Few individuals can boast of a year as monumental as Dr. Nick Danso Adjei, the Executive Chairman of Ghana Link Network Services Limited, who has achieved an extraordinary feat: receiving many prestigious awards in 2024 but also receiving awards at the hands of two of Ghana’s most important leaders, outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President-Elect John Dramani Mahama.

Dr. Danso Adjei’s groundbreaking contributions to Ghana’s economic and trade development were recognized on two grand stages, underscoring his pivotal role in revolutionizing the nation’s trade facilitation landscape and reaffirming his dedication to national progress.

Honored by the President-Elect: Best Maritime and Trade CEO

At the prestigious 8th Ghana CEO Summit, President-Elect John Dramani Mahama presented Dr. Nick Danso Adjei with the coveted Best Maritime and Trade CEO of the Year award. This accolade celebrated his visionary leadership in implementing the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), a transformative tool that has:

• Enhanced efficiency in clearing goods at Ghana’s ports, airports, and land borders.
• Simplified workflows, enabling faster and more transparent trade operations.
• Increased government revenue, solidifying ICUMS as a cornerstone of Ghana’s fiscal strategy.

Speaking at the event, President-Elect Mahama lauded Dr. Danso Adjei as a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence.

Recognized by the Outgoing President: The Grand Medal Award

In another development, just a few days to the end of the year, Dr. Danso Adjei was honored and presented with the Grand Medal Award by the outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the National Honours and Awards Ceremony. This prestigious recognition from the state acknowledged his tireless efforts in driving national development through technological innovation and efficient trade systems.

President Akufo-Addo highlighted ICUMS as a transformative initiative, noting its critical role in improving government revenue collection and streamlining operations at key entry points across the country, during his address the outgoing President stated:

“Dr. Nick Danso Adjei’s leadership exemplifies the impact of innovation and dedication. His work with ICUMS has set a new standard for trade facilitation, not only in Ghana but across Africa.”

A Year of Remarkable Achievements

Dr. Danso Adjei’s ability to receive awards from two of Ghana’s most prominent leaders in the same year is a testament to his unique position as an entrepreneur figure in the nation’s development narrative. While some may call him “lucky,” it is his hard work, innovation, and unwavering commitment to Ghana’s progress that have brought him this recognition.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Danso Adjei expressed gratitude for the honors, dedicating them to his team at Ghana Link Network Services Limited:

“These awards are not just about me but about the collective effort of a team committed to excellence and national development. They inspire us to continue delivering solutions that make a meaningful impact.”

A Man with Ghana at Heart

Beyond his achievements with ICUMS, Dr. Danso Adjei’s ventures in the energy sector, including Misyl Energy and Nick Petroleum, demonstrate his dedication to diversifying Ghana’s economy and creating sustainable growth opportunities. His work consistently reflects a profound commitment to leveraging innovation for the betterment of the nation.

Dr. Nick Danso Adjei stands out as a rare example of an entrepreneur who bridges divides and garners recognition beyond the shores of Ghana. His accolades from both President Nana Akufo-Addo and President-Elect John Mahama symbolize a shared acknowledgement of his transformative contributions to Ghana’s development.

As the nation looks ahead, figures like Dr. Danso Adjei remind Ghanaians of the power of vision, innovation, and collaboration in building a prosperous future. His story is one of inspiration, proving that hard work and dedication to national progress will always be celebrated, regardless of who holds the reins of power.

Ghana’s Parliament reconvenes today following its December adjournment, with a critical focus on the much-anticipated presentation of the 2025 Mini-Budget.

The Mini-Budget, a constitutional mandate outlining fiscal strategies for the year, has faced repeated delays, sparking concerns about its implications for government operations.

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has commenced the registration process for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, First Series.

According to a notice issued by WAEC, the registration period is ongoing and will close on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

This follows an announcement made by the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, on Tuesday, December 31.

Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Mr Kapi stated that the new programme, referred to as WASSCE PC1, provides a faster route for students to improve their grades.

The WASSCE for Private Candidates provides an opportunity for candidates who wish to resit one or two papers without waiting an entire year.  

This marks a significant shift from the previous system, where candidates had to wait for the next private exam cycle.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the official WAEC website for detailed instructions and to complete their registration at accredited internet cafés approved by the council.

The First Series of the examination is set to take place from January 24 to February 15, 2025.

Candidates will have the opportunity to write various subjects under secure and standardized conditions, as part of WAEC’s efforts to maintain its high standards of credibility and integrity.

For further inquiries, candidates are encouraged to contact WAEC directly through its official communication channels.

Read the full notice below

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Godwin Tameklo, legal counsel for NDC

In the latest legal tussle surrounding the contentious Tema Central parliamentary election, Godwin Tameklo, legal counsel for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly criticized the arguments made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in court.

The NPP contends that Ebi Bright, the declared winner of the December 7, 2024 election, was not properly certified by an Electoral Commission (EC) official.

During a heated session, Tameklo urged the court to focus on its role within the scope of the mandamus application and not veer into uncharted territory.

“It is not the duty of this court to determine who won an election,” Tameklo argued.

“They are inviting you onto a very slippery path. If, in a mandamus application, it is within the remit of this court to make findings on alleged thuggery, intimidation, duress, and breaches of the law, what then will we do in an election petition?”

The case stems from disputes over the legitimacy of the declaration process in Tema Central.

Meanwhile, Tameklo presented to the court a letter authored by Charles Forson, one of the NPP applicants, in which he urged the Electoral Commission to instruct the returning officer to accurately compile and announce the results in compliance with legal standards.

Caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme have started receiving their overdue payments for the third term, according to the National President of the School Feeding Caterers Association, Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi.

This progress follows a promise made by the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, to settle the arrears.

Speaking to Citi News, Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi explained that while some caterers have successfully accessed their funds, others face delays due to bank holidays and limited banking facilities in rural areas.

“Thankfully, they kept their word and made the payment on 31st December around 6 p.m. Some caterers were able to access the money on 1st January because certain banks have e-zwich machines outside.

“However, others have reported difficulties in accessing the funds. Hopefully, by 2nd January, everyone will receive their alerts. The delay is largely due to today being a holiday, and caterers in rural areas without easy access to banks may need to wait until regular working days to confirm receipt,” she explained.

Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi also expressed hope that the arrears owed to caterers since 2019 would soon be addressed.

“The chief accountant contacted me on 31st December regarding the 2019 arrears. I will meet with them on 2nd January to discuss this further. We are optimistic about receiving positive news next week,” she added.

Background

The recent payments to caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme follow months of frustration and protest.

On December 30, scores of caterers staged a demonstration at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, demanding payment for arrears covering two academic terms for 2023 and 2024.

The caterers, who had traveled from various parts of the country, expressed their disappointment with the government’s repeated delays.

Despite assurances from the Controller and Accountant General’s Department that funds had been released to the Ministry, the caterers claimed they had yet to receive any payments.

President of the School Feeding Caterers Association, described the situation as dire, highlighting the financial strain on members who pre-financed meals with the expectation of timely reimbursement.

She noted that the government had promised on multiple occasions to settle their debts, but deadlines in August, September, and November all passed without payment.

The caterers’ decision to protest was a last resort, as many faced mounting pressure from creditors. Their demands for transparency and accountability came after the government issued a statement lacking an official signature promising payment by December 31. Skeptical of the promise, the caterers voiced their frustrations, citing years of unmet commitments.

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