News Guide Africa

Tag: President John Dramani Mahama

  • BoG to enforce cedi as the primary medium of exchange  … as President Mahama expresses hope

    BoG to enforce cedi as the primary medium of exchange  … as President Mahama expresses hope

    Ghana’s currency, the Cedi, has regained respect both locally and internationally, according to President John Dramani Mahama.

    Speaking at the International Currency Conference in commemoration of Cedi@60 organised by Currency Research and the Bank of Ghana in Accra, President Mahama praised the management of the currency, saying it has brought stability and confidence to the economy.

    “The governor and all your team at the BoG ,and the Ministry of Finance, Ghanaians are grateful to you for the management of our currency,” President Mahama said. He emphasized the renewed confidence in the Cedi, saying, “I think that a lot of respect has returned to our currency.”

    The Cedi@60 celebration marks six decades since Ghana introduced its national currency, replacing the Ghanaian Pound in 1965. The event was themed “Sovereignty, Stability, and Economic Resilience,” highlighting the country’s pursuit of economic stability and independence.

    Consequently, the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama, speaking at the event said, the central bank will intensify efforts to re-anchor the Cedi as the primary medium of exchange in the country. He emphasized the need to address currency substitution and dollarization, which threaten Ghana’s economic sovereignty.

    “The Bank of Ghana is committed to maintaining currency stability and promoting the use of the Cedi in domestic transactions,” Dr. Asiama said. He added that protecting the Cedi is a collective national responsibility, requiring the efforts of every Ghanaian.

    “Protecting the Cedi goes beyond monetary policy and regulatory efforts, extending to the everyday actions and attitudes of citizens, businesses, and institutions,” Dr. Asiama said. He urged Ghanaians to hold the Cedi with confidence and pride, saying it is a symbol of national sovereignty and stability.

    The Cedi has shown significant improvement in recent times, appreciating by nearly 35% against major currencies this year. The Bank of Ghana has implemented various measures to strengthen the Cedi, including monetary policy interventions and efforts to increase foreign exchange inflows.

    The Currency Conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of the Ghanaian Cedi and its role in the country’s economic development.

    Experts shared insights on the Cedi’s performance and prospects, highlighting the need for continued efforts to promote economic stability and growth.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • This is not a rebellion but a caution – NDC Chairman bares teeth at Mahama over appointment snub

    This is not a rebellion but a caution – NDC Chairman bares teeth at Mahama over appointment snub

    Good Day, Your Excellency

     

    His Excellency John Dramani Mahama,

     

    Before I proceed, permit me to extend my sincerest congratulations on your historic and resounding victory on the 7th of December 2024. A remarkable triumph that reflects your resilience, your steadfast dedication, and your patience through the trials you endured, emerging not just victorious but exemplary. You won beautifully, yet not alone. Behind your success stood thousands who believed in your vision: our gallant national, regional, constituency, and especially branch executives who risked their very lives to safeguard our ballots. To all stakeholders who stood firmly with you, we salute you.

     

    My name is Alex Asiedu Sekorme, Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Agona West, in the Central Region of Ghana. With utmost humility, Your Excellency, allow me to present a few concerns, not as complaints, but as sincere reflections of a loyal comrade who seeks only fairness and renewed hope for the grassroots.

     

    Your Excellency, if you recall the 28th of March 2023, among the many engagements we have shared, during your campaign visit to Agona West for the flagbearer contest. At the Roman Catholic Parish Hall, in an electric atmosphere where both the old and young rejoiced at the sight of you, where trumpets blared and the youth chanted spirited songs, you and I shared a brief “mouth-to-ear” moment.

     

    We spoke about the long-standing issue of opportunities within the constituency, how for years NDC members and MPs here had not benefitted from meaningful appointments to empower the vibrant, hardworking youth. That day, you used me as an example, noting that I stood as the youngest constituency chairman, and you emphasized the importance of supporting young leaders and decentralizing opportunities to the grassroots.

     

    Your Excellency, we took your words to heart. For the first time in our history, Agona West delivered both the parliamentary and presidential seats. We gave you an unprecedented 30,525 votes, while the opponent secured 21,387, a significant and undeniable push toward national victory. Yet despite these extraordinary gains, our constituency has witnessed no notable appointments reflecting these efforts. I believe similar promises were made across all 276 constituencies, and many of us stand today with similar uncertainties.

     

    Your Excellency, we remained loyal to our commitment and to yours. In the journey to victory, we lost comrades. Some were fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and even children. Today, many of their families remain unattended, forgotten. We sacrificed our resources, our jobs, our time, our sleep, and our peace because we believed in the dream.

     

    Yet today, many who have been appointed to serve, uplift, and respond to the grassroots have turned deaf ears to our concerns. Those we once called godfathers no longer respond to calls or messages. The united front we built has gradually splintered into cartels, small circles of influence where, if you do not belong, your people are denied opportunities.

     

    Some MPs, too, who have been entrusted with resources intended for the constituency, remain silent about them, forgetting that the privileges they enjoy today were secured through collective effort and sacrifice, especially from the grassroots.The once-valued constituency chairmen are now treated as strangers, denied the very opportunities they fought to secure for their branches. Many chairmen sustained the party through the difficult years of opposition, paying hospital bills, school fees, buying coffins for deceased members, and supporting weddings, funerals, and emergencies, all from their own pockets, to keep the party alive.

     

    So what do we tell the people who look up to us?

     

    The youth we encouraged with promises of hope?

     

    The families of our fallen comrades?

     

    Have we forgotten the lessons that once cost us dearly?

     

    Should we now begin to lose faith in our own party?

     

    The fear of being sidelined has forced many loyal voices into silence, and it is the silence of the lion that makes it most dangerous.

     

     

    Should we believe the words of Kojo Oppong Nkrumah when he said: “In every political equation, there is always someone being used.”

     

    Your Excellency, these are not words of rebellion; they are words of caution. A gentle reminder that apathy is brewing at the very roots that carried us to victory.

     

    We believe in you.

     

    We believe in the party.

     

    0553143196

  • Int’l Currency Conference opens in Accra …as Mahama lauds MoF and BoG for Cedi stability

    Int’l Currency Conference opens in Accra …as Mahama lauds MoF and BoG for Cedi stability

    President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for its efforts in stabilizing the cedi against other foreign currencies.

     

    He said this feat needs to be acknowledged and commended as it came as a result of hard work and economic prudence by the Bank of Ghana and the Finance Ministry.

     

    The Bank of Ghana has thereby been assured of the government’s commitment to make it independent given the critical role it plays in the stabilization of the economy. The President in his opening remarks described the cedi as indispensable as it symbolizes Ghana’s aspirations in the management of “our own affairs, regulating our markets and standing shoulder to shoulder with other global currencies.

     

    “The cedi@60 has shaped the expectations of households and businesses. It has absorbed shocks, domestic, regional, and global, and symbolize the resilience of Ghana’s economy”, he said at the opening ceremony of the International Currency Conference in Accra on Tuesday, organized by the BoG in collaboration with Currency Research (CR).

     

    Meanwhile, the BoG Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, paid a glowing tribute to the cedi, stating that it has remained central to policy-making for 60 years. He highlighted the cedi’s impact on families, businesses, and communities, and emphasized the need to protect and respect the currency.

     

    Dr. Asiama stressed that the next 60 years would require policymakers to ensure the cedi continues to serve Ghanaians’ aspirations. He also commended President Mahama for his support to the BoG, which has contributed to the cedi’s stability.

     

    The conference provides a platform for experts and policy leaders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the financial sector.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • GRA Gets New Acting Commissioner for Domestic Tax Revenue Division

    GRA Gets New Acting Commissioner for Domestic Tax Revenue Division

    President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya as the Acting Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), effective Monday, 17th November 2025.

    Dr. Yamborigya takes over from Mr. Edward Apenteng Gyambrah, who has retired from the position.

     

    With over two decades of experience in Ghana’s Revenue Administration, Dr. Yamborigya is a well-respected Tax5 Administrator and Public Finance Expert. He has held several senior management positions within the GRA, including Audit Team Leader, Head of Audit, and Assistant Commissioner.

     

    Dr. Yamborigya’s appointment is expected to boost tax compliance, drive domestic revenue mobilization, and enhance collaboration with stakeholders.

    The GRA management and staff have congratulated him on his new role and wished him success in his tenure.

     

    The new Acting Commissioner is expected to leverage digital solutions and stakeholder engagement to drive Ghana’s revenue mobilization efforts forward.

  • GJA Awards 2025: Leaders Praise Peace Efforts, Condemn Galamsey

    GJA Awards 2025: Leaders Praise Peace Efforts, Condemn Galamsey

    The 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards ceremony honored media excellence and recognized leaders’ efforts in promoting peace, security, and the fight against galamsey.

     

    Held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the event was attended by dignitaries including former President John Dramani Mahama, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and IGP Christian Tetteh Yohunu.

     

    GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour emphasized peace as essential for national development and the galamsey fight. He praised President Mahama for nominating Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to lead Boko conflict mediation, ensuring relative calm. Dwumfour also commended IGP Yohunu for improving police-media relations.

     

    The GJA honored Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for contributions to democracy, peace, and the galamsey fight. He was recognized for destooling chiefs involved in illegal mining and championing sustainable development.

     

    Asantehene’s Scathing Critique on Galamsey

     

    In a powerful speech, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II condemned galamsey, attributing inaction to politicians’ fear of losing votes. “It’s politics, it’s because of votes, nothing else,” he stated, challenging traditional leaders to act. He contrasted modern mining practices with historical methods, emphasizing environmental destruction.

     

    The event celebrated journalistic excellence, recognizing 27 individual journalists and 7 media houses for responsible reporting. The GJA emphasized the media’s role in promoting peace, security, and the galamsey fight.

  • GJA Awards 2025: Leaders Unite Against Galamsey, Champion Peace and Environmental Protection

    GJA Awards 2025: Leaders Unite Against Galamsey, Champion Peace and Environmental Protection

    The 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards brought together prominent leaders, including Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and6 President John Dramani Mahama, to emphasize the urgent need for a united front against illegal mining (galamsey) and promote peace, security, and environmental protection.

     

    In a powerful speech, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II delivered a scathing critique of galamsey, attributing inaction to politicians’ fear of losing votes. “It’s politics, it’s because of votes, nothing else,” he stated, challenging traditional leaders to act. He contrasted modern mining practices with historical methods, emphasizing environmental destruction and urging leaders to prioritize the nation’s well-being.

     

    President John Dramani Mahama echoed the Asantehene’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for collective action against galamsey. He highlighted the risks faced by journalists covering the issue and commended their dedication to reporting on the problem despite challenges.

     

    Key Highlights:

     

    – Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s condemnation of galamsey and call for decisive action

    – President Mahama’s emphasis on a united front against galamsey

    – Recognition of journalists’ bravery in reporting on the issue

    – Government initiatives to combat galamsey and promote environmental restoration

    – Importance of peace, security, and environmental protection for Ghana’s future

  • Ghana is first African nation to contribute to IFPIM … Mahama promises local Media Fund

    Ghana is first African nation to contribute to IFPIM … Mahama promises local Media Fund

    As media practitioners locally and globally push for governmental support for an independent press, through financial and capacity building support to embolden press freedom and professionalism, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, has set the pace.

    He led Ghana to become the first African nation to make a financial contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM). Many journalists and press freedom advocates have described this as a demonstration of his strong belief in the vital role of independent journalism for credible information.

    Speaking at the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media held last week, in Paris, France, President Mahama announced Ghana’s decision to become a full member of the Partnership for Information and Democracy, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and open governance.

    “The time has come for all of us to translate our shared ideals into tangible action — to demonstrate genuine commitment to supporting public interest media and safeguarding the integrity of information”, he posited. “Together, we must win and we will win the global war against misinformation and disinformation.”

    Consequently he indicated that “This decision has been officially communicated through the appropriate diplomatic channels, affirming Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and open governance. Our landmark decision sends a clear message to the international community that Ghana remains steadfast in advancing the frontiers of freedom, upholding the rule of law, and serving as a model nation in promoting democracy and good governance.”

    Outcomes of the conference

    Showing his satisfaction with the outcomes of the conference, he highlighted several key achievements, including: The endorsement of the Paris Declaration on Multilateral Action for Information Integrity and Independent Media, reaffirming global commitment to free, independent, and pluralistic information ecosystems; Renewed political and financial pledges to replenish the International Fund for Public Interest Media, with a goal of raising €130 million between 2026 and 2028 to support independent journalism worldwide; The establishment of a Consultative Committee to strengthen coordination among states, civil society, and the Forum for Information and Democracy; and a shared global understanding that defending truth must be a sustained, collective effort that transcends national and institutional boundaries.

    Local media support

    On the local front, President Mahama recently assured the Ghanaian media of a relaunch of the Media Development Fund to aid and equip Ghana’s media personnel with requisite funding for enhancing their efficiency.

    While speaking at an engagement with Ghana’s media stakeholders at the Presidency, he revealed that the previous Media Development Fund initiated under his first term, was plagued with many discrepancies and lacked proper structure. “It was something that we initiated early and then there was confusion about how the Fund was administered and then it died a premature death.”

    He noted that engagements with stakeholders for a more structured mode of delivery are underway and will be relaunched with the necessary provision made under next year’s budget, promising transparent management through a joint Government–Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) board.

    “We are all more mature now and we will put in a mechanism that will make it more transparent and easier for journalists to benefit from the fund. I think that under next year’s budget under the Government Communications department the Fund will be activated and some money will be put in it.”

    Apparently, expressing concern over Ghana’s drop in the international press freedom rankings, President Mahama cited harassment of journalists and the murder of investigative reporter Ahmed Suale as contributing factors. “Journalists are not enemies; they are performing a legitimate role of informing the public,” he said, calling for structured dialogue between security agencies and the GJA to end intimidation.

    On the future of state-owned media, Mahama encouraged modernisation and the adoption of digital subscription models similar to the New York Times but rejected full privatisation. “No private station will prioritise local language education and adult literacy. That is why public broadcasting remains important,” he stressed.

    President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to media freedom, declaring: “We must reclaim our pride of place as the beacon of media freedom, not only in West Africa but across Africa.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Mahama and Macron strengthen Ghana-France ties at Paris Peace Forum

    Mahama and Macron strengthen Ghana-France ties at Paris Peace Forum

    President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and French President Emmanuel Macron held extensive bilateral talks at the Élysée Palace on Thursday, discussing security cooperation, economic development, and regional stability on the sidelines of the 2025 Paris Peace Forum.

    The meeting opened on a solemn note, with President Macron offering condolences for the recent passing of Ghana’s former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.

    Both leaders praised the Paris Peace Initiative and the strengthening of relations between Ghana and France. A key focus of the talks was Ghana’s request for French assistance in combating piracy in its territorial waters. President Mahama sought support to protect Ghana’s maritime integrity from increasing piratical threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

    The two leaders also discussed a French concessionary loan for Ghana’s health sector that is awaiting parliamentary approval. President Mahama asked his French counterpart to use his influence with the International Monetary Fund to secure Ghana’s access to the facility from the French Development Bank, noting Ghana’s improved debt-to-GDP ratio.

    President Mahama, in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion of African Financial Institutions, advocated for collaboration to renegotiate loan agreements with lower interest rates for infrastructure projects.

    He emphasised Ghana’s role as home to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat and the need for enhanced road infrastructure to facilitate intra-African trade.

    The Mahama highlighted Ghana’s ambitious one-million-coders programme, which has already registered 200,000 students. He requested French support to train additional French language teachers to improve language education in Ghanaian schools.

    President Macron noted several upcoming opportunities for collaboration, including the VivaTech Summit in Nairobi in May 2026, where Ghana could showcase its digital innovation capabilities, the African Union-European Union summit in Angola, and the June 2026 G7 summit, where France would advocate for increased support for Ghana.

    President Mahama raised the subject of reparations for slavery, which Ghana is currently championing. President Macron pledged support for the initiative, noting that France had criminalised slavery, while cautioning that the reparations discussion should acknowledge the involvement of various actors beyond Western powers.

    The leaders discussed the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region, particularly terrorist incursions in Mali and other countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

     

    President Macron commended President Mahama’s leadership in the subregion, and Ghana’s economic reforms, pledging continued French support for Ghana’s development agenda.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • President Mahama Pays Tribute to Nana Konadu, Pioneer of Women’s Empowerment in Ghana

    President Mahama Pays Tribute to Nana Konadu, Pioneer of Women’s Empowerment in Ghana

    President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ghana’s former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, describing her as a towering figure in the nation’s political and social history.

     

    On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the President received a delegation comprising her children and other family members, who officially informed him of her passing.

     

    Speaking later at the swearing-in ceremony of 37 new High Court judges at the Jubilee House in Accra, President Mahama called for a moment of silence in her memory.

     

    “May the Almighty God grant her peaceful rest in His bosom. Amen,” he said.

     

    Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, aged 76, passed away at the Ridge Hospital in Accra. She was widely recognised for her lifelong dedication to women’s empowerment, gender equality, and national development.

     

    Born on November 17, 1948, in Cape Coast, she attended Ghana International School and Achimota School, where she met her future husband, the late President Jerry John Rawlings. She later studied Art and Textiles at the University of Science and Technology (now KNUST) and obtained a diploma in Interior Design from the London College of Arts.

     

    Throughout her life, Nana Konadu pursued further studies in Personnel Management, Development Studies, and completed fellowships in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership in the United States.

     

    She served as First Lady during two important eras in Ghana’s history first in 1979 under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and later from 1981 to 2001 under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and the Fourth Republic.

     

    In 1982, Nana Konadu founded the 31st December Women’s Movement, which became one of Ghana’s most influential women’s organisations. The movement empowered over two million women through programmes in education, entrepreneurship, family planning, and leadership development.

     

    Her advocacy for gender equality and social justice was instrumental in several major national reforms. She played a key role in Ghana’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 and championed the Intestate Succession Law, which secured inheritance rights for widows and reformed discriminatory customary practices.

     

    In 2016, Nana Konadu made history as the first woman to contest the presidency of Ghana, running on the ticket of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which she founded after parting ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

     

    Her enduring legacy lies in the generations of Ghanaian women she inspired to take up leadership roles and participate in governance a movement that significantly enhanced women’s representation in politics and public life across the country.

  • Garden Chat: Mahama courts Mitchell’s support for UN motion on slavery reparations

    Garden Chat: Mahama courts Mitchell’s support for UN motion on slavery reparations

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to seeking justice for the historical atrocities of slavery, following a conversation with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada.

    In a statement shared after what he described as a “garden conversation” with the Grenadian leader on Facebook on Saturday, October 18, Mahama reiterated that during this year’s United Nations General Assembly, he announced Ghana’s intention to file a motion at the UN next year to formally recognise slavery as one of the greatest crimes against humanity.Ghanaian Events Calendar

    As the African Union’s Champion for Reparations, Mahama emphasised that the push for recognition and redress is not about seeking charity but demanding justice and restoration for the descendants of enslaved Africans.

    “This cause is not a plea for charity, but a demand for justice and restoration,” Mahama said.

    He expressed confidence in the support of Prime Minister Mitchell, as well as leaders across the Caribbean and the African Union, in backing the motion at the global forum.