The Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta says he does not believe that the allegations made by the Minority in Parliament for his removal from office have any weight behind them. He told the Adhoc Committee hearing the censure motion that the proponents' allegations do not have "weight for censure." Mr Ofori-Atta said each of the allegations leveled against him were false and went on to debunk each of them. On the allegation of deliberate misreporting of economic data to Parliament, he said it is completely not true. “Since I took office in 2017, I have served the country with integrity and honesty" “Under my leadership at the Ministry of Finance, there have been significant improvements in the accurate reporting of public finances" “Today, under President Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghanaians are enjoying greater accountability and transparency in the management of the public purse than any other period under the Fourth Republic.” He said since 2017, the government has complied with the reporting provisions in the Public Financial Management Act 2016 (Act 921), including Budget Implementation report, Fiscal Reports, Public Debt Report, Petroleum Revenue Management Reports, ESLA report, etc. On the issue of not including the financial sector clean up cost and the energy sector IPP payments in the deficit, the Finance Minister said contrary to the position of others, they were clearly stated. “I want to emphasize, with the Budget document as evidence, that these payments were reflected in the fiscal framework.” “Energy sector IPP payments were treated as “amortisation” and the non-cash financial sector clean-up payments were reflected in the “memo item” (Refer to Appendix 2A of the Fiscal Tables in the relevant Annual Budget),” the minister said" Ghanaians will recall that in support of data presented by the Ministry of Finance, in May 2020, Dr Albert Touna Mama, the then country representative of the IMF, came on Joy FM's News File Programme to state that there was no misrepresentation of data by the government as was being alleged. Dr Touna Mama said government was not the one that presented the figures that the IMF published in its statements. He explained that the difference in figures was as a result of a difference in the 'methodology' of calculation, adding that the figure in fiscal deficit in their statement was a figure they generated themselves from the data government presented to them, having added financial and energy sector payments in line with their methodology, which is different from government's methodology. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta has said he does not believe that the allegations made by the proponents of the motion of censure for his removal from office has any "weight" behind it. The proponents' allegations do not have "weight for censure", Mr Ofori-Atta said when he appeared before the Ad hoc Committee of Parliament probing the motion. Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta denied the allegations that his recklessness has contributed to the economic challenges facing the economy. He said the claim was false as he had complied with every laid down regulation in the exercise of his role as Minister of Finance. Instead, he said it was the action of the Minority in Parliament in 2021 that created chaos, leading to mistrust and subsequent withdrawals by investors. He told the Ad hoc Committee of Parliament hearing the censure motion brought against him that “I have not been reckless in the management of the fiscal operations of the government.” He was responding to a claim by the Minority in Parliament, which alleged in its censure motion against the minister that fiscal recklessness by Mr Ofori-Atta has led to the crash of the Ghana Cedi. “Hon Co-Chairs, the ground of recklessness presupposes that I have not been guided by the laid-down regulations" “I want to state that I have not been reckless in the management of the fiscal operations of the government" "Rather, our strenuous efforts to protect the public purse is what has helped this government to have achieved much, much more than any government over a similar period in virtually all sectors, including education, health, social welfare, policing, security in general, roads, railways, agriculture, industrialisation, tourism, digitization, and funding for anti-corruption institutions,” he said. He said every action of his was first discussed with Parliament and approval granted before implementation. “On all those occasions, I received approval as Parliament subsequently passed Appropriations Bills for all those Budgets. Every key expenditure made has been supported by this House" “Indeed, we all saw the dire consequences when the House, for months, refused to pass a major revenue generation item introduced by this government to support the fiscal stability of the economy" “Sadly, the Minority Leader, when this government was compelled to approach the Fund this year, triumphantly took credit for frustrating government’s efforts to meet its half-year revenue targets,” Mr Ofori-Atta said. Credit: Graphiconline.com

Some traditional leaders reportedly from the Akyem Abuakwa state are in Parliament in their traditional regalia to 'boost the morale' of the underfire Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta currently facing the ad-hoc committee to defend his removal from office. The committee in its third sitting today Friday, November 18 is hearing the motion of censure filed against the Minister of Finance by the Minority Caucus in Parliament. The Minority Caucus represented by the Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu and the Minority Spokesperson on Finance Cassiel Ato Forson at the first sitting of the ad hoc committee made several allegations including unlawful spending on the national cathedral from the contingency fund without Parliamentary approval. In his defence, first on the allegation that he unlawfully spent some money on the national cathedral, he says they are false claims. He indicated that the national cathedral is 100 per cent owned by the state and as such payment made from the contingency vault was lawful. “All the payments made for the national cathedral were lawfully done and from the contingency vault under the government obligations and not from the contingency fund as alleged by the proponents,” he said. Credit: Modern Ghana

After Mr. Gabby Otchere Asare-Darko stood in for Mr. Ken Ofor-Atta at the first sitting, he was lambasted by many Ghanaians who believed the decision was not right. However, Mr. Gabby has been dropped from Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team as he appears before the ad-hoc committee to defend himself against allegations by the Minority Caucus. He appeared with Lawyer Jacob Acquah Samson and one other lawyer. The Minority caucus, represented by the Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu and the Minority Spokesperson on Finance Cassiel Ato Forson at the first sitting of the ad-hoc committee made several allegations including unlawful spending on the national cathedral from the contingency fund without Parliamentary approval. In his defence today, Friday, November 18, first on the allegation that he unlawfully spent some money on the national cathedral, he says they are false claims. He indicated that the national cathedral is 100 per cent owned by the state and as such payment made from the contingency vault was lawful. “All the payments made for the national cathedral were lawfully done and from the contingency vault under the government obligations and not from the contingency fund as alleged by the proponents,” he said. Credit: Modern Ghana

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has denied allegations that his recklessness has contributed to the economic challenges facing the economy. Mr Ofori-Atta said the claim was false as he had complied with every laid down regulation in the exercise of his role as Finance Minister. Instead, he said it was the action of the Minority in Parliament last year that created chaos, leading to mistrust and subsequent withdrawals by investors. He told the Adhoc Committee of Parliament hearing the censure motion brought against him that “I have not been reckless in the management of the fiscal operations of the government.” He was responding a claim by the Minority in Parliament, which alleged in its censure motion against the minister that fiscal recklessness by Mr Ofori-Atta has led to the crash of the Ghana Cedi. “Hon Co-Chairs, the ground of recklessness presupposes that I have not been guided by the laid-down regulations. “I want to state that I have not been reckless in the management of the fiscal operations of the government" “Rather, our strenuous efforts to protect the public purse is what has helped this government to have achieved much, much more than any government over a similar period in virtually all sectors, including education, health, social welfare, policing, security in general, roads, railways, agriculture, industrialisation, tourism, digitization, and funding for anti-corruption institutions,” he said. He said every action of his was first discussed with Parliament and approval granted before implementation. “On all those occasions, I received approval as Parliament subsequently passed Appropriations Bills for all those Budgets" “Every key expenditure made has been supported by this House" “Indeed, we all saw the dire consequences when the House, for months, refused to pass a major revenue generation item introduced by this government to support the fiscal stability of the economy" “Sadly, the Minority Leader, when this government was compelled to approach the Fund this year, triumphantly took credit for frustrating government’s efforts to meet its half-year revenue targets,” Mr Ofori-Atta said. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has said that the overreaching focus of the president Akufo-Addo government has been to do their utmost to make lives better for the citizens. Appearing before the Adhoc Committee of Parliament hearing the censure motion brought against, Mr Ofori-Atta said everything that the administration had sought to do was aimed at making the lives of the people better. He also assured the committee that he would be forthright in his responses with the aim of aiding them to establish the truth. He said the motion contained disparaging remarks that attacked his integrity and vowed to help give Ghanaians a balance views of issues. “Hon Co-Chairs, during the course of my remarks this morning, you can expect forthrightness. The proponents’ motion of censure has accused me of many things and includes some very disparaging remarks and attacks on my person and integrity. “I am certain that Ghanaians will have a more balanced view of the events that led us here as I take the opportunity to speak to the matters raised,” he said. He said his principal reflections were to ensure that by the end of the proceedings, “the truth will have taken center stage. He was hopeful that that truth would help dispell any unfounded doubts about his motives, competence, and character. “Before I proceed with my detailed responses, I would like to make a personal comment to the Ghanaian people: Since, the Akufo-Addo government came into office in 2017, everything we have sought to do was aimed at making the lives of the people better. “We have been focused on this vision to improve lives and in the first four years, our efforts were leading to a realisation of the vision,” he said. The Finance Minister went a step further to apologize to Ghanaians for the current hardships being faced by all. “…Let me use this opportunity to say to the Ghanaian people what I believe, with courage, every Finance Minister around the world may wish to say to his people now: I am truly sorry.” He continued his opening remarks by outlining the achievements of the government prior to global events that have torpedoed the development agenda. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The Leadership of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has declared an indefinite strike action over concerns about conditions of service. TUTAG last week threatened to embark on industrial action if the government fails to honour the Codified Conditions of Service of members, which have been outstanding since 2016. In a statement issued on Friday, November 18, TUTAG said issues raised in an earlier letter addressed to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and copied to the Minister of Education, Minister of Finance, Chairman of the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have since not received any attention from the aforementioned government agencies. "TUTAG views the inaction by these agencies as an indication that the concerns expressed in our letter have not been treated with the seriousness they deserve.” “In view of all these, and upon further deliberations by the National and Chapter Executives of TUTAG, we declare an indefinite strike action which takes immediate effect.” Below is the full statement by TUTAG We refer to our letter on the subject “NEW RATE OF FUEL ALLOWANCE FOR MEMBERS OF UTAG AND TUTAG” with reference number TUTAG/GTEC/02 dated 26th September 2022, addressed to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and copied to the Minister of Education, Minister of Finance, Chairman of the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. We wish to state that issues raised in the above letter have since not received any attention from theaforementioned government agencies. TUTAG views the inaction by these agencies as an indication that the concerns expressed in our letter have not been treated with the seriousness they deserve. We also refer to the NLC’s directive of 2nd September 2022 under the subject “RE: IN THE MATTEROF NOTIFICATION OF INTENDED STRIKE ACTION BY TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY TEACHERS’ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (TUTAG)” with reference number NLC/TUTAG/2022/21 which was in relation to TUTAG’s demand for the implementation of the negotiated internally generated fund-related conditions of service. The directive reads: “That the Minister of Finance (MOF) is hereby directed to ensure payment in January 2023 and should also ensure that it issues the necessary letters to the various University Councils within a reasonable time to make budgetary provisions in the budget to take care of payments on the effective date. Even though January 2023 is less than two months away, and most universities are done with budget preparations for 2023, the Minister of Finance has still not issued the letter as directed by the NLC. It is important to state that a certain letter (electronic version), supposedly written by the FWSC, was shown to the President at NLC, the content of the said letter was in sharp contrast with the negotiations done with the Governing Councils of the various universities. Indeed, our checks from the listed recipients indicate that the said defective letter had noteven been received. Further, reference is made to issues raised in our letter under the subject “NOTIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION” with reference number TUTAG/NLC/02 dated 10th October 2022, some of which have still not been resolved by the government agencies. In view of all these, and upon further deliberations by the National and Chapter Executives of TUTAG, we declare an indefinite strike action which takes immediate effect. Credit: knustnews.com

Minister of Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has rendered an apology to Ghanaians over the current economic hardships. The Minister made these pronouncement at the public hearing of motion of census sitting against him. Speaking at the hearing, he said "I am truly sorry. At the start of 2020, we never imagined that the global pandemic would inflict such pain and suffering upon the Ghanaian people" He added that the shock to the system and livelihood of Ghanaians have been hard and the impact, severe. Unconstitutional withdrawals for the controversial National Cathedral Responding to the unconstitutional withdrawals for the controversial National Cathedral, he revealed that he wasuncomfortable about the formulation of such ground. "On the unconstitutional withdrawals for Nat’l Cathedral, I have not breached the constitution in making payments to support the construction of the National Cathedral of Ghana" "On the unconstitutional withdrawals for Nat’l Cathedral, let me be categorical, I have taken no money from the contingency funds to make payment for the national cathedral" He explained that there is a difference between the contingency fund and the contingency vote. "National cathedral is 100% owned by the State and is not the president’s cathedral" "All the payments made for the national cathedral were lawfully done and from the contingency votes under governments obligation" Deliberate and dishonest reporting of economic data to Parliament Touching on deliberate and dishonest reporting of economic data to Parliament, the Finance Minister noted that the issue is not just unfortunate but simply untrue. "I have never misreported data to parliament" "This allegation is completely not true. Since I took office in 2017, I have served the country with integrity and honesty" "I feel the stress of running a business but it is the strength and perseverance of the Ghanaian people that inspire me and my colleagues every morning. That is what gives me the strength to press on" The hear goes on. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has announced new security measures for the House. From the new security measures, Members of Parliament (MPs) will now be required to go through a mandatory body scan before entering the chamber. According to the Speaker of Parliament, the new measure is for the good of MPs, staff of Parliament, as well as visitors. “It’s compulsory for all Members including me, Speaker to pass through the machine to be scanned before we enter the Chamber of Parliament. All strangers who are also to do so, who intend coming in, whether to the public gallery, or to the Press gallery, or to the important visitors’ gallery are all to pass through the scanning machine. It’s for your own good that we want to implement this rule,” Speaker Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has announced. The Speaker of Parliament further warned that anyone who refuses to go through the mandatory scan will not be allowed access to Parliament. “So please, starting from tomorrow, any person who is not willing to pass through this machine will definitely not be allowed to enter this chamber,” Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin added. Meanwhile, as part of the new security measures, the Marshall’s office is also considering the idea of banning the use of mobile phones by journalists in the press gallery. That idea is under consideration but the leadership of the Parliamentary Press Corps has given the indication that it will be strongly opposed. Watch the video below: Credit: Modern Ghana

Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu has commissioned some equipments at the theatre of the Conjoined Twins Secretariat at the Ridge Hospital, Accra. According to the Health Minister, the newly commissioned equipments will not only help save lives of conjoined babies but also prevent parents from flying their wards abroad to seek medical attention. Speaking after of the theatre, Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu said "These equipments are of high international standards and I am confident that with thes, cases such as that of the conjoined twins among others would be done successfully" The Minister also praised President Akufo-Addo for agreeing to the purchase of the equipment after his attention was drawn. He also described the Ridge Hospital as unique adding that other experiencd health personnel from other hospitals should be allowed to access the facility in order to acquire more knowledge. He further charged Ridge Hospital to use the new equipments for its intended purposes. The Minister who could hide his joy appealed to health practitioners at the theatre of the Conjoined Twins Secretariat to offer top notch treatment and care to patients who are brought for medical care. The Minister later visited the conjoined twins and assured their parents that the lives of the kids will be saved. On his part, Consultant Neurosurgeon And Public Health Physician as well as Technical Lead For The Conjoined Twins Team, Dr. Samuel Kaba thanked the Akufo-Addo government for providing the Ridge Hospital with such unique equipments. He added that they will work as a team and help save lives. Dr. Kaba assured the Health Minister that other surgeons will be given access to the facility where needed in order to have some practical skills. He was optimistic that the conjoined twins awaiting operation will be given the best health care. Taking his turn, Cathlab and Capital Equipment Business Lead, Medtronic, Emmanuel Seyram Duku was confident that the equipments will help save more lives. He added that with the rich experience of neurosurgeons at the Ridge Hospital, patients who are brought to the facility will go back home healthy and safe. Sales Director and Clinical Engineer, Daniel Amevialor commended government for purchasing the equipments. He was hopeful that personnel at the Conjoined Twins Secretariat of the Ridge will help save lots of lives. On his part, General Operations Manager, ECP Limited, Kwaku Bediako Amoafo-Hene praised the Akufo-Addo administration for providing the Conjoined Twins Secretariat with an ultramodern equipments. He appealed to the Conjoined Twins Secretariat to keep the equipments in good shape. He was optimistic that patients brought the facility will receive better healthcare. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman Manu has revealed that traditional medicine is considered an integral part of Ghana's healthcare delivery. According to the Minister, Traditional Medicine remains readily available, acceptable, easily accessible and affordable healthcare option for many Ghanaians. On a speech read on his behalf, the Director, Procurement and Supply Chain, Ministry of Health, Dr. Edward Bright Agyekum said "Today, looking back the last twenty (20) years, Traditional medicine is considered an integral part of our healthcare delivery" "Hence, today's celebration is one that gives us the opportunity to reflect on our progress in the sector as a readily available, safe and efficacious healthcare" The statement added that for the past two decades, Ghana has seen substantial growth in Traditional medicine as a viable option in the health and welfare of the good people of Ghana. He also revealed that Ghana has an enviable directorate the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Directorate (TAMD) which is mandated to develop Traditional and Alternative medicine policies to sprearhead and drive growth in the sector. Dr. Agyekum noted that Ghana has been developing Traditional Medicine policies over the last two decades. "In 2011, the policy was implemented beginning with 18 selected government hospitals. Undr the leadership of the current government, the Integration policy has seen an increase from 19 to 55 government health facilities" "In 2021, over 30 Medical Herbalists were posted by the government to various hospitals to superintend at these Herbal units at the various hospitals" "In the same year, two essential Traditional Medicine policy documents were also duly published and launched; the second edition of the recommended Herbal Medicines List (RHML) and Basic Procedures for the Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Medicinal Products" The statement also mentioned that the Ministry of Helath will continue to sprearhead the development of Traditional Medicine as a critical sector for the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). On her part, the Deputy Minister for Health, Tina Gifty Naa Ayeley Mensah said "Ghana as a matter of urgency is aligned with SDG target 3.8, which focuses on achieving universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all" She stressed that the Traditional Medicine and Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) could make significant contributions to the attainment of universal health coverage (UHC). "As we can see from above and the role Traditional Medicine played in COVID-19, we can tell that Traditional Medicine has paid its dues in delivering primary healthcare" She also mentioned that Ghana recognises the many benefits of Traditional Medicine and the current government is poised to ensure that it reaches its full height in development. "We continually call on the various agencies, institutions and business enterprises to invest in Herbal/Traditional Medicine" Delivering a situational report on Traditional Medicine, the Director, Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Dr. Anastasia Michaelina Yirenkyi said "The Traditional Health Systems as practised by our forebearers were based on Faith based, a knowledge system which was originated from God. "Believe Systems, a method of receiving knowledge through apprenticeship, observation, visions, dreams, spiritual possessions designed to assist society with dealing with the imbalances of man with his environment as a whole" She also cited cultural heritage as another means used by forebears to heal people. "Traditional birth attendants safely delivered babies without modern health care and still do in some deprived communities without proper health care in the country" She added that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of persons rely on traditional medicine for their health care. Taking his turn, Founder of COA Mixture and newly elected GHAFTRAM President, Prof Duncan said "We are the COA researchand manufacturing limited, are proud to be associated with this celebration because of its significance in promoting traditional medicine" He added that the World Health Organization in 2003, a called on African governments to accord formal recognition to Traditional Medicine, create an enabling environment for each practice and integrate it into their National Health Systems. "The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the various institutions on these strides in the integration of herbal and orthodox herbal medicines in Ghana" He called on all practitioners and the media to come on board to strive and develop traditional medicine in Ghana to achieve the higher standards. Fraternal messages were received from the FDA, CPMR, MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' GROUP, TMPC, GHAMPA, CHINESE MEDICAL TEAM, PSGH AND GAMH. Citations were presented to the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu and his Deputy Minister, Tina Gifty Naa Ayeley Mensah. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to address the nation on November 18. According to sources, the Finance Minister will touching on Ghana’s Economic Success, IMF among others. Thinknewsonline.com will be updating its readers on new developments on Friday. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith