Author: nii Ghanamps

Former Chairman of the Health Committee in the eighth Parliament, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye has taken a swipe at the Finance Minister Dr. Ato Baah Forson Cassiel and urged him to apologize to Ghanaians and admit that the promises they made while in opposition to uncap the National Health Insurance fund is not workable.

According to him the previous New Patriotic Party government capped the NHI but the then Minority made a lot of noise about it including President John Dramani Mahama that some funds in the health fund was moved to support the national budget.
“We are expecting nothing less than a full allocation of what was received in the health fund to the NHIA. If the finance Minister says we misused funds and talked of shortfall as we see in the media, I disagree with him, he is intelligent and I would not take his words for granted”.

Again, we approved NHIA in this parliament; it’s a joint effort of the two parties – Majority and Minority. If there is misuse, we have been here several years to approve the budget and they never raised this issue here, he stated.
“Why would you say misuse? You are now Minister of finance, you were a leader of the Minority then, and you have gone to a new office, admit that I spoke more than I should, the reality has caught up with me, I have to go round it and it comes with admitting and apology”.

We are interrogating the position of the Minister of Finance; our expectation is that the NHIA is bringing in funds of about eleven billion Ghana cedis, we want to know what has been actualized, and then we can know what the meaning of a short fall is, the former Chairman of the Health Committee stated.

According to him, during the 24 campaign and on page l02 of the NDC manifesto, the current President said they were going to uncap the NHI, stating that the previous government made eight billion last year but allocated only 6.4billion to the NHIA.

In this practice, government takes some bit of the health fund to support its budget. The whole world was made to understand that, that practice was inimical to the country and the campaign message of the NDC was that they would make all the revenue available to the NHIA.

He asserts that having gone into office, the Finance Minister sees that it is so difficult to uncap, that is to give all the resource from the health fund to the NHI and the only way to go about it is to say that there is misuse of resources and also there is a shortfall; it is not true, they are passing the back door.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

President John Dramani Mahama’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (#SONA2025) was a defining moment for Ghana’s political and economic landscape. Delivered with clarity and urgency, Mahama’s speech painted a sobering picture of a country burdened by economic mismanagement, corruption, and excessive government expenditure. However, it was also a call to action—an ambitious roadmap to reset Ghana through fiscal discipline, governance reform, and economic self-reliance.

At the heart of Mahama’s message were six critical pillars: fighting corruption, reducing government size, reforming taxation, eliminating wasteful spending, and boosting local food production. These policies, if implemented effectively, could reshape Ghana’s economic trajectory and restore public confidence in government institutions.

Mahama’s strong stance against corruption was one of the most striking aspects of #SONA2025. His administration’s introduction of the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) initiative signals a tough crackdown on financial malfeasance. The announcement of investigations into the National Service ghost names scandal and the fraudulent Skytrain payments is a promising start.

Beyond rhetoric, Mahama’s pledge to restructure anti-corruption agencies and increase their funding is a necessary step toward accountability. However, past governments have made similar promises without meaningful action. Ghanaians will be watching closely to see if his administration delivers.

One of Mahama’s boldest reforms is the reduction of government size to just 60 ministers. This move directly addresses the longstanding issue of bloated bureaucracy and excessive government spending. By streamlining ministries and eliminating redundancy, the administration aims to cut costs and enhance efficiency.

The promise to significantly reduce the number of presidential staff is another commendable step. Government expenditure has been a major drain on Ghana’s economy, and Mahama’s pledge to lead by example in cutting costs is a welcome shift from the culture of political extravagance.

Ghana’s tax system has long been a source of inefficiency and frustration. Mahama’s plan to expand the tax net rather than increase rates is a pragmatic approach. By bringing more businesses and individuals into the tax system, the government hopes to generate more revenue without imposing additional burdens on already struggling Ghanaians.

His commitment to reviewing tax waivers on investments is particularly crucial. Over the years, Ghana has lost billions in potential revenue due to poorly structured tax incentives. A transparent and fair taxation system is essential for economic stability.

Perhaps the most patriotic aspect of Mahama’s vision is his emphasis on self-sufficiency in food production. Ghana currently spends over $2 billion annually on food imports—an unsustainable model for a country with fertile lands and a strong agricultural base.

The plan to support local farmers through improved irrigation, subsidies, and mechanization could significantly boost domestic food production. The introduction of initiatives like the “Feed Ghana Programme” and the “Poultry Farm-to-Table Project” demonstrates a practical commitment to reducing food imports and promoting local industry.

