GLICO General, one of the six subsidiaries of GLICO Group, and one of the top five insurance companies in Ghana, has donated five electric suction machines and an amount of GH¢40,000 to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
The suction machines would be primarily used for removing obstructions like mucus, saliva, blood or secretions from patients’ airway.
The amount of GHC40, 000 was meant to defray hospital bills of “needy patients” to facilitate their discharge and enable them to join their respective families.
GLICO General operates to provide measured and highly responsive non-Life insurance solutions to all consumers across the social strata.
It is also committed to delivering its promise on time and in full by prioritizing prompt Claims payment in particular through the deployment of state-of-the-art software, tailored systems & processes and highly skilled staff, who are continually trained.
Andrew Achampong-Kyei Esq., Managing-Director, GLICO General disclosed that the company embarked on Sales and Marketing months in September and October last year based on the belief that “giving” is more important.
It also wanted to cherish and appreciate the support of their clients; hence scheduling to do some corporate social responsibility with hospitals especially KATH, and the School for the Blind.
According to the Managing-Director, awareness on insurance was low, hence embarking on campaigns to ensure clients and the populace understand the essence and need for personal accident and other insurance and also have great impact.
Andrew Achampong-Kyei Esq. expressed his gratitude for the collaboration with KATH and assured that the company will endeavour to go beyond “machines” noting that the collaboration will continue and that the initiative would not be the first or the last.
Dr Yaw Opare Larbi, Deputy Medical Director, KATH disclosed that suction machine is vital to the hospital’s operations noting that different medical procedures done at hospital requires such a machine.
He emphasised that the donation will go a long way to augment the hospital’s inventory for patient and emergency care.
Touting the management of GLICO General for their honourable act, Dr. Larbi disclosed that sometimes the hospital has to waive the bills of a number of patients, due to their inability to pay.
Dr. Chris Kwaku Oppong, Head of Department, Accident and Emergency, KATH who received the medical equipment and money on behalf of the management and staff of the hospital expressed his excitement and relief on receiving the suction machines, which will save.
He also commended GLICO General for offsetting the debts of a number of patients at the hospital.
After witnessing the recent fire devastation at the Kantamanto Market, Alan Kyerematen, leader of the Movement for Change and a prominent advocate of economic transformation, has called on the government to establish a 2-billion-dollar Market Infrastructure Development Fund.
He said the fund would serve as a sustainable solution to financing the development of modern market infrastructure across the country to revitalize commerce and distributive trade.
The recommendation aligns with advice Mr. Kyerematen had previously offered to President John Mahama during a call in his office as the President-Elect.
He suggested that the proposed fund should be seeded with an initial capitalization of GHS 500 million and supplemented with contributions from the corporate private sector.
To encourage their participation, he proposed that donations to the fund should be tax-deductible, making it financially advantageous for businesses to support the initiative.
“The corporate private sector either directly or indirectly benefits from market operations or must play an active role in building resilient infrastructure to sustain it,” he stated.
Mr. Kyerematen highlighted the broader economic benefits of modernized markets, particularly their role in controlling inflation as vibrant retail market activities stabilized prices by improving the distribution of goods, essential to ensuring the affordability of essential products.
He emphasized that market modernization was not just a commercial necessity, but an economic imperative for improving livelihoods and national development.
He proposed that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) should allocate a fixed percentage of their market toll revenues to the fund to ensure consistent financial inflows to support the establishment of modern market facilities in all 260 districts.
Such infrastructure, he noted, would create safer and more efficient trading environments, protecting both lives and property while enhancing economic productivity.
On the potential impact, Mr. Kyerematen described the fund as a mechanism for stimulating small businesses and creating wealth as modern markets would offer improved facilities for traders and expand economic opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs and reduce unemployment.
He said outcomes would strengthen domestic trade and form the foundation for broader economic transformation.
Mr. Kyerematen reminded stakeholders to adopt proactive measures to prevent such disasters and stressed that his proposed solution would safeguard against future tragedies and position Ghana’s markets as hubs of innovation and growth.
“We owe it to the traders and the entire economy to build market infrastructure that is not only modern but also safe and sustainable,” he said.
Mr. Kyerematen’s proposal resonates with his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which prioritizes economic stability and infrastructure development.
President John Dramani Mahama, after being sworn in on January 7, 2025, outlined four key pillars to rejuvenate Ghana’s economy and society.
These pillars are economic restoration and stabilization, improving the business and investment environment, constitutional review, and the fight against accountability and corruption.
Emphasizing the urgency of these initiatives, President Mahama stressed that the current challenges required decisive and swift action to implement a 24-hour economy.
“The circumstances we find ourselves in are indeed dire, but even so, I’ll be decisive and swift in my actions. We’ll focus our initial efforts on four critical areas.
“The first is restoration and stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment. Second is the improvement of the business and investment environment to ensure that Ghana is once again open for business.
“The third is governance and constitutional reforms, and the final is accountability and the fight against corruption,” he stated.
President Mahama, in his inaugural speech, said that the implementation of initiatives under his four-pillar framework would focus on creating decent, well-paid jobs for Ghanaians, especially the youth.
He highlighted agriculture and agribusiness as key sectors for job creation.
The President, alongside Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, pledged to prioritize inclusivity, accountability, and innovation, ensuring that every citizen had an opportunity to thrive under their leadership.
“Our policies will be tailored to sustain innovation and foster industry that engages today’s young minds and equip them with the skills for tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.
President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration would work closely with the business community to create decent and well-paid jobs, emphasizing that diversity would be at the heart of governance decisions.
He urged citizens to have faith in the process, advocating for a national reset to rebuild trust in public institutions.
“We need a reset in our dear nation Ghana because all of us are Ghana.
“What can you do to help build that better Ghana that we all strive for; what behaviours, what attitudes and mindset can we reset,” Mr Mahama asked, and urged Ghanaians to contribute their quota to build a stronger nation.
“I ask that we enter into a covenant with the Ghana we all love and the good people who make up our dear nation, and I ask that you envision a Ghana that you want to live in, and leave behind to your children and grandchildren,” he said.
The Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa,speaking with the media after his visit
Former Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa, has refuted claims made by John Abdulai Jinapor, Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu, suggesting that Ghana may face an imminent energy crisis due to the failure of the previous Akufo-Addo administration to stock adequate fuel.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Mr. Krapa dismissed Mr. Jinapor’s warnings of looming “massive load shedding” as baseless and accused the newly sworn-in Mahama government of displaying early signs of incompetence in managing the energy sector.
“Load shedding does not ‘loom,’” Mr. Krapa wrote. “It is caused either by technical or emergency power generation issues or a lack of competence in managing the power sector. Mr. Jinapor seems to be haunted clearly by the latter.”
The former energy minister emphasized that before leaving office, the Akufo-Addo administration ensured the availability of sufficient fuel for power generation. He detailed that Cenpower was operating with light crude oil left by the previous government, while AKSA was continuing to receive heavy fuel oil for its power generation needs.
“These facts are easily verifiable with a phone call to both power plants,” Mr. Krapa added. “The responsibility of the new administration is to procure more liquid fuel to keep the lights on whenever liquid fuel becomes required to complement gas supply, and to plan competently to avert power supply disruptions. We did it, and they can do it too—if they can.”
Mr. Krapa’s remarks come in response to Mr. Jinapor’s statement, in which the MP alleged that insufficient fuel stocks were endangering the nation’s energy security. Mr. Jinapor, who serves as the Co-Chairman of the Transition Team Sub-Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, criticized the Akufo-Addo government for allegedly leaving inadequate reserves.
In his post, Mr. Krapa called on the Mahama government to focus on finding solutions rather than engaging in blame games. “The NDC government should get to work as we did—the reason we kept the lights on for eight years, regardless of the difficult times. Stop the needless finger-pointing. That is not the way we kept the lights on,” he stated.
President John Dramani Mahama holding the sword of authority
Honorable Members of Parliament,
Her Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Jane Nana Opoku-Agyemang,
Leadership, the Chief Justice,
Your Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and special guest of honor for this occasion,
Your Excellencies, Presidents, Heads of Government and Development Agencies,
Your Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,
Former President, Your Excellency, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,
Distinguished Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, My Brothers and Sisters, I wish you a good morning, and we give thanks to the Almighty God on this occasion.
Our Father, who art in heaven, we thank you for giving us this day, a day that offers me, Your humble servant, a unique opportunity to work to reset our dear country, Ghana.
Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang signing the oath book
32 years ago, on January 7, Ghana made its first and most successful democratic transition, a reset with the swearing-in of the newlydemocratically elected president, Jerry John Rawlings, of blessed memory.
