In advanced democracies, presidential debates are a cornerstone of the electoral process, allowing voters to scrutinize the policies and personalities of the candidates.

However presidential debates are defined as events that seek to bring presidential aspirants before a restricted audience of citizens for purposeful dialogue and allow the citizens to either directly or indirectly solicit answers to pertinent questions posed to aspirants.

Since 2000, presidential debates have been organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs ( IEA) Ghana for presidential aspirants of various political parties in Ghana.

The forum has been used by political aspirants to articulate their programs and policy options to answer questions from the public.

The call for debates is not something new in Ghana The first presidential debate was organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA-Ghana) in 2000, between Vice President John Mills and the then governing party’s candidate John Kufuor.

In 2004, Kufuor also declined to participate in a debate, but Mills did. The 2008 election saw all major parties participate in a televised debate, including Akufo-Addo and Mills. In 2012, for the first time, a sitting president, Mahama, participated in a debate and subsequently won the election.

However, there were no debates in the 2016 and 2020 elections as both Mahama and Akufo-Addo avoided the forum.

The main question is can presidential debates influence voters in making decisions on whom to vote for in the run up to Ghana’s December 2024 general elections?

As the mood for 2024 election is building up ahead of the crucial ballots in December as parties and candidates fights for momentum. Dr Bawumia( NPP) challenged Mr Mahama ( NDC) to a debate ahead of the December polls to give Ghanaians the opportunity to critique their policies and visions.

But the 2024 Mahama Campaign Team has declined the offer, arguing that nothing is left to debate about the economy and insisting that Mahama does not need a debate to sell his message.

Mahama said, The debate between myself and President Akufo-Addo is important to settle all these issues (Indian funding for Tema-Mpakadan rail) but they said they won’t come; it is still not too late for him to accept to debate me,” Mr Mahama said to party supporters at Atimpoku as part of his four-day Eastern Regional campaign tour.

In recent weeks both the NPP and the NDC have pointed fingers at each other for not wanting to debate the other.

Taking it to 2020, barely a month before the 2020 general elections, Mr Mahama called out President Akufo-Addo to enter a debate with him but the his excellency Akufo-Addo rejected it.

Now in 2024 it’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who is now calling for the debate.

This has led to The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) On July 17,2024 to announced plans to host a presidential debate ahead of the 2024 elections, featuring key political parties. Which the debate aims to enable voters to make informed decisions by allowing them to evaluate candidates’ policies, discuss issues, and present their visions.

However The Mahama 2024 Campaign has issued a strong condemnation of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Ghana over its recent announcement.

The campaign criticised the IEA for not engaging or informing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), one of Ghana’s major political parties, before making the announcement.

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a think tank, has stated that it has not engaged nor informed any political party or presidential aspirant to participate in its presidential and vice-presidential debates.

It has, therefore, dismissed claims that the IEA was fronting for the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of a potential presidential debate later this year.

This has called for both party leaders and experts to say something about it.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (12 July), Agyeman-Duah said presidential debates should be made part of the political conventions in the country.

“I think my friend made mention of the American system where they have the commission for presidential debates, could that thing work here, possibly.”

“But I think I agree with my good friend Prof John Osae-Kwapong, that, it is something that we need to develop, we should make it part of our political conventions,”

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.

“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.

Meanwhile speaking in an interview on Okay FM on Monday, July 22,2024 the National Chairman of NDC brushed aside calls for presidential debate between the Flagbearer of his party John Dramani Mahama and that of the NPP, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

He had Dr. Bawumia should focus on debating his records and statements he made in the past when he was in opposition because he is being found out by Ghanaians.

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Today’s world is filled with fake news, sensationalism, hyping of news and personalities, and the competition to be the first to break the news. In this quest, many individuals on social media and mainstream or traditional media turn to churn fake news for many reasons, including drawing the attention of the public to themselves.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has called for the collaboration of the traditional media to stop misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, particularly as the country heads for the 2024 general election. According to the IGP, those three, which are criminal vices, could jeopardise the security of the country, and the media must work together with the police to nip them in the bud. Fake news can be spread through various media, including social networks, news websites, and traditional media outlets. The intent can vary from political manipulation and financial gain to mere sensationalism. The call by the IGP is timely and relevant as the nation heads towards the polls this year.

Access to media and information dissemination has become easy and without any form of awareness or circumspection. Social media is arguably the main channel for such fake news piping. People anywhere and anytime just decide to write or record anything and start circulating it without thinking of the consequences on entire society. With the introduction of the Internet and its associated media, a greater number of the world’s population has access to at least one form of Internet, media, or other platforms, be it Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, now X, or Instagram, among many others. These are meant to promote the holistic social life of the individual, hence the popular name social media.

Social media has come to stay, and it has become part of our businesses, social, political, and economic lives. Undoubtedly, it is the best tool for propaganda today in all aspects of life. Propaganda is a specific type of message presented directly, aimed at influencing the opinion of people rather than impartially providing information. In Ghana and like many other countries, the use of social media leaves so much to be desired. Though many individuals have found the facilities very useful, by way of studies, research, and business activities such as marketing and advertising, others are just abusing the platforms. In fact, social media has been an effective tool for the public sphere, where peer groups, organisations, and individuals use it primarily for pertinent discourse tailored to their needs and aspirations.

Unfortunately, the other side of the use of social media in the country has very little, if anything at all, to show by way of meeting the expectations of many. Today, one would be tempted to say that such powerful communication tools have woefully fallen into the hands of people who do not have any knowledge of its critical importance and use, as well as the dangers they pose.

In the words of the IGP, “We must work together and find a way of dealing with this matter, else the people who do not wish this country well, even including some Ghanaians who have not seen war before and yet want to see that there is confusion, will use that as a medium of creating confusion for selfish interests, which are demonic.” Fake news could be hoaxes and fabrications, which are completely made-up stories with no factual basis. It could also be misleading headlines, such as a true event reported with exaggerated or misleading headlines.

Satire or Parody type of news could also be a form of fake news, which is intended for humour but in effect has dire consequences because listeners, viewers, or readers may sometimes take it seriously. Sometimes, genuine information shared with false contextual information may end up as fake news, and impostor content such as fake information attributed to genuine sources as well as intentionally manipulated content in news stories could all be described as fake news. These all abound today in all stocks of the media in Ghana. The impact of these is critical. Fake news could cause severe political influence and upheavals, public trust, damage to social cohesion, and, above all, security threats.

In some advanced countries, there are ways of working against it, as there are algorithms and tools that detect and flag potential fake news. Such strategies could be deployed in Ghana through the enactment and full enforcement of legislation, as well as national sensitisation.

Understanding and addressing fake news requires a multi-faceted approach involving technology, education, regulation, and individual responsibility. Media literacy in this direction is key. Literate citizens must evaluate news sources and content before believing and acting on them. Ghanaians must also learn to validate information before spreading it on social media. When we are not sure of any information, be it video, audio, or text, it must end up with us, or we must seek more information on it. The pacesetters in the media landscape must be seen educating the populace on what is fake and authentic news. One might think that today it is about someone or something else, but tomorrow it might be him or her.

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In recent weeks, Ghana has witnessed a deeply troubling surge in kidnappings, with children being the most vulnerable targets. This disturbing trend threatens the very fabric of our society, causing fear, panic, and insecurity among families and communities. As concerned citizens, it is important to charge everyone to get involved in protecting ourselves, children, and loved ones.

The Ministry of National Security and the Inspector General of Police must prioritize this issue and take immediate action, since the Takoradi incident is still fresh in our minds. The government must allocate resources and implement effective measures to combat this ugly menace. Strengthening our security architecture, increasing police presence in high-risk areas, and investing in advanced surveillance technologies are essential steps to deter and respond to kidnappings and abductions swiftly, in this fast-growing technological and digital age. Additionally, the security agencies must intensify their efforts in investigating these heinous crimes. It is imperative that law enforcement personnel receive specialized training to handle kidnapping cases with utmost efficiency. Alliance with international organizations can also provide valuable insights and support in tackling abductions and kidnappings.

The role of true and responsible citizens in curbing this trend cannot be overstated. It is important that we become each other’s keeper and question any and every doubtful character with a child and even around an adult, especially in our communities. Community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agents are critical in identifying and reporting suspicious characters and activities. Landlords and neighbors must play the role of watchdogs together, creating a network of vigilante groups that will make it increasingly difficult for perpetrators to operate unnoticed. Parents and guardians must also be proactive in ensuring the safety of their children, in addition to educating them about potential dangers like who a stranger is, not talking to strangers, and who we refer to as an auntie or uncle, to stop them from addressing every female figure as an auntie and males as uncles.

Again, establishing clear communication channels is equally important. Fostering a sense of security at home and prayers are vital measures to protect our young ones in this perilous time. The borders of our dear nation must be heavily guarded and protected, with security protocols fully in operation to check who leaves the shores of Ghana and who comes in. We cannot afford to remain silent or passive in the wake of this dreadful threat of kidnapping and abductions. The safety and well-being of Ghanaians is paramount, and all must unite and take decisive actions to put an end to this wave of kidnappings and abductions. Teachers and the Ghana Education Service, the National Commission for Civic Education, and other well-meaning Ghanaians should support this direction. Let us stand together, with unwavering resolve, to restore safety, protection, peace, and security in Ghana. The collective efforts can and will make a difference.

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The International Community has been commemorating World Population on 11th July since 1989, to raise awareness on global population issues and their impacts on sustaining the world and future generations’ needs. The Day plays a pivotal role in bringing the international community’s attention to population dynamics and their effects on socio-economic advancement, environmental sustainability and individual well-being. It also serves as a platform for governments, organizations and individuals to share ideas and take action. This year’s observation dwells on the need to embrace the power of inclusive data towards a resilient and equitable future for all.

Data collection has played a crucial role in tracking the achievements of many global initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2024 World Population Day offers countries, societies and policy makers the chance, not just to celebrate the improvement in information gathering and analysis, but also ask whether the right questions have been asked and data collection procedure or method is beyond reproach. The Cairo International Conference on Population and Development in 1994, emphasized putting people at the centre of development, coupled with empowerment of women. Since then, there have been significant progress in women’s access to reproductive care, reductions in maternal deaths and improvement in gender equality. One of the driving forces behind these progressive moves and achievements is data.

Much as data collection and analysis have facilitated the success of human development, it is argued that development can never be summed up by a single statistic, nor can human development be zeroed down to only data points. Experts are of the view that improvements in data collection have also brought to light the gaps and lapses in development, as research indicates, that most of the world’s most marginalized communities have been largely excluded from progress. Inequality in access to health, maternal mortality, gender violence, abuse of human rights and social injustice continue to grow within countries and between countries.

In some instances, there has been stagnation in some of the progress made in the health sector. The United Nations advocates that in an increasingly unpredictable world, the need for reliable and inclusive data has become more paramount and must be used as a tool to promote progress for all. The world-body recognizes that in a world of uncertainties and upheavals, the international community must achieve a peaceful and prosperous society, using evidence- based solutions and reliable inclusive data. The UN further advocates that data must be harnessed to respond to the needs of those who have been left behind in the world’s quest for rapid development. It warned against the misrepresentation or misuse of data in spite of the vast improvement in data collection and analysis. According to the UN, the needs of many people and communities are not being counted and accounted for, because the International Community is not prioritizing investments in population data systems.

There is therefore the necessity to make data collection safe for all people, in addition to working with the marginalized to ensure that they are represented in the development processes. The commemoration of this year’s World Population Day enjoins the International community to champion data collection that counts people as they are in all their complexities. On the backdrop of the World Population Day with Ghana’s commitment to data utilization, the country is expected to constantly review how it leverages on data to address the challenges in population dynamics. Ghana marked the day, by focusing on harnessing the potential of the 12 million youthful population, out of its more than 30 million total population, as the driving force to ensure an equitable and sustainable future of the country.

Data from the 2021 Population and Housing Census of Ghana indicates that the population from 35 years and below classified as youth constitutes a large chunk of the population. There is therefore the need to tap into this huge human resource for the benefit of the country. These 12 million youth have needs in education, technical and vocational training, reproductive health, employment and other essentials, which can transform the development of the country. Therefore, to create the quality of the human resource we need, it is very crucial to segregate the youth using data and to attend to their needs without lumping all of them together. We should be able to identify the various groups within the youthful age bracket in our quest to train, educate and in providing them with quality employment avenues for their personal progress and the total development of Ghana.

No youth must be left out in the data collection and analysis. It is observed that the failure to engage the marginalized groups can be very costly and result in waste of resources and loss of human capital development.

It is incumbent on Ghana to make good use of quality and relevant data, to properly manage its estimated 12 million population of the youth, to facilitate the sustainable socio-economic progress of the country.

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I am thrilled to see that the proposed “Siren Bill” has been met with widespread criticism in Ghana. The Bill, which aims to give politicians and government officials permission to use sirens to bypass traffic, is a misguided approach to addressing our transportation challenges.

I strongly agree with the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) that allowing public officeholders to use these sirens, alarms, and strobe lights can lead to confusion and potential delays in genuine emergency responses, ultimately compromising public safety. The BPS further contends that these exemptions create unnecessary risks, which could lead to an increase in traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

The Problems with the Siren Bill

First and foremost, the Siren Bill is a classic example of a misplaced priority. Instead of focusing on giving politicians and government officials special privileges, we should be prioritizing the development of our infrastructure and public transportation systems. Our roads are in a deplorable state, with potholes and poor road conditions causing congestion, accidents, and damage to vehicles. Fixing these issues should be our priority.

Additionally, the National Road Safety Authority, the state agency responsible for road safety, must collaborate with law enforcement agencies to curb the increasing use of illegal sirens on motor vehicles in the country. By allocating resources to maintain and improve our roads, we can reduce travel times, improve safety, and enhance the overall driving experience. This is not only a matter of convenience but also a matter of life and death. According to the World Health Organization, road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death and injury worldwide. By fixing our roads, we can save lives and prevent unnecessary suffering.

Widening the Streets

Furthermore, our streets are often narrow and congested, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through. Widening our streets and upgrading our road infrastructure will not only reduce congestion but also improve air quality and enhance the aesthetic appeal of our cities. This is not only a matter of convenience but also a matter of public health and well-being.

Developing Efficient Transit Systems

Moreover, a reliable and efficient public transportation system is the backbone of any modern city. By investing in buses, trains, and sea taxis, we can provide citizens with affordable and convenient alternatives to private vehicles. This will reduce congestion, promote sustainable transportation, and stimulate economic growth.

Way Forward:

The siren bill is a distraction from the real solutions we need to address our transportation challenges. Instead of giving politicians and government officials special privileges, we should be focusing on developing our infrastructure and public transportation systems. I congratulate the ordinary citizens for their rejection of the bill. Your voices have been heard, and your resistance to this unnecessary privilege is a testament to your commitment to accountability and good governance. Ayeeko! (Well done!) May this be a turning point in our journey towards a more just and equitable society.

God bless our homeland Ghana!

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The Multifaceted Nature of Power Purchase Agreement-Driven Financial Liabilities Power Purchase Agreements are intricate legal and risk sharing documents outlining the terms and conditions under which power is produced and sold to utilities like the Electricity Company of Ghana. These agreements are under pass-through cost mechanisms which encompass various financial obligations beyond the monthly invoices for electricity supplied by the Independent Power Generators. Key clauses in the PPAs that result in financial liabilities include:
Changes in Law: PPAs often contain provisions allowing IPPs to pass on increased costs due to changes in law, such as new taxes or levies – Growth and Sustainability Levy, Emissions Levy, Energy Commission’s Variable Charge, etcetera. These additional costs form part of the increased costs clearly defined in the PPAs and must be passed-on through the tariff to ECG, impacting the overall financial obligation. The Ministry of Finance managers falls short of these industry basics; Fuel Price Variations: The cost of fuel significantly influences financial liabilities under a PPA. Escalations in fuel prices increase operational costs for IPPs, which are subsequently reflected in the energy charge of invoices sent to ECG. As experts in our business, we recognize the impact on the tariff and pass it on;

Idle Capacity Charges: Under-utilization of contracted capacity leads to idle capacity charges. When ECG does not fully utilize the power capacity contracted under the PPA, it must still make payment for the idle capacity, resulting in additional legitimate financial liabilities;
Interest on Delayed Payments: Delays in honoring monthly invoices attract interest charges. The cumulative effect of these interest charges substantially increases the arrears owed to IPPs; Exchange Rate Losses: Many PPAs are denominated in foreign currencies, introducing exchange rate risks. Adverse currency movements can lead to exchange rate losses, often passed on to ECG; and Loan Interest Surcharges and Other Claims: IPPs may incur loan interest surcharges and other financial claims covered under the PPA. There were instances where IPPs contracted loan to be able to service debts that were due for payment, as a result of payment default by ECG. These additional costs further complicate the financial landscape of the power sector accounting.

A Critical Examination of the Finance Minister’s Claims Indeed, the debt owed the Independent Power Producers is in excess of US$2 billion, until a meaningful and win-win deal is reached and sealed.  The Finance Minister’s assertion that he has “reconciled or restructured” the IPPs’ arrears to US$1 billion is questionable and oversimplifies the underlying financial obligations. Given the multifaceted nature of financial liabilities under PPAs, a mere aggregation of the monthly invoices does not capture the full extent of ECG’s commitments. Let’s take propaganda out of this sensitive case and act ethically. To provide a more accurate and reliable picture, the finance minister should offer a detailed breakdown of the “so-called” US$1 billion figure, including all PPA-related claims, as I have pointed out above. It is worrying to learn that these are figures audit firms of high reputation have certified. 

Importance of Full Disclosure

To achieve greater accountability and transparency in the power sector, the finance minister must present a realistic picture, no matter the frightening outlook, and make full disclosure of the financial situation. This involves providing a detailed reconciliation that includes:
A Breakdown of All Components Contributing to the Arrears: This should include interest charges on delayed payments, idle capacity charges, exchange rate losses, and any additional claims under the PPAs; An Explanation of How Changes in Law and Fuel Price Variations Have Been Accounted For: This will ensure that all financial obligations are transparently reported; and Clarification of the Methodology Used to Arrive at the USD 1 Billion Figure: This will help ensure that all financial obligations under the PPAs are accurately reflected.

Challenges and Recommendations

To ensure that any debt restructuring proposal is credible, acceptable and not rip-off any serious investor of their benefits, it is essential to conduct a careful scenario and sensitivity analyses on the options proposed. This ensures a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved. The use of the high office of a finance minister for political propaganda undermines the credibility of financial management in the sector.
As stewards of investors’ interest, we implement comprehensive accounting practices. This goes beyond simplistic revenue recognition models and requires meticulous consideration of all contractual obligations stipulated in the PPAs.
Proper accounting for power in Ghana’s energy sector extends far beyond the monthly invoices received and paid by ECG. The Finance Minister’s claims regarding the reconciliation of IPPs arrears need to be substantiated with a detailed breakdown that reflects the true financial liabilities arising from PPAs. As stewards of shareholder interests, it is imperative to account for every amount and provide full transparency. The complexities inherent in PPA-driven financial obligations demand a comprehensive approach to accounting, one that goes beyond simplistic revenue recognition models. Only through such rigorous and ethical accounting practices can we hope to achieve financial clarity and stability in Ghana’s power sector.

Written By: Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Power Systems Economist & CEO, IPPG

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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has called for the collaboration of the traditional media to stop misinformation, disinformation and fake news, particularly as the country heads for the general election.

According to him, those three vices could jeopardise the security of the country for which the media must work together with the police to nip in the bud.

Fake news refers to false or misleading information presented as news. It can be spread through various media, including social networks, news websites, and traditional media outlets. The intent behind fake news can vary from political manipulation and financial gain to mere sensationalism. Here are some key points about fake news:

The call by the IGP is timely and relevant as the nation heads towards the polls this year.

Access to media and information dissemination has become an all-time easy and without any form of awareness and circumspection.

Social media arguably is the main channel for such fake news piping. People anywhere and anytime just decide to write or record anything and start circulating without thinking of the effect it would have on him or her and the entire society.

With the introduction of the Internet and its associated media, a greater number of the world’s population have access to at least one form of Internet media or the other, be it, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, or Instagram among many others. These are meant to promote the holistic social life of the individual hence its popular name social media.

Social media has come to stay; it has become part of business, social, political, and economic life.

Undoubtedly it is the best tool for propaganda today in all aspects of life.

Propaganda is a specific type of message presented directly aimed at influencing the opinion of people, rather than impartially providing information.

In Ghana and like many other countries, the use of social media leaves so much to be desired. This is not to say that it is not being used properly at all. Many individuals have found the facilities very useful, by way of studies, research, and business activities such as marketing and advertising.

In fact, social media has been an effective tool for the public sphere where peer groups, organisations, and individuals use it primarily for pertinent discourse tailored to their needs and aspirations.

Unfortunately, the other side of the use of social media in Ghana has very little, if anything at all, to show by way of meeting the expectations of many.

Today, one would be tempted to say that such a powerful communications tool such as has woefully fallen into the hands of people who do not have any knowledge of its critical importance as well as the dangers it poses.

In the words of the IGP, “We must work together and find a way of dealing with this matter, else the people who don’t wish this country well, even including some Ghanaians who have not seen war before and yet want to see that there is confusion, will use that as a medium of creating confusion for selfish interests which are demonic.”

Fake news could be hoaxes and fabrications which are completely made-up stories with no factual basis. It could also be misleading headlines such as a true event reported with exaggerated or misleading headlines. Satire or Parody type of news could also be a form of fake news which is intended for humour, but in effect has dire consequences because news customers may sometimes take it seriously.

Sometimes genuine information shared with false contextual information may end up as fake news and impostor content such as fake information attributed to genuine sources, as well as intentionally manipulated content news stories could all be described as fake news. These all abound today in all stocks of media in Ghana.

The impact of these is critical. Fake news could cause severe political influence, public trust, damage to social cohesion and above all security threats.

Fake news has gained notoriety across the globe. In some advanced countries, there are ways of working against it. Algorithms and tools that detect and flag potential fake news.

Such strategies could be deployed in Ghana such as the enactment and full enforcement of legislation as well as national sensitisation.

Understanding and addressing fake news requires a multi-faceted approach involving technology, education, regulation, and individual responsibility. Media literacy in this direction is key. Literate citizens must evaluate news sources and content before believing and acting on them.

Ghanaians must also learn to validate information before spreading it on social media. When we are not sure of information, be it video, audio or text, it must end up with us or seek for more information.

Today it is about someone or something else tomorrow it may be you. So take action now to quell fake news!

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Happenings in the Kenyan streets and Parliament, as watched with horror and amazement on television screens around the world last week, indicate the extent to which deficient democratic leadership is impacting the African continent. It was a sight to behold when hundreds of irate youth poured onto the streets, besieging the House of the Kenyan Legislature, setting parts ablaze in wrath and protest against a Finance Bill introduced by President William Ruto to impose draconian taxes. These taxes included hiked percentages on daily consumables like bread and cooking oil.

The police and military, fully armed with riot gear, unleashed tear gas and live ammunition on the protestors, killing at least forty and injuring many. An astute and articulate Member of the Kenyan Parliament, in a long and impassioned speech on the floor of the House, described the protests as the most spectacular display of patriotism and camaraderie. “They’ve looked their oppressors dead in their eye and not backed down,” the visually-impaired legislator affirmed. In the heat of the protest, five Members of Ghana’s Parliamentary Committee on Local Government, who were on official duty, got caught up in the chaos and had to be quickly whisked to safety through underground tunnels.

There were serio-comic comments across social media to the effect that, in the face of widespread oppressive legislations being imposed and pushed through the throats of citizens in several African countries, Kenyans, the offspring of the famous independence Mau Mau militant movement, had not disappointed. The repressive Finance Bill was withdrawn by the Kenyan government a few days into the deadly riots.

A President who rode on the wave of popularity into an election, identifying with the masses as “a hustler,” just like most leaders, becoming massively unpopular just under two years, is strongly instructive and worrisome. After misunderstandings and bad blood between him and his boss, then President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was seen as an elitist offspring carrying on the hegemonic legacy of his independence leader father, Jomo Kenyatta, Ruto came into the presidency in September 2022 as a breath of fresh air and a hope for the poorest and most disadvantaged Kenyans. The former Kenyan Vice-President was hailed across the continent and profiled on some media platforms as one of the new generation of young and bright African leaders, with a credible character to salvage African economies from the current exploitative world economic order and improve the lot and dignity of Africans across the continent. Coming into office in the last couple of years with immediate measures to crack down on corruption, he and some leaders emerging in the more politically stable east and southern regions of Africa, including Presidents Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, led the way.

Now, we have to ask, what happened? Where is the glory and the dream? Reflections on the disturbing events across the continent, a Governance Expert, Professor Baffour Agyemang-Duah, in a rare admission, said the youth of Ghana and Africa have been failed by the current generation of leaders. How could a generation with the best grooming and training, with three square meals and desserts in their universities, waited upon by white, starched uniformed stewards, with generous spending money every month, fail in what they were trained to do? That is, to administer the institutions and nations they were specially and specifically prepared to lead, in order to lift their less-privileged countrymen and women to commensurate levels and abilities.

What happened to Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, the foremost Ghanaian and African leader, then declaring on the dawn of our Independence that, “Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever”? Or is it those trained to take over from him and his liberation generation, who mortgaged our financial independence as a people and African nations? Perhaps, the crux of the problem, indeed, lies in Osagyefo’s postulation and insistence to seek first the political kingdom and all other things shall be added unto us. The immutable Word of God declares in Psalm 119:89 that, “Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in Heaven.”

It is imperative for leaders and followers alike to retain and always be led by the seminal words Jesus Christ left us with in Matthew Chapter 6 verse 33, that is, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” There are lots of lessons to be learned from the Kenyan incident going forward.

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Late last year, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) elected the sitting Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as its flagbearer in the upcoming 2024 general elections. He therefore becomes the new leader of the NPP. In all, 204,144 delegates, which consist of polling station executives from 38,622 polling stations  went to the polls on Saturday, November 4, 2023, to decide who would become the party’s flagbearer. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia won the poll with 118,210 votes, representing 61.47 percent, while his closest contender, Mr. Kenedy Ohene Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, came in second with 71,996 votes, representing 37.41%. Dr. Afriyie Akoto, who placed a distant third, received 1,459 votes, representing 0.76%. Mr. Addai-Nimoh garnered a mere 781 votes, representing 0.38%.

Time has passed, with huge anxiety and speculations as to who would be his running mate. Per the NPP constitution, the flag bearer was expected to have named his running mate somewhere in December 2023, but the flagbearer had earlier pleaded with the National Council of the party for more time to make deeper consultations in respect of his choice. The flagbearer, Dr Bawumia, needed to apply all systems in relation to the party’s good old tradition to fulfil all righteousness. One political party in Ghana that believes in traditions and arguably has worked for them is the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The tables have dramatically turned, perhaps against the system favourites.

For instance, one of its prominent and cherished traditions over the years has been the “Danquah-Dombo-Busia” cord. This tradition is perhaps the oldest surviving political tradition in Ghana today, and it dates back to 1947, before Ghana attained independence. It emanates from its main leading figures and the role they played in establishing the party’s ideologies and objectives. There have been three Ghanaian Presidents, from this established tradition, coming from two of these sections of the country, Kofi Abrefa Busia and John Agyekum Kufour from the middle belt, with Nana Akufo-Addo coming from the southern section of the country. What is left now is the northern sector, which has not seen any member of the tradition leading the party, let alone becoming a President of the land.

So, whose turn is it? Ethnicity and perhaps religion, had to come into play. The party that boasts of having men and women to work is obviously going to be an enormous task for the Presidential Candidate, who has the prerogative to select among the many as his running mate. The choice was obviously going to come from the stronghold of the party, the Ashanti Region, to balance the odds. So finally, on the 4th of July, 2024, the National Council of the governing Party unanimously approved the nomination of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), as the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the 2024 presidential election, in accordance with Article 12 of the NPP constitution, which states that the Party’s Presidential Candidate shall, in consultation with the National Council, nominate the Vice Presidential Candidate who shall be a known and active Member for at least five years.

As a trained Medical Doctor, the nominated running mate of Dr. Bawumia is a prominent Ghanaian politician who has made significant contributions to the development of his country in politics, health, education, and energy. In 2008, he won the general election on the ticket of the NPP and got the mandate to represent the people of Manhyia. Subsequently, the constituency was divided into two, and he went on to become a Member of Parliament for Manhyia South in 2012. He has held two key sectors, the Ministries of Education and Energy, in the Akufo-Addo government. During his tenure, he successfully led the team at the Ministry of Education to deliver on the flagship education programme of the government, the Free Senior High School policy, to widespread admiration, even from his political opponents.

Today, as a serving Cabinet Minister, Dr Opoku Prempeh is still part of the President’s inner circle and assists in key decision-making in Ghana. The question all over has been, whether he is the one that can add up to the leader to break the eight-voting cycle the party is clamouring for? His interpersonal relationships and attitude have come to dead scrutiny. Speculations are that this was part of the delay in announcing his candidature. The nominated aspiring Vice President of the NPP must conduct a self-examination, genuinely reflecting on his life and soberly analysing all that has been said of him, his demeanour, attitude, behaviour and accordingly tune in to the likes of the voting populace.

One cannot but only wish him and the party well.

BY DR. NANA SIFA TWUM, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT.

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Government policy to transform the Colleges of Education into degree-awarding institutions is a giant step in the annals of Teacher Education in Ghana. The President on the 16th of June, 2018, launched the policy at the 170th anniversary of the Presbyterian College of Education at Akropong- Akuapem in the Eastern Region. The idea of transforming the Colleges of Education into degree-awarding institutions in the 2018/2019 academic year was a laudable one.

The critical question is: how ready are these colleges, in terms of infrastructure, logistics, and qualified staff, among others, to handle the various courses? The Ccollegesstill face major challenges since it was last transformed from certificate ‘‘A’’ status to Diploma in 2004. These include inadequate infrastructure and facilities for students and all categories of staff at the Colleges. Though some of the Colleges are more resourced than others, most of them need more improvement by the government to match their current status.

Staff need to be motivated to give their best, and students welfare and studies also require improvement. Currently, the minimum qualification to teach at the Colleges is Master’s degree with research background. With their current status, the Colleges are now offering four-year Bachelor’s degree and as part of the transformation agenda, the Colleges have been affiliated with other public universities apart from the University of Cape Coast, which used to be the only mentoring University, which hitherto moderate the activities of all 46 colleges. This means that eventually a first degree will be the minimum requirement for teaching at the Basic education level to help produce high skilled workforce to transform Ghana’s economy. 

A strong Educational foundation is fundamental to addressing human resource needs, as countries like Finland, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and United States are where they are today as a result of the strong foundations they gave to their Educational system. As the popular saying goes, “All Professionals can boast, but it is the teacher that taught them all.” This statement underscores the importance of the teacher in the socio-economic development of every nation.

The current strike embarked upon by Tutors of the Colleges of Education (CETAG), is to help address some of the conditions of service of these Teachers by Government. This forms part of the transformation of the Colleges of Education. In August, 2023, CETAG was asked by the National Labour Commission (NLC) to call off its strike after an assurance by Government to resolve the non-implementation of its 2017/2022 conditions of service in a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U) signed between the two.

The current strike by CETAG is a result of the non-completion of the conditions of service, signed about a year ago. The MOU includes approved conditions of service owed members per the NLC’s Arbitral Award Orders for the payment of one-month salary to each member as compensation for additional duty performed in 2022, as ordered by the NLC. The implementation of the Staff Audit Report and subsequent extension of public Universities’ rates of allowances to deserving members of CETAG.

To help restore academic work on the various campuses and ensure smooth completion of the  2023/2024 calendar, the government, through bodies like the National Labour Commission (NLC), the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), should make conscious efforts to properly engage CETAG to help resolve the current impasse amicably and alleviate the woes of the Teacher Trainees, so as not to disrupt the already volatile academic calendar after the recession on the academic front.

Teachers  also deserve better remuneration, care, and attention, as their lives also matter. Since the current final year students have just about three months to complete their academic programmes, it will be prudent, that processes towards amicable settlement and fulfilment of promises be fast tracked for academic progression. The assurance by Parliament to invite the Education Minister to address the CETAG strike is a step in the right direction to help bring normalcy to the campuses of the Colleges of Education.

A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.

BY DANIEL OTSIN, TUTOR, ENCHI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ENCHI, WESTERN NORTH.

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