Tag: John Dramani Mahama

  • Mahama promises solar power for all island communities in Oti region

     

     

    Former President of Ghana

     

    Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has promised to bring solar power to the island communities in the Oti Region, aiming to improve electricity access for residents.

     

    Addressing the Ehiamankyene community in the Krachi West Constituency, Mr Mahama criticized the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, claiming that despite initial plans to develop the country, the government has failed to deliver meaningful progress for Ghanaians.

     

    He assured the community that if elected in the upcoming December 7 general election, his administration would prioritize addressing the nation’s most pressing needs to raise the standard of living.

     

    Acknowledging the country’s economic struggles, Mr Mahama argued that, contrary to the NPP’s assertions, he is well-positioned to restore Ghana’s economic growth and ensure a fair distribution of resources across the nation.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Dr Habibu donates about 4000 T-shirts to 7 constituencies

    Dr Alhaji Habibu Dramani donates T-shirts to PCs

     

     

    As he edges to the end of his campaign rounds, Dr (Alhaji) Habibu Adramani, Former NEC Member of NDC, has presented branded T-Shirts to some selected constituencies.

     

    The donations presented to the Parliamentary Candidates to is aid their campaign activities and improves H. E John D. Mahama (Flagbearer of NDC) and the party’s visibility in the various constituencies.

    So far, Hon Mutawakilu Garlus, MP of Damango, Hon Naa Koryoo, PC of Awutu Senya East and 5 other candidates have received 500 each of NDC branded T-shirts.

     

    Dr (Alhaji) Dramani, the one-time longest serving Constituency Chairman, known for his unflinching support to the NDC since its inception called on the beneficiaries constituencies to work hard to redeem the parliamentary seats to help make NDC win majority in the next Parliament.

     

    He said, NDC majority will make John Mahama’s presidency a successful and memorable one in the history of Ghana’s democratic politics.

  • NDC Zango Caucus lineup formidable campaign team for election 2024…includes former Parl. Leaders

    NDC Running Mate

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

    The Zango Caucus wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party has announced its campaign team members for the 2024 elections.

    The campaign team is blessed with formidable men and women from all walks of life, including former leaders in Ghana’s Parliament; Hon Haruna Iddrisu and Hon Mubarak Muntaka.

    Read Full Press Statement Below:

    PRESS RELEASE ZONGO CAUCUS APPOINTEES-4(1)

     

  • NDC announces campaign team for 2024 

    NDC announces national campaign team

     

    The National Democratic Congress, NDC, has announced the national campaign team and the campaign steering committee members for the 2024 general election. 

     

    The campaign team is headed by the General Secretary, Hon Fifi Kwetey while the steering committee is headed by National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah. 

     

    These were contained in a press statement released today signed by the General Secretary of the party. 

     

    Below is the full press release:

     

    PRESS STATEMENT

    For Immediate Release 

     

    19th June, 2024

     

    NDC APPOINTS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TEAM FOR THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTIONS

     

    After extensive consultations and deliberations, the Functional Executive Committee of the NDC, at its meeting held on Tuesday, 18th June 2024, constituted the National Campaign Team that will prosecute the party’s 2024 presidential and parliamentary campaigns. 

     

    The National Campaign Team comprises:

     

    1. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey (General Secretary)- Campaign Coordinator 

     

    1. Dr. Joseph Yammin (National Organizer)- Deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of regional campaigns 

     

    1. Richard Quashiga- Deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of parliamentary campaigns 

     

    1. Chief Hamilton Nixon Biney- Deputy Campaign Coordinator in charge of Special Operations 

     

    1. Sammy Gyamfi- National Communications Officer

     

    1. George Opare Addo- National Youth Organizer 

     

    1. Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei- National Women’s Organizer 

     

    1. Alhaji Cole Younger- National Zongo Caucus Coordinator 

     

    1. Prof. Joshua Alabi- Head of Flagbearer’s campaign 

     

    1. Joyce Bawa Mogtari- Spokesperson, Flagbearer’s campaign 

     

    1. Beatrice Annan- Deputy Spokesperson, Flagbearer’s campaign 

     

    1. Alex Segbefia- Head of Running Mate’s Campaign 

     

