Speaking at the launch of a book by former Nigerian military president General Ibrahim Babangida, Akufo-Addo reflected on the economic turbulence that defined his presidency, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted Ghana’s financial stability.

He noted that the global crisis disrupted economies worldwide, including Ghana, leading to a sharp decline in economic activity.

With international capital markets largely inaccessible, his administration had limited options and was ultimately forced to seek financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stabilize the economy.

Akufo-Addo admitted that the resulting economic hardships fueled widespread public dissatisfaction, triggering multiple protests.

While he noted that the demonstrations were not as intense as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) riots in the 1980s, he conceded that they were serious enough to erode public confidence in his administration.

“We faced a major economic crisis and with the world’s capital markets closed to us, we ended up going to the IMF. Not an easy decision to make. The economic difficulties brought people onto the streets,” he stated.

“Even though the demonstrations were not on the scale of the SAP riots described in the book, they were serious enough, feeding into the growing disaffection against the government,” he added.

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Speaking at the Ghana Report Summit under the theme ‘Dealing with Misinformation and Disinformation in the Upcoming Election’, President Akufo-Addo, referenced ‘Agyapadie’ document and claimed that a plot was orchestrated to tarnish his reputation ahead of the upcoming elections.

• The NDC’s Director of Elections, Dr Omane Boamah, who was also present at the event, responded sharply to these accusations.

He asserted that the opposition is not behind such efforts and suggested that the President should reflect on the content of the “Agyapadie” document.

Dr Boamah questioned how a document predicting the President’s actions accurately could exist if it were not based on observed behaviour, emphasizing that instead of blaming the opposition, the President should consider why his government has seemingly fulfilled the negative predictions outlined in the document.

“How come I campaigned to protect the public purse? How come I campaigned to develop Ghana? Yet this document is indicating that I came only for my people and for my clan? If I were the president, I’d be more concerned.

“Instead of the President hastily blaming the opposition party, the President should have a sober reflection about the content of the ‘Agyapadie’ document as people are pushing out there and check how come he has fallen so low to have manifested these things in his government such that today, people who have read a document are saying that ah, that is the evidence,” he stressed.

Dr Boamah further criticized the President for frequently blaming the NDC for various issues, including the country’s economic challenges.

He pointed out that with only four months remaining in office, it is too late for such accusations.

Additionally, he urged President Akufo-Addo to move away from statements suggesting he would only hand over to his vice president and now NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

A role I proudly and faithfully served for three (3) consecutive terms, before your ascendency to the Presidency of the Republic of Ghana.

Mr. President, you consistently showed unwavering confidence in my abilities as Henry Quartey, entrusting me with increasingly significant roles in your administration. Beginning with my appointment as Deputy Minister of the Interior during your first term, you recognized my dedication and capabilities. Subsequently, you appointed me as the Deputy Minister for National Security, followed by the pivotal role of Greater Accra Regional Minister. Presently, I am honoured to serve as Minister of the Interior, a testament to your trust and confidence reposed in me.

Your Excellency, besides me, you have mentored numerous young individuals across various professions, including law and politics. Notable lawyers such as Akoto Ampaw, Gloria Akuffo, Philip Addison, Frank Davies, Alex Quaynor, Hon. Ursula Owusu, Hon. Naa Torshie, Godfred Dame, Kwame Akuffo, Kow Essuman and many others have benefited from your guidance and mentorship. Additionally, political figures like Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, Lord Commey, John Boadu, Justin Frimpong Koduah (youngest General Secretary), Adumuah Bossman, Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Hon. Bryan Acheampong, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Hon. Amankwah Manu, Sam Ellis, Sammy Awuku, Herbert Krapa, Eugene Arhin, Kofi Agyapong, and many others have flourished under your tutelage and leadership. Some other professionals and various captains of industry have also been nurtured by your mentorship and guidance, contributing to their success in their respective fields.

