Heated Exchanges Mar Parliament’s Vetting of Ministerial Nominees
The second sitting of Parliament’s Appointment Committee on Monday, January 20, 2025, was marked by heated exchanges and disagreements, causing delays in the vetting process for Roads and Highways Minister-designate, Kwame Governs Agbodza. Apexnewsgh reports The controversy began when Ranking Member and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, raised concerns about the lack of a Cabinet Secretary. Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, suggested that Afenyo-Markin should address his concerns through other channels, emphasizing the need to proceed with the vetting. However, Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam Adoagyiri MP, Francis Annoh-Dompreh, took exception to Ayariga’s remarks, leading to further objections. Committee Chairman and Akatsi South MP, Bernard Ahiafor, attempted to maintain order and prevent further delays. However, his intervention sparked a heated argument and murmurs among committee members. Amidst the confusion, the chairman suspended the sitting for five minutes. Upon resumption, Afenyo-Markin accused Chairman Ahiafor and the Majority caucus of being “very rude” to him. The chairman objected to the language used and requested a withdrawal of the word “rude,” which Afenyo-Markin complied with before the vetting process could continue. The contentious exchanges highlight the tensions within the Appointment Committee as it undertakes the crucial task of vetting ministerial nominees. The committee’s vetting process is expected to continue, with the second batch of nominees, including Kwame Governs Agbodza, undergoing scrutiny. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Newly Appointed NLA CEO Addresses Concerns Over Lottery Role
Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), has responded to concerns raised by some members of the Muslim community regarding his decision to accept the role. Apexnewsgh reports As a practising Muslim, Abdul-Salam acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that his appointment was based on competence, not religious affiliations. Abdul-Salam described his appointment as “very exciting news” and defended his decision, highlighting Ghana’s secular governance structure. He argued that state institutions should be led based on merit, not religious considerations. “Ghana is a secular state… Institutions of state are supposed to be manned by people deemed to be competent to do so,” he explained. The new NLA CEO also drew a comparison with his predecessor, Sammi Awuku, a Christian who held the position without objections on religious grounds. Abdul-Salam reiterated that his appointment was made at the discretion of the President and based on his competence. Addressing accusations of religious inconsistency, Abdul-Salam maintained that no one is without faults in their faith. He views his new role as an opportunity for professional growth and public service, stating, “There is nowhere in government that I ruled out as an opportunity. If I’m given to serve, I would avail myself…” Abdul-Salam’s appointment took effect on January 15, 2025, following the resignation of Sammi Awuku. His interim role is subject to confirmation by the NLA Board, in consultation with the Public Services Commission. As the new NLA CEO, Abdul-Salam is expected to focus on enhancing operational efficiency and increasing revenue generation to support national development initiatives. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
CPP Throws Weight Behind Operation Recover All Loot Initiative
The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has endorsed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s initiative to operationalize Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). Apexnewsgh reports This task force, led by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, aims to reclaim misappropriated state assets. Madam Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankumah, the CPP’s 2024 flagbearer, praised ORAL as a commendable initiative by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. Speaking on Accra-based CTV’s “GHANA NKUSUO” morning show, she commended Ablakwa’s selfless dedication to the cause. Kumankumah urged the ORAL task force to extend its mandate to cover historical loot dating back to 1966, when the CPP government, led by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was overthrown in a coup. She emphasized that numerous CPP-owned properties were confiscated and repurposed for state use, including: – The Ministry of Information building in Accra – The CPP’s Brong Ahafo Regional Office in Sunyani – The CPP’s Central Regional Office in Cape Coast, now housing the Ghana Education Service Kumankumah cautioned NDC appointees that ORAL would become a benchmark for accountability when the NDC eventually leaves office. She warned against any misuse of public resources, emphasizing that history would judge all political officeholders by the same standards. The CPP’s endorsement of ORAL adds momentum to the initiative, promoting transparency in governance and the recovery of lost national assets. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Orders Investigation into Fatal Clash at AngloGold Ashanti Mines
A tragic incident occurred at the AngloGold Ashanti Mines in Obuasi on Saturday, January 18, 2025, when a group of approximately 60 illegal miners attempted to breach the security fence and access the mine’s Deep Decline area. Apexnewsgh reports The illegal miners, armed with locally manufactured rifles, pump-action guns, knives, axes, gas cylinders, and other tools, opened fire on the military personnel stationed at the mine when confronted. In self-defence, the soldiers returned fire, resulting in the deaths of eight illegal miners and leaving one seriously injured. The remaining individuals fled the scene. The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the deaths of seven illegal miners. President John Dramani Mahama has directed an immediate investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the clashes and ensure that any individuals found to have acted unlawfully are brought to justice. The President expressed profound regret over the tragic loss of lives and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. The government has asked the management of AngloGold Ashanti to bear the medical expenses of the injured individuals fully and to facilitate the burial arrangements for those who have lost their lives. The security agencies have also been tasked to take prompt action to restore peace in the area and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Parliament Vetting of Ministerial Nominees Continues Today
