A Businesswoman and member of the National Democratic Congress, Mrs Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has gifted two Toyota Hilux pick-ups to the party at the Sekondi N.D.C Regional Head Office in the Western Region.

The donation is to make the party’s mobility and operations more efficient in the Amenfi Central Constituency as they gear up for the December 7 polls.

While reaffirming her commitment to the party, Mrs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe emphasized the importance of the party retaining the Amenfi Central seat. She addressed the economic challenges facing Ghanaians and highlighted the need for a change in leadership.

“I am ever ready and committed to working with you all to ensure that we deliver an NDC victory in the Western Region and retain the Amenfi Central seat so we can continue the good works. Ghanaians are suffering under the current leadership, and only a John-Mahama presidency can save us. Please use these cars to reach every corner and everyone, and spread the message of hope carried by the good policies of our flagbearer, HE John Mahama.”

The party’s Western Regional Chairman, Nana Toku, who received the cars on behalf of the party, was profoundly grateful to Mrs Joana Gyan Cudjoe for the timely gesture. He assured her that the vehicles would be put to good use to ensure their longevity and optimal performance as well as amplify the party’s campaign activities in the Constituency.

“In my political career, I have never witnessed an individual donating two pick-up trucks to a single constituency. This is truly humbling, and we are deeply grateful to you, Joana Gyan Cudjoe,” he stated.

The gifting of the vehicles form part of initiatives rolled out by Mrs Joana Gyan Cudjoe to boost the NDC’s campaign activities in Amenfi Central to reach all and sundry.

These efforts are anticipated to play a crucial role in the party’s success in the December 7 elections.

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The Special Aide to former president John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari says the debate by IEA are merely conventions that have developed over time.

Speaking on GTV breakfast show on July 23, 2024, Joyce Bawah Mogtari explained that, the fact that IEA wrote a letter and addressed it to her directly indicates that they are aware of the situation and in politics, perception and timing are crucial. “I wouldn’t have minded if they had engaged with our office or formally written to us before releasing their statement”.

According to her, the necessity and urgency of IEA’s letter remain unclear to her and moreover, they admitted to wanting to continue with a certain convention, which is neither a law nor regulated, and not binding on anyone. She highlighted that, the debates have no constitutional authority, and it is not an obligation for anyone. “It seemed that after an opponent made a typical, somewhat comical challenge, the IEA suddenly issued a release”. She added

Joyce Bawah indicated that the debate provides opportunities to showcase one’s policies and Mahama has always been accountable and has enjoyed engaging with the media and institutions.

She cited an example that over the years, Mahama has participated in many debates. “In contrast, in 2016 and 2020, then-candidate Akufo-Addo declined such invitations without much fuss. His current flag-bearer was even quite rude and dismissive towards Mahama”. And so groups like the IEA and Imani are respected institutions, but they must avoid appearing to play into the hands of any political side.

When asked about the IEA potentially fronting for a political party, she suggests it’s a valid concern, pointing out the known history and leadership of the IEA. She mentioned having had conversations with the IEA and believes they could have handled the situation better but the timing of their release, coinciding with Dr. Bawumia’s comments, did not seem coincidental.

In response to whether Mahama is avoiding a face-to-face debate, she refuted this, highlighting the unchanged nature of political parties and individuals, except for the increased hardship and economic issues facing Ghana. She emphasizes that the NDC is focused on winning the upcoming election and is actively campaigning. “Mahama has consistently engaged with the media and public, outlining policies aimed at improving Ghana’s future”.

She then concluded by stressing that debates are not obligatory and that the IEA can engage directly with Mahama on policy matters outside of a debate platform.

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Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam says the government has implemented effective measures to achieve fiscal consolidation, economic stability, and growth, resulting in better than expected outcomes.

Speaking at the Mid Year Budget Review 2024 in parliament on July 23, 2024, he highlighted some key achievements, which include a 4.7% growth rate for the first quarter of 2024, a decline in inflation to 22.8% by June 2024, a stabilised exchange rate with an 18.6% depreciation against the US dollar, and increased gross international reserves covering 3.1 months of imports.

According to him, over the past six months, expedited government programs and growth-enhancing initiatives have led to significant progress. The second review of the extended credit facility with the IMF resulted in a $360 million disbursement. Debt restructuring efforts included a $5.1 billion program with the Official Creditor Committee of Ghana, leading to $2.8 billion in debt service relief, and successful negotiations with Eurobond holders and independent power producers.

Dr Amin Adam emphasised that the expenditure control within the 2024 budget and exceeding the mid-year non-oil revenue target by 3.7% have put the government on course to achieve a primary surplus of 0.5% of GDP by year-end. Also, major reforms in state-owned enterprises, particularly in the energy and cocoa sectors, aim to ensure fiscal prudence. Support programs such as SME Go, LEAP, the School Feeding Program, and the NHS have provided substantial financial and technical aid.

Additionally, infrastructure development remains a priority, with nearly $10 billion invested in the road sector and significant progress on various projects. Digitalization efforts include a $135 million investment in the National Identification Program.

The government continues to engage stakeholders to bolster cooperation and understanding, focusing on prudent expenditure management, improved revenue mobilisation, and investment in physical and digital infrastructure to drive economic growth.

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Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has announced that the economy is recovering at a fast and strong pace.

Speaking at the mid-year budget review on July 23, 2024, he stated that the government has successfully reversed the negative trends in the economy.

Dr. Adam emphasised that it is evident that we are on the right trajectory and the economy is rebounding stronger than anticipated.

“The choices we have made and the policies we are implementing are yielding results. We have reversed the negative trends, and all indicators are looking better. I want to assure you that we will stay on this path and continue to make the right choices. Our economic recovery is fast and strong.”

He highlighted that the government has brought urgency and speed to the implementation of key programs over the last six months, providing necessary support for growth-enhancing initiatives.

Notably, the government has completed a debt restructuring program with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), securing approximately $2.8 billion in debt relief.

Dr. Adam also announced that the government has successfully concluded the second review of the Extended Credit Facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), resulting in a disbursement of $360 million, bringing the total to $1.6 billion.

Furthermore, negotiations with five Independent Power Producers have been concluded, leading to expected savings of $6.6 billion over the lifetime of the Purchasing Power Agreements (PPAs).

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The Minority leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has criticised government’s 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review, asserting that it fails to outline a clear strategy for addressing the country’s current economic difficulties. 

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, July 23, Dr. Ato Forson expressed his disappointment with the Finance Minister’s presentation, describing it as “uninspiring” and devoid of a substantive plan to tackle the pressing issues facing Ghanaians. 

“As we just listened to the mid-year budget review from the Minister responsible for finance, you agree with me that typical of this government, this address was uninspiring, fails to offer a roadmap for addressing the country’s challenges,” the Minority Leader stated.

According to Dr. Ato Forson, Ghanaians had expected the government to remove several taxes, including the COVID levy, e-levy, ‘borla’ tax, tax on domestic electricity, and emission levy, in order to provide relief to businesses struggling to stay afloat. However, the Minister’s review did not address these concerns, which the Minority Leader sees as a “missed opportunity.” 

“Ghanaians expected that the government would have removed a number of taxes because businesses are packing out of the country. This is a missed opportunity. They are bereft of ideas, you are on your way to opposition,” Dr. Ato Forson asserted.

While the Finance Minister cited ongoing fiscal consolidation measures and highlighted improvements in key economic indicators such as GDP growth and inflation, the Minority Leader argued that the review lacked concrete plans to address the high cost of living and other pressing issues facing Ghanaians. 

Dr. Ato Forson contended that the government has exhausted its ideas to revive the economy and that Ghanaians were hoping for more decisive action to alleviate the current hardships.

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The opposition NDC in Parliament has described the just presented 2024 mid-year fiscal policy review as uninspiring, bereft of new ideas, no hope and with no policy to offer a road map for addressing the numerous problems facing the people of Ghana.

The Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson (Ph.D), at a news conference in Parliament House said, this mid-year review leaves many people disappointed and uninspired- “it gives no hope to hope to the ordinary Ghanaian that anything will be done to change the unbearable hardships that confront the people of Ghana”.

The Minority further submitted to the media the list of taxes Ghanaians are currently paying which includes: E-Levy, COVID Levy, VAT rate of 22%, betting tax, Sanitation Levy, An emission Levy among others.

Below is the full statement:

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Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has invited National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama to engage in a debate on national issues.

Speaking to the media after the mid-year budget review presented by Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam in parliament on July 23, 2024, he emphasized the need for a debate instead of resorting to insults and name-calling.

“We are calling on President Mahama to accept Dr. Bawumia’s invitation for a debate, where we can discuss the issues at hand,” Hon. Afenyo-Markin stated.

“If indeed he is determined to return to office and claims to be a changed man, then he should stand shoulder to shoulder with Dr. Bawumia and engage in a debate on the issues. Dr. Bawumia is ready to present his achievements and policies.”

He continued, “If John Mahama claims that Dr. Bawumia has not performed well as Vice President, then he should expose him through a debate. We are ready for a debate to ensure decency in our politics and to bring out the best in us as a political class.

Ghanaians want change, development, and employment, and debating the issues is the best way to achieve this. Therefore, Mr. Mahama should not shy away from the debate.

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Justice Essah is a Justice of the Court of Appeal; while Prof Frimpong Oppong is a legal academic and Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Sciences.

Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin announced their nominations on the floor of Parliament based on a communication from the President.

The President noted that the nominations were because of pending and projected vacancies on the Supreme Court, occasioned by the retirement of Justice Nii Ashie Kotey on 2nd October 2023, and the pending retirement of Justice Mariama Owusu on 18th November 2024.

The Speaker referred the President’s nominees to the Appointments Committee of Parliament for consideration and report to the House.

He urged the House to look at the issue of the full complement of the Supreme Court; saying; “should it be 13? should it be 15? Should it be 20? 40? Or hundred? It is for this House to decide.”

“And I am urging you to look at this issue during the Constitutional Reforms or to pass legislation to give an upper limit as to how many can be at the Supreme Court of a country of 33 million people. Please this is a notice to you.”

Source: GNA

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Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin had announced to the House the President’s nomination of two persons for appointment to the Supreme Court.

The Speaker, after making the announcement, urged the House to look into issues of the full complement of the Supreme Court when the Appointments Committee presents its vetting report on the two nominees to the plenary for consideration.

Dr Kwaku Afriyie, in a remark, did not agree with the Speaker, saying: “It does not lie in the mouth of the Speaker to make such prejudicial comments.”

These remarks did not go down well with the Speaker, who, in response, said: “This is a completely rude remark and I can send you out of the House now.”

“It lies in my authority to do so. You represent the good people of Sefwi-Wiawso, and I represent the whole country. Please, Marshall, take him out of the House! Marshall, take him out of the House! I will not entertain such disrespect,” he said.

After Dr Afriyie had walked out of the Chamber, Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip and NPP MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri intervened and rendered an apology to the Speaker on behalf of the caucus.

“Mr Speaker, we acknowledge the wisdom you have guided this House with and how we have navigated as a House to this point,” he said.

“We’ve had moments laced with tension, we’ve had some tensed moments in this House, in all that, Speaker, you’ve shown leadership, and it is incumbent upon us in leadership to help you guide the House.”

“What happened a moment ago was unfortunate, so we want to, for and on behalf of the entire Caucus and my colleague, we want to render an unqualified apology to you and your office, and we hope that this draws the curtains and thus brings matters to a close.”

“Mr Speaker, we are very sorry, and we apologise sincerely for what happened. I say this on behalf of the Member and the entire Caucus, we are sorry.”

Speaker Bagbin commended the Majority Chief Whip for his leadership; declaring; “Honourable members, that ends the matter.”

Source: GNA

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The Chiefs and people of Wechiau in the Wa West constituency of the Upper West Region have promised to vote this time for the candidates of the NPP due to the party’s sustained commitment to the development of the area over the years.

According to the Chiefs, NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s decision to formally “announce to us as your parents, that you are vying for the position of the President of Ghana” is further evidence of Dr Bawumia’s respect for traditional institutions” , and they would reward him in due course.

Naa Imoru Nandon Gomah II, Paramount Chief of Wechiau, gave the assurance while welcoming Dr Bawumia to his palace on Monday, 22nd July, 2024. The NPP flagbearer was in the palace as part of his constituency-focused nationwide campaign tour, during which he engaged with traditional authorities, religious and opinion leaders, the youth and all facets of society to shed more light on his vision for Ghana’s future.

Outlining the many benefits enjoyed by the people of the Traditional Area any time the NPP is in power, Naa Gomah II expressed gratitude to previous and current NPP administrations.

“Your Excellency, the NPP Government since 2004 has given us a lot of developmental projects. The Wa West District was created by the NPP Government in 2004. The NPP Government has given us the biggest project, that is the Agenda 111 hospital project. The NPP government has also given us some dams and dugouts under One Village One Dam. The district has also received some roads. We have

Village One Dam. The district has also received some roads. We have also benefited from the Free Senior High School programme, as well as the School Feeding programme,” he stated.

The Paramount Chief of Wechiau pronounced his blessings on Dr Bawumia as he seeks to lead the nation, saying “As Chiefs, we can assure you of our support to enable you to continue the good works of the New Patriotic Party Government after 7th December, 2024. We wish you God’s blessings and protection.”

Thanking the Chiefs for their support, Dr Bawumia urged the people of the Wa West Constituency give him and the NPP the opportunity to build upon the gains made so far adding, “My vision for Ghana’s future will see us, among others, train our children for the future and equip our youth with the requisite skills to create jobs and compete favourably with their contemporaries across the world.”

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