Clement Apaak insists reviewing of Free SHS policy is the forward
Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Education Minister, has emphasized the need to review the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, citing the importance of addressing challenges in its implementation. Apexnewsgh reports He believes that reviewing the policy will actually improve it, contrary to claims by some that it means cancelling the program. According to Dr. Apaak, former President John Mahama’s plan to review the FSHS policy within 100 days of being elected is aimed at making the program better, not scrapping it. The review will involve stakeholders, including heads of secondary schools, to identify and address challenges such as infrastructure, feeding, and academic issues. Dr. Apaak’s stance is supported by other officials, including Stan Xoese Dogbe, a special aide to former President Mahama, who also clarified that reviewing the FSHS policy does not mean cancelling it. Source: Apexnewsgh reports
Ghana Moves to Revamp State-Owned Enterprises with World Bank Support
In a bid to transform Ghana’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) into effective and profitable entities, Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Acting Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), engaged with World Bank officials in Accra on Tuesday, February 25. Apexnewsgh reports This move is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to reform Ghana’s SOEs. According to Prof. Kpessa-Whyte, the meeting with the World Bank aimed to enhance the efficiency and profitability of SOEs. He noted that SIGA’s collaboration with the World Bank is a crucial step towards honoring President Mahama’s promise to reform Ghana’s SOEs. Ghana’s SOEs play a significant role in the country’s economy, accounting for a substantial portion of public expenditure and employment. However, their performance has been varied. A few SOEs, such as the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), have excelled by strategically capitalizing on Ghana’s natural resources, contributing to GDP growth, and attracting foreign investment. The GNPC’s success can be attributed to its efficient governance and investment in technology, drawing parallels with international models like Saudi Aramco and Norway’s Statoil. This demonstrates the potential for Ghana’s SOEs to thrive with the right reforms and support. With the World Bank’s expertise and SIGA’s oversight, Ghana’s SOEs are poised for transformation, which will have a positive impact on the country’s economy and employment landscape. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Leader Urges Bold Reforms in Ghana’s Energy Sector
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Deputy Energy and Green Transition Minister-Designate Richard Gyan-Mensah to implement bold reforms in Ghana’s energy sector. Apexnewsgh reports Drawing from his personal experience, Afenyo-Markin cautioned that there will be resistance from vested interests, but urged Gyan-Mensah to remain steadfast. Afenyo-Markin shared his own experience trying to reform Ghana Water, where he became the victim of resistance. He lamented the recurring pattern of bold reformers facing resistance, leading to stagnation and inefficiencies across successive governments. The Minority Leader’s comments come amidst discussions on privatizing the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which has faced significant opposition. He warned Gyan-Mensah that without assertiveness, the same challenges will persist. Meanwhile, Gyan-Mensah has denied claims of a recurrence of prolonged power outages, known as ‘dumsor.’ He acknowledged intermittent outages but emphasized that they do not constitute a nationwide crisis. Ghana’s energy sector is at a critical juncture, with the government exploring options to improve efficiency and reduce debt. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Administration Pledges to Revamp Ghana’s Education System
Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to transforming the country’s education system. Apexnewsgh reports This pledge came after a meeting with the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) leadership in Accra on February 24. The discussion focused on enhancing education quality, improving access, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. During his vetting, Minister Iddrisu emphasized the Mahama administration’s priorities for tertiary education: access, quality, and relevance. To achieve this, the government plans to expand infrastructure, ensuring more students can access quality education. Ghana’s education system has made significant strides, with initiatives like the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, launched in 2017, benefiting over 1.2 million students. However, challenges persist, including disparities in rural areas, inadequate resources, and the need for improved teacher training. The Ministry of Education has outlined strategic plans to address these challenges, including the Education Strategic Plan (2018-2030), which aims to enhance teaching and learning standards, improve infrastructure, and promote inclusive education. With the government’s renewed commitment to education, Ghanaian students can expect improved learning outcomes, better access to quality education, and enhanced preparation for future opportunities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Moves to Combat Gold Smuggling and Boost Economic Revitalization
Leadership of the Ghana Association of Forex Bureau paid a courtesy call on Sammy Gyamfi, Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), on Tuesday, February 25. Apexnewsgh reports The meeting explored the possibility of a partnership between the two agencies to combat gold smuggling and stabilize the national currency. According to Sammy Gyamfi, the discussion was insightful and fruitful, with both parties agreeing to further engage and seek collaboration from the Bank of Ghana and Finance Ministry. This partnership aims to revitalize Ghana’s economy, which is a top priority for President John Dramani Mahama. In a related development, the technical committee tasked with establishing the Ghana Gold Board continues to engage stakeholders. The committee, led by Sammy Gyamfi, is working to develop a legal and operational framework for the Board, which will regulate and oversee Ghana’s gold marketing industry. The Ghana Gold Board is expected to play a critical role in economic revitalization by resetting the gold marketing industry, promoting transparency, and ensuring ethical gold trade. The Board will also support small-scale miners and boost revenue for the government. With the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board, Ghana is poised to transform its gold industry, promote economic growth, and strengthen its national currency. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
SIGA Boss Charges State-Owned Enterprises to Balance Quality Service and Profit-Making
Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Acting Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), has emphasized the need for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to achieve the dual objectives of quality service and profit-making. Apexnewsgh reports This call to action follows a meeting with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to discuss SIGA’s strategy to enhance efficiency in the operations of Ghana’s State Entities (SE). Prof. Kpessa-Whyte took to social media to reiterate the importance of balancing quality service and profit-making, stating that SOEs must aim to achieve these dual objectives. To achieve this goal, SIGA has engaged with officials from the World Bank in Accra, exploring ways to make SOEs more effective and profitable. This initiative is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to reform Ghana’s SOEs. Prof. Kpessa-Whyte noted that the meeting with the World Bank was a fruitful step towards honoring the President’s promise to reform the sector. Ghana’s SOEs play a significant role in the country’s economy, accounting for a substantial portion of public expenditure and employment. However, their performance has been varied, with some enterprises exceling while others struggle with inefficiencies and corruption. To address these challenges, SIGA is drawing inspiration from successful international models, such as Saudi Aramco’s efficient resource management and Norway’s Statoil. By adopting best practices and promoting transparency and accountability, Ghana’s SOEs can improve their performance and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Government’s Prudent Approach to Employment Amidst Huge Debts
Ghana’s new government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is taking a cautious approach to employment due to the massive debts inherited from the previous administration. Apexnewsgh reports Former Mion MP, Mohammed Aziz, explained that the government’s finances are not in a good shape to accommodate more employment, citing debts of approximately GHC130 million, GHC1 billion from GETFund, and significant liabilities from Independent Power Producers. Aziz emphasized that the government is acting in its best interest by terminating last-minute appointments and recruitments made by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration. He noted that the international market has been locked for Ghana, making it impossible to borrow from the international market like the previous administration did. However, Aziz assured that the government will reopen recruitment windows for affected persons once the financial situation improves. “Anytime our finances improve, we will open another avenue for these young people to apply, and if they qualify, they will be employed,” he stated. Meanwhile, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has urged President Mahama to halt the ongoing terminations of appointments in the Public Service, citing the devastating impact on young teachers, nurses, and other professionals who have been educated at great cost to their families and the nation. The TUC’s concerns are valid, considering the fiscal implications of last-minute recruitment processes across ministries, departments, and agencies. The Mahama Transition Team had previously raised concerns over similar issues, emphasizing the need for prudent financial decisions and broader consultations to address these matters. Source: Apexnewsgh.com