Home Blog Page 575

Zelensky announces new draft law on anti-corruption bodies after protests

By
admin
-
0
Anti-government protests since the start of the war took place in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine – days after nationwide protests broke out over changes curbing their independence.

Kyiv’s Western partners had also expressed serious concerns over the legislation.

On Thursday, Zelensky seemed to backtrack, saying the new bill was intended to safeguard the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap), and to protect them from Russian influence.

He said the text of the bill was “balanced”, but did not provide any details.

The law passed earlier this week brought Nabu and Sap under the control of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.

At the time Zelensky justified his decision to curtail the bodies’ powers by citing Russian influence. The day before, Ukraine’s security services had carried out searches and arrests targeting alleged Russian spies at the agency.

The passing of the legislation instantly sparked the largest protests since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 in several cities across Ukraine, with many worrying the law would severely undermine the Nabu and Sap’s authority and effectiveness.

Thousands of people gathered in streets and squares across Ukraine, holding placards calling for the legislation to be vetoed.

Several commentators accused Zelensky of democratic backsliding. Their concerns were further exacerbated when Ukraine’s Western partners signalled their displeasure with the bill.

Credit: bbc.com

Russia and Ukraine trade drone attacks after latest ceasefire talks

By
admin
-
0
Russia and Ukraine in drone attacks

Drone strikes by both Moscow and Kyiv killed two in Russia and three in Ukraine, hours after a brief third round of ceasefire talks concluded in Istanbul.

Three people were found dead in the rubble of a house after a strike in Ukraine’s eastern Kharkiv region and several people were wounded in the cities of Cherkasy and Zaporizhzhia.

In the Black Sea port city of Odesa the famous Pryvoz market, as well as a central boulevard which is a Unesco world heritage site, were also hit.

Several fires broke out across the city following an overnight attack, authorities said. Meanwhile, Russian authorities said two people were killed and 11 injured in an overnight Ukrainian drone strike on Sochi, in Russia’s Krasnodar region.

Another Russian attack on the Ukrainian city Kharkiv on Thursday morning also left 33 injured.

Ukrainian and Russian delegations met on Wednesday evening in Istanbul in the third round of ceasefire talks.

Neither side appeared to harbour much hope for progress before start of the talks, which according to the head of the Ukrainian delegation lasted barely an hour.

The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, said both countries agreed to swap 1,200 prisoners of war and that Russia had offered to transfer 3,000 bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers back to Kyiv.

But no tangible steps were taken to end the conflict, now well into its fourth year, and both sides accused the other of rejecting their ideas.

Credit: bbc.com

Three Ahafo Ano South West communities hooked onto National Grid

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
DCE Abubakar Sedik (right) in a discussion with an Electrical Engineer at the site

Mr. Abubakar Sedik, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West District in the Ashanti Region has commissioned the extension of the national electricity grid to three communities in the district.

Engineers working on the Electricity Extension project

The communities, including Ohia Nhye Da, Mmrobem and Barniekrom Nyamebekyere were officially hooked onto the national grid on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The project was executed under the auspices of the Rural Electrification Project through the Ministry of Energy.

Mr. Sedik emphasised that the commissioning of electricity in the communities will significantly improve education and economic activities in the areas.

He also urged community members to always seek the services of qualified electricians to avoid fire disasters in their homes and shops.

In an interview with the media, Mr. Sedik assured the people of Ahafo Ano South West District that every community in the district will have electricity by the end of 2028, which assurance has brought hope to the residents, who have been waiting for years to access this basic necessity.

The community members expressed their gratitude to the Nana Addo-led administration for initiating the project and the John Dramani Mahama administration for completing it.

They thanked the government for bringing light to their communities, which will undoubtedly improve the quality of life and contribute to the overall development of the district and improve the livelihoods of its residents.

Asawase Zongo Chief calls for peace, calm after murder of Kusaasi Chief

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
Alhaji Shaibu Suleiman M.B, Asawase Zongo Chief

The Office of the Asawase Zongo Community Chief has expressed deep sorrow and condemnation over the tragic assassination of Chief Abdul-Malik Azenbe, the Kusaasi Chief of the Ashanti Region.

