High Court Orders EC to Collate Outstanding Results for Tema Central

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January 3, 2025

Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced the shutdown of its Bonsa Headworks, a critical facility responsible for producing 75% of the potable water supplied to Tarkwa and its surrounding communities.

The closure, effective January 2, 2025, is attributed to the alarming impact of illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey,” on the Bonsa River.

In a statement issued by GWL, the company expressed regret over the shutdown, citing the river’s severely compromised water quality as the reason for halting production. Despite multiple efforts to mitigate the issue, the situation remains untenable.

“We are sorry to announce that the Bonsa Headworks, which produces 75% of potable water for Tarkwa Township and its environs, has been shut down due to massive galamsey activities on the Bonsa River, making it difficult to abstract water for treatment,” the statement read.

The company assured the public that it is closely monitoring the river for improvements in its water quality. However, until acceptable parameters are achieved, the facility will remain closed. GWL promised to keep the public updated on developments regarding the crisis.

This development highlights the escalating environmental and social challenges posed by illegal mining activities in Ghana.

The pollution of rivers and other water bodies not only threatens ecosystems but also endangers public health and hampers economic activities in affected communities.

SONA 2025: We will honor $346m coupon payment to Europe bond holders-President Akufo-Addo

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January 3, 2025

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured that his government will honor Eurobond honor $346 million in coupon payments.

This statement was made during his final State of the Nation Address in Parliament, where he outlined his administration’s significant strides in stabilizing the economy.

“Today, 3rd January 2025, my government will honor coupon payments to our Eurobond holders amounting to $346 million USD, We cannot afford to defraud on our debt repayments. That is the advice I give to the incoming Finance Minister,”President Akufo-Addo stated.

President Akufo-Addo provided a detailed overview of Ghana’s economic recovery, highlighting significant achievements in reversing negative trends.

The country’s economic growth rate for 2025 is projected at 6.3%, a substantial increase from the 3.4% recorded in 2017.

“Private sector credit has also rebounded, recording a nominal growth of 28.87% in October 2024, compared to a contraction of 7.5% during the same period in 2023. Real growth in private sector credit now stands at 5.5%, reversing the 31.6% contraction observed in October 2023,” he explained.

President Akuffo Addo continued that external balances have also improved, with Ghana achieving a current account surplus of 2.6% of GDP in the first nine months of 2024, a stark contrast to the deficit of 6.6% recorded in 2016. The trade balance has similarly shown progress, with a surplus of $3.85 billion in 2024 compared to a $1.8 billion deficit in 2016.

The President acknowledged the ongoing challenge of inflation, which stood at 23% in November 2024. However, this marks a significant improvement from the peak of 54% recorded in December 2022.

He projected further reductions as Ghana continues its efforts to restore debt sustainability, with debt-to-GDP expected to stabilize at 55% in net present value terms.

“These achievements demonstrate our firm commitment to the policies, structural reforms, and programme objectives under the IMF programme,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on the financial sector, President Akufo-Addo justified his administration’s controversial banking sector reforms, describing them as a necessary measure to safeguard the financial system.

“The banking sector cleanup was an act of necessity, not a vendetta. It was a bold and decisive intervention to safeguard the strength and integrity of Ghana’s financial system,” the President said.

Also, he noted that the reforms ensured that no depositor lost their savings despite the liquidation of several financial institutions. The cleanup also resulted in a more stable and resilient banking sector capable of driving economic growth.

On governance, the President highlighted his administration’s anti-corruption reforms, including the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the passage of key legislation like the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Criminal Offences Amendment Act.

Budgetary support for accountability institutions has seen significant increases, with allocations to the Auditor General, Parliament, and the Attorney General’s Office growing by over 100% since 2017. These measures, he said, have strengthened Ghana’s institutional capacity to tackle corruption effectively.

The results of these efforts were reflected in the 2023 Auditor General’s report, which recorded a 32% reduction in financial irregularities, saving the country 5.2 billion Ghanaian Cedis.

“It is hoped that the new government will continue with the policies being implemented to achieve the debt sustainability target,” he said.

SONA 2025: Economy has rebounded strongly- Akufo-Addo tells Parl

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January 3, 2025

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has confidently declared an end to Ghana’s economic crisis, announcing a strong and faster than projected rebound.

Delivering his final State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Friday, January 3, 2025, he stated, “The crisis is over; the economy has recovered strongly.”

The President said Ghana’s post-COVID-19 recovery efforts were bolstered by the adoption of the IMF-supported Post-COVID-19 Program for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) in mid-2023.

“The country has successfully passed three successive program reviews, with the most recent in December 2024 resulting in the disbursement of $360 million. To date, Ghana has received $1.92 billion under the program,” he added.

Central to this recovery was a bold debt restructuring initiative, described by President Akufo-Addo as one of the most challenging decisions his administration had to make.

Aimed at addressing unsustainable debt levels, the exercise was critical to creating fiscal space, stabilizing the economy, and restoring investor confidence.

“We fully understood the pain and sacrifices this demanded, but without it, the economy would have faced an even greater crisis,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo highlighted the tangible results of these efforts, noting that Ghana’s fiscal position is now more stable, debt sustainability has significantly improved, and the groundwork has been laid for sustained growth.

“Our sacrifices have not been in vain. We are witnessing the positive outcomes of this painful but necessary exercise,” he affirmed.

Additionally, he refuted claims that the country was financially insolvent, pointing to Ghana’s gross international reserves of nearly $8 billion—an increase from the $6.2 billion his administration inherited in 2017.

The president emphasized that the economic revival is not just about recovery but also about setting the stage for sustained growth and development.

“These developments have provided a solid foundation for the future, ensuring that the sacrifices made by bondholders and other stakeholders contribute to Ghana’s long-term economic revival,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about the country’s economic trajectory, urging future governments to build on the progress made.

“The Ghanaian people have shown resilience and understanding through these challenging times. Together, we have charted a path towards recovery, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come,” he said.

SONA 2025: I hope Mahama Govt will complete Agenda 111 projects – Akufo-Addo

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January 3, 2025

President Akufo-Addo reading the SONA yesterday

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed hope that the incoming Mahama administration will complete the Agenda 111 project, an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing healthcare gaps in Ghana.

Addressing Parliament on his final State of the Nation Address, the President said, “I’m hoping that the incoming Mahama administration will ensure that the project is completed to put our health infrastructure on a sound footing.”

The Agenda 111 project seeks to construct 101 district hospitals, two psychiatric hospitals, and regional hospitals in underserved areas.

President Akufo-Addo reported that contractors have been deployed to 99 district hospital sites and two psychiatric hospitals, with progress on these sites ranging from 5% to 95%.

While only three district hospitals were commissioned on December 5, he highlighted the significance of the initiative in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.

“This pandemic showed us some of the alarming shortcomings of our health delivery system. Agenda 111 aims to ensure we’re reasonably prepared to meet the next emergency,” he said.

The president also celebrated strides in emergency healthcare delivery, citing the revitalization of the National Ambulance Service. The number of functioning ambulances increased from 55 in 2016 to over 300, ensuring timely responses to emergencies.

Additionally, he said the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was revived, with subscribers increasing from 10.6 million in 2016 to 17.9 million by the end of 2023.

The scheme’s scope was expanded to cover treatments for sickle cell disease, kidney dialysis, and childhood cancers. A new mobile renewal system also made subscription easier and more accessible.

President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the pandemic’s strain on the health sector and the economy.

He praised his administration’s efforts to build resilience, including conducting a parliamentary audit of COVID-19 expenditures to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The pandemic’s consequences have gone way beyond what anyone could have imagined. But we strived to seek remedies and ensure we are better prepared for future emergencies,” he noted.

We have implemented policies to fight Galamsey- Prez

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January 3, 2025

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has touted his administration’s “boldest and most progressive” policies in the mining sector as a cornerstone of his legacy.

The President made this statement during his final State of the Nation Address at the Parliament on Friday, January 3, 2025.

“We owe it to future generations of Ghanaians to extract our minerals in a manner that protects our lands and water bodies,” the president said.

Prez. Akufo-Addo defended his administration’s efforts to tackle the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.

He acknowledged that the fight was politically costly, leading to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) losing several parliamentary seats in the 2020 elections.

“I was prepared to put my presidency on the line in defense of our lands and water bodies,” he said, underscoring the personal and political risks he took to curb illegal mining activities.

The president clarified that his administration’s efforts were not against mining itself but against irresponsible practices that harm the environment.

“I welcome the many loud converts to the fight against galamsey that suddenly appear in the run-up to the 2024 elections,” he remarked, calling for unity in protecting Ghana’s environment.

He noted that these policies helped Ghana surpass South Africa to become the leading gold producer on the continent, achieving a record production of four million ounces in 2023.

President Akufo-Addo highlighted several milestones in the mining sector, including the revival of dormant mines like Awaso and Bibiani, as well as the establishment of the Cardinal Namdini mine in northern Ghana.

He also announced the ongoing construction of new mines in Ahafo and the Upper West Region, adding that a 400-kilogram capacity gold refinery had been built through a public-private partnership to enhance value addition.

Beyond gold, he mentioned that discussions have been concluded for a $450 million manganese refinery at Nsuta, and institutions like the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation have laid the foundation for industrializing Ghana’s natural resources.

“These initiatives aim to generate significant revenue, create jobs, and ensure that the wealth of our resources benefits the people,” he stated.

President Akufo-Addo also highlighted achievements in forestry and environmental conservation, noting that 121,000 hectares of degraded forests were restored under the Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy between 2017 and 2023. Additionally, over 52 million trees were planted under the Green Ghana Project.

“In 2023, Ghana became the second African country to receive results-based funding from the World Bank Carbon Fund for reducing emissions, further cementing the country’s leadership in climate action,” he added

IGF 2024 Concludes with a Call for Bold Multistakeholder Action to Shape the Digital Future

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January 1, 2025

The 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh wrapped up after five days of thought-provoking discussions, uniting a record-breaking 11,000 participants across governments, the private sector, civil society, and the technical community.

The event explored how the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies can both revolutionize and challenge the world.

Held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, this year’s IGF emphasized the need for collective action to seize the opportunities of the digital era while addressing its inherent risks, such as disinformation and inequality.

AI’s Dual Impact

Dubbed the “era of AI,” the discussions highlighted both the promise and peril of this transformative technology.

AI is poised to solve global challenges, from climate change to public health, but participants warned it could also exacerbate inequalities, undermine trust, and derail progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Urgent action is essential to mitigate these risks while harnessing AI’s full potential,” attendees emphasized.

A Vision of Digital Harmony

In his closing address, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Li Junhua, reaffirmed the enduring principles of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

He called for an information society built on peace, equality, solidarity, and human dignity—values that should be upheld both online and offline.

“This aspiration remains at the heart of our collective efforts,” Mr. Li remarked, urging the global community to integrate these values into the ethical frameworks governing today’s digital innovations.

Milestones in Global Cooperation

The major focus of the Forum was the growing momentum for global digital governance. Participants celebrated recent achievements, including the adoption of the Global Digital Compact in September 2024 and the first universal agreement on AI governance, both critical steps toward ensuring technology serves humanity responsibly.

The Riyadh IGF Messages, a set of actionable policy recommendations, were unveiled as a guiding framework for the years ahead.

These messages tackled issues such as digital rights, innovation risks, and the role of technology in fostering peace and sustainable development.

“The Riyadh IGF Messages reflect the collective wisdom of this forum and will serve as a guiding light for our shared journey ahead,” said Mr. Li.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Despite the transformative potential of digital technology, the Forum spotlighted a sobering reality: 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline. Speakers called for inclusive policies to ensure that the benefits of digital innovation extend to all communities, particularly marginalized populations.

“As one of the fastest-growing countries in the digital sector, Saudi Arabia is committed to enhancing digital cooperation with all nations,” said Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

From smart cities to sustainable agriculture, participants shared success stories demonstrating how digital tools are reshaping industries and improving lives.

However, they also warned that without equitable access, these advancements risk leaving millions behind.

A Critical Moment for Trust

The Forum underscored the fragility of digital trust in the face of rampant misinformation, disinformation, and the misuse of generative AI. These challenges, it was noted, disproportionately affect younger generations who depend heavily on digital platforms for information and interaction.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in his opening message, described the IGF as an essential platform for navigating these issues.

He hailed the Global Digital Compact as a “blueprint for humanity’s digital future” and called for collective action to build an open, safe, and inclusive Internet for all.

Looking Ahead

As the curtain closed on IGF 2024, Norway was announced as the next host of the Forum, scheduled for June 23-27, 2025. The milestone event will coincide with the 20th anniversary of WSIS, providing a moment to reflect on progress and chart a course for the future of digital governance.

About the IGF

Convened by the United Nations Secretary-General, the Internet Governance Forum is the world’s premier platform for dialogue on digital public policy. Each year, it brings together diverse stakeholders to share insights, best practices, and innovative ideas aimed at fostering a robust, sustainable, and inclusive Internet for all.

The 2024 IGF was a resounding call to action, urging stakeholders worldwide to collaborate in shaping a digital age that uplifts humanity while addressing its most pressing challenges.

Disputed parliamentary seats: 9 video evidence played in court

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January 1, 2025

The High Court has reviewed nine video recordings submitted as evidence in a mandamus application filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) concerning four disputed constituencies.

The hearing, presided over by Justice Forson Baah Agyapong, focuses on the NPP’s request for the Electoral Commission (EC) to collate parliamentary results for the disputed constituencies.

The videos were presented to substantiate the NPP’s claims of alleged irregularities in voter data compilation and electoral proceedings.

The videos depict a crowd, suspected to be National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters, chanting revolutionary songs, Malik Basintale, Deputy Communication officer of the NDC, addressing supporters, and the NDC Parliamentary Candidate, Ebi Bright, being declared the winner.

Counsel for the applicants, Gary Nimako, argued that the EC has a constitutional obligation to fulfill its duty of collating and declaring election results.

The disputed constituencies—Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Okaikoi Central, and Techiman South—have been at the center of political tension due to allegations of incomplete processes marred by chaos.

The NPP contends that the EC, if compelled through an order of mandamus, should collate and declare the results.

Hearing still ongoing

6 Accused in Nyankpala Electoral Violence Granted Bail

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December 31, 2024

Six individuals accused of involvement in electoral violence at Nyankpala in the Northern Region have been granted bail by an Accra High Court.

The violence, which occurred during the December 7 general elections, led to the death of Sayibu Haruna and left two others, Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu, severely injured.

Presiding over the court, Justice Forson Baah Agyapong set the bail terms at GH¢50,000 with two sureties each.

The accused persons were also ordered to report weekly to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra and Tamale based on their places of residence.

Health Concerns Prompt Bail Grant

The bail decision followed a petition filed by the legal counsel for the accused to Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, requesting an abridgment of time for their bail application initially scheduled for January 8, 2025.

Filed on December 24, 2024, the petition highlighted the deteriorating health conditions of the accused as the basis for the request.

Justice Agyapong emphasized that the decision to grant bail was influenced by the humanitarian concerns raised in the petition, though the charges against the accused remain severe.

Charges and Allegations

The accused—Alhassan Abukari, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Yakubu Sumaila (alias Condem), Alhaji Alhassan Nasiru Nasam, Majeed Issaqh, and Kamara Fode Issiaga—are alleged to have conspired to disrupt the voting process. According to Assistant State Attorney Derrick Ackah Nyanike, the six, reportedly sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), stormed a National Democratic Congress (NDC) pavilion in Nyankpala and opened fire on a crowd.

Police investigations revealed that the accused were armed with a G3 rifle, AK-47 assault rifle, pistols, and ammunition.

One of the suspects, Alhassan Abukari, a driver for the Tolon District Chief Executive, was arrested at the scene, while the others were apprehended in an unregistered Range Rover. A search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded Taurus pistol and a misfired cartridge.

The accused face multiple charges, including participating in vigilante activities, conspiracy to commit undue influence, and causing harm under Ghanaian law.

CDD-Ghana Congratulates Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Historic Election as Vice President

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December 31, 2024