Ghana's Finance Ministry Warns Against Endorsing Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Due to Economic Implications
In a decisive move to address public sector corruption, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an investigation into the National Service Authority following the discovery of over 81,000 suspected ghost names on its payroll. This revelation emerged during a headcount aimed at clearing arrears in allowance payments. The finance ministry has since disbursed 226 million Ghana cedis ($14.6 million) to more than 98,000 legitimate payees as part of the payroll cleanup. President Mahama, who resumed office in January, has pledged to tackle entrenched corruption in Ghana. In a related development, Ghana's anti-graft agency has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted fugitive in connection with alleged corruption in five separate transactions. Ofori-Atta was unavailable for comment.
Government Revokes Post-Election Appointments
The Government has revoked all appointments and recruitments made in the Public Service of Ghana by the previous administration after December 7, 2024. This decision aims to ensure administrative and financial stability, as well as to prevent any potential conflicts arising from last-minute appointments. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary step for good governance, while others see it as politically motivated.
Council of State Elections Conclude Across Regions
Elections for regional representatives to Ghana's Council of State have been successfully conducted across all 16 regions. Notably, Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, the Paramount Chief of the Yeji Traditional Area, was elected as the Bono East Regional representative. In the Greater Accra Region, Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, known in private life as Dr. Kingsley A. Fletcher, secured the position. These elections are pivotal in shaping advisory roles to the President and ensuring regional interests are represented at the national level.
Attorney General Defends Withdrawal of High-Profile Cases
Attorney General Dominic Ayine has addressed public concerns regarding the government's decision to discontinue certain high-profile prosecutions. He emphasized that the move was based on legal and ethical considerations, asserting that some cases lacked sufficient evidence to proceed, while others were deemed not in the public interest. The Attorney General refuted claims of political interference, stating that the decisions were made to uphold the integrity of the justice system.
President Mahama Appoints New Administrator for District Assemblies Common Fund
In a recent appointment, President John Dramani Mahama has named Michael Harry Yamson as the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). Yamson is expected to oversee the equitable distribution of funds to district assemblies nationwide, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to promote local development. This appointment underscores the administration's commitment to strengthening local governance and accelerating grassroots development.
Ghana Intensifies Efforts Against Corruption and Illegal Mining
Ghana orders investigation into 81,000 suspected ghost names on payroll
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Polluted rivers, uprooted farmland and lost taxes: Ghana counts cost of illegal gold mining boom
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Ghana's Finance Ministry Warns Against Endorsing Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Due to Economic Implications
Ghana's Finance Ministry has cautioned President John Dramani Mahama against endorsing a contentious anti-LGBTQ+ bill recently approved by parliament. The ministry highlights the potential risk of forfeiting approximately $3.8 billion in World Bank funding over the next five to six years if the bill becomes law. The proposed legislation mandates a three-year prison sentence for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and a five-year imprisonment for those involved in promoting LGBTQ+ activities. Ghana is currently grappling with a significant economic downturn and received assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) just last year. There are concerns that any deficiency in funding from the World Bank and other donors could disrupt the ongoing economic recovery efforts. Former Member of Parliament Samia Yaba Nkrumah has also urged President Mahama to refrain from giving assent to the bill, characterizing it as a brutal, harsh, and unjust piece of legislation.
Australian Mining Company Files $443 Million Claim Against Ghanaian Government
Cassius Mining, an Australian gold mining company, has lodged a claim for $443 million against the Ghanaian government due to contract and legal disputes. The claim, filed in London's Court of International Arbitration, alleges that Ghana's actions, including the failure to renew Cassius' prospecting licence, deprived the company of the value and profits of its gold project. Cassius had signed a two-year prospecting licence with the previous Ghanaian government in 2016, but the new regime in 2019 argued that the licence was not ratified per the constitution. In 2023, the Ghanaian High Court ruled that Cassius could not pursue international arbitration under the licence agreement. Despite this, Cassius has filed its claim in London and is open to settling before a hearing. The filing follows a 2022 investigation revealing that Chinese miner Earl International had been mining on Cassius' land with the Ghanaian government's support. The Chinese company has denied allegations of human rights abuses related to its operations.
Ghanaian Activists Intensify Efforts Against Illegal Mining Amid Environmental Concerns
In Ghana, the prevalence of illegal gold mining, known as "galamsey," has resulted in severe environmental degradation, adverse economic impacts, and social issues. Galamsey, accounting for more than a third of Ghana's annual gold output, has disrupted agriculture, particularly the cocoa industry, and severely polluted waterways, affecting the Ghana Water Company's capacity. Activists are protesting against the government's inadequate response, leading to detentions and highlighting the complexities of tackling the issue, including political and economic interests. The practice has drawn local and international actors, including Chinese nationals. Efforts to combat galamsey include legal actions against the government and protests demanding stringent measures. Despite these challenges, activists like Felicity Nelson remain committed to safeguarding the country’s future, stressing the importance of sacrifice for the nation's well-being.
African-Americans in Ghana Express Concerns Over U.S. Presidential Election
African-Americans residing in Ghana are expressing deep concerns about the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Many have migrated to Ghana in a movement known as "repatriation" to escape racism in the U.S. Ghana's government supported this by declaring 2019 the "year of return," encouraging the diaspora's return, now estimated between 10,000 and 15,000 people. Although there is excitement about potentially having the first African-American woman president in Kamala Harris, opinions within the diaspora about U.S. politics vary widely. Some prioritize Ghana's political future over U.S. elections, indicating a shift in their focus and commitment to their life in Ghana. Diallo Sumbry, president of the Association of African Americans in Ghana, notes an increase in interest in migration from the U.S., with many considering leaving regardless of the election's result, similar to sentiments during Trump's presidency.