Akufo-Addo Archives - Ghana Education News

Govt Allocates GH¢700m for Book, Research allowances for Lecturers

May 30, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

The government of Ghana has allocated GH¢700 million plus for book and research allowances for lecturers in tertiary educational institutions, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed.

He disclosed that this financial support provided since 2020 was to improve academic research in Ghana and Africa as a whole and also ensure academic researchers were provided with the necessary resources for their research activities.

Nana akufo-Addo made known of the information at the launching of the Third Biennial Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG) in Sunyani yesterday.

“Indeed, the Akufo-Addo government places importance on the payment of research and book allowances to academia, recognising the critical role educators and researchers play in national development,” he said.

Conference

The dubbed theme for the launching of the conference is: “University, Industry, and Government Partnership for Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship for National Development”.

It is under the auspices of the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VC-TUG) and assembled relevant researchers from academia and industry across Ghana, Africa and the global community.

Attendees of this conference are expected of to come up with innovations, invention ideas and creativity as well as explore the world from diverse views for the growth of Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo inspected an exhibition of innovations and inventions by the 10 technical universities.

The President of Ghana while present at the conference inspected the innovations and inventions exhibited by the 10 technical universities in Ghana.

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Commitment

President Akufo-Addo said the substantial financial support extended to lecturers across the country was evidence of his commitment to encouraging research.

“These investments underscore my government’s dedication to enriching the quality of education and elevating research excellence in Ghana,” he said.

STEM Education

The President elaborated on the government’s commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Ghana, highlighting some initiatives and investments aimed at fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.

President Akufo-Addo recognized the fact that STEM education played a significant role in driving economic growth and societal success.

He said the rapid advancement in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy presented unprecedented opportunities and stressed the need to equip the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to fully leverage the opportunities.

“The government, through the Ministry of Education, has invested heavily in the development of high-quality STEM institutions and programmes,” the President stated.

President Akufo-Addo said that there is an ongoing construction of a STEM Edifice called the Accra STEM Academy.

The Accra STEM Academy is an educational institution dedicated to imparting STEM education into students in Ghana.

The school is dedicated to the teaching and learning of STEM subjects.

Accra STEM Academy would be inaugurated this year.

He also stated the development of 20 STEM Centres and 10 model STEM Senior High Schools across the country, seven of which were already operational.

“These schools are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories to facilitate teaching and learning in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics”.

“The remaining three schools will be completed by the end of the year,” President Akufo-Addo said.

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National service personnel are often underutilised- Akufo-Addo

April 17, 2024April 16, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

A Ghana Education News Publication |National service personnel are often underutilised- Akufo-Addo

National service personnel are often underutilised- Akufo-Addo

Recent complaints about the underutilization of national service personnel in the public sector were addressed by President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The President expressed his displeasure with the existing deployment and utilization of these troops during his speech at the National Service Policy Document introduction, highlighting that the government anticipates greater returns on its investment in the National Service Scheme.

The President emphasized the urgent need for improved educational opportunities for service personnel as well as a disciplined deployment process.

The recently released National Service Policy Document suggests a number of strategic measures to solve these problems and maximize the efficacy and potential of national service participants nationwide.

The implementation of pedagogy training in collaboration with the National Teaching Council is a crucial project aimed at improving the student-teacher ratio in schools and transforming the teaching and learning processes.

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The document also describes efforts to formalize the informal sector with the introduction of an MSME accounting program and to develop targeted partnerships to promote tourism through the National Service Scheme’s support program.

The extension of experimental agricultural initiatives within the Sekyere Kumawu economic enclave, in partnership with Agri-Impact Ghana and the Ministry of Finance, is another noteworthy idea.

This is a component of the larger Ghana Care Obaatanpa Program, which seeks to raise the sustainability and productivity of agriculture. To cut down on waste, the policy also calls for the installation of a metric application system.

By offering specialized IT training that is matched to the needs of the local community, these centers will make sure that service people acquire useful skills that have a significant impact on their communities.

President Akufo-Addo urged all stakeholders to embrace these efforts, expressing confidence that these improvements will greatly improve the National Service Scheme’s functionality and impact.

In addition to streamlining operations, he wants the program to become a model of effective youth empowerment and involvement in West Africa and throughout the African continent.

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We’ll soon begin impeachment processes against Akufo-Addo – Minority

March 22, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

The Minority in the Parliament of Ghana has decided to begin impeachment processes against the current president of Ghana Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo.

The political landscape in Ghana is heating up as the Minority in Parliament gears up for a monumental move against President Nana Akufo-Addo.

At the heart of this brewing storm is the President’s reluctance to endorse the controversial anti-gay bill, which has sparked significant debate across the nation.

The Minority’s announcement signals a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between the government’s executive branch and its legislative counterpart over LGBTQ rights in Ghana.

Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been vocal about the Minority’s dissatisfaction with the President’s stance.

He specifically pointed to a directive from the Secretary to the President, which effectively halted the transmission of the anti-LGBTQ bill to the Jubilee House, labeling it as both “uncalled for” and “unacceptable.”

This move by the executive has not only angered members of the opposition but has also raised concerns about constitutional breaches and the undermining of Ghana’s democratic processes.

Dr. Forson’s declaration in Parliament on Thursday, March 21, underscores a deep commitment to upholding the constitution and safeguarding the nation’s legislative integrity.

The opposition views the President’s actions as a direct threat to the societal and moral fabric of Ghana, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action to rectify what they perceive as a grave constitutional violation.

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The potential impeachment of President Akufo-Addo marks a critical juncture in Ghana’s political discourse, especially on sensitive issues like LGBTQ rights.

The Minority’s readiness to initiate impeachment proceedings highlights the deep divisions and the high stakes involved in this legislative confrontation.

As Ghana finds itself at a crossroads, the coming days promise intense political maneuvering and debates.

The Minority’s move to impeach the President over his handling of the anti-gay bill could set a precedent for how contentious social issues are addressed in the country’s political arena.

It also raises important questions about the balance of power between the executive and the legislature, the role of the constitution in governing such disputes, and the impact of this political saga on Ghana’s international image.

This unfolding drama in Ghana’s Parliament is more than a political skirmish; it’s a reflection of the broader societal debates surrounding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

As the Minority prepares to take unprecedented steps, all eyes will be on the Jubilee House and the halls of Parliament to see how this historic confrontation unfolds.

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The Shocking Thing Akufo-Addo Said About Galamsey No One Paid Attention To on SONA

March 9, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

In a recent turn of events, Dr. John Kingsley Kurugu, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has countered claims suggesting that President Nana Akufo-Addo neglected the pressing issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, in his latest State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The controversy stemmed from the vocal dissatisfaction expressed by Dr. Edward Kareweh, President of the General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU), regarding the President’s silence on the government’s efforts to combat the destructive galamsey operations.

Dr. Kareweh highlighted the severe impact of illegal mining on farmlands and water bodies across the majority of Ghana’s regions, framing it as a direct neglect by the administration and a significant blow to the agricultural sector, which forms a substantial part of Ghana’s GDP and export earnings.

In response, Dr. Kurugu firmly stated that the accusation of the government’s failure in the anti- galamsey fight was either a misrepresentation or a lack of information on the critic’s part.

He emphasized that the administration has not been idle but has actively engaged in both short-term and long-term measures to address the crisis.

This includes the deployment of military and security services to curtail illegal mining activities or Galamsey and the initiation of multi-sectoral collaborations aimed at formalizing the sector for sustainable development.

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Furthermore, Dr. Kurugu revealed that Akufo-Addo has made significant strides in protecting the agricultural sector, particularly cocoa production, by integrating a desk on small-scale mining within COCOBOD to ensure the safeguarding of farmlands.

This move underscores the government’s recognition of cocoa as a critical economic pillar and its commitment to preventing further land degradation.

Highlighting a comprehensive approach to the problem, Dr. Kurugu shared that the government has secured a $103 million facility from the World Bank dedicated to the formalization of the illegal mining sector and the reclamation of damaged farmlands.

The package also introduces the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), aimed at providing alternative employment opportunities for youths involved in galamsey, marking a crucial step towards eradicating the menace while fostering economic and environmental sustainability.

This development marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s fight against galamsey, showcasing a government in action rather than in silence, as previously perceived.

With these measures in place, the administration aims to not only mitigate the environmental and economic damages caused by Galamsey but also to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for the nation.

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Dame provides ‘evidence’ of GH¢14 trillion saved by Akufo-Addo ’s Government

March 1, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

Godfred Dame has provided an evidence to support Akufo-Addo ‘s claim of saving 14 trillion in his Tenure. During President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2024, he announced that the Office of the Attorney General had forestalled judgment debts amounting to an astonishing GH¢10 trillion. However, in a subsequent interview with JoyNews on February 29, 2024, Dame clarified and significantly expanded on this figure, asserting that the government has, in reality, averted payment of judgment debts totaling over GH¢14 trillion.

This clarification not only highlights the magnitude of financial liabilities that the country has been shielded from but also underscores the government’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and legal stewardship. According to Dame, the previously cited figure of GH¢10 trillion pertained to a single case alone, suggesting the broader and more complex legal landscape in which the Attorney General’s office has been navigating to safeguard national finances.

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Delving into specifics, Dame offered a breakdown of some of the notable instances where his office has successfully defended the state against significant financial claims. Among these, he cited the case involving China Jlen, where the Supreme Court’s intervention led to the setting aside of a judgment debt amounting to GH¢352,662,144.41. Additionally, he mentioned the aversion of a potential payout nearing $1 billion ($988,294,313), underscoring the vast sums at stake and the critical role of his office in preventing these outflows.

The Attorney General’s revelations have sparked a conversation about the effectiveness of Ghana’s legal defenses against judgment debts, which often stem from contractual disputes or litigation losses and can place a hefty strain on the country’s budget. Dame ‘s assertion that such savings would not have been possible under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government further politicizes the issue, suggesting a comparison of administrative efficiencies between the current and former governments in handling legal challenges that have fiscal implications.

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The enormity of the amounts saved, as claimed by the Attorney General (Dame), invites scrutiny and discussion about the mechanisms through which these savings were achieved. It also raises questions about the processes for assessing and managing legal risks that could lead to judgment debts, the transparency of these processes, and the overall governance framework within which such significant financial risks are navigated.

As the details of these cases and the strategies employed by the Attorney General’s office come to light, the Ghanaian public and stakeholders await a deeper understanding of how these unprecedented savings were realized, and what lessons can be drawn to avert future liabilities of a similar magnitude.

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Ministerial Reshuffle Came Too Late But… – Freddie Blay

February 15, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has said that Akufo Addo’s ministerial reshuffle came late. He said that Akufo Addo should have conducted this exercise two years ago.

In an interview with Accra-based Starr FM, Blay expressed his belief that the reshuffle should have been implemented sooner, ideally around two years prior. He underscored the importance of timely changes to bring about the necessary impact and transformation within the government.

Despite his preference for an earlier reshuffle, Blay acknowledged the President’s authority and responsibility in making such decisions. He recognized that circumstances may have evolved since his initial expectation for the reshuffle, but maintained his view that the current timing appeared less conducive to effecting meaningful changes in the government’s composition.

“I would’ve wished it had come earlier. Maybe two years ago but better late than never” he said.

Blay’s remarks came amidst a backdrop of increasing calls for a reshuffle within the NPP administration. Despite facing criticism and pressure for changes in his cabinet, President Akufo-Addo had previously defended the performance of his appointees in August 2022, indicating no immediate plans for a reshuffle.

However, the recent reshuffle brought about significant changes, with notable figures such as Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Road Minister Kwasi Amoako-Atta, and Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu losing their positions. This unexpected development marked a departure from the President’s previous stance and highlighted a willingness to make substantial adjustments within the government.

In addition to the departure of key figures, the reshuffle also saw the introduction of new faces into ministerial roles and the reassignment of existing ministers and deputies. This reshuffling of positions signaled a strategic move by the government to address concerns, realign priorities, and potentially revitalize its agenda moving forward.

Ken Ofori Atta Sacked By Akufo Addo

February 14, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

Ghana’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been sacked from his role, along with Road Minister Kwame Amoako-Atta and Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang Manu, as President Akufo-Addo initiates a significant government shake-up.

In this restructuring, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah transitions to the Housing Ministry, while his deputy, Fatimatu Abubakar, assumes the role of Minister. Interior Minister Ambrose Dery also sees a change, taking on the position of Minister of State at the President’s office.

Approximately 13 ministers of state, including 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers, have been affected by this recent reshuffle, as outlined in a press release from the presidency.

Pressure had mounted on President Akufo-Addo to dismiss Ken Ofori-Atta, with some Majority MPs joining the call. Despite previous defenses of Ofori-Atta’s performance, citing excellence in his duties and denying blame for the country’s economic challenges, the President faced increased demands for his removal, particularly after 98 NPP MPs threatened to boycott budget presentations and Finance Ministry-related activities.

While similar calls for Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman Manu’s resignation emerged following scrutiny of the Sputnik V vaccine contract, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged Manu’s contributions to the health sector.

Despite criticism and pressure, the President urged patience from MPs, emphasizing the ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He highlighted the importance of continuity in government programs amid these changes.

While some ministers, like Ken Ofori-Atta, have been sacked, others like Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and Francis Asenso Boakye have been reassigned to other portfolios.

This was contained in a press release dated February 14, signed by the Director of Communication at the presidency, Eugene Arhin

Akufo Addo’s Valentine’s Day Reshuffle List Out

February 14, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

Major Ministerial Reshuffle Expected Today

President Akufo Addo’s Valentine reshuffle list of out ahead of the announcement. Akufo Addo will today, Wednesday, February 14, announce some changes in his ministerial appointments. This will be the first major overhaul since assuming office in January 2017.

Approximately 12 current ministers of state, including 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers, are likely to be affected by the reshuffle. Notably, several prominent government figures are expected to either lose their positions entirely or undergo significant reassignments.

On Tuesday, February 13, President Akufo-Addo held extensive discussions with ministers and deputy ministers who could be affected, as well as those joining or leaving his administration in the imminent reshuffle.

Akufo Addo’s Valentine’s Day Reshuffle List Out

The Valentine’s Day announcement, expected at 11 am, is a major, long-awaited reshuffle that will see some key government members, among them some who have held their posts for the past seven years, exit cabinet altogether, while others assume new roles.

Below are names and movements confirmed by sources.

Exiting Government

– Ken Ofori-Atta – Finance Minister
– Freda Prempeh – Sanitation and Water Resources Minister
– Dr. Mohammed Awa – Tourism Minister
– Ambrose Dery – The Interior Minister
– Dr Kwaku Afriyie – Environment Science, Technology and Innovation
– Kwasi Amoako-Attah – Roads and Highways Minister
– Kwaku Agyeman Manu – Health Minister
– Dan Kwaku Botwe – Local Government
– Zuweira Lariba – Gender Minister

President Akufo-Addo Set to Announce Ministerial Reshuffle

New Nominations

– Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover – Greater Accra Region
– Henry Quartey – The Interior
– Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam – Finance
– Lydia Alhassan – Sanitation and Water Resources
– Andrew Agyepa Mercer – Minister of Tourism
– Ophelia Hayford Mensah – Environment Science, Technology, and Innovation
– Ms Fatimatu Abubakar – Information
– Kojo Oppong Nkrumah – Works and Housing
– Francis Asenso Boakye – Roads and Highways
– Dr Bernard Okoe Boye – Health
– Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah – Local Government
– Darkoa Newman – Gender

The last government restructuring occurred a month earlier, after the resignations of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who stepped down to focus on their political campaigns.

Insiders reveal that the forthcoming reshuffle is anticipated to be far-reaching and was strategically postponed to coincide with the conclusion of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential and parliamentary primaries.

The primaries, held on January 27, aimed to shield ministers from potential electoral setbacks while transitioning to new roles, mitigating additional emotional strain.

Originally slated for December, the reshuffle was rescheduled to February post the governing party’s internal elections to preempt unsuccessful candidates from attributing their loss to the president.

President Akufo-Addo Set to Announce Ministerial Reshuffle

February 9, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

According to report, there is an impending ministerial reshuffle, scheduled to be disclosed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Following a meeting convened on Friday, February 9, at the Jubilee House, conclusive decisions were reached on the list of names for the reshuffle.

After enduring months of public pressure for changes in ministerial appointments, the President is now ready to enact significant adjustments.

This move comes in the wake of the resignation of former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen, and Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who stepped down to concentrate on their political campaigns.

Insiders familiar with the matter suggest that the forthcoming reshuffle will be extensive. It was strategically delayed to synchronize with the conclusion of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential and parliamentary primaries.

These primaries, held over the weekend, aimed to shield the affected ministers from potential emotional strain resulting from defeat while transitioning to new responsibilities.

Initially slated for December, the reshuffle was postponed to February post the conclusion of the ruling party’s internal elections. This decision aimed to preempt any unsuccessful candidates from attributing their loss to the President.

As the President finalizes his plan for the massive reshuffle, Ghanaians eagerly await the announcement of these alterations to the government. The changes are expected to bring new perspectives, fresh expertise, and increased efficiency to the various ministries involved.
President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to public demand and his consideration for his ministers’ electioneering efforts underscore his dedication to good governance and responsive leadership.

With the looming reshuffle on the horizon, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect the government’s performance moving forward.
However, Ghanaians can rest be assured that President Akufo-Addo’s decisions stem from a sincere desire to continually improve and strengthen his administration.

Akufo Addo Reacts To Mali And Burkina Faso’s Exit From ECOWAS

February 3, 2024 by Rexford Dede Baah-Nyarkoh

President Akufo-Addo expressed deep disappointment with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso for opting to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He emphasized the potential negative impact this decision could have on the citizens of these nations. Discussions are yet to occur to thoroughly assess the consequences of their withdrawal and to chart a course forward.

Former ECOWAS Chair, President Akufo-Addo, underscored the need for a summit to examine the implications of the withdrawal. He mentioned awaiting a signal from the current ECOWAS head, Nigerian President Tinubu, to determine the timing of the summit.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger jointly declared their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS, expressing dissatisfaction and claiming that the regional organization had deviated from its intended purpose, no longer aligning with their interests. In a joint press statement released on Sunday, January 28, the three countries formally announced the denunciation of their ECOWAS membership.

The statement expressed regret and disappointment after 49 years of ECOWAS membership, asserting that the organization had drifted from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism. This withdrawal followed the suspension of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger by ECOWAS, a response to coups in these countries and their failure to comply with ECOWAS directives to restore civilian rule.

In summary, the withdrawal is a complex situation marked by dissatisfaction, disappointment, and a perceived deviation from the founding principles of ECOWAS by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leading to a formal denunciation of their membership. The situation underscores the challenges within the region regarding political stability and adherence to regional directives.

ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, is a regional economic union in West Africa. Established in 1975, its main objectives include promoting economic integration, peace, and stability in the region. ECOWAS member states collaborate on various issues, such as trade, agriculture, and infrastructure development, to foster regional cooperation and development. The organization also plays a role in conflict resolution and maintaining political stability in West Africa.