The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has in a letter strongly condemned the violent attack on the premises of Accra-based television station UTV. The studios of UTV witnessed an unpleasant disruption of its primetime weekly live broadcast entertainment analysis program, some group of men believed to be affiliated with the NPP stormed the studios of UTV during its live production abruptly halting the show a few minutes into the programme. Their action comes on the back of a letter directed to the management of UTV regarding program reform. Kwame A Plus, a regular pundit had in a previous episode criticised the letter received and its propriety describing it as useless and tearing it apart. The agitated individuals stormed the studio and sought to confront A Plus who shared a divergent view of the content of the letter. These incident has raised many questions about the freedom of the press and media reportage in the country. In a letter by the National Communication Officer of the party, the NDC vehemently rebuked the unfortunate incident criticizing the NPP for fuelling such an agenda. "The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has learned with utter disgust, a dastardly attack that was visited on the studios of United Television (UTV), last night." "The NDC condemns this shameful act in no uncertain terms, as there can be no place for such uncivilized and beastly conduct in a democracy. Yesterday's event sets Ghana’s democracy back and further erodes our fast-dwindling press freedom fortunes as a country. We in the NDC are deeply worried about the level of intolerance of dissenting views in Ghana today under the tyrannical Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government." Read the full statement below: PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release: 8th October, 2023. ADVERTISEMENT The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has learned with utter disgust, a dastardly attack that was visited on the studios of United Television (UTV), last night. While the station's prime-time entertainment show, 'United Showbiz' was ongoing, a group of uncivilized hooligans belonging to the ruling New Patriotic Party stormed the studios of UTV, disrupted the live program, and proceeded to threaten to assault the host and her guests. It later emerged that these thugs were led by the Klottey Korle Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic, under the orders of Ernest Owusu Bempah, a Deputy Director of Communications and other leading figures of the ruling party. The NDC condemns this shameful act in no uncertain terms, as there can be no place for such uncivilized and beastly conduct in a democracy. Yesterday's event sets Ghana’s democracy back and further erodes our fast-dwindling press freedom fortunes as a country. We in the NDC are deeply worried about the level of intolerance of dissenting views in Ghana today under the tyrannical Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government. We completely condemn the extent to which the ruling NPP is determined to institutionalize a culture of silence. The senseless attack we witnessed yesterday was goaded by the recent antagonistic posturing of high-ups in government and the NPP towards UTV and its flagship 'United Showbiz' program. It is instructive that this attack on UTV was preceded by a letter from the New Patriotic Party's National Secretariat a few days ago, which sought to brazenly impose an editorial policy on the station. This was followed by threats by leading figures of the NPP to ensure the illegal closure of the station. Indeed, some of the NPP hooligans have been captured on video saying that they attacked the studios of UTV to defend and protect the President, the Vice President, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and the NPP from legitimate criticism by some members of the panel. Yesterday's event adds to the litany of attacks that goons associated with the NPP have visited on people performing their lawful duties, including a pregnant judge sitting in open court in Kumasi some time back. The latest incident is yet another clearest evidence of how intolerant, violent, and tyrannical this Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has become. "We call on the Ghana Journalists Association and other vanguards of free speech, civil society as well as traditional and moral society to speak out before it is too late. Our press freedom and democratic credentials are under serious attack, and to remain silent in these times is to encourage the triumph of evil" We further call on the Ghana Police Service to expeditiously investigate this incident and ensure that all the culprits are duly prosecuted by the law. The NDC shall be monitoring every development on this important matter and will not accept anything short of justice. Credit: SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ. (National Communication Officer). Credit: Pulse Ghana

