Upper East Regional Minister-Designate Outlines Agenda 111 and More as Development Priorities
Mr. Donatus Akamugre, the Upper East Minister-Designate, has identified key areas he plans to focus on as Regional Minister. Apexnewsgh reports During his vetting on January 27, 2025, Mr. Akamugre highlighted four main priorities: the Bolgatanga Regional Airport, Pwalungu Multi-Purpose Dam, resolving the Bawku conflict, and completing the Agenda 111 project. Mr. Akamugre expressed particular concern about the region’s health sector, citing a staggering patient-to-doctor ratio of 1 to 24,124. This, he noted, is far from the UN-recommended ratio. To address this, he vowed to prioritize the completion of Agenda 111 hospitals, emphasizing that a healthy society is essential for regional development. In addition to healthcare, Mr. Akamugre also acknowledged the economic challenges facing the Upper East Region, which is among the poorest in Ghana. To tackle this, he plans to mobilize resources and initiate projects that create employment opportunities for youth. By addressing these pressing issues, Mr. Akamugre aims to bring about meaningful development to the Upper East Region and improve the lives of its residents. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Regional Minister-Designate Vows to Tackle Child Marriages
Donatus Akamugre Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister-Designate, has pledged to tackle the persistent issue of child marriages in the region. Child marriage remains a significant concern, with many children under 18 being forced into unions. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 27, Mr. Atanga expressed deep concern about the secretive nature of these practices, highlighting that perpetrators often operate undetected. To address this issue, Mr. Atanga vowed to initiate sensitization programs aimed at educating communities on the harmful effects and legal implications of child marriage. These programs will raise awareness, protect children’s rights, and curb the practice. Mr. Atanga emphasized that ending child marriage requires a collective effort and committed to working with stakeholders to bring this practice to an end. As part of his plan, Mr. Atanga will embark on community sensitization programs, explaining why child marriage is both morally and constitutionally wrong. He aims to mobilize resources and initiate projects that create employment opportunities for youth, addressing the region’s economic challenges. Mr. Atanga’s commitment to tackling child marriage and promoting development in the Upper East Region is a step in the right direction. His dedication to collaboration and community engagement will be crucial in bringing about positive change. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPA Pursues Affordable, Reliable Fuel for Ghanaians
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to provide Ghanaians with cheaper, reliable, and quality fuel. Apexnewsgh reports According to Acting CEO Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, the NPA is working tirelessly to fulfill President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to reducing petroleum product costs. In his first public remarks after assuming office, Mr. Tameklo assured Ghanaians that his team is exploring every possible avenue to make fuel affordable. “A whole team is together, exploring every possible avenue to ensure that the price of petroleum products meets what our people can afford,” he said on January 27. The NPA’s efforts aim to bring relief to ordinary drivers, households, and businesses by delivering affordable fuel without compromising quality or reliability. Mr. Tameklo emphasized the NPA’s regulatory role, stating that strict adherence to standards will drive the Authority’s operations. President Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector benefits all citizens. With the NPA working diligently to make this a reality, Ghanaians can expect positive changes in the petroleum sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Takes Steps to Regulate Small-Scale Gold Mining
In a bid to formalize and regulate Ghana’s small-scale gold mining sector, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has inaugurated a Technical Committee to draft a legal framework for the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). Apexnewsgh reports This specialized agency will be responsible for managing and marketing gold resources from the small-scale mining sector. According to Dr. Forson, the establishment of the committee highlights the urgent need to maximize Ghana’s economic gains from its gold resources. He emphasized this during a meeting with the Management of Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) at the Ministry of Finance on January 27, 2025. The Ghana Gold Board, championed by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to revitalize the economy by tackling challenges such as gold smuggling, fragmented gold purchasing systems, and limited foreign exchange accumulation. Dr. Forson, a renowned economist and chartered accountant, was appointed as Ghana’s Finance Minister on January 9, 2025. His expertise in fiscal management and economic reforms is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s economic future. The establishment of the GoldBod is also expected to help stabilize Ghana’s currency, the cedi, in the long run. With the Technical Committee in place, Ghana is taking a significant step towards regulating its small-scale gold mining sector and unlocking its economic potential. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tensions Rise in the Volta Region: Petition Seeks Removal of EC Chairperson
