Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson has launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of orchestrating a “malicious prosecution” against him in connection with an ambulance procurement deal.

Speaking on the Floor of Parliament on Monday, January 6, Ato Forson described the charges against him as “frivolous and trumped-up,” aimed at silencing his dissenting voice and intimidating him into submission.

The ambulance deal in question dates back to 2015, when Ato Forson was a Deputy Minister of Finance.

The government had contracted Big Sea General Trading LLC to supply ambulances, but the vehicles delivered were not fit for purpose.

The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has argued that Ato Forson’s actions were criminally negligent, leading to financial loss to the state.

However, Ato Forson maintains that the prosecution is politically motivated, designed to damage his reputation and weaken his influence as a prominent opposition figure.

He points to the timing of the prosecution, which coincided with contentious debates over the government’s controversial e-levy policy.

Ato Forson had been a vocal critic of the policy, and he believes this made him a target for political retribution.

-BY Daniel Bampoe

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama, after being sworn in on January 7, 2025, outlined four key pillars to rejuvenate Ghana’s economy and society.

These pillars are economic restoration and stabilization, improving the business and investment environment, constitutional review, and the fight against accountability and corruption.

Emphasizing the urgency of these initiatives, President Mahama stressed that the current challenges required decisive and swift action to implement a 24-hour economy.

“The circumstances we find ourselves in are indeed dire, but even so, I’ll be decisive and swift in my actions. We’ll focus our initial efforts on four critical areas.

“The first is the restoration and stabilization of the macroeconomic environment. The second is the improvement of the business and investment environment to ensure that Ghana is once again open for business.

“The third is governance and constitutional reforms, and the final one is accountability and the fight against corruption,” he stated.

In his inaugural speech, President Mahama said that the implementation of initiatives under his four-pillar framework would focus on creating decent, well-paid jobs for Ghanaians, especially the youth.

He highlighted agriculture and agribusiness as key sectors for job creation.

The President, alongside Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, pledged to prioritize inclusivity, accountability, and innovation, ensuring that every citizen had an opportunity to thrive under their leadership.

“Our policies will be tailored to sustain innovation and foster industries that engage today’s young minds and equip them with the skills for tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.

President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration would work closely with the business community to create decent and well-paid jobs, emphasizing that diversity would be at the heart of governance decisions.

He urged citizens to have faith in the process, advocating for a national reset to rebuild trust in public institutions.

“We need a reset in our dear nation Ghana because all of us are Ghana.

“What can you do to help build that better Ghana that we all strive for? What behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets can we reset?” Mahama asked, urging Ghanaians to contribute their quota to building a stronger nation.

“I ask that we enter into a covenant with the Ghana we all love and the good people who make up our dear nation, and I ask that you envision a Ghana that you want to live in and leave behind for your children and grandchildren,” he said.

Watch the moment John Mahama arrived for his investiture as President of Ghana:

Patrick Yaw Boamah is the MP for Okaikwei Central

Tensions are reportedly high at Abeka in Accra, as some residents took to the streets, burning car tyres and blocking major roads to protest the declaration of Patrick Boamah as the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, after the final collation of results.

In a post shared on X by CITI FM, some residents alleged that results were manipulated to unfairly strip Baba Sadiq, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, of his victory.

In a video that accompanied the post, tyres were seen in flames in the middle of a road with several people holding placards chanting, “No Baba no MP”.

Some policemen were also captured at the scene.

The post shared on X read, “Some residents of Abeka have taken to the streets, burning car tyres on the Abeka stretch, reportedly protesting the decision to award the parliamentary seat to Patrick Boamah after the final collation, which they claim unfairly stripped Baba Sadiq of his position.”

Background

The Electoral Commission (EC) declared Patrick Yaw Boamah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Okaikwei Central constituency in the Greater Accra Region on January 5, 2024.

According to the EC, Patrick Yaw Boamah secured 21,099 votes to win the seat, while his opponent, Abdulai Abu Baba Saddiq, garnered 19,368 votes.

This announcement followed a High Court ruling on Saturday, January 4, which granted an application by the NPP seeking to compel the EC to complete the collation of parliamentary results for the constituency.

Justice Forson Agyapong, who presided over the case, ruled in favour of the NPP, issuing an order of mandamus that compelled the EC to complete the collation process.