Independent Presidential aspirant, Alan Kyerematen has strongly condemned the recent attack on Accra-based UTV Ghana during its United Showbiz program on Saturday, October 7, 2023, by a group of hoodlums. The attackers invaded the studios of the station, disrupting the live show. In a tweet issued on Sunday, October 8, 2023, Mr. Kyerematen decried the incident as "a blatant violation of Freedom of the Media and Free Speech," principles enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. He described the attack as a display of arrogance of power and indiscipline, issues that have hindered the nation's progress for far too long. Mr. Kyerematen emphasized the importance of the Constitution, particularly Article 162, which vigorously safeguards media independence and vehemently opposes any interference or harassment based on editorial opinions, views, or content. He stressed that such actions have no place in a democratic society. While condemning the attack, Kyerematen commended the swift response of Ghana's law enforcement agencies in addressing the incident. He highlighted the necessity of protecting and upholding media independence, calling for the prosecution of those involved in the attack. He reminded Ghanaians that a free and independent media is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy and emphasized the collective responsibility to uphold and protect these principles. In closing, Kyerematen expressed his belief in Ghana's resilience and the nation's ability to rise above such challenges. In response to the attack, the police have arrested 16 suspects who were involved, following a complaint lodged by Despite Media Group, the owners of UTV. The attackers, who claimed affiliation with the governing New Patriotic Party, stormed the live program to demand an apology from A Plus, a panelist on the show, alleging that he had insulted President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia, and the NPP. Credit: Pulse Ghana

The immediate-past Environment Minister, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has condemned the invasion of the studios of Accra-based UTV by some thugs on Saturday, September 7. The attackers are alleged to be members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to the celebrated heart surgeon and founder of the National Cardiothoracic Center, this is not part of the avowed characteristics of the NPP. However, he said this latest development is not surprising as impunity has now been allowed to fester and grow within the party. Attack on UTV He cited the attack on court in the Ashanti Region as a basis for his assertion as he insisted those individuals were not punished. "I am puzzled that, a tradition that has long been associated with believing in the exchange of ideas, and respect for the rule of law will have its members attack a media house." "Perhaps, these thugs have taken a cue from how the government and the party have allowed impunity to fester and grow in the NPP." "If I recall, no one was allowed to be punished when similar groups went to the seat of government in the Ashanti region to attack the then-national security coordinator. "Again, no one was made to face the law, when these brutes attacked a court in Kumasi making the lady judge who was sitting on that case run for her life in the full glare of the public," Professor Frimpong-Boateng said in an opinion piece issued on Sunday. The one-time presidential aspirant of the NPP, the current leaders of the party seem have to lost moral control of the members. UTV Invasion "These events have led many to believe, that leaders have lost the moral control of the party or they benefit from these barbaric acts. So, I ask, NPP HOW DID WE GET HERE?" "I am equally amazed about how some members of the NPP are going about their daily routine as if they do not know the mood of the majority of Ghanaians and the potential danger awaiting the party in the near future." What happened at UTV? A group of young men obstructed the normal programming at the studio shortly after their United Showbiz programme began. Subsequent online videos showed the group claiming to be affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) storming the UTV studios during the live broadcast to demand an apology from one of the panellists, A-Plus. They claimed he had insulted the party, the president and the vice president. The Ghana Police Service subsequently arrested 16 of them. Following their arrest, the host of the show, MzGee, apologised to the viewers for the disruption and assured everyone of their safety. Meanwhile, the attack on UTV has evoked widespread condemnation from Ghanaians, who have called for swift action to bring those responsible to justice. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Ministry of Informational have both condemned the attack. Credit: Myjoyonline

The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has asserted that his ministry has been consistent in its condemnation of attacks on media houses perpetrated by thugs affiliated with political parties. His remarks come in response to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), which expressed disappointment with Oppong Nkrumah’s statement regarding the assault on United Television (UTV) in Accra. In a statement signed by the General Secretary of GJA, Kofi Yeboah, it was pointed out that the Minister had failed to directly denounce the attack on UTV. The GJA deemed the Minister’s statement as lacking in decisiveness and criticized his attempt to justify the attack by mentioning alleged unauthorized entry by the assailants. They noted that the Minister himself had reported the incident to the police. The GJA also highlighted the disparity between the Information Minister’s response to the UTV incident and a previous incident where a journalist at Dagbon FM was assaulted by an NDC activist. In response to these claims, Oppong Nkrumah defended his position on the Citi Breakfast Show, asserting that the allegations by the GJA were unfounded. He explained that his ministry reports information as obtained from its monitoring centre and updates its stance as more information becomes available. He further clarified that the ministry’s condemnation was in line with their previous responses to attacks on media houses and journalists. “My view is that I think we have been consistent, we don’t need to break ranks, we need to put the attention where attention needs to be put [and] that is prosecution and the courts, that we stand together with them and we use them to ensure that there is deterrence.” Credit: Citinewsroom

