Government Seeks GH¢68.1 Billion in Mini-Budget to Fund Essential Operations
In a bid to ensure uninterrupted government services during the first quarter of 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has presented a mini-budget to Parliament, requesting GH¢68.1 billion. Apexnewsgh reports This Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation is designed to bridge the financial gap until the incoming administration, led by President-elect John Mahama, presents a full-year budget. The proposed allocation will cover critical areas, including: a. Public Sector Salaries: Ensuring that government workers receive their salaries on time b. Statutory Obligations: Fulfilling legal requirements, such as payments to contractors and suppliers c. Infrastructure Maintenance: Keeping critical infrastructure, like roads and bridges, in good condition d. Social Intervention Programs: Supporting vulnerable populations through initiatives like poverty reduction programs and social welfare services Dr. Amin Adam’s submission fulfils constitutional requirements aimed at preventing fiscal disruptions during political transitions. The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, has referred the proposal to the Budget and Finance Committees for review. These committees will carefully analyze the proposed figures and accompanying policies before presenting their report to the House for debate and approval. The mini-budget’s approval is crucial to maintaining continuity in governance and public service delivery during the transitional period. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UER: PURC Resolves 550 Out of 591 Complaints in 2024
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has successfully resolved 550 out of 591 complaints filed against service providers and consumers in 2024, achieving a remarkable 93.06% resolution rate. Apexnewsgh reports The complaints, which were lodged against Ghana Water Limited, NEDCO, and consumers, were addressed through collaborative efforts between PURC, the service providers, and consumer service committees. Notably, 556 complaints were filed against NEDCO, with 516 being resolved, while 26 complaints were lodged against Ghana Water Company Limited, with 25 being resolved, yielding an impressive 96.1% resolution rate. In addition, service providers also filed nine complaints against consumers, highlighting the complexities of utility provision and consumption. PURC’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that utility services are delivered efficiently and effectively, while also protecting the rights of consumers. As the commission continues to work towards resolving the remaining complaints, its achievements in 2024 underscore its dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and excellent service delivery in the utility sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
New Orleans New Year’s Day Terror Attack: A Deadly Plot Inspired by Islamic State?
A devastating terror attack struck New Orleans on New Year’s Day, leaving a trail of death and destruction on Bourbon Street. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and former Army reservist, was killed in a shootout with police. As the investigation unfolds, early indications point to a plot inspired by the Islamic State terror group. The FBI confirmed that Jabbar had planted an IS flag in the pickup truck used in the attack, and President Joe Biden revealed that the suspect had posted videos on social media indicating his loyalty to ISIS just hours before the attack. The investigation is ongoing, with search warrants executed in New Orleans and other states, and a possible connection to an attempted bombing in Las Vegas being explored. Experts say the attack bears a chilling resemblance to tactics long promoted by IS propagandists. “What we saw fits in with the common pattern we’ve seen from the Islamic State for a while,” said Aaron Zelin, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “They’ve been calling for car ramming attacks for years.” The use of vehicles as weapons of terror is a tactic that has been employed by IS-inspired attackers in the past, including a devastating attack in Nice, France, in 2016 that killed over 80 people. As the investigation into the New Orleans attack continues, one thing is clear: the threat of terrorism remains a grim reality, and vigilance is key to preventing such atrocities.