The chief was shot dead by unknown gunmen at his residence at Asawase, in Kumasi on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

In a statement, the Asawase Zongo Community Chief appealed to the entire Zongo community and the general public to remain calm and peaceful to allow the security agencies to conduct thorough investigations.

The chief urged residents to assist authorities with credible information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the heinous act.

He also called on security services to carry out their duties with professionalism, diligence and urgency to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Chief advised all Zongo indigenes and settlers across Kumasi and the Ashanti Region to uphold peace and shun all forms of violence.

He emphasised the importance of unity, discipline and adherence to the teachings of peace in Islam and the values of mutual respect and tolerance, citing the wise counsel of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

The Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, who is also the Interior Minister and the Municipal Chief Executive for Asokore Mampong Municipality, Ben Abdallah Alhassan, have swiftly responded to the situation, providing leadership to ensure justice is served, without compromising the peace of the populace.

The Interior Minister has promised a thorough investigation and swift justice, assuring the public that the security agencies are working to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice.

The police have appealed to the public for information to help apprehend the killers.

Meanwhile, two empty AK-47 shells were recovered at the scene and the Regional Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, has assured the bereaved family of a swift investigation.

 

How Chronic Constipation Affects Your Body

By
admin
-
0

When you’re constipated, your body isn’t able to get rid of waste like it needs to. Having it every once in a while is common, but if you’re dealing with symptoms for more than 3 months, your constipation is chronic. And that raises your chance of having complications.

In general, constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the large intestine, also called the colon. If the stool moves slowly, the body absorbs too much water from the stool. The stool can become hard, dry and difficult to pass.

Symptoms of constipation

It’s likely to be constipation if:

  • you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week or you’re pooing less often than usual
  • the poo is unusually large or small and is dry, hard or lumpy
  • you are straining or in pain when you have a poo
  • you feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels

The problems most often happen in the places where stool leaves your body.

Hemorrhoids

When you’re constipated, you’re more likely to push hard to try to go. That can make the veins around your rectum and anus swell. These swollen veins are called hemorrhoids, or piles. They’re like varicose veins around your anus. They can be external, which means they’re under the skin around the anus, or internal, which means they’re in the lining of your anus or rectum.

Hemorrhoids can itch and be painful. They can cause bleeding when you have a bowel movement. You may see streaks of blood on your toilet paper when you wipe. Sometimes blood can pool inside a hemorrhoid, which can cause a painful, hard lump. You may also get skin tags, blood clots, or infections from your hemorrhoids.

Anal Fissures

Passing hard stools or straining to pass stools can tear the tissue around your anus. These tears are anal fissures. They cause itching, pain, and bleeding. Because the symptoms of anal fissures make going to the bathroom more difficult, they can make constipation worse. This happens often in children who hold in their stool out of fear of the pain.

The tears are usually very small. But sometimes they can grow larger and affect the ring of muscle at the opening of your anus that keeps it closed. This kind of anal fissure is harder to heal. You may need medication or surgery to fix the problem. Once you’ve had an anal fissure, you’re more likely to get another one.

Impaction

When you can’t get stool out of your body, it can start to stick together in your intestines. The hardened mass gets stuck and causes a blockage. The squeezing your colon normally uses to push stool out of your body can’t move it because it’s too large and hard.

It can cause pain and vomiting. You may even have to go to the emergency room for treatment. Children and older adults are more likely to have fecal impaction.

Rectal Prolapse

Your rectum, the final part of your large intestine, ends at your anus. When you’re constantly straining to pass stools, it can stretch and slip outside your body. Sometimes just part of the rectum comes out, but sometimes the whole thing does.

It can be painful and may cause bleeding. It can sometimes be hard to tell if you have rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids, since both cause bulging out of the anus, but they’re two different conditions that need to be treated differently.

Credit: webmd

NPP! Any Advisors?

By
admin
-
0
Africanus Owusu Ansah (Hot Issues)

“People should not over-exaggerate their strengths” – Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Ex-MP, Suame; Ex-NPP Majority Leader (Joy News 21/07/25)

Friday, July 18, 2025 and Saturday, July 19, 2025. The venue: University of Ghana Stadium.  The theme: “Rebuilding Together With Our Values”.

And over 5600 delegates swarmed the stadium.  We did not know who our delegate was – and we cared less.  Why?  We were not expecting anything extra-ordinary!  It’s all deja-vu

The arrival of the NPP “big-wigs” gave a fore-taste of the logo-ligi of the events: standing ovation for all the presidential candidates: Bryan Acheampong, Agyarko, Dr. Yaw Adutwum, Kennedy Agyapong and Dr. Bawumia.

Bawumia, the “Establishment” Candidate got the resounding acclaim. He was the only presidential candidate who was driven round to acknowledge the support. With the absence of Presidents Kufuor and Nana Addo, as well as the Chairman Stephen Ntim, the ground had been prepared for Bawumia– the all-time lucky NPP person:  that was Lawyer Osei-Wusu (Joe Wise) explaining.

Bawumia was again the only person to address the gathering, He talked about unity discipline and introspection, and then he veered (did you say goofed?) ….. “Let us rather focus on the attempt by the NDC to undermine our democracy and rule of law in trying to remove the Chief Justice … (Did we hear him right?)” and the political witch-hunt of the Electoral Commissioner? Why would NPP wade into the Chief Justice (Torkonoo) saga?  They don’t respect the current crop of justices in the Supreme Court? Which constitutional provision (human rights) has been flouted?

Kennedy Agyapong drove in rolling his hands thereby indicating “change”.  Known for his threat of “showdown”, no one was left to wonder what he could do next.  Does anybody doubt Kennedy’s “grassroots” status?  Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu thinks the “grassroots” label is “over-hyped”. Why should anyone challenge this peculiar characteristic of Ken?

The planners had to sell the ideas to the delegates and throw them open for voting – Yes or No.  Peter Mc Manu and Evans Nimako had prepared the ground: 56 motions: Abolish Article 13 (1) (9) of the NPP Constitution which established the Special Electoral College (the Super Delegates Conference) (expand the Electoral College to include National Council, National Executive Committee, Regional and Constituency Executive Committees, Electoral Area Coordinators, Polling Station Executives, National Council of Elders, National Patrons, all past National Directors, sitting and past MPs, TESCON representatives from each recognized tertiary institution,  all card-bearing Ministers and deputy Ministers, MMDCEs, 15 delegates from every external branch, founding members and 3 representatives each from special organs of the party.

Other reforms voted for include: Grassroots restructuring (from 5 to 11 or 15 members); Nasara Wing Reforms; Financial and administrative overhaul; Women and Youth representation, reduce age from 40 to 35 (Nay, the delegates shout), Amending Article 7 (30) of the NPP Constitution to appoint independent supervisors for polling station and electoral area election (Nay, the delegates shout at Motion 17 because it risked the chance for grassroots participation).

So, the top-bottom elections will stand when the presidential election takes place on 31st January, 2026 and people are defending this!  And who, but Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu would justify this by making reference to what Kwame Pianim, NPP founding member said on 19th May, 2010 on the introduction of Prof. Frimpong Boateng as NPP flagbearer: “I will tell you what Kwabena Frimpong Boateng is not.

He is not a man of laziness and corruption or incompetence … we are looking for a leader, and not a flagbearer; any idiot can hold a flag … NPP must go for a tried and tested person with lots of experience in leadership … he is incorruptible … corruption will reign freely if any other aspirant is elected …”what was the reaction of the NPP masses to this innocuous objective analysis? Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie (Sir John) lamented: “This is sad for politics”.

Akufo-Addo had said before Cape Coast University branch of the Tertiary Students Confederacy Network (TESCON) in April, 2015: “The fight against corruption should start with an incorruptible president.  I am not, have never been and will never be corrupt … I will not condone corruption in my government … people who see service in government as avenue for making money will have no place in my government… Ghana could have avoided IMF bailout which comes out with certain avoidable conditionalities if the (NDC) government had been honest with the usage of state funds…”

But, what did we see? NPP appointees “chopping government money nyafu-nyafu”, and President Akufo-Addo labelled “clearing agent” for clearing his appointees from accusations of corruption. Cecilia Dapaah; the Board of Directors of the National Cathedral including Rev. Kusi Boateng; Chairman Antwi Boasiako (chairman Wontumi); Kwabena Adu-Boahene (Ex NSB Boss); Bible-quoting Ex-Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta; (Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for his is the will of God in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5: 16 -18) … ex cetera, et cetera …

The “grassroots” NPP people might not understand “economics”, but understand Bawumia’s quote: “when the fundamentals are weak, the exchange rate will expose you”; so will compare NDC $1.00= GHȼ4.00 (2016); NPP $1.00 GHȼ17.00 (2024).  And Bawumia was the Vice President for eight years and superintended over the Domestic Debt Exchange where pensioners, including former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo picketed at the Ministry of Finance in February, 2023; her placard read:  “We use our bond yields to pay our rents, medical bills, electricity bill, water bills…”

And Bawumia would shirk responsibility; as per Hon. Frederick Opare Ansah: “I am a driver’s mate wasn’t a joke, he was indeed working under a President, Nana Akufo” at Adom FM in February, 2024.

And Kennedy Agyapong would hint:  “The message from the base is clear.  They’re calling for real change.  This is no time for patience.  It’s time to rebuild the party with honesty, discipline and patriotism at the core.  Leadership must return to those who listen, not dictate”.  Not dictate?  So, you would question Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the 3rd Vice-Chairman of NPP declare that Nyaho-NyahoTamakloe is no longer a member of NPP because he veered from the ideals of the party.  When was Nyaho Tamakloe sacked? For what reason? What are the ideals of the party?  So, one of the ideals of NPP is to shut up, not criticise an NPP member when you detect a deviation from the objective, clear, distinct “ideals” of NPP.

Do NPP followers listen, read, … the arrogance, the obstinacy… MP for Afadzato, Frank Afriyie says: “The glorious opportunity that the NPP had after their abysmal performance in 2024 was to apologise to Ghanaians and say that they are extremely sorry … you come and say you are not broken, you are fighters, you have never been defeated … (Afenyo-Markin and Justin Frimpong Kodua) … “Who says NPP members have got the word “apology” in their genes?

Because “Big Brother” (as in George Orwell’s 1984) “is watching”, so all should fall in line; don’t show your face as being in “Kufuor’s camp” (as per the discredited “Agyapadie” book) because Kufuor himself has been “sidelined” (despite the humdrum defences from our “friends” (names withheld). “Kwaseaanite a, naagoroagu” (the game ends when an idiot gets wiser).

So leave the National Cathedral in the present state, and as per Solomon Owusu’s advice put up a placard: “How not to govern a country”.  It will attract visitors from all over the world and earn us money to “heal” our sick colonial hospitals as Otumfuo is doing for Komfo Anokye …

 

I Haven’t Bought Cars For Legon Girls … Angry Sammy Gyamfi Sues Afia Schwarzenegger For GH¢10M

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
Sammy Gyamfi
Afia Schwarzenegger

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Gyamfi, popularly known as Sammy Gyamfi, has filed a defamation lawsuit against controversial social media personality, Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa, also known as Afia Schwarzenegger.

Filed at the General Jurisdiction Division of the High Court in Accra, the writ dated July 23, 2025 accuses Afia Schwarzenegger of making false, malicious and defamatory statements about Mr. Gyamfi in a viral TikTok video posted on her handle, “Queen Afia Kande Schwar @queenschwar.”

In the video, Afia Schwarzenegger alleged that Mr. Sammy Gyamfi was buying cars for multiple young women at the University of Ghana, Legon, and claimed to have a list of these alleged girlfriends.

She reportedly told her audience in the Twi language, as transcribed in paragraph 10 of the writ:

“…Mo nkankyere Sammy Gyamfi yere se merekyea no. Ne kunu gusu ere to cars ema girls ewo Legon. Me kura list no. Nea ebama wo ahunu se mekura list no, mere be fre me informant no. Mere fre me informant. Akumaa, ye wild, ye wild. Sammy Gyamfi girl no, ne din no mewere afi, sane fa send me, aane, nafa list no nyinaa bra, aane fa send me, fa ni nyinaa. Mere twen. … Enti monka nkyere Sammy Gyamfi yere no se ne kunu no ereye adwuma wo Legon paa, ore ye adwumayie paa. Na agya, ne yere no koraa eden na obeka, maanoyieara, ne yere no nua, Vida yi, se oabeto fie wo US. Aane, ne yere no nua keteoa koraa beto fie wo US…”

Which loosely translates to;