Our nation was returned to a multi-party democracy with a new constitution that went into effect, and the Fourth Republic was officially established.
I refer to it as a reset because, on that day in 1993, we made our fourth attempt at establishing a democratic system of government with term limits based on free, fair, and transparent elections. The handover of power on January 7, 2001, between former President Jerry John Rawlings and, at the time, the newly elected President John Agyekum Kufuor, tested that reset, and our nation passed with flying colors.
So today, with my induction as the new President of the Republic of Ghana, history is being made once again, and it is a history worth repeating every four years with each newly elected president.
Today, we’re also making a different kind of history, one that speaks to our maturity as a democracy, a nation of citizens enfranchised with the authority at the polls to determine their political future.
Today’s exercise between the outgoing president, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and I feels a bit like déjà vu. That is because eight years ago to this day, on January 7, 2017, we shared this same space and performed this same transitional exercise. 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 do today, that it is the people of Ghana that we are elected to serve.
Somehow it seems fitting that it is with Nana Akufo-Addo that I twice shared this stage and this unique historical distinction because Nana Akufo-Addo and I began our national political careers in Parliament in the same year, 1996. He has always greeted me with a firm handshake and a smile, and he’s perhaps the only person in my life who has persistently chosen to call me Johnny.
While we belong to opposing political parties, we shared a sense of mutual respect. In those early days, we probably could not have imagined that destiny would bring us to the leadership of our respective parties and that we would have to face off three separate times as we each vied for the highest office of the land.
Nana, as this will be our final meeting under these circumstances, and as I look back on the journey we have traveled together, two much younger men entered Parliament together with a full head of black hair, and you with the same bald head and round eyeglasses, I have to say that you have, without exception, been a worthy opponent.
President John Dramani Mahama walking to take his oaths
I extend my warmest wishes to His Excellency, the former Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia. 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 endeavors.
My brothers and sisters, the world in which Ghana exists today as I begin this presidency is not the same world in which we have lived under other presidencies. There are tensions and conflicts that have not previously existed between nations. These tensions and conflicts place pressure on alliances to decide where we will support.
There is a seismic shift happening within the system of global economic dominance. Whereas the G7 nations-the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan-once provided the highest percentage of the world’s GDP, over the last decade, that number has been steadily dropping. However, the combined total of the GDP of the BRICS nations-Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE-has been consistently increasing.
In 2023, for instance, the G7’s combined total of wealth (GDP) was 30%, but by 2029, that number is predicted to drop to 27%. In 2023, the BRICS percentage of world GDP was 37.3%. So what does this mean to us in Ghana? What could it mean to our economy? Where do we fit in this geopolitical maelstrom?
President John Dramani Mahama signing the oath book
Technologies such as artificial intelligence have taken us to new heights, opening up the potential for national, financial, and personal security issues that we are not yet able to imagine. One example is the use of misinformation and algorithm manipulations on social media platforms to sway a particular group’s sentiment towards or away from something.
Now more than ever before, we need to strengthen our ties with our neighbors to ensure that we are working together to keep our sub-region safe. We stand in solidarity and work in alliance with all our neighbors in the sub-region, recognizing the history of our borders.
We also acknowledge that on the other side of our country’s borders are our family members. They may be Ivorians, they may be Togolese, they may be Burkinabe, they may be Nigerians or Malians, but they are also Akans, they are Gas, they are Guans, they are Ewes, they are Nzema, they are Hausa, they are Mossi, and Grunshis, because we are all part of one another, one big family.
With the increase of the climate crisis and as the waters grow warmer, melting the Arctic ice and permafrost, there’s a greater likelihood for viruses that have been frozen and thought to be extinct for decades, perhaps even centuries, to begin to spread and create another global pandemic. The changing climate conditions, increased population density in urban areas, and mass international travel are enabling existing viruses to spread and mutate at a faster rate than they did before.
This is a serious challenge. Let us not forget the toll that past epidemics of viruses like Ebola, COVID, and Influenza have taken on the families,
My government will be working diligently to strengthen our public health systems while monitoring the global health situation so that when, and not if, the next pandemic or epidemic occurs, the loss of lives in Ghana will be minimal.
Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang taking her oaths
The larger world exists around us and to some extent within us. While we cannot and should never use it as an excuse to stray from the direct and immediate needs of Ghana for the well-being of our citizens, we must also bear in mind that the affairs of the world can shape, influence, avoid, or even maximize the effect they have on us.
My brothers and sisters, early a month ago, we held historic elections that have caused dramatic shifts in our political landscape. I feel greatly honored that you, my compatriots, considered me worthy of receiving such an unprecedented and overwhelming mandate to steer the affairs of our beloved nation at this critical time in our history.
The magnitude of this victory in the presidential elections and the gains that were made by my party, the National Democratic Congress, in the parliamentary elections naturally and justifiably resulted in great joy and celebration across our country, Ghana. But celebrations, no matter how justified and well-earned, must be supplanted by discernment, sobriety, and deeper insights into why we received this kind of mandate in the first place.
By voting as you did on December 7, the Ghanaian people conveyed a powerful message, yet often overlooked by us politicians. This message was powerfully emphasized by a giant of American political history, President Ronald Reagan, when he declared at his inauguration some 40 years ago that governments have no power except that granted by the people.
While Ghanaians take great pride in our thriving democracy, they are deeply dissatisfied with the quality of governance over the years and have openly voiced that dissatisfaction through the decisive actions they undertake at the elections. Our people also understand that democracy is not just a token adorned with periodic elections followed by pomp and pageantry with the establishment of a new government. They expect that if democracy is Advertisement
celebrated as a superior means of governance, then its outcomes must be more tangible and benefit them in their individual lives.
Any honest introspection and reflection on the pulse of our nation would reveal that many within our population do not feel that they have benefited from or partaken in this democratic dividend. Our people, affected by severe economic crises and hardships, have in the last few years, lurched from crisis to crisis, and there is hope on the horizon.
Today should mark the beginning of a new opportunity, an opportunity for us to make a difference in our governance and our economic management.
We shall reset our dear nation, Ghana.
To the millions of my fellow countrymen and women who joined long queues and waited in the sun for their turn to vote for me, you have my sincerest thanks for honoring me. My firm, immutable assurance is that your vote will matter in the work that I will do to make a difference in the destiny of this dear nation of ours. Your courage to bring change will not go in vain.
Our nation was born with much promise. That promise may seem hazy and in doubt now because of all that has happened in the past, and I urge you, my fellow countrymen, not to be sucked into a state of perpetual pessimism.
For some time, our country has urgently needed leadership with an unwavering desire to get things done. With all humility, I assert that I intend to be that leader, with your cooperation and your help.
President John Dramani Mahama holding the sword of authority
As your next leader, I shall strive to exercise sound judgment and be able to make the right calls at the right time. I will have the humility and presence of mind to take responsibility for any challenges and be willing to act firmly and tirelessly to resolve the challenges that we face as a nation.
Since the elections, I’ve read and heard the word “hope” used many times in relation to my presidency and what it should offer the citizens of Ghana. I intend to speak plainly and clearly to you today, and every time I address you subsequently, I intend to always tell you the truth.
The circumstances we find ourselves in are indeed dire, and even so, I’ll be decisive and swift in my actions. We’ll focus our initial efforts on four critical areas. The first is economic restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment.
The second is the improvement of the business and investment environment to ensure that Ghana is once again open for business. The third is governance and constitutional reforms. And the final, but not the least, is accountability and the fight against corruption.
My brothers and sisters, actions have always spoken louder than words.
With that in mind, I have entered into a covenant with you, the good people of Ghana, in which I have enumerated 26 actions that I’ll take within my first 120 days.
There is reason for hope, and there is every reason for hope, but we must also have faith, because faith empowers us to trust that things will happen.
With faith, you believe what you know, and that is why we need faith to be able to achieve our reset.
We need a reset with the faith we have in our country and our leadership.
We need a reset with the faith we have in our institutions. We need a reset with our faith in our dear nation, Ghana, and by that, I mean in all of us, because all of us are Ghana. You are Ghana, and I am Ghana.
All of you seated here today, Ghanaian citizens, you are Ghana. The people who are with you or near you, as you watch this on television in your homes or listen on the radio or follow on social media, are what we call Ghana.
I ask that we enter into the covenant with the Ghana we all love and the good people of Ghana who make up this dear nation. And I ask that you envision a Ghana that you want to live in, a Ghana that you want to leave behind to your children and your grandchildren.
What can you do to help build that better Ghana that we all strive for? What behaviors, what attitudes, and mindsets can we reset?
President John Dramani Mahama holding the sword of authority
We need a reset, and we have faith in Ghana’s ability to overcome, excel, and be so successful with this reset that it will be difficult to imagine a time when that was not the case.
As we stand at this momentous crossroads in our nation’s history, I am honored and humbled to accept the mantle of the President of the Republic of Ghana.
Today, we celebrate a new administration and herald an unprecedented era of opportunity and transformation. With Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang by my side, we are poised to embark on a journey of progress and inclusivity, united in our vision for a more prosperous Ghana.
This day is particularly special for us and for every Ghanaian who dreams of a society where barriers are shattered and ambitions are realized. With the inauguration of Ghana’s first female vice president, we have turned a significant page in our history.
Nana Jane’s ascension to the high office is not merely a personal triumph. It symbolizes our collective commitment to fostering a nation where gender
equality and female representation are cherished and amplified. This is a powerful testament to the power of diverse voices to shape the future, voices that have the courage to soar beyond our traditional confines.
My brothers and sisters, together, as we look to the horizon, we reaffirm our dedication to breaking the glass ceiling that has long hindered many from
reaching their full potential. Governance that reflects all segments of our population strengthens our democracy and enriches our conversation.
We stand committed to enacting policies that empower women and ensure that the door of opportunity is open wide for our youth and our women, regardless of their background. Together, we’ll galvanize our efforts to create a society where every Ghanaian can dream, believe, and achieve without any restraints.
Remember that great leadership is not defined merely by the offices we occupy, but by the legacy that we leave for future generations.
My administration, along with my vice president, Daniel Oppong Juman, will prioritize inclusivity, accountability, and innovation, forging pathways that will lead to the upliftment of all our citizens.
I’m profoundly grateful for this moment, a cornerstone in our journey towards a brighter future for Ghana.
In this resounding victory, I see a clarion call, particularly from the youth of Ghana, a generation that is brimming with potential and dreams that are waiting to be realized. This moment is a powerful affirmation that your voices matter, that your aspirations are valid, and that your future must be our priority.
We’re committed to translating your hopes into action and creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, employment, and empowerment. Our policies will be tailored to sustain innovation and foster
industry that engages today’s young minds and equips them with the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges. Together with the private sector and
captains of business, we will create decent and well-paying jobs.
As we embark on this new chapter, I assure you that our decisions will champion diversity in all facets of governance, ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of your ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or any background, will have the opportunity to contribute to our nation’s story.
Ghana’s youth represent the heartbeat of our democracy. Their ambition will drive our policies as we strive to create an inclusive, equitable society where
everyone has a seat at the table.
Our vision hinges on the introduction and implementation of a 24-hour economy. We envisage an innovative and vibrant 24-hour Ghanaian economy, which will also be anchored in agriculture and agribusiness. This innovative approach will unlock potentials that have long remained dormant, enabling us to harness the energy and creativity of all our people.
Just imagine a Ghana where our markets are alive and bustling at all hours of the day, with responsive public services accessible at all times, such that businesses can operate flexibly to meet the diverse demands that they are
subjected to. The 24-hour economy model will also bolster job creation for young people, stimulate local industry, attract foreign investments, and allow us to build resilient communities and a sustainable future.
This vision extends beyond mere economic transactions. It symbolizes empowerment-the empowerment of every Ghanaian to contribute to our national progress. This vision will allow us to embrace diversity, cater to varied lifestyles and preferences, and foster a culture of inclusion, ensuring
that every citizen can enjoy the fruits of their hard work.
To the business leaders and entrepreneurs, I invite you to support this new
model and join me in shaping a business environment where creativity
thrives and where the fruits of your investment contribute to the collective welfare of our nation. Your role in driving our economy forward cannot be overstated. Your innovation and dedication will be the backbone of our success story. And I pledge to you that we will look at the tax regime and rationalize it so that it is more transparent and fair. Members of the business
community, I assure you, Ghana is open for business again.
Let me thank Your Excellencies, my fellow presidents, for leaving behind what is a busy schedule and coming to join us at this ceremony. Your presence brings honor to this inaugural ceremony, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you and to our sister countries who have traveled from near and far to be with us today.
Your presence is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our nations, and I promise you, I will work to foster partnerships that transcend our borders and work collectively with you towards regional stability, economic growth, and mutual respect between our nations.
To my friends from across Africa and the world, I thank you and welcome you to Ghana, and in our local parlance, I say “akwaba” to all of you.
