Donald Trump Signs Key Executive Orders as 47th U.S. President

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January 21, 2025

Donald Trump, now serving as the 47th president of the United States, has hit the ground running by signing a series of executive orders in front of enthusiastic supporters at the Capital One Arena and during a ceremony at the White House.

Among the high-profile orders, President Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, signaling a shift in environmental policy. Another significant directive mandates federal employees to return to full-time, in-person work immediately, reversing remote work policies implemented in recent years.

In a move aimed at addressing perceived political biases, the president also signed an order pledging to end what he called the “weaponization” of government agencies against political adversaries of the previous administration.

Additionally, President Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, a decision intended to address long-standing concerns about immigration and border security.

These actions underscore President Trump’s commitment to delivering on his campaign promises and reshaping U.S. policy in line with his administration’s priorities.

“Rotary still committed to polio eradication,” Trustee Chair Maloney assures.

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January 21, 2025

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Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Mark Daniel Maloney, on a three-day visit to Ghana, has given assurance that the Rotary International is still committed to polio eradication in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa.

Ghana was declared polio-free in 2015, and in August 2020, Africa was declared free of wild poliovirus, leaving only two countries on the globe – Pakistan and Afghanistan – where wild polio is found.

Poliomyelitis, shortened polio, and also called infantile paralysis, is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to paralysis, breathing problems, or even death.

It primarily affects children under age five. The disease is caused by a virus called the poliovirus. It primarily affects children under age five. The disease is caused by a virus called the poliovirus.

By the requirements of the World Health Organisation (WHO), a country is said to have attained a polio-free status if it has not recorded any case of polio for three consecutive years.

Mr. Maloney, accompanied by wife Gay, on the first day of the tour, told a press conference in Accra, that, “polio eradication is Number One priority on our programmes.
“We’re reluctant to identify what might happen afterwards.”

Despite Ghana having being declared polio free, there are reports of variant cases.
The visit of Mr. Maloney, also Rotary President for 2019-20, forms part of Rotary’s commitment to community development and humanitarian service in the country.

The organisation’s focus areas encompass maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, community and economic development, basic education and literacy, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and supporting the environment,
Mr Maloney, whose term comes to an end later in June this year, said Rotary would continue to support activities identified by the district of Ghana, District 9104.

Rotary International (RI) has themed 2024-25: The Magic of Rotary, where members create that magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.

Mr. Maloney, during his visit, will tour impactful Rotary-sponsored projects, including the Cleft Lip and Palate initiative at Ridge Hospital, Accra.

He is also scheduled to meet with the United States Ambassador and Polio Plus partners to strengthen collaboration on eradicating polio.

A town hall meeting will be held with Rotarians, community leaders, and other stakeholders at the Labadi Beach Hotel on January 21, 2025, at the 1500 hours to discuss Rotary’s achievements and future projects in Ghana.

Mr Maloney is expected to also meet with senior government officials to explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborative efforts. These engagements will focus on enhancing Rotary’s impact on critical areas such as health, education, and community development.

Rotary Foundation Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, commended activities and Rotarians and Rotaractors since Ghana attained district status in 2023

“In less than two years, like joke like joke, there are so many developed gifts,” she said.
There are 70 Rotary Clubs and 55 Rotaract clubs in Ghana.

Madam Florence Maame Hagan, Governor of District 9104, the Rotary Fundraising in Ghana for 2024-25 in support of the district’s projects
Rotary in Ghana is seeking to raise US$ 500 million with a ticket price of GH 10 , for which stakers would dial 7132206 # and follow the prompts to take part in that raffle for which a car would be donated ast the ultimate prize.

Media urged to prioritise, intensify reporting on child marriage.

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January 21, 2025

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Hajia Safia Tamimu, Head of the Child Marriage Unit at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has called on the media to prioritize reporting on child marriage.

She emphasized the urgency of intensifying efforts to end the practice, as the deadline set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to eliminate child marriage by 2030 was approaching.

Hajia Tamimu made the call during a media engagement on the Child Marriage Information Portal in Accra.

The portal, www.cm.mogcsp.gov.gh, launched on September 29, 2021, serves as a comprehensive database on child marriage in Ghana.

Developed by the Domestic Violence Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the portal provides easy access to information on child marriage, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and related issues through an open-source system.

The Child Marriage Information Portal easily shares information on child marriage, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and related issues in an open-source format, accessible with a simple click.

Hajia Tamimu noted that despite the existence of legal and policy frameworks aimed at reducing child marriage, the practice remained widespread.

She also noted that the current prevalence of child marriage in Ghana stands at 19 percent.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census Thematic Brief on Childhood Vulnerabilities in Ghana, over 120,000 children between the ages of 12 and 17 were either married or living with a partner.

Hajia Tamimu shared that in 2024, the Child Marriage Unit rescued about 13 girls, six of whom are back in school, while the others are participating in economic empowerment programmes.

She stressed the importance of engaging the media to spread awareness about child marriage in Ghana, encouraging stakeholders to contribute content to the Child Marriage Information Portal.

While acknowledging progress, Hajia Tamimu called for intensified efforts from stakeholders to ramp up awareness campaigns.

She also mentioned that the Ministry, among other initiatives, had engaged traditional and religious leaders, with some pledging their commitment to help combat child marriage
Mr. Senanu Agbozo, Consultant for the Child Marriage Information Portal at UNFPA, highlighted the economic benefits of ending child marriage, including increased productivity and the economic empowerment of women, which could help eliminate poverty.

He said that the portal served as a tool to track progress and enhance efforts to end child marriage by 2030.

The portal also provides a resource for media and other stakeholders to access and share information on child marriage.

Mr. Agbozo added that users could report child marriage cases through the portal, which is linked to the Orange Support Center for immediate action.

Mr. Samson Obed Appiah, Chairman of the Editorial Committee for the portal, explained that contributions should be relevant, concise, factual, and verifiable.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that the stories respect ethnicity, gender, locality, religion, and race to avoid stereotypes.

Mr. Appiah underscored the need to protect the privacy and anonymity of victims.

Minister-Designate Agbodza addresses temperament concerns, vows to improve.

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January 21, 2025

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Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, Monday responded to concerns about his temperament, assuring his commitment to improve as he prepares to take on his new role.

Mr Agbodza gave the assurance during his vetting in Parliament House by the Appointments Committee.
Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markib, the Minority Leader raised concerns that Mr Agbodza’s temperament could potentially impact his tenure if confirmed as Minister.

However, Mr Agbodza expressed a willingness to listen and adapt, emphasising his readiness to work on maintaining a balanced and professional demeanor in his interactions.

“… Mr Chairman, I want to thank colleagues for the feedback. I think it is important. They raised issues about my temperament, and you are right. When I believe in something, sometimes you tell me I should be mindful of the way I put it. I will work on it,” Mr Agbodza stated.

He acknowledged his passion for his work and the issues he cared about but also recognised the importance of maintaining a balanced and professional approach in his interactions with others.

We need GH¢345 million for Free Tertiary Tuition Policy – Minister-Designate.

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January 21, 2025

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Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister-Designate for Education, has revealed that approximately GH¢345 million will be required to fully implement the government’s proposed free tuition policy for tertiary institutions.

This policy aims to make tertiary education more accessible to a large number of students nationwide.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament to be vetted on Monday, Mr Iddrisu emphasised the importance of equitable access to higher education.

He said: “… Mr Chairman, the country will require about GH¢345 million of the population of students who enter tertiary institutions that is what the state will be required to do. We intend to provide that money to the affected universities, at least, to make refunds to those who have already paid fees.”

The government plans to channel the required funds directly to the affected universities, ensuring that students who have already paid their tuition fees are reimbursed.
This provision aims to safeguard fairness in the policy’s implementation.

Mr Iddrisu, also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Tamale South highlighted the flexibility of the new policy, which allowed parents willing to pay fees to do so under the framework introduced by the NDC.

“… Mr Chairman, the beauty of this is that parents who are willing to pay can do so under this policy that has been introduced by the NDC,” he stated.

The announcement comes after the NDC pledged to implement the free tertiary tuition policy during the Party’s 2024 campaign.

The policy aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families while promoting greater access to higher education.
Mr Iddrisu has pledged to follow the policy through and ensure its effective implementation.

Mahama’s administration to enhance Free SHS Policy, not scrap it.

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January 21, 2025

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The Minister-Designate for Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to reviewing and improving the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

Introduced by the Akufo-Addo led administration, the policy was a central theme in President Mahama’s 2024 election campaign, where he pledged to refine and expand it.

Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday in Parliament House, Mr Iddrisu clarified that the government had no plans to cancel the Free SHS policy.

“… Mr Chairman, instead, the has plans to make the initiative more sustainable and broaden its scope, ensuring greater benefits for Ghanaians.

“Let me assure this committee that President John Dramani Mahama has no option to cancel Free SHS. Therefore, those who listen to him, even in the cause of his campaign, he has stated that he will expand Free SHS,” Mr Iddrisu stated.

He explained that President Mahama’s goal was to provide quality education to two million Ghanaians, as outlined in Article 25 of the 1992 Constitution and Article 38, which spells out the objective of the country’s educational policy.

Mr Iddrisu also a former Minority Leader announced the government’s intention to convene a stakeholder forum to gather insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing the education sector.

“Mr Chairman, the important thing is that he will subject the Free SHS to a review,” he told the Committee.

This move is in line with President Mahama’s promise to sustain and enhance the Free SHS policy, as part of his broader vision for education.

Mahama’s administration to enhance Free SHS Policy, not scrap it

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January 20, 2025

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