

In a historic moment at 11:13 a.m. yesterday, Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo officially swore in John Dramani Mahama as the sixth President of the Republic of Ghana.

His inauguration marks a significant political comeback on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following his re-election, after two defeats to Nana Akufo-Addo in 2016 and 2020.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the iconic Black Star Square, brought together dignitaries including heads of state, diplomats, traditional rulers, clergy and massive public turnout.

In his inaugural address, President Mahama charted a bold vision for Ghana’s future, emphasising unity, accountability and socio-economic transformation.

He urged Ghanaians to embrace a “national reset” aimed at restoring faith in leadership, rebuilding the economy and fostering inclusivity.

President Mahama underscored the importance of moving beyond partisan divisions to achieve common goals.

He acknowledged the role of political opposition in a healthy democracy, thereby extended an olive branch to his predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo, calling him a “worthy opponent” and expressing respect for their past political battles.

Focus on Economic Recovery

Mr. Mahama pledged to prioritise economic stability and growth, announcing plans to revamp Ghana’s business environment and introduce a fairer tax system.

“We will rationalise our tax systems to make them fair and transparent. The business community must know that Ghana is back in business,” he declared.

He rehashed the introduction of the 24-hour economy to create jobs, stimulate local industries, and attract foreign investments. This vision includes keeping markets, public services and businesses operational around the clock to meet diverse citizen needs.

This vision is in line with the need to tap into the potential of youth and women as drivers of national progress. He described Ghana’s young population as the “heartbeat of democracy” and vowed to implement policies that foster job creation and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Mahama also celebrated Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s historic role as Ghana’s first female vice president.

He described her inauguration as a milestone for gender equality, pledging to create opportunities that empower women and remove societal barriers.

Regional and Global Cooperation

President Mahama reiterated his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s ties within the West African region and the global community. He called for collaborative efforts to address pressing challenges, including climate change and regional stability.

“To our friends from across Africa and the world, I say ‘Akwaaba!’ Your presence today reaffirms our shared commitment to cooperation and progress,” he said.

Mr. Mahama rallied Ghanaians to unite behind his vision for a better Ghana, urging collective responsibility in building a nation that upholds unity, equality, and transparency.

“This is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise,” he declared.

The President concluded with a prayer for the nation, invoking God’s blessings and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability and transformative governance.

1...1,0161,0171,018...2,995Page 1,017 of 2,995

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle