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Liechtenstein becomes 191th IMF member

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The Principality of Liechtenstein, Central Europe, has become the 191th member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following the signing of the Fund’s Articles of Agreement.

Prime Minister Daniel Risch signed the agreement during a ceremony in Washington DC, USA, at the ongoing 2024 IMF/World Bang Group (WBG) annual meetings.

Ms Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, IMF, after the ceremony expressed delight in welcoming Liechtenstein to the IMF community.

“This membership signifies Liechtenstein’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of economic policy and cooperation on the international stage,” she said.

She pledged the Fund’s commitment to working closely with the authorities to support Liechtenstein’s efforts toward sustainable growth and further integration into the global economy. 

She noted that Liechtenstein was joining the IMF at a time that members and the global economy were navigating greater uncertainty and long-term challenges such as economic fragmentation and climate change.

“This accession reaffirms the important role entrusted to the IMF in fostering global economic cooperation and stability. Together, we will build a more inclusive and sustainable economic future for all members,” Ms Georgieva said.

Prime Minister Dr Daniel Risch, said they were interested in contributing to constructive engagement towards the advancement of international economic resilience and stability

“As a small country with limited administrative resources, we reflect carefully before joining international organisations, evaluating not only the consequences and benefits of what the organisation can bring us – but also what we can bring to the organisation ourselves,” he said.

Prime Minister Risch also said Liechtenstein would be a committed and dedicated member of the Fund.

Liechtenstein applied for IMF membership in May 2023, which led to an IMF team visiting Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein from November 27 to December 8, 2023.

The principality’s decision to join the IMF was confirmed by a majority in a national referendum conducted on September 22, 2024. The initial quota for Liechtenstein is SDR 100 million (about US$134.7 million).

Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country located in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and Austria to the east, with a population of approximately 40,000, with its workforce exceeding its population – 42,500 in 2022.

They have the second highest per capita income on of US$197K/year in Europe, only behind Monaco.

Being home to mountains, forests, and the Rhine River, Liechtenstein is a tourism destination, and has a strong financial sector and industrial sector (mainly, electronics, metalworking, and pharmaceuticals).

Parliament beefs up security ahead of Tuesday’s sitting

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Ahead of Tuesday’s sitting of Parliament, the Marshall Department of Parliament has taken steps to beef up security around the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), where the House is temporarily meeting.

A statement issued by Wing commander Fredrick Bawa (rtd), Deputy Marshall of Parliament, said the measures were being put in place to ensure the safety and security of the Speaker, Members of Parliament (MPs) and staff.

It urged them to respectfully take note that MPs, staff and members of the press would be screened thoroughly before the entry into the Chamber.

It noted that bodyguards of MPs would not be permitted in the Chamber.

The statement also said vehicles would not be allowed to park around the Grand Arena.

It said MPs were to be dropped at the designated drop-off zones within the precincts of AICC.

The statement said the Ghana Police Service would provide directions to the designated drop-off zone.

MPs were requested to wear their parliamentary identification tags, it said, while access to the Chamber would be from 0800 hours.

The public would not be allowed access to the public gallery until further notice.

The statement urged the cooperation of all in respecting the regulations.

Krachi East: NPP parliamentary candidate assures youth of employment opportunities.

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Mr. Michael Yaw Gyato, the parliamentary candidate (PC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Krachi East Constituency, has assured the youth of employment opportunities if he’s elected as member of parliament (MP) in the 2024 general elections.

He emphasized his dedication to empowering young people through sustainable employment initiatives.

At the inauguration of the Asedima Association of Kabre, Mr. Gyato, who is a former Member of Parliament, vowed to prioritise youth employment, and tackle the pressing issue of joblessness in Krachi East.

He gave assurance to organise training programmes to enhance employability and entrepreneurship and investing in local infrastructure to foster economic development.

He reaffirmed his commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in the constituency, in addition, he assured the people of Krachi East that if elected, he will facilitate the construction of a modern hospital to provide quality healthcare services.

The PC said traveling to WoraWora, Kete-Krachi and Nkwanta South for medical care will become a thing of the past under his tenure as MP.

“A modern hospital in the area will provide good health deliveries, reducing the need for lengthy travels” Gyato promised.

“Mr. Gyato’s promise aims to address the pressing issue of employment, which has long plagued the area, with his experience as former MP and Deputy Minister for sanitation and water resources, he is well-equipped to drive positive change,” Madam Rebecca Baako, a resident of Dambai Lakeside said.

Speaker Bagbin declares four parliamentary seat vacant.

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Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on Thursday declared four parliamentary seats vacant.

The vacant seats are for the Amenfi Central, Fomena, Agona West and Suhum Constituencies.

The seats were declared vacant for breaches of Article 9(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution.

Article 97(1) states: “A member of Parliament shall vacate his seat in Parliament — (g) if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member; or (h) if he was elected a member of Parliament as an independent candidate and joins a political party.”

The affected Members of Parliament (MPs) include Mr Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, MP for Amenfi Central, who was elected on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but had filed with the Electoral Commission (EC) to contest the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.

Mr. Andrews Asiamah Amoako, Independent Member of Parliament for Fomena, and currently serving as the Second Deputy Speaker, but has filed to contest the 2024 parliamentary elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr. Kwadjo Asante, Member of Parliament for Suhum, who was elected on the ticket of the NPP, but has filed with the EC to contest the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate, and Madam Cynthia Mamle Morrison, MP for Agona West, who was elected on the ticket of the NPP, had filed with the EC to contest the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.

The Speaker’s ruling was a formal response to the House in relation to a matter of significant parliamentary and constitutional importance, which was brought to the attention of the House on Tuesday, October 15, by Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader and NDC MP for Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam, pursuant to Order 93 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

The Minority Leader, with the indulgence of the House and with leave of the Speaker, raised a matter which he indicated was of urgent public importance in accordance with Order 93(1) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

The statement drew rigorous debate, instead of comments, on the floor of Parliament and transcended to the public in a heated national discourse.

The Minority Leader, as part of his statement, called on the Speaker to follow precedent and declare vacant the seats of four Members of Parliament pursuant to Articles 97(1)(g) and (h) of the Constitution.

The Minority Leader informed the House that it had come to the attention of the Minority Caucus that certain Members of Parliament had taken actions that contravene the provisions of Article 97(1)(g) and 97(1)(h) of the Constitution, 1992.

Speaker Bagbin said in 2020, during the tenure of Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, as Speaker of Parliament, a notable instance occurred when the NPP notified the Speaker that the MP for Fomena, Mr. Andrews Asiamah Amoako, was no longer a member of the party.

He said the NPP requested that the seat be declared vacant in accordance with Article 97(1) of the Constitution, citing that the MP had filed to contest the upcoming elections as an independent candidate, which violated the party’s constitution.

The Speaker said in response to this notification, and request, Prof Oquaye, proceeded to declare the seat vacant.

“However, I must emphasize that this ruling made by the previous Speaker does not bind other Speakers including myself,” Speaker Bagbin stated.

“It is important to point out that in the present matter before the House, the notice of poll is available at the Electoral Commission on all the 275 Constituencies,” he said.

“I have duly taken note of the notice of the poll. Furthermore, no MP in making comments to the statement made to the House by the Minority Leader denies these glaring and notorious facts.”

Touching on the Speaker’s role, Speaker Bagbin noted that it was important to point out that the Speaker was called upon by the Standing Orders of Parliament, particularly Order 18, to inform the House of the occurrence of a vacancy of the seat of a Member under Clause (1) (b) to (e), (g) and (h) of Article 97 of the Constitution.

“Accordingly, I proceed to inform the House that by the notification of the polls the following Members of Parliament have by their actions vacated their seats in Parliament,” Speaker Bagbin said.

He added: “The Members are: (1) Hon Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, NDC MP for Amenfi Central in the Western Region now referred to as an Independent Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency (2) Hon Andrew Amoako Asiamah, Independent member for Fomena Constituency in Ashanti Region now referred to as NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency (3) Hon Kwadjo Asante, NPP MP for Suhum in the Eastern Region, now referred to as Independent Candidate, for the same constituency, and Hon Cynthia Mamle Morrison, NPP MP for Agona West Constituency in the Central Region, now referred to as Independent Candidate for the same Constituency.”

Following the Speakers ruling, the composition of Ghana’s legislature is now 135 MPs for the ruling NPP and 136 for the opposition NDC.

EC disqualifies NDC’s Amenfi Central parliamentary candidate.

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified Mrs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe from running as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Amenfi Central Parliamentary Election.

In a letter signed by Mr. Samuel Tettey, Deputy EC Chair in Charge of Operations, the disqualification was attributed to a lawsuit that restrains Mrs. Cudjoe from presenting herself as a parliamentary candidate until the court resolves the matter.

The EC ‘s decision referenced an injunction issued on May 31, 2024, related to the case titled Gyedu Frimpong and 4 Others v. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the NDC, and the EC (Suit No. E12/36/24) by the High Court in Sekondi.

The Court also issued a restraining order against the NDC and the EC, prohibiting them, their agents, and officers from recognising or allowing Mrs. Cudjoe to be held as the duly elected NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the Amenfi Central Constituency.

This includes any rights or privileges associated with that position until the legal matter is resolved.

“The said Order has neither been stayed nor vacated hence the Commission is bound by same.

“In this regard, we write to inform you that you have been disqualified from standing as a candidate for election to Parliament in your Constituency,” the Commission stated.

Government to adopt climate-smart agriculture to enhance food security.

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Mr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture has announced that the government plans to adopt climate-smart agriculture to ensure food security and enhance the solvency of the agricultural sector. 


He noted that the approach would tackle the challenges presented by climate change and ensure that farming practices become more resilient and sustainable. 


Mr. Acheampong made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf during the World Food Day celebrations in Accra on Wednesday.  
He highlighted the heavy reliance of farmers on rainfall, which had become increasingly erratic due to climate change, leading to issues like drought. 


World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16, aims to raise awareness among all UN Member States to combat hunger, promote technology transfer for food production, and strengthen efforts against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.  


This year’s theme is “The Right to Food for a Better Life and Better Future: Leave No One Behind.” 
Research indicates that approximately 733 million people worldwide face hunger, a figure that has remained unchanged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, around 233 million people, or 29 percent of the global population, are food insecure, lacking regular access to nutritious food.  


Africa has been particularly affected, experiencing the highest rate of food insecurity, with over 20 percent of its population impacted. 
Mr. Acheampong noted that Ghana’s food production and security are significantly affected by regional disparities and climate conditions. 


To address those challenges, the Ministry has implemented several interventions, including the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative, which focuses on large-scale food production in the Afram Plains Economic Enclave (Ashanti and Eastern regions).  


Additionally, in the northern part of the country, construction and land development projects are underway at nineteen irrigation sites to enhance agricultural productivity. 
Mr. Acheampong said that the government was constructing warehouses nationwide to facilitate the storage and management of farm produce for citizens.  


He stressed the importance of promoting and developing drought-resistant crop varieties to ensure sustainable food production. 
Ms. Priya Gujadhur, Senior Resilience Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), noted that conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability are major drivers of food crises, contributing to malnutrition and rising rates of overweight and obesity. 


She encouraged community-based approaches to water and environmental management and conservation to strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change. 
“Ghana’s research institutions need to be continuously supported and funded to improve and continue to develop drought resistant crop varieties.  


“Farmers must be encouraged to adopt their use as it holds a promise to maintain and even increase yields despite adverse weather conditions,” she said. 
Ms. Aurore Rusiga, World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director for WFP Ghana, noted that despite advancements in agriculture, many rural communities in Ghana continued to face significant barriers in accessing nutritious food. 


She underscored that access to safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food is a fundamental right essential for a healthy life. 
Ms. Rusiga called for investment in the youth and their inclusion in agriculture, highlighting that empowering young people is crucial for the future of food systems.  


She commended rural women, stating, “Rural women are not just farmers; they are key drivers of food systems.” 
Madam Mavis Hawa Koomson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, emphasised the importance of valuing the complex relationship between water, food, and human well-being, urging efforts to keep water resources clean.  


She noted that a key component for the successful implementation of the Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan for 2024 to 2028 was the availability of sustainable and suitable water to enhance fish production. 


“We must collectively protect these water bodies to restore their health and to revive lives in them.  
“Restoring the healthy condition of the water bodies would result in rebuilding our fisheries resources and eventually increase our fish production,” she noted.  


Mr. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, urged well-meaning citizens and stakeholders to contribute their quota in support of the government’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to end hunger. 


“Today, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of farmers, agricultural workers, and organisations dedicated to combating hunger and malnutrition. We also recognize the critical role that governments, civil society, and the private sector play in addressing the complex challenges surrounding food security,” he stated. 

Election 2024: Ghana to strengthen peace, stability – President assures.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured the nation that the government is committed to upholding peace and stability as Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections on December 7. 
“This will be our ninth election in the Fourth Republic, and, by and large, this year’s polls will follow the peaceful trend established,” he assured. 


During the meeting with officials from the Organisation for African Development (OAD) at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, President Akufo-Addo reiterated Ghana’s commitment to conducting a transparent and credible electoral process.  


He highlighted the nation’s track record of successful elections, emphasising that the December 7 polls would further enhance Ghana’s reputation among its peers in sub-Saharan Africa. 
The OAD, led by founder Mr. Bonaventure Aguissi, was at the presidency to discuss the upcoming Peace Match on November 9 at the Accra Sports Stadium.  


The event aims to promote peace ahead of the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections. 
The Peace Match will feature legends from Spain’s Barcelona Football Club, including Ronaldinho Gaúcho, a Brazilian former footballer, alongside Ghanaian football icons and presidential candidates. 
President Akufo-Addo is set to be the Special Guest of Honour.  


In addition to the match, a peace convocation will take place, where dignitaries, including traditional leaders, security chiefs, and officials from the National Peace Council, will deliver messages to encourage a peaceful electoral process. 


The President referred to the peace initiative as commendable, expressing his commitment to attend the event to support its worthy goal. 


“Elections are normal features of our national life that we go through,” he remarked, emphasizing the country’s determination to successfully navigate yet another electoral challenge, upholding its strong record of accomplishment. 


He urged all stakeholders to fulfill their responsibilities and encouraged political party leaders to actively engage in the peace event. 
“I am all for it since this initiative is an excellent one,” the President noted. 


Mr. Aguissi praised Ghana as a shining example of democracy and good governance in the sub-region. 
He said that the OAD was pleased to be involved in the peaceful election process in the country and urged all stakeholders to participate in the upcoming peace event to ensure its success. 

We look forward to redeeming ourselves—Kudus pleads with Ghanaians.

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Interim Captain of Ghana’s Black Stars Mohammed Kudus, says the team is looking forward to redeeming itself following their recent poor performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. 
 
The Black Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2019 AFCON in Morocco appear dim with their latest loss to Sudan, as they currently have two points from four games. 
 
In a statement, Kudus, who led the squad in the last two matches, stated that he bears the responsibility of apologising to all Ghanaians. 
 
“On behalf of the entire team, I would like to extend our sincerest apologies to the people of Ghana for our recent performances against Sudan in Accra and Libya.  
 
“Despite our utmost effort and dedication, the results did not reflect our aspirations or the pride we have in representing our beloved nation. 
 
“We understand the disappointment  and frustration this had caused, and we share those feelings,” said the West Ham attacker. 
 
He went on to say that they were determined to learn from their mistakes, refocus, and work relentlessly to restore the country’s past football glory. 
 
“We value the unwavering support and loyalty you’ve shown us, and we’re determined to make you proud once again. 
 
“We urge all fans to stand by us during this challenging period. Your encouragement and faith in us will fuel our determination to succeed. 
 
“We will not give up. We look forward to redeeming ourselves in the upcoming matches,” said Kudus. 
 
The Black Stars will be back in action early in November 2024 as they close out their qualification campaign against Angola and Niger. 

We look forward to redeeming ourselves—Kudus pleads with Ghanaians.

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Interim Captain of Ghana’s Black Stars Mohammed Kudus, says the team is looking forward to redeeming itself following their recent poor performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. 
 
The Black Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2019 AFCON in Morocco appear dim with their latest loss to Sudan, as they currently have two points from four games. 
 
In a statement, Kudus, who led the squad in the last two matches, stated that he bears the responsibility of apologising to all Ghanaians. 
 
“On behalf of the entire team, I would like to extend our sincerest apologies to the people of Ghana for our recent performances against Sudan in Accra and Libya.  
 
“Despite our utmost effort and dedication, the results did not reflect our aspirations or the pride we have in representing our beloved nation. 
 
“We understand the disappointment  and frustration this had caused, and we share those feelings,” said the West Ham attacker. 
 
He went on to say that they were determined to learn from their mistakes, refocus, and work relentlessly to restore the country’s past football glory. 
 
“We value the unwavering support and loyalty you’ve shown us, and we’re determined to make you proud once again. 
 
“We urge all fans to stand by us during this challenging period. Your encouragement and faith in us will fuel our determination to succeed. 
 
“We will not give up. We look forward to redeeming ourselves in the upcoming matches,” said Kudus. 
 
The Black Stars will be back in action early in November 2024 as they close out their qualification campaign against Angola and Niger. 

Fishers at Anlo Beach lament impact of ‘galamsey’ on their livelihoods.

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Anlo Beach (W/R), Oct. 16, GNA-Fishers at Anlo Beach in the Shama District of the Western Region have expressed worry over the devastating impacts of illegal mining (galamsey) activities on their livelihoods.


The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed during a visit to the community that the marine waters along the shores of Anlo Beach had been affected by the polluted River Pra that flows downstream to the sea within that enclave.


The situation, the fishers told the GNA, posed a direct threat to their fishing activities which was their only source of livelihoods in the community.


Mr George Ahiaku, a Fisherman, said: “As you can see, the colour of the sea has changed due to the pollution from the River Pra. This is something that we are worried about because it is affecting our fishing activities.”


He stated that the harmful chemicals used during the galamsey activities leached into the River Pra and then washed into the sea, and subsequently killed aquatic lives.


That, he added, affected their catch saying, “When we come ashore, we are not able to catch as much as we should because, I believe these toxic chemicals affect the fish stock in the sea.”


Mr Ahiaku expressed worry that the issue was translating into severe financial problems for them and their families and called for urgent action to deal with the galamsey menace.


Mr Godwin Kumah, the Unit Committee Chair of the area, said they were struggling to cope with the impact of galamsey on their activities, hence, called on the government to take decisive actions to stop illegal mining.


“We are not doing galamsey here, but we are facing the brunt of these activities from elsewhere. We are calling on the government to do something about this, otherwise there will be disaster,” he said.

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