Official portrait of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama The Office of the President has officially unveiled the portrait of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, a move described as symbolizing his leadership and unwavering commitment to the people of Ghana. In a statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, the new portrait is said to reflect the values and aspirations of the nation, serving as a beacon of national pride and unity. "The official portrait captures President Mahama's dedication to building a better Ghana, a country united in purpose and progress" "It represents the ideals of hope, resilience, and inclusivity that his administration seeks to champion," Kwakye Ofosu stated. The statement also clarified that no individual or organization has been contracted by the government to mass-produce or distribute framed versions of the portrait. Ministries, Departments, Agencies, private businesses, and the general public have been urged to take note of this directive. The presidency emphasized that the official portrait is freely available for download on the government website, www.presidency.gov.gh, to ensure accessibility and to prevent exploitation by unscrupulous individuals. Official portrait of Her Excellency Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang The release of the portrait marks a significant moment in President Mahama’s administration as he continues to lead the nation towards unity and sustainable development. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has officially announced his first set of ministerial nominations, submitting the names of three seasoned professionals to Parliament for approval. The nominees include: Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Minister for Finance Designate John Abdulai Jinapor as Minister for Energy Designate Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate Dr. Forson, an accomplished economist, is renowned for his expertise in public finance and taxation. Mr. Jinapor, with extensive experience in energy economics, is set to bring strategic insights to the energy sector. Mr. Ayine, a distinguished legal expert, is poised to lead the Justice Ministry with his in-depth knowledge of law and governance. Parliament’s Appointments Committee is expected to vet these nominations in the coming days. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing Ghana’s energy crisis and preventing a resurgence of “dumsor,” the erratic power outages that have previously disrupted the nation. He spoke at the National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana on January 9. President Mahama acknowledged the pressing energy challenges facing the country but assured Ghanaians that his government is prepared to provide sustainable solutions. “We are assuming office at a critical time in our nation’s history. Ghana is faced with significant challenges. But that is exactly the reason why you elected us" "We will transparently let you understand what those challenges are, and we will take responsibility for solving them,” he stated. The President outlined the immediate threat posed by insufficient fuel supplies for power generation, which could result in outages. However, he urged citizens to remain hopeful, emphasizing his administration’s determination to resolve the issue. “There is a threat of power outages, but my brothers and sisters, don’t despair. You elected us to solve the problems, not to put the blame on anybody else,” he affirmed. To address the looming crisis, President Mahama disclosed that on January 8, he convened a stakeholders’ meeting to develop innovative strategies for stabilizing the energy supply. “I can assure you of some of the ideas they have come up with. We will make sure that your lights stay on and that we do not have dumsor,” he added. The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has estimated that approximately $90 million is needed to purchase alternative fuel to sustain power generation during the upcoming maintenance shutdown of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) scheduled from January 20 to February 16, 2025. President Mahama emphasized that resolving the energy challenges requires urgent and collaborative efforts, reiterating his administration’s readiness to lead the way in stabilizing the country’s power supply. “We are committed to making dumsor a thing of the past,” he concluded, urging all stakeholders to join hands in achieving energy stability for Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has earned praises for its exceptional efforts in beautifying the Black Star Square and parts of Accra for the inauguration of the Government of President John Dramani Mahama. The event marked the beginning of President’s Mahama's new term in office, following his swearing-in on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The company's clean-up and beautification work has been lauded as “ par excellence” by many who attended the event, including party faithfuls and citizens who watched from nearby. To prepare the Black Star Square for the ceremony, Zoomlion deployed over 500 personnel to undertake a comprehensive clean-up and beautification exercise across major streets of Accra. Workers of Zoomlion transformed the Black Star Square into a stunning oasis, boasting beautifully landscaped artificial turf that perfectly complemented the majestic architecture of the Ghanaian Parliament. The breathtaking result was truly a sight to behold! The workers also cleaned Accra’s ceremonial streets, decorated traffic lights and trees with the national colours, weeded road medians, swept streets, desilted drains and painted the curbs. The clean-up and beautification exercise ensured that Black Star Square and ceremonial streets of Accra were spotless and radiant for the historic inauguration ceremony. Additionally, the company painted pavements and pedestrian walkways. Zoomlion’s consistent contributions to Ghana's cleanliness and environmental sustainability demonstrate its dedication to the country's well-being. President Mahama's return to power is highly anticipated, with many Ghanaians hopeful that he will bring about positive change and development. After winning the 2024 presidential election with 57.3% of the votes, President Mahama is expected to focus on addressing the country's economic challenges, including unemployment and inflation, during his second term. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) has called on parents to provide additional food supplies for their children in senior high schools, citing severe shortages in the Free SHS program. Primus Baro, National Secretary of CHASS, disclosed that many schools across the country are struggling to provide adequate meals due to delayed government payments and dwindling food stocks. “Food supplies are critically low in many schools, especially in regions like Upper West, Upper East, and Northern. Basic necessities like cooking oil are completely unavailable in some cases,” Baro revealed. CHASS has advised parents to send items such as gari, shito, and sugar to supplement the meals provided by schools. While acknowledging the measure as less than ideal, Baro described it as a temporary solution to ensure students receive proper nutrition. The Free SHS program, designed to promote equitable access to education, continues to grapple with challenges including financial constraints, infrastructure deficits, and resource shortages. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Darko, has raised an alarm over a recent scam targeting food service establishments, including restaurants, eateries, and other food vendors. The scam involves individuals posing as FDA officers investigating incidents of food poisoning. In a statement issued to the media, Dr. Darko disclosed that the scammers' modus operandi involves calling these establishments and demanding access to their WhatsApp accounts. The aim, she said, is to fraudulently gain access to sensitive and confidential information such as client databases. There are also concerns that these scammers may hack into the vendors' systems or extort money. “The FDA takes incidences of food poisoning very seriously as a matter of public health. However, the Authority does not conduct enforcement activities through telephone calls. Our investigations and inspections are conducted onsite by our field officers,” Dr. Darko emphasized. She urged operators of food service establishments to exercise caution when receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be FDA staff conducting food poisoning investigations. “Do not grant any access to your accounts or systems,” she warned. Dr. Darko further reminded the public that FDA officers are prohibited from collecting payments from clients during field activities. She advised those receiving suspicious calls or messages to report them promptly to the Police or any FDA office, whether at the Head Office in Accra or regional branches across the country. The FDA remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of food services in Ghana. Dr. Darko reassured the public of the Authority’s dedication to tackling food safety issues through proper channels. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A group of thugs who stormed the premises of the head office of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday morning, vandalizing a bust designed to honor the Executive Director, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah have been identified as supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The attackers, estimated to be about 15 in number, forcibly entered the EOCO premises armed with hammers and a cutlass. Video footage obtained by Thinknewsonline.com shows the group entering the premises of the state institution to destroy the bust and a picture frame of the EOCO boss at the reception. The operation, which lasted approximately seven minutes, caused significant damage but resulted in no casualties. Speaking to Thinknewsonline.com on Thursday after a visit to the premises, some staff members who on condition of anonymity, expressed their frustration and disappointment at the act, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish the reputation of their Executive Director. "This is shameful. These cowards are hiding behind politics to destroy the hard work of our ED, who has been an exceptional leader," one staff member stated. Another added, "Despite these unfortunate events, we will continue to support our boss. She is a golden fish that cannot be hidden, and these times will only strengthen her resolve." The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for calm and respect for state institutions. Executive Director of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah noted that investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those involved in the act. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly objected to the use of the term “micro-Minority” to describe the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in the House, describing it as inappropriate and unacceptable. During the correction of Votes and Proceedings at the opening of the first sitting of the Ninth Parliament, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin referred to the Minority caucus as a “micro-Minority.” This sparked immediate protests from Afenyo-Markin, who insisted that the term was both unofficial and demeaning. “Mr Speaker, the Minority Caucus hereby protests the description given to us by Mr Speaker. We find this unacceptable,” he declared, adding that the rules of Parliament only recognise the terms "Minority" and "Majority." He further highlighted the Minority’s critical role in ensuring the Speaker’s election, accusing the Majority of attempting to conspire against him at the time. “Mr Speaker, it was us, the Minority of conscience, who protected you; in fact, but for us, you would not be the Speaker,” Afenyo-Markin asserted. He stressed that from now on, the term “micro-Minority” should not be used on the floor of Parliament, urging the Speaker and members of the House to refrain from any such reference. “From today, nobody should ever use the term ‘micro-Minority’ to describe us in this House. We are the official Minority, and there cannot be any other description,” he emphasized. Responding to the Minority Leader’s concerns, Speaker Bagbin admitted that the term “micro-Minority” was not recognised by the rules of Parliament. He conceded that the objection was valid and assured the House that it would not be formally used in parliamentary records. “He is totally right, and I would say that he himself misled me because he has used the term ‘micro-Minority’ in the past,” the Speaker remarked, though he clarified that Leaders of the House could still use the term in their discussions if they chose to. Despite the Speaker’s clarification, Afenyo-Markin remained adamant that the term should be completely abandoned, reaffirming the NPP caucus’s position as the Minority without qualification. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that some scores of youths believed to be supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have reportedly stormed the Tema Harbour for reasons yet to be ascertained. The sudden gathering has caused a stir, prompting concerns about the motivations behind the actions. In response to the situation, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, has hinted that his attentionhas been drawn to the development and was heading to the location to assess the situation. He urged them to refrain from such acts, emphasizing the need for calm and adherence to lawful conduct. Authorities at the Tema Harbour are yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has extended heartfelt appreciation to the general public for their cooperation during the swearing-in ceremony of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama as President of the Republic of Ghana and Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Vice President. The historic event took place on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, in Accra. In a statement signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs, the Police acknowledged the patience and understanding shown by the public, particularly motorists, despite temporary road closures and traffic diversions in the capital. “The Ghana Police Service sincerely commends the general public for their understanding and cooperation with the Police during the swearing-in event" "We particularly thank the motoring public for their patience during the temporary road closures and traffic diversions in Accra,” the statement read. The statement further emphasized the Police Service’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and law and order across the country. The Police also called on the public to continue supporting their efforts in ensuring the safety and stability of the nation. The successful conduct of the ceremony underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and security agencies in fostering a peaceful and orderly society. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The government has established a 12-member committee, chaired by Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency and former Deputy Energy Minister, John Jinapor, to address an impending power crisis, commonly referred to as "dumsor." The committee's formation follows an emergency meeting convened by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The meeting, held in Accra, brought together key stakeholders in Ghana's energy sector, including representatives from GRIDCo, WAPCo, VRA, GNPC, BOST, and other power generation entities. The directive to address the situation was issued by President John Dramani Mahama on his first full day in office, signaling the urgency of stabilizing the country's power supply. The discussions at the meeting focused on devising both immediate and long-term strategies to avert nationwide power outages and ensure a reliable energy supply. President Mahama has prioritized energy stability as a key pillar for national development, and this committee will work tirelessly to address the challenges and safeguard the nation’s electricity supply. The newly formed committee is expected to provide regular updates on their progress and recommend solutions to ensure sustainable power generation and distribution. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President John Dramani Mahama has revoked the appointments of all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), along with Assembly Members appointed under the Local Governance Act 2016 (Act 936), as amended by the Local Government Amendment Act 2017 (Act 940). The directive, effective immediately, was issued in a statement signed by Callistus Mahama, Ph.D., Secretary to the President. The letter, addressed to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, emphasized that the revocation is in line with the powers vested in the President under the relevant provisions of the Act. In the interim, Coordinating Directors of the respective Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been directed to assume responsibility as Acting Chief Executives until substantive appointments are made. The statement further noted that copies of the directive have been sent to the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, and other relevant offices at Jubilee House for their information and action. This sweeping decision marks a significant shift in local governance, as stakeholders await the announcement of new appointments to these critical positions. Stay tuned for more updates. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith