International anti-corruption advocate, Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against his ministerial-nominees and public officials who fail to declare their assets.
He said asset declaration by public officials remained critical in the fight against the growing menace of corruption and asked President Mahama to revoke the nominations and appointments of those ministers.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr Ahenu noted that public officials who refused to comply with the asset declaration requirement undermined public trust compromising the government’s effort to stem corruption.
“Asset declaration is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral duty for anyone entrusted with public office,” he stated, saying “failure to declare their assets raises questions about their integrity and intentions as public officers”.
“It’s therefore imperative for the President to take a bold decision and revokes the appointment of any appointee, or nominee or minister who does not adhere to that fundamental requirement,” Mr Ahenu suggested.
In his view, non-compliance could lead to a culture of impunity “where public officials feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices without fear”.
Mr Ahenu lauded the commitment of President Mahama to stem corruption in his government, arguing that the establishment of the ‘Operation Recover All Loots’ (ORAL) was an indication that the President was ready indeed to control corruption in the country.
“Revoking the appointments of non-compliant officials will send a strong signal to the public that his government will not tolerate any form of corruption,” he stated, adding that “that will also further build and strengthen public trust and confidence and support the government in the fight against corruption”.
President Mahama must be decisive on non-asset declaration ministers, public officials-Ahenu
Bono NDC vets 123 applicants for MMDCE positions
Vetting Committee set by the National Democratic Congress in the Bono Region has commenced the vetting of 123 applicants vying for the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) positions in the region.
They are contesting for the positions in the 12 politically administrative constituencies, Mr Charles Akowuah, the Bono Regional Communications Officer of the NDC told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Wenchi.
He said the four-day vetting, underway at the Sunyani residency, started on Monday January 27, 2025, and it was expected to end Thursday January 30, 2025.
Mr Akowuah said seven applicants were contesting for the Banda DCE, seven for Tain DCE, 10 for Wenchi MCE, nine for the Sunyani Mayor and 15 applicants for the Jaman South MCE.
In Jaman North, 13 applicants are contesting for the MCE, nine applicants for Berekum East MCE, seven applicants for Dormaa West DCE, eight applicants for Dormaa Central MCE, seven applicants for Dormaa East DCE and 10 applicants for Berekum West DCE and 21 applicants for the Sunyani West MCE positions.
NEDCo integrates more than 10,000 metres, rakes in GHC4 million in 2024
The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) integrated and regularised 10,461 metres into its billing system in Bono Region in 2024, generating GHC 4,990,699.80 revenue for the company.
According to Mr Patrick Antwi, the Bono and Ahafo Regional Manager of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the commission collaborated with the NEDCo for the integration exercise which was the ‘Self-Help Electrification Programme (SHEP) project of the government.
The SHEP project, he explained, aimed at deprived communities to be connected onto the national grid and to expand the nation’s power coverage, saying the commission’s intensified public education in the localities led to the integration of the metres into the main NEDCo lines.
Mr Antwi was speaking at a stakeholder meeting organised by the commission in Sunyani, and commended the NEDCo for the integration exercise, and however urged the company to tackle some unethical practices of some of its contractors who allegedly sold the meters in the local communities.
He said the PURC was also undertaking the “SHEP Project Reloaded,” an education programme targeting and sensitizing consumers on the need for them to pass through the laid down procedures to acquire electricity meters and inform the NEDCo whenever they had experienced challenges in power supply..
The implementation of the SHEP Project Reloaded commenced in 2024 and further aimed at sensitising power users and potential ones on the need for them to acquire metres from the NEDCo alone.
Mr Antwi assured that the PURC would maintain its collaboration with NEDCo to ensure that all meters were accurately captured in the company’s billing system for enhanced revenue generation and reliable power supply.
He said in 2024, the PURC facilitated adjustments, totalling GHC166,616.75 for consumers and successfully recovered GHC5,221,375.27 for the utility providers.
Mental health, psychosocial support for prisons project ends in Tamale
A six month-long project, implemented to provide mental health and psychosocial support services for some prison inmates and officers, has ended in Tamale.
It was implemented in seven prisons across the northern and the middle belts of the country namely Tamale, Sunyani, Wa, Navrongo, Yendi, Gambaga and Damongo.