In a significant political move, a concerned resident from the Volta Region has taken a bold step by petitioning President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), along with her two deputies, Samuel Tetteh and Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, and EC member Dr. Peter Appiahene. Apexnewsgh reports This petition, lodged on January 27, 2025, has brought to light serious accusations of fundamental human rights breaches under Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution. The petitioner argues that the handling of the 2020 parliamentary elections led to the disenfranchisement of voters in the Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) areas, claiming this action represents a gross violation of citizens’ rights. In the petition, the accusation is made that the EC’s actions denied SALL residents their rightful representation in Parliament, effectively attempting to skew the balance of power in favor of certain political interests. “For over four years, the people of SALL were left voiceless in the legislative process,” the petitioner states, highlighting the precarious balance of power within Parliament during a hung situation where their vote could have tipped the scales in favor of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The claim points to a pattern of bias and incompetence within the Electoral Commission that undermines public confidence in its integrity. The petition also criticized the EC’s management of the 2020 elections, describing the process as ‘poor’ and citing numerous errors in the presidential election results. The petitioner emphasized that the chairperson and her deputies exhibited gross incompetence, particularly in light of the controversial announcement of critical decisions just before the elections, which failed to anticipate the potential ramifications of the new Guan District on electoral arrangements. Adding another layer to the contention, the petition called into question the impartiality of Dr. Bossman Asare and Dr. Peter Appiahene, citing their prior social media comments that displayed overt bias towards the opposition party, raising doubts about their suitability for their roles within the Commission. The resident’s plea to President Mahama urges decisive action under Article 146 of the Constitution to restore trust in the electoral process, bolstered by detailed exhibits and evidence to support these serious claims. As the streets wait for a response, the Presidency has yet to comment on the situation. Jean Mensa, who was appointed as the EC Chairperson on July 23, 2018, has seen her share of controversies. She successfully navigated a similar petition in August 2020 that was dismissed by former President Akufo-Addo, despite previous allegations regarding her asset declaration. Furthermore, she faced scrutiny again in August 2022 when the pressure group, Fix the Country Movement, called for accountability over the disenfranchisement of the SALL residents. As tensions rise, the future of the Electoral Commission hangs in the balance, challenging the integrity of Ghana’s electoral system and the fundamental rights of its citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Edmond Kombat Appointed Acting BOST CEO
In a move aimed at revitalizing Ghana’s premier oil refinery, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Mr. Edmond Kombat as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). Apexnewsgh reports This appointment takes immediate effect, marking the beginning of a new era for the refinery. As a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the energy sector, Mr. Kombat is well-equipped to spearhead reforms at TOR. His primary objectives will be to improve productivity, ensure the refinery plays a key role in Ghana’s energy security, and enhance its overall performance. President Mahama has expressed confidence in Mr. Kombat’s ability to deliver, highlighting the importance of TOR in Ghana’s industrial growth and economic stability. Under Mr. Kombat’s leadership, TOR is expected to undergo significant transformations, including revamping operations, addressing financial challenges, and implementing strategic policies. As Mr. Kombat assumes his new role, he will be working closely with the refinery’s existing leadership, including the Board of Directors and Executive Management team, which comprises experienced professionals like Kofi Tagoe-Mocumbi, Managing Director, and Ebenezer Acquah, General Manager-Technical Services. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Galamsey Fight: $200 Million Anti-Galamsey Campaign Under Scrutiny
The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners (NCASSM) has sounded the alarm on the alleged mismanagement of over $200 million allocated to combat illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana between 2017 and 2024. Apexnewsgh reports In a press statement, NCASSM President Michael Kwadwo Peprah raised concerns about the misuse of funds and equipment acquired under the anti-galamsey campaign. Specifically, the association highlighted several instances of questionable spending, including: a. Missing Drones: Over $2 million was spent on drones for surveillance, but many are reportedly missing. b. Failed GalamStop Application: Approximately $1 million was invested in developing a technology platform to streamline licensing and monitoring of small-scale mining, but it failed to deliver. c. Ineffective GPS Tracking Devices: Resources were allocated for GPS tracking devices to monitor excavators, but their effectiveness remains questionable. d. Drone Pilot Training: Taxpayer money was spent on training drone pilots, yet the initiative has not had a significant impact on illegal mining activities. Furthermore, NCASSM alleged that some confiscated mining equipment, including excavators, were misappropriated, sold, or destroyed without proper accountability. To address these issues, NCASSM has called for: 1. Independent Investigation: Establish a neutral committee to audit the $200 million allocated for the campaign. 2. Audit of Confiscated Equipment: Investigate reports of mismanagement of seized mining equipment. 3. Accountability for Failed Projects: Provide a full report on failed initiatives and determine who benefited from them. 4. Prosecution of Offenders: Prosecute individuals or groups found to have misused public funds or diverted resources. The association emphasized that the fight against galamsey will only succeed if public resources are used transparently and effectively. They urged the government to work with stakeholders in the small-scale mining industry to develop sustainable solutions and implement rigorous monitoring of anti-galamsey initiatives. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Ruto Sounds Alarm: Africa’s Annual Security Spend Hits $18 Billion
Kenyan President William Ruto, who also serves as the African Union (AU) Champion of Institutional Reforms, has sounded the alarm on Africa’s escalating security challenges. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the AU Retreat on Institutional Reforms, President Ruto revealed that the continent spends a staggering $18 billion annually to combat security threats and ongoing conflicts. The numbers are daunting: between April and June 2024, Africa witnessed 1,000 terrorism-related incidents, resulting in 4,818 deaths. This surge in violence has led to a deepening humanitarian crisis, with conflict, terrorism, and political instability disrupting communities and livelihoods. The statistics are heartbreaking: 35 million internally displaced persons, 8.9 million refugees, 1.1 million asylum seekers, and a million stateless people call Africa home. President Ruto emphasized that the African Union, in its current form, is ill-equipped to address these complex security dynamics. He stressed the urgent need for immediate reforms, calling for proactive measures to tackle the root causes of insecurity. The President’s message was clear: conflict continues to deprive Africa of its full potential, and it’s time for collective action. Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, echoed President Ruto’s concerns, highlighting the AU’s reliance on external funding. This dependence, President Mahama argued, undermines the organization’s ability to set its own agenda and drive the continent’s development priorities independently. As Africa grapples with these pressing security challenges, it’s clear that a new approach is needed. The AU must reform and strengthen its institutions to effectively address the complex security dynamics threatening the continent. He believes by working together and prioritizing African solutions to African problems, the continent can overcome its current challenges and unlock its full potential. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis Appointed as New Director-General of Ghana Education Service
In a move expected to bring strong leadership and fresh ideas to Ghana’s education system, the government has appointed Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis as the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). Prof. Davis, who previously served as the Provost of the College of Education at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), takes over from Dr. Eric Nkansah. Apexnewsgh reports With an impressive academic and administrative background, Prof. Davis is well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing Ghana’s education sector. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Hiroshima University in Japan. His academic journey has been marked by several prestigious accolades, including the Monash Graduate Scholarship and the British Academy Visiting Scholar Award. In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Davis has served in leadership roles such as Vice-President of the Ghana Education Research Association (GERA-Ghana) in 2018. He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Ghana Mathematics Society and the World Education Research Association (WERA). As the new Director-General of GES, Prof. Davis is expected to drive innovation and improve education standards across the country. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his vast experience in educational research and administration to address challenges in the sector. With high expectations surrounding his leadership, Prof. Davis is poised to make a significant impact on Ghana’s education system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bawumia Emphasizes Importance of Strong Institutions in African Democracies
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stressed that a thriving democracy in Africa requires more than just voting, counting, and electing leaders. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at Nigeria’s National Conference on Strengthening Democracy, he highlighted the need for robust institutions to guarantee a democratic culture that delivers governance, economic, and social benefits to citizens. Dr. Bawumia noted that while the right to choose leaders in a free and transparent manner is essential, it’s not enough to ensure a flourishing democratic culture. He emphasized the importance of institutions capable of guaranteeing rights and checking the abuse of power, such as independent election management bodies, the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. The former Vice President expressed concern that these institutions are becoming weak and endangered, citing reasons such as partisan interests taking precedence over competence in appointments and the deliberate erosion of public confidence in these institutions. To strengthen democracies, Dr. Bawumia called for collective efforts to address these issues, emphasizing the need for citizens to hold leaders accountable and for institutions to be robust enough to deliver governance and economic dividends. Other speakers at the conference included Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Nigerian leader General Abdul Salam Abubakar. Source: Apexnewsgh.com