    1. James Agyenim Boateng- Spokesperson, Running Mate’s Campaign 

     

    1. Eric Adjei- Deputy Spokesperson, Running Mate’s Campaign

     

    Other members of the National Campaign Team are: 

     

    1. Richard Anamoo- Representative of the NDC’s Professionals Forum. 

     

    1. Shine Gaveh- Representative of the Cadres Front 

     

    1. Dr. Nashiru Issahaku 

     

    1. Obuobia Darko-Opoku 

     

    1. Dr. Mary Awusi

     

    The National Campaign Team shall work under the guidance of a Campaign Steering Committee that comprises:

     

    1. Johnson Asiedu Nketia- Chairman 

     

    1. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey

     

    1. Dr. Ato Forson

     

    1. Rt. Hon. Doe Adjaho 

     

    1. Alhaji Hudu Yahaya

     

    1. Kofi Totobi Quakyi 

     

    1. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo

     

    1. Dr. Kwabena Duffour 

     

    1. Betty Mould Iddrisu

     

    1. Julius Debrah 

     

    1. Marrietta Brew

     

    1. Dr. Valerie Sawyer 

     

    1. Sam Pee Yalley

     

    1. Alhaji Alhassan Ligbi

     

    The National Campaign Team and Steering Committee shall all work under the leadership of the flag-bearer of the party, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and report to the Functional and National Executive Committees of the party in the discharge of their duties. 

     

    SIGNED.

    FIFI FIAVI KWETEY

    GENERAL SECRETARY

     

  • The Women Development Bank

    Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang unveiling

     

     

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to create women entrepreneurs and millionaires through the strategic establishment of a Women Development Bank.

    This comes as a welcome news to womenfolks in the operating Small and Medium Scales businesses and agribusinesses.

    Over the years many efforts have been made by government, private actors and NGOs to provide and streamline financial support to women led businesses in helping boost financial status and empowerment of women and also to reduce poverty levels.

    The announcement by NDC’s Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, running mate to John Dramani Mahama has received wide applause.

    “We will actively pursue the establishment of a Women Development Bank to nurture and grow women-owned, women-led businesses”, She stated.

    “Women must become millionaires too, through hard work, as the men do. Women do not need handouts. We need a hand up. Women of Ghana are capable of managing the bank 100%,” She said during her acceptance speech as running mate in Accra last week.

    The proposed bank by John Mahama and the NDC is expected to provide small-scale businesswomen, such as those hawking or running small businesses, access to capital to boost their enterprises.

    It is planned that, a board for the bank would be inclusive of trading associations and cooperatives to represent and make decisions on behalf of its members.

    Referencing notable women entrepreneurs like Esther Ocloo, Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang called for the revival of the dream and actions of hero and heroine entrepreneurs as models while emphasizing the importance of supporting private sector participants and warned against hindering successful entrepreneurs’ efforts.

    In addition, she outlined plans for modernizing markets, which are central to many women’s economic activities. “Market women deserve the benefits of a clean, modernized marketplace. It must not end with the beautiful Kejetia or attractive Kotokoraba and allied markets,” she stated.

    The editorial team of Economy Times welcomes the plan for the establishment of such bank that will help close the gender disparity and empowerment gap in the country.

  • Next Mahama/NDC govt to review mining laws to benefit Ghanaians…as it joins lithium lease discussion 

     

    H. E. John Mahama

     

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The flag-bearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, has promised to review the laws that govern the extractive industry in next government.

     

    He said, this will help the country to maximize her share and local participation in the exploitation of our natural resources.

     

    Commenting on recently signed lithium mining lease agreement, the NDC holds the view, aside the fundamental issues battling the agreement, there are certain germane issues about the terms of the Ghana-Barari DV lease agreement that are worth highlighting. It has therefore listed a number of concerns in a press statement issued today.

     

    “The NDC wants a deal that provides a clear and unambiguous strategy for maximizing the benefits of lithium mining through value chain participation”, the NDC statement signed by the National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyemfi, stated. “There is therefore the need for mandatory requirements for the local processing of raw lithium before it is exported out of the country and a 100% off-taker for the by-products thereof (i.e Feldspar, Silica, Kaolin etc.) for local industries and manufacturing companies.”

     

    The NDC further believe that, the green minerals of the country, should not be exploited based on the existing mining laws and policies, which are predominantly tailored for gold mining and have not benefited the nation over the years.

     

    “We are of the firm opinion, that it is about time the existing colonial model of mining lease concession agreements, was reviewed.

     

    “New models for the exploitation of our mineral resources such as Joint Ventures and Service Agreements, that provide for equitable benefit sharing, enhanced local participation and value addition, should be considered as part of the review of the laws and policies governing our extractive sector.”

     

     

    Read Full Press Statement Below:

     

     

    PRESS STATEMENT

    For Immediate Release

    13th December, 2023

     

    NDC’S POSITION ON THE GHANA-BARARI DV LITHIUM DEAL

     

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has keenly followed public discussions on the controversial Mining Lease Agreement executed between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited, for the exploitation of Lithium and other associated minerals in the Ewoyaa community of the Mfantseman Municipality of Ghana.

     

    After a meticulous scrutiny of the terms of the Mining Lease Agreement, the NDC has come to the conclusion that the Ghana-Barari Lithium agreement is not in the best interest of Ghana.

     

    1. It is an indisputable fact, that mining hasn’t benefited us as a nation over the years. Hence, there is the need for an urgent review of the country’s existing mining laws and policies, particularly in relation to green minerals.

     

    2. This is why the flag-bearer of the NDC, H.E John Dramani Mahama has promised to review the laws that govern the extractive industry, in order for the country to maximize her share and local participation in the exploitation of our natural resources.

     

    3. The NDC holds the view, that the green minerals of the country, should not be exploited based on the existing mining laws and policies, which are predominantly tailored for gold mining and have not benefited the nation over the years.

     

    4. We are of the firm opinion, that it is about time the existing colonial model of mining lease concession agreements, was reviewed. New models for the exploitation of our mineral resources such as Joint Ventures and Service Agreements, that provide for equitable benefit sharing, enhanced local participation and value addition, should be considered as part of the review of the laws and policies governing our extractive sector.

     

    5. Our beloved country urgently needs a reviewed mining regime, that provides for the sustainable funding and strengthening of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, to engage in reconnaissance and prospecting, particularly in relation to green minerals. We believe that this, if supported by the Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF) under the right policy framework, will enhance the bargaining power of the state in the exploitation of our mineral resources.

     

    6. It is for these reasons, that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government should have extensively engaged all affected local communities, as well as key stakeholders including CSOs in the extractive sector, before executing the Barari-Lithium agreement. Sadly, there has been very little engagement by government with the affected local communities and key stakeholders in the processes leading to the execution of the controversial lithium deal. The NDC believes that, all stakeholders in the extractive sector must have a say in the kind of law and model, under which our lithium and other green minerals should be exploited for the maximum benefit of the State.

     

    7. Aside the fundamental issues enumerated above, there are certain germane issues about the terms of the Ghana-Barari DV lease agreement that are worth highlighting:

     

    I) First and foremost, the requirement in the mining lease agreement for the establishment of a chemical plant to process our lithium locally, is very weak to say the least.

     

    * We note with concern, that under Schedule Two (2) of the lease agreement, the establishment of a local chemical plant by the company is not mandatory, but contingent on the conduct of a scoping study to determine the economic viability of the processing of lithium in Ghana.

     

    * Even more worrying, is the fact that, paragraphs 1(b)(c) and (d) of schedule two (2) of the lease agreement, envisages the inability of the company (Barari DV) to meet this requirement. This makes nonsense of the claim by government that no raw lithium will be exported from Ghana under the agreement.

     

    II) Secondly, there are no specific provisions in the mining lease that emphasize Ghana’s control over the lithium mining value chain and the benefits thereof.

     

    * In the extractive sector, the ability of a country to optimize gains from the value chain is the surest way of domesticating benefits.

     

    * The NDC wants a deal that provides a clear and unambiguous strategy for maximizing the benefits of lithium mining through value chain participation. There is therefore the need for mandatory requirements for the local processing of raw lithium before it is exported out of the country and a 100% off-taker for the by-products thereof (i.e Feldspar, Silica, Kaolin etc.) for local industries and manufacturing companies.

     

    III) On the claim by government, that Barari DV will be paying corporate tax of 35% under the deal, it is important for government to clarify the status of the company and provide the full facts relative to concessions that have been granted the company.

     

    *What the Mining Lease expressly provides is that, Barari DV shall pay taxes in accordance with the mining laws of Ghana, without more.

     

    * We are however told that the Company is registered under the Ghana Free Zones Authority and is entitled to a 10-year tax holiday, when such tax concessions are ordinarily not granted to mining companies in the country. This if true, will deprive the country of corporate taxes during the first ten years of the Ewoyaa Lithium project. This will effectively limit Ghana’s share to the paltry 10% royalty and marginal benefits from our 13% carried interest and the 6% equity held by the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).

     

    * It is therefore imperative, for government to clarify the status and tax obligation of Barari DV and its parent company. Ghanaians deserve to know whether or not the company is a free zone company and why a mining company should be accorded free zone status. Ghanaians deserve to know all the concessions government is giving the company (Barari DV/Atlantic Lithium) for a holistic assessment of the benefits of the deal.

     

    * Beyond that, strict provisions on tax compliance and enforcement are required to ensure that the state is not cheated through transfer pricing and creative accounting.

     

    IV) It is important to make the point, that government’s boastful claim about securing a 10% Royalty under the deal, is a celebration of mediocrity.

     

    * It is worthy of note, that the prevailing royalty rate of 5% was based on section 25 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 (ACT 703), which provides for a royalty rate of not less than 3% and not more than 6%. This law was amended by the erstwhile NDC/Mahama government, as far back as 2015 by ACT 900, which has made the Royalty rate open-ended and subject to negotiations.

     

    * Also, the prevailing industry royalty rate of 5% relates to the country’s traditional minerals such as gold, bauxite etc. The Barari-Lithium agreement is the first deal for the exploitation of a Green Mineral in Ghana. Therefore, comparing the prevailing royalty rate of 5% to a 10% royalty rate for a Green Mineral like lithium, is an exercise in mediocrity.

     

    * More importantly, we think that government should have opted for a flexible range of royalty rate, which takes into account windfall profit of the company. This royalty arrangement has been adopted by Chile, which currently has a royalty rate range of 8% to 21% depending on certain variables. In similar vein, the 10% royalty rate secured by government could have been the baseline rate, subject to upward adjustment in cases of windfall revenue or profit by the company, if government had negotiated properly.

     

    V) Also, the requirement in the mining lease agreement for Barari DV or its parent company, Atlantic Lithium, to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange, is problematic for several reasons, including the following;

     

    ● No specific time-frame has been provided in the mining lease agreement for such listing.

     

    ● Listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) may not necessarily benefit Ghanaians as foreigners can invest on the GSE and/or hide behind Ghanaian fronts to buy shares.

     

    ● Over the years, similar arrangements have largely benefited a few rich and powerful Ghanaians and not the ordinary Ghanaian.

     

    ● Ghana’s own previous experience with the listing of Anglogold Ashanti shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange, where Ghanaians who purchased shares completely lost out, should awaken us to the fact that, listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange can go wrong.

     

    Suggestions for the Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF) to acquire the said 11% Equity in the Ghana operations of the Barari DV, for and on behalf of the people of Ghana, is therefore worth considering.

     

    VI) These facts completely belie the claim by government, that Ghanaian participation in the Ewoyaa Lithium project will be 30%. Beyond Ghana’s Free Carried Interest of 13% and the wholly inadequate 6% Equity acquired by MIIF, there are no specific provisions in the lease agreement that provide with certainty, a Ghanaian participation rate of 30% in the foreseeable future.

     

    VII) Again, it is interesting to note, that under the shareholding structure of the company, there is a 4.4% Equity in the name of “Previous Land Owners”. In the spirit of transparency, the NDC demands a full disclosure of the identities of the Beneficial Owners of that 4.4% Equity and how that was arrived at. Ghanaians deserve to know who these “previous land owners” are.

     

    8. In the face of all these pertinent issues, particularly, the non-existence of a feasibility report and a mandatory requirement for the local processing of our lithium resources, the NDC is of the view, that the Ghana-Barari Lithium deal is not in the best interest of Ghana. Thus, the ratification of the Mining Lease agreement executed by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP Government, should not even arise at this stage. It is our considered position, that Parliament should not consider the ratification of the Lease Agreement until all these pertinent issues are satisfactorily addressed in the best interest of Ghanaians.

     

    SIGNED.

    SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.

    (NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER)

     

     

     

  • Abolishing Obnoxious Teachers Licensure Examination Sound And Sensible – Sammy Gyamfi Justifies Mahama’s Promise 

     

    NDC Running Mate

     

     

     

    The NDC says it fully supports H.E John Mahama’s Licensing and Registration of Teachers as required by sections 12 & 13 of the Education Act (ACT 778), 2008.

     

    However, it vehemently oppose the use of a needless Licensure Exam as the basis or precondition for licensing teachers as captured in a statement issued by the National Communications Director of NDC, Sammy Gyamfi.

     

    Below are the reasons why NDC thinks the Teachers’ Licensure Exam is obnoxious, hence must be abolished:

     

    1. Currently, Teacher Trainees undertake 4-year (Bachelors of Education) degree programs in various Colleges of Education. During the 4-year academic period, Teacher Trainees are taught and examined in not less than fifty (50) courses over eight (8) semesters, that is, two semesters per year.

     

    2. It is worthy of note, that the curriculum for each semester includes a mandatory field practical course called Supported Teaching in Schools (STS). This practical academic activity is climaxed with a rigorous full semester mandatory internship course during the first semester of level 400. During this period, Teacher Trainees are assigned to the field to understudy mentors in classrooms and practically guided to teach. Trainees are required to prepare lesson notes, reflective journals among others, for assessment. After successfully passing eight (8) semester examinations involving not less than 30 courses, including the mandatory full-semester internship course, Teacher Trainees graduate from school and are issued with Bachelors of Education Degree certificates.

     

    3. One would have thought, that the right thing for government to do after this, would have been to simply license and employ these teachers and pay them the appropriate salary as the practice had always been, before the current NPP government took office. Sadly, this is not the case now.

     

    4. In a dubious ploy by the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to suppress teacher recruitments, they now require Teacher Trainee graduates who have successfully passed all their course exams in school including the mandatory field internship program, to undertake another examination called Licensure Examination before they are licensed to teach- an examination that has no active guide whatsoever.

     

    5. To add insult to injury, Teacher Trainees are also forced to undertake a one-year compulsory National Service. This is despite the fact that their 4-year academic curriculum already involves intense teaching support services to the state.

     

    6. Many Teacher Trainee graduates end up being failed after taking the obnoxious licensure exam without even knowing why they were failed. These qualified teachers are made to stay home without any job. Out of desperation, some are compelled to pay bribes to officials of the National Teaching Council in order to get a license. The marking scheme for the obnoxious licensure examination remains a mystery. The pass mark is whimsically and capriciously adjusted depending on the number of qualified teachers government intends to deny employment every year. Even worse is the fact that, some teachers who failed the obnoxious licensure exam on their first attempt but have eventually managed to pass the the exam have been denied posting and are siting home idle.

     

    7. The reason for this injustice is simple; the failed Akufo-Addo government/Bawumia government simply does not have the financial capacity to employ all Teacher Trainee graduates, hence has devised a plan to use the obnoxious licensure exam to suppress the number of teachers they have to employ every year under the guise of licensing teachers. This elimination by rough tactic is simply unfair. This is why, the visionary Nation Builder, H.E John Dramani Mahama has promised to abolish it when elected in 2024.

     

    8. For those who are concerned about quality assurance, it is worthy of note, that section 13 of the Education Act requires professional certification as the basis for licensing and registering Teachers. Thus, any policy or proposal intended to improve quality assurance must focus on improving pre-certification education standards and examination in Colleges of Education. This is precisely what John Mahama is talking about.

     

    9. If government thinks that all the academic examinations and field works Teacher Trainees are taken through during their 4-year programs in school are not enough for quality assurance, then what government ought to do is to improve pre-certification teaching and examination standards in line with best practices. Once that is done, there will be no need for another exam to license teachers after they have successfully graduated.

     

    10. Using myself as an example, the pre-certification course and exam in the law school where I attended is very rigorous and competitive. Once you pass it and successfully undertake the mandatory internship course, you are licensed and called to the Bar. You are not required to write another licensure exams before you are licensed as a lawyer. Neither are you required to undertake compulsory national service before you are licensed. You are only required to do pupillage after you are licensed as a lawyer. This practice is the same for doctors and other professional bodies.

     

    11. For the avoidance of doubt, licensing is not the same as Licensure Examination. I am a licensed lawyer but I was not required to write any licensure exam before I was licensed as a lawyer. The NDC started piloting the licensing of teachers in the year 2016 without examination. We were ready to fully rollout the policy for the 2016/2017 academic year before we lost power. See https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/new-teacher-licensing-starts-from-2016-17-academic-year.html

     

    12. The visionary Nation Builder has spoken in very clear terms on this matter. No attempt to spin to this well-thought out policy will wash. The obnoxious Teachers’ Licensure Exams and superfluous National Service will be canceled after John Mahama is sworn in as President on 7th January, 2025. “Insha Allah!” Teacher trainees deserve to be automatically licensed and employed after successfully completing their 4-year programs.

     

     

    SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.

    National Communications Officer, NDC

  • 24-hour economy: economist and unionists say ‘could be the game-changer’   

    John Mahama’s 24-hour economy

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Trade Unions and economist have hailed the proposed 24-hour economy for Ghana by former President John Mahama.

     

    They believe it ‘could be the game-changer’ and asked to know a lot more about this ‘great idea’.

     

    The Ex President Mahama during his engagement with Trades Union Congress (TUC) as part of his Building a Better Ghana Tour, last week, proposed the idea of 24-hour economy to help in expanding the economy whiles creating jobs. 

     

    “I think, this one, Comrade [referring to Mr Mahama], you have to take your time, because I can imagine the amount of jobs that this kind of thing will create”, Secretary-General of TUC, Yaw Baah, affirmed idea. 

     

    “Such an economy “could be the game-changer”, explaining: “…You have an opportunity in this country, to work 24 hours: three shifts. So, if you don’t get a job in the morning, you can get it in the afternoon or in the night”.

     

    “So, where are the young people? Get ready for jobs”, Dr Baah charged.

     

    Consequently, in a statement released last week, a US-based economist, Dr Sa-ad Iddrisu, expressed his enthusiasm for Mahama’s policy, stating that it has the potential to be a game-changer for the Ghanaian economy.

     

    Dr Iddrisu highlighted the advantages of such an economic model, stating, “The concept of a 24-hour economy, common in most developed nations, involves three working shifts and offers many advantages.”

     

    Dr Iddrisu highlighted the advantages of such an economic model, stating, “The concept of a 24-hour economy, common in most developed nations, involves three working shifts and offers many advantages.”

     

    He explained that extending business operating hours beyond the conventional 8 am to 5 pm would substantially reduce Ghana’s high unemployment levels.

     

    The need for additional shifts would create job opportunities and offer workers flexible working hours, promoting a sustainable and productive workforce, the statement said.

     

    Dr Iddrisu noted that implementing a 24-hour economy would require enhanced security measures, leading to a reduction in urban crime rates and generating additional employment opportunities within the security forces, particularly benefiting the youth.

     

    He emphasised that a 24-hour economy would drive improvements in essential services like electricity and water supply, which are vital for the economy’s uninterrupted functioning.

     

    “Addressing these services would significantly benefit citizens, as consistent power and water supply are essential for sustaining a 24-hour economy,” he added.

     

    Dr Iddrisu also highlighted the potential for nightlife tourism as a significant benefit of a 24-hour economy.

     

    “Major cities like Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, and Ho could stimulate nightlife tourism, attracting youth and travelers seeking unique experiences and generating additional revenue for local businesses and the overall economy,” he projected.

     

    Among other advantages, he mentioned traffic reduction and increased foreign competitiveness, stating that a 24-hour economy has the potential to alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours and enable Ghanaian youth to compete globally without relocating.

     

    Information technology companies, for instance, could cater to foreign clients around the clock, leading to increased revenue and employment opportunities, he stated.

     

    While acknowledging the numerous benefits of a 24-hour economy, Dr Iddrisu also cautioned about potential challenges, such as an increase in night crimes.

     

    He stressed the importance of vigilant support and engagement from citizens, community leaders, religious figures, and chiefs, as well as careful consideration when identifying sectors within the Ghanaian economy suitable for 24-hour operation.

     

    This balanced approach would avoid overwhelming specific industries.

     

  • NDC Welfare: Julius Debrah assures readiness to massively support directorate 

    Julius Debrah with NDC members

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed 

     

    During a visit to the the Office of Former Chief of Staff by the Welfare Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Honorable Julius Debrah expressed high hope in the team and his readiness to support the team to serve the party members. 

     

    He advised that the welfare of every organization is what sustains it. Hence, they must be prepared to go the extra mile and be accommodating to all. 

     

    Tipped for the Running Mate position to partner the flagbearer, the stalwart figure in NDC added that, welfare of members of an organization is a collective responsibility; therefore, they must reach out to everyone. By doing so, the NDC will have its base organized, which will undoubtedly contribute to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s victory in 2024.

     

    “I am always ready to assist the directorate, along with other stakeholders, in making the welfare of the party’s members the topmost priority”, Julius Debrah assured the team in his private office. 

     

    The Welfare Directorate of the NDC, led by Hon. Vida Adae and Mr. William Atamudzi, as part of their quest to build a stronger welfare bond and package for the party’s membership, paid a courtesy call on Chief Julius Debrah. 

     

    The purpose was to formally inform him of their readiness to involve all experienced hands and seek his wise counsel and participation in their activities.

     

     

     

  • Election 2024: The Magical Pair For NDC’s Resounding Victory

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Ghana’s Elections 2024 undoubtedly is going to be a tough one to crossover.

     

    Every personality in the front line must add weight and substance to the prospect of the political parties to be participating, especially the NDC and NPP.

     

    The flagbearers and their running mates must be solid politicians who are very charismatic politicians (strong force magnets) who can exert much influence in the voting decisions across the demographics of Ghana’s economy and social life.

     

    The magnetic pair for NDC should be John Dramani Mahama and Julius Debrah as it is much expected by many NDC faithfuls and the Ghanaian business class.

    Julius Debrah
    Julius Debrah and John Mahama

    Julius Debrah (JD), former Chief of Staff to the former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, undeniably has been the secret behind the NDC’s flagbearer strength and success.

     

    JD is mostly referred to as the most affable, affectionate, hardworking, strategic and tactical brain, non-discriminative high political personality, very charitable and supportive.

     

    His clout and command of power in Ghana’s political landscape is enviable and undisputably incomparable.

     

    A mention of his name, immediately makes all present think about ‘humility’. It doesn’t matter about your age, class or status, he is always ready to and help out.

     

    JD, born on 24 April 1966 (age 57) is anative of Obomeng Kwahu from the Eastern Region.

     

    Academically, a product of Mpraeso Secondary School, Achimota Secondary School and University of Ghana where he obtained Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Sociology.

     

    A great and successful business player and unrelenting politician. A three times Parliamentary Candidate for the NDC in a no go area of the NPP, yet, he held the battle front for the NDC party during the crucial times of the party when the was first witnessing dreadful opposition from the treacherous Akufo-Addo, Atta-Kyea, and the likes.

    Julius Debrah in strategic talks with John Mahama

    Despite, not winning the seat, his hard work, resilience and loyalty to the NDC were noticed and was therefore called to serve the party further in the capacity of Regional minister of Eastern and Greater Accra.

     

    He later served the local government ministry remarkably and later called to be the Chief Servant of the First Gentleman of the land as Chief of Staff.

     

    His leadership restructured and positioned Ghana’s Tourism industry as a key contributor to the economy while the industry players were heavily supported to meet the world class standards when he CEO position of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

     

    His magical calmness, noble servant, strategic and tactical leadership and humility established the most cordial and undying relationship between him and his boss, John Mahama, even throughout this periods of seven years in opposition.

     

    His servantship to John Mahama is above extraordinary.

     

    Such values is what NDC needs now to backup the footsteps and softings the hearts of the undecided middle class, youth, and classless voters to consider the NDC as the ultimate choice.

     

    (Sponsored by Friends of Julius Debrah)