Finance Minister-Designate Dr. Ato Forson Unveils Plans to Transform Ghana’s Economy
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Finance Minister-designate, has outlined an ambitious plan to revolutionize the nation’s economy. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Dr. Forson emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach, focusing on revenue mobilization, expenditure cuts, and creating a stable economic environment. At the forefront of his 120-day agenda is the abolition of the controversial E-Levy, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on Ghanaians. Dr. Forson reiterated his stance on removing the Betting Tax, arguing that its elimination would not harm the economy. “Scrapping the Betting Tax will not affect the forward march of the economy,” he assured. Dr. Forson emphasized that increasing taxes is not the only way to boost revenue. Instead, he intends to improve compliance with existing tax laws to enhance revenue collection. “You don’t have to increase taxes to increase revenue. What is important is to increase compliance,” he explained. To address Ghana’s fiscal challenges, Dr. Forson stressed the need for prudent management of expenditures. “It’s not always about revenue, but expenditure,” he stated. He urged decisive action to stabilize the economy, emphasizing the need to cut wasteful spending. “We need to cut the waste! The time is NOW! We must work in a way that stabilizes inflation, the exchange rate, and creates jobs.” Dr. Forson also shared his medium-term vision to increase tax revenue as a percentage of GDP from the current 13.8% to 16–18%. This move is expected to enhance Ghana’s fiscal sustainability and promote economic growth. With his comprehensive plan, Dr. Forson is poised to transform Ghana’s economy and improve the lives of its citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Finance Minister-Designate Dr. Ato Forson Denies Plans to Seek More IMF Support
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Finance Minister-designate, has categorically denied claims that he intends to seek additional financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 13, 2025, Dr. Forson clarified that his earlier statements on the matter had been misconstrued by sections of the media. Dr. Forson emphasized that his remarks were speculative and not indicative of any immediate action. He stressed the importance of preserving flexibility in Ghana’s economic strategy while reassuring Ghanaians that any decision to approach the IMF for additional funds would be based solely on necessity. Dr. Forson also urged the media to exercise greater caution in reporting economic issues, citing the potential for misrepresentation to create unwarranted public panic. He referenced the popular Ghanaian phrase “Sika mpɛ dede,” meaning “money dislikes noise,” as he refrained from speculating about the true state of the economy. As part of his medium-term economic vision, Dr. Forson revealed plans to increase Ghana’s tax revenue from the current 13.8% to 16–18% of GDP, should his nomination as Finance Minister be approved. He argued that such an increase would be pivotal in ensuring Ghana’s fiscal sustainability without resorting to excessive borrowing. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Finance Minister-Designate Dr. Ato Forson Makes Case for Scrapping Betting Tax
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Finance Minister-designate, has presented a compelling argument for abolishing the contentious betting tax. Apexnewsgh reports During his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 13, 2025, Dr. Forson confidently stated that removing the tax would not impede Ghana’s economic progress. “The key to boosting government revenue lies not in imposing new taxes or increasing existing ones, but in improving tax compliance,” Dr. Forson emphasized. He advocated for innovative strategies to enhance Ghana’s fiscal performance without overburdening taxpayers. “You don’t have to increase taxes to increase revenue. What’s important is to increase compliance,” he explained. Dr. Forson also addressed claims that he plans to request additional financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), labeling them as false. He clarified that his earlier remarks on the matter had been misrepresented in the media. “I didn’t say I was going to request additional finance from the IMF. It’s inaccurate reportage. What I said was that we could request additional finance if the need arises,” he stated unequivocally. Dr. Forson explained that his comments were speculative and highlighted the importance of maintaining flexibility in managing Ghana’s economic affairs. He urged the media to exercise caution in reporting to prevent misinterpretations that could unnecessarily alarm the public. While not ruling out the possibility of seeking additional IMF support entirely, Dr. Forson emphasized that such a decision would only be made if circumstances warranted it. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Don’t Know How to Govern– Prof Gyampo
Professor Ransford Gyampo has criticized the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) governance approach under former President Akufo-Addo, labeling it as “winner takes all” politics. Apexnewsgh reports He argues that this approach, characterized by state capture and partisan monopolization of power, has led to incompetence in governance. Gyampo points out that Akufo-Addo’s administration was marked by corruption, failed policies, and a lack of transparency. Specifically, Gyampo criticizes Akufo-Addo’s handling of the National Cathedral project, which he believes was mismanaged and lacked clear objectives. He also questions the effectiveness of Akufo-Addo’s flagship programs, such as the “One District, One Factory” initiative, which Gyampo claims has failed to deliver tangible results. Gyampo urges the NPP to focus on rescuing their party from disintegration rather than attempting to criticize the current administration. He emphasizes that constructive criticism from civil society organizations and independent voices like himself is more valuable than partisan criticism from failed officials. Ultimately, Gyampo is calling for a more nuanced and effective approach to governance, one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the well-being of all Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Considers Relocating National Cathedral Site Amidst Review
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government is considering relocating the site of the National Cathedral project as part of a comprehensive review of the construction. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service in Accra, President Mahama expressed concerns about the value of the project, which was a priority of the previous Akufo-Addo administration. The president believes that a review is necessary to encourage collective funding for the construction and to reach a more reasonable figure for achieving the project. He also hinted that the reconsideration might include changing the site of the project, which has been a subject of controversy. The current site of the National Cathedral has been criticized for the demolition and relocation of several facilities, including bungalows occupied by senior judges, a training school, and the country’s main passport issuing office. President Mahama, however, did not rule out the continuation of the project entirely. Instead, he pledged to abide by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) report, which called for an audit into the entire project. The report, released on November 25 last year, faulted the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral for breaching procurement laws and due process in awarding the contract for the construction. President Mahama committed to pursuing investigations into the expensive project, stating that the government will soon activate an investigation into the project. This move is seen as a step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public projects. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliament’s Appointments Committee Set to Vet Key Ministerial Nominees
On a pivotal day for Ghana’s governance, the Appointments Committee of Parliament is gathering today, Monday, January 13, 2025, to vet three crucial ministerial nominees put forth by President John Mahama. Apexnewsgh reports This session holds significant weight as the committee evaluates each candidate’s qualifications for paramount government positions that will steer the nation’s key sectors. First up is Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, a well-respected Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam and the current Majority Leader. Nominated to serve as the Minister for Finance, Dr. Forson brings a wealth of financial expertise to the table. The committee will delve into his strategies aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s economy, scrutinizing his plans to navigate the financial landscape and implement initiatives that foster economic recovery. Following Dr. Forson’s session, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine will step into the spotlight as the nominee for Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Renowned for his legal acumen, Dr. Ayine faces the task of demonstrating how he intends to advance justice and promote transparency within Ghana’s legal framework. The committee will assess his qualifications and vision for strengthening the country’s justice system, making this a critical moment in shaping the future of legal governance in Ghana. The vetting proceedings will culminate with John Abdulai Jinapor, nominated as Energy Minister. Jinapor is anticipated to articulate his vision for achieving a sustainable and reliable energy supply—a crucial element for undergirding Ghana’s development ambitions. His plans will be vital in ensuring that the energy sector aligns with the nation’s growth objectives. This vetting process stands as a crucial mechanism to ensure that nominees possess the competence, integrity, and vision essential for leading their respective ministries effectively. As Ghana aims for stability and progress, the outcomes of today’s sessions will significantly impact key sectors such as finance, justice, and energy, charting the course for the country’s future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Techiman Market Reduced to Ashes in Devastating Fire
Tragedy struck the Techiman market in the Bono East Region as a raging fire swept through the bustling commercial hub, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Apexnewsgh reports The inferno, which ravaged numerous shops and stalls, has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting widespread concern about fire safety in Ghana’s markets. Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly to the scene, but their efforts to contain the blaze were hindered by the fire’s rapid spread. The cause of the fire remains a mystery, and the GNFS has launched a thorough investigation to determine its origin. This devastating incident is the latest in a series of market fires that have plagued Ghana in 2025. Just weeks ago, a similar blaze gutted the Kantamanto market in the Greater Accra Region, causing extensive damage and disrupting economic activities. Other markets across the country have also fallen victim to fires this year, heightening concerns about the safety and preparedness of these vital economic centers. The Techiman fire has reignited public worries about the safety of markets nationwide, with many calling for improved fire prevention measures. These demands include better infrastructure, regular safety inspections, and the enforcement of safety regulations to protect traders, customers, and their livelihoods. As investigations into the Techiman fire and earlier market incidents continue, authorities hope to uncover the causes of these devastating events and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The government is under pressure to act swiftly to address the growing concern about fire safety in Ghana’s markets. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Takes Swift Action to Address Food Shortages in Senior High Schools
President John Dramani Mahama has moved quickly to tackle the food shortages affecting Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service in Accra on January 12, 2025, President Mahama acknowledged the challenges in providing adequate meals to students. “We have a challenge currently with feeding students in secondary schools,” he said. To address the crisis, the President directed the Chief of Staff to work closely with the Ghana Education Service to distribute food supplies stored in warehouses in Tema. These supplies, initially imported to mitigate the impact of droughts, will now be redirected to meet the immediate nutritional needs of students. President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, emphasizing that logistical challenges should not disrupt students’ education. “This government remains dedicated to ensuring every Ghanaian child has access to quality education, free from interruptions caused by logistical issues,” he said. The directive comes after the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) warned of worsening food shortages in schools, prompting appeals for parents to step in and support their children’s meals. This government response aims to relieve parents and school authorities while safeguarding the wellbeing of students. The swift action underscores the administration’s focus on addressing challenges within the education sector and ensuring students can learn without disruptions. Further measures are expected to ensure a long-term resolution to food supply issues in the nation’s secondary schools. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Higher winds threaten to spread Los Angeles wildfires
Roaring flames continued to ravage Los Angeles on Sunday as the top U.S. emergency official warned that increasing winds could pose new threats in the coming days. “The winds are potentially getting stronger and dangerous,” Deanne Criswell, the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, told CNN’s “State of the Union” show. “You never know which way they’re going.” Local officials expressed fears that as the fires spread, they could endanger more highly populated areas and threaten some of the city’s key landmarks, including the J. Paul Getty Museum, which houses renowned art works, and the University of California, Los Angeles, one of the top public U.S. universities. | The Getty Villa art museum stands undamaged after the passage of the wind-driven Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 10, 2025 As the wildfires raged for a sixth day, the death toll reached 16, with officials worried that more bodies will be found by searchers and cadaver dogs in the neighborhoods that have been leveled by the blazes. California Senator Adam Schiff told CNN that driving through the devastated communities “frankly reminded me of visiting war zones. There are whole neighborhoods that are gone. We haven’t seen this before.” “The heartbreak is just overwhelming,” he said. Watch related report by Veronica Balderas Iglesias: California Governor Gavin Newsom told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the wildfires could be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, “in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope.” A preliminary estimate by AccuWeather put the damage and economic losses so far between $135 billion and $150 billion. The damages are so high in part because much of the housing that has burned to the ground is among the costliest in the country. Newsom called for an independent review of how the fires raged on, with firefighters at times facing a shortage of water to fight the blazes as they quickly spread out of control. The governor said he is asking the same questions “that people out on the streets are asking, yelling about, ‘What the hell happened? What happened to the water system?’ Newsom said he wants to know whether the water supply was simply overwhelmed, “Or were 99 mile-an-hour (160 kph) winds determinative and there was really no firefight that could’ve been more meaningful?” “All of us want to know those answers, and I just don’t want to wait because people are asking me. I want to know those facts,” he said. “I want them objectively determined, and let the chips fall where they may. This is not about finger pointing.” Newsom on Friday ordered state officials to determine why a 440-million-liter reservoir was out of service and some hydrants had run dry. Firefighters raced Saturday to get in front of the largest and most destructive blaze burning in Los Angeles as it shifted directions and grew by about 400 hectares. The Santa Ana winds that fueled the blazes are forecast to return. “We need to be aggressive out there,” California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Operations Chief Christian Litz told reporters at a Saturday briefing. The National Weather Service predicted winds picking up Saturday night into Sunday morning in the area and again late Monday through Tuesday morning, with sustained winds up to 48 kph and gusts up to 112 kph. | The auditorium of Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School lies in ruins after wildfires swept through Altadena, California, Jan. 9, 2025 Four active fires in the Los Angeles region have burned more than 16,000 hectares, with flames destroying more than 12,000 structures. About 150,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes, with 700 people taking refuge in nine shelters. The causes of all four blazes remain under investigation. Officials said two of the fires were 90- and 76% contained but the other two only 11- and 15%. The Palisades fire, the largest and only 11% contained, is threatening to jump over a major highway, Interstate 405, into a more heavily populated area. Jim Hudson, a Cal Fire incident commander, told reporters that firefighters have three priorities: “Life, your property and permanent control” of the flames. Firefighting crews from California and nine other states are part of the ongoing response that includes 1,354 fire engines, 84 aircraft and more than 14,000 personnel, including newly arrived firefighters from Mexico. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press. Source: voanew.com
Akufo-Addo-Era Appointments Terminated: Mahama Dissolves Statutory Boards
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate dissolution of all boards of statutory corporations, commissions, and councils appointed by the previous Akufo-Addo administration. Apexnewsgh reports This decision, announced through a statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, is in line with the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), which governs transitions between administrations. The dissolution is part of President Mahama’s broader effort to restructure state institutions for greater efficiency and alignment with his governance agenda. Independent constitutional bodies, however, are exempt from this directive, ensuring their autonomy is maintained. The affected boards and commissions will be reconstituted in accordance with their enabling laws, with the government assuring the public that the process will be transparent and, in the nation’s, best interest. This moves underscores President Mahama’s commitment to reforming state institutions to better serve the needs of Ghanaians. Source: Apexnewsgh,com