The 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has ranked Ghana with a score of 42 out of 100, a slight decline from its 2023 score of 43. This was announced in apress release from the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the local branch ofTransparency International, on February 11. The drop in score signals a setback in the country’s efforts to combat corruption, placing Ghana in the 80th position out of 180 countries globally. The GII highlighted that since 2015, Ghana has seen a steady decline in its CPI score, dropping by five points. They noted, “Since 2015, Ghana’s CPI score has decreased...
US deportation: Ghanaians living abroad urged to get closer to their embassies
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged Ghanaians living abroad to connect with their local embassies for assistance. This call comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s policy to deport undocumented foreign nationals. Ablakwa revealed that 156 Ghanaians are facing imminent deportation from the United States. Reasons for Registration Ablakwa emphasized the importance of registration, stating that embassies can only provide assistance if they are aware of the individuals’ presence. He also highlighted the need for new approaches to consular assistance to protect the welfare of Ghanaians abroad. Context The US has identified approximately 18,000 Indian...
Ghana and Australia Partner to Boost Food Production – Prof. Opoku-Agyemang
Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is pushing for a stronger agricultural partnership between Ghana and Australia to tackle food production challenges. She believes that combining Australia’s agribusiness expertise with Ghana’s abundant arable lands will yield mutual benefits. During a meeting with Australian High Commissioner Berenice Owen-Jones, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the potential for a strategic partnership to unlock long-term solutions to Ghana’s agricultural difficulties. In response, High Commissioner Owen-Jones announced plans to expand the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to Ghana, promoting collaborative research and innovation in mechanized farming and food self-sufficiency. Beyond agriculture, the discussion touched...
Ablakwa’s Approval Meets Resistance from Minority Caucus
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has publicly rejected the approval of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Minister for Foreign Affairs, citing concerns over his behavior and responses during the vetting process. Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the caucus reiterated its stance during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, stating that they cannot endorse Ablakwa’s appointment under the current circumstances. In a symbolic gesture, First Minority Deputy Whip Habib Iddrisu poured water on Afenyo-Markin’s hands, which he washed, signifying the Minority’s detachment from the approval process. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Minority will maintain their distance, saying, “We abstain from his decision. It is solely...
The ‘Mighty Minority’ will certainly not be pushovers – Nana B
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has assured that the party’s minority in Parliament will not be intimidated or bullied. This comes after Speaker Alban Bagbin suspended four MPs for two weeks following a chaotic incident. Nana Boakye stated that the Minority will insist on following due procedure and consensus-building in the House, despite the Speaker’s “autocratic posturing.” In a Facebook post, on Monday, February 3, he said “Today, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party paid a courtesy visit to Parliament to meet with the MIGHTY MINORITY caucus and commend them on their...
Armah-Kofi Buah to Meet Traditional Leaders to Combat Galamsey
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has unveiled plans to tackle the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, by partnering with traditional leaders. This move aims to protect Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies by promoting a regulated and sustainable mining sector. During his first day in office, Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the crucial role traditional authorities play in land and resource management. He acknowledged that collaboration with these leaders is vital in combating galamsey. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised the importance of collaboration with traditional authorities, acknowledging their critical role in land and resource management. “How do...
Ocloo’s Bold Promise: 70% of Accra’s Streetlights to be Repaired in 50 Days
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has made a bold commitment to restore 70% of Accra’s streetlights within the next 50 days. This move aims to enhance security and visibility in the city, with addressing faulty streetlights being one of her top priorities. During a press briefing in Accra on February 3, Ocloo reiterated her dedication to upgrading the capital’s infrastructure, ensuring well-lit streets, and improving overall security. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to achieve these goals. “In fact, within 50 days in office, all these things should be fixed....
peaker of Parliament, Bagbin, to Hold Talks with Emeafa Hardcastle
A crucial meeting is set to take place today, January 30, between Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission. This meeting follows a heated exchange between Hardcastle and Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh during the vetting of Dr. Omane Boamah as Defense Minister-Designate on January 28. The confrontation has sparked intense debate within political and legislative circles, with Annoh-Dompreh expressing deep dissatisfaction over the incident. He has petitioned Speaker Bagbin to intervene, citing an “unprovoked attack” against him in his official capacity as a lawmaker. Key Issues at Stake –...
Appointments Committee’s Vetting Process for Linda Ocloo Justified by Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the Appointments Committee’s decision not to question Linda Obenewaa Ocloo Akweley, the Greater Accra Regional Minister-designate, during her vetting. The committee’s approach has faced criticism, with many arguing that bypassing the questioning process undermines transparency and accountability. Afenyo-Markin justified the decision, stating that committee members are already familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the ministerial nominees. “We know the strength of those who appear before us, and we know their weaknesses. Sometimes, you look at certain situations and you want to balance it,” he explained. Ocloo Akweley’s vetting session was unusual, as she...
Ghana Standards Authority issues guidelines on cement use for construction
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has specified the appropriate type of cement for construction projects to ensure structural integrity and safety. The announcement is part of a public education campaign led by the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC) under the Ghana Standards Authority (Manufacture of Cement) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2480). According to the GSA, the proper application of cement types enhances durability and efficiency in construction. The authority has thus categorised cement based on grades and specific uses – aiming to guide industry professionals and the public in making informed decisions. Cement Types and Applications Portland Limestone Cement (32.5R) and Portland Composite...