Mr. President, your dedication to nurturing talent and fostering leadership has left an indelible mark on Ghana’s future generations.

Mr. President, the traits exhibited by the multitude of stalwarts who have benefited from your mentorship are a testament to the profound impact you have made on our lives. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and your relentless pursuit of perfection have instilled in us a spirit of resilience and determination to overcome any challenges that come our way.

Your guidance has empowered us to push boundaries, defy odds, and strive for greatness in all our endeavours. We are eternally grateful for the invaluable lessons and inspiration you have imparted to us, shaping us into the leaders today, and a shining hope for the upcoming generation.

Your Excellency, your promotion of gender parity and women’s empowerment during your tenure is unmatched. You have appointed women to important leadership roles of our nation such as Chief Justice (CJ), first female Chief of Staff (CoS), longest-serving female Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration – who by your instrumentality is soon to become the first African female Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Other notable female appointments are Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Administrator of Common Funds, first female Mayor of Accra, among others.

You have also supported initiatives aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities and empowerment for women and girls. Mr. President, through these efforts, you are working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society in Ghana.

As Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Ghana, I am fully dedicated to fulfilling the trust and confidence you have reposed in me. My commitment lies in diligently working towards maintaining internal peace and security across our beloved nation, especially in an election year such as this.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of all and sundry (within Ghana) remains my utmost priority, and I pledge to spare no effort in fulfilling this vital responsibility you have entrusted to me, Mr. President.

Mr. President your leadership has bolstered Africa’s global reputation by championing economic growth, democracy, and collaboration. Your initiatives challenge stereotypes, highlight Africa’s potential, and cultivate partnerships with global leaders, projecting a positive image of the continent worldwide. This, we will always be proud of, Your Excellency.

On this momentous occasion of your 80th birthday, I extend my heartfelt wishes to you, Mr. President, on behalf of my family and myself. As we commemorate this special day, which coincides with the Easter holiday, I am profoundly grateful for the numerous opportunities you have afforded me throughout your administration. It is indeed a privilege serving under your esteemed leadership and contributing to our nation’s progress and prosperity under your guidance and vision.

Once again, I congratulate you on this milestone and pray that the Almighty God continues to bless you abundantly with good health, wisdom, and strength as you steer our nation towards a brighter future.

With utmost admiration, enjoy your day as the freshest octogenarian. God Richly bless you, Mr President

Happy, Happy, Happy 80th Birthday to you Mr President.

According to him, the President while at the Mampong Anglican church, last year said that “these ungodly acts will never happen under his watch.”

“The President has been categorical. I recall last year in the Anglican church in Mampong, there was this heat on homosexuality and gayism that came up. It was so intense in the country at the time and when he mounted the podium in the church, he made a decisive statement that these ungodly acts of homosexualism and gayism will never happen under his watch.

“At that time, there was no foreign anything before him. When the late Former President, may his soul rest in peace, when he made that first bold statement, there was nobody before him,” he recalled on Accra-based TV3.

He explained that the President’s response to US VEEP, Kamala Harris was the best he could have done as the matter is before parliament.

 “And the fact that he made a statement that look, the fact that this is a human rights issue, this is a lawyer, a professional lawyer and when the lawyers are speaking they are very careful because of their training and background. Because the forum and the platform to deal with this problem is before Parliament, there is very little the President can do about it.

“He has no control, he has no authority and he said look apart from the human rights angle, the general feeling of the Ghanaian populace and what is the general feeling of our people, this is something that we detest,” he explained.

Mr Titus-Glover also stated unequivocally that he is not supportive of the act and commended Ningo Prampram MP, Sam George for spearheading the cause to pass the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

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“This is a man who has daughters. Was it last year one of them got married? He gave the hand of the daughter to a man. And you think the President will allow these things to happen? Look at the action of the man.

“Me I’m against it. In fact, let me commend my younger brother Nartey George. He has been the spear, low ranger in this thing,” he lashed out.

The completed work is the Phase I of the Sunyani Airport Rehabilitation Project.

The rehabilitation of the airport is a critical part of the government’s vision to expand the frontiers of the aviation industry in Ghana, and to help realise the dream of making Ghana an aviation hub in West Africa.

The scope of works included the rehabilitation and extension of the runway from 1,280 metres to 1,400 metres; repair of the apron to accommodate small to medium size aircraft; minimal renovation of the Terminal Building; and construction of some airport internal roads. With these, after today’s event, the airport is open for business.

Air travel is picking up, following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry.

It is expected that domestic passenger traffic will continue to grow over the coming years, and will require more infrastructural developments in the sector.

There are projects currently ongoing in our nation’s aviation sector which will open up our country even further. They are Phases II & III of the Kumasi Airport project, which are presently some ninety-three percent (93%) complete, and Phase II of Tamale Airport which is ninety-five percent (95%) complete.

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In a keynote speech at the Prisons Officers Cadet Course Intake 29 Graduation Parade, President Akufo-Addo emphasised on the need to fight against stigmatisation and support these ex-convicts to strengthen their resolve to live within the acceptable social norms and values.

According to him, though the Prisons Service has a mandate to ensure that convicts who return to society are well-reformed, the public needs to take the responsibility to receive them “so they don’t become repeat offenders.”

He further revealed that the government was doubling efforts to address the funding challenges facing the service to discharge completely changed and reformed felons.

“I remain committed to granting periodic amnesty to deserving inmates upon the advice of the Council of State. The Government would not relent in efforts to see to the completion of a remand prison at Nsawam to ease the pressure on Minimum Security Prison,” he said.

“Your call has come at a time when much is expected of the Prisons Service, both in its domestic and international obligation. It should not be lost on you that your call is one of trust reposed in you.

“Contemporary correctional management does not just focus on punishing prisoners, condemning and stigmatizing them with painful treatment methods, but rather on repairing their humanity and helping to restore their God-given talents in line with acceptable international standards,” he added.

He said the NPP has a track record of negotiating deals that serve the best interest of the country.

The President gave the assurance at the NPP’s National Delegates’ Conference which is currently underway at the Accra Sports Stadium.

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The Conference is being held under the theme ‘Holding together, Working together.’

Over 6,000 delegates are expected to vote for some 46 candidates who are contesting various positions.

According to her, the President has failed in fulfilling his promises made to Ghanaians, hence a necessity to render an apology.

“Our expectation is for the President to apologise to Ghanaians, when he apologises to them, they will forgive him because Ghanaians are people who forgive easily,” she said.

“He should apologise to Ghanaians concerning the promises he made to Ghanaians but have not been fulfilled, and how the economy has been ditched so we move forward,” she added.

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The MP, speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, noted that “he should appreciate those who criticise him because they are the ones who want him to progress.”

“But those who clap for him will rather lead him into a ditch,” she added.

Citing herself as an example, she disclosed her interest in criticism more than being praised.

“For me, I have interest in those who criticise me more than those who clap for me because the one criticising me will talk about the wrong things so that people will see that you are not functioning,” she stated.

“So, as the criticism is being made, you begin to reflect, have time and work on those things that are being criticised,” she added.

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has lauded the President, Nana Akufo-Addo for his incomparable achievement in the road sector since Ghana gained independence.

According to him, there is no President who can be compared to President Akufo-Addo in terms of road infrastructure, adding that he (President) has constructed more roads in the history of Ghana.

He made this known during the commissioning of the Kwafokrom Apedwa road in the Eastern Region.

“Nana Addo’s record in the road sector is unprecedented, and since independence, no government can compare their record to that of Nana Addo,” he claimed.

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He has, therefore, challenged persons with contrary views to provide their evidence.

To celebrate her husband’s 77th birthday on March 29, 2021, Mrs Akufo-Addo took a line from Afrobeats singer, Gyakie’s Forever song to declare her undying love for her husband.

She wrote: Many blessings to the President of Ghana @NAkufoAddo First Lady ein heart beats for you.

Talking about how she received the message, Gyakie said she couldn’t believe the gesture.

She added that she woke up to many notifications from friends and family asking her to check on the First Lady’s Twitter page.

According to Gyakie, the post rather motivated her to keep up with the music work.

I don’t know how I want to describe it. It was one of the biggest motivations for me this year, I woke up in the morning and everyone was sending it to me and I couldn’t believe it.

I had to check the page to be sure and when it was true, I was surprised and honoured that she actually quoted the line in the song, Gyakie told Andy Dosty.

According to him, there are many problems facing the country that needs attention, hence the construction of the Ghana Award House is useless.

Taking to Facebook to share the message with Ghanaians, A Plus said: We don’t have textbooks, ? we are so broke that the government has increased taxes and introduced new ones to salvage the economy, Ghana is back to ‘dumsor’ due to lack of funds to fuel power plants,  (Tell the people the truth).

He continued by saying:

You have asked workers not expect salary increase because there is no money, children still school under trees in 2021, people drink dirty water ?from the same pond with animals, you have not begun your 88 district hospitals because there is no money, women give birth on the floor, existing hospital lack beds, ? [SIC].

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The same way you went to a country that does not believe in Jesus Christ/Christianity to import a stone to build a cathedral for Jesus.

Nana, I love you and I know for a fact that millions do too but hmmmm you have broken many hearts ? It’s too much!!! [SIC].

President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday cut the sod for the construction of the ¢5 million Ghana Award House, a new administrative building for the Head of State Award Scheme.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, President Akufo-Addo explained that since its inception in 1967, the Head of State Award Scheme has challenged and touched the lives of many young Ghanaians, with some 750,000 young people participating and benefitting from the scheme.

A lot of stakeholders have bemoaned the “sad” state of the creative arts sector with many blaming the current and previous government for paying less attention to the sector.

But in his delivery, the First Man made some pledges towards development and these are the key things he mentioned to elevate the state of the creative arts sector to its vibrant form.

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They are as follows:

The first-ever Creative Arts Senior High School built in Kumasi

President Akufo-Addo said the maiden Creative Arts Senior High School project, which is situated at Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region, is near completion.

Already, the first-ever Creative Arts Senior High School, located in Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region, is nearing completion, he mentioned.

He explained the creative institution will nurture young artistes to develop and shape their talents to be at par with the global standards.

Plans to construct five tourism sites to meet international standards

President Akufo-Addo also said his government has upgraded five tourism sites in Ghana.

Government has upgraded five tourism sites to meet international standards for increased visitation, and create jobs and incomes for the people. The new Minister for the sector, the industrious Ibrahim Awal Mohammed, has also indicated his determination to strengthen the Creative Arts industry in Ghana.

Year of Return, Beyond the Return initiatives

President Akufo-Addo said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority are working towards the realisation of the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative after a successful ‘Year of return’ in 2019.

Mr Speaker, our nation continues to benefit from the ‘Year of Return.’ Since then, we have intensified our engagement with Africans in the diaspora and all persons of African descent more positively in areas such as trade and investment co-operation, and skills and knowledge development, in what we call ‘Beyond the Return, he said.

Installation of digital revenue systems at tourist centres in Ghana

President Akufo-Addo said digital revenue collection systems had been installed at vantage tourist points to adequately monitor income collection.

He said the move is making sites more attractive to tourists.

National Film Authority

The governing board of the National Film Authority is in place, and even greater attention will be paid to this sector by government, President Akufo-Addo added.

According to her, politicians don’t believe in the health system themselves, hence resort to hospitals abroad for checkups.

The actress, who championed the ‘dumsor’ vigial against the previous government, stressed on the need for a modernised hospital for the citizens.

She explained that, all that politicians want is power and after winning it, they run and leave the country when they get sick.

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She has, therefore, asked President Akufo-Addo to do better because the people are getting fed up.

Our Health Sector isn’t their PRIORITY! Staying in power is! They run and leave the country when they get sick, don’t ask why! They don’t believe in the SYSTEM themselves.They don’t TRUST doctors in their country. @NAkufoAddo DO BETTER! The anger is building up [SIC]

Meanwhile her assertion generated a buzz on social media thus:

Speaking in an interview, the musician said he rather endorses the achievements of the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer during his first term as the President of Ghana from 2016 to 2020.

He said this on Accra-based Okay FM:

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This question is a strong one… No! I can say I have not endorsed any political party but If you mention Nana Addo’s name, I know he has done a lot which also deserves my endorsement.

So I can say I have not endorsed any political party but President Nana Akufo-Addo as Ghanaian President has also done a lot of things that is endorsable which I do endorse…, he said.

Watch the video below:

Check out reactions on social media:

He made this post on social media following his latest ‘Happy Day’ song that got him endorsing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Though the rapper’s outfit matched the colours of the NPP and part of his lyrics openly declared support for the incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo, the rapper denied endorsing him in one of his tweets.

On November 4, 2020, he took to Facebook to reiterate his message:

No matter what you going through always remember that ‘The Battle Is The Lords’. Do your part and don’t stress yourself over ones you have no control over #HappyDay.

Meanwhile, some social media users have asked the Tema-based rapper to stop ‘playing around’ and come clear about his decision to support the party.

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One user, IB DE UnbeatableSarkodie, had this to tell the rapper:

You don’t have balls. Don’t beat around the Bush. We love your music and will listen to it any day. You have your right to choose the party you want to support. But know your endorsement wouldn’t change anyone who wants to vote for the other party. [SIC].

Another user slammed Sarkodie’s haters and urged the rapper to keep up with his works amid the critics on social media.

Kwame Preach Peace said:

I always love the genus of Sarkodie. He knows how to deliver his lines and knows what to say at the right time. Those calling Him hypocrite and names must stop cos you don’t know music poem self you can’t write. He was not endorsing Nana Addo but was showing his gratitude for his hardworking.#KingSark toaso [SIC].

Check out more reactions below:

The award-winning rapper, in the song, said, “if I complained about ‘Dumsor’ and I also hit on inflation but today, if there is electricity and my kids will go to school free, then Nana ‘toaso’ (Nana continue).

The verse, which had since generated mixed reactions on social media, also had the presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, quoting Sarkodie’s tweet: Nice song @sarkodie and @KuamiEugene. Indeed, the battle is still the Lord’s, with the hashtag #4MoreForNana.

But the ‘Adonai’ hitmaker has responded to the allegations with a rather interesting reply.

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He quoted the President’s tweet with Nana M3nfa bronya ho nre akoko oo lool !! (to wit ‘Don’t misinterpret the song’) when I say aban ( all parties ) Shouts to yourself x JM but if I feel like pointing out the negatives too you know how we do.

Meanwhile, featured artiste, Kuame Eugene has denied prior knowledge of the controversial verse. He maintained he hopped on ‘Happy Day’ oblivious of the ‘endorsement’.

According to him, Sarkodie only sent the first verse of his rap, which apparently did not contain the lines.

“It makes me uncomfortable,” he said.

His statement comes after ace musicians Sarkodie and Samini endorsed the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the December 7 polls.

According to them, they believe in the core values of the incumbent party, hence Ghanaians should give them four more years to do more in the country.

But reacting to this, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said he has learned from his mistakes after he recruited celebrities and musicians to campaign for him during 2016 elections.

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He explained in an interview on Accra-based Starr FM that celebrities who endorse political parties in Ghana have a chance of denting their careers.

The former president said politics in Ghana have not reached the status where public figures can support parties without criticisms.

The video, which was dropped on December 3, 2020, captured details of works done by the incumbent party after they were elected to power in 2016.

Samini touched on the One District One Factory, Planting for Food and Jobs among other key campaign promises he believes the NPP has covered.

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Reiterating the party’s slogan that the Battle is the Lord’s, Samini urged every Ghanaian to vote for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Watch the video below:

Samini is not the only celebrity to declare his support for a political party ahead of the 2020 general election.

Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale, on numerous occasions, has praised the work government has done in its four years in power.

He followed his praise with a call for Ghanaians to retain President Akufo-Addo so he could continue his works.

Gospel Singer Empress Gifty has also been seen campaigning for the NPP alongside her husband, Hopeson Adorye, NPP parliamentary candidate for Kpong Katamanso.

Rex Omar and Mzbel have also been vocal about their support for the opposition National Democratic Congress.

According to him, no African leader has been confident enough to lambast Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari because they would do same if they were in his shoes.

Taking to Instagram to make his point, the ‘Abodam’ rapper, consoled Nigerians and urged them to fight for their rights.

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He added that, Ghanaians will continue to stand with them until their rights are respected and taken into consideration by the government.

It is sad. You guys are watching when Nigerians are being killed by Nigerians and President Buhari is sitting and watching and no African leader is condemning it because they will do same.

I stand with Nigerians but I want the Government of Ghana to know we are watching them, the same way they did George Floyd’s funeral and shouted Black Lives Matter, Nigerian’s lives matter too and I am yet to see that, he said.

Watch the video below:

Ghana has since recorded 53 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with two deaths.

Mr Quaye, in a long Facebook post on Sunday, wrote a long note explaining why he thinks a lock-down maybe the best option for Ghana.

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He wrote:

Dear Mr President, Uneasy they say lies the head that wears the crown. But beyond that crown you also currently wear the heaviest, tightest and most uncomfortable pair of shoes on the land Sir.

I can only imagine how tough it must be. Knowing that the fate of the nation; what will be left of us in the next couple of months; zombies, ghosts or a strong nation that stood together and defeated the ruthless force of COVID 19 in that ruthless battle that shook the world, is in your hands.

Many are those that wish you would say the wrong thing or issue the wrong command so they jump on it to score cheap political points. But thank God you were born to lead. You have done great so far Sir and you deserve every commendation and praise.

You and that young Minister of yours called Hon. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah are so far my heroes in this ‘combat’. But the next couple of days if not weeks are going to be the most challenging Sir.

The numbers are rising and if what’s happened and still happening in other counties is anything to go by, then we know the normal protocols spelt out in your earlier addresses may not be enough Sir. IS IT TIME TO PUT GHANA ON A TOTAL LOCKDOWN? I am sure you may have had over a thousand meetings, discussions and debates on this one topic.

On the one hand, the thoughts of how hard people may be hit by a total lockdown (no public transport, no markets, no work, no street hawking, no corner shops…everyone just stay at home till further notice) the panic, our inability to financially support industries, firms and individuals who may suffer the possible harsh effects of a lockdown as is being done by other countries (maybe we can-I really don’t know), how your political opponents may spin it against you, especially at a time when it appears the situation has probably not ‘escalated’ to that level yet, etc.

On the other hand the big, WHAT IF! What if it got worse? What if for refusing to lock us down now COVID 19 got spread through our public transport system, shops, markets, even our offices, etc. What if we became the next Italy (God save them) in the next couple of days, if not weeks because you refused to lock us down early enough? What will your political opponents say? How will Ghana remember you? Or are we in a position to contain, manage and survive the kind of “hell” Italy is going through? Like I said earlier, you have done great so far Sir.

You have led from the front, given us hope and a lot of confidence through your addresses. God richly bless you. But “WHAT IF” Sir? I neither have the heart, sense nor knowledge to beg you to lock us down.

God knows I don’t want us to be locked down. But if that is what could save us from what’s already here and could get worse, then why wait to do it when it could be too late?

I only worry because I see countries that are better resourced in almost everything than us struggle with this thing. I see them bury their citizens in scary large numbers. I worry Sir. You are a man of God. You love God just as some of us do. God loves Ghana. And I don’t think it’s by accident that He gave us such a great head-start with this thing.

Are we going to wait for COVID 19 to catch up completely? Kenneth Dino once said “There are no guarantees or crystal balls for the future, and there’s no absolute way to know if you are or aren’t making the right decision. Just try to give tomorrow the best possible chance you possibly can”.

Mr. President, I don’t know if my family and I can survive a lockdown.

But I do know for sure that if this thing gets out of control, we will definitely not survive. So I ask in all humility Sir, by not locking us down now, are we giving tomorrow the best possible chance? Thank you Sir God bless you and God bless our homeland Ghana!

George Quaye

For the actress, who claims to have sacrificed her marriage during 2016 elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), President Akufo-Addo is the best President Ghana has ever elected into office.

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According to her, corruption is likely to happen in any government, adding that, President Akufo-Addo is fighting corruption but some people around him are “sabotaging” him.

“It’s like we are trying, you know; Nana is trying to do what he can but those around him… of course we are dealing with humans [its likely]. If I say otherwise I am not being fair. The truth must be told,” she said.

She said President Akufo-Addo will certainly fight corruption to better Ghana’s agenda.

“He is human and not super human but those around him must make it work,” she said.

The four are currently in a closed door meeting at the seat of the President.

They are expected to discuss issues that borders on the development of the country and also assess the first hundred days of the Akufo-Addo administration.

George Mireku Duker revealed that some of the ministers are ready to forgo some percentages of their monthly salaries as a means of helping deal with the cost that would come with the appointment of a hundred and ten ministers.

The President has come under heavy criticism for appointing a hundred and ten (110) ministers and deputy ministers.

His critics have argued this is going to cost the nation and not part of the practical means of protecting the public purse as was said by the NPP during the 2016 elections.

In response, the Communications Minister, Mustapha Hamid said the President never promised to run a lean government adding further that President Akufo-Addo is also appointing people based on the needs of the country.

“Nowhere did we ever promise a lean government because in our view it is not the leanness or bigness of a government that determines its output or its ultimate performance,” Hamid argued.

This argument, former MP for La Dadekotopon, Nii Amasah Namoale speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo said was untenable and described it as one which smacks of arrogance.

Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr said this appointment is a ‘record’ appointment as according to him, Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah achieved much with less number of ministers.

But the MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem called on the two and Ghanaians in general not to be worried about the high number of ministers as according to him, the President appointed them because he needed them.

He argued that most of the ministers are also MPs and hence would only take salaries which have slight appreciations.

“Even some of the Ministers are ready to accept pay cuts and would still deliver, it is the end that would indeed justify the means…,” he claimed.

Mireku Duker tasked Ghanaians to watch out for results and mark Nana Addo according to the promises he made during the 2016 elections.

“What we should be watching out for is Nana Addo delivering on his promises…,” he added.

Nana Addo’s appointees would not be the first to be taken salary cuts as former President John Mahama and his ministers took a 10% pay cut which he said would be used for the construction of CHPS compounds in deprived communities across the country.

Editor of the Al Hajj Newspaper, Alhaji Iddrissu Bature speaking on Adom TV’s Bedwam Tuesday said this is what would happen to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) within the four years that they have to govern.

According to Alhaji Bature, the God of John Mahama will curse Nana Addo and his administration for being ‘overly unfair’ to the former first gentleman while in opposition.

“The God of John Mahama would curse this government because in spite of all these wonderful things he did, they got the media, the Civil Society, the clergy and others to back them…I swear, Mahama’s God will curse this government and you will see the disgrace that would follow them when they are leaving power…,” Alhaji Bature sworn on the show.

The editor of the pro-National Democratic Congress (NDC) Newspaper said this while reacting to statement by the Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo that the Nana Addo’s administration has a four year mandate and hence can’t fulfill all promises in just one budget.

The senior minister had called on Ghanaians to be patient with the administration since the contents of the 2017 budget indicate the preparedness of the government to fulfill its campaign promises.

This statement, Alhaji Bature said really surprises him especially as the NPP never gave President Mahama a ‘breathing space’ to execute his plans and policies.

“I heard Osafo Marfo talking about the fact that the NPP has a four year mandate and hence have four budgets to present, I am surprised by that and that is leading me to conclude that perhaps present Mahama never had an appealing personality to all the folks in NPP…am shocked because President Mahama after promising to build 50 SHSs was held by the neck a day after the promise and now you say you have a four year mandate, did President Mahama have a one-day mandate?,” he quizzed.

Alhaji Bature further said that the NPP in its efforts to get rid of John Mahama and his administration deliberately tagged him as ‘incompetent’ adding that what is more incompetent than Nana Addo seemingly going back on his promises?

“Nana Addo is now going back on his promises and instead throwing dust into the public eye…God will curse this people, they are very wicked and I am telling you, before they leave power, you will see what would happen to them….”

The Al Hajj editor further said that the only time when the NPP government and President Akufo-Addo can be forgiven and perhaps have the curse reversed is when they openly come out and admit their errors and possibly apologise to the former President.

“You will see, they were totally unfair to Mahama and the God of Mahama would curse this government…if they don’t go and apologise to John Mahama, God will punish them…,” he added.

These threats of casting a spell on the Akufo-Addo-led government so they fail, NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong said would never materialize as according to him, ‘John Mahama is not God to decide the future of this country and that is Nana Addo’.

This, he says, is unacceptable and has therefore called for a concerted effort to fight poverty and deprivation in the country.

The president said this yesterday during the national commemoration of Ghana’s 60^th independence anniversary.

In the Brong-Ahafo Region, the day was marked at the Jubilee Park in Sunyani with over 1,200 pupils and students taking part in the march past. In attendance were two contingents from the Ghana Police Service, one each from the Ghana Army, Prisons Service, CEPS, Fire Service and Immigration Service.

The Regional Minister, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremey, took the anniversary salute on behalf of the president.

According to President Addo, after political independence in 1957, the expectation for the country was that it was going to grow economically but that was not the case as many Ghanaians find themselves in abject poverty.

The president was also worried that Ghanaians are destroying the environment to the extent that even timber (wood) has to be imported to meet the nation’s wood demand saying, “Today, we import timber for our use, and the description of our land as tropical forest no longer fits the reality. Our rivers and lakes are disappearing and those that still exist are all polluted.”

To reverse that and build a prosperous economy for the citizens to live a dignified, President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo called for hard work, enterprising spirit, creativity and consistent fight against corruption. He asked Ghanaians to eschew sectional or tribal sentiments so that with a united front, resources could be mobilized for economic development. He dedicated this year’s anniversary to protecting the environment for future generations.

Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremey used the occasion to thank traditional authorities for the warm welcome accorded him when he visited their palaces saying, he had been encouraged and motivated to work harder for region.

The President cut the sod on the morning of the Independence Day at the National Scholarship Secretariat in Accra.

The event was attended by notable men of God in the country including Archbishop Nicolas Duncan-Williams, Pastor Mensah Otabil, Palmer Buckle, Rev Victor Kusi, Past Moderator of the Presbytarian Church of Ghana, Prof Emmanuel Martey, Current Moderator of the Presby Church, Prof Cephas Narh Omenyo and several others.

The Cathedral would serve as a national place of worship and a location for the gathering to hold important religious ceremonies.

Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony, the President expressed the hope that the building would be completed very soon and serve its intended purpose.

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