President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed concerns over the number of resources that have been used to keep peace in the Bawku municipality in the Upper East region of Ghana. Speaking during his recent State of the Nation Address in Parliament, President Akufo-Addo highlighted that the funds utilized to maintain peace in the area could have been used for development instead. The President emphasized that chieftaincy and land disputes in various parts of the country have become breeding grounds for internal tensions and destabilization. Specifically addressing the situation in Bawku, he stated, “The tragedy is not only that the thriving and dynamic town is being reduced to a wasteland of destruction and distrust; we’re spending money and energy that would have been better spent on the development needs of Bawku providing security to keep brothers and sisters from killing each other.” President Akufo-Addo called on all Ghanaians to be concerned about the Bawku conflict, describing it as a matter of national importance. He warned that the current state of Bawku could attract mischief makers and extremists, posing a threat to the area. In efforts to maintain peace in Bawku, the government has implemented various measures such as shutting down four radio stations in the area and establishing specialized courts to expedite trials on disputes arising from the conflict. The President also urged citizens to heed the “See something say something” campaign promoted by the National Security to prevent any potential conflicts from escalating. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062.
SONA 2024: President Akufo-Addo takes blame for bad state of economy
During his State of the Nation Address to parliament, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo took full responsibility for the poor state of the economy, stating that as the Executive authority, the blame ultimately falls on him. This announcement comes after Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, made a remark likening himself to a driver’s mate, which was criticized by the opposition for trying to distance himself from the failures of the current government. In contrast, Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision and priorities for Ghana should he become President, emphasizing the need to build on past successes and create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all citizens. He expressed his desire to create a country where all individuals, regardless of background, can contribute to a self-sufficient, safe, and prosperous nation. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of creating sustainable jobs with fair wages and positioning Ghana to participate fully in the fourth industrial revolution. As the political landscape in Ghana continues to evolve, both President Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Bawumia are facing scrutiny and pressure to address the economic challenges facing the country and outline a clear path forward for its citizens. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062.
Akufo-Addo set to make the long-waited reshuffle, see those affected
President Akufo-Addo is set to announce a major ministerial reshuffle today, February 14. This will be his first significant overhaul since taking office in January 2017. Sources within the government’s administrative headquarters, the Jubilee House, have informed Apexnewsgh.com about this upcoming announcement. There has been a flurry of activity on the fourth floor of the Jubilee House, where ministers who may be affected by the reshuffle have been seen, along with other Members of Parliament who are expected to benefit from the changes. It is estimated that around 12 current ministers of state, including 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers, will be impacted by the reshuffle. This could result in prominent government figures losing their positions or being reassigned. On February 13, President Akufo-Addo held extensive discussions with ministers and deputy ministers who may be affected, as well as those who will be joining or leaving his administration in the reshuffle. The announcement is scheduled for 11am on Valentine’s Day and is highly anticipated. It will see some key government members leaving their posts after serving for the past seven years, while others will take on new roles. Sources within the government have revealed that calls have been made to nominees and casualties since Tuesday night to ensure a smooth transition. However, the sources have also expressed that it has been a challenging process as some nominees are hesitant to accept their new roles due to the high expectations placed upon them and the limited time left in the administration’s tenure. Below are the confirmed names and movements according to our sources: Leaving Government – Ken Ofori-Atta, Finance Minister – Freda Prempeh, Sanitation and Water Resources Minister – Dr. Mohammed Awa, Tourism Minister – Ambrose Dery, Interior Minister – Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Environment Science, Technology and Innovation Minister – Kwasi Amoako-Attah, Roads and Highways Minister – Kwaku Agyeman Manu, Health Minister – Dan Kwaku Botwe, Local Government Minister – Zuweira Lariba, Gender Minister New Nominations – Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, Greater Accra Region – Henry Quartey, Interior – Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Finance – Lydia Alhassan, Sanitation and Water Resources – Andrew Agyepa Mercer, Tourism – Ophelia Hayford Mensah, Environment Science, Technology and Innovation – Ms Fatimatu Abubakar, Information – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Works and Housing – Francis Asenso Boakye, Roads and Highways – Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Health – Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, Local Government – Darkoa Newman, Gender The previous government restructuring occurred a month ago after the resignations of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto. These ministers stepped down to focus on their political campaigns. Insiders have revealed that the upcoming reshuffle is expected to be far-reaching and was strategically postponed to coincide with the conclusion of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential and parliamentary primaries. This was done to prevent ministers from potentially suffering electoral setbacks while transitioning to new roles. The reshuffle was initially planned for December but was rescheduled to February to avoid unsuccessful candidates attributing their loss to the president. Last week, 24 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives were relieved of their duties, and 26 replacements were appointed as part of efforts to strengthen local governance. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
President Akufo-Addo Urges Global Community to Harness AfCFTA Potential
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on world leaders and the global business community to seize the potential income of $450 billion generated from continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by 2035. He also highlighted the significance of increasing Africa’s share of global trade from two percent to three percent, which could result in an additional annual income of $70 billion for the continent. To achieve these goals, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between the private sectors in advanced economies and African economies. The President urged the global community to support a new investment approach that prioritizes these partnerships, as well as propositions that encourage the sustainable development of Africa. Addressing the issue of illicit financial flows, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the urgency of tackling “tax-dodging” practices by multinational corporations. These practices are responsible for 60% of the $88 billion illicit financial flows from Africa each year, hindering the continent’s progress. While acknowledging the challenges faced by African infrastructure projects, where 80% fail during the feasibility and planning stages, President Akufo-Addo pointed out that suitable reforms and interventions could unlock annual investments of $550 billion in infrastructure, as highlighted by McKinsey & Company. The President highlighted that Africa’s biggest challenge is not the scarcity of financing, but rather poor governance, risky perceptions, and an unfavorable environment for attracting investors. He expressed confidence in creating a de-risked landscape that attracts investment from private sources, international financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds, urging governments to prioritize transformative investments in infrastructure for Africa’s development. According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s infrastructure financing needs will reach $170 billion annually by 2025, with a gap of approximately $100 billion per year. President Akufo-Addo stressed the urgency to address reliable electricity, affordable housing, improved transportation networks, and accessible healthcare infrastructure, particularly in light of Africa’s growing population of 2.5% annually. In light of recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and turmoil in the Middle East, which pose threats worldwide, the President underscored the need for African policymakers to achieve inclusive and sustainable long-term growth through structural transformation. Overall, President Akufo-Addo’s message at the Africa-Italy Summit aimed to mobilize support from global stakeholders in realizing the immense potential of the AfCFTA and driving Africa’s economic development sustainably. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Ghana Affirms Visa-free Policy for African Travelers to Foster Easier Movement
In a significant development, the Ghanaian government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a visa-free policy for all Africans traveling to the country. The initiative, set to be realized this year, aims to promote easier movement within the continent, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced. The president made this pledge at the second edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues conference, held at Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region on Thursday, January 25, 2024. At the conference, President Akufo-Addo informed participants of special arrangements that reduce visa acquisition fees by 50%, allowing for visa-on-arrival during this year. The event, hosted in the serene hills of Aburi in Ghana, brought together distinguished African personalities, including the former President of Mozambique, the Chairperson of the Africa Forum, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Egypt, and other eminent figures. President Nana Akufo-Addo welcomed the delegates, emphasizing Africa’s abundance of natural resources and its potential to become a global powerhouse. The focus of the event centered on economic integration, particularly facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent, he explained. With the theme “Produce, Add Value, Trade,” the conference aimed to highlight the importance of industrialization, value addition, and investment in infrastructure to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative. President Akufo-Addo recognized the crucial role of the private sector in driving the success of AfCFTA and urged a collective commitment to realizing its promises. He also highlighted the historical challenges, such as colonial economic models, that have hindered intra-Africa trade. He stressed the significance of sustainable farming practices, infrastructure development, and technology adoption. The Africa Prosperity Dialogues sought to mobilize Africa’s private sector to actively participate in and support the AfCFTA initiative. President Akufo-Addo urged participants to go beyond rhetoric and foster concrete plans for transformative change. The conference concluded with the declaration of the second edition of the African Prosperity Gala, symbolizing a commitment to shared prosperity on the continent. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
NPP and Akufo-Addo treating dumsor like a football, he wants to kick it over the 7th January 2025—John Mahama
According to former President John Mahama, President Nana Akufo-Addo is purposely leaving behind the issue of erratic power supply, known as dumsor, for his successor. Ghana is currently facing power supply issues due to a $19 million debt owed to the West African Pipeline Company. The government has paid $13 million of the debt and is in talks to establish a payment plan for the remaining $6 million. During his “Building Ghana Tour” in Sogakope, Mr. Mahama criticized the government’s decision to impose various taxes on electricity consumers, including Value Added Tax, COVID levy, NHIL levy, and GETFUND Levy. He claimed that these taxes would significantly increase the cost of electricity bills, making it difficult for businesses to operate. He also accused the President and his administration of mismanagement and excessive expenditure, stating that reducing expenditures would alleviate the burden on taxpayers. Additionally, Mr. Mahama promised that if he wins the 2024 polls, he would prioritize completing ongoing and abandoned projects inherited from the current government, rather than starting new ones. He criticized the Akufo-Addo government for abandoning projects and starting new ones that they cannot finish, leaving a financial burden for future leaders. He pledged to use available resources to finish ongoing projects and refrain from initiating new ones. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Akufo-Addo’s Bill refusals: Parliament set to seek legal interpretation
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, announced that Parliament will seek legal interpretation after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo refused to sign certain bills passed by the House. Last year, the president declined to sign the Criminal Offences Bill of 2022, the Witchcraft Bill, and the Armed Forces Bill of 2023, citing financial implications as the reason for his refusal. Speaker Bagbin expressed disagreement with the president’s decision and stated that Parliament will take the matter to court. He emphasized that it is not within the president’s authority to determine the constitutionality of the bills, as that falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Bagbin insisted that any allegations of misuse should be contested by the Supreme Court and not unilaterally decided by the president. In response, President Akufo-Addo cited financial burdens associated with the bills and singled out the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill sponsored by Francis-Xavier Sosu. Bagbin stressed that determining the bills’ constitutionality is the sole responsibility of the Supreme Court, not the president. He also noted that if concerns exist about Parliament exceeding its constitutional authority, the appropriate action would be to bring the matter before the Supreme Court instead of making an executive declaration of unconstitutionality. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Mahama accuses Akufo-Addo of given up on Ghana
Former President John Mahama has accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of giving up on Ghana. Mahama made this accusation during a visit to the Western-North Region, where he stated that Akufo-Addo’s remark about someone else taking the nation forward and resolving the economic crisis shows his desperation. Mahama believes that the economy is in a sorry state and requires someone with experience to fix it. He emphasized that the only party capable of fixing Ghana’s economy is the NDC, as they have done it before and possess the necessary expertise. According to Mahama, Ghana currently needs a leader with experience who can successfully address the economic challenges facing the nation. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093
Witchcraft Bill: President Akufo-Addo refuses to give assent, citing constitutional issues as reason
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has chosen not to give approval to three important bills that are currently awaiting his assent. These bills include the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, the Wildlife Resources Management Bill 2023, and the Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023. On November 27, 2023, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed dissatisfaction with the president for not indicating his stance on the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, which seeks to make attacks on alleged witches a criminal offense. In response, the presidency stated in a communication that they did not receive the bill, along with two others, until November 27, 2023. The Presidency also denied any claims suggesting that they had made a decision not to give approval to the bills. However, in a letter sent to Parliament on Monday, December 4, President Akufo-Addo explained that he is unable to give his assent to the three bills until certain constitutional issues surrounding them are resolved. The Speaker, Alban Bagbin, read the president’s letter to the members of the House, stating, “According to the communication from His Excellency dated 27th November 2023, he informs us that, pursuant to Article 106, clause 7, he cannot give his assent to the Criminal Offences Number 2 Bill 2023 due to some constitutional matters that need to be addressed regarding its passage.” The Speaker further stated that President Akufo-Addo has not specified the exact constitutional issues that need to be resolved before he can give his assent to the three bills. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Wichcraft Bill: Things you must know
After the bill was successfully passed, Francis Xavier Sosu, who is the Member of Parliament for Madina and also a co-sponsor of the bill, expressed that the witches camps across the country will be ended. He further mentioned that the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection will take necessary steps to reintegrate the inmates of these camps back into society. To provide some context, a distressing event took place in 2020 when an elderly woman named Madam Akua Denteh was brutally attacked and killed in the Savanah region after being accused of practicing witchcraft. A video circulating on the internet depicted the deceased being subjected to physical violence, including slapping, kicking, and caning, in Kafaba near Salaga, which is situated in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region. Ghana has a total of six witch camps in the northern region, namely Bonyasi, Gambaga, Gnani, Kpatinga, Kukuo, and Naabuli. These camps accommodate around 1,000 women, with some of them having been established more than a century ago. Tragically, in July 2020, a 90-year-old woman named Akua Denteh was brutally lynched in the Kafaba community of the Savana region. This horrific act was carried out as a result of accusations of witchcraft. To address and prevent such assaults on alleged witches, a bill was introduced as an amendment to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The bill, which received sponsorship from multiple Members of Parliament, was primarily championed by Francis Xavier Sosu, the Member of Parliament for Madina. Its aim is to discourage attacks on individuals accused of witchcraft, as well as prohibit individuals from practicing as witch doctors or witchfinders. However, to enable the bill to become law, it requires the approval of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062