Former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Dapaah says monies transferred from her dead brother’s account were for payment of his children’s fees. This is a response to claims by the Office of the Special Prosecutor that the said transfer was suspicious since the brother has been dead for sometime now. Ms. Dapaah explains that the account was opened with funeral donations collected by Cal Bank at her brother’s funeral. “…the truth is that funds were transferred from an account in the name “The Late Nana Akwasi Essan” to which I am a signatory. The funds were transferred to me for payment of the school fees of my late brother’s children” lawyers of the former Minister stated in court documents cited by 3news.com. The Office of the Special Prosecutor is back at the High Court seeking a confirmation of its freeze and seizure order. It would be recalled that the OSP seized $590,000 dollars and two million eight hundred and sixty-two thousand and seven Ghana cedis during a search of Ms. Dapaah’s residence. Her accounts were also frozen. An Accra High Court however, issued an order allowing a release of the cash and asking for the accounts to be unfrozen. The OSP complied with this order but shortly announced it had seized the cash and issued a fresh freezing order. The Minister has, through her lawyers filed court documents asking the court to once again reject this request for confirmation of the OSP’s actions. The lawyers accuse the OSP of acting in bad faith and making false allegations against the Minister. They recount that on September 4, they were called to show up at the offices of the OSP to receive the seized cash. After waiting for hours, the monies were released but upon reaching the car park they were called to return to the office they had just left. “When I got to the 7th floor, I was told by one of the applicant’s officers that he had the pleasure to inform me that the applicant (OSP) was re-seizing the money. They proceeded to re-count it and then served me notice of the re-seizure,” the Minister recounts in court documents. The OSP had also accused the former Minister of engaging in an undeclared real estate business. It was further alleged that she had sold a property to a third party under the alias “Nana Yaa Ode”. Ms. Dapaah says she has no real estate business and investigators have failed to provide any evidence to back this claim. She adds that she did not conceal her identity to sell any property but rather sold the said property in a representative capacity for Nana Yaa Ode also known as Nana Ode Nyarko, her mother who is now deceased. The OSP’s application was expected to be moved at the High Court on Wednesday, 18th October, 2023. However, a lawyer for Ms Dapaah, Victoria Barth, has filed an application for an abridgment of time for the application to be heard by the court earlier. Victoria Barth argues that since the action by the OSP is a repeat application, the OSP has foreknowledge of the basis of Ms Dapaah’s opposition and will therefore not be prejudiced by an early hearing. The application for an abridgment of time is expected to be heard on Wednesday, 11th October 2023. Credit: 3news.com

The Aggrieved customers of Gold Coast Investment Fund Management Company have threatened to embark on a 48-hour nonstop protest at the Ministry of Finance. They demand that Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta release the GHS8.6 billion bailout approved by Parliament. The protest has been slated for Tuesday, 10th October 2023 from 8 am through to 11 am on Thursday, 12th October 2023. The aggrieved customers will converge at Obra Spot, Circle Interchange in Accra, where buses will later carry them to the Finance Ministry. They believe that it is time to stand for their rights as citizens. Background The Gold Coast Investment Fund Management Company is among the fifty-three (53) Fund Management Companies (FMCs) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), acting in accordance with Section 122 (2) (b) of the Securities Industry Act 2016, (Act 929) (SIA) revoked their licenses on 8th November 2019. The decision is due to various regulatory breaches including their inability to return clients’ funds estimated at eight billion cedis (GHS 8 billion), and significant breaches of applicable rules that created risks to financial stability. The licenses were revoked in accordance with the mandate of the SEC to protect investors and the integrity of the capital market. In 2021, Parliament approved a GH¢5.5 billion to settle owed customers of fund management companies. The funds are yet to be disbursed to the customers. Credit: Metro Tv

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the "barbaric attack" on United Television (UTV) last Saturday night and called for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. About 30 hooligans, some of whom introduced themselves as constituency youth organisers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) reportedly invaded the studios of UTV during the live broadcast of the "United Showbiz" entertainment programme. They allegedly assaulted the Director of Photography and one of the producers of the programme and left the hostess, other staff of the station and invited guests traumatized. The GJA said in a statement that the attack was "a medieval act" and "a flagrant violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the media." It called on the Ghana Police Service to immediately arrest and prosecute the perpetrators, just as they did in the case of the attack on Dagbon FM in Tamale in May this year. The GJA also called on the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), the diplomatic community, international agencies and all well-meaning Ghanaians to roundly condemn the attack. The GJA said that the media in Ghana had survived all forms of clampdown in the past, even under dictatorial regimes, and that they would never be intimidated or silenced by any form of attack. The GJA also expressed disappointment in the statement issued by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on the incident. The Minister's statement, the GJA said, was in sharp contrast to the statement he issued in May this year condemning the attack on a radio presenter on Dagbon FM in Tamale. The GJA called on the media to be bold and never be intimidated by such acts of hooliganism, and to act professionally at all times in the discharge of their duties. Read the entire statement below; GJANEWS/GS/019 NEWS RELEASE GJA Condemns Barbaric Attack and Calls For Arrest Of Attackers On UTV ACCRA, October 8, 2023 (GJA) – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) calls on the Ghana Police Service to immediately arrest all the hooligans who attacked United Television (UTV) last Saturday night and prosecute them promptly. We are informed that about 30 hooligans attacked the studios of the Accra-based private television station, and although the Police arrested some of them, others managed to escape. The GJA expects the Police to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators expeditiously just as they exemplarily and commendably executed in the case of the attack on Dagbon FM in Tamale in May this year. The GJA also calls on the government, non-government organisations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), diplomatic community, international agencies and all well-meaning Ghanaians and people of good conscience to roundly condemn this barbaric act and the masterminds of same. Attack on UTV Our investigations suggest that about 30 hooligans invaded the studios of UTV on Saturday night, just at the beginning of the ‘United Showbiz’, an entertainment programme, demanding representation on the panel and asking the whereabout of one of the regular panelists. Our investigations further indicate that the invasion by the hooligans lasted for about 45 minutes before the arrival of the Police, and about one hour thereafter, before normalcy was restored for the programme to continue. In the course of the invasion, the hooligans assaulted the Director of Photography and one of the producers of ‘United Showbiz, while the hostess of the proggramme, other staff of the station and invited guests for the programme were left traumatized. Furthermore, our investigations suggest that the Acting Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in the company of the hooligans some of whom introduced themselves as constituency youth organisers of the NPP. The GJA finds this act barbaric and medieval, and it is very much consistent with the building blocks in recent times to establish a state of impunity against the media, one that is worse than the infamous ‘Culture of Silence’. We wish to inform such evil minds, both orchestrators and actors, that the media in Ghana have survived all forms of clampdown in the past, even under dictatorial regimes, and that we shall never be intimidated or silenced by any form of attack. Regime responses The GJA has taken notice of the apology rendered by the Director of Communications of the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, on air when he went to UTV to broker peace. We are also aware of a press statement signed by Richard Ahiagbah in the name of the NPP denouncing the invasion unreservedly and distancing the NPP from the “unacceptable’ act, although he admits the perpetrators are sympathisers of the party. Inasmuch as we welcome the apology, we can only place value on its sanctity, and embrace it beyond rhetoric, if the party sanctions the perpetrators for doing something it did not sanction. Indeed, the GJA cannot uphold the sanctity of the apology when spokespersons of the NPP, some connected to the communications directorate, had earlier instigated such hooliganism against the television station without being reprimanded. It is also disturbing and, indeed, unfortunate, for the leadership of the NPP to direct one of its officers to write a letter to UTV demanding content reforms in respect of the ‘United Showbiz’, although Article 162(4) of the 1992 Constitution frowns on control and interference by the Government [and any other authority] in the editorial opinion and content of media institutions. Interestingly, the letter, dated September 19, 2023, was signed by the Director of Finance and Administration, William Yamoah, a rather unusual source of communication with the media in such matters. The GJA has also taken notice of a press statement issued by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on the happenings at UTV, but we are highly disappointed in the Minister for issuing that wobbling statement. In the second paragraph of the press statement, the Minister tries to justify the barbaric attack by holding that the hooligans entered UTV “allegedly without authorization” when he was the very person who reported to, and called in, the Police; in the fourth paragraph, the minister avoids direct condemnation of the hooligans and conveniently makes his condemnation general, and, worst of all, in the last paragraph, the Minister imposes a burden on the media to promote national cohesion, regardless of the incessant attacks against them. The Minister’s press statement is in sharp contrast to another one issued by the PR Unit of his Ministry on May 4, 2023, in respect of the attack on a radio presenter on Dagbon FM in Tamale by a communicator of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Ministry’s May 2023 press statement was very direct: the Ministry described the attack as ASSAULT without any “allegedly” clothing; the Ministry condemned the act, specifically without giving it general direction; the Ministry called for “severe and speedy response from law enforcement agencies” to avoid future recurrence; the Minister had a telephone conversation with victim of assault, and the Minister “offered the support of the Ministry if he will require any”. Between the two cases – Dagbon FM and UTV, the Minister of Information and/or the Ministry of Information has or have not been even-handed in addressing the critical issues at stake, and we find that very worrying. The GJA calls on the media to be bold and never be intimidated by such acts of hooliganism, knowing that we serve the larger interest of the public.We also wish to urge media practitioners and institutions to act professionally at all times in the discharge of their duties. END. [SGD]Kofi Yeboah (General Secretary) Credit: Graphiconline.com

The National Media Commission (NMC) has expressed concern about the reported attack on UTV, a local TV station, by some persons in the evening of Saturday October 7, 2023. The Commission says it is therefore, working with the Ghana Police Service to address the situation. A statement dated October 8, 2023 and signed by the Executive Secretary, Mr George Sarpong said, “The Commission is concerned about the increasing use of violence as the preferred method for addressing grievances against the media and journalists. Perpetrators of such crimes must realise that violence does not produce better journalism.” The NMC pointed out that, “the Constitution provides anyone who feels aggrieved by the work of the media the opportunity to seek redress through the complaint settlement mechanism of the National Media Commission. As we approach the electioneering process for Ghana 2024, it is important for political actors and all Ghanaians to learn that the Ghana we envisage would not be built on the path of violent attacks on journalists.” The Commission assured that in the next couple of weeks, it will be rolling out a comprehensive programme to reactivate the Coordinated Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists to ensure the media continue to operate without fear. “In the meantime, we assure the public of our cooperation with the Ghana Police Service to get to the bottom of this matter,” the NMC assured. Late Saturday evening, the Ghana Police Service arrested 16 persons who allegedly attacked and disrupted operations on the premises of UTV. According to the Police, the arrest was necessitated by  a complaint from the Despite Media Group and Ministry of Information that the suspects had invaded the studios of UTV. “They are currently at the Police Station assisting investigations,” the Police noted in a statement posted on its social media handles. This incident occurred on Saturday, October 7, 2023, during the live broadcast of the United Showbiz programme. Soon after show started, it was disrupted. Videos posted online later revealed that a group claiming to be affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) forcibly stormed the studio during the live broadcast. They wanted an apology from one of the panellists, A-Plus. They contended that the  former sympathizer of the party now turned critic, had shown disrespect to the party, President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Bawumia. After the incident, the hostess of the show MzGee, apologised for the disruption. Credit: 3news.com

A 13-member delegation from Ghana have undergone a three-day training course in Fraud Investigation Management organized by the Economic and Cyber Crime Academy of the City of London Police (CoLP). The training programme was an initiative of the NCA, UK aimed at building capacity of officers of law enforcement agencies in Ghana. The delegation was made up of eleven officers from the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), an officer from the Ghana Police Service and a state attorney from the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, Accra. The team was welcomed on Monday, 2nd October, 2023 at the Training Center by the Director of the Economic and Cyber Crime Academy, Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish. Officer Mullish took the opportunity to address participants on the importance of the course and the need to share ideas and adopt international best practices in financial crime investigation and ultimately enrich the quality of fraud investigations in Ghana. Facilitators of the Fraud Investigation Management Workshop took the participants through a number of thematic areas in fraud investigations such as Disclosures, Role of the Fraud Investigation Manager, the PEACE-model in conducting interviews, the Fraud Investigation Model(FIM) and many other areas of economic and serious crimes investigations. The nature and typologies of fraud in the United Kingdom with its associated indicators, data and legislative framework were also discussed. Participants were given case scenarios to deepen their understanding of the above mentioned concepts. On the third day, the