It focused on the capacity building of inmates and officers (peer counselors) and providing them with psychosocial support services.
The project, dubbed: “Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Prisons”, was implemented by the Total Life Enhancement Centre-Ghana (TOLEC-GH), a psychology focused organisation.
It was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and funded by the United States Department-Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement in collaboration with the Ghana Prisons Service.
As part of the implementation strategy, the project incorporated the art therapy underscoring the importance of the Nelson Mandela Rules, which served as a benchmark for prisons reforms worldwide and promoting a more humane and just approach to incarceration.
Mr Peter Mintir Amadu, Executive Director of TOLEC-GH, speaking during the close- out of the project in Tamale, said it provided support services to a total of 538 inmates and 114 officers in all the seven prisons.
The close-out ceremony was attended by representatives of implementing partners including the Centre for Social Development Reform (CSD Reform), Legal Aid Commission, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Health Service and NGOs.
Mr Mintir said the project had succeeded in training 42 inmates and 47 officers to ensure that support services were accessible and sustainable at the prisons.
He called on stakeholders including government to prioritise supporting the prisons through increased mental health services, budgetary allocations, staff capacity building and the provision of modern facilities.
Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) Mr Thompson Otsyokpo, Northern Regional Commander of Prisons, who was represented at the event, lauded the project saying it had improved the mental health of inmates and contributed to their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
He said, “A healthy mind is the foundation for positive change, and this project has given many of our inmates the tools to embark on that journey.”
James Agyenim-Boateng appointed Managing Director of SIC
Mr James Agyenim-Boateng has been appointed the Managing Director of the SIC Insurance Company.
He takes over from Madam Hollistar Duah-Yentumi, whose appointment has been revoked following the transitional process.
Mr Agyenim-Boateng is the Spokesperson of Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
He is a Lawyer, a Communications Consultant and a broadcast media manager of Accra’s vibrant NBC Limited.
He was a former Presidential Staffer at the Office of the Vice President (2013 – January 2017).
He was a former Deputy Minister of Information.
Mr Agyenim-Boateng is skilled in Political Communication, Negotiation, Business Planning, Government, and Advertising. Consummate professional.
SIC Insurance PLC is the nation’s largest general insurer and has nationwide coverage.
Its lines of insurance include motor, accident, travel, marine, aviation, oil, and gas.
ECG denies staff caused fire outbreak in Koforidua residential facility
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has rejected claims suggesting that its personnel are responsible for a recent fire outbreak at a residential facility at Two-Streams, a suburb of Koforidua following a disconnection exercise.
The cause of the incident, which has raised concerns among residents about public safety and accountability is yet to be determined.
However, the company, has in a statement signed by Mr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager, External Communications, ECG, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, debunked the allegations as “completely false and must be ignored.”
It explained that that ECG postpaid customer in question owed the company to the tune of 6,519.38 Ghana cedis since September 2024 and had been disconnected for non-payment of bills.
According to the statement on January 24, 2025, as part of the ongoing revenue mobilization exercise dubbed “Operation Keep the Lights On,” the ECG team visited the customer’s facility and discovered an illegal self-reconnection by the customer, and the team decided to disconnect the customer for illegality.
The customer resisted the disconnection exercise and threatened the ECG staff with a machete.
Per the statement, sensing danger, the ECG staff called for Police assistance, and in the presence of the Police, the ECG team disconnected the facility directly from the pole outside the facility.
The fire outbreak, according to the reports, occurred later in the day, hours after our team had left the area of the incident.
“ECG wishes to state categorically that disconnection of power supply directly from a pole totally curtails electricity supply to the affected premises and cannot by any means result in a fire outbreak.”
Thus, the customer’s allegation against ECG was completely false, it said, adding that “disconnection has been part of our operations, backed by law, to ensure that recalcitrant customers pay for the electricity they consume.”
The power distribution company assured the public that as a customer-centric company, ECG would not engage in any act that would endanger the lives and property of its cherished customers.
“We also take this opportunity to strongly advise customers to pay their electricity bills promptly and desist from indulging in any form of illegal connection, since it is criminal, and has legal consequences,” the statement said.
Professor Joshua Alabi Appointed Board Chairman of GCB Bank
The Board of GCB Bank has approved the nomination and appointment of Professor Alabi as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors effective immediately.
The appointment is subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, Bank of Ghana and other regulatory approvals.
This follows the resignation of Mr. Daniel Kwaku Tweneboah Asirifi as Director and Chairman of the Board.
Professor Joshua Alabi is a distinguished academic, seasoned administrator, and renowned business strategist with a career spanning over three decades in academia, public service, and corporate leadership.
He has held numerous high-profile roles, including Chairman of HFC Bank, where he successfully led its transformation into Republic Bank.
His leadership extends across various sectors. He has served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Chairman of the Accra Polytechnic Governing Council (now Accra Technical University), and Chairman of the Ghana Book Development Council. As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Alabi played a transformative role in establishing the university as a leading institution of excellence.
In addition to his contributions to education and governance, Professor Alabi has an extensive background in public service. He was a Member of Parliament for the Krowor Constituency and served as Minister of State for both the Greater Accra and Northern Regions. His contributions to sports administration include roles as the General Secretary of GHALCA, a member of the GFA Management Board, and Coordinator for the senior national football team, the Black Stars.
Through these various roles, Professor Alabi has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, driving policy development, institutional reforms, and organizational growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Alabi expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors for their confidence in him.
He stated, “I am deeply honoured to lead GCB at this pivotal moment. Together with the Board and management, we will work tirelessly to strengthen GCB’s position as a leading financial institution in Ghana and beyond.”
As Chairman of the Board, Professor Alabi will provide strategic oversight and guidance to GCB, furthering the Bank’s mission to deliver innovative financial solutions, enhance shareholder value, and contribute to Ghana’s economic development.
GCB Bank PLC is a leading player in Ghana’s banking industry, with 184 branches, 340 ATMs and a number of banking agents spread across the length and breadth of the country.
GCB Bank Appoints Farihan Alhassan As New Managing Director
GCB Bank PLC (GCB) has announced the appointment of Farihan Alhassan as Managing Director (MD).
Mr. Alhassan’s appointment follows the mutual and amicable agreement between the Bank and Mr. Kofi Adomako, the immediate past MD, to part ways effective 28th January 2025.
In light of the above, the Board has approved the nomination and appointment of Mr. Farihan Alhassan as the Managing Director and a member of the Board of Directors subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, Bank of Ghana and other regulatory approvals.
Farihan Alhassan, 44, joins GCB Bank as a highly accomplished financial specialist with two decades of experience in the banking industry.
His immediate past engagement was as the Executive responsible for the Business & Commercial Clients Unit at Stanbic Bank Ghana, where he provided strategic leadership in driving the Bank’s commercial banking agenda and optimizing business performance across the country.
Beginning his career at a remarkably young age, Mr. Alhassan made headlines at just 26 when he became the youngest regional manager at Barclays Bank (now Absa).
His ascent through the ranks continued as he took on the role of Head of Retail and Distribution, where his people-centered leadership and commitment to performance management left a lasting impact on the organization.
Throughout his tenure at Stanbic, Mr. Alhassan earned acclaim for his visionary leadership, strategic focus, and customer-first approach, positioning him as a key figure in the competitive banking landscape.
His appointment at GCB Bank is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Bank’s leadership and reinforce its status as a dominant force in the Ghanaian banking sector.
Farihan is a results-driven professional with extensive expertise in retail and business banking.
He has a proven track record of building resilient businesses, transforming underperforming units, and turning around operations to achieve sustainable growth.
His core skills include business development, operational management, credit and risk oversight, and dynamic leadership.
Additionally, Farihan is a strong advocate for team development and empowerment, leveraging his skills in training, coaching, and team building to foster collaboration and drive performance.
With exceptional interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving abilities, he consistently delivers value in highly competitive and fast-paced environments.
Widely respected for his strategic vision and leadership, Farihan Alhassan looks forward to his new role, keen to continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the banking sector and empowering businesses across Ghana.
GCB Bank PLC is a leading player in Ghana’s banking industry, with 184 branches, 340 ATMs and a number of banking agents spread across the length and breadth of the country.
I will find the missing sword to complete Suame-Tafo-Mampong dualisation project -Dr Amoakohene
Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister-designate, has pledged to collaborate with the sector ministry to source funding to complete the Suame-Tafo-Mampong dualisation project to ease traffic congestion and boost economic activities along the route.
The previous government cut the sod for the construction of the 23km road but could not complete it before leaving office on January 7, 2025.
Responding to questions when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, Dr Amoakohene gave the assurance that he would source funds to complete the project to leave a lasting legacy in the Region.
“I will find the missing sword to complete Suame-Tafo-Mampong dualisation project for the good people of the Region,” the nominee said, amid cheers from the gathering.
He called for de-politicisation of developmental projects and assured that under his tenure, he would support the completion of stalled projects to benefit the people.
He pledged to use his active participation on the social media to drive the youth towards socio-economic development and promote good governance.
The nominee highlighted some key priority areas that would engage his attention, including agriculture mechanisation, and trade and business promotion upon his approval.
Some other infrastructure projects to tackle were the second phase of the Kejetia Central Market, Sofoline road, Suame Interchange, Accra-Kumasi dualisation project, Afari Hospital, and Heal Komfo Anokye Project, being championed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Dr Amoakohene said he would work tirelessly to bridge the unemployment gap, which stood at 16 per cent in the region above the national rate of 14.7 per cent.
The Regional Minister-designate pledged to facilitate the construction of sports facilities to whip up the interest of the youth in sports.
Bankole Adeoye lauded for championing democracy, stability in Africa
Mr Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the African Union Commission (AUC), has been commended for his outstanding role in advancing democratic governance and electoral stability across the continent in 2024.
Under his leadership, the AU undertook election observation missions in 15 countries with recent successes in Ghana, Botswana and Namibia.
Some co-observers told journalists that these peacefully conducted elections, demonstrating a strong commitment to electoral integrity, were impacted by Mr Adeoye’s strategic focus on political engagement and institutional strengthening.
They praised him for playing a significant role in these achievements.
His leadership, they pointed out, transcended traditional election monitoring by incorporating preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution strategies
These efforts had helped stabilise politically fragile states and bolster governance structures, they invariably said.
Inclusivity has been a hallmark of the AU’s electoral missions in 2024 with observer teams composed of youth, women and seasoned experts reflecting the organisation’s commitment to representative democracy.
A Ghanaian political analyst remarked: “The AU’s approach sets a standard for inclusive governance showcasing democracy that mirrors society’s diversity.”
Some of the observers credit the AU’s proactive stance in conflict prevention and electoral governance with fostering stability and safeguarding democratic progress.
“While military interventions remain a concern, the AU’s efforts have been vital in stabilising electoral environments,” an observer from Botswana commented.
Some analysts also note that with robust support and leadership, the continent is poised to deepen its democratic foundations.
“Africa’s democracy is evolving and with leaders, such as Bankole Adeoye, driving these initiatives, the progress is undeniable,” remarked a journalist from the AU’s election mission.
He added that the AU’s accomplishments were widely seen as embodying the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”
Speaking in Accra after the final African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) of 2024, Mr Adeoye emphasised the AU’s core mission, explaining that: “Our aim has always been the improvement and consolidation of democracy.”
He said while elections were never perfect, “the progress we’ve seen underscores Africa’s dedication to democratic values.”
In addition to election observation, the AU has focused on strengthening electoral institutions through tailored capacity-building programmes for officials and observers ensuring adherence to international best practices.
“Democracy requires constant institutional improvement beyond election day,” Mr Adeoye noted during the post-election briefing.
He, however, explained that Africa’s democratic landscape remained vulnerable to challenges, particularly, military coups that undermined civilian governance.
Mr Adeoye has been at the forefront of addressing these threats, engaging with governments and communities to restore constitutional order and protect democratic institutions.
He expressed optimism but stressed the need for sustained collaboration among governments, civil society and regional organisations.
“Democracy is a continuous journey,” he said, adding that “maintaining progress requires collective effort and strong partnerships.”
As the AU builds on its 2024 successes, the foundation for democratic governance and stability is said to be firmly established.
“With continued focus on inclusivity, transparency and institutional resilience, Mr Adeoye’s leadership has set a promising path for Africa’s democratic future,” another observer affirmed.