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‘We are determined to working together to build the Ghana we want’.

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President-elect John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians of his determination to building the Ghana everyone yearns for.

“We are determined to working together with you to build the Ghana we want, and I am certain that we shall win the battle,” he said.

Mr Mahama said this in his victory speech Monday night at his Cantonment Office in Accra, few hours after the Electoral Commission had declared him winner of the December 7 Presidential Election.

“We intend to work together to restore the shattered confidence in our politics and governance system”.

He reiterated the opportunity for a new beginning that the election and its outcome represented, which would write a new chapter of the collective story for Ghanaians.

“We need to consciously set the tone for the new direction in which we will be travelling,” the President-elect said.

“I want those words, my brothers and sisters, to be a reminder to all of you, a reminder to me and to every individual who has just been elected or re-elected that no matter what office you hold, no matter what your political affiliation is or has been in the past, the one thing we share in common is the nation Ghana,” he said.

“We want a much better Ghana…a Ghana that works for everybody and not just a few people. We want a Ghana that considers the well-being of all its citizens and affords them each the ability to live a life of dignity, a life of limitless opportunity”.

Mr Mahama said from the head porter (kayayo) to the managing director, to the market women, the bankers, the teachers, security personnel, nurses, doctors, the pastors, the drivers, the tailors and seamstresses, they were all essential to the functioning and forward motion of the country.

“Ghanaians, the people of this soil, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, are in fact the nation’s greatest resource.”

“This country, this land, is not for one person or for one family or for one tribe or ethnic group. This country, this beautiful, resilient and resource-rich country that we so love, Ghana, is for all of us.”

“This is our home, but it is not enough to just be born here and to die here. We must also to be able to live here with satisfaction.”

The Ghanaian must be able to love, to dream, to laugh, to eat and dance and drum and share all aspects of his or her culture handed over by the ancestors, the President-elect added.

He noted that his administration would create sustainable and well-paying jobs through the 24-hour economy initiative.

“The most basic needs of Ghanaians such as affordable housing and health care, food and clean water, safe work and fair wages must be met.”

NDC parliamentary candidate snatches Tarkwa Nsuaem seat.

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Mr Issah Salifu Taylor, a 56-year-old miner, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, has won the Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency seat.

He snatched the seat from Mr George Mireku Duker, the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament. 

Mr Taylor, a first timer, surprisingly secured 35,820 votes, out of the total valid votes of 76,189, to defeat his main contender, Mr Duker. 

The current Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, unfortunately lost the seat with 27, 474 votes. 

Miss Joy Jocelyn Andoh, an independent candidate, obtained 12,795 votes. The total rejected ballots recorded was 609.

Addressing hundreds of party sympathizers, who were jubilating at the forecourt of the Tarkwa Community Centre, where the collation took place, Mr Taylor commended all NDC members and leadership and supporters for traveling from far and near to exercise their democratic right. 

The newly elected MP commended his constituents for the opportunity to serve them, and promised to work with all stakeholders to address the pressing needs and concerns of the area. 

Mr Duker, on his part, had earlier told the Ghana News Agency that he had worked so hard to transform the Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency and had strong hopes of retaining his seat for the third consecutive time.

Election 2024: Be Professional—Information Minister to Journalists.

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Fatimatu Abubakar, Minister for Information, has urged professionalism as journalists prepare to cover the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections on Saturday, December 7.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, ahead of the polls, she urged media practitioners to refrain from perpetuating falsehood or inciting violence through inaccurate reportage and fake news.

She noted that ensuring a peaceful election and sustaining the country’s democracy was a collective responsibility, and the media must play its part without sensationalism.

“It [reports] should not be based on inducement or anything… or inserting yourself because of your personal, political, parochial interests and saying, because this is where I think the election should go, let me incite, let me embellish, let me lie…,” she explained.

“I should also not perpetuate falsehood so that the stories will be sweeter for my political party and sour for the other political party…That, we should not do!” she emphasized.

Ms Abubakar also called on politicians to mind their utterances and “do what is expected of them legally” during the electoral process.

“For us politicians, I think it’s only about the quality of your argument and not to go and insult somebody, to incite violence or anything of that sort… I won’t do it, and I can’t tell anybody to do it… Yours is to make sure your agents are vigilant and they are policing the process…” she added.

The Information Minister expressed satisfaction at the 2024 election campaign which, she said, had become “more issue-based” than in previous years.

“These days it is a contest of ideas. People are raising arguments and trying their best to come up with policies that resonate with people. And I am excited that as we deal with more dialogue and less violence, our democracy is progressing,” she observed.

Ms. Abubakar urged citizens to cast their ballot on Election Day and expect the mandated electoral body to ensure a free and fair election.

“I’m excited that on Saturday, we’re all going to vote and trust the Electoral Commission, as created by the Constitution, and all the robust mechanisms put in place will deliver a free and fair election….At the end of the day, there will always be a President of Ghana, and there will be peace and cohesion,” she stated.

Special voting ends at Bogoso

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Special Voting ended smoothly at 1700 hours in the Prestea Huni Valley constituency.

Of the 221 registered voters, 207 turned up to vote at the Bogoso EC office.

The various political parties present secured the ballot boxes with their seals before they were sent to the Police station for safe keeping and   counting on Saturday December 7.

Parliamentary Candidates laud EC’s parliamentary dialogue.

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Parliamentary Candidates (PCs) of the two major political parties in the Berekum West Constituency have commended the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for helping to shape the political discourse in the electioneering.

They are Dr Kwaku Agyenim-Boateng, the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) and Mr Dickson Kyere Duah, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The PCs gave the commendation when they took turns to highlight their visions and aspirations at a parliamentary dialogue organised by the Berekum West District of the NCCE held at Jinijini, the constituency capital.

Attended by traditional authorities, religious organisations and political activists, the dialogue sought further to increase the commitment of the PCs in undertaking issue-based campaigns and also to create awareness about the need for political tolerance for sustained peace, before, during and after the General Election.

The PCs described the dialogue as laudable that would make the electorates there to make informed decisions on December 7.

Outlining some of his vision for the constituency, Dr Agyenim-Boateng, the incumbent MP assured the electorates that he would do more to improve physical infrastructure development and called on the voters to retain him.

He also pledged to re-shape the deplorable conditions of roads, especially those linking deprived communities to make it easy for farmers to cart and transport their foodstuff from the farm gate to marketing centers.

On his part, Mr Duah, the NDC PC noted that the constituency lagged behind in development, and called on the electorates to vote for him, promising to provide scholarships for students, and agriculture inputs for the local farmers.

Earlier in a welcoming address, Madam Adiza Gyenyenaa, the Berekum West District Director of the NCCE also commended the PCs for attending the dialogue and urged the electorates to vote on merit by analysing the visions of the PCs.

She cautioned the PCs against voting buying which was detrimental to the nation’s growing democracy and asked the electorates to go out all in their numbers and exercise their franchise on December 7.

Mad Gyengyenaa also cautioned the electorates against voting on tribal, ethnic, and religious lines, urging them to consider the competencies of the PCs.

FOSDA appeals to youth to eschew electoral violence.

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Ahead of the December 7 general election, the Foundation for Security and Development for Africa (FOSDA), a regional civil society organisation, has appealed to Ghanaian youth to eschew electoral violence.

Mrs Theodora Williams Anti, the Executive Director, FOSDA, said youth involvement in electoral gun violence was a symptom of deeper structural issues that Ghana must confront.

“It is a challenge that threatens not only the sanctity of our electoral process but also the future of our democracy and the well-being of our society,” Mrs Anti stated in Accra at the “Ballots not Bullets Non-Violent Election Dialogue.”

It was organised by FOSDA with funding support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The event seeks to raise awareness of the impact of electoral gun violence in Ghana, especially among the youth, and strategise to minimize its occurrence in the upcoming general election.

Mrs Anti noted that electoral violence was a threat to peace and democratic development.

She appealed to Ghanaians to ensure that the election was violence- free with the shared commitment to safeguarding the peace, stability, and democratic integrity of the nation.

“Ghana has long been celebrated as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, a country that has successfully transitioned from military rule to a multi-party democracy and conducted multiple peaceful elections.”

The troubling specter of electoral violence, particularly involving firearms and the active participation of the youth, threatened to erode the hard-earned reputation and undermine the very foundations of the country’s democratic system, Mrs Anti said.

She reiterated that electoral violence, in its many forms, had become a recurring feature of elections across the globe; stating however that its manifestation in Ghana, especially with the involvement of firearms, was particularly alarming.

The Executive Director said this year alone FOSDA had recorded an increasing trend of gun violence from 10, 18 and 19 in the first , second and third quarters, respectively.

She said gun violence in Bawku remained a risk for the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Recent multiple gun attacks at Forex bureaus and jewellery shops, violence involving youth supporters during the limited registration exercise, the alleged gun attacks by youth on MPs in Gomoa East and Nhyiaeso Constituencies were worrying.

“This trend is not only a direct threat to lives and property but also a significant impediment to the credibility of our electoral process,” she said.

“Central to this issue is the role of young people—those who should be the future stewards of our democracy, yet who are increasingly becoming pawns in a dangerous game of political manipulation and violent contestation.”

Mrs Anti said that raised urgent questions about the socio-political structures that had allowed that phenomenon to persist and what could be done to reverse the trend.

She said the involvement of youth in electoral gun violence in Ghana was a symptom of broader socio-economic and political challenge.

She said it was crucial to understand the root causes to craft effective solutions.

“One cannot ignore the reality that many of Ghana’s youth face a grim economic outlook, characterized by high unemployment, underemployment, and limited opportunities for personal and professional advancement.”

She called on political parties to disarm their political campaigns and desist from arming their followers; saying “we also call on supporters of the various political parties to desist from the use of arms and electoral armed violence”.

Mr Francis Ameyibor, National Treasurer, West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA-Ghana) urged Ghanaians to choose the ballot over the bullet.

“We must choose ballots, and we must choose peace. Violence creates conditions for the use of bullets, and as a nation with progressive democratic development, violence has no place in our electoral processes.”

Keta MP advises youth to embrace skills training.

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Mr Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpe, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Keta constituency in the Volta Region has advised youth of the area to venture into skill training.

He said this would reduce youth unemployment rate and equip more young ones with the requisite skills and knowledge.

Mr Gakpe, disclosed this to Ghana News Agency, in an interview during the final graduation ceremony held for some 103 apprentices, he sponsored in various skills at Kedzikope, a suburb of Keta.

“I spend close to 12 million Ghana cedis to get about 1,000 youth into various apprenticeship training and the idea was to make sure they also have something doing to support themselves,” he said.

Mr Gakpey expressed disappointment about how about 500 youth could not endure the three years’ apprenticeship skills training period with only a few to be graduated.

He said apprenticeship programmes were a game-changer for individuals and businesses alike which provided hands-on work experience, help develop industry-specific skills and can boost job creation and entrepreneurship.

He said apprenticeship programmes were crucial for skills development, improving productivity, and enhancing employability and help reduce unemployment rates and bridge the gap between education and work.

“We engaged youth in skills training such as carpentry, masonry, electrical work, fashion design, hairdressing, among others because this is a great way to identify and develop future talent for one’s business.”

Mr Gakpey said that apprenticeship programmes created opportunities to develop the skills of employees by combining on-the-job training with classroom instructions whilst apprentices gave practical experience and knowledge that benefited business.

He encouraged youth especially the male counterparts to engage in various skills and apprenticeship, “since it is beneficial to establish your own business or job than to always depend on others for survival.”

He said tools which included hairdryers, laptops, sewing machines, and others, worth thousands of cedis were provided to the graduating apprentices to help as a start-up to boost the economy and alleviate unemployment rate.

Mr Gakpe, the incumbent NDC MP for Keta who is contesting for the second term urged the constituents to ignore other competitors in the parliamentary race and give 95 per cent massive votes to the NDC and John Dramani Mahama for more development projects in the area.

Some apprentices of the GNA spoke with expressed gratitude and thanked the MP for the kind gesture and pledged to vote for him to continue the life changing projects.

Ghana’s trade surplus shrinks amidst steady export growth.

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Ghana registered a trade surplus of GH₵3.9 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, marking a continuation of its trade balance gains for the year. However, this figure represents a decline from the GH₵6.1 billion surplus recorded in Q2 2024, according to the Ghana Statistical Service’s (GSS) latest quarterly report.

Trade volumes and export dominance

The total trade value for the quarter reached GH₵145.7 billion, comprising GH₵74.8 billion in exports and GH₵70.9 billion in imports. The surplus was driven by a significant increase in the export value of gold, which accounted for 62.1 percent of total exports. The country’s gold exports rose by GH₵27.8 billion year-on-year, consolidating its dominance in the export sector.

Crude petroleum ranked as the second-largest export, contributing 15.5%, while cocoa paste, manganese ores, and tuna collectively added 5.6 percent to the export mix.

Import trends and key trading partners

On the import side, mineral fuels and oils dominated, accounting for 22.3% of total imports. Gas oil and motor spirit led this category with a combined value of GH₵12.9 billion. Machinery, electrical equipment, and cereal grains also featured prominently among imports.

China continued to be Ghana’s top source of imports, contributing 24% of the total, followed by the United Kingdom at 8.2%. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) maintained its position as Ghana’s top export destination, receiving 25.1% of the country’s total exports, largely driven by gold trade.

Inflation impacts real trade performance

Despite positive nominal figures, real trade data for Q3 2024 painted a contrasting picture. When adjusted for inflation, Ghana recorded a trade deficit of GH₵4.6 billion. Real export values stood at GH₵23.0 billion, compared to real imports of GH₵27.6 billion, highlighting the significant impact of rising export prices, particularly for gold.

Year-on-year export and import price trends

The export unit value index (UVI) increased by 53.9% year-on-year, reflecting higher global commodity prices. Import prices also rose, albeit at a slower rate of 26.3%. Gold’s export price surged by 73.8% compared to the same period last year, underscoring its influence on Ghana’s trade dynamics.

The GSS emphasised the need to address the growing disparity between nominal and real trade values. Measures to stabilise inflation and diversify export commodities are critical to sustaining Ghana’s trade balance in the long term.

Kobi Mensah hails Michael Essien as a guardian angel.

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Ghanaian coach Bismark Kobby Mensah has lavished praise on former Black Stars legend Michael Essien, describing him as a selfless mentor who has had a profound impact on his life and career.

Mensah, who played alongside Essien for the Black Starlets, revealed that their friendship dates back to their secondary school days.

However, it was Essien’s generosity and humility that have left an indelible mark on Mensah’s life.

“Michael Essien has been more than just a friend to me,” Mensah said in an interview with Asempa FM. “He’s been a guardian angel, always willing to lend a helping hand. If I have any property today, I owe it all to Michael Essien.”

Mensah’s voice was filled with gratitude as he recounted how Essien had sponsored his coaching courses in England.

“He paid a significant amount of money for me to pursue my coaching dreams in Europe. I don’t think any family member would do what Essien has done for me.”

Mensah’s tribute is a testament to Essien’s enduring legacy, both on and off the pitch.

The former Chelsea star had a storied career, winning numerous titles including two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and a UEFA Champions League title. He also earned 58 caps for the Black Stars, scoring 9 goals.

After retiring from professional football, Essien transitioned into coaching, earning his UEFA coaching license. He has since been involved in coaching roles ant FC Nordjaelland in Denmark.

Nana Kwame Bediako unveils plan to transform Ghana in 2024 elections.

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Nana Kwame Bediako, the presidential candidate for the New Force party, has shared his plans to improve the lives of Ghanaians if elected in the 2024 general elections. Speaking passionately, he outlined three main areas of focus to address challenges facing the country: job creation, efficient use of natural resources, and strengthening Ghana’s economic independence.

Equity for All Regions
Bediako emphasized the need for every region in Ghana to benefit from its resources. He stated that regions should create jobs and wealth locally to reduce dependence on opportunities in cities like Accra. “Every Ghanaian should have access to opportunities where they live,” he said, comparing Ghana’s potential to cities in countries like England where wealth is more evenly distributed.

Maximizing Water Resources
The second pillar of his plan focuses on utilizing Ghana’s water bodies for transportation, irrigation, and business. He criticized the current underuse of water resources, highlighting their potential for logistics and agriculture. He proposed developing irrigation systems to ensure year-round farming and creating water transport systems, such as ferries, to connect regions and facilitate trade.

He shared an example from Afram Plains, where farmers face delays in transporting yams due to limited ferry services. Bediako suggested investing in yam processing factories to produce and export powdered yam to markets like Nigeria. “This will create jobs and boost our economy,” he said.

Energy and Economic Independence
The third part of his plan is to expand Ghana’s power supply and make energy affordable. This, he explained, will attract investors and support industries. He also called for better management of Ghana’s natural resources, such as gold, which he said are currently exploited by foreign companies without transferring skills to locals.

Bediako proposed stricter regulations to ensure foreign companies operate in ways that benefit Ghana. “We can welcome investors, but they must help build our nation, not just take our wealth,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges Ghana faces, including economic and social crises, and urged the youth to join his movement for change. “I represent a force of hope, a force that can lead Ghana toward a brighter future,” Bediako concluded.

The New Force party is set to contest the 2024 elections, promising to bring transformative leadership to Ghana.

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