Mavis Kukua Bissue, the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, has commissioned a new mechanized borehole in Agona Ahanta’s Zone 2, offering much-needed relief to residents who have faced chronic water shortages for years. The newly completed borehole is a crucial intervention aimed at addressing the severe water crisis that has plagued the community, as well as improving water supply to the Municipal Police Station. The project also aims to tackle sanitation challenges in the area, which will contribute to better public health and safety. Bissue, who assumed office nearly two weeks ago, expressed her determination to bring meaningful development to her constituency. During the commissioning ceremony, she revealed plans to build an additional 10 mechanized boreholes across Ahanta West to further alleviate water scarcity. “This project is the result of extensive lobbying with my development partners in the Bahamas,” she explained. “We are rolling out this initiative with their support to improve the quality of life for our people.” Bissue emphasized her commitment to addressing the basic needs of the constituency and promoting sustainable development. Stephen Kenyah Arthur, the project supervisor and former Assembly Member for Ahuntunano, urged residents to use the borehole responsibly. He explained that the project would operate at a low cost, with funds generated to support ongoing maintenance and operational expenses. Municipal Police Commander DSP Valentine Akposu also addressed the gathering, encouraging the community to take ownership of the facility to ensure its long-term sustainability and proper usage. For the people of Agona Ahanta, the commissioning of the mechanized borehole marks a significant step forward in improving access to clean water and enhancing the overall living conditions in the area. It symbolizes a hopeful future of progress and development for the community. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has submitted a third list of ministerial and regional ministerial nominees to Parliament for approval, advancing the formation of his government. The list, delivered to the Speaker of Parliament on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, includes nominees for various ministerial roles across the country’s regions and key sectors. The submission marks a significant step in President Mahama’s efforts to assemble a government capable of addressing the country’s challenges. Regional Minister Nominees The following individuals have been nominated to serve as Regional Ministers: Puozuing Charles Lwanga  – Upper West Region Joseph Addae Akwaboa  – Bono Region Francis Owusu Antwi  – Bono East Region Ministers of State Nominees The President has also named individuals to head key ministries: Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah  – Ministry of Defence Samuel Nartey George, MP  – Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP  – Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Kofi Iddie Adams, MP  – Ministry of Sports and Recreation Abdul-Rashid H. Pelpuo, MP  – Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, MP  – Ministry of Health Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, MP  – Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology Joseph Bukari Nikpe, MP  – Ministry of Transport Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, MP  – Ministry of Interior Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP  – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Adjel Kenneth Gilbert  – Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources Additional Ministerial Nominations The President has also designated the following individuals for special ministerial roles: Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, MP  – Minister of State in Charge of Special Initiatives Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP  – Minister of State, Government Communications Issifu Seidu, MP  – Minister of State, Climate Change, and Sustainability Presidential Confidence in Nominees Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Acting Spokesperson for the President, expressed confidence in the new appointees, stating that the list reflects President Mahama’s commitment to building a capable and diverse team to address the country’s pressing issues. The nominees will now undergo parliamentary vetting, a crucial step in the process before they can assume their official roles. The successful approval of these nominees will play a key part in the administration’s efforts to enhance governance and service delivery across the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a series of significant appointments to the Office of the President, aimed at enhancing governance and ensuring greater operational efficiency. According to a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, these appointments reflect the President’s commitment to delivering effective leadership and fostering responsive administration. The new appointees are expected to bring their wealth of experience and dedication to their respective roles to support the government’s vision for national progress and development. Below are the appointees and their designated positions: Mrs. Joyce Bawah Mogtari  – Presidential Adviser & Special Aide to the President. Stanislav Xoese Dogbe  – Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations). Nana Oye Bampoe Addo  – Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration). Seth Emmanuel Terkper  – Presidential Adviser on the Economy. Professor Francis Dodoo  – Presidential Adviser, National Anti-Corruption Programme. Larry Gbevlo-Lartey  – Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States. Nana Yaa Jantuah  – Presidential Staffer. Beatrice Annangfio  – Presidential Staffer. Shamima Muslim  – Deputy Presidential Spokesperson. Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo  – Cabinet Secretary. President Mahama expressed confidence in the ability of these individuals to excel in their roles, stating that their expertise and commitment will significantly contribute to achieving the government’s goals and advancing national development. The President urged all Ghanaians to support the appointees as they work towards strengthening the pillars of governance and addressing the nation’s pressing challenges. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Edward Kareweh, the former General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), has called on Eric Opoku, the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture-designate, to engage key stakeholders, prioritize the effective implementation of agricultural policies, and ensure accountability in government subsidies. In an interview on an Accra-based radio station, Mr. Kareweh highlighted the challenges facing the agricultural sector, stressing the need for a tailored approach to address the diverse needs of farmers. “The agricultural sector is very diverse, and the needs of farmers vary significantly,” Mr. Kareweh said. “The requirements of rice farmers, for example, are different from those of maize farmers. The minister must first build consensus with stakeholders and understand their concerns.” While acknowledging the new minister’s expertise, Edward Kareweh cautioned against overconfidence. He warned that making unilateral decisions could alienate important stakeholders and impede progress in the sector. One of Kareweh's main concerns was the distribution of government subsidies, particularly fertilizers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that these resources reach their intended beneficiaries—farmers—and that they are used effectively. “Sometimes, farmers misuse the assistance, such as selling part of their fertilizers, which ultimately affects their output. We need to ensure proper monitoring to avoid such issues,” he explained. Mr. Kareweh also pointed out the difficulties in executing agricultural policies at the grassroots level, noting that past programs like the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative had shown promise but faced challenges in implementation. While he commended the initiative as a good policy, he lamented its limited impact. “As a country, we’re good at creating broad policies, but the real challenge lies in implementing them at the grassroots level,” Kareweh said. “The new minister must ensure that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past and work towards truly fulfilling the government’s agricultural policies.” Edward Kareweh’s remarks underline the importance of a comprehensive, inclusive approach to agriculture in Ghana, with an emphasis on collaboration, proper monitoring, and efficient policy execution. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Education Minister-designate, Haruna Iddrisu has committed to tackling longstanding disparities in educational access and infrastructure between northern and southern Ghana. Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 20, 2025, the Tamale South MP underscored the urgent need for equity, quality, and inclusivity in the country’s education system. “It’s important to recognize that as a country, there is a north-south divide when it comes to access to education,” he said. Haruna Iddrisu traced the origins of this divide to historical inequalities, noting that while the first school in southern Ghana was established in 1876, northern Ghana did not receive its first secondary school until 1951. “This historical gap has created a deficit that must be addressed. For instance, Achimota School was established in 1924, but Tamale Secondary School, the first in the north, came much later. Closing this gap remains a priority,” he emphasized. The Minister-designate attributed higher participation rates in Northern Ghana under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to poverty, which has historically been a major barrier to education in the region. “The participation rate in Northern Ghana for Free SHS is notably high. This reflects how poverty has hindered access to education in the past. Moving forward, our focus must shift to ensuring quality, equality, and equity,” he said. Haruna Iddrisu also revealed alarming statistics on infrastructure deficits in Northern Ghana and other underserved regions such as Oti and Western North. He highlighted a shortfall of approximately 5,000 educational facilities across basic, junior high, and senior high schools in these areas. The Minister-designate pledged to work towards bridging these gaps, stressing that equitable access to education is critical to national development. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to promote inclusive growth and eliminate systemic inequalities in Ghana’s education sector. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Education Minister-designate, Haruna Iddrisu has announced plans to refund admission fees for first-year students enrolled in public tertiary institutions. The initiative, part of President John Mahama’s broader agenda to make higher education more accessible, was revealed during Mr. Iddrisu's vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday. According to the Tamale South MP, the government will allocate GH¢345 million to cover the admission fees of students pursuing general subject areas at public tertiary institutions. However, the refund will not extend to professional programs such as medicine. “On the authority of President Mahama, and with the approval of the Minister of Finance-designate, Hon. Ato Forson, this provision will be incorporated into the government’s Reset Budget. The funds will ensure that students in general subject areas have their admission fees reimbursed,” Haruna Iddrisu stated. He assured Parliament that students who have already paid their fees will also benefit from the refund. “This is an experimental model under President Mahama's leadership. It is designed to evaluate the feasibility of expanding such a program in the future. The policy does not exclude students who are financially capable of paying but aims to ensure equal access for all,” he added. The initiative fulfills a key promise in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto, reflecting the party's commitment to reducing barriers to higher education, especially for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Observers have lauded the initiative as a progressive step towards bridging the educational gap in Ghana, while others await further details on its implementation and impact. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Education Minister-designate, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for the expansion of boarding facilities in rural Senior High Schools (SHSs) as a pivotal measure to enhance access to quality education for students in underserved areas. Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee during his vetting, Mr. Iddrisu highlighted the challenges faced by students in rural communities, where poor transportation networks hinder regular school attendance. “For many children in rural areas, Members of Parliament often have to provide bicycles to help them commute to school daily,” he noted. “To ensure access to quality education, students in these deprived areas need greater support, which is why increasing boarding facilities is so important.” The Minister-designate stressed that better boarding options would alleviate the strain of long-distance travel for students, enabling them to focus more on their academics. “Investing in boarding facilities for rural schools is critical to leveling the playing field and giving all students equal opportunities to succeed,” he added. Addressing questions on the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s education policy, Mr. Iddrisu clarified that the party’s manifesto promised free university admission for first-year students, which specifically referred to admission fees rather than tuition. “Tuition is already free in all public universities in Ghana. Our promise relates to admission fees, and for students who have already paid these fees, arrangements will be made for refunds,” he explained. Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed his commitment to improving the education system, particularly in rural areas, as a key priority in his tenure as Education Minister. “Enhancing boarding facilities in rural SHSs is a fundamental step toward ensuring that every child, irrespective of their location, has access to quality education,” he reiterated. The Minister-designate’s emphasis on bridging the rural-urban education gap aligns with the government’s broader goal of providing equitable and inclusive education for all Ghanaian students. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

All public and private schools in Obuasi and Obuasi East municipalities in the Ashanti Region have been directed to close temporarily following violent clashes between illegal miners and military personnel at AngloGold Ashanti's mining concession. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 18, 2025, led to the deaths of at least seven miners and left several others injured. In response, tensions in the gold-mining town have escalated, prompting heavy security deployment and widespread concerns for public safety. To ensure the safety of students and staff, the Municipal Education Directorate has ordered schools to remain closed for the next two days. George Koomson, the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, confirmed the decision, stating, "We can’t guarantee the safety of both learners and teachers, so we’ve agreed that for Monday and possibly Tuesday, we will not be going to school." On Sunday, illegal miners reportedly staged a violent protest over the deaths of their colleagues, further intensifying unrest in the area. Meanwhile, President John Mahama has directed AngloGold Ashanti to bear the medical expenses of those injured during the clash as investigations continue into the tragic events. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a significant move to enhance Ghana's mineral resource management, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., has been appointed the new Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). Mr. Gyamfi, a seasoned legal professional with extensive expertise in the minerals sector, succeeds Nana Akwasi Awuah, who spearheaded notable strides in the company’s operations. During his formal introduction to PMMC staff, Gyamfi outlined his vision for the organization, emphasizing transparency, stakeholder engagement, and equitable distribution of Ghana’s mineral wealth. He pledged to ensure that PMMC fulfills its mandate as a trusted custodian of the country's mineral resources. “PMMC’s role in managing Ghana’s precious mineral resources is crucial,” he stated. "I am committed to fostering partnerships with local communities, mining companies, and regulatory bodies while improving governance and transparency in our operations. Together, we will ensure that all Ghanaians benefit from our natural resources.” Mr. Gymafi’s appointment comes as Ghana navigates the complexities of resource governance, striving to equitably distribute the wealth generated from its lucrative minerals industry. His leadership is expected to bolster the government's efforts to professionalize and modernize state-owned enterprises, a cornerstone of its sustainable development agenda. Outgoing Managing Director Nana Akwasi Awuah expressed confidence in Gyamfi's ability to lead PMMC into a new era. “The progress we’ve achieved is a testament to the dedication of the PMMC team" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has revealed that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration is leaving behind a road sector debt commitment of at least 100 billion Ghana Cedis. Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 20, Agbodza highlighted the urgent need for action to address the debt. According to Mr. Agbodza, the current debt in the sector stands at 130 million Ghana Cedis, with accrued interest totaling 665 million cedis. He emphasized the importance of working closely with the Finance Minister to find solutions to the mounting financial burden, describing the current situation as "money being wasted." "The NPP is leaving behind a minimum debt of 100 billion Ghana Cedis," Agbodza stated, expressing his intention to engage with stakeholders and the Finance Minister to develop strategies to resolve the issue. Additionally, Mr. Agbodza underscored the need for a comprehensive review of the road contract awarding process, which he described as problematic. He called for discussions with contractors, awarding agencies, and other stakeholders to address the issues and ensure better management of road sector contracts. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced that road tolls will be reintroduced in Ghana, but with a new, more efficient technological approach that will eliminate physical obstructions on the roads. Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s appointments committee on Monday, January 20, Agbodza explained that the tolls would be collected through a mechanized platform designed to ease traffic flow. Mr. Agbodza also addressed concerns raised during the previous administration’s removal of tolls, acknowledging that the process was mishandled. He expressed his intention to work closely with the Finance Minister to tackle the road sector’s mounting debt, which currently stands at 130 million Ghana cedis, with interest reaching 665 million cedis. Furthermore, Mr. Agbodza emphasized the need for a review of the road contract awarding process in Ghana, noting that current procedures are problematic and require urgent reforms. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has assured the people of Ghana, particularly residents of the Ashanti Region, of his government’s commitment to completing stalled and abandoned infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the healthcare sector. Speaking during the first Akwasidae celebration of the year at the Manhyia Palace on January 19, President Mahama reaffirmed his dedication to advancing development across the country, noting the critical role of infrastructure in improving the quality of life and driving economic progress. “Our nation Ghana is facing a dire economic crisis. While this is not the first time we have been in such a crisis, this particular one is characterized by high inflation, macroeconomic instability, a depreciating currency, and a debt default that has shut us out of the international credit market,” he stated. President Mahama acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address the country’s economic woes. He called on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to leverage his influence and diplomacy in supporting efforts to restore Ghana’s economic stability, as he had done during Mahama’s first tenure as president. “I had the privilege of calling on you during my tenure between 2013 and 2017, and you didn’t hesitate to assist. As we inherit a difficult economic situation, I will call on you again from time to time, and I know you will support us in working together to put our nation back on its feet,” Mahama said. On his part, the Asantehene, through the Paramount Chief of the Mampong Traditional Area, Dasebre Osei Bonsu II, urged President Mahama to fulfill all promises made to Ghanaians, particularly in the Ashanti Region. “We would like you to always remember the undertakings and promises you have made. I implore you to fulfill them, particularly the ongoing developmental projects within the kingdom and across all kingdoms. We have absolute trust in you that you shall not let us down,” Dasebre Osei Bonsu II conveyed on behalf of the Asantehene. President Mahama’s pledge to complete stalled projects, especially in the healthcare sector, has been widely welcomed as a critical step toward addressing the nation’s pressing infrastructural and economic challenges. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith