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The Biblical Names And Titles Of Jesus Christ (Part 1)

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Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.

 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. – Colossians 1:15-20.

INTRODUCTION

Throughout Scripture, we discover that names hold significant value and meaning. They tell us something specific about someone’s character. The name of Jesus is significant. We see this in the angel’s message to Mary in Luke 26:31-32a; You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name Him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High.

By looking closely at the labels used throughout the Bible to describe Jesus, we can discover a new appreciation for the ways Jesus ministers to us. A wealth of information concerning His person and work can be obtained from studying the names and titles ascribed to Him. Some of them are:

  1. ADAM; “So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. – 1 Corinthians 15:45
  2. ADVOCATE; My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. – 1 John 2:1
  3. ALMIGHTY;I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. – Revelations 1:8
  4. AMEN;To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. – Revelations 3:14
  5. ANOINTED; The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, – Psalm 2:2
  6. APOSTLE; Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our Apostle and High priest. – Hebrews 3:1
  7. AUTHOR; fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2
  8. ALPHA; “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. – Revelations 1:8
  9. BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHETR; The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14
  10. BISHOP; For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:25
  11. BLESSED; which God will bring about in His own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, – 1 Timothy 6:15
  12. BELOVED; To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. – Ephesians 1:6
  13. BRIGHT MORNING STAR; I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give youthis testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. – Revelations 22:16
  14. CARPENTER; Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? – Matthew 13:55
  15. COMMANDER;Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. – Isaiah 55:4
  16. CORNERSTONE;built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” – Ephesians 2:20
  17. CHRIST;And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. – Matthew 2:4
  18. DAYSPRING FROM ON HIGH;Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, – Luke 1:78
  19. DELIVERER;The deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn godlessness away from Jacob. – Romans 11:26
  20. DOOR OF THE SHEEPFOLD;Therefore, Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.” – John 10:7
  21. EMMANUEL;Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. – Matthew 1:23
  22. EXPRESS IMAGE OF GOD; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high – Hebrews 1:3
  23. FAITHFUL WITNESS; “and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” – Revelations 1:5
  24. FIRST FRUITS; But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him. – 1 Corinthians 15:23
  25. FOUNDATION;See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. – Isaiah 28:16
  26. FOUNTAIN;On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. – Zechariah 13:1
  27. FORERUNNER;where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. – Hebrews 6:20  
  28. FRIEND OF SINNERS; The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ – Matthew 11:9
  29. HEAD OF CHURCH; And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.”– Colossians 1:18
  30. HIGH PRIEST,Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. – Hebrews 3:1

 

  • Source: Culled from Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible

To be continued!!

Stay blessed!

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Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry City battle at Hillsborough 

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Coventry City players

In a replay of Saturday’s Championship contest, Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City will again do battle at Hillsborough on Friday with an FA Cup round-of-16 place on the line.

The visitors picked up a 2-1 win in South Yorkshire to complete a league double over their hosts, with both sides now battling for a place in the final 16 of the FA Cup.

Sheffield Wednesday will return to FA Cup action on Friday with the aim of advancing to the round of 16 for the first time since the 2019-20 season, after advancing through the third round in emphatic fashion early this year.

Coventry City also entered this year’s iteration of the FA Cup in the third round and advanced in similarly dominant fashion to the Owls.

That result came in the midst of an impressive league run for Mark Robins‘s side, who have quickly scaled the Championship table with a nine-match unbeaten streak producing six victories including two triumphs over Friday’s opponents,

Now sitting sixth in the Championship thanks to their climb, and having gone unbeaten for 10 matches and picked up four straight wins in all competitions, Coventry City will set out to again get the better of Sheffield Wednesday on Friday and further add to a promising season with a victory to advance in the FA Cup.

We expect both sides to rotate heavily for the clash at Hillsborough, and given the visitors have more quality and depth throughout their squad, we back them to make it back-to-back wins in South Yorkshire and advance on Friday.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Nottingham Forest travel away to face Bristol City

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Nottingham Forest players

Nottingham Forest travel to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City in one of four FA Cup fourth round ties on Friday night.

Liam Manning‘s side were the only lower-league club to knock out a Premier League side in the third round, as they got the better of West Ham United in a replay here.

Tommy Conway was the hero for Bristol City, as it was his early strike in a replay last Tuesday that sealed their place in the fourth round.

It was also his goal at the London Stadium which forced the tie to a replay, and the Robins will now welcome another Premier League side to Ashton Gate.

The two clubs have recent history considering they shared the same division for many years, and Forest got the better of Bristol City in both meetings during their promotion campaign in 2021-22. That was under the since-departed Steve Cooper though, and even though results have been hit-and-miss under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have been incredibly entertaining to watch.

With Forest potentially lacking options in attacking areas, they may struggle to impose their superiority on Bristol City in an intriguing cup tie.

The visitors are also without a clean sheet in 12 games, so Bristol City can expect to create chances, but may still need some individual inspiration like they got against West Ham.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Tottenham host Manchester City in mouthwatering contest 

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Tottenham host Manchester City

Arguably the pick of the FA Cup fourth-round ties, Tottenham Hotspur host defending champions Manchester City in Friday’s mouthwatering North London contest.

The Lilywhites edged past Burnley 1-0 to earn a date with the treble winners, who began their quest for back-to-back titles with a 5-0 drubbing of Huddersfield Town in the third round.

With no European trophy to compete for and an early EFL Cup exit representing the first blot on Ange Postecoglou‘s notebook, the FA Cup is Tottenham’s best hope of ending their unsightly 16-year streak without a piece of silverware, unless the capital giants enjoy an unexpected Premier League title renaissance in the coming months.

City on the other hand commenced their bid for back-to-back FA Cup crowns with a customary Etihad annihilation of lower-tier opposition, putting five past Huddersfield Town without reply to kick off the New Year in emphatic fashion.

After an engrossing and controversial six-goal stalemate between Tottenham and Man City at the Etihad in December, another goal-laden contest ought to be on the menu on Friday, especially with both clubs enjoying the luxury of a weekend off following all-action top-flight affairs.

Owing to Tottenham’s midfield shortages, Man City’s scoring hoodoo at Spurs’ headquarters should finally be banished, but an unwanted replay may be required to determine which heavyweight punches their ticket to the fifth round.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Aston Villa storm Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea

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Chelsea players

Still on track for a domestic cup double, Chelsea seek a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup when Aston Villa travel to Stamford Bridge on Friday evening.

The Blues will compete for EFL Cup glory thanks to a 6-1 battering of Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, while their visitors coincidentally overcame the same opponents in FA Cup round three.

Before the Blues faithful can get overly excited about a EFL Cup Wembley sojourn, Pochettino’s men have an FA Cup fourth-round tie to win after they cruised past Preston North End 4-0 in their opening encounter, and it has been nine years since Chelsea were last forced to exit in the fourth round.

Still rebuilding the Stamford Bridge walls, Chelsea’s crushing of Middlesbrough represented the Blues’ seventh home win on the trot across all competitions, and the hosts are also on an eight-game Stamford Bridge winning streak in the FA Cup, but a perpetual knockout specialist will be barking orders from the visiting dugout this week.

Not since 2010 have Chelsea and Villa shared the spoils in a goalless draw, though, and the Lions also clinched back-to-back wins and back-to-back clean sheets over the Blues at Stamford Bridge in 2023, offering hope to the visiting faithful that Emery’s crop can subject the EFL Cup finalists to a rude awakening.

 

Chieftaincy Minister Reignites Debate: Mills’ Death Must Be Probed!

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Mr Asamoah Boateng

The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has called for a thorough investigation into the death of President John Evans Fiifi Atta-Mills in 2012.

This, according to him, will put to an end to all the controversies surrounding the death, for the country to move forward.

Addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday, on matters involving the Ekumfi Traditional Council, Mr Asamoah Boateng also contended that the controversial autopsy report must also be made public.

“As the Minister for Chieftaincy, holding firm our tradition and custom, religion and faith, as we all die and where we will go, I will support that we solve the controversies surrounding the death of the former president, John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, for the records to be set straight”, he stated.

“We have to know where he died, the doctor who attended to him, where he was taken to? I am told the body was taken to the funeral home, who authorised that the body should be moved to that end? We heard it was in the custody of 37 Hospital, why did he end up in a private hospital?

“Is there something in the autopsy report they don’t want us to know? Why are they hiding it? If the public wants it, why not make it available? It should be available for public record,” he said.

The Chieftaincy Minister did not understand why those who have the power to release the autopsy report are still holding on to the information and that, the former president isn’t sleeping peaceful, because of the controversies surrounding his death.

Touching on comments President Akufo-Addo made when the family of the former President Atta Mills visited him at Jubilee House, that his government has neglected development in Ekumfi due to the latter’s decision to vote Francis Ato Cudjoe out of Parliament in 2020, he said the statement of the president was misinterpreted.

The minister stated emphatically that Ekumfi Constituency has never been neglected by the government saying, “They have twisted what the president said for their political agenda – the president has done very well for the people of Ekumfi.

“The President only meant that because his appointee was voted out of power, the contact was lost in a way, but don’t worry, you have come to tell me, why not, we will do it, so I think the twist was from here.

“This is because his appointee at the time was the one he was constantly in communication with, concerning the needs of the people, but because he was no more a member of parliament, things changed”, he explained.

The minister complained that few days after this meeting with the president, where he was present, he heard in the public domain that some traditional leaders where complaining about the family’s visit to the president.

He emphasised that the meeting the family had with the president was in the right direction and they had the right to be there as well.

He said it was an appreciation visit for what the president has done for them and their son (former President Atta Mills) and, therefore, appealed to the president for more development to enhance the living standards of their people.

Mahama promotes ‘24hr economy’in K’si

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ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Former President Mahama and Dr Duffour addressing the crowd

Former President, John Dramani Mahama yesterday led members, supporters and sympathisers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to sensitize Ghanaians on his proposed 24-hour Economy policy.

The NDC flagbearer explained that the proposed 24-hour Economy policy will help to address Ghana’s unemployment challenges.

“The 24-hour economy, which is being implemented in other countries, is not something new at all,” he said and announced that the next NDC government would put measures in place to encourage businesses under the proposed policy and thus create more jobs for the youth, who will be equipped with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills for a sustained future.

He was addressing thousands of supporters at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi, after the 24-hour Economy sensitisation mega walk.

According to him, pharmacies, pump stations and sawmills were all operating 24hrs years ago, and queried why some companies close at 5 pm and 8 pm these days.

Mr Mahama wondered why the Kejetia Market cannot operate a 24-hour Economy for people to engage in their commercial activities.

He promised to provide adequate security and protection by the Ghana Police Service and transport for people to work at night under the policy, if he assumes office, and assured that measures will be put in place to ensure that the 24-hour Economy works.

The flagbearer criticised the ruling government for its inability to complete the Phase II of the Kejetia Redevelopment Project and other key infrastructure projects in the Ashanti Region.

He also blamed the government for failing to honour the promise it made to victims of the Kejetia Market fire.

The NDC leader noted that Kumasi is a commercial hub and that a messy economy will affect its residents, hence the need for the NDC to rescue Ghanaians from the NPP and to avoid further plunging of the economy into an abyss.

Ex-President Mahama noted that the NPP government does not deserve another term since it failed to deliver its promises to the traders, after the fire outbreak in the market.

Mr Mahama also took a swipe at the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for reneging on his promise to renovate portions of the Kejetia Market burnt in March, last year.

According to him, the Nana Akufo-Addo and Bawumia government is performing abysmally in terms of economic management.

He assured the people not to worry because the next NDC government will restore the economy back on track and address the sorry state in which the Kumasi market is currently in.

The ex-President claimed the NDC has the Men and Women to bring the economy back and to ensure that every part of the country gets its fair share of the national cake.

Mr Mahama stressed that the fate of the country cannot be left in the hands of a few group of people who are interested in depleting state resources.

He stated that the NDC is winning the upcoming general elections and urged the rank and file of the party to sink their differences emanating from the party’s internal elections and unite their front.

Some of the party bigwigs that joined the former President in the Kumasi walk included; Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the Party, Mr. Kojo Bonsu, former KMA boss, Dr. Kwabena Duffour, former Minister of Finance and COP (Retired) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, the former Ashanti Regional Police Commander and former Director-General of Legal Affairs of the Ghana Police Service.

We still love Adwoa Safo – Dome-Kwabenya NPP delegates

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Sarah Adwoa Safo, MP for Dome-Kwabenya

Some delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency have said they are still in love with their sitting Member of Parliament (MP), Lawyer Sarah Adwoa Safo, and would vote massively for her.

This, they noted, would send a strong signal to the party hierarchy that without Adwoa Safo, the NPP would struggle to retain the Dome-Kwabenya seat for the party.

What is motivating them to go out in droves to vote massively to retain the former Deputy Majority Leader, they said, is her competency, which has never been questioned, despite the mistakes she made last year, when the party needed her most in Parliament to pass some critical government policies.

According to them, Saturday, January 27, 2024 parliamentary primaries in the constituency is all about legacy and trump card, two distinct features which they claim separate the incumbent from her competitors, Mike Oquaye Jnr and Sheela Oppong Sakyi.

In an  interview with The Chronicle, the delegates described Adwoa Safo as the hen that lays the golden eggs and argued that the constituency under her leadership has seen tremendous growth, especially in the areas of road infrastructure, health, water and sanitation, education, energy (power supply) and security among many others.

They contended that Dome-Kwabenya has always got it right in choosing the best to represent them, stressing that the outcome of Saturday’s polls would not depart from the previous elections.

Not tired of re-electing Safo

“We have no time to play any try and error game. The legacy of Lawyer Sarah Adwoa Safo is there for all to see. In fact, anybody in the constituency can feel and experience it. She is already on the ground working and to me she is our best bet for 2024.

“I have been in the constituency for the past 26 years and I can confidently tell you that Adwoa Safo is loved by majority of the constituents, and we the delegates still love her.  She listens to our concerns and acts upon them. That is why we are not tired of re-electing her”, Mama Gee, a delegate at Agbogba-Konongo Polling Station told The Chronicle.

Shadrach Gyimah, a delegate at the Old Ashongman Presbyterian School said the only candidate among the three contestants who poses a great challenge to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is Adwoa Safo

“If Adwoa Safo is to contest the seat 10 times, I will vote for her and urge others to also vote for her. If you consider our experienced MPs going out, it is incumbent on us to retain Adwoa Safo. Come to Abokobi-Boye and you will see heavy-duty machines and/or equipment fixing our road network.

“You can also see so many public health infrastructure around us. All these had to do with someone who has a very good lobbying skill. So, for me, no Adwoa Safo no vote”, he noted.

No legacy

Commenting further, Gyimah noted that none of the candidates contesting Adwoa Safo has any legacy project to pinpoint to, a key factor which he added, plays a big role in such a contest.

“The other candidates have no legacy project in the constituency to convince us to vote for them, despite having been appointed to occupy various positions in government. We want to set a record this year by demonstrating our special love to Adwoa Safo by voting massively for her. This will send a signal to our big men that without Adwoa Safo, Dome-Kwabenya will struggle to garner the much-needed votes to assist in breaking the eight-year governance cycle”, he stressed.

While the lawmaker was away in the United States of America attending to family matters, the constituency voter’s album for the election of polling station executives and electoral area coordinators were newly compiled.

625 delegates, said to be aligned to the vision of Adwoa Safo, a former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection were allegedly removed from the album with perceived followers of a particular candidate, replacing them. The constituency has 1,807 delegates.

Many have since accused the constituency executives of working in favour of a particular candidate.

The executives have since denied working in the interest of a particular candidate.

Responding to the issue, Gyimah noted that the ‘mischief’ that the new voter’s album had sought to create had been cured with the good message of Adwoa Safo that seeks to economically empower the constituents.

Dependable candidate

Nana Nkrumah, also a delegate at Zonal Council Polling Station, on his part told The Chronicle that his assessment of the three candidates, singled out Adwoa Safo as someone who the NPP can heavily rely on to retain the seat for the party.

“There is only one person who stands tall among the rest. That person is Adwoa Safo, who has proven to be a dependable candidate. In terms of competency, track-record and one   who has demonstrated or proven with a track-record is Adwoa Safo.

“She took over from Prof. Aaron Michael Oquaye with 35,000 votes. Today, she is around 75,000 votes. She appeals to all members of the various political parties in the constituency, which is her major strength”, he said.

Coup trial: ACP Agordzor discharged; six others sentenced to death

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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ACP Benjamin Agordzo in a victory mood

Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gamali, a senior officer of the Ghana Armed Forces, Corporal Seidu Abubaka, a junior officer from the same institution and Assistant Commissioner of Police  (ACP) Dr. Benjamin Kwasi Agordzo have been acquitted and discharged of abetment and conspiracy to overthrow the Akufo-Addo government.

Six others who were facing the same offence – Sonya Kafui, aka Ezor, Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu, aka Bright, Alan Yeboah, aka BB, Johannes Zikpi, WOII Esther Saan Dekuwine, Lance Corporal (LAC) Ali Solomon and Cpl Sylvester Akanpewon were, however, found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.

The six were found guilty of conspiracy to commit a crime, to wit treason and high treason by an Accra High Court, presided by three justices of the Court of Appeal, with an additional responsibility of the High Court.

In respect of those who were discharged and acquitted, the justices, Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, Hafisata Amaleboba and Stephen Oppong said the prosecution could not adduce enough evidence to prove the alleged crimes against them.

This was a unanimous decision by the three justices.

The court said there was nothing to show that these people have interest in overthrowing the government, particularly the prosecution could not provide proof that Col Gamali admitted knowledge of the plot to some senior officers of the military and was waiting for the right hour before he will disclose same to the Military High Command.

Similarly, the court also found a reason of doubt in the prosecution evidence against ACP Agordzo that he donated money to fund the activities of Take Action Ghana (TAG), founded by the first accused, Dr Frederick MacPalm, who is late, to cause mayhem.

