Prez Mahama Downsizes Ministries; Decouples Youth & Sport

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January 11, 2025

BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

President John Dramani Mahama has reduced the number of government ministries from 30 to 23, aiming to enhance efficiency and streamline operations.

This change was formalized through the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2025 (E.I. 1), signed on January 9, 2025.

The realignment saw the collapse, merging, and decoupling of ministries to align with the government’s efficiency agenda.

Notably, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has been split into two separate entities: the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

Other significant changes include the merger of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with the Ministry of Local Government, the addition of Green Transition to the Energy ministry, and the creation of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations.

Some of the collapsed ministries include Information, National Security, Parliamentary Affairs, Railway Development, Sanitation and Water Resources, and Public Enterprises.

Below is the complete list of the 23 ministries:

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Fire Razes Three Shops in Ho

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Volta Online

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January 10, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

A devastating fire outbreak on the afternoon of Friday, January 10, 2025 has destroyed three shops along the Ahoe- Stadium road in Ho.

The inferno, fueled by the harmattan winds, completely razed down the wooden shops, comprising an electrical shop, a plastic ware shop, and a convenient shop stocked with packs of water and drinks.

Eyewitnesses told VoltaOnline that the timely intervention by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent shops and houses.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire was caused by a domestic incident in a nearby wooden kitchen, where someone left food on a coal fire unattended. The kitchen also had stored local gin (akpeteshie), which may have contributed to the spread of the fire.

The incident, which caused a temporary halt in vehicular traffic along the stretch, left the affected business owners distraught as they watched helplessly their investments, worth thousands of Ghana Cedis, reduced to debris.

The Fire Service has since launched investigations into the cause of the fire.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Water Supply Halted As Pump Failure Hits Kpeve Headworks Again

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Volta Online

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January 10, 2025

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

Barely four days after repair works were completed at the Kpeve Headworks of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) in the Volta Region, another pump failure has been reported.

A source close to the situation told VoltaOnline that the mechanical problem occurred on Friday, January 10.

The latest development is likely to plunge residents of Ho and its environs into another water crisis, as some areas have not had a water supply since the initial repairs.

Meanwhile, Ghana Water Limited is yet to make an official statement on the latest development.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

President Mahama Names First Batch of Ministerial Nominees

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Volta Online

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January 9, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

President John Dramani Mahama has submitted the names of his first batch of ministerial nominees to Parliament, pending approval.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ag. Spokesperson to the President, the nominees include Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, a renowned economist and chartered accountant, as Minister for Finance Designate.

Other nominees are Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, an expert in energy economics and finance, as Minister for Energy Designate, and Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, a seasoned lawyer, as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate.

“The President is confident that these nominees will bring their expertise and experience to bear in their respective roles and help drive the administration’s agenda,” Mr. Ofosu stated.

The nominations are in accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which requires the President to seek parliamentary approval for his ministerial appointments.

The Appointment Committee of Parliament is expected to announce the schedule for the vetting of the nominees in due course.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Mahama Hits Ground Running, Revokes Appointments of MMDCEs on First Day

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Volta Online

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January 9, 2025

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

President John Mahama has on the first day of assuming office hit the ground running by revoking the appointments of key local government officials.

In a letter to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, announced the immediate revocation of the appointments of Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, as well as government appointees in the Assemblies.

The decision, made in accordance with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) and its amendment in 2017 (Act 940), is a usual occurrence during a change of government, as those appointees were appointed by the previous President.

In the interim, Coordinating Directors of the various MMDAs have been directed to assume responsibility as acting Chief Executives until new appointments are made.

The revocation is expected to pave the way for the government to appoint new leadership at the local level, aligning with its vision for decentralization and development.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

President Mahama & Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Sworn Into Office

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Volta Online

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January 7, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang were sworn into office today, January 7, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey.

This momentous occasion saw President Mahama return for a second and final term, while Professor Opoku-Agyemang made history as the country’s first female Vice President, a major step forward for gender equality in leadership.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a diverse range of dignitaries, including MPs, government officials, foreign guests, and citizens. Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin presided over the ceremony, with Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo administering the oaths of office to President Mahama and Vice President Opoku-Agyemang.

In his inaugural address, President Mahama emphasized the importance of economic recovery, governance reform, and a commitment to truthfulness and accountability. He outlined his vision for Ghana’s future, focusing on four critical areas: economic restoration and stabilization, improvement of the business and investment environment, governance and constitutional reforms, and accountability and the fight against corruption.

The President also touched on his flagship 24-hour economy, aiming to stimulate local industries, attract foreign investment, and create decent jobs for Ghana’s youth. Additionally, he pledged to strengthen Ghana’s public health infrastructure, ensuring the country is better prepared to handle future pandemics.

Among the dignitaries were Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the Special Guest, Rwanda President Paul Kagame, and Kenyan President William Ruto.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Akatsi South MP Elected First Deputy Speaker as 9th Parliament Kicks-Off

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January 7, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

The 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana was officially inaugurated at midnight on January 7, 2025, marking the beginning of a new legislative era.

Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of the 8th Parliament, was re-elected and sworn in as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament. His nomination, moved by Majority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and seconded by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was unopposed and enjoyed overwhelming endorsement from both sides of the House.

Following his swearing-in by Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, Mr. Bagbin presided over the swearing-in of 274 members of parliament. The National Democratic Congress holds the Majority side with 183 members, while the New Patriotic Party has 88 members, with four Independent Members.

The ceremony also saw the election of Deputy Speakers, with Bernard Ahiafor, MP for Akatsi South, elected as the First Deputy Speaker, and Andrew Asiamah Amoako, MP for Fomena, re-elected as the Second Deputy Speaker.

In his remarks, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the need for cooperation and collaboration between the Majority and Minority sides. “We must work together to address the challenges facing our nation,” he stated. “I pledge to be impartial and ensure that the rights of all members are protected.”

He also encouraged members to prioritize the interests of the nation above partisan considerations. “We are here to serve the people of Ghana, not our individual parties,” he added.

The ceremony was witnessed by several guests including Speakers from other African countries and ECOWAS.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Water Supply Restored in Ho Township After Kpeve Headworks Repairs

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Volta Online

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January 7, 2025

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BY: VoltaOnline NewsDesk

The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced the successful completion of repair works at the Kpeve headworks in the Volta Region.

The repairs, which were necessitated by a pump breakdown on New Year’s Eve, were completed on January 6, restoring water supply to the Ho township.

According to a statement released by GWL, the company expressed gratitude for the understanding and cooperation of residents during the disruption period.

The restoration of water supply is expected to bring relief to households, businesses, and institutions severely impacted by the outage.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Mahama Names First Set of Appointees; Julius Debrah Returns as Chief of Staff

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Volta Online

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January 6, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

President-elect John Dramani Mahama has announced key appointments to the Office of the President, ahead of his inauguration on January 7, 2025.

In a statement issued by Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP-Elect and Aide to the President-elect, Mr. Mahama named Mr. Julius Debrah as his Chief of Staff, a position he previously held.

Dr. Callistus Mahama, former Head of the Local Government Service, has been appointed as the Executive Secretary to the President, while former Interior Minister, Mr. Prosper Douglas Bani, has been named as the Head of the Interim Security Taskforce.

Other appointments include Dr. Valerie Sawyerr, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, who returns as Senior Presidential Advisor, Governmental Affairs, and Mr. Augustus Goosie Tannoh, an NDC stalwart, who has been appointed as the Presidential Advisor Responsible for 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development.

Ms. Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has been appointed as the Legal Counsel to the President, while Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP-Elect and Aide to the President-elect, has been named as the Ag. Spokesperson to the President. The appointments take effect on January 7, 2025.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com

Here are the Six New Faces Joining the Volta MPs Caucus

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Volta Online

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January 6, 2025

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BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline

The Volta Parliamentary Caucus is set to welcome six new faces to the ninth Parliament, all of whom are part of the 18 NDC MPs-elect from the region.

The ninth Parliament is slated to be inaugurated at midnight on January 7, 2025.

The new MPs are Eric Edem Agbana (Ketu North), Maxwell Kwame Lukutor (South Tongu), Edem Richmond Kofi Kpotosu (Ho Central), Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo (Hohoe), Frank Afriyie (Afadjato South), and Sebastian Deh (Kpando).

These first-time legislators are expected to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table as part of the 276 Members of Parliament elected to serve in the 9th Parliament.

Meanwhile, there are only two women among the 18 MPs-elect, a decrease from the four women in the outgoing 8th Parliament. They include Abla Dzifa Gomashie of Ketu South and Joycelyn Tetteh of North Dayi.

Below is the full list of MP-elects

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com