The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has convened an emergency meeting with key players in the energy sector to tackle a looming power crisis, commonly referred to as “dumsor.” The meeting, held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, issued just a day after his swearing-in as President of Ghana. John Abdulai Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu and former Deputy Energy Minister, disclosed that the meeting brought together stakeholders from GRIDCo, WAPCo, VRA, GNPC, BOST, and other power generation entities. The focus was to devise both immediate and long-term strategies to stabilize power supply and avert nationwide outages. “Extensive technical work was undertaken last night, and several options have been tabled for discussion. His Excellency will be briefed, and I am confident he will issue further directives through the Chief of Staff,” Mr. Jinapor told the media. The current crisis stems from dwindling fuel stocks across major power plants. AKSA has only five hours of fuel left, KTPP’s reserves will last just 1.5 days, and Asogli has completely depleted its stock. While Cenpower has reserves for 20.9 days, it is insufficient to meet national energy demand. In response, a technical committee has been established to chart a path out of the crisis. Acting Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the committee, which includes notable figures such as John Abdulai Jinapor, Emmanuel Kofi Buah, and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to present a detailed road map to the government by the end of the day. As Ghanaians await solutions, the Mahama administration is demonstrating urgency and resolve in its efforts to prevent further disruptions to the nation’s power supply and restore confidence in the energy sector. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a shocking development, unidentified individuals have reportedly stormed the premises of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra and vandalized the statue of the agency's Executive Director, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah. The incident, which occurred under mysterious circumstances, has left EOCO officials and the public bewildered. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the culprits arrived undetected and carried out the act swiftly, leaving officers on duty unable to intervene. Sources at EOCO revealed that the attack has raised significant security concerns, as the premises are known for their heightened surveillance measures. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but an investigation has reportedly been launched to apprehend the perpetrators. The vandalism of the statue, which symbolizes leadership and dedication to combating organized crime, has drawn widespread condemnation. Observers are questioning the security measures at EOCO and urging swift action to restore confidence in the agency's ability to safeguard its premises. Updates will follow as more details emerge. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a candid interview with CNN, Brazilian star Neymar shared his thoughts on the Saudi Pro League. According to him, "I agree with Cristiano. Today, I think the Saudi League is above Ligue 1." He praised the league's rapid development. "The level of the Saudi Pro League is increasing, the players are also better." Neymar also spoke positively about his experiences in Saudi Arabia, expressing admiration for its culture, people, and progress. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Neymar confirmed his ambitions. "Of course I plan to be there! I will try doing my best to win with Brazil. I trust our team." It will be recalled that Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo reiterated his belief in the quality of the Saudi Pro League, boldly stating that it surpasses France's Ligue 1. "The Saudi League is better than Ligue 1. I am 100% sure of that. The players, the intensity, and the competition here are on the rise." Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in a groundbreaking move, continues to play a pivotal role in the league's growing reputation on the global stage. His comments have sparked discussions about the league's rapid development and its appeal to top football talents. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In an address delivered at his swearing-in ceremony at the Black Star Square on Thursday, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to championing diversity and inclusivity in governance while promising the youth of Ghana a brighter future. The event, attended by dignitaries from across the globe, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the nation under President Mahama's leadership. In his speech, the President emphasized the critical role of Ghanaian youth in shaping the country’s future and pledged to prioritize their aspirations through actionable policies and opportunities. "As we embark on this new chapter, I assure you that our decisions will champion diversity in all facets of governance, ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or religion, has an opportunity to contribute to our nation’s progress," Mahama declared. He outlined a vision for a 24-hour economy, anchored in agriculture and agribusiness, aimed at fostering job creation, economic empowerment, and innovation. He urged business leaders and entrepreneurs to support this initiative, promising a fair and transparent tax regime to stimulate investment. The President also expressed his gratitude to visiting dignitaries and the international community for their solidarity, pledging to strengthen partnerships that promote regional stability and economic growth. "Today marks the dawn of a new era—an era of hope, accountability, and transformative progress," he concluded, calling on all Ghanaians to unite in building a prosperous and inclusive future for the nation. The ceremony was a moment of inspiration, particularly for the youth, who left with renewed hope and anticipation for the policies and initiatives that will define President Mahama’s administration. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a historic inauguration ceremony at the Black Star Square in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama outlined his vision for Ghana, pledging to address key national challenges through a focused and transformative agenda. Addressing thousands of Ghanaians, dignitaries, and global leaders who gathered for the momentous occasion, President Mahama emphasized his administration's commitment to tackling Ghana’s pressing issues. In his inaugural speech, he identified four critical areas that will form the backbone of his government’s strategy for national development. “We will focus our initial efforts on four critical areas: economic restoration and stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment; improvement of the business and investment environment; governance and constitutional reforms; and accountability and the fight against corruption,” he stated. President Mahama acknowledged the challenges facing the nation, particularly economic hardships, corruption, and unemployment, and assured Ghanaians that his administration is prepared to take decisive action. He highlighted the importance of positioning Ghana to adapt to global economic shifts, noting, “The combined total of the GDP of the BRICS nations has been consistently increasing, while the G7’s share has been steadily dropping.” He pledged to prioritise economic stabilisation as a cornerstone of his leadership. The President’s ambitious agenda also includes creating an innovative and vibrant 24-hour economy anchored in agriculture and agribusiness, which he said would stimulate local industries, attract foreign investments, and generate decent jobs for the youth. President Mahama also celebrated the historic milestone of Ghana’s first female Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, describing her as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion. As the new administration begins its work, President Mahama called on Ghanaians to unite in building a brighter future, urging collective effort and patriotism. “This is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise, where hope thrives, and dreams become a reality,” he concluded. With his return to power marking a historic political comeback, Ghanaians eagerly await the rollout of his government’s plans and initiatives in the coming months. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has announced robust security arrangements to ensure a smooth and peaceful swearing-in ceremony for the President and Vice President-elect on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Addressing journalists in Accra on Monday, the Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, detailed measures aimed at safeguarding the event while minimizing disruptions to the public. Key security strategies include traffic diversions in designated areas to manage vehicular flow and ensure public safety. ACP Ansah-Akrofi emphasized that these measures are designed to maintain a balance between security enforcement and allowing citizens to carry out their daily activities with minimal inconvenience. The arrangements, according to the police, reflect their commitment to upholding law and order in line with the Police Service Act, 1970 (Act 350). "The Ghana Police Service is dedicated to providing a safe environment for this significant national event," ACP Ansah-Akrofi assured. With these security measures in place, Ghanaians can anticipate a seamless and incident-free presidential inauguration ceremony. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin, has refuted reports circulating in sections of the media that suggest President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted presidential pardons to certain individuals. In an official statement issued on behalf of the Presidency, Mr. Arhin categorically described the claims as false and urged the public to disregard any such reports. “These assertions are inaccurate, and no pardon has been granted by President Akufo-Addo,” the statement clarified. The public has been advised to rely solely on official communications from the Office of the President for accurate information regarding presidential actions. This statement comes amidst widespread rumors, but the Presidency has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in all matters. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana is set to witness a momentous occasion on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as President-elect, John Dramani Mahama takes the oath of office at the Black Star Square in Accra. This historic inauguration not only marks the return of a former president to the highest office but also ushers in a new chapter with Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang becoming the first female Vice President of the Republic. Addressing journalists on updates towards the Presidential inauguration, Co-Spokesperson, Transition Team, Felix Kwakye Ofosu noted that the event, which has been meticulously planned, will feature a beautifully curated venue divided into three zones to accommodate parliamentary proceedings, public attendees, and media professionals. He said "The swearing-in ceremony, a formal parliamentary session, will see the relocation of Parliament's sitting to the Black Star Square" He stressed that access to the cordoned-off parliamentary area will be strictly by invitation, with heavy security measures in place. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s rise to the vice presidency is seen as a groundbreaking achievement for women’s representation in Ghanaian politics This historic moment highlights the endorsement by the Ghanaian electorate of a leadership team focused on progress, inclusivity, and unity. "Heads of state, dignitaries, and international organizations are expected to grace the event, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Protocol Department ensuring a smooth arrival for the esteemed guests" he said. "Ten heads of state, two vice presidents, a speaker of parliament, two former presidents, and representatives from the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank are among the confirmed attendees" He explained that traffic arrangements, car park allocations, and security deployments have been announced to ensure seamless movement around the Black Star Square and adjacent areas. He said "Road closures and diversions will be enforced, and the public has been urged to cooperate with the police to ensure the event proceeds without incident." "Accredited media personnel will be given access to capture the historic occasion, with centralized TV production providing a clean feed to broadcasting houses across the country" He hinted thaf designated spaces have also been provided for media houses conducting live discussions from the grounds. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that the swearing-in ceremony, set to commence at 11 a.m., will be a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey, symbolizing hope and progress. As President Mahama and Vice President Opoku-Agyemang assume office, the event will resonate as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to democracy and gender equality. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has categorically dismissed claims that it intends to sell the Kantamanto Market land to a private developer. According to Joyce Bawa Mogtari, special aide to President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, labelled the rumours as baseless and politically motivated in the wake of a devastating fire that has left traders grappling with significant losses. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mogtari expressed deep sympathy for the affected traders, describing the incident as a “devastating tragedy” early in the New Year. She condemned attempts to politicise the tragedy and reiterated the NDC’s commitment to preserving public assets and supporting the informal sector. Madam Mogtari highlighted the NDC’s track record of implementing policies to improve traders’ livelihoods and contrasted it with the outgoing administration, accusing it of selling state resources in ways that have drawn public criticism. She called for a thorough investigation into the fire and assured the public that the incoming government would prioritise safety measures and relief efforts to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A group of agenda 111 contractors have appealed to the President to pay them unpaid completed works before leaving office. They contend that some have payments outstanding for one year whilst they have continued to work hard due to the urgent nature of the project. They worked hard despite payment challenges because it is a laudable health infrastructure needed in the country due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Ghana needs to prepare facilities to deal with future recurrence. Some of the contractors have seen an increased demand by suppliers to settle building materials purchased on credit and to pay workers since last elections. Some banks and financial institutions that provided credit support may be burdened, affecting their performing loans if the payments to contractors continue to delay. The group urges the President to pay them before leaving office. Paying for completed works helps build capacities of local contractors to take up other projects. Delayed contract payments have collapsed many construction firms, which need to be avoided, they urge the President. Story by: Morris Ogbetey

The Member of Parliament-Elect for Ketu North Constituency, Edem Agbana, has delivered a sharp critique of the Akufo-Addo administration, emphasizing that the outcome of the December 7 elections reflects Ghanaians' dissatisfaction with the government’s performance. Speaking in a Parliament after the SONA 2024 on Friday, Mr. Agbana noted that despite claims of economic strength by the ruling government, the electorate’s verdict at the polls tells a different story. "If indeed, the economy is strong, and you are leaving behind a solid foundation, Ghanaians would have defended you. But the way and manner they voted clearly indicate their unhappiness with this government,” he stated. The MP-Elect expressed optimism in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s ability to address the challenges facing the country, asserting that Ghanaians are counting on the party, led by John Dramani Mahama, to reset the nation. Critiquing the President's recent address, Mr. Agbana pointed out key omissions, particularly on critical issues such as unemployment and labor unrest. “Why is the President not addressing the growing rate of unemployment? Why is he silent on the poor conditions of service for Ghanaian workers? As we speak, CETAG and other labor unions are on strike at the tail end of his administration,” he observed. He further accused the government of using manipulated statistics to create a false sense of progress. “In political communication, it’s easy to pull out data to paint a rosy picture. But the true measure of economic success is how Ghanaians feel in their pockets,” Mr. Agbana said, adding that many citizens are struggling with the high cost of living. Drawing from personal experience, he compared the value of salaries over time, lamenting the erosion of purchasing power. “Eight years ago, my salary could buy 30 bags of cement. Today, despite nominal increments, I can’t buy the same quantity. This shows that the economy has worsened, not improved,” he explained. Mr. Agbana concluded by urging the government to focus on addressing the real issues affecting Ghanaians, rather than relying on data to justify their policies. “At the end of the day, it’s about the value of your money and how you feel in this economy. Ghanaians are not feeling better, and that is the reality,” he said. The MP-Elect’s comments reflect the NDC’s readiness to take on the mantle of leadership and restore confidence in governance as the nation grapples with economic challenges. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Member of Parliament of Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Sam Nartey George, has criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accusing him of misleading Parliament during the delivery of the State of the Nation Address (SONA). Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Sam George described the President's address as a litany of untruths and a display of poor leadership. "The President came to peddle untruths and grossly misled the House," Sam George charged, expressing disappointment in the President's failure to address pressing national issues such as Ghana's burgeoning debt, fuel prices, foreign exchange rates, and the controversial National Cathedral project. He further questioned the President’s claims of keeping the lights on, pointing out that the energy sector’s debt has ballooned to $2.7 billion under his administration. "The lights may be on, but they are on with a huge debt burden,” the MP stated. Sam George also criticized the government for what he described as "recklessness" in managing the country’s finances, highlighting the late submission of an appropriation bill to Parliament. He noted that this was hurriedly done to avoid defaulting on external coupon payments. On the LGBTQ+ bill, the Ningo-Prampram MP accused the President of inconsistency. “He said he would sign the bill once the courts dispensed with the case. It’s been almost a month since the courts made their ruling, yet he remains silent,” Sam George noted. The MP did not spare the government’s flagship health infrastructure project, Agenda 111. According to him, only three of the promised hospitals have been commissioned, and even those are incomplete and lack medical equipment. “President Akufo-Addo is a master class in how not to lead a country,” Sam George said, adding that his administration’s governance would serve as a cautionary tale for political science students studying leadership failures. He concluded by echoing the words of the Honorable Rockson Dafeamekpor, saying, “The Egyptians we see today, we shall see no more again,” expressing hope that Ghanaians will hold the government accountable for its shortcomings. The fiery critique underscores growing opposition frustrations with the Akufo-Addo administration as the country grapples with economic and governance challenges. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith