Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko expresses confidence in Adam’s capabilities
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a known member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has shared his views on President Akufo-Addo’s recent ministerial reshuffle, specifically focusing on the appointment of Mohammed Amin Adam as the new Finance Minister. In a social media post, Gabby congratulated Amin Adam and praised his qualities of preparedness, competence, humility, and political consciousness. He expressed his confidence in Adam’s ability to effectively manage the country’s finances and highlighted the positive response from the public regarding the appointment. The reshuffle was prompted by the challenges faced by the previous Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, during his tenure, which resulted in calls for his resignation. Ofori-Atta, who served in the role for a record-breaking seven years, has now been reassigned to the position of Presidential Advisor. Amin Adam, who previously held the position of Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, will now take on the role of Finance Minister. This appointment is seen as a positive step towards addressing the financial issues that Ghana is currently facing. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Super Eagles of Nigeria Rise to 28th in FIFA Rankings
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, runners-up in the Africa Cup of Nations, have made a significant jump in the FIFA rankings. They have moved up by 14 spots to claim the 28th position in the world. This improvement comes after the team garnered 1,522 points, compared to the 1,474 points they had in December 2023. The rise in rankings also places the Super Eagles as the third-best team on the African continent. They are now behind Morocco, who hold the 12th position with 1,663 points, and Senegal, who are in 17th place with 1,620 points. Cote d’Ivoire, the newly-crowned African champions, have also seen a positive impact on their rankings. They have moved up by 10 spots and now sit in 39th place. This achievement is a result of their continental triumph on home soil. Other teams that participated in the Africa Cup of Nations have experienced mixed fortunes in the rankings. South Africa, the second runners-up, climbed eight spots to claim the 58th position. On the other hand, Egypt dropped to 36th place, Cameroon to 51st place, and Ghana to 67th place after their early exits from the tournament. The biggest climbers in the latest rankings are the Angolan side, who were ousted in the quarter-finals. They have moved up by 24 spots and now sit in 93rd place. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Youth & Sports Minister Announces Expenditure on Black Stars’ AFCON Outing
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has disclosed in Parliament that the Ghanaian government spent slightly over $3 million on the unsuccessful campaign of the senior national soccer team, the Black Stars, at the AFCON 2023 tournament. Additionally, the minister confirmed that the government had allocated a budget of more than $8.5 million for the overall tournament. Expressing disappointment at the Black Stars’ early exit from the competition without securing a single victory, Minister Mustapha Ussif emphasized the need for a national dialogue to examine the recurring shortcomings of the team over the past four decades and to address broader issues in sports development within the country. During the parliamentary session, various Members of Parliament took the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding the team’s performance. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, criticized the government for what he deemed an excessive expenditure on the AFCON, labeling it a waste of resources. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip, called on the government to take decisive action against the Ghana Football Association (GFA), regardless of potential consequences from FIFA, for their perceived role in the team’s failures. He also presented a petition on behalf of the #SaveGhanaFootball protesters, who were present in the gallery during the proceedings. In response to these issues and the public backlash surrounding the Black Stars’ underwhelming performance, the government aims to engage in a thorough national dialogue to diagnose the root causes and implement necessary changes to avoid similar outcomes in the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Chief State Attorney expelled from the bar for accepting GH¢400,000 from Woyome
A Chief State Attorney at the Office of the Attorney-General, Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh, has been disbarred as a lawyer by the General Legal Council (GLC) for collecting GH¢400,000 from businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome in 2011. Mr Nerquaye-Tetteh was disbarred, meaning he can never practice as a lawyer again in Ghana after the Disciplinary Committee of the GLC, the regulatory body of the legal profession, found him guilty of professional misconduct under Rule 2(2) of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 1969 (L.I. 613). In a notice dated January 31, 2024, the GLC said while defending the state against a suit by Woyome in 2011, Mr Nerquaye-Tetteh personally cause the direct transfer of an amount of GH¢400,000 from Mr Woyome to the bank account of his wife. Mr Nerquaye-Tetteh, the GLC said could not offer any reasonable explanation for the said transfer of the GH¢400,000 into his wife’s bank account from Mr Woyome According to the GLC, the conduct of Mr Nerquaye-Tetteh had adversely affected “the “dignity and high standing of the legal profession.” “That, he, as a lawyer and a Chief State Attorney, having acted as counsel for the State in the case, Alfred Agbesi Woyome vrs. Attorney General & Anor had an amount of Four Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢400,000.00) transferred directly from Mr Alfred Woyome into the bank account of his wife, Mrs. Gifty Nerquaye-Tetteh without any reasonable explanation; a conduct or act that adversely affects the dignity and high standing of the legal profession,” “SAMUEL NERQUAYE-TETTEH shall not hold himself out as a lawyer or attend chambers or render or purport to render any professional legal services to the public. The practicing licence of Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh is hereby withdrawn forthwith,” the notice said. Source: Graphic For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Fifi Kwetey named Dr. Bawumia ‘Judas’ says ‘a vote for him is a 3rd term for Akufo-Addo’
The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), criticized New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia, labeling him a traitor who cannot be trusted. Fifi Kwetey argued that if Bawumia was willing to betray President Nana Akufo-Addo, then the safety of the nation would be threatened under his leadership. Bawumia recently outlined his vision for Ghana, distancing himself from various programs and policies of the Akufo-Addo government while emphasizing his own vision. Kwetey accused Bawumia of evading responsibility for the policies of the government he serves as vice president without offering any apologies to the country. He contrasted this with former President John Mahama’s sense of responsibility and stated that Bawumia lacked the character required to lead the nation. Kwetey further argued that if Bawumia could betray the man who chose him as a running mate and overlooked other qualified party officials, then no one would be secure under his leadership. He urged the public to critically examine Bawumia’s promise to abolish certain taxes, describing it as deceptive. According to Kwetey, Bawumia was effectively asking Ghanaians to endure the hardships caused by the current government’s taxes and then vote for him with the expectation that he would remove only a fraction of those taxes. The NDC General Secretary highlighted previous promises made by Bawumia that had failed to materialize, including the reduction of the tax burden, no taxation on mobile money wallets, and lower import duties on spare parts. Kwetey concluded that Bawumia’s promises to scrap taxes were aimed at hoodwinking the Ghanaian electorate, accusing him of lacking trust, credibility, competence, experience, responsibility, vision, and gratitude, and asserting that he did not deserve the presidency. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, A PRESIDENT YOU CAN TRUST Speech read by Fifi Fiavi Kwetey Good afternoon, ladies, and gentlemen of the media. His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress has been on the Building Ghana Tour. So far, he has visited eleven (11) out of the sixteen (16) regions of Ghana with his vision and message of hope. Specifically, he has visited the following regions: Volta, Northern, Upper East, Bono East, Bono, Ahafo, Western, Western North, Central, Ashanti and Eastern. As General Secretary of the NDC, I have accompanied President Mahama on some of these Tours in pursuit of the quest to build the Ghana we want together with Ghanaians. Some of the assurances our flagbearer has given to Ghanaians on the Building Ghana Tour that resonates with the immediate needs and aspirations of our diverse demographic groups across the nation include: Economic Revitalization and Tax Reform: Scrapping draconian taxes imposed by this NPP government (e.g., E-Levy, port charges, betting tax). Increasing government share of profit and revenue from natural resources to fund development and reduce tax burdens. Anti-Corruption and Governance: Adopting a comprehensive approach to fight corruption at all levels. Warning the NPP against dubious contract agreements such as the SML contract. Abolishing the payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive under Article 71 and persuading other arms of government to accept the same. Initiating far-reaching constitutional, political, and governance reforms to restore confidence in our democracy. Job Creation and Industrialization: Implementing the 24-hours economy vision for Job creation Establishing a Western Industrial Development Enclave. Creating well-paying jobs through various initiatives, including completing abandoned projects and establishing factories based on ecological advantages. Establishing factories across the country based on ecological areas’ comparative advantages (e.g., Pwalugu tomato factory, meat factory for Wulugu and Zuarungu, cocoa, cashew, tomato, and other food processing plants). Agriculture and Rural Development: Reviving the cotton industry and supporting cotton farmers to grow cotton for export. Establishing Farmers’ Co-operatives and service centers with technical and financial support in every region. Establishing Farmers’ service centers in each district and providing 15 tractors each to support farmers. Investing in irrigation projects across various regions. Pursuing restructuring and using the Ghana Exim Bank and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund to finance irrigation projects in the Accra plains-Ningo Prampram, Dodowa and Ada. Kamba in the Upper West Region, Kpli and Dekpor-Weta-Afife enclave in the Volta Region, Amate inthe Eastern Region, Mpruem in the Central Region, Nasisa, Libga and Paga Zaa in the Northern Region among others. Completing the Pwalugu dam and setting up land/irrigation canals to absorb the spillage from the Bagre dam from Burkina Faso during their annual spills Infrastructure and Development Projects: Building the Tamale Airport cargo service center for export of agricultural produce. Completing the Pwalugu dam and other critical infrastructure projects. Reviving construction of Cocoa roads in cocoa growing communities and completing the Eastern Corridor Road project. Completing all abandoned projects started and uncompleted by the NPP government. Constructing an airport in the Upper East Region Education and Health: Abolishing the Teachers Licensure exams and incorporating the exams into the main academic work as well as improving the quality of education at the Teacher training colleges Supporting housing schemes for teachers and implementing salary increments for those in rural areas. Continuing the National Apprenticeship Program Establishing a modern dialysis center and constructing an airport in the Upper East Region. Improving the Free SHS programme. Scrapping the QUOTA SYSTEM for admission in Nursing and Teacher Training Colleges to increase enrolment. Ensuring prompt posting of trained health and teaching professionals Implementing an additional 20% basic salary for teachers in rural communities. Adding teacher accommodation to basic schools. Establishing a modern dialysis center in the northern zone of Ghana. Working with Teachers Associations to Support the Housing Scheme for teachers on flexible terms 7.Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development: Working closely with chiefs and other stakeholders to protect the forest reserves of the country. 8.Industrial and Economic Policies Creating a Western Industrial Development Enclave to expand industries and create well-paying jobs. Continuing the National Apprenticeship Program and ensuring prompt posting of trained health and teaching professionals. So far, these assurances encapsulate the vision John Mahama presents for Ghana, emphasizing his focus on sustainable development, job creation, anti-corruption measures, and significant improvements in the education and health sectors. A
President Akufo-Addo’s Ministerial Reshuffle Faces Criticism Amid Economic Hardships
The recent ministerial reshuffle by President Akufo-Addo has been met with condemnation from the Minority in Parliament. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has labeled the reshuffle as uninspiring and long overdue. Members of the NDC expressed dissatisfaction with the reshuffle, arguing that it fails to effectively address the current economic hardships faced by the nation. In a press release, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson criticized the president’s governance and expressed skepticism that the reshuffle would alleviate the profound economic difficulties attributed to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his Economic Management Team. The NDC’s statement read, “It is also too little too late, coming barely nine (9) months to the exit of the government. Neither will it solve the suffering and hardships confronting the people of Ghana as a result of the bad governance and massive uncontrolled corruption of the Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia’s government.” Additionally, the Minority highlighted the excessive spending and depletion of state resources that have marked President Akufo-Addo’s tenure. They accused the government of excessive borrowing, unsustainable debt, economic crisis, high tax burden, poor governance, wasteful expenditures, and siphoning of state resources into the pockets of government appointees. The Minority also alleged state capture by family and friends of the President and Vice President. The President’s decision to reshuffle his government follows months of public pressure. The changes were made one month after the resignation of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who stepped down to focus on their political campaigns. In accordance with the 1992 Constitution, President Akufo-Addo officially notified the Speaker of Parliament about the new composition of his government on Tuesday, February 7. The reshuffle involved appointing new individuals to various ministerial positions while also rearranging existing ministers to different ministries. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
NPP General Secretary Defends President Akufo-Addo’s Ministerial Reshuffle- Says 10 Months is Enough
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, expressed his support for President Akufo-Addo’s decision to reshuffle his ministers. Despite critics who argue that the reshuffle came too late to have an impact in an election year, Frimpong believes the move will serve a useful purpose. Frimpong acknowledged that ten months may seem like a short timeframe, but in the world of politics, it is actually a significant period. He cited the example of Honorable Brian Acheampong, who quickly implemented innovative ideas and interventions when he was appointed Minister for Agriculture. Frimpong emphasized that it is crucial to focus on what the new appointees bring to the table, their vision, and their innovative ideas. The NPP General Secretary urged Ghanaians to closely observe the performance of the new appointees and take note of the positive changes they bring to Akufo-Addo’s administration. He noted that within the next few weeks and months, Ghanaians would be able to assess whether the newly appointed ministers have delivered on their promises. Ultimately, the electorate will make their decision on December 7 based on the results they witness. It is worth mentioning that Frimpong had previously called on President Akufo-Addo to reshuffle his government during the party’s annual Thanksgiving Service on December 22. He emphasized the urgency of the reshuffle in the NPP’s mission to “break the eight” and secure a victory in the upcoming general election. Despite concerns about the timing, Frimpong remains optimistic that the reshuffle will have a positive impact. He encourages Ghanaians to assess the performance of the new appointees based on their results rather than focusing solely on the timing of their appointments. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Nigeria Seeks Interpol’s Assistance as Buhari’s signature forged, $6.2 million withdrawn
In a bid to apprehend the culprits responsible for the theft of $6.2 million from Nigeria’s central bank, the Nigerian government has sought the help of Interpol. The three suspects allegedly used a forged signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari to carry out the audacious heist. Authorities suspect that former central bank chief, Godwin Emefiele, conspired with the suspects, and he is already on trial facing multiple charges, including receiving the stolen funds. Emefiele, who denies all allegations, is currently out on bail. Emefiele’s trial marks a significant case of corruption as President Bola Tinubu assumed office last year. Prosecutors accuse Emefiele of authorizing the release of the funds from the central bank vault unlawfully. The theft occurred months before Buhari finished his presidency. In December, Buhari vehemently rejected the allegations, referring to them as “barefaced lies” motivated by malicious intent. He called for a thorough and transparent investigation. The individuals suspected of assisting Emefiele in the theft have been identified as Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Ocheme, a former employee of the central bank. According to the state-owned News Agency of Nigeria, these suspects have reportedly fled the country, necessitating Nigeria’s request for Interpol’s assistance in their arrest and extradition. As the trial against Emefiele continued, a key witness, Boss Mustapha, who held a senior position in Buhari’s administration, testified in court. Mustapha revealed that neither he nor Buhari had authorized the withdrawal of the $6.2 million, pointing out that the signature on the document in question was a poor attempt at forging Buhari’s signature. Thus, Mustapha dismissed the legitimacy of the document used to withdraw the funds. The funds were withdrawn in cash in January of the previous year, just a few months before the end of Buhari’s term. Prosecutors maintain that Emefiele falsified the document, which purportedly sought the central bank’s assistance to provide funds for paying foreign election observers employed by Buhari. Emefiele assumed the role of central bank governor in 2014 under the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan, and he was reappointed by Buhari in 2019. His tenure lasted until the new officeholder, Tinubu, took over. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com