The Appointments Committee of Parliament is set to continue the vetting process for President John Dramani Mahama’s ministerial nominees today, Monday, January 20, 2025. The nominees scheduled for vetting today are: – Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways – Haruna Iddrisu, Minister-Designate for Education – Eric Opoku, Minister-Designate for Food and Agriculture The vetting process will continue tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with the following nominees: – Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister-Designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs – Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister-Designate for Gender, Children, and Social Protection – Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister-Designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry The Committee will assess the nominees’ qualifications, experience, and readiness to lead their respective ministries. The vetting process will continue throughout the week, with the following nominees scheduled to appear: – Wednesday, January 22, 2025: – Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister Designate, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts – Emelia Arthur, Minister Designate, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture – George Opare-Addo, Minister Designate, Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment – Thursday, January 23, 2025: – Ali Adolf G. John, Minister Designate, Northern Region – John Kwadwo Gyapong, Minister Designate, Oti Region – James Gunu, Minister Designate, Volta Region – Mrs Rita Akosua Awatey, Minister Designate, Eastern Region – Friday, January 24, 2025: – Ibrahim Tia, Minister Designate, North East Region – Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Minister Designate, Ashanti Region – Akamugri Atanga Donatus, Minister Designate, Upper East Region – Monday, January 27, 2025: – Charity Gardiner, Minister Designate, Ahafo Region – Salisu Be-Awuribe Issifu, Esq., Minister Designate, Savannah Region – Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, Minister Designate, Greater Accra Region Source: Apexnewsgh.com
AngloGold Ashanti School Shut Down Temporarily Due to Security Concerns
In the face of escalating security concerns, the management of AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) School in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region has announced a temporary closure. Apexnewsgh reports The decision, effective from Monday, January 20, 2025, to Tuesday, January 21, 2025, aims to safeguard the well-being of students, teachers, and other stakeholders. According to a statement issued by Simon Peter K. Attah-Cato, Executive Director of the school, recent incidents of violence have raised alarm bells. The burning of vehicles and destruction of property belonging to private individuals and businesses have created an uncertain environment. The school authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are hopeful that calm will be restored during the temporary closure. Academic activities are expected to resume on Wednesday, January 23, 2025. The management will provide further updates as necessary, prioritizing the safety and security of the school community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Personalities appointed in Akufo Addo-Bawumia administration within Kusuag Zone
The Akufo Addo-Bawumia administration made significant appointments from the Kusaug (Bawku Zone) area during their 8-year tenure. Here are 15 notable beneficiaries: Binduri Constituency: Hon. Abdulai Abanga, Deputy Minister for Works & Housing and later Deputy Minister for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development Hon. Stephen Yakubu, Ambassador to Morocco and later Upper East Regional Minister Pusiga Constituency: Alhaji Abdul Wahab Hanan Aludiba, CEO for Buffer Stock (NAFCO) Alhaji Abdul Rahman Samarat, CEO for Northern Development Authority (NDA) Mr. Osman Aludiba, MD for Northern Electricity Company of Ghana (NEDCo) Zebilla Constituency: Hon. Frank Fuseini Adongo, Deputy Upper East Regional Minister Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, CEO for Environmental Protection Agency Tempane Constituency: Alhaji Bashiru Ibrahim, Deputy CEO for Youth Employment Agency Hon. Patrick Seidu, Deputy CEO for Northern Development Authority (NDA) Hon. Joseph Kpemka Esq, Deputy Attorney General & Minister of Justice and later Deputy MD for Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Dr. Arafat Sulemana Abdulai, CEO for Zongo Development Fund H.E Joseph Akudbilla, Ambassador to Vatican City Garu Constituency: Hon. Emmanuel Sin-nyet Asigri, CEO for National Youth Authority (NYA) Hon. Fatima Abubakar, Deputy Minister and later substantive Minister for Information Other Appointments: Sule Yiremiah, Council of State Member. The appointment of individuals from the Kusaug (Bawku Zone) area to various positions during Akufo-Addo’s administration has sparked interest, but the impact of these appointments on the lives of ordinary people in the benefited constituencies remains a subject of debate. It is crucial to examine whether these appointments translated into tangible development projects, improved infrastructure, and enhanced economic opportunities for the local population. Some may argue that the appointments brought a sense of pride and representation to the region, while others may contend that the benefits were limited to a select few, with little trickle-down effect on the broader community. To fully understand the implications of these appointments, a more in-depth analysis of the development projects initiated and completed during this period is necessary. Key areas to explore include: Infrastructure Development: Were there significant improvements in roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential infrastructure in the constituencies? Economic Empowerment: Did the appointments lead to increased economic opportunities, job creation, and investment in the region? Social Impact: How did the appointments affect the social fabric of the communities, including education, healthcare, and social welfare programs? A thorough examination of these factors will provide a clearer understanding of the true impact of these appointments on the lives of ordinary people in the Kusaug (Bawku Zone) area. Note, even though the names of the other appointees were not captured, these appointments include all the MMDCE’s the Districts in the Kusuag areas. Source: Apexnewsgh.com