President Mahama to Complete Cabinet Selections with Final Ministerial Appointments
President John Dramani Mahama is set to submit the final batch of his ministerial appointments to the Speaker of Parliament on Monday, January 20, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This move fulfills his promise to name his full Cabinet within 14 days of being sworn into office. The final list will include nominees for key ministries such as Defence, Interior, Environment, Health, and Labour, as well as six Regional Ministers. This submission will mark the completion of his ministerial team, which the President has pledged to keep lean, with no more than 60 members. President Mahama has consistently emphasized his commitment to a lean government, prioritizing efficiency and effective governance. The final list is expected to draw significant attention, as it includes appointments to some of the nation’s most critical sectors. By keeping his promise to submit his full Cabinet within the stipulated timeframe, President Mahama demonstrates his dedication to transparency and accountability in governance. As the nation awaits the announcement, all eyes will be on the President’s final ministerial appointments. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Traditional Leaders Key to Ghana’s Development, Says Kontihene of Asuom
Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III, Kontihene of Asuom, is championing a more active role for traditional leaders in Ghanaian politics. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking on GHOne, he emphasized that chiefs have a vested interest in the progress of their communities, making them vital instruments in the nation’s development. As custodians of land and heritage, traditional leaders have a deep-rooted connection to their communities, which motivates them to drive long-term development. Nana Obodade III challenged the notion that politicians, who often serve short terms, are better equipped to lead development efforts. “A president can be in power for a maximum of 8 years. An MP can go more, but do you think somebody whose forefathers have toiled, shed blood to maintain their town or village and who wants to see that town or village develop has less ambition to develop it than a politician who is there for four years?” he questioned. Nana Obodade III’s advocacy stems from his conviction that traditional leaders are more invested in the well-being of their communities than elected officials, who may prioritize short-term goals to secure re-election. He believes that recognizing chiefs as instruments of development is crucial, as they are responsible for the land and its progress. This is not Nana Obodade III’s first time speaking out on issues affecting Ghana. Previously, he criticized former President Akufo-Addo’s approach to traditional rulers, labeling it a dismal legacy for the presidency. He also expressed disappointment with the former president’s failure to foster mutual respect and understanding between the government and the chieftaincy in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
IMF Upgrades Global Growth Forecast to 3.3% for 2025
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global growth forecast for 2025 upward to 3.3%, according to its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) update. Apexnewsgh reports This slight adjustment reflects an improved outlook for the United States, which offset downward revisions for other major economies. Although the forecast remains below the historical average growth rate of 3.7% recorded between 2000 and 2019, it signals a modest improvement in global economic prospects. The IMF projects global headline inflation to decline further, reaching 4.2% in 2025 and 3.5% in 2026. The report highlights the need for policymakers to balance curbing inflation with supporting growth, as global economies navigate the post-pandemic landscape. Advanced economies are likely to meet inflation targets sooner than emerging market and developing economies, indicating a divergence in economic recovery trajectories. The IMF warns that medium-term risks to the baseline are tilted to the downside, with policy-generated disruptions to the disinflation process posing a significant risk. To mitigate these risks, policymakers must focus on balancing trade-offs between inflation and real activity, rebuilding buffers, and lifting medium-term growth prospects through structural reforms and stronger multilateral cooperation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
SSNIT Disburses GH₵510.21 Million in Pensions for January 2025
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has demonstrated its commitment to supporting retirees by disbursing a total of GH₵510.21 million in pensions to 253,601 pensioners for January 2025. Apexnewsgh reports This payment, made on January 16, 2025, reflects a 12% increase in monthly pension payouts, aligning with SSNIT’s annual indexation process for 2025. The adjustment was made in consultation with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) and complies with Section 80 of the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766). This increase aims to maintain the purchasing power of pensioners, ensuring their earnings align with economic realities. For January 2025, the highest monthly pension under PNDC Law 247 was GH₵201,792.37, while the lowest pension for existing pensioners was GH₵396.58. Under Act 766, the highest monthly pension was GH₵28,703.01, with the minimum for new pensioners set at GH₵300. In comparison, December 2024 saw SSNIT disburse GH₵454.05 million to 252,766 pensioners, with the highest monthly pension under PNDC Law 247 being GH₵186,777.58, and the lowest being GH₵409.10. SSNIT has urged all workers to secure their retirement by ensuring their full earnings with the Trust, ensuring a lifetime pension. The next pension payment is scheduled for February 20, 2025. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliament Vetting Sessions for Ministerial Nominees to Commence January 23
The Appointments Committee of Parliament is gearing up to vet President John Dramani Mahama’s ministerial nominees, starting Thursday, January 23, 2025. Apexnewsgh reports The vetting process, scheduled to run until Monday, January 27, 2025, will assess the qualifications, experience, and suitability of the nominees for regional ministerial roles and other key positions. Daily sessions will commence at 8:30 a.m. in Committee Rooms 1, 2, and 3 of the New Administration Block. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the Director of Media Relations has requested that the Parliamentary Press Corps provide extensive media coverage of the event. This vetting exercise is a critical part of Parliament’s constitutional duty to ensure accountability and transparency in the selection of public officials. The Appointments Committee will thoroughly review the nominees’ credentials to determine their fitness for office. Notably, President Mahama had previously submitted his first set of ministerial nominees on January 9, 2025, which included Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson for Minister for Finance, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor for Minister for Energy, and Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine for Attorney-General and Minister for Justice. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Appoints Edward Bawa as Acting CEO of GNPC
In a move aimed at ensuring effective leadership within the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Edward Bawa as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. Apexnewsgh reports This appointment, which takes effect today, January 17, 2025, is in line with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 10(2) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act, 1983. As a distinguished energy policy expert and communications professional, Edward Bawa brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has previously served as the Member of Parliament for Bongo Constituency and held pivotal roles, including Head of the Communication Unit at the Ministry of Energy. The President’s decision to appoint Bawa underscores his commitment to effective leadership within the GNPC. In a formal letter, President Mahama extended his congratulations to Bawa and expressed his best wishes for his tenure. The announcement was communicated by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President. Bawa’s appointment is pending the required advice from the Honourable Minister for Energy, in consultation with the Public Services Commission. As he takes on his new role, he is expected to leverage his expertise to drive the GNPC’s mission forward. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Presidency Debunks Fake Ministerial Nominees List
A false report claiming the Presidency had released a third batch of ministerial nominees sparked confusion recently. Apexnewsgh reports The fake list, which featured prominent members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including serving Members of Parliament, was swiftly debunked by the Communications Team of the Presidency.¹ The fake nominees included Rashid Pelpuo, allegedly tapped as Minister for the Interior; Muntaka Mubarak, supposedly nominated as Minister for Transport; and Sam George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, who was falsely listed as Minister-Designate for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation. The Office of the President has emphasized that no official announcement has been made regarding a third batch of ministerial nominees. The statement urged the public to disregard the misinformation and assured that any future announcements would be communicated through official channels. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Troops Deployed to Quell Renewed Violence in Nkwanta South
A chieftaincy dispute in Nkwanta South, Oti Region, has erupted into violence, leaving a 43-year-old woman hospitalized with gunshot wounds and two houses burned to the ground. Apexnewsgh reports The clashes, which began on January 16, 2025, in the Tuobodom community, have displaced several families and instilled fear in the community. To restore calm, security forces, including police and military personnel, have been deployed to the area. Member of Parliament Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed the deployment in a social media update, stating that additional troops are being sent to enforce law and order. The latest incident has escalated tensions in the Nkwanta South District, raising concerns about the security situation in the area. Authorities are urging residents to remain calm as efforts are made to resolve the conflict. As the situation unfolds, residents are left to pick up the pieces and wonder when peace will be restored to their community. The deployment of security forces is a step towards calming the tensions, but a lasting solution to the chieftaincy dispute is needed to prevent further violence. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Akufo-Addo Caused NPP 2024 Election Defeat– Dr. Jonathan Asante
A Political Science lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Jonathan Asante, has attributed 60% of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 general election to the leadership of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Apexnewsgh reports This assessment comes on the heels of comments made by former NPP Vice Chairman, Sammy Crabbe, who described the party as weak. Dr. Asante, speaking to Citi News, emphasized that the neglect of party structures significantly contributed to the NPP’s substantial electoral loss. He drew a biblical analogy, referencing Jeremiah, to illustrate how the actions of past leaders can have far-reaching consequences. Dr. Asante contended that former President Akufo-Addo’s leadership was responsible for 60% of Dr. Bawumia’s defeat, while Dr. Bawumia himself contributed to the remaining 40%. The lecturer also criticized the arrogance displayed by government appointees, which he believes contributed to the mass opposition to the NPP’s renewal of mandate in the 2024 elections. Dr. Asante noted that the party’s structures are weak, describing it as a “one-man show.” In addition, Dr. Asante stressed that the future of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) electoral fortunes heavily depends on the performance of the current Mahama-led administration. As the NDC seeks to build on its recent electoral success, the party’s ability to deliver on its campaign promises will be crucial in maintaining the trust of its supporters. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chaos Erupts at Electoral Commission’s Office as Thugs Disrupt Recollation Exercise
A group of thugs, allegedly supporters of the NDC and NPP, stormed the Electoral Commission’s office in Greater Accra, disrupting the seventh recollation exercise of the Ablekuma North constituency election results. Apexnewsgh reports The chaos led to the damage of several louvre blades at the EC’s office, prompting the Commission to reconsider continuing with the recollation process. The thugs claimed that the EC’s work was done, and therefore, the Commission couldn’t proceed with what they deemed a “dubious” exercise to declare the NPP candidate the winner. This is the seventh time the EC has attempted to recollate results for the Ablekuma North constituency since the December 7, 2024, elections. Despite six previous recollations, a final winner has yet to be declared. The Ablekuma North constituency has been embroiled in a legal tussle, with the EC still awaiting results from 37 polling stations before making a final decision. The Commission has assured stakeholders that it is committed to resolving the issues affecting the constituency, with investigations ongoing to address missing documents and disputes. However, the latest disruption has cast a shadow over the electoral process, raising concerns about the integrity of the results. Source: Apexnewsgh.com