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Mahama officially declares assets

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In a significant move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in public office, President John Dramani Mahama has officially declared his assets to the Auditor-General.

The declaration was made public on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Jubilee House.

The asset declaration, a requirement under Ghana’s Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, provides a detailed account of Mahama’s financial holdings, properties, and other assets.

In a brief statement, Mahama emphasised the importance of transparency in rebuilding public trust.

“In times past, I would privately present these forms to the Auditor General in fulfillment of my statutory obligation. I have taken the step of presenting these forms publicly as a way of injecting some openness and transparency into the process of asset declaration.

“I have maintained that while it is all well and good to punish corruption, a more effective way of addressing the canker is preventing it from occurring in the first place.

“I honestly believe that if properly created and enforced, the asset declaration can become a sustainable tool for tackling corruption,” he stated.

The president further urged all government appointees to follow his leading in declaring their assets or risk being sacked from office.

Akufo-Addo’s cousin promised to help me retrieve $1.2m investment for a 10% kickback – Micheal Blackson

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Ghanaian-American comedian, Michael Blackson has made a shocking revelation about how a cousin of former President Akufo-Addo demanded a 10% bribe to help him recover his $1.2 million investment trapped in Ghana’s domestic debt exchange programme (DDEP).

Speaking on VladTV, Blackson detailed how his funds, originally intended to support philanthropic projects, were locked when the government announced its debt restructuring programme.

Why the government is holding a National Education Forum

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The National Education Forum, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, is an important national initiative aimed at addressing key issues within Ghana’s education sector.

The forum, which kicks off on February 18, 2025, in Ho, will span multiple regions and conclude on February 28, 2025.

The theme, “Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future,” serves as a clarion call to address the challenges at all levels of education starting from basic education to secondary school while focusing on equitable growth and sustainability.

One of the central reasons for this forum is the long-standing neglect of Ghana’s basic education system.

While much of the focus in recent years has been on the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, President Mahama believes that the primary level of education has been ignored.

Speaking in an interview with VOA’s Paul Ndiho on Saturday, December 14, 2025, President Mahama emphasized the need to focus on the basic education level, which he believes has been neglected due to the emphasis on the Free Senior High School (SHS) program introduced by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2017.

“We are going to look at the basic level too. Because we are focused on Free SHS, we are abandoning the basic level. The basic level is becoming a major problem. 1.3 million pupils do not have furniture; they don’t have tables and chairs to sit on. They lie on their school mats in the classroom or sit on cement blocks, and that is because all our focus has been on the secondary school level.”

“So, we are going to hold a national education forum, and that forum is going to bring all the stakeholders together. We are going to take a look at the whole education value chain, and we are going to come to a consensus,” he stated.

The forum aims to highlight the urgent need for improvements at the foundational level, ensuring that every child in Ghana has access to a conducive learning environment starting from the basics.

Why a holistic approach is necessary for education reforms

The National Education Forum aims to address multiple facets of the education system. The focus will not only be on primary and secondary education but also on five critical areas; infrastructure, quality education, regulations and accountability, education financing, and research.

These areas are interconnected and need a comprehensive approach to reform.

Ghana’s educational facilities, particularly in rural areas, often lack basic amenities like classrooms, desks, and clean water.

Addressing these infrastructure gaps will ensure that students have a safe, functional place to learn. The forum will also explore strategies to improve teaching, curriculum standards, and the use of technology in schools.

Why stakeholder engagement is key

Education is a shared responsibility, and the forum aims to bring together various stakeholders such as educators, policymakers, parents, students, civil society organizations, and the general public.

This inclusive approach is crucial because it ensures that diverse perspectives and solutions are considered.

A key feature of the forum is the regional engagement model, where citizens from different regions will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions.

This approach will give everyone from the diaspora to local communities, the chance to contribute to the conversation, making it truly national in scope.

A focus on sustainability

One of the forum’s core objectives is to address the sustainability of the Free SHS program. While the initiative has been a significant success, there are concerns about its long-term viability.

Discussions at the forum will focus on finding solutions for sustainable financing, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all without overburdening the national budget.

The focus on sustainability also extends to the broader educational reforms that are needed to address issues such as teacher training, curriculum development, and the balance between access and quality.

A vision for the future of education in Ghana

Ultimately, the National Education Forum seeks to lay the foundation for a better future. It’s about transforming an education system that is currently struggling with inequality and underfunding.

It’s about finding solutions that are practical, sustainable, and effective in addressing the needs of all students, whether they’re in urban or rural areas.

By focusing on the entire education value chain, from infrastructure to research, President Mahama’s forum offers a comprehensive look at what needs to change.

Through collaborative engagement and informed decision-making, the forum seeks to create an education system that equips future generations of Ghanaians with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The National Education Forum is not just an event, but a crucial step toward shaping the future of education in Ghana, one that ensures every child, no matter their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

It represents a critical step in Ghana’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

By bringing together key stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and the community, the forum addresses critical issues such as quality education, governance, and education financing.

Through this national dialogue, the government aims to create a sustainable education system that ensures no student is left behind, contributing to the global goals of SDG 4.

This initiative, coupled with the implementation of effective policies and solutions, holds the potential to transform Ghana’s education sector and provide every student with the tools they need to succeed, paving the way for a brighter future and a more inclusive society.

JKB/MA

In the meantime, watch as Ketu North MP speaks on vetting committee chaos and appointment revocations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enBLDun69_M

Mark Okraku-Mantey is not an ordinary guy who should be rubbished – Ashis tells Nana Aba

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Mark Okraku-Mantey and Nana Poku Ashis Mark Okraku-Mantey and Nana Poku Ashis

Artiste manager, Nana Poku Ashis, has defended former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, following criticism from Nana Aba Anamoah regarding his performance in office.

Ashis argued that Okraku-Mantey’s role was constrained by factors beyond his control.

Recently in a recent episode of United Showbiz on UTV, Nana Aba Anamoah criticized Okraku-Mantey’s tenure, questioning his impact on the creative arts sector and accusing him of failing to deliver on key projects.

However, Ashis, in a discussion on Hitz FM on February 18, 2025, countered these claims, stating that Okraku-Mantey was an influential figure in the creative arts industry in Ghana and that his image should not be disregarded.

“In as much as we may have our own differences here and there, I don’t think anybody should try to rubbish Mark’s achievements. That would be so unfair. That’s a huge personality right there in terms of show business,” he said.

Ashis explained that some of the failures, such as the construction of five amphitheatres promised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, were due to Okraku-Mantey’s hands being tied by the broader machinery of governance.

“Governance is a whole machine. They move together and they move at a certain speed. You don’t try to make yourself like the main guy that needs to be glorified. It doesn’t work like that.

“He said the amphitheatres were now at a particular date because he knew the money was available by then. They had gone out to solicit for that money. It had come. But then that money is not yours. It belongs to the country, belongs to the government,” he explained.

He continued, “One would say maybe he rushed the gun by putting out the information. But once the president or finance minister hasn’t actually said take this money to this sector, you cannot take it there.”

The artiste manager also highlighted Okraku-Mantey’s passion for the creative arts, adding that the former deputy minister would have done more for the industry if given the opportunity.

“The Mark that we know loves the theatre world. He wishes we had numerous theatres, but what can you do? If he had his will, he would have built more,” Ashis said.

The construction of the five amphitheaters, initially promised in 2020, faced numerous delays due to funding constraints and changes in construction plans.

Originally budgeted at $500,000 per facility, the project’s costs escalated due to rising market prices and a shift from prefabricated structures to brick-and-mortar designs.

Despite the challenges, Mark Okraku-Mantey confirmed in 2023 that funding had been secured, and contractors were set to resume work, with the projects 60-70% complete.

However, as of 2025, none of the projects have been completed.

ID/EB

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Declare your assets by March 31 or face removal

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President John Dramani Mahama has directed his appointees to declare their assets play videoPresident John Dramani Mahama has directed his appointees to declare their assets

President John Dramani Mahama has warned that he will take drastic and extreme measures against any appointees who fail to declare their assets by the deadline he has set.

He stated that those who do not comply with the directive could face removal from office.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, after declaring his assets, President Mahama stated that he has instructed his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to notify all appointees to declare their assets by March 31, 2025.

“I’ve asked the Chief of Staff to send word to all appointees to ensure that they declare their assets by the end of the first quarter of this year, that is by 31st March 2025. I wish to stress that any appointee failing to meet this deadline would face severe sanctions, not excluding removal from office,” he stated.

The sixth president of the 4th Republic, reiterating his commitment to the fight against corruption and promoting transparency and accountability within his administration, emphasised the seriousness of the assets declaration process, demanding full compliance from his appointees.

“I have also taken this step to send an unmistakable signal to all public office holders, especially those that I have appointed, that I take the declaration of assets very seriously and expect full compliance from them,” he continued.

President Mahama, explaining his decision to publicly declare his assets to the Auditor-General, stated that it is intended to enforce openness and serve as an effective tool to eradicate and prevent corruption.

“In times past, I would privately have presented these forms to the Auditor-General in fulfillment of my statutory obligation. I’ve taken this step of presenting these forms publicly as a way of injecting some openness and transparency into the process of assets declaration.

“I’ve always maintained that while it is all well and good to punish corruption, a more effective way of addressing the canker is preventing it from occurring in the first place,” he said.

He added, “I honestly believe that if properly curated and enforced, the assets declaration process can become a sustainable tool for tackling corruption. Corruption by nature is insidious and thrives under the cover of darkness. The more light that is shown on it, the more likely that it will be fought successfully.”

Article 286 mandates public office holders, including the president and his appointees, to complete and submit Assets Declaration Forms to the Auditor-General’s office.

MAG/EK

‘The mafia in the oil industry is more deadly, but I have been fighting battles all my life’ – Dangote

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Nigerian industrialist, Aliko Dangote Nigerian industrialist, Aliko Dangote

Nigerian industrialist and billionaire Aliko Dangote has once again raised concerns about the existence of a powerful “oil mafia” within the downstream petroleum industry, describing it as more dangerous than drug cartels due to its widespread influence and deep-rooted networks.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Forbes, Dangote emphasized the challenges he has faced in establishing and operating the $23 billion Dangote Refinery, which is Africa’s largest and the world’s sixth-largest by production capacity.

“The oil mafia is more deadly than the one in drugs because, with the oil mafia, there are so many people involved,” Dangote stated.

“You might be wining and dining with them, but these are the guys who are the masters of moving things around,” he added.

Despite these challenges, Aliko Dangote mentioned that he remains resolute in his commitment to the refinery’s success, vowing to overcome any obstacles.

“I have been fighting battles all my life, and I have not lost one yet,” he told Forbes.

The Dangote Refinery, which is expected to reach its full production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day by June 2025, is one of the most ambitious private-sector projects in Africa.

Aliko Dangote also described the refinery project as the most significant risk of his life, acknowledging the financial, regulatory, and operational hurdles he has encountered thus far.

“If this didn’t work, I was dead,” he admitted while highlighting the immense stakes involved in the project.

As the refinery nears full capacity, Dangote remains determined to navigate the industry’s challenges while working to break Africa’s reliance on imported petroleum products and establish Nigeria as a refining powerhouse.

MA

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‘He came in and deceived us’ – Mikel Obi slams Jadon Sancho’s recent poor form

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Jadon Sancho is a winger for Chelsea Jadon Sancho is a winger for Chelsea

Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has strongly criticized Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho, accusing him of failing to meet expectations since joining the club.

After struggling to justify his hefty price tag at Manchester United, Sancho was handed a chance at redemption when Chelsea paid a loan fee to secure his services at the start of the 2024/25 season.

The 24-year-old showed early signs of brilliance in his first few games, exciting Chelsea fans by setting up Christopher Nkunku for a late winner against Bournemouth and providing another assist in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over West Ham.

In his first three Premier League games, he registered three assists, raising hopes that he was rediscovering his best form.

However, Sancho has since suffered a dramatic dip, managing just one assist in his last 16 Premier League appearances and scoring only twice.

His slump has frustrated Obi, who accused the winger of misleading Chelsea fans into believing they had signed a top talent.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the former Nigerian international didn’t hold back.

“Jadon Sancho came in and deceived us [Chelsea] with a couple of good games, and we thought, ‘F****** hell, we are getting the Sancho from Dortmund!’ But he’s disappeared again. I don’t know what happened to him, but he has completely fallen off the grid,” Obi said.

Sancho’s last goal contribution came in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, where he assisted Cole Palmer for the opener in January 2025. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized late on to rescue a point for Palace.

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FKA/EK