“Tell Sammy Gyamfi’s wife that I greet her. Her husband is buying cars for girls at Legon. I have the list. What will prove it to you, I’m calling my informant, Akumaa, be wild, be wild. That Sammy Gyamfi’s girl, I’ve forgotten her name, send it to me again. Yes, and add the full list. Send everything. I’m waiting. So, tell Sammy Gyamfi’s wife that her husband is doing a lot at Legon, really doing a lot. Honestly, what will his wife even say? Just a few days ago, his wife’s sister, Vida, bought a house in the US. Yes, even his wife’s younger sister has bought a house in the US…”

According to the plaintiff, Afia Schwarzenegger repeated the alleged defamatory claims on various social media platforms, further alleging that Mr. Sammy Gyamfi facilitated the purchase of a house in the United States for his wife’s sister, whom she named as “Vida.”

Mr. Gyamfi maintains that he is not taking Afia Schwarzenegger’s claims lightly, arguing that they damage his personality as a politician, lawyer, executive member of the NDC and public figure.

He is represented by legal counsel Saani Mahmoud Abdul-Rasheed of SUSTINERI ATTORNEYS PRUC.

The 36-paragraph lawsuit outlines the grounds for the defamation suit.

Mr. Gyamfi is seeking the following reliefs from the court; a declaration that the statements made by Afia Schwarzenegger are defamatory, general damages for defamation of character, exemplary damages amounting to GH¢10,000,000 and a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from making similar or related publications.

Furthermore, he is seeking a public retraction and unqualified apology to be published on the front and back pages of The Daily Graphic for three consecutive days and reposted across all platforms where the original statements were made, as well as full legal costs, including counsel’s fees.

According to the writ, Mr. Gyamfi contends that the allegations are entirely false, malicious and intended to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.

He denies ever buying cars for young women at Legon, denies owning any property in the United States for his wife or any supposed sister-in-law, and asserts that his wife has no sibling named “Vida.”

The suit further claims that the viral video has caused Mr. Sammy Gyamfi serious embarrassment, prompting numerous inquiries from senior officials, colleagues, family members and political associates both in Ghana and abroad.

Afia Schwarzenegger, who currently resides in the Bronx, New York, has eight days from the date of service to respond or risk a default judgment being entered against her.

Forestry Commission Boss Sues Abronye DC For GH¢20m

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
Kwame Baffoe popularly known as ‘Abronye DC’

The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Hugh Clement A. Brown, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as ‘Abronye DC’, seeking GH¢20 million in damages at the Accra High Court.

The suit, filed on July 23, 2025 by Hugh Clement Brown’s legal counsel, Law Trust Company, follows a series of serious allegations made by Mr. Kwame Baffoe, during a televised broadcast.

In the broadcast, Kwame Baffoe accused the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission of forgery, backdating official documents and illegally authorizing the sale of state-owned forest reserves to illegal miners.

The plaintiff is requesting a perpetual injunction to restrain Mr. Kwame Baffoe from making or publishing further defamatory statements.

According to the writ, the defamatory remarks were made in Twi, during a widely circulated video that has since gone viral on social media.

In the recording, Abronye DC alleged that Mr. Brown, prior to his official appointment as CEO in January 2025 forged documents and issued permits for mining activities in forest reserves, including the Gyemena and Offinso Forest Reserves.

Mr. Brown claims that the publication implies, among other things, that the Plaintiff fraudulently backdated a letter to June 11, 2024 to authorize the sale of a forest reserve.

He criminally sold the Jimira Forest Reserve and misappropriated the proceeds, paying only GH¢1,455,500 to the Forestry Commission, facilitated illegal mining by granting unauthorized entry permits, and he is being shielded from arrest by the police and security agencies due to political connections.

Mr. Brown has categorically denied all allegations, insisting that he has never acted illegally or fraudulently.

He explained that the letters referenced in the broadcast were not entry permits, but rather approvals granted to the Executive Director of the Forest Services Division.

These approvals, he states, were legally issued following consultation with the sector minister and were properly documented and copied to the appropriate authorities.

The Forestry Commission issued a rejoinder on July 14, 2025 through its Corporate Affairs & Media Relations Unit, clarifying that the dates “2024” cited in the documents were clerical errors and should have read “2025.”

The rejoinder also debunked claims of fraud or unauthorized sale, emphasizing that neither the Jimira Forest Reserve nor the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve had been sold, and that the state had not lost any revenue.

Despite receiving this rejoinder via WhatsApp, on his known number (020 808 1484), the Defendant reportedly dismissed it as “absolutely balderdash” in a message sent at 11:50 a.m. on July 14, 2025.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission also contends that the defamatory broadcast has seriously damaged his reputation, subjected him to public ridicule and contempt, and caused immense personal and professional distress.

He has received numerous calls and faced embarrassing questions from colleagues, business associates and acquaintances, both locally and internationally.

The suit accuses Mr. Baffoe of acting with malice, stating that he made the allegations during a prime-time broadcast on OHIA TV’s flagship program to maximize their impact.

Mr. Brown further argues that a simple inquiry with him or the Forestry Commission could have disproved the claims before publication.

The Plaintiff is seeking the following reliefs – general damages of GH¢20 million for libel, a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant from further defamatory publications, an unqualified retraction and apology published across all platforms where the original broadcast appeared, and any other reliefs the Court deems appropriate.

Mr. Brown asserts that the statements were “completely false and malicious,” and “calculated to damage his reputation, injure his character and incite public hatred and mistrust toward him in his official capacity.”

As of press time, neither Mr. Baffoe nor his legal team has issued a public response to the lawsuit.

The Defendant has eight days from the date of service to enter an appearance, failing which a default judgment may be rendered.

 

NPP is eager to win the 2028 General Elections –Osei Adjei 

By
admin
-
0
Akwasi Osei Adjei - Ex- Minister for Foreign Affairs

A former Minister for Foreign Affairs under the Kufuor regime, Mr. Akwasi Osei Adjei, has expressed his contentment over the proceedings of the New Patriotic Party (NPP’s) National Delegates Conference held over the weekend, rating the conference 8/10.

According to him, the just ended National Delegates Conference, held at the University of Ghana stadium, which facilitated over 50 amendments in the party’s Constitution brought back the “NPP-spirit”, as well as the “eagerness” to win the 2028 General election.

The former Legislator for the then Ejisu/Juaben Constituency, however, has questioned the processes by which the delegates voted on proposed amendments, noting that the system of shouting “yes or no” is not an “efficient and effective” way  of voting.

Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based radio station, Silver FM, last Tuesday, the former legislator explained to the host, William De Bordes (Loving Cee) that proposed amendments need to be sent to all the constituencies, prior to the conference, to be deliberated upon to get the grassroots opinion, as well as to ensure that delegates are abreast of and understand the proposed amendment.

He noted there should be an efficient voting system that reflects the voice of delegates, to deepen democracy within the party as well as ensuring that the party following are involved in the decision-making of the party.

The former Minister also opined that some positions, such as General Secretary and Treasurer, among others, should not be voted for, but rather should be “selected and appointed” to help curb nepotism within the party noting that the most popular person.

Mr. Akwasi Osei Adjei also expressed his satisfaction over one of the amendments, which enables constituencies to conduct their elections without the involvement of their respective regions’ and national executives in line with his opinion that constituencies should be “semi-autonomous” to empower the constituencies as well as ensuring that competent executives and Parliamentary Candidates are elected.

Touching on the top-bottom approach, Mr. Akwasi Osei Adjei disclosed that the National Executives Committee (NEC) of the party is the final decision-making body hence their decisions cannot be disputed, because they are “always” in the interest of the party.

He further disclosed that the NEC has announced a 40 percent increment in voters, stressing that it “may” make a difference at the presidential primaries slated for January 31, 2026.

Assessing President Mahama 7-month period in office, the former Minister condemned the energy Sector Levy, popularly known as Dumsor Levy, stressing that fuel prices are not stagnant and also influenced by world prices, which will eventually “shoot-up” and  exerting more financial burden on the citizenry.

He further urged the NDC-led government to be candid with themselves and acknowledge the good policies of the previous government, which they (NDC) are rebranding and building on and continue with it, citing the 24-Hour economy initiative having the same policies of the “One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi

Independent Fiscal Council Needed to Fix Ghana’s Debt Woes -EGP Report

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
-
0
Stakeholders and participants in a pose after the Economic Governance Platform event in Kumasi

Ghana’s debt management has become increasingly pro-cyclical, driven by electoral and commodity cycles and lacking adequate fiscal buffers to absorb external shocks, according to findings by the Economic Governance Platform (EGP).

Launching its Debt Sustainable Management Report in Kumasi, the Platform revealed that fiscal slippages during election years, coupled with poor expenditure controls and weak institutional checks have worsened the country’s vulnerability.

The report, supported by Open Society Africa, draws on research conducted across three thematic areas: debt frameworks and mechanisms, transparency and accountability, and debt sustainability and mitigation.

Abdulkarim Mohammed, EGP Coordinator speaking with the media

The report paints a sobering picture of Ghana’s debt and fiscal governance landscape, but also provides a roadmap for sustainable reform.

With the right political will, institutional alignment and public accountability, EGP believes Ghana can rebuild trust in its economic management and chart a path toward debt sustainability and inclusive development.

Speaking at the launch, EGP Coordinator Mr.Abdulkarim Mohammed said Ghana’s fiscal system remains plagued by inefficiencies, citing over-reliance on borrowing, misreported debt levels, and systemic lapses in procurement and public investment decisions.

“The economy’s limited capacity to withstand shocks is largely due to unsustainable public spending. Our debt trajectory is shaped not by strategic planning, but by elections and volatile global markets,” he said.

Distorted Debt Metrics and Procurement Failures

Mr.Abdulkarim criticized the government’s historical underreporting of debt. He disclosed that while official figures pegged the debt-to-GDP ratio at 75.9%, the joint IMF-World Bank Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) placed Ghana’s debt at 105% of GDP in present value terms, declaring the country in debt distress.

He further revealed that the external debt service-to-revenue ratio had reached 34%, nearly twice the sustainability threshold of 18%.

“The official figures excluded liabilities from financial sector bailouts and energy arrears. Instruments like the ESLA and DAAKYE bonds reduced fiscal space and transparency,” he explained.

He also cited the Bank of Ghana’s excessive deficit financing,later flagged in the IMF review, as a contributor to inflation and macroeconomic instability.

The report also found that between 2012 and 2021, nearly 86% of high-value public contracts were awarded via sole-sourcing or restricted tendering.

“This undermined value for money and opened the door to inflated pricing and contract irregularities,” Mr.Abdulkarim noted.

Recommendations to Avert Future Crises

To address these structural flaws, EGP issued a comprehensive set of policy recommendations:

Strengthening Revenue Mobilization

The Platform urged the government to broaden the tax base and tackle leakages through digital reforms and targeted tax education. It noted that Ghana loses about 4% of GDP annually targeted tax education. It noted that Ghana loses about 4% of GDP annually to tax exemptions on VAT, income tax, and import duties. Closing these loopholes, especially in the extractive sector, could significantly boost domestic revenue.

Combating Corruption and Leakages

EGP recommended stronger resourcing for anti-corruption agencies such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and EOCO, and advocated for the use of blockchain and advanced audit technologies to trace public funds and prevent diversion. Regular audits and enforcement of anti-money laundering laws were also stressed.

Expenditure Efficiency and Oversight

Describing current spending patterns as “rigid and inefficient,” EGP urged the government to streamline payroll, reform procurement, and consider establishing a Department of Government Efficiency or a credible, independent Fiscal Council. It emphasized the need for Parliament to exercise tighter control over borrowing and fiscal decisions.

Legal and Institutional Reform

EGP called for amendments to the Fiscal Responsibility Act and Public Financial Management Act to set explicit limits on deficits and debt accumulation. It proposed that escape clauses only apply under emergencies, with mandatory timelines for returning to fiscal discipline. The absence of a legally mandated Fiscal Council was flagged as a critical institutional gap.

Transparent Budget Execution

The coalition advocated for full integration of all government agencies into GIFMIS and GHANEPS, ensuring that only projects with budget approval proceed. “This aligns with Ghana’s IMF program and will help limit fiscal slippage,” Mr.Abdulkarim said.

Debt Sustainability Framework and Sinking Fund

EGP recommended institutionalizing a forward-looking Debt Sustainability Framework (DSF) that includes stress testing, risk mitigation, and project appraisal—especially for public investments exceeding US$1 million. It also called for the revival of the Sinking Fund with regular contributions, backed by parliamentary oversight.

1...574575576...2,950Page 575 of 2,950

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle