Mahama and Ruto Unite for Regional Growth and Cooperation
President-elect John Dramani Mahama recently met with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss regional integration and continental security. Apexnewsgh reports The meeting, which took place in Narok County, Kenya, on December 28, 2024, aimed to strengthen ties between Ghana and Kenya, focusing on trade, investment, and regional integration. Mahama expressed his gratitude to President Ruto for his longstanding support and extended an invitation to his inauguration, scheduled for January 7. In a Facebook post, Mahama emphasized the importance of collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stating, “We shall strengthen relations between Kenya and Ghana”. President Ruto reciprocated Mahama’s commitment, pledging to expand cooperation in key sectors such as trade and investment, agriculture, mining, tourism, and oil and gas. This initiative aims to create greater opportunities for citizens of both nations and promote mutual prosperity. The meeting also touched on Mahama’s endorsement of Hon. Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission, with President Ruto expressing his gratitude. Furthermore, President Ruto confirmed his intention to attend Mahama’s swearing-in ceremony, solidifying the commitment to strengthened ties between Ghana and Kenya. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Akufo-Addo to Deliver Final State of the Nation Address on January 3, 2025
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to deliver his final State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Friday, January 3, 2025. This address, in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, marks the President’s final report on the state of the nation before leaving office. The address comes ahead of the dissolution of the 8th Parliament on Monday, January 6, 2025. On the same day, the 9th Parliament will convene at 11:00 PM to elect a Speaker and two Deputy Speakers. The Speaker-elect and newly elected Members of Parliament will be sworn in at midnight, marking the transition of the legislature to its next term. In preparation for the events, Parliament has advised media personnel to secure accreditation in advance to ensure smooth coverage. This final address by President Akufo-Addo is expected to highlight his administration’s achievements and challenges, as well as outline his vision for the country’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Airports Company Shuts Down McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal Over $3 Million Debt
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has locked up the McDan Aviation Private Jet Terminal, also known as Terminal 1, due to an outstanding debt of over $3 million. Apexnewsgh reports The debt, which includes charges for land leases, rentals, and terminal usage fees, was not settled by McDan Aviation, prompting the shutdown. Two police officers have been stationed at the terminal’s entrance to prevent access, following the shutdown. The move has received support from the Ghana Airport Company Divisional Union of the Public Services Workers Union of TUC. Alhaji Abdul Issaka Bamba, chairman of the union, emphasized that the debt payment is long overdue and warned that other partners with similar financial issues might face similar actions. This is not the first time McDan Aviation has faced issues with GACL. In February 2022, the company was barred from operating its private jet services at Terminal 1 of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) due to non-compliance with operational requirements. The union’s support for the shutdown sends a strong message that businesses must meet their financial obligations to avoid facing similar consequences. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Peace and Human Rights
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the remarkable age of 100. Apexnewsgh reports His death was confirmed by the Carter Center, which he founded with his wife Rosalynn. Born on October 1, 1924, Carter grew up in Plains, Georgia, and went on to graduate from the US Naval Academy. He served in the navy before retiring to take over his family’s business. Carter’s entry into politics began with his election as Governor of Georgia in 1970, and he later launched a successful bid for the presidency in 1976, narrowly defeating incumbent President Gerald Ford. During his presidency, Carter pursued a policy of warm relations with the US’s foes and competitors, including the Soviet Union. He achieved significant foreign policy successes, including the Camp David Accords, which established a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, and the normalization of diplomatic relations between the US and China. Carter was also a champion of environmental and renewable energy policies, and he deregulated the transportation and telecommunication sectors of the economy. Although he lost his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980, Carter’s post-presidency was marked by his establishment of the Carter Center and his work with Habitat for Humanity, promoting human rights and building homes for disadvantaged people around the world. His contributions to peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and he is widely regarded as the most impactful former American president in history. As the world mourns the loss of this remarkable leader, the Carter Center will provide updates on activities and ceremonies to honor his legacy in the coming days. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chief Laments State of Ghana: “Mother Ghana is Bleeding
The Krontihene of Akyem Asoum, Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III, has accused the Akufo-Addo-led administration of mismanaging Ghana’s resources, leaving the country in distress. “Ghana has been stripped naked; mother Ghana is bleeding,” Nana Abodade lamented in an interview with GHOne TV. The chief drew parallels between Ghana’s plight and the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the need for redemption and recovery of lost resources. “The robbers have stolen all the goodies. But a Good Samaritan has come to rescue her, put her in a healthy and happy situation, and recover the loot that the robbers took.” Nana Abodade expressed hope in former President John Mahama’s potential return to power, seeing it as a divine opportunity to steer the country back on track. He praised Mahama’s leadership, saying it could resolve the governance challenges Ghana faces. The chief also criticized President Akufo-Addo’s administration for failing to utilize significant revenues effectively. “He had so much revenue, so much he could have done for this country, but he failed,” Nana Abodade stated. This sentiment is echoed by other traditional leaders, who are concerned about the President’s legacy. Looking ahead, Nana Abodade hopes for improved governance and a departure from the current administration’s challenges. “We pray we don’t get another Akufo-Addo to be president of Ghana,” he added. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Samira Bawumia’s Presidential Ambition Shattered: A Story of Disappointment and Desire
In a recent interview with GHOne TV, the Krontihene of Akyem Asoum, Nana Boadi Amponim Abodade III, revealed the depth of Samira Bawumia’s disappointment following her husband’s defeat in the 2024 presidential election. As the wife of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Samira had envisioned herself as Ghana’s next First Lady, with a strong public presence. Nana Abodade III described Samira as “desperate for the position,” highlighting her prominent role in the NPP campaign. Her charisma and stylish appearances had frequently taken center stage, setting her apart from previous First Ladies, such as Rebecca Akufo-Addo. Samira’s efforts, according to Nana Abodade III, were driven by her desire to redefine the role of First Lady, leveraging her distinctive sense of fashion and public appeal. The chief’s words painted a vivid picture of Samira’s ambition: “If the NPP had won, she would have slayed a lot. She will slay aaah Ghanaian ladies all go bore die.” This phrase, though colloquial, conveyed the potential impact of Samira’s style on Ghanaian women. Nana Abodade III’s assessment of Samira’s disappointment was unequivocal: “She is very unhappy.” This revelation offers a glimpse into the personal stakes of Ghana’s presidential election. Samira Bawumia’s story serves as a reminder that, behind the political headlines, there are individuals with hopes, dreams, and ambitions that can be profoundly affected by the outcome of an election. Source; Apexnewsgh.com