participants of the course encountered a seasoned and accredited Counter Fraud Manager, Ian Tandy who took the Ghanaian delegation through the thematic areas of Case Reviewing, Risk Management and Decision Making in relation to case management strategy of fraud investigation and also decision making in complex investigations. During the closing ceremony at the end of the third day, the participants were presented with certificates. There was also the exchange of memorabilia between the both nations (Ghana and the United Kingdom). The Director of the Economic and Cyber Crime Academy, Craig Mullish who represented Commissioner of the City of London Police commended the course participants for their active participation and reiterated the relevance of the training course and the associated positive impact it would have on the work of the investigators if the various models are applied. He also expressed his gratitude to the Ghanaian delegation for going through the 3 day-workshop with great enthusiasm. The leader of the delegation, Commissioner of Police, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah (Mrs) took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the Commissioner of the City of London Police for the kind gesture and also to the facilitators of the course for the professionalism and commitment demonstrated during the course. She presented EOCO souvenirs to the facilitators in appreciation of a job well done. Credit: EOCO

Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has disclosed that Ghana's unwavering commitment to Universal Health Coverage requires transparent, sustainable health financing mechanisms that contribute to achieving improved health outcomes and financial risk protection. He made these remarks at a high level meeting on financing immunisation in Ghana, 2029 and beyond held in Accra. In a speech read on his behalf by the Chief Director, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, he said "Ghana is currently in transition towards a sustainable domestic financing for immunization" "Health financing has become topical issue and has been running through all discussions, as l year's National Health Summit held in June." "Ghana's unwavering commitment to Universal Health Coverage, requires an equitable, efficient, effective, transparent and sustainable health financing mechanisms, that contribute to achieving improved health outcomes, financial risk protection, consumer responsiveness and access to quality essential health care as well as population-based services for all by 2030" He added that with this, there are no doubt that Ghana ought to be committed to improving resource mobilization to ensure sufficient and predictable revenue, allocate and using health sector resources prudently/efficiently. "Reducing financial barriers to access health care Strengthening governance and management systems. Ensuring transparency and accountability in mobilisation and useof resources" "Enabling Ghancing for strong population-based public health functions Mr. Chairman, over the years, financing for strong population-based public health programs, that can prepare for and respond to emerging trends has been a matter of concern, in many countries including Ghana hence, the need for responsive, flexible and accountable financing protocols and greater investments in emergency preparedness and National health security systems" He stressed that, there have been various reforms, including the introduction of NHIS, the government's flagship social protection tool to improve health access and coverage, but admittedly, there have been yawning gaps and huge challenges facing health systems reforms toward theattainment of UHC. "It may interest you to know that, the 2022 Ghana Health Expenditure Review showed that, there has been mal distribution of public spending on health, with 80% funds being channeled through Ministry of Health budget and only 12% channeled through the NHIS, 90% of domestic revenues is dedicated for workforce compensation" "This poor balance in the proportion of compensation vs non compensation costs undermine service delivery and creates pressure to increase out of pocket payments. Sadly, external assistance for health has also dwindled in recent years, representing only 11% of total health spending" The Health Minister hinted thatGhana was rated as one of the best performing EP! program in Africa, with high coverage rates for all vaccines, including first doses of Measles -Rubella vaccine of close to 100%, third dose of penta vaccine of close to 100% as well as BCG and yellow fever vaccine both close to 100%, must be sustained. "Thanks to GAVI, that supports approximately 80% of the cost of vaccin and their delivery, including health systems strengthening, Ghana has been implementing commendable high-quality preventive and react vaccination campaign in response to public health emergencies." The Minister revealed that Ghana was due to transition out of GAVI support by 2030 in line with the Vaccine Alliance transition policy that aims to move countries from development assistance to domestic financing of immunisation programs. "As per the model, Ghana entered accelerated transition in January 2022 and was expected to transition out of GAVI's support in 2027, and during this phase, government is expected to increase its share of vaccine costs to 100% and become fully self-financing" "Under the revised policies approved in December 2022, Ghana will now stay in accelerated transition until 2029 and definitely must transition in January, 2030" "Chair, Ladies and gentlemen, this is our reality and it certainly calls for high level discussions within and outside the health sector, towards establishing functional systems for coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation to finalise interventions on, the country's ability to withstand this independence, consolidating the gains without compromising quality and pride" "The reflections we need to have at this high level meeting and beyond ought to be premised on strong, political, legislative and more expects fiscal commitments to health outcomes, that can support viablesustainable options for effective implementation. The reality is that, we definitely cannot renege on our commitments, than to make it better than before. The health of the population remains paramount and our path to self-reliance in vaccine financing ought not to leave any one behind in accessing lifesaving vaccines" He noted that, as Ghana was positioning itself as a future major local vaccinemanufacturer, having a transition roadmap was particularly important to ensure the financial sustainability of this strategy that should provide a boost for vaccine equity and access. "The objective is to start manufacturing vaccines from 2025, and to manufacture 600 million doses of various vaccines a year, including vaccines for malaria, HPV, pneumonia, rotavirus and cholera" On his part, Chief Director, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Hafiz Adam said "This meeting is coming at a time where we are making frantic effort to attain self-reliance as part of our Health System Strengthening" In a speech read on his behalf by Director, PPME; Emma Ofori Agyemang stressed that due its peculiar nature, the meeting was under the auspices of the Ministers of Health and Finance and under the chairmanship of a personality with international appeal. He commended some seasoned parliamentarians, Chiefs of Strategy, Policy and Innovation who are also key partners of Ghana from the Vaccine Alliance, Heads of Agencies, distinguished participants with various expertise as health professionals, academicians, financial forecasters, local vaccine manufactures, experts in resource mobilization and financing, experts in programmatic & resource mobilization, vaccine experts and other distinguished representative from the various MDAS for supporting the worthy course. "This wealth of expertise will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and illuminate the path towards sustainable vaccine self-financing as we embark on this transition" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has hinted that reaching an Staff Level Agreement in these times of continued global uncertainty is a remarkable achievement particularly when other countries have faced challenges in reaching such fate in these periods. He made these remarks while addressing Journalists at a joint press conference with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a Staff Level Agreement (SLA) for the first review of the IMF-SUPPORTED POST-COVID-19 programme for economic growth. He said "What occasioned the SLA was a strong performance of the Country in end-June 2023 performance indicators. Quantitative Performance Criteria including on net international reserves, primary balance, ceiling on nonconcessional borrowing, zero central bank financing and zero collateralised borrowing" "Indicative Targets on non-oil public revenue, social protection spending and non-accumulation of payables (on net basis)" "Structural Benchmarks on financial sector strengthening, arrears clearance and prevention strategy and updated energy sector recovery plan. In addition to the 3 structural benchmarks, we also developed a turnaround strategy for COCOBOD to enhance the entity’s financial viability and sustainability" In addition, the Finance Minister stressed that Ghana also showed strong performance in upcoming performance indicators due end-September 2023. "A strategy for an indexation mechanism for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Benefits; to increase the beneficiaries to 2.5 million people and from 350,000 to 450,000 households in short order" "A strategy on the review of Earmarked Funds; A Medium-Term Revenue Strategy- with an impressive performance of our non-oil revenue collections in the first half of the year" He noted that Cabinet has approved an Affirmative Action Bill; and Social Protection Bill in line with our commitment to advancing the empowerment of women and to protect the poor and vulnerable in society. "It is important to note that the SLA is only one aspect of the approval process. We have a few milestones to cross to secure a Board approval between now and November. Notably the agreement on the MoU with the bilateral Official Creditor Committee (OCC). We are optimistic that, once again, our bilateral creditors will deliver the MoU in time for our Board in November as we continue our engagements" "Let me take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the OCC for delivering the financing assurances that paved the way for Ghana’s Programme approval in May 2023. We also look forward to engaging more with our Eurobond Holders and Commercial lenders and we hope to pursue this in our trip to Marrakesh for the World Bank Annual Meetings and hopefully by year end, we should be able to secure that" Touching on recent economic developments, he hinted that the macroeconomic environment continues to show strong signs of stability and recovery as Government implements the IMF-supported PC-PEG. On available data from year-to-date, Ken Ofori-Atta noted that GDP Growth has rebounded strongly averaging 3.2% in first two quarters compared to 3.0% in same period in 2022 