While Mahama’s policies outline a promising vision, their success will depend on effective execution. Ghana has heard many grand speeches before, but implementation has often been the Achilles’ heel of successive governments. The coming months will test the administration’s ability to turn these ambitious goals into reality.

Ghanaians are looking for more than promises—they want results. If Mahama can truly reset Ghana by enforcing accountability, curbing corruption, and fostering economic self-reliance, he will cement his legacy as a leader who steered the country toward sustainable progress.

For now, #SONA2025 provides hope. The real question is: Can Mahama and his government deliver on their promises? Only time will tell.

Shang Annang Papa Nii/Ghanamps.com

The Appointment Committee of Ghana’s Parliament led by the Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor and seven (7) out of the eleven (11) members have recommended to the plenary that the deputy Ministers designate who were vetted on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, should be approved despite their colleagues boycotting.

They are deputy Minister designate for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Yussif Issaka Jajah; Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini deputy designate for Roads and Highways; deputy Justice and Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai; and Yusif Sulemana, deputy designate for Lands and Natural Resources.

Chairman Bernard Ahiafor after the vetting noted that to form a quorum to transact business of Parliament as well as the business of the committee, Standing Order 217 (1) is to be relied on and they have not faulted on it.

 “Our colleagues in the Minority left us, we have quorum to be able to transact business within article 102 of the Constitution of Ghana. We have gotten to a state where we have to take a decision governed by article 104 of the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana”.

Again, by that, a Committee of 11 should have more than fifty percent to be able to take a decision, and fifty percent is five point five, so it should be six and we are seven in number; we satisfy the constitutional requirement in Article 104 and took a decision on the four nominees vetted at the end of the day, he said.

“The Committee has to take a decision to recommend or not, that is where we are; so I take it that the committee is unanimously taken a decision”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has said pledged his side’s support to President John Dramani Mahama to succeed on his promise of accountability.

Moving the motion for the adjournment of the House after the President’s State of the Nation Address in Parliament on February 27, 2025, in fulfillment of Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, Mr Ayariga said those who contributed to the damaging of the economy should be held accountable.

Addressing the sharp contrast on the attire of the two sides of the House, he said the Minority was dressed in black since it was obvious that they left a country that is miserable, and the

Majority side was in white because they knew the president was coming to give them hope going forward. “What has happened to our economy and country, the presentation made us see it all; it is sad and unfortunate.

The president has brought us hope both for the youth of this country, women, okada riders, private sector and students and ordinary Ghanaians who did everything to bring him to office with such an overwhelming number. Everything outlined here gives hope; we will support the president to deliver on his commitment”, he added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Government through the Ministry of Health is to establish the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCare) in the coming weeks.

The fund will be dedicated to financing the treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which according to the President have seen a significant rise over the past decade.
“As part of this initiative, the government is committing to allocating financial resources towards this project in 2025, with further support to be mobilised from private sector partners to ensure the sustainability of the fund”, President John Mahama stated.

When operational, the ‘MahamaCare’ will focus on directly addressing the financial burden of patients requiring dialysis treatment, cancer care, and other critical NCD-related interventions.

He affirmed that the composition of the technical committee is far advanced, with plans to establish the fund.

The President who made the announcement at his first State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025 also disclosed that his administration is actively developing the framework for the rollout of the Free Primary Healthcare Programme which when fully implemented will mark a significant step towards achieving Goal 3.8 (universal health coverage) of the SDGs by eliminating financial barriers to basic healthcare access.

“Together, the Free Primary Healthcare Programme—which will focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment—and MahamaCare, which will focus on relieving the financial burden of treating Non-Communicable Diseases, will help revolutionize Ghana’s healthcare system by improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes and enhancing productivity and well-being across the country”, he asserted.

Ghanamps.com

President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns about the low the number of women that mustered the courage to avail themselves for positions as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

The President stated that while he is determined to achieving gender balance, especially at the local government level, the low number of women that presented themselves have been discouraging.

And added that the few who do are edged out on very flimsy and parochial grounds; thus stating that “it is my hope that the National Constitution Review Conference will clear a pathway for the election of DCEs”.

By so doing, he said, the Gender Ministry will have the obligation to encourage and support more women to apply for these positions. “My government is dedicated to successfully implementing the Affirmative Action Act of 2024 (Act 1121) to ensure gender equity across political, social, economic, educational, and cultural spheres.

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to guarantee that this Act is fully operational, including attaining the 30% target quota for women in political appointments”.

President Mahama assured that his government is on course to achieving the 30% target quota for women in political appointment as so far women currently make up 23.21% of all appointments.

Dominic Shirimrori/Ghanamps.com

Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Member of Parliament for Akim Oda has reminded the President John Dramani Mahama led ruling government of its promise to pay Assembly members, saying, “We are waiting for the NDC’s promise of paying Assembly members”.

According to him if the government is able to fulfill this promise, it will help attract people to voluntarily avail themselves to be elected as Assemblymen and women to contribute their quota to the development of the Assemblies.

This, he stated, should also be accompanied by ensuring that resources are made directly available to the electoral areas to work with.

The MP who was contributing to a statement in parliament on the “Challenges faced by Unit Committee members”, reminded the House that Dr. Bawumia, the 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party would have made this possible as he had promised that portion of the Common fund was going to go to the electoral areas; “unfortunately, we did not vote for him”, he stated.

He emphasized that looking at the structures of our local governance system; it is only the Assembly members and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) that are seen performing; whereas the performance of Unit Committees and the other structures are hardly noticed because they do not have the empowerment.

“How, do we have the empowerment without looking at the financial capacity or a system that would allow them to have access to finance?” He queried.

He disclosed that in his constituency, the usage of the common fund was a major campaign issue during their primaries; so he promised his constituents that in other for them to have full access to the use of the common fund; he was going to disburse it to the 18 electoral areas in the constituency.

Again, when I got elected, every common fund that was released, it was done as we wanted. We have the various electoral areas led by the Assembly members opening electoral area accounts, and these monies were disbursed from the Assembly into those accounts. It made it easy for me to account for the common fund of every quarter despite not having any major project standing in my name for every electoral area, he stated.

“You go, there is something to show; this is what the MPs common fund has been used for” adding that it is one major area that if you are not careful they will definitely use it to campaign against you.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central Patrick Yaw Boamah has urged the House to give priority to the setting up of the House Committee at the start of the life span of every Parliament as there are urgent issues that has to be dealt with.

According to him it is unacceptable that MPs will receive delegations to their office and it becomes impossible to use the elevator because it is not working; same with the air-conditioners in their offices.

He gave the advice when he recounted receiving a delegation to his office on the tenth floor but the delegation was met with a faulty elevator.

He further pointed out that this could have been addressed easily if the House Committee were in place.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta is traumatized with the adjective used on him as “fugitive” but still knows God is with him, Minority Leader Kwamena Afenyo-Markin revealed on the floor of the House on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Afenyo-Markin contributing on the development thanked the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga for investigating issues surrounding the raiding of the private residence of the former Finance Ministers.

According to him he has had extensive conversations with Ken Ofori Atta who is undergoing a medical procedure outside the jurisdiction.

Again, he noted that he had an engagement with the current Chief of Staff who confirmed that the former Finance Minister wrote to him and was truthful about it and added that Ken will return back to Ghana within a reasonable time.

He said he will engage the Office of the Special Prosecutor and assure him if there was any miscommunication that the man will make himself available, and clarified that he left the country with permission; and if there is anything to be investigated, he will make himself available.

President John Mahama’s assurance given through the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga to uphold the liberty of Ghanaians, the Minority thanked him and they will accord him all the necessary courtesies and we will cooperate and oppose when we have to oppose. Our duty is to oppose you, we can work together to represent our people for them to learn from us, he assured.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has commended the current Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dominic Akuritinga Ayine for preventing a political witch-hunt on him when he was then Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

Commenting on the recent raiding of the private residence of the former Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta, Afenyo-Markin recounting that in 2015 as a legal practitioner when he was in the Minority, the then AG was urged to prosecute him on some tax offenses because he was making too much noise but Dominic Ayine stood his grounds.

“He did not tell me but I was told by someone, I have respected him and taken a picture with him at my office and I celebrate him; we have maintained friendship since then”, he said on the floor of the House.

That moment when he said, political opponents should not be targeted; he has done demonstrating sincerity. “We are a political class that is the path we have chosen, we are not to cover crime but we have to protect each other for the good of democracy”.

“Ghanaians have told us something; if they are feed up with you, there is nothing that can be done. In 2000 election after former President John Kufour worn, some of us as student leaders were of the opinion that NDC will never come to power because it was devastating. But Within years, Ghanaians were fed-up with us, we have to eat our humble pie”, he added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com