In his judgment, Justice Agyapong stated that the EC had failed to collate results from 31 outstanding polling stations in the constituency, which was a breach of its obligations.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared Patrick Yaw Boamah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Okaikwei Central constituency in the Greater Accra region.

Watch the video below:

Some residents of Abeka have taken to the streets, burning car tyres on the Abeka stretch, reportedly protesting the decision to award the parliamentary seat to Patrick Boamah after the final collation, which they claim unfairly stripped Baba Sadiq of his position.… pic.twitter.com/JP0ccKOJr2

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) January 7, 2025

RAD/AE

The inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, was a grand event full of celebration, tradition, and cultural pride.Among the many highlights of the ceremony, one thing that stood out was the President’s carefully chosen attire, which symbolized Ghana’s heritage and values.
Here’s a breakdown of the symbols in the President’s outfit and their meanings:First, the predominance of white, a significant color in Ghanaian culture, symbolises victory, while the vibrant kente

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According to the Ghanaweb report. The monument of Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, the Executive Director of Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), was destroyed barely moments after Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, was sworn in. This unexpected incident has sparked a whirlwind of comments on social media, with Ghanaians around the country expressing a mix of elation and outrage.

The statue, which had been erected to honor Mrs. Addo-Danquah for her service at EOCO, was reportedly toppled by anonymous individuals in what many believe was a symbolic act of protest or a reflection of the political upheaval that followed Mahama’s inauguration. The incident has renewed debate about her term at EOCO and her perceived connection with the previous administration, led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Social media responses have been highly different, highlighting the profound differences in public opinion. One person expressed their approval, saying, “Good news,” and another said, “Good effort! The Akufo-Addo statue remains at Takoradi Roundabout. A third comment expressed a desire for responsibility, saying, “Waiting for her arrest.” Criminality at EOCO has finally ended.” These remarks highlight the conflicting perspectives on Mrs. Addo-Danquah’s leadership and the larger backdrop of Ghanaian politics.

Mrs. Addo-Danquah was scrutinized and criticized throughout her time at EOCO, with some claiming that her investigations and enforcement actions were politically motivated. Critics accuse her of disproportionately pursuing opposition figures while protecting former government cronies. Her admirers, on the other hand, believe she carried out her duties professionally and made significant contributions to Ghana’s fight against economic and organized crime.

Many see the removal of her statue as a symbolic rejection of her legacy and an indicator of the tense political atmosphere that has formed after the change in leadership. While some see the act as an important step toward accountability and justice, others see it as an unneeded and damaging gesture that undermines trust in public individuals and institutions.

This episode highlights larger considerations regarding how Ghanaian presidents’ legacies are perceived after they leave power. It also exposes Ghana’s deep political differences, where even emblems of service may become heated battlegrounds. The split in reactions to this tragedy highlights the nation’s concerns as it navigates a new political terrain.

As news of the statue’s removal spreads, many Ghanaians are waiting for formal statements from the EOCO, Mrs. Addo-Danquah, and the new administration led by President Mahama. This episode serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges of maintaining national unity and respect for institutions, especially during times of political change.

The reactions to this occurrence reflect the intricacies of Ghana’s political atmosphere, in which history, legacy, and public perception are intertwined. As the country transitions to new leadership, the destruction of Mrs. Addo-Danquah’s statue could spark broader debates about accountability, governance, and the role of prominent people in defining the country’s destiny.

Samira Bawumia

In a heartfelt message, Samira Bawumia, the wife of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed her gratitude to Ghanaians for the opportunity to serve as the Second Lady of the Republic.

She described her tenure as the 6th and youngest Second Lady of the 4th Republic as an “incredible honour”.

Born in 1980, Samira Bawumia is the daughter of Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, the former National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC).

Her early education began at the Answarudeen Islamic School in Fadama, Accra, before moving to Alsyd Academy in Dzorwulu.

She later attended Akosombo International School and Mfantsiman Girls’ Secondary School in the Central Region.

Samira Bawumia’s academic achievements are impressive.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science in Law, Sociology, and Technology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

She also obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), where she was awarded the Best Student in 2012.

Recently, she graduated from the University of London with a Bachelor’s degree in Law.

As Second Lady, Samira Bawumia has been a strong advocate for various causes, including climate action, women empowerment, health, and education.

She is the founder and CEO of the Samira Empowerment & Humanitarian Projects (SEHP), a non-profit organization that aims to empower the underprivileged in Ghana.

Her humanitarian work has been recognized globally, earning her several awards, including the Ghanaian Women Association of Georgia Global Humanitarian Award and the African Women of Excellence Awards.

Samira Bawumia’s husband, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, serving as Vice President since 2017.

He was the running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections and has been elected as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 presidential election.

In a post on her Facebook page, she said “Thank you, Ghana, for the incredible honour to have served as the 6th and youngest Second Lady of the 4th Republic”.

“I am deeply grateful for your support and particularly proud of the many lives I inspired and impacted throughout this tenure. From the high-level advocacy both globally and locally to everyday interactions, it has been a great privilege and honour”.

“I look forward to more exciting endeavours as I continue my work in climate action, women empowerment, health and education. God bless us all and our homeland, Ghana,” she added.

-BY Daniel Bampoe

With around 20 African leaders in attendance, the 66-year-old is sworn in as Ghana’s president for third time.

John Mahama has been sworn in for a second term as Ghana’s president at a ceremony in the capital Accra, with around 20 African leaders in attendance.

Mahama won 56 percent of the vote in the nation’s presidential election on December 9, defeating ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41 percent.

Mahama takes over from outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who served two terms in power.

“Today should mark the opportunity to reset our country,” the 66-year-old new president, wearing the West African country’s national dress, told a jubilant crowd decked in the green, red, black and white hues of his National Democratic Congress (NDC) party on Tuesday.

Energy radiated from Accra’s Black Star Square, as a sea of elate faces waved Ghanaian and NDC flags, chanted and broke into spontaneous dance to the beat of drums and the blaring honk of vuvuzelas.

Among those present were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore, Kenyan President William Ruto, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema.

Mahama, 66, was sworn in alongside Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the first woman to become vice president in Ghana.

Mahama’s return to the presidency ends eight years in power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose last term was marked by Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in years, a bailout by the International Monetary Fund, and a debt default.

Mahama, who led Ghana from 2012 to early 2017, had previously failed twice to win back the presidency. But in December’s election, he managed to tap into expectations of change among Ghanaians.

On Black Star Square, supporters of the elected leader exuded joy, hope and optimism.

“I’ve never been so proud to be Ghanaian,” Akosua Nyarko, 28, a teacher from the southern city of Cape Coast, told the AFP news agency. “The energy here is amazing … This is the dawn of a new era!”

Mohammed Abubakar, a 50-year-old farmer from Tamale in northern Ghana, said he was confident Mahama would prioritise rural development.

“Coming here to Accra for this historic event is a dream come true,” the farmer said, adding that Mahama’s “leadership gives me hope that my children will have a better future”.

A writer and devotee of Afrobeat music, Mahama wrote in his memoir – My First Coup d’Etat, And Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa – that he was changed by his boyhood experiences during a 1966 military coup.

He was born in northern Ghana as a child of privilege, his house being the only one in the village with a diesel generator.

His father, who served as a junior government minister, was briefly detained and interrogated by the 1966 coup leaders but later released unharmed.

Mahama was also a member of parliament and chairman of the West Africa Caucus at the Pan-African Parliament in Pretoria.

With a history of political stability, Ghana’s two main parties, the ruling NPP and the NDC, have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992.

The country of 33 million people is Africa’s top gold exporter and the world’s second-largest cocoa producer.

The devastating fire that swept through the Kantamanto Market in Accra, leaving traders with substantial losses and an uncertain future has gotten support.

In response to the tragedy, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia visited the market, offering consol ation and a donation of GH¢200,000 to support the affected traders.

The fire, which occurred recently, destroyed goods and stalls, leaving many traders struggling to cope with the financial impact.

During his visit, Dr. Bawumia toured the damaged areas, engaging with traders and reassuring them of the government’s commitment to supporting their recovery efforts.

Addressing the victims, Dr. Bawumia conveyed his heartfelt sympathy and pledged to investigate the incident to ascertain the cause of the fire.

He also promised to provide assistance with the reconstruction of the market and the installation of CCTV cameras to improve security.

“We will do well to help you with those items you need to put up on the market,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“When we finish the market, there is something I want to propose. We have to ensure that we establish an internal security. Apart from the internal security, I will ensure that we install CCTV cameras around the market.”

The Vice President’s visit and donation are a welcome relief to the affected traders, who are struggling to recover from the devastating fire.

The government’s commitment to supporting their recovery efforts is a testament to its dedication to the welfare of Ghanaians.

BY Daniel Bampoe

Former Director General of NCA, Joe Anokye,

The Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Dr. Joe Anokye, has proceeded on a terminal leave.

Asaase Radio reported that Mr. Anokye had written to tell industry players in the telecommunications sector of his decision.

According to him, his decision to proceed on terminal leave is effective, Tuesday, 7 January 2025.

He revealed that he decided to proceed on leave and hand over to his two deputies due to the ongoing transition from the Akufo-Addo administration to the incoming John Mahama administration.

This was contained in a letter dated 6 January 2025 and copied to 13 chief executive officers of various sector players.

The CEOs he wrote to are the Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, Accra; the Managing Director of AT Ghana, Accra; the Chief Executive Officer of Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) Limited, Accra; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Accra.

The rest are the Chief Executive Officers of African Towers Limited, Accra; ATC Ghana, Accra; MainOne Company Limited, Accra; Comsys Ghana, Accra; SAT3, Accra; WACS, Accra; ACE, Accra; the Chief Executive Officer of Telesol Limited, Accra; and the Chief Executive Officer of Helios Towers, Accra.

“I bring you compliments of the season and wish you a Happy New Year! Since 2017, I have been privileged to work with you as the Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA). During this time, you can attest that the communications industry has undergone a number of changes and also faced significant challenges that our collective hard work has surmounted.

“I have been honoured to have you by my side working on numerous projects that have resulted in a communications industry that seeks to ensure government, investor, and consumer satisfaction. As you are also aware, the government is transitioning, and with that, it is time for me to bow out as the Director General of the NCA,” Joe Anokye’s letter read.

“Prior to the appointment of a new Director General, I wish to officially inform you that I am embarking on my terminal leave effective 7 January 2025 and handing over to my two (2) Deputy Directors General.

“I trust you will accord them the same level of cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and collaboration and wish you the best,” the letter added.

Watch the moment John Mahama arrived for his investiture as President of Ghana:

President John Dramani Mahama has applauded former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s decision to concede defeat in the 2024 elections.

He indicated that, Dr. Bawumia’s early concession eased tensions and contributed to the early conclusion of the 2024 electoral contest.

“Mahama has won the presidential race decisively,” he added.

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By Iddi Yire  

Accra, Jan 07, GNA – Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured his Ghanaian counterpart of his country’s support at any given time. 

“My dear brother, I am here to walk with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time. You call on me,” Mr Tinubu said in his address during the swearing-in of President John Dramani Mahama at the Independence Square in Accra. 

“We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you. May your administration be a profound source of progress for you, Ghanaians, and the entire region,” the Nigeria President stated. 

President Tinubu, who was the special guest of honour at the inauguration, said he was confident that the new Government, under the leadership of President Mahama, would work with Nigeria to strengthen the powerful bond, leading to greater shared progress and prosperity for the people of the two nations.  

“I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress. Your accession to the powers you hold, also marks a new and invigorating momentum in pursuing sub-regional integration and progress. 

“With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing problems of poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insolvency, and many other problems, amping our desired progress. May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion,” President Tinubu said. 

He urged both nations to look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and progress.  

The Nigerian President described the inauguration as a celebration of African democracy as Ghana and her beloved people marked the transition from one democratic government to another, further demonstrating that in West Africa, the people were capable of democratic and productive endeavours. 

“We need not prove ourselves to them. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We will lift our nations out of poverty and build strong and resilient economies for our people,” President Tinubu stated. 

He said he was in Accra not only as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support of Ghana and her people, describing the moment as a source of pride and honour for Ghana, the entire continent and its diaspora.  

“The sun is out, and the sky may be blue, but I see today a black star rising, rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation and its rays spread across this continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, devotion to our common wealth,” he added. 

President Tinubu said the shining star reminded Africans of who they were. “…that star reminds us always to strive and work together, bond together, even when we disagree. We must choose the path of peaceful dialogue. Never can we do harm to our brothers, nor can we permit any outsider to disrupt our bonds of brotherhood.” 

GNA