mainly on the back of growth in services (avg. 6.3%) and in Agriculture (avg. 6.2%). "The average growth of 3.2 percent for 2023 Q1&Q2 is higher than the 2023 Revised growth target of 1.5 percent. Latest Price development in August 2023 indicated a fall in headline inflation, after consecutive upward trends since May 2023" "The Ghana cedi has remained stable from the beginning of the year to date depreciating cumulatively by about 23.5 percent year-to-date compared to a cumulative depreciation of 37.6 percent over the same period in 2022. The cedi has been very stable, especially from February-to-date as the depreciation over that period was only 3.1 percent" On the Fiscal front, he explained that the primary balance on commitment basis for H1 2023 was a surplus of about GH¢2 billion compared to a target of a deficit of GH¢4 billion, driven in part by strong non-oil domestic revenues and rationalised spending. On Non-Oil Public Revenue for the period was GH¢50.1 billion compared to a programme target of GH¢49.8 billion, he stated. "The MPC maintained the Monetary Policy Rate at 30.0 percent at the 114th MPC meetings which ended on the 25th Sept 2023" "Although inflation is expected gradually decline towards the target band over the medium-term barring unanticipated shocks, rising international crude oil prices and adjustments to utility tariffs remain a risk to the inflation outlook which would have to be managed through monetary policy vigilance; and Gross International Reserves (GIR) stood at US$2.1 billion equivalent to 1.0-month import cover, compared with US$1.5 billion (0.6 month of import cover) recorded at the end of December 2022" "The three concluded debt exchanges included, the exchange of US$-denominated local bonds (US$ 742m, with a participation ratio of 91.7%), of the bills issued by the Cocobod (GHS 7.7bn, with a participation ratio of 97.4%), and of Pension Funds holdings of Treasury Bonds (GHS 29.6bn, with a participation ratio of 95.3%)" Taking his turn, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison said "We have all established that the very decisive measures put in place by the Government and the Bank of Ghana have started yielding results, signaling a faster than expected turnaround which needs to be sustained as we reset the economy" "More specifically: Non-Food inflation has dropped significantly by 19 percentage points, Food inflation has also by some 8 percent, Core inflation, which measures underlying inflation, is also decelerating at a fast pace" "From the beginning of the year to date, the Bank of Ghana has built reserves of about US$650 million instead of a programmed drawdown of US$98 million" The Governor noted that looking ahead, the Bank of Ghana will continue to maintain a tight monetary policy stance until it is confident that inflation is firmly anchored and aligned with the disinflation path agreed in the program. "There would be challenges and difficulties as we work towards sustaining these gains but we remained focused and committed to the reforms and prudent policies to ensure the full benefits of this program are achieved" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma North Constituency, Sheila Bartels has cut sod for the construction of a 20-seater ultra modern toilet facility for the Wesley Grammar Senior High School. According to the MP, access to proper sanitation facilities in secondary schools will help stop the spread of many diseases and parasites such as diarrhea among the students. Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, the MP said "The least we can do as Representatives is to ensure that the resources and facilities needed to give a good learning environment are provided" "So I am very thankful to God and the Administration of the Wesley Grammar school and also the National Lotteries Authority for agreeing to support this project" "I am praying that in a few weeks not months, we will gather again to cut the sod for our AstroTurf. Its been 3 months and we were looking for lands fir our AstroTurf and Rev. Akron said, we should come to Wesley Grammar and that they have lands for us" She appealed to the school Authorities and students to take good care of the facility when completed" On her part, Coordinator, Good Causes Foundation, National Lotteries Authority, Hajia Amma Frimpomaa commended the Mp for approaching NLA with this project. She also stressed that the provision of toilet facilities in schools helps in dealing with the huge barrier to education where children frequently miss school due to hygiene-related diseases. She used the opportunity to advise students to stay away from staking lotteries and betting. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly, Kofi Ofori charged the students to make good use of government's Free-SHS policy to acquire more knowledge. He lauded the Akufo-Addo administration for the Free-SHS adding that without its introduction, it would have been difficult for some parents to fund their wards to schools. "Make good use of the Free-SHS. I wish I had Free-SHS during my time. I wish Government had added a bill to each student's Free-SHS and I am sure that would have changed the perception of some parents about the policy" "People sometimes do not put value on the Free-SHS policy but assuming each parent was presented with a bill, they would have commended government for its efforts" Contractor of the project assured the MP, NLA and the School Authorities that his firm will complete the construction of the project on time. The project was sponsored by the National Lotteries Authority. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith