News Guide Africa

Tag: President John Dramani Mahama

  • Ghana open for business 24/7 – Mahama to investors

    Ghana open for business 24/7 – Mahama to investors

    President John Dramani Mahama has assured international investors that Ghana is fully open for business round the clock.

    Speaking to government leaders and business executives at the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum last week, he said Ghana’s economic strategy was focused on productivity, exports, and job creation.

    “Our economic strategy is anchored in productivity, exports, and jobs. We call it the 24-hour economy for a reason. Ghana is open for business 24 hours a day,” President Mahama said.

    He explained that the government is putting in place infrastructure, incentives, and skills training to support businesses that want to operate day and night including factories, farms, sports facilities, and service centres.

    A key part of the strategy is the Volta Economic Corridor, which the president described as Ghana’s most ambitious development plan to date. It is built on four pillars:

    Irrigating more than two million hectares for year-round farming.
    Setting up agro-industrial parks for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
    Boosting tourism and hospitality along Lake Volta.
    Transforming Lake Volta into a transport spine to reduce logistics costs and connect factories to markets.

    President Mahama said these are being supported by major projects such as the Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park, the Kumasi Machinery and Technology Park, the Akosombo and Juapong Garments and Textiles Park, Digital TVET Centres of Excellence, and Renewable Corridors.

     

     

     

  • A look at likely AU leadership under Mahama

    A look at likely AU leadership under Mahama

    The African Union (AU) officially announced in the Sirte Declaration in Libya on September 9,1999, has witnessed leadership of several Presidents and Head of States.

    The current Chairperson is H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of Angola, serving from February 2025 to February 2026. This position is a rotating role, held for a one-year term by a Head of State from one of the AU’s five regions namely: North, South, East, West, and Central Africa.

    The Chairperson of the African Union is the ceremonial head of the African Union (AU) elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term. He or she is selected by consensus or a majority vote of the Heads of State at the AU Summit.

    In the likely event that, information being gathered materialise, President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s recording setting President will be aspiring to serve the continental bloc as Chairperson.

    Ghana’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, speaking to the unofficial information expressed optimism that President Mahama could be elected as Chairman of the African Union (AU) in 2027.

    He noted that President Mahama’s experience and leadership credentials place him in a strong position to spearhead the continent’s vision of unity and development.

    President Mahama has already indicated he will not seek a third term in Ghana, but with three years remaining in his mandate, many African leaders are looking to him to chart a path of prosperity and stability.

    Africa, with its population of over 1.4 billion people and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat headquartered in Accra, Ghana, is strategically positioned to shape global trade.

    Ablakwa believes Mahama’s leadership at the AU would strengthen Africa’s voice in global economic and political affairs, particularly in building stronger partnerships with Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

    President Mahama is no stranger to continental leadership. During his first term in office, he served as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from March 2014 to May 2015.

    Under his chairmanship, he coordinated West Africa’s collective response to the Ebola epidemic in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. He also mediated political crises in Burkina Faso and Mali, earning respect as a consensus-builder and statesman.

    In addition, Mahama has worked with the African Union on peace and security initiatives and supported AU and UN peacekeeping missions with Ghanaian troops.

    His advocacy for regional integration and infrastructural development has often aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and politically united Africa.

    Given Mahama’s stature as a former ECOWAS Chairman and his renewed mandate in Ghana, many analysts believe he will be strongly considered when West Africa’s turn to lead the AU arises.

    Ablakwa stressed that Mahama’s leadership would bring renewed transformation and deepen Africa’s engagement with global partners. He said the prospect of Mahama at the helm of the AU inspires confidence across the continent.

    Many Africans who have commented on circulating information sees President Mahama’s chances of becoming AU chair as promising, considering his recent involvement in high-level African Union (AU) meetings.

    While it’s difficult to predict the outcome of the AU chair election, Mahama’s experience, advocacy, and commitment to African development make him a potential contender.

     

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

  • Adwumawura Programme: Gov’t allocates GH₵110m for youth-led businesses support

    The government of Ghana under the leadership of President John Dramani mahama has taken a paramount step towards empowering Ghana’s burgeoning youth population.

    President John Dramani Mahama’s government has allocated GH₵110 million for the operationalization of the Adwumawura Programme.

    ‘Adwumawura’ is a transformative initiative designed to tackle the pervasive challenge of youth unemployment and catalyze innovation. It is touted as a paramount step towards empowering Ghana’s burgeoning youth population.

    The allocation; facilitated by the Minister of Finance underscores the NDC’s unrelenting dedication to empowering young Ghanaians through strategic job creation and entrepreneurship initiatives

    “In a further prove to the government’s unrelenting support for youth empowerment, an amount of GH₵110 million has been allocated this year for the nationwide rollout of the Adwumawura Programme,” the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, said during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 4.

    “This significant financial commitment sends a powerful message that we are not merely articulating intentions; rather, we are investing in the future of our youth and recalibrating the trajectory of our nation.”

    Launched with great fanfare by President Mahama on April 28 at the prestigious Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi, the Adwumawura Programme is an ambitious endeavor aimed at creating, mentoring, and supporting a minimum of 10,000 businesses annually, targeting enterprising young Ghanaians between the ages of 18 and 35. Beneficiaries of this visionary program will receive comprehensive support, encompassing entrepreneurship training, access to startup capital, cutting-edge equipment, and expert business mentorship.

    Mr. Opare Addo underscored that this pioneering initiative transcends mere job creation, seeking to establish sustainable enterprises that will contribute meaningfully to national development while unlocking the vast potential of Ghana’s youthful population.

    This monumental investment in youth empowerment is set to have a profound impact on the lives of countless young Ghanaians, providing them with the requisite tools and support to succeed in their entrepreneurial pursuits.

    Comrades, as the Adwumawura Programme begins to take shape, it is anticipated that it will become a game-changer in Ghana’s youth empowerment landscape, yielding a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders who will drive the nation’s economic growth and development.

  • Volta Region’s Unwavering Support for Mahama Rooted in Experience, Promise, and Proven Leadership – Regional Minister Declares

    The Volta Region’s massive endorsement of President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general elections — with a resounding 90.12% of the vote — was not accidental, but a decisive statement of belief in tested leadership and a vision that speaks directly to the region’s aspirations. This was the strong message delivered by Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu during a courtesy call on President Mahama at the Presidency on Thursday.

    The visit, led by the Volta Regional Minister and the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, was aimed at discussing regional development and renewing the region’s partnership with the new government.

    According to Hon. James Gunu, the region’s backing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer stemmed from three clear reasons: confidence in Mahama’s seasoned leadership, the relevance of the NDC’s development blueprint, and a political history rooted in tangible progress under NDC governments.

    > “We were inspired by the unmatched leadership experience and proven track record of President Mahama — a statesman who understands the soul of this nation and has consistently delivered when it mattered most,” Hon James Gunu stated.

    He emphasized that the NDC’s 2024 manifesto had a distinct Volta-centered focus, detailing 33 transformational projects that touch every major sector — from roads and industrial parks to education and employment.

    > “This wasn’t just another manifesto. It was a contract of purpose. It laid out concrete plans to unlock the full potential of our region,” he said. “And we recognized that. We responded not with noise, but with numbers — at the ballot box.”

    Gunu also highlighted what he described as the region’s “clear political memory,” noting that development in Volta has always seen real traction under NDC leadership. “This truth has become our compass,” he said.

    The minister’s remarks came as part of a wider conversation with the President, during which the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, also addressed the gathering. He took the opportunity to commend President Mahama’s early gestures toward the region and outlined a list of priorities for his administration.

    Togbe Tepre Hodo IV praised the President for selecting the Volta Region as the first stop on his thank-you tour and for appointing natives of the region into key positions in government. He acknowledged improvements in macroeconomic stability, particularly in stabilizing the cedi and moderating inflation and fuel prices.

    He lauded the government’s recent National Education Forum and mid-year budget allocations for critical road projects in the region, while urging that these infrastructure commitments not be delayed.

    > “Given that these are multi-year projects, we pray they are started in time and completed during his current tenure,” he said.

    The Chiefs also appealed for targeted support to strengthen traditional governance, including budgeted workshops for newly inaugurated traditional councils and legal guidance on the best model for engaging in the Feed Ghana Project.

    Togbe Tepre Hodo IV further called for urgent attention to unresolved regional challenges, including inland immigration posts at Asikuma and Sogakope, the completion of the Keta Port and Ho Airport, the long-stalled eastern corridor roads, and sea defense infrastructure in Agavedzi.

    He underscored the need to boost capacity at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, not only to improve local healthcare training but also to develop an export-ready health workforce to tackle unemployment.

    > “We as chiefs will continue to support your government with ideas and suggestions in order to reset and move this country forward,” he assured.

  • President Mahama Appoints Alhaji Said Sinare as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    President Mahama Appoints Alhaji Said Sinare as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Accra, Ghana – 24th July 2025
    In a bold and strategic diplomatic move, President John Dramani Mahama has nominated H.E. Alhaji Said Sinare, former National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The appointment, which was officially communicated in a letter dated 21st July 2025 and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, forms part of a broader reshuffle in Ghana’s diplomatic front aimed at deepening bilateral relations and strengthening the country’s international presence.

    Alhaji Sinare, a seasoned diplomat and respected statesman, previously served Ghana as Ambassador to Egypt and Saudi Arabia during the earlier administration of President Mahama.

    His reappointment to Saudi Arabia is seen by political analysts and observers as a clear endorsement of his competence, vast diplomatic experience, and commitment to national service.

    The letter, addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, directs the ministry to take the necessary steps to facilitate the appointment processes for Alhaji Sinare and seven other distinguished individuals named as ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries, including Namibia, South Korea, Italy, Hungary, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.

    Alhaji Sinare’s return to Riyadh as Ghana’s top envoy comes at a crucial time when Ghana seeks to expand its diplomatic and economic engagements with Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region. His vast experience in Arab geopolitics and international diplomacy positions him as the right man to drive Ghana’s interests in the oil-rich Kingdom.

    The presidency also announced a replacement in the Vatican diplomatic mission, with Mr. Benedict Batabe Assorow designated to replace Mrs. Satireh Dorcas Ocran as Ambassador to the Vatican City State.

    As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs moves to finalize the formalities, supporters of the NDC and members of the diplomatic community have welcomed the appointments, especially that of Alhaji Sinare, which they say reflects the President’s confidence in tested hands who can deliver results on the global stage.

    Alhaji Said Sinare’s wealth of experience, Pan-African credentials, and loyalty to Ghana’s democratic and development agenda are expected to bring renewed vigor to Ghana-Saudi relations under the Mahama administration.

  • Mahama is restoring credibility to governance – Goosie Tanoh

    The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programmes, Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, has expressed strong confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to restoring credibility and legitimacy to governance.

    Mr. Goosie Tanoh highlighted the President’s achievements within his first 120 days in office, describing them as a clear signal of renewed purpose and dedication to national transformation.

    “I think that the social contract, the 120-day contract, and the fact that he has achieved all those milestones show a new, renewed determination and purpose.

    “And that sets the landscape for what is to come, and so, in that sense, yes, I think he has demonstrated clearly that he means business, he also means to promote, protect and expand business,” he noted.

    Mr. Tanoh clarified that the 24-Hour Economy goes beyond extended working hours, explaining that it represents a broader transformation in how the state interacts with citizens, businesses, and institutions.

    “One of the interesting things is that the reset [agenda] is also about the state and the way the state relates to the citizenry, relates to businesses and other institutions. Because without an efficient and friendly state, investors will run away, and it will also become a barrier and a bar to progress and development,” he stated.

    He also pointed to the President’s anti-corruption drive, highlighting the newly introduced Code of Conduct for public officials as a demonstration of the administration’s resolve to enhance transparency and accountability.

    “Some of the anti-corruption things he has done, such as the Code of Conduct, are to lead the way that this our dispensation we mean business and we will do it,” he added.

    Mr. Tanoh’s remarks follow the launch of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy, which seeks to create jobs, boost productivity, and promote inclusive economic growth by encouraging round-the-clock operations in critical sectors including healthcare, transport, retail, and manufacturing.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • BoG moves to improve security measures …as cybercrime cost Africa excess of US$4bn annually

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

    The International Police (Interpol) has estimated that, the cost of cybercrime across Africa is in excess of US$4.0 billion annually.

    This is evident locally as the Bank of Ghana reports indicates that, in 2022, Ghana recorded over 21,000 cyber fraud attempts in the financial sector, most targeting digital platforms.

    First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Zakari Mumuni has posited that, cybercrime is not a distant risk; it is a present danger, recalling that, in 2018, the bank issued one of the continent’s earliest Cyber and Information Security Directives for financial institutions, mandating risk-based frameworks, incident response protocols, and regulatory reporting.

    “This reality underscores a simple truth: financial inclusion without system integrity is unsustainable. Cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue, it is a strategic imperative at the core of financial governance”, Dr Mumuni, said.

    “Public trust, institutional confidence, and systemic stability now hinge on our ability to anticipate, withstand, and respond to cyber risks,” he said at the 14th AFI leaders’ roundtable discussion on the theme “Strengthening cyber resilience in digital financial services in Africa.”

    Dr. Zakari noted that the Central Bank has long recognised this imperative.

    “Today, over 40 financial institutions are integrated into our Financial Industry Security Operations Centre (FINSOC), enabling real-time threat detection and response,” he said.

    The BoG conducts annual cybersecurity maturity assessments, using international frameworks like NIST and COBIT-5, to inform supervisory action and identify systemic gaps. In 2024, over 40% of assessed entities showed critical vulnerabilities particularly in access control and incident response.

    “We are addressing these gaps with targeted interventions. Critically, we are not acting alone. We continue to work closely with Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, the World Bank, INTERPOL, and the Africa Cybersecurity Resource Centre to bolster expertise and coordinate responses at scale,” he said.

    To demonstrate this commitment, he recalled that in 2023, Ghana joined the African Development Bank’s AFAWA initiative, supporting financial institutions to unlock credit for women entrepreneurs through risk-sharing instruments and technical assistance.

    Even more significantly, he said, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana is establishing a Women’s Development Bank, with seed capital of GHc 51.3 million allocated in the 2025 budget.

    “This institution will directly address the persistent credit gap faced by women-led businesses particularly in agriculture, trade, and tech,” Dr Mumuni said.

    He added that these initiatives reflect our belief that women’s financial inclusion is not a social obligation, but a smart economic strategy.

    “The digital financial future we envision is rich with promise, but that promise will only be realized if it is anchored in systems that are trusted, inclusive, and secure.

    “The work we’ve done this week, the insights shared, the tools exchanged, the partnerships renewed, are powerful signals of what is possible when we lead together. I am confident that we have the will and the wisdom to build a resilient financial future for all Africans,” he said.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Mahama’s ‘BIG PUSH’ to receive boost …as Ghana readies to re-enter bond market amidst Fitch’s upgrades 

    President John Mahama in a discussion with Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    All things being equal, President John Mahama’s ‘BIG PUSH’ initiative will soon receive a boost as the government prepares to re-enter the international bond market amidst soaring investor confidence.

     

    This comes as Fitch Ratings has upgraded Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from ‘Restricted Default’ to ‘B-’ with a Stable Outlook, signalling a major vote of confidence in the country’s ongoing economic recovery under the stewardship of Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

     

    The upgrade reflects significant progress in Ghana’s fiscal and debt management, following the successful restructuring of $13.1 billion in Eurobond debt and the near-completion of outstanding external debt negotiations. Fitch notes that Ghana has normalised relations with most commercial creditors and expects full restructuring to be finalised by the end of 2025. This will usher Ghana back onto the international bond market to access funds for its developmental agenda.

     

    The NDC in its election 2024 manifesto indicated it will roll out the ‘Big Push’ for national infrastructure development to continue its legacy of massive infrastructure development to boost growth and create sustainable jobs.

     

    The “Big Push” is a policy aimed at driving national infrastructure development in Ghana, focusing on completing abandoned projects, revamping the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, and expanding water supply systems.

    This initiative includes a US$10 billion accelerated plan and specific projects like the Sogakope Trans-Boundary Water System and the Pwalugu multi-purpose dam.

     

    According to the Fitch report, one of the standout achievements is the sharp decline in inflation, which has dropped from 23% in 2024 to 18.4% in May 2025—the lowest rate in over three years. Inflation is expected to continue falling, averaging 15% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, supported by tight monetary policy, fiscal discipline, and improved exchange rate stability.

     

    The Ghana cedi has appreciated significantly in recent months, reversing previous trends and helping to ease price pressures on imported goods and fuel. Fitch credits the cedi’s strong performance to renewed confidence in Ghana’s macroeconomic fundamentals and proactive interventions by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana.

     

    Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has led a bold economic reset since assuming office, with a clear strategy focused on fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, and restoring market confidence. Under his leadership:

     

    Ghana’s public debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to decline to 60% in 2025, down from 93% in 2022; Gross international reserves are now at $6.8 billion, with more growth expected in 2025 and 2026; The fiscal deficit is narrowing, with a projected primary surplus of 0.5% of GDP in 2025.

    Interest payments now consume only 25% of revenue, down from 48% in 2021; Real GDP growth remains solid, at 5.7% in 2024 and projected at 4% in 2025.

     

    In response to the credit upgrade, senior officials at the Ministry of Finance attributed Dr. Forson’s firm policy direction and stakeholder engagement for restoring Ghana’s credibility in global markets.

     

    “This milestone reflects the Finance Minister’s bold leadership in navigating Ghana out of default and laying the foundation for sustainable growth,” one official stated. “Lower inflation, a stronger cedi, and renewed investor interest are all signs that the economy is stabilising.”

     

    The Fitch upgrade is more than a technical rating change—it’s a significant endorsement that will boost Ghana’s appeal to foreign investors, support the reopening of domestic capital markets, increase the country’s access to cheaper credit and ease pressure on public finances.

     

    Dr. Forson, speaking earlier this month, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to staying the course:

     

    “We are building an economy that works for everyone. This upgrade is a signal that Ghana is back on track, and we will not relent in protecting the gains we’ve made.”

     

    Ghana’s path from default in 2022 to a ‘B-’ stable outlook in mid-2025 represents one of the strongest sovereign credit turnarounds in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years. But as Dr. Forson and the Ministry of Finance continue to emphasise, this is not the finish line. With inflation declining, the exchange rate stabilising, and debt falling, the Fitch upgrade is not only a win for the government but a hopeful sign for all Ghanaians looking forward to a more stable and prosperous future.

  • President Mahama to address nation at 8pm on 120-Day Social Contract update 

     

     

     

     

    Adnan Adams

     

    President John Dramani Mahama will address the nation today at 8pm on all major radio, television, and online platforms, providing a comprehensive update on his administration’s 120-day social contract progress.

     

    This special national broadcast will give Ghanaians an opportunity to assess President Mahama’s performance and compliance with his campaign promises.

     

    During the broadcast, President Mahama will highlight key achievements under his 120-day action plan. He will discuss the implementation of a leaner government structure designed to reduce public expenditure, a move aimed at optimizing resource allocation.

     

    The President will also touch on the organization of a National Economic Dialogue and an Education Dialogue, initiatives that seek to chart a course for long-term recovery and policy realignment in these critical sectors.

     

    Furthermore, President Mahama will provide updates on the launch of the “Tree for Life” and “Blue Water” environmental initiatives, as well as the rollout of the “One Million Coders” program. This program aims to enhance digital skills and promote youth employment, aligning with the administration’s commitment to empowering the youth.

     

    H.E John mahama will also shed light on the establishment of the Mahama Cares Health Fund, a key initiative aimed at improving healthcare delivery. Additionally, he will discuss the abolition of the E-Levy, Bet Tax, and Emissions Levy, as well as the funding of the Women’s Development Bank. These moves are expected to have a positive impact on the economy and the lives of Ghanaians.

     

    Moreover, President Mahama will throw more light on the Code of Conduct for all government appointees, underscoring his commitment to transparency and accountability. This initiative seeks to promote ethical leadership and ensure that government officials serve with integrity.

     

    Ghanaians are encouraged to tune in to the broadcast to assess the progress made so far and draw their own conclusions about the administration’s compliance with its campaign promises.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • National Economic Dialogue 2025: Mahama urges participants to earnestly come out with solutions that works for all

    President John Mahama delivering keynote address at the opening ceremony of the National Economic Dialogue 2025

     

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    President John Dramani Mahama has officially opened the maiden National Economic Dialogue 2025 taking place in Accra.

     

    The president, who chaired the opening ceremony and also the keynote speaker, in his address noted that, Ghana is at critical crossroads with its economic growth and needed bold solutions and sacrifices to restore the economy on growth trajectory.

     

    “… Building economy that works for everyone should be our focus”, he intimated.

     

    “NED create a powerful platform where government actors,  the private sector, the academia and Civil society organisations meet yo dialogue on national reforms”

     

    President Mahama further urged the participants to examine the restructural reforms that provide the private sector much attention to truly be the engine of growth.

     

    The colorful event is full of hope as participants have expressed their resolve to contribute their part in the resetting of Ghana.

     

    The two-day dialogue event under the theme “Resetting Ghana: Building the Economy We Want Together” aims to tackle the country’s pressing economic challenges and chart a path toward sustainable economic growth.

     

     

    Consequently, Chairman of the NED Planning Committee, Dr Ishmeal Yamson, in his opening remarks shared that, many Ghanaians are ready to stand and walk with you and you shall succeed.

     

    “It is our hope that the Dialogue will present concrete proposals to help reshape the destiny of Ghana.”

     

    He indicated that there is the need to structure the Dialogue into a permanent institute to help in the revitalisation of economic development.

     

    The dialogue forms part of his commitment to fostering inclusive discussions on economic policies and reforms, ensuring that key stakeholders contribute to shaping the country’s financial future.