To my family and fellow citizens, my wife, Lordina, I thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared vision. This journey is not mine alone. It belongs to all of us. It belongs to each of you.
Let today be the dawn of a new era of hope, an era of job creation, an era of accountability, an era of institutional strengthening and resilience, and an era of unparalleled potential for all Ghanaians. We will write the next chapter
in Ghana’s story, and it will be one of promise, transparency, and
transformative progress.
My fellow citizens, this is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise, where hope thrives and dreams become a reality. Together, let us cultivate a brighter future for our beloved Ghana, where unity, progress, and equality are not just ideals we aspire to,
but are the very fabric of our nation.
In closing, I invite you to partner with us on this journey. Together, we can create a brighter future for our beloved Ghana, where unity, progress, and equality are not simply goals we are aiming for, but are the cornerstone of our society. Let’s work hand in hand to foster these values and strengthen our nation for everyone.
Advertisement
My fellow citizens, invited guests, I thank you very much. May God bless our homeland, Ghana, and make our nation great and strong. I thank you.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Abdulai Jinapor, has criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for failing to secure adequate fuel reserves to meet the country’s energy needs before leaving office.
He warned that this oversight has left the new government in a precarious situation that could escalate into a national crisis.
Speaking on JoyNews in Accra yesterday, during the swearing-in ceremony of President John Dramani Mahama at the Black Star Square, Mr. Jinapor disclosed alarming figures about the country’s fuel stock. He revealed that Ghana’s current reserves of heavy fuel oil like diesel could last only two days, while other fuel stocks were down to a critical five-hour supply.
“Today, the confirmation we are getting is that we have only five hours of fuel stock. If you look at the heavy fuel oil and diesel, we have up to two days. So, in two days, we are likely to run out of fuel,” Mr. Jinapor stated. “This administration (NPP) has not ordered any fuel as we speak, and it takes an average of four weeks for the fuel to arrive and another four weeks for it to be treated. We are in a very serious situation.”
Mr. Jinapor added that during the transition process, the previous government claimed to have procured fuel, but his checks revealed otherwise.
He emphasized that the delay in ordering and treating fuel would take up to eight weeks, leaving the new administration scrambling to address the looming crisis.
Energy Sector Debt Worsens Crisis
The situation is compounded by a staggering energy sector debt inherited by the new administration. In July 2024, the former Minister for Finance, Mohammed Amin Adam, disclosed that the nation owed power producers $1 billion. However, President Mahama stated during the transition that the actual debt was $2.5 billion.
Mr Mahama blamed the situation on the mismanagement of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which is reportedly suffering commercial and technical losses of 32%. “I don’t know which utility company can function properly with such losses,” he lamented. “The energy sector needs surgery.”
President Mahama expressed concerns that the energy sector debt could collapse Ghana’s economy despite claims by the previous administration that the economy was on sound footing.
The new government is expected to take swift action to stabilize the energy supply and address the broader economic challenges posed by the energy sector crisis.
The President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has announced key appointments to his Office of the President, signaling the start of his administration’s preparations to assume office.
In a statement signed by the Special Aide to the President-elect Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the following individuals have been named to serve in various capacities effective Tuesday, January 7, 2025:
Julius Debrah has been appointed as the Chief of Staff.
Dr. Callistus Mahama will serve as the Executive Secretary to the President.
Prosper Douglas Bani has been designated as the Head of the Interim Security Taskforce.
Dr. Valerie Sawyerr takes up the role of Senior Presidential Advisor for Governmental Affairs.
Augustus Goosie Tannoh will serve as the Presidential Advisor responsible for the 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development.
Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew has been named Legal Counsel to the President.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu will serve as the Acting Spokesperson to the President.
The Ghana Police Service has announced comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a smooth swearing-in ceremony for President-elect John Dramani Mahama and Vice President-elect Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, scheduled for tomorrow, January 7, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference today, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director-General of the Public Affairs Directorate (PAD) of the Ghana Police Service, assured the public that robust measures have been put in place to maintain order and safety in Accra and across the country.
Road Closures and Traffic Diversions
To facilitate the event, several roads within the security operational perimeter in Accra will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The affected areas include:
28th February Road: From Customs Headquarters to Castle Road Junction.
Osu Cemetery Traffic Light: On Lokko Street towards the AU Roundabout.
Starlet 91 Road: From Ministries Traffic Light Intersection to the Accra Sports Stadium.
Motorists are advised to follow designated alternative routes, including:
Traffic from La, Labone, and Osu towards the Central Business District (CBD) will be diverted onto Salem Avenue at the Castle Traffic Light.
Traffic from John Evans Atta Mills High Street to Independence Square will be redirected onto Liberia Road via Customs Headquarters Traffic Light Intersection.
Drivers from Lokko Street should use Ajumaku and Oxford Streets to access Castle Road.
Parking and Public Access
The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony, with parking available at the Forecourt of the State House, Effua Sutherland Park, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Residents and invited dignitaries within the security perimeter are urged to cooperate with the police by adhering to traffic diversions and directives.
Parliamentary Swearing-In
Meanwhile, security has also been heightened for today’s swearing-in of Members of Parliament-elect and the Speaker of Parliament at the Parliament House.
The Ghana Police Service reiterates its commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for all participants and urges the public to comply with the measures in place.
The trial of two accused persons, Pius Anundoabil Ayoma, 23, and Godwin Klu, 26, who allegedly conspired to escape from lawful custody, is scheduled to commence on January 27, 2025, at the Accra Circuit Court. The trial will be presided over by His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong, has filed all necessary processes to begin the case. They intend to call three witnesses to testify against the accused persons.
Charges Against the Accused
Pius, an electrician, and Klu, a tiler, face multiple charges, including conspiracy to escape from lawful custody, causing unlawful damage, escaping from lawful custody, and abetment.
During their initial court appearance, Pius pleaded guilty to some charges, including conspiracy to escape from lawful custody and causing unlawful damage.
However, the court entered a plea of not guilty after considering his explanation. He denied other charges, such as conspiracy to cause unlawful damage.
Klu, on the other hand, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Background of the Case
The incident dates back to March 2, 2023, when the two accused persons, then remand prisoners at the Manet Police Station, allegedly orchestrated an escape plan.
Pius was awaiting trial at the High Court for robbery, attempted murder, and rape charges. Klu was serving a four-year sentence for stealing.
According to the prosecution, the duo broke the burglar-proof bars of their cell window, damaged the wire mesh, and tore the mosquito net, creating a hole to escape.
Klu’s attempt to escape was thwarted due to his body build. Pius, however, managed to escape with Klu’s assistance.
Following the escape, Pius was recaptured on May 4, 2023, after a combined team from the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) and Ghana Police Service tracked him to his hideout between Shukura and Afienya.
Statements and Proceedings
In their caution statements, both accused admitted to the escape. The complainants in the case, police officers from the Manet Police Station, detailed how the accused caused damage to the cell during their escape attempt.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed a motion seeking a stay of execution on the mandamus orders issued by the High Court in Accra.
The orders, granted on Saturday, January 4, 2025, by Justice Forson Baah Agyapong, respectively directed the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to collate and declare the results of parliamentary elections in Techiman South, Okaiwei Central, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central, with adequate armed security provided.
The NDC, along with its candidates—Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere, Ewurabena Augunn, Baba Sadiq, and Ebi Bright—who joined the suit as interested parties, has returned to the same court to challenge the execution of the orders.
Proceedings and Absence of Applicants
During the hearing listed for today, the applicants, Charles Forson, Patrick Yaw Boamah, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Martin Adje-Mensah Korsah, all affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), along with their counsel, Gary Nimako Marfo, were absent.
Similarly, the NDC candidates were not present when the case was called.
Service Challenges
Counsel for the EC, Justine Amenuwor, revealed to the court that while he had filed an affidavit in response to expedite the case, he was not properly served with court documents.
He stated that the documents were left with his watchman around 5:55p.m. on Saturday, January 4, and only came to his attention after church on Sunday.
The Chief Bailiff of the court was summoned to explain the lack of proof of service. She disclosed that the bailiffs assigned to serve the documents reported difficulties in accessing the solicitors of the applicants and the Clerk of Parliament.
“I called them this morning to confirm if they had served the documents, but they told me the applicant’s solicitors’ office was closed, and they could not gain access to the Clerk of Parliament,” the Chief Bailiff informed the court.
Justice Agyapong directed the Chief Bailiff to address the lapses in service, stating, “As you said, deal with them.” The hearing was subsequently adjourned to Monday, January 13, 2025.
