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.
Elimination of Delegate System Urged to Combat Corruption in Ghana’s Electoral Process
Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), recently spoke out against the delegate system in the selection of parliamentary and presidential candidates in Ghana. In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM monitored by Apexnewsgh, Mr. Asante highlighted the urgent need to address political corruption, which has been revealed as a prerequisite for holding political office in the country. His statements came in response to shocking admissions made by Zebilla’s Member of Parliament, Cletus Avoka, who openly stated that corruption is essential for maintaining a political seat. Asante emphasized that corruption in the political landscape extends beyond elections and has infiltrated the internal operations of political parties. To tackle this issue, Asante called for the establishment of a robust regulatory framework to combat political corruption. He stressed the need for laws to regulate campaign donations and proposed the abolition of the delegate system to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. As Ghana prepares for upcoming elections, Asante’s recommendations serve as a critical reminder of the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233256336062.
Jospong Group of Companies to Build Waste Treatment Plants in Lagos, Nigeria
In a move aimed at transforming the environmental situation in Africa’s most populous city, the Jospong Group of Companies (JCG) has entered into an agreement with the Lagos State Government. Through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, JCG will construct integrated waste treatment facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Jospong Group of Companies led by Executive Chairman Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources on February 26, 2024. This strategic partnership aims to leverage JCG’s expertise in waste management to improve the sanitation landscape of Lagos State. Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting upstream operators and collaborating with them by providing equipment to enhance their efficiency. He expressed JCG’s willingness to share technical and operational knowledge gained from Ghana to aid in addressing waste management challenges in Lagos. The Lagos State Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the importance of a Public Private Partnership model to effectively manage waste in the city. The partnership will explore opportunities to convert waste into valuable resources and create a cleaner, greener, and prosperous Lagos. The initiative also aims to boost Nigeria’s carbon ratings and enable the country to secure funding for sustainable infrastructure projects. By establishing material recovery facilities, mobile transfer loading stations, recycling plants, and other infrastructure, the project seeks to streamline recyclable activities and contribute to environmental sustainability. With approximately 13,000 tons of waste generated daily in Lagos State, the consequences of poor sanitation are significant. The partnership between JCG and the Lagos State Government represents a crucial step towards addressing waste management challenges and promoting environmental sustainability in the region. The delegation from the Jospong Group included key members such as Gifty Boi-Bi-Boi, Emmanuel Otchere Okomeng, Sophia Kudjordji, Gloria Boafo-Arthur Benneh, Florence Cobbold, and Peter Dagadu, among others. The Nigerian delegation, led by the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, included officials such as Olakunle Rotimi Akodu, Mahamood Olakunle Adegbite, Femi Afolabi, and national executives from the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria. By implementing sustainable waste treatment solutions, the partnership between JCG and the Lagos State Government aims to create a positive impact on the environment and public health in Lagos, Nigeria. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233256336062.
Dr. Amin Adams Urged to Abandon Tour and Get to Work, Says Chairman of Public Accounts Committee
James Klutse Avedzi, the Chairman for the Public Accounts Committee, has called on the newly appointed Finance Minister, Dr. Amin Adams, to immediately cease his countrywide tour and focus on his responsibilities. Since taking over from Ken Ofori-Atta as the Minister for Finance, Dr. Adams has been on a tour of the country, meeting with various prominent figures including the Asantehene, the Okyenhene, and Yaa. Mr. Avedzi expressed his skepticism about the necessity of the Finance Minister’s tour, questioning its purpose. He emphasized the urgency for Dr. Adams to return to the office and address the economic crisis facing Ghana. The Ketu North MP advised the newly appointed ministers to prioritize completing existing projects over initiating new ones. He believed that focusing on ongoing projects would be more beneficial than starting new ones. Mr. Avedzi commented on the promise made by the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to reduce taxes if elected. He suggested that Vice President Bawumia should start cutting down on taxes now instead of waiting until potentially becoming President in the future. However, Mr. Avedzi’s stance underscores the importance of immediate action and diligent work in light of Ghana’s economic challenges. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233256336062.
Unreasonable expectations from public driving corruption among MPs – Zebilla MP
The Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Cletus Avoka, has shed light on the challenges faced by lawmakers due to incessant financial demands placed on them by the public and constituents. In an interview with Starr FM monitored by Apexnewsgh, Mr. Avoka attributed the perceived corruption in the Legislature to these unreasonable expectations. The Zebilla MP revealed that the constant requests for financial assistance, ranging from healthcare expenses to wedding contributions and school fees, make it nearly impossible for MPs to avoid engaging in corrupt activities. He emphasized that many MPs end up using their positions for personal business ventures rather than focusing on their legislative duties. The MP stressed the need for understanding from the media and the public, highlighting the financial pressures MPs face on a daily basis. Avoka explained how MPs often lose elections or primaries not because of their performance but because they are not able to fulfill the financial demands of their constituents. When questioned about whether this situation validates the belief that all MPs are corrupt, Avoka agreed, stating that to maintain their seats, MPs often have to seek additional resources through external activities. He acknowledged that in order to meet the financial expectations of their constituents, MPs may engage in activities outside their legislative duties to generate income. Avoka’s revelations underscore the intricate relationship between financial pressures and corruption within the Parliament, shedding light on the challenges faced by lawmakers in balancing their roles as public servants and their personal financial obligations. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233256336062.
Ken Ofori-Atta Criticized for Appointment as Senior Presidential Adviser
Economist Kwame Pianim has criticized the appointment of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as the Senior Presidential Adviser and Special Envoy for International Trade. Pianim believes that Ofori-Atta is responsible for leading Ghana into the current financial and economic crisis. He questioned how Ofori-Atta, who allegedly destroyed the economy, could now advise the president on the same issues. Pianim expressed concerns about Ghana’s inability to pay its bills and suggested that the country may not be able to do so until 2025. He also raised doubts about Ofori-Atta’s credibility as an envoy, pointing out that he was previously involved in getting Ghana kicked out of the Eurobond market. President Akufo-Addo’s decision to appoint Ofori-Atta has been met with criticism, with Pianim suggesting that the international community may not view him as a credible representative. Despite being removed as finance minister in a recent reshuffle, Ofori-Atta’s new role has raised questions about his ability to provide advice on an economy that Pianim believes is currently non-existent. Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, a former deputy to Ofori-Atta, has now replaced his former boss as the finance minister. The controversy surrounding Ofori-Atta’s appointment continues to highlight concerns about Ghana’s economic future. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: +233256336062.