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Election 2024: Mahama promises Agricultural University for Afram Plains.

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Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to establish an Agricultural University in Afram Plains if elected in the 2024 general elections. 

Speaking to party supporters in the Afram Plains constituency, Mr. Mahama revealed that his previous administration had secured a loan from Korea to fund the project, but the initiative was derailed by the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, which redirected the funds. 

“While we were in government, we went to Korea for a loan to construct an agricultural university here in Afram Plains. Unfortunately, we lost power, and the NPP coming in used the money for something else,” Mr Mahama told the gathering. 

Despite the setback, the NDC leader assured constituents that the project remains a priority under an NDC government. 

He outlined plans for the university to have its headquarters at the Eastern University in Somanya, with two campuses located in Afram Plains North and Afram Plains South. 

“Please don’t lose hope. When we come, we will construct the university. The University’s headquarters will be at Somanya, the Eastern University we established. It will also have two campuses, one in Afram Plains North and the other in Afram Plains South,” he said. 

Beyond the university project, Mr. Mahama highlighted other initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and healthcare in the constituency. 

“We have a lot of initiatives in stock for Afram Plains. We will construct polyclinics and fix your roads for you,” he promised. 

The Afram Plains, known for its agricultural potential, have often been cited as an area with untapped opportunities. Mr. Mahama’s commitment is expected to resonate strongly with constituents as the 2024 election campaign intensifies. 

GFA dissolves Black Stars management committee apologises for inability to qualify for AFCON.

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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has apologised for the Black Stars inability to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Following an Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, the GFA has announced a series of plans to help address the decline of the senior national team, the Black Stars.

After the meeting, the Executive Council decided to dissolve the Black Stars management committee, which was being led by GFA Vice President Mark Addo.

“Immediate dissolution of the management committee of the senior national football team, the Black Stars.

“In doing so, we sincerely thank the members of the Committee for their service to Ghana Football over the years,” a press statement said.

It added that the Executive Council would meet the Head Coach of the Black Stars, Mr. Otto Addo, on November 27, 2024, to discuss his technical report on the just-ended AFCON qualifiers.

The GFA is also expected to hold a stakeholder consultation next week to discuss issues related to the decline of the Black Stars.

CBG records GHS1bn revenue in third quarter of 2024.

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The Consolidated Bank Ghana Ltd. (CBG), has recorded GHS1 billion in total revenue in its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024.


The revenue is the highest for any single year since the inception of the bank in 2018, with a year-on-year increase in profitability, total assets, and liquidity, the bank said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.


The bank also reported a profit before tax of GHS169.9 million, up from GHS5.3m recorded in the third quarter of 2023, representing an increase of more than 3,105 percent.


The statement noted that CBG’s net interest income of GHS727.6 million, driven by well-managed interest expense and revenue from diversified lending activities, surpassed industry benchmarks in profitability growth.


“This financial strength directly supports local businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), by providing accessible financing solutions that fuel economic growth,” the statement said.
The Bank, in the third quarter of 2024, also its with total assets reaching GHS16.3 billion, a 58 percent increase from the same period in 2023, with a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stands at 17.2 percent and a liquidity ratio at 66.7 percent.


The bank’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio decreased from 17.9 per cent last year to 11.6 per cent in 2024, with a 14.5 per cent increase in loans and advances recorded and a 38.6 per cent increase customer deposits.


The statement explained that these outcomes showed CBG’s liquid position and preparedness to meet customer demands, a healthier loan portfolio that benefits customers, and the trust of customers in the bank.


Mr Daniel Wilson Addo, Managing Director, CBG, said, “our success reflects our dedication to empowering Ghanaian businesses and communities. This result is more than just a financial gain; it demonstrates our commitment to being a driving force for positive economic impact.”


On the back of the quarter-three performance, Mr. Addo said CBG’s strategic growth plan would remain focused on innovation and enhanced customer experience.


He said the Bank would continue to seek opportunities to provide seamless services and more financing options tailored to SMEs and individuals, reinforcing its mission of providing a simple, secure, and differentiated banking experience to customers.


Mr. Addo pledged the bank’s dedication to expanding credit access for individuals and businesses across the country, particularly for SMEs, which he said remained the vital drivers of the local economy.

Mahama failed to provide chalk, NPP is supplying laptops to students – Bawumia.

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New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has drawn a sharp comparison between the administration of former President John Mahama and the current NPP government, highlighting what he described as significant strides under his party’s leadership.

Speaking to supporters in the Northern Region on November 21, Dr Bawumia contrasted the chalk shortages that plagued schools during Mahama’s tenure with the NPP government’s provision of laptops to students, portraying it as a symbol of progress and innovation.

He urged voters to view the 2024 election as a choice between stagnation and forward-thinking development, asserting that the NPP has a clear and ambitious vision for Ghana’s future.

Dr. Bawumia also emphasised his suitability as a candidate, stating, “This election is about who can deliver the transformation Ghana needs, and I am confident that I am the better choice for the future of our country.”

“In his time, there was no chalk in schools. We are buying tablets for school children. Every child will get one. No one will be left out. We are even buying laptops for teachers. We are buying it for teachers from Kindergarten to SHS.”

On Thursday, Dr. Bawumia commenced strategic visits to constituencies he had yet to visit, continuing his outreach efforts across the country. While the NPP flagbearer has already toured all sixteen regions, several constituencies remained on his list for this campaign cycle.

Dr. Bawumia’s tour took him to Tolon, Kumbungu, and Tamale South. Of the three constituencies, Tolon is represented by NPP MP Habib Iddrisu.

In Kumbungu, the NPP has made significant progress, improving its parliamentary performance from 15.2% in 2016 to 40.8% in 2020. Meanwhile, Tamale South, which is the constituency of NDC’s Haruna Iddrisu, remains firmly in NDC control.

Dr. Bawumia also commissioned a mosque in the Tolon constituency during his visit.

Project commissioning is not a ploy to attract votes—Oppong Nkrumah.

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Housing Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has said the recent commissioning of infrastructure projects ahead of the 2024 general elections highlights the government’s solid track record, not an attempt to influence voters.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Thursday, November 21, the Vice Chairman of the NPP Manifesto Committee stressed that these developments demonstrate the government’s longstanding commitment to infrastructure growth across the country.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah explained that the newly inaugurated projects are part of a broader strategy aimed at fostering sustained development rather than a last-minute appeal for electoral support.

He insisted that the government’s efforts have consistently focused on delivering high-quality infrastructure to improve citizens’ lives.

The Minister elaborated that these projects, many of which have been in planning and construction phases for years, are now coming to fruition as part of the government’s ongoing developmental agenda.

He assured the public that the timing of the project’s completion was incidental and not influenced by the electoral calendar.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah emphasised that these initiatives reflect the NPP administration’s vision for steady progress and growth across Ghana, assuring that infrastructure development will remain a priority beyond the election period.

“The commissions are part of a bigger track record. If your track record on infrastructure speaks well for you, then the commissioning will just help with the icing on the cake.

“If your track record on infrastructure does not speak well for you, then it will be an exercise in futility. So for us, we believe that, for example, today about 80 new schools were commissioned.”

“It is not the case that these are the only schools we have built since 2017. In my constituency, you will see school blocks, dormitories, etc. So the people have seen what has been done over the years, and now they are seeing what is going on in the final stretch.”

“So, it is not about what you do in the last two or three weeks; it is about what you have done over the period for the public to access and make a determination,” he stated.

Eat healthy and warm foods to avoid cholera –Dr. Adomako-Boateng.

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Ghanaians have been advised to eat healthy and warm foods as a precautionary measure to break the transmission of cholera as regions continue to record cases.

They should prioritize hygiene and pay serious attention to what they consume in order not to contract the disease.

Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, who gave the advice, also cautioned against buying food from vendors in unhygienic environment.

Four regions including Greater Accra, Western, Eastern, and Central have so far recorded cases, compelling health authorities in other regions to be on high alert.

Addressing the media in Kumasi on measures put in place by the Regional Health Directorate to prevent or contain the disease should cases be recorded, Dr. Adomako-Boateng entreated the public to observe hand washing protocols after visiting the toilet and before eating.

“For this particular outbreak that we are dealing with if you are not careful and you contract this germ, within the shortest possible time people are really losing their lives,” he cautioned.

He said cholera was one of the diseases that could be prevented from transmission from one person to another and stressed the need for the public to embrace good hygienic practices.

Washing hands with running water and soap or alcohol-based gel, he said, was one of the effective ways of stopping transmission of the disease.

He said specific facilities in the districts had been designated for people presenting symptoms of cholera to report to as part of measures to stop the spread of the disease.

“We do not want people to be moving from one facility to another within a district. The moment you do that, you are spreading the germ,” Dr. Adomako-Boateng explained.

He said they were also engaging chemical sellers and pharmacies to refer people with cholera symptoms to health facilities so as not to endanger their lives.

“We are not really bothered as to when we are going to record a case, but what we are really bothered about is when people have it, they will be able to pick it as early as possible and report to the health facility to get treatment,” the Regional Director pointed out.

Seychelles’ President in Ghana for 100 years anniversary of return of Asantehene Agyemang Prempeh from exile.

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The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, received a warm reception on Wednesday upon landing at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport for his inaugural official visit to Ghana.

The visit coincides with the 100th Anniversary celebrations of Asantehene Nana Agyeman Prempeh I’s return from exile in Seychelles, underscoring historical ties between Ghana and Seychelles.

He will be in Kumasi at the weekend as the guest of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Ramkalawan and his delegation were welcomed at the airport by Ghana’s Minister of State for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe.

Joining the reception were Seychelles Ambassador to Ethiopia and Ambassador-Designate to Ghana, Conrad Mederic, alongside Ghana’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Seychelles, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, and other senior officials.

The official ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage.

During his visit, Ramkalawan is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. 

On Saturday and Sunday, he will be in Kumasi for the 100th Anniversary celebrations of Asantehene Nana Agyeman Prempeh I’s return from exile in Seychelles,

There will be a durbar of chiefs in Kumasi on Saturday, a dinner in his honour and a thanksgiving service at the Cyprian’s Anglican Church.

Election 2024: Don’t indulge in hate speech – Asantehene tells politicians.

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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged political parties to prioritize presenting their policies to the electorate instead of resorting to divisive or hateful rhetoric.

Speaking ahead of the December 7 general elections on Wednesday, November 20, Otumfuo emphasised the need for peace and urged all political actors to avoid actions or statements that could incite violence.

He called for a campaign environment focused on constructive dialogue and national unity.

The Asantehene made these remarks during a visit by Kofi Akpaloo, the Presidential Candidate of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), who led a delegation of his party’s leadership to seek Otumfuo’s support and blessings for the upcoming elections.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reiterated that the elections should be a reflection of Ghana’s democratic maturity, calling on all stakeholders to ensure that peace and progress remain at the forefront.

“It appears my children are the ones contesting in the elections and yes, Kofi is one of them. So I will pray that everything goes well for him as well. I have seen his flyers in town. We pray for peace in the coming election. Ghana will continue to exist due to the power of God.

“Winning an election entails patience. I pray my son Kofi prevails, I know that once he wins, he will come here to visit. I also want to thank my in-laws for supporting him. All those in the team should all come together and help for peace to prevail”

Kofi Akpaloo, on the other hand, has called on the US Embassy to get its European counterparts to impose similar VISA restrictions on individuals attempting to disrupt Ghana’s electoral process ahead of the polls.

“Looking at the way things are going, I think this election is going to be more peaceful. Recently, we all heard from the American Embassy that anybody who is going to cause chaos will be denied a Visa to travel outside the country.

“I spoke to the American ambassador as I was seated beside her to ask the European counterpart to also issue the same statement and she said yes, she is going to do that very soon, and she believes the British high commission is going to follow suit. When you have nowhere to hide, you will be compelled to do the right thing”.

“This country is for everyone, so if you win this election fantastic, if you don’t win, you come back the next time to contest. You can not impose yourself on anyone, but we are all asking the electoral commission to do what is necessary such that no one will have the need to complain. We are doing our best and everywhere in the country we are making sure to monitor our results,” he added.

Alan Kyerematen reveals his future plans for Ghanaian Health professionals.

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Alan Kyerematen, leader and Presidential Candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance, has unveiled a visionary plan to revolutionize healthcare delivery and provide economic opportunities for health professionals under his Great Transformational Plan (GTP).

 Speaking to nursing and midwifery students of the Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Sunyani and other health professionals in the Bono Region, Mr. Kyerematen outlined key policies that prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers while addressing the nation’s healthcare challenges.

Among the standout initiatives is the restructuring of the Nursing Training Allowance to make it sustainable.

In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra,Alan Kyerematen criticized the allowance’s current form as a tool for political manipulation by the NDC and NPP.

“The current system is unsustainable and often serves as bait for political gains. Under my leadership, the Nursing Training Allowance will be reformed to ensure it supports students effectively while being economically viable for the long term,” he stated, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Following the review of the allowance, Alan Kyerematen emphasized that the ultimate priority for graduates is securing jobs.

 “It is not enough to simply complete school. The most important thing is that after completing your training, you have jobs waiting for you,” he noted.

To address this, he announced a nationwide programme to rehabilitate health facilities, including expansions where necessary, to accommodate more health professionals and reduce unemployment in the sector.

Alan Kyerematen also pledged to improve the conditions of service for health professionals, acknowledging their indispensable role in society.

“Your efforts ensure that we live long and enjoy good health here on earth.

Health professionals deserve far better than what they are currently being given,” he remarked, earning thunderous applause.

He stressed that under his leadership, the welfare of health professionals would be a top priority to motivate them to deliver quality healthcare.

Another major initiative Alan Kyerematen highlighted was the Ghana Skills Export Programme, an innovative policy to train professionals, including those in the health sector, for export to countries in dire need of workers.

“This is a win-win policy. Our government will enter into agreements with countries that need health professionals, and we will train and prepare our nurses, midwives, and doctors to fill those gaps. This will not only create job opportunities for our youth but also generate revenue for Ghana through remittances,” he explained.

According to Mr. Kyerematen, the programme would offer competitive packages to attract participants while contributing to the development of Ghana’s healthcare system.

In addition, Alan Kyerematen reiterated his commitment to the Health Booth policy, which aims to create 100,000 jobs for health professionals.

The booths, strategically placed in communities, will provide essential health services such as blood pressure, sugar level, and cholesterol checks at affordable rates.

“These health booths will not only reduce the workload on our hospitals but also bring healthcare closer to the people,” he said.

The initiative, which operates on a work-and-pay basis, allows those managing the booths to earn a sustainable income while improving community healthcare access.

Another groundbreaking proposal is the establishment of community clinics to be co-owned and managed by groups of nurses and doctors.

The government will provide funding, but the clinics will operate as independent entities.

“Our goal is to empower healthcare workers to become entrepreneurs in the health sector while ensuring equitable healthcare distribution across the country,” Mr. Kyerematen noted.

He added that government alone cannot provide all the necessary health facilities, emphasizing the need for private-sector involvement.

“This partnership with the private sector will expand access to healthcare while creating opportunities for professionals to own and operate clinics,” he explained.

As part of his tour in the Bono Region, Alan Kyerematen paid a courtesy call on the traditional leaders of the Sunyani Traditional Council.

He shared his mission in the region and his vision for the country, including a commitment to reviewing the constitution to empower traditional leaders to play pivotal roles in both local and national governance structures.

The traditional leaders expressed their appreciation and excitement for his vision, pledging their support for his cause.

In addition, Mr. Kyerematen visited the clergy in the region, where he presented his vision for Ghana and his promise to include them in national governance through the establishment of the Second Chamber.

He assured the clergy of a direct role in governance under his administration. The clergy, in turn, endorsed him for his vision and good heart, offering a special prayer for his protection and victory while continuing to pray for peace in the country.

By the end of his engagements, Alan Kyerematen had left a lasting impression on the nursing and midwifery students, health professionals, traditional leaders, and clergy.

His policies and plans have further energized his campaign as he continues to champion innovative solutions for transforming the economy, healthcare delivery, and national governance.

Ghana FA to hold retreat on November 28 after Black Stars AFCON qualifier collapse.

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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed they will hold a retreat on November 28 at the Ghanaman Soccer of Excellence at Prampram.

This comes following a meeting by the Executive Council on Wednesday, November 21 following Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The senior national team for the first time in 20 years will not compete at the AFCON tournament that will be hosted in Morocco next year.

Ghana, who last won the AFCON in 1982 finished at the bottom of Group F with three points after six games. The Black Stars recorded three draws and three defeats.

A statement by the GFA read, “Given the passion and concern shown by members and stakeholders of Ghana Football as well as the general public, the GFA shall hold a Ghana Football Retreat to which members and all stakeholders shall be invited.

“Members and stakeholders such as SWAG and the Media, National Sports Authority, PFAG, former captains and players, coaches, supporters, Football enthusiasts, Sports-related professionals (Medics, Economists, Marketers etc), and Opinion leaders (including traditional rulers) will be invited to the Retreat.

“The Ministries of Sports, Finance and Education, and key Authorities such as Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority will be represented.

“The meeting shall be held on the 28th of November, 2024, at the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence, with the primary purpose of soliciting views and perspectives from stakeholders of Ghana Football. The output from this Retreat shall be used to develop a roadmap for enhancing the performance of the Black Stars and our other national teams.

“We appreciate the support and patience of the Ghanaian people and look forward to making amends in the future.”

The Ghana FA has also confirmed the dissolution of the Black Stars Management Committee and will also meet Otto Addo, who is the head coach of the team a day before the retreat.

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