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The well-known pen company, BIC has moved its pen production activities from Ghana to Ivory Coast as a result of the country's ongoing economic difficulties, according to Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader in Parliament.  This move highlights a trend in which businesses that were once founded in Ghana are choosing to relocate their manufacturing sites to nearby nations in order to take advantage of more advantageous economic conditions. Related To This: We Have Not Turned Any Corner – Mahama Disputes Ofori Atta's Claim On Economic Progress On Monday, March 11, at President Akufo-Addo's 2024 state of the nation speech, the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam MP asked the government to move quickly to address these issues. He emphasized the dissatisfaction among Ghanaian youth regarding the country's economic management, signaling a pressing need for concerted efforts from those in authority to address these concerns comprehensively. Dr. Ato Forson expressed disappointment ove...

During the recent debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Minority in Parliament raised serious allegations against the management of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), accusing them of engaging in illicit actions related to the write-off of approximately GH¢48 billion in government debt. The caucus claims that these activities have resulted in the insolvency of the central bank. Related To This: BoG's 2022 Losses Were Needed To Save Ghana's Economy - BoG Governor Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, stressed the importance of holding the BoG's management accountable for their actions. He stated, "The Bank of Ghana is now bankrupt and exists in name only. In 2022, the Central Bank reported a staggering loss of over GHȼ60.8 billion and a negative equity exceeding GHȼ55 billion." Furthermore, Forson alleged, "The Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his two deputies unlawfully and excessively printed money to fund the government's inflated expendit...

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin drew the ire of the opposition when he launched a scathing attack on the personality of John Mahama's running mate, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. During the debate on the State of the Nation Address on March 11, the legislator accused Prof Opoku-Agyemang of failing to fulfill her duties in previous government roles and questioned the NDC's decision to select her as the running mate. He suggested that the NDC's leadership choices reflect a lack of foresight and a tendency to maintain the status quo. Related To This: I'm Ready to Serve Ghana With Integrity - Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Appointment as Mahama's Running Mate Afenyo-Markin's remarks triggered a strong reaction from the NDC members, who demanded an immediate retraction and apology from the Majority Leader. The tensions in the chamber escalated, with the Minority caucus expressing their displeasure by banging tables, demanding accountability for the disrespectful c...

A group of market queens from Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, recently visited with former first lady Lordina Dramani Mahama; the market queens had asked to be seen.  The market queens' urgent concerns were discussed during the conference, including the need for better market infrastructure throughout the region, the rise in business expenses, and the depreciation of the Ghana cedi compared to other currencies. READ ALSO: I'm Ready to Serve Ghana With Integrity - Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Appointment as Mahama's Running Mate Mrs. Mahama, who has worked as a market woman for more than thirty years, expressed her support for the market queens and acknowledged their challenges. She promised the group that she will always be there for them, stating that her commitment to their cause is independent of her political views. "I am one of you. I have been a market woman for over 30 years, so I know what you are going through," Mrs. Mahama affirmed, acknowledging the vital rol...

Former President John Dramani Mahama has outlined his strategy for a potential return to power in 2024, emphasizing a commitment to prioritize the completion of stalled and ongoing projects over the initiation of new ones. Speaking at a townhall meeting in Wa during his "Building the Ghana We Want" tour of the Upper West Region, Mr. Mahama assured the audience that a new NDC government would utilize available resources to finalize abandoned initiatives, such as those at the SD Dombo University for Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS). Related To This: Private Schools to be Included in Free SHS Policy - John Mahama Highlighting the importance of continuity in development efforts, Mr. Mahama referenced promises made by late President John Evans Atta Mills regarding key projects at the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS). He expressed his intention to resume and complete these projects, including an ultra-modern library, a lecture hall co...

Valentino Nii Noi Nortey, the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Klottey Korle Constituency, has announced his intentions to take legal action against Benjamin Kotey Neequaye, the Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for making false claims against him in a public setting. READ ALSO: Parliament To Sue Akufo-Addo Over Refusal To Sign Witchcraft Bill A video capturing the NDC Chairman's accusations against Valentino Nii Noi Nortey during an address in Osu was brought to the attention of Nortey's campaign team a few days ago. Nortey denounced the unfounded allegations as a deliberate effort to disrupt peace, exploit sensitive matters in Klottey Korle, besmirch his reputation, jeopardize his political aspirations, and potentially incite severe repercussions. In an interview conducted yesterday, Nii Noi Nortey affirmed his decision to pursue legal recourse against the NDC Chairman. He cited the Chairman's statements implicatin...

In a vocal critique, Ghanaian socialite Afia Schwarzenegger has condemned some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, including MPs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Samuel Nartey George, and Nii Lante Vanderpuye, for their recent 'commissioning' of the unfinished National Cathedral project as a means to mock the government. She labeled their actions as 'childish' and unsuitable given their influential roles in society. Related To This: NDC MPs Commission Unfinished National Cathedral Project Questioning the motives behind the MPs' behavior, Afia Schwarzenegger raised comparisons to former President John Dramani Mahama's project completion record, insinuating that such antics demonstrate immaturity rather than genuine political engagement. She further suggested that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) might face prolonged opposition due to what she perceives as their ineffective approach to criticizing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's administration...

The Communications Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has called on the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to steer clear of politicizing the National Cathedral initiative.  Instead of engaging in political maneuvers around the project, he encouraged the NDC to concentrate on developing a campaign message that resonates with the Ghanaian electorate in preparation for the upcoming December elections. Related To This: NDC MPs Commission Unfinished National Cathedral Project In a statement released on X, Mr. Ahiagbah defended the expenditure for the National Cathedral project, even at its current foundation stage. He emphasized that the foundation is emblematic of the project's essence, hence the associated costs. Mr. Ahiagbah cautioned the public against falling for any attempts by the NDC to exploit the National Cathedral project for political advantage in the impending elections. The statement articulated: "There are those who are t...

The Minister designate for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, is championing a crucial cause: the removal of taxes on dialysis consumables to ease the financial burden on renal patients in Ghana.  This advocacy stems from the recent fee increments announced by both the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, raising concerns about the affordability of dialysis treatment and tragically resulting in some patients losing their lives due to financial constraints. Related To This: Korle-bu Teaching Hospital Increases Cost Of Dialysis By 101% During his vetting process, Dr. Okoe-Boye underlined the potential for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to step in and alleviate the financial pressure on public health institutions offering dialysis care. In addition, he voiced his support for eliminating the cap on NHIS levy funds to bolster the scheme's capacity to provide necessary support. If appointed as the substantive Health Minister, Dr. Okoe-Boye has vowed to...

The former Minister of Education, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has affirmed her willingness and determination to collaborate with the opposition National Democratic Party (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, in the upcoming general elections. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang's commitment to this collaborative effort is rooted in her deep sense of responsibility towards the people of Ghana. She values the trust placed in her immensely and is poised to serve with qualities such as integrity, dignity, truthfulness, hard work, and patriotism at the forefront of her approach. Related To This: Mahama To Select Running Mate For 2024 Election Her emergence as the running mate alongside the former President was not merely a random decision but a result of careful consideration by the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Council of Elders of the NDC. This nomination reflects the party's strong stance on promoting inclusivity, embracing diversity, and empowering women in key leadership roles...

Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has praised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his strategic implementation of programs and policies that have brought about significant improvements in the judicial system.  She commended the president for his deliberate efforts to replace outdated judicial buildings with modern infrastructure, including courtrooms and residential facilities for judges, resulting in a more efficient administration of justice. READ ALSO: NPP Parliamentary Primaries: List of MPs Who Lost Their Bid During a debate on the president's State of the Nation address in Parliament on March 4, 2024, Safo highlighted the positive impact of initiatives such as the automation of the court system and the introduction of virtual court proceedings, which have enhanced accessibility to justice delivery. She emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy, drawing parallels with the iconic projects undertaken by Ghana's first president,...

Dr. Sam Ankrah, an independent presidential candidate for Ghana's upcoming 2024 general elections, has unleashed a powerful clarion call to action for the people of Ghana.  Amidst the country's imminent 70th anniversary, Dr. Ankrah advocates for a significant shift towards genuine independence from what he perceives as the oppressive dominance of the NPP-NDC political duopoly. Related To This: Achieving Economic Success Through Philosophy, Rhetoric, or Miracles is Impossible - Dr Sam Ankrah In a resounding statement issued on Ghana's 67th Independence anniversary, Dr. Ankrah implores all Ghanaians to unify and strive towards a brighter tomorrow for the nation. He underscores the critical necessity for new leadership that places the people's interests at the forefront, committed to steering Ghana towards enhanced prosperity and equity. Expressing concern over the existing socio-political landscape, Dr. Ankrah highlights the prevalent struggles faced by many Ghanaians des...

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also referred to as the anti-LGBT+ Bill and just adopted by Parliament, will not be moving forward, according to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This ruling follows a judicial challenge to the bill's constitutionality brought before the Supreme Court by an individual citizen. President Akufo-Addo accepted the legal challenge and stressed the need to wait for the court's ruling before taking any further action on the bill in a statement issued on March 4, 2024. He did not get into the details of the bill until the case was settled in court. Related To This: Do Not Approve Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill - Finance Ministry Warns Akufo-Addo Addressing concerns raised by the diplomatic community regarding Ghana's human rights record following the passage of the bill, President Akufo-Addo reassured that the country remains committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law. He highlighted that the operation of Ghana's state insti...

The Catholic Bishops Conference has issued a stern warning to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), threatening electoral consequences in the upcoming election should President Akufo-Addo decline to sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law. This uncompromising standpoint remains firm despite reservations raised by the Finance Ministry, cautioning that such a decision could imperil Ghana's prospects of securing GHS3 billion in funding from the World Bank. Related To This: Akufo-Addo Must Sign Anti-LGBTQ+ bill – Opuni Frimpong In a detailed 5-page directive, the Ministry elucidated that failing to enact the legislation could result in substantial detriments for Ghana, including a loss of US$600 million in budget support for 2024 and US$250 million designated for the Financial Stability Fund. These financial setbacks are anticipated to inflict adverse effects on the country's foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability, pivotal for bolstering Ghana's reserve positioning. M...

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has put forward Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the most suitable choice for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's running mate in the upcoming elections. Dr. Asah-Asante praised Dr. Opoku Prempeh's exceptional competence in various capacities, making him the preferred candidate to bolster Dr. Bawumia's electoral chances in 2024. Related To This: Bawumia Will Unveil His Running Mate in Two Months – Nana Akomea In an interview, Dr. Asah-Asante expressed confidence in Dr. Opoku Prempeh's ability to enhance the ticket's appeal to voters, citing his proven track record and leadership qualities. He stated, "For me, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is the top choice. He has shown in his field of work that he possesses the necessary skills to lead effectively whenever the need arises. Therefore, he would be Dr. Bawumia's primary pick for his running mate." Following Vice President ...

Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised concerns regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, recently passed by Parliament. Related To This: Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Poses Risks to Fundamental Human Rights - CDD-Ghana In his critique, Mr. Otchere-Darko questioned the perceived severity of the bill, arguing that it may not fully align with the needs of the Ghanaian populace and the fundamental rights of individuals. He called for a public discourse to carefully evaluate the merits and drawbacks of the proposed legislation, emphasizing the importance of engaging in open dialogue on sensitive issues. Taking to social media on Friday, March 1, Mr. Otchere-Darko cautioned against the potential consequences of enacting the bill into law. While acknowledging Ghana's stance against such practices, he highlighted the necessity for a balanced approach, recognizing the strict nature ...

The Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting of the Ghanaian Electoral Commission is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, with the purpose of discussing important matters concerning the general elections that will take place on December 7, 2024. The EC's Deputy Chairperson for Corporate Services, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, has signed an official letter dated March 1, 2024, extending an invitation to political parties to attend the IPAC meeting. Three delegates from each side are asked to attend. Related To This: EC Releases Calendar for 2024 Elections   The main goal of the meeting, which starts at 10 am in the Electoral Commission's IPAC room, is to complete the Election 2024 programming. In addition, the assembly will provide a forum for debating any other relevant issues brought forth by political actors.

Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, the former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, has called on President Akufo-Addo to promptly give his assent to the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation following its successful passage by Parliament.  Characterizing the bill's endorsement as a victory for the Ghanaian populace, Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong underscored the urgency of the President signing the legislation into law, highlighting the gravity of the moment. Related To This: Akufo-Addo Must Sign Anti-LGBTQ+ bill – Opuni Frimpong Commending Parliament for its decisive action, Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong emphasized the extensive contributions from diverse stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, in shaping the legislation. During an interview with Citi TV on Saturday, March 2, Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong emphasized the national significance of the anti-LGBTQ+ issue and implored the President to accord it the necessary attention by swiftly approving the bill. "On Wednesday, F...

The Electoral Commission (EC) has unveiled crucial dates for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, marking significant milestones in the political calendar. Nominations for candidates will be accepted from September 9 to 13, setting the stage for a pivotal phase in the electoral process. Following this, the balloting for positions on the presidential ballot paper is scheduled for September 23, 2024, with parliamentary balloting taking place on September 24, 2024. The EC aims to promptly declare the results of the presidential polls within three days of the voting exercise, pending smooth proceedings. Related To This: Election Date of December 7 Will be Rescheduled, But Not This Year - EC In an exclusive reveal to the Daily Graphic, the EC's program of activities for the 2024 general election outlines a voter registration exercise from May 7 to May 27, 2024. Subsequently, a nationwide initiative to replace missing voter ID cards will commence on May 30, 2024. Prece...

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, recently spoke at the opening of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools' 2024 annual week celebration.  He emphasized the critical role that private educational institutions play as vital partners with the government in providing high-quality education to Ghanaian children. Related To This: Criticism on Free SHS Must Cease – Akufo-Addo Mahama praised private schools for their innovative approaches to teaching and learning, citing them as trailblazers who have brought cutting-edge methods and methodologies into the educational system. He notably mentioned the Montessori curriculum as an excellent example, pointing out that private schools were the first to adopt it before public schools did, with the goal of improving the quality of teaching and learning. Highlighting the advantage of a lower teacher-to-pupil ratio in private schools, Mahama emphasized their effectiveness in catering to special needs ...