Joyce Bawa Mogtari, a Special Aide for former President John Mahama, has affirmed the next government of Mahama will still grant amnesty to alleged illegal miners awaiting prosecution in jail and some convicted miners. Prior to the 2020 general election, John Mahama promised the people of Odum-Banso, a galamsey community in the Western Region that he will grant amnesty to arrested galamsey operators.
Joyce Bawa-Mogtari, spokesperson for John Mahama has affirmed the promised made by Mahama and said it is unfair that foreign nationals and government appointees implicated in the Prof Frimgpong Boateng report on illegal mining have been left scot-free, while the galamsey operators suffer jail time.
“If there are many of our brothers and sisters languishing in prisons because of galamsey, certainly this is a matter that we must look at within the context of the Frimpong Boateng Report”, she stated. She further said if people are being bandied together and thrown into prison without necessarily going before the law, and in some cases wait years for a trial, there needs to be an investigation into it for some interventions to be employed.
On addressing illegal mining in the next NDC government, she said it will serve the country’s interest to have stakeholders in communities join the the conversation and grant amnesty to the illegal mining operators other than those cited in the Frimpong Boateng report.
Furthermore, she noted that if the party wins the upcoming election, it will invest $500 million to combat the illegal mining menace, known locally as ‘galamsey’.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has resumed his constituency campaign tour. Speaking at the Church of Pentecost in Teshie, Dr Bawumia pledged to reduce electricity tariffs by 50% if elected president in the 2024 general elections. He admitted the current reliance on traditional fossil fuels and hydro-power has led to unsustainable electricity costs for households and businesses.
Dr. Bawumia speaking at the Church Of Pentecost, Teshie
“I want Ghana to take a bold decision and move away from primary dependence on oil and gas and depend on solar power to generate electricity.
“God has gifted us energy from the sun, free of charge so we need to harness it. We would increase the power generated through solar by 2000MW and this would reduce electricity bills by 50%,” he said on Thursday.
To achieve this, Dr Bawumia promised to empower the local manufacturing industry to build more solar panels to support the course.”Generating this 2000MW would require a lot of solar panels and I don’t want us to import solar panels so we will set up factories here in Ghana for the manufacturing of solar panels,” he said amidst applause and cheers.
With the 2024 elections drawing near, Dr Bawumia has been touring the length and breadth of the country to spread his campaign message and secure the votes of the electorates.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Former President John Dramani Mahama was the keynote speaker for Christian Service University’s 50th anniversary in Kumasi. Delivering his lecture, John Maham jabbed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by describing his campaign trail as a “concert party”. A student at the gathering who is reportedly the organizer of pro-NPP group on the university campus, TESCON, wasn’t pleased with the statement.
Narrating the incidence to the media, the second year student of the university whose name is Nana Boakye said “I also responded and said, ‘Mahama wo boa’ na wo b3 wi’ [Meaning Mahama you’re lying, you will lose]. Later on, I saw a macho man who approached me and gave me a warning that I should be careful. So, I also asked him ‘What have I done’? And the moment I asked him the question, he came directly and slapped me in front of the former President. So on our way out of the auditorium, when we got to the main entrance of the auditorium, I heard another slap. Out of that, I was not able to see anything, and I also saw one guy who held my hand backwards, and they started beating me in my stomach, my head and stuff like that.”
An attempt to rescue him proved futile, as some irate NDC affiliates broke into an office where he was kept. Police later intervened and rescued the student, but it is unclear whether the student received medical attention. The victim has yet to file a complaint to the Police.
The Ashanti Regional NPP is appalled by the incident and has called out the violent act of the NDC violent group. The National Youth Wing of the NPP has called out the flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama to apologize to the victim.
In a remarkable display of progress, the Ashanti Region has achieved a substantial reduction in poverty rates over the past four years. According to the latest data from the Ghana Statistical Service’s Multidimensional Poverty Index Survey, the region’s poverty incidence has dropped from 31.1% in 2020 to an impressive 18.3% in 2024.
Economic Growth and Development Initiatives This significant improvement can be attributed to several factors, including robust economic growth and targeted development initiatives. The Ashanti Region, known for its vibrant cultural heritage and economic activities, has benefited from increased investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, all of which have contributed to better living standards for its residents.
Agricultural and Industrial Advancements One of the key drivers of this progress has been the region’s focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and industrial growth. The introduction of modern farming techniques and support for local farmers have boosted agricultural output, leading to increased incomes and food security. Additionally, the expansion of industrial activities, particularly in the manufacturing and mining sectors, has created more job opportunities, further reducing poverty levels.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration The collaboration between the government and the private sector has also played a crucial role in the region’s development. Public-private partnerships have led to the implementation of various projects aimed at improving infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. These projects have not only provided immediate employment but have also laid the groundwork for long-term economic stability.
Education and Skills Development Investment in education and skills development has been another critical factor in reducing poverty in the Ashanti Region. Initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs have empowered the youth and the unemployed with the skills needed to secure gainful employment and start their own businesses.
Healthcare Improvements The healthcare sector has seen significant advancements, with better access to medical services and improved healthcare facilities. Efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, combat infectious diseases, and provide affordable healthcare have contributed to the overall well-being of the region’s population.
Community and Social Interventions Community-based programs and social interventions have also played a vital role in alleviating poverty. Initiatives focused on providing support to vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and the elderly, have helped improve their living conditions and provided them with opportunities to participate in the region’s economic activities.
Looking Forward As the Ashanti Region celebrates this significant achievement, stakeholders are optimistic about the future. The continued implementation of effective policies, investment in key sectors, and commitment to inclusive growth are expected to further reduce poverty levels and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
The Ghana Statistical Service’s report serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved through concerted efforts and collaboration. The Ashanti Region’s progress is not just a regional success story but also an inspiring example for other regions striving to overcome poverty and achieve sustainable development.
For more detailed insights into the Ashanti Region’s development strategies and future plans, stay tuned to our upcoming reports and interviews with key stakeholders and policymakers.
Recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service’s Multidimensional Poverty Index Survey highlights remarkable improvements in poverty rates across all regions of Ghana between 2020 and 2024. This period has seen considerable strides in poverty reduction, showcasing the effectiveness of various economic and social policies implemented during these years.
Greater Accra Leads the Way Greater Accra recorded one of the most significant reductions in poverty incidence, dropping from 22.5% in 2020 to 11.7% in 2024. This nearly 50% reduction underscores the region’s growing economic vitality and enhanced social infrastructure, which have contributed to better living standards for its residents.
Ashanti Region’s Notable Progress Ashanti Region also demonstrated substantial progress, with poverty rates falling from 31.1% in 2020 to 18.3% in 2024. This improvement reflects the region’s successful initiatives in boosting local economies and providing better access to essential services.
Eastern and Central Regions’ Impressive Gains The Eastern Region saw its poverty incidence more than halved, decreasing from 44.0% in 2020 to 21.7% in 2024. Similarly, the Central Region experienced a significant reduction from 47.6% to 22.5% over the same period. These changes highlight effective regional development strategies and increased investment in human capital.
Western Region’s Dual Success In the Western Region, which includes Western and Western North, poverty rates dropped from 47.6% in 2020 to 25.7% and 27.0% respectively in 2024. This dual success indicates targeted efforts in resource-rich areas to ensure equitable growth and development.
Volta and Oti Regions See Major Improvements The combined data for Volta and Oti regions shows a considerable decrease in poverty incidence from 58.2% in 2020 to 27.3% and 40.8% respectively in 2024. This reduction is a testament to focused poverty alleviation programs and infrastructural advancements in these areas.
Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East Regions’ Achievements The Brong Ahafo area, now split into Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East regions, witnessed a dramatic drop in poverty rates from 49.4% in 2020 to 17.1%, 24.2%, and 24.7% respectively in 2024. These figures reflect the positive impact of regional reorganization and development policies aimed at improving local economies.
Northern, Savanna, and North East Regions’ Significant Declines The northern part of the country, encompassing Northern, Savanna, and North East regions, saw a steep decline in poverty rates from 80.8% in 2020 to an average of 49.77% in 2024. This reduction marks a crucial turning point for an area historically plagued by high poverty levels, driven by enhanced agricultural productivity and social interventions.
Upper East and Upper West Regions’ Remarkable Reductions The Upper East and Upper West regions recorded significant decreases in poverty, with the Upper East moving from 68.1% in 2020 to 43% in 2024, and the Upper West from 65.5% to 37.4%. These improvements highlight the success of targeted initiatives to boost economic opportunities and improve living conditions in these northern regions.
A Nationwide Achievement Overall, Ghana’s nationwide efforts to reduce poverty have yielded impressive results. The significant declines in poverty rates across all 16 regions of the country between 2020 and 2024 reflect the effectiveness of comprehensive strategies aimed at economic growth, social development, and poverty alleviation.
The Ghana Statistical Service Multidimensional Poverty Index Survey’s findings are a testament to the country’s progress and a hopeful indicator for the future, where continued efforts could further alleviate poverty and enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians.
For more detailed regional analysis and policy implications, visit the Ghana Statistical Service website or follow our upcoming detailed reports on regional development initiatives.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the Eid celebrations at the Independence Square, was giving a great honor by the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.
The Eid-Al-Adha celebrations which celebrate the symbol of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah was commemorated by muslims globally which Ghanaian muslim community joined in the celebration. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who himself is a muslim graced the occasion with his presence to celebrate with other muslims in the country.
The National Chief Imam presented to Dr. Bawumia a citation of appreciation for his immense support for the muslim community in the country. He appreciated him for his generosity and full commitment towards the course of Islam in the country.
“You’re a captain of the ship in bringing the capabilities of the youth to bear especially your initiative in championing the course of unity, respect and innovation in the youth who are the leaders of the unborn generation. You have put the youth especially zongo youth in a high pedestal in Ghana today which is praiseworthy”. He further said for his contribution to youth development in the country.
“May your dreams come true and Allah shall reward you in His own ways”. The National Chief Imam further blessed the Vice President. Dr. Bawumia thanked him for the honor bestowed on him and showed appreciation to the Ghanaian Muslim community.
The ongoing Ato Forson Ambulance trial against minority leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has sparked a lot of debates and deliberations between lawyers, social media enthusiasts and the general populace with varying groups making a case for their stance based on law, the constitution, sentiments and political affiliations.
In a social media banter between, Kofi Opare Hagan, a known ‘facebook lawyer’ and Martin Kpebu, a private media practioner who is known in the media space for giving commentaries on law and the constitution. The banter between the two were on the subject of law particularly sections 18 and 213 of act 29 of the constitution.The disparity between the two was on whether the Attorney General has violated and abused the law in the exercise of his powers.
Martin Kpebu maintained the Attorney General ‘coached’ Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ongoing ambulance trial by rhetorically asking ‘You didn’t hear Dame telling him to answer in a manner contrary to the belief of Jakpa? Did you hear Jakpa inform Dame that what Dame was requesting was dishonest?’ He further said it’s an attempt to fabricate evidence.
These questions came after Opare Hagan explained Godfred Dame can only be accused of committing a crime where legal terms ‘mens rea’ and ‘actus rea’ are present which in the subject of their argument was amiss. Kpebu in rebuttal told Opare Hagan to consult legal books Archbold or Blackstone. After Hagan showed Kpebu he has superior knowledge in the said books, Kpebu responded with ‘lol’ which in social media terms means laughing out loud.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, occupant of Siver Stool of Asanteman
As part of his campaign tour, the Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia paid a visit to the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs. The Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs has expressed high regard for Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Dr. Bawumia soheing reverence to an Asante Chief
Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, Occupant of the Silver Stool of Asanteman hailing the Vice President said “For the record, you are the first dignitary, external dignitary that is a non-member of the house and non-member of Asanteman who is paying us a visit and nananom especially some of the queen mothers were here before 9am. This shows for the record the high esteem that we accord you and hold you.”
Dr. Bawumia addressing the Ashanti Regional House Of Chief
These engagements aim to consolidate support and outline the NPP’s achievements and future plans for the region. During his address at the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his commitment to the development of the Ashanti Region, highlighting the government’s accomplishments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Dr. Bawumia greeting queen mothers of Asanteman
He noted the recent opening of the airport and the ongoing work at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital as key examples of progress.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), continued his retail campaign in the Ashanti Region which is the last region of his campaign tour. The crowd that welcomed him en route to the capital of the Ashanti Region swept him off his feet, he couldn’t help but join them on the streets and exchange pleasantries with them.
Dr Bawumia was mobbed by the KNUST students at the Conti and Kantaga halls, market women, drivers, passersby, party executives, his entourage and party faithfuls as he went to interact with them and exchange pleasantries.
Dr. Bawumia exchanging pleasantries with a driver
As early as 5:00am Monday morning hundreds had already besieged the Ahodwo residence of the 2024 NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. The numbers kept growing in every passing minute. At exactly 7:00am thousands were already in waiting for the Vice President to come out of his house. An approximately 3 kilometers walk was to herald his three-day tour of the Ashanti Region from his Atinga Junction residence to the True Vine Hotel.
The crowd at True Vine Hotel
His campaign trail in the region will also see him engage, the Ashanti Regional house of chiefs, the business community, clergy and other identifiable groups. “This crowd is a manifestation that, the stronghold of the ruling party has not flopped” Deputy Minister of Defense and MP for Atwima Kwawonma, Kofi Amankwah-Manu said..
275 Baseline Survey report by Professor Smart Sarpong released their research findings on the most preferred candidate in the 2024 elections. The research engaged 59,547 people across the 16 regions of Ghana. Data collection for this survey lasted for 30 days commencing on the 1st of April and ended on the 30th of April .
Per the study, a lot of people are more likely to vote for the NDC rather than the NPP making the NDC lead the polls with 38.8% compared to NPP’s 34.5% with 3.6% of the people likely to vote for other parties and a good percentage of 23% yet to decide who to vote for. This makes the NDC leads the popular vote with people preferring the NDC to the NPP. The NDC leads in 8 regions which include, Bono East, Oti, Volta, Northern, Greater Accra, Savanna, Upper West and Upper East regions. The NPP on the other hand leads in 7 regions which include, Ashanti, Ahafo, Western North, Central, Eastern and Bono regions. Even tough NDC leads in the Western Region, it becomes the undecided region because the Western Region is the region with the most undecided voters with 38%.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the most preferred candidate with 38.9% of prospective voters likely to vote for him followed closely by John Mahama with 36.1%. 21.4% of prospective voters are yet to decide who amongst the candidates they will vote for with 3.6% likely to vote for other political parties. Dr. Bawumia leads in the Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono, Eastern, Central, Western. North East and the Western North regions. It is suprising to know the Central region will likely to vote for Dr. Bawumia despite the NDC choosing a running mate from the region.
The factors put to testthat informed voters’ decision are Competence, Track record, Ethnicity, Religion, Fianancial inducement and Party affiliation. 50.3% of the prospective voters are likely to vote for a candidate because of competence, 22.5% because of track record, 19.1% because of party affiliation, 3.7% because of financial inducement, 1.2% because of religion, 0.9% because of ethnicity and 2.2% of the voters said no factor comes in mind. It is fair to conclude, Dr. Bawumia is the most preferred candidate 6 months to the 2024 elections. Baseline Survey said this is the first of three surveys including post elections survey for election 2024.