It was discovered that a WhatsApp platform, known as TAG Executive, where matters of the coup plot were discussed did have ACP Agordzo as part of its members.

The court added that it was clear from ACP  Agordzo interactions with late Dr. Mac Palm that the former donated an amount of GH¢2,000 in furtherance of TAG, for the organisation of a medical outreach and not to stage a coup.

Furthermore, a speech that ACP Agordzo forwarded to late Mac Palm was neither authored by him nor does its content advocate for violence.

In all, the prosecution called 13 witnesses and they are Colonel Issac Ansah, Major General Peter Andoh, Staff Sargent Awarf Sully, Staff Sergeant Henry Ekow Ghartey and Staff Sergeant Natona.

The rest are; Issac Osei, ASP Richard Anati, Col Ansah, Eric Kakari Boating, Francis Aboagye, Kabral Anabila, Cpl Nii Kranchi Ankrah and Detective Chief Inspector Micheal Nkrumah.

It took the Justices, Afia and Hafisata, almost four hours to deliver the judgement yesterday.

The President of the 3-member panel, Justice Afia Sewaa, also stated that Victor Kwadga Adawudu,  Counsel for Donya, Corporal Seidu Abubaka, Ali Solomon and Cpl Sylvester Akanpewon failed to file his written submissions when the court ordered.

After the committal trial at the Kaneshie District Court, the high court began the criminal trial on April 2021.

Editorial: Utilise IMF money responsibly for the necessary impact

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the release of Ghana’s second tranche of US$600 million, and as expected, the amount has reflected in the accounts of Ghana this week. The release of the second tranche brings the total disbursement to US$1.2 billion of the US$3 billion Extended Credit Facility.

The entire amount, to be disbursed over a period of three years, is mainly to support the implementation of the government’s Post-COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG).

The release of the second tranche, which was delayed as a result of the bottlenecks in securing an agreement with the Official Creditor Committee, placed the hope of the nation on tenterhooks.

Fortunately for the country, the government managed to secure that agreement last week, leading to the Fund’s endorsement of the country’s First Review of the IMF programme. The Chronicle congratulates the Ghanaian team leading the charge.

The Minister for Finance, at the press conference that announced the approval of the second tranche, described the development as a “pivotal milestone” in the country’s programme implementation.

He claimed that the agreement reached with official Creditors was a powerful vote of confidence in Ghana’s economic strategy. He added that, “Consequently this endorsement has unlocked a US$600 million disbursement from the IMF and will pave the way for an additional US$300 million disbursement from the World Bank, under the Development Policy Operation Financing by the end of February.”

The IMF Mission Chief for Ghana, Mr. Stephane Roudet, said that despite the difficult economic environment, the reforms being implemented by the government had started bearing fruit, with signs of economic stabilisation emerging.

The current developments create space for the government to breathe in the midst of the economic challenges. Data reveals that the economy has proven more resilient than it was initially envisioned.

For instance, inflation, which skyrocketed in the later part of last year has taken a nose-dive, while fiscal and external positions are also improving. The Bank of Ghana’s international reserves have been increasing and exchange rate volatility has been decreasing since the first tranche of IMF cash dropped. It is the expectation that with the second tranche hitting the account, there will be much improvement.

However, we cannot shout uhuru yet, as financial and economic experts say the road to full stabilisation is not near.

We urge the government to be cautious and responsible in the utilisation of the IMF money and other funds that may be made available from the World Bank and other partners.

Ghana is at the Breton Wood’s institution for the 17th time and we do not need a soothsayer to reveal that we are likely to return.

The government must hold on to its resolve to ensure fiscal discipline, especially before, during, and after the December 7 elections, where unbudgeted election year expenditure suffocates the economy.

It is trite knowledge that the IMF is not a father Christmas and its business thrives even more, when countries seek their support. We should not, as a country, fancy that practice.

The money they give to Ghana is the tax paid by United States citizens. For how long, 67 years since independence, will Ghana continue to depend on that? We acknowledge the global economic crisis, but if we do not act, we may find another excuse for the 18th IMF support. We must learn to adopt a home-grown solution to our challenges.

We encourage the government to take the advice of the former president in good faith and ensure that it addresses outstanding challenges through determined and steadfast policies and reform implementation.

In December, last year, we published a report in which the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, indicated that corruption undermines the principles of good governance and if successfully tackled, Ghana will have no business with the IMF.

He also opined, with which we agree, that if the IMF money does not have the impact it is supposed to have, then Ghana will not come out of the poverty problem it is facing.

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