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NPP insists 3 Agenda 111 hospitals were completed

The New Patriotic Party Minority in parliament has insisted the Akufo-Addo government had done considerably well with the Ghana Priority Health Infrastructure Project (Agenda 111) completing three (3) District Hospitals.

The three, they said achieved practical completion, equipped and commissioned on the 5th December, 2024.

These include Atwima Kwanwoma Municipal Hospital at Trede, Oforikrom Municipal Hospital at Kokoben, and Ahanta West Municipal Hospital at Bokro.
This is contrary to President John Mahama’s verdict when he delivered the State of the Nation Address of only one being completed.

The Minority presenting what they termed ‘The True State of the Nation Address’ at a press conference in Parliament on Monday, March 3, 2025 disclosed that as at 31st December 2024, progress on the completion of civil works were – 37 sites achieved 70% completion and above, 28 sites achieved between 50% and 70% completion, and 36 sites have achieved below 50%completion.

They also refuted the fact that there was no dedicated fund for the Agenda 111 project.

“We also had dedicated sources of funding these projects from direct Government of Ghana (GOG) budgetary allocation and the Annual Budget Funding Amount Capex from oil revenues.

Dr. Amin Adams  who addressed the media on behalf of the Minority also stated that the Amount needed for the completion of all the District Hospitals and the Zonal Psychiatric Hospitals as at 31st December 2024 was US$1.3billion.

They accused the President of misinforming the public stating, “In his haste to misinform the Ghanaian people, the President told a group of clergy men
who visited him in his office that he needed $1.7 billion to complete the Agenda 111projects. In his address to the nation, he put the amount at GHS22 billion ($1.4 billion atGHS15.5 to US$). So which is the correct amount?”

Dominic Shirimori/Ghanamps.com

Quorum Brouhaha: “I would balance my Ministerial and Parliamentary works” — Minister

Minister of State in charge of Special Initiatives, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum said he would balance his work as a Minister and also attend to parliamentary duties regularly to avoid the Minority raising issues of quorum on the floor of the House.

Mr Agyekum who was speaking in an interview at the end of the three days orientation in Ho in the Volta Regional admonished his colleagues in the Minority to do their best to come together and be punctual in the chamber to ensure government business goes on.

“I do not think we would have problems; with this orientation it has been good for us and I think our colleagues who came to this orientation know that it is for us to come to the chamber and work for mother Ghana”.

On the issue of cost cutting being the reason why the Minority did not come to Ho for the orientation, he allayed the fears of his colleagues in the Minority stating that President John Mahama has shown the way including cutting down on the number of Minister to sixty (60) and directing the Finance Minister to do same.

He added that the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) government would do a lot in the interest of Ghanaians to ensure they get the needed economic relieve; and in terms of food security there would be interventions to ensure availability of enough food at affordable prices, stating that the government is committed to reducing dependence on imported food items by increasing local production.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Majority Leader praises performance of first-time MPs

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has commended first time Members of Parliament (MPs) in the ninth Parliament for their performance so have noting that the first orientation given them in Parliament has yielded good results.

According to him, the MPs, in the next four years would have to work together to defend and uphold Ghana’s democracy; and commended them for being regular at the constituencies.

The leader who gave the commendation at the opening of the second orientation for all Members of Parliament in the ninth parliament in Ho however noted that the MPs regular presence at their constituencies is also affecting their presence in the chamber.

“There is a lot of work ahead of us and we need to prepare ourselves for it; that is the essence of this exercise. For the returning members, I see we have suffered some casualties, many have gotten into Ministerial portfolios and that is going to take them away from us”.

Again, it is important to note that Ghana has become the envy of a lot of African countries and respected in the world at large because of our democracy, we have the capacity to engage in elections and in between elections our institution of parliament works hard to hold the executive accountable, he added.

The Majority Leader further noted in his address that, to ensure the country is properly run, after the elections, we ensured smooth transition, adding that parliament is the heart beat of democracy, thus “we have held our own in the last three decades”.

“We are liked in the continent, we should remain to hold the high standard; we have to build out skills to remain as a very credible parliament, we have to learn how to hold the executive accountable as MPs”.

Again, we should represent our constituencies and help to run our various institutions efficiently and the democracy we have; it has to deliver economic and social benefits to our people, that is what they expect and we have to get the tools and how to use them.

Thus the orientation exercise helps us gain the skills of how to debate, move motions, how to bring issues into the agenda of parliament, how to get Minister on the floor and how to engage with Minister.

He admonished MPs to build a cordial relationship with the media, stating that there are MPs who spend so much time in their constituencies and yet lost their elections at the end because the campaign against them was always about their inability to make contributions on the floor of the House. “You can do all the development works in your constituencies but if you do not spend time in the chamber, it would count against you in the next election”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Minority rejects proportional SONA debate — Habib

The Minority in parliament has rejected the call for proportional debate on the Message of the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The Minority through its Deputy Whip, Habib Iddrisu has given indication that the Minority would not agree to the Majority’s proportional SONA debate scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

According to him it is alien to the House, that kind of proposition being out forward by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga when he presented the Business Statement on the floor of the House on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Again, the Majority Leader should know that even in the seventh Parliament when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in the Majority, they never resorted to proportion in terms of debate of SONA.

“We should have five from the Majority and five from the Minority. What is the Majority afraid of? You believe the message the president presented is the state of the Nation; this part of the business statement should be taken away. It is strange to the rule.”

A member who wants to speak would stand in his or her seat when he or she catches the eyes of the Speaker to speak and it did not say proportion should be used, he added.

“Mr. Speaker, the Minority side will not be part of it and will not tolerate it, and we will not allow them to set a bad precedent for us. We will not agree to that, we will all speak and debate SONA”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Majority members on Appointment Committee recommend deputies for approval  

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

We will help President Mahama to deliver on his accountability promise — Ayariga

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

MahamaCare to finance treatment of non-communicable diseases

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 Mahama raises concerns about lack of interest by women in MMDCE positions

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

Minority boycotts vetting over rude conduct of Chairman of the Committee

The Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin says the Minority on the Appointment Committee has boycotted the remaining of the vetting due to the conduct of the Chairman of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor.

The Minority has indicated that they will not okay the passing of the Deputy Minister of Justice and Attorney General designate, Justice Srem-Sai, thus he would not be approved by consensus but will be by Majority decision.

Same with Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources designate as well as Jusif Jaja, Deputy Minister designate for Tourism, Arts and Culture.

In an interview with the Minority leader, he pointed out that since tomorrow is the Message of the State of the Nation Address, the Committee would not seat but on Friday, February 28, 2025 they would only participate depending on the conduct of the Chairman of the Committee.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Mpraeso MP chastises Communications Minster for violating the independence of the NCA

The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso Davis Opoku Ansah has chastised the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George for violating the independence of the National Communications Authority by his directive to the Director General to close down some radio stations.

He stated that the Minister does not poses the legal authority to direct the National Communications Authority to regulate enforcement of actions under section 3 (1) of NCA Act, 2008 (Act 769).

The MP in a statement on the floor of the House pointed out that “except as otherwise provided in the Act, the Authority shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in performing its functions.
Whiles similarly the electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) reinforces this independence in section 2(4), broadcasting service require frequency authorisation by the NCA and section 9 (1) spectrum usage requires NCA authorisation.

In Section 58 (1) the NCA controls, plans, administers and licenses the radio frequency spectrum”, he said.
Mr Opoku Davis further noted that the Minister’s directive to close certain broadcasting stations directly contravenes these provisions and if allowed to remain in effect, could set a dangerous precedent for political interference in independent institutions potentially extending beyond the NCA to the Electoral Commission, the judiciary and other democratic entities.

“Mr. Speaker, the Minister’s role is confined to policy direction not enforcement. Section 97 (1) of Act 775 states, “The Minister may, on the advice of the Authority by legislative instrument, make regulations generally to give effect to the provisions of this Act”.

And section 41 and Act 775 similarly limits the Minister’s power to policy directives, not operational decisions. The directive issued in the media advisory oversteps legal boundaries and constitutes executive overreach.
Again, due process was ignored even if the affected stations encounter licensing issues; the law specifies a procedure for addressing such matters.

Section 9 of Act 775 required formal notification of the alleged breach, a reasonable timeframe must be provided for rectification and the station must be allowed to appeal before enforcement action is taken, he added.

He said the directive is not merely regulatory overreach, it constitutes an assault to press freedom, as article 21 (1) (a) of the 1992 constitution assures freedom of expression including media freedom. Government directed shutdowns without due process convey a chilling message to journalists and media organisations that their operations are subject to political approval.

“A free press is vital for democratic accountability and this unconstitutional interference must not be tolerated”.
He urged the House to act swiftly to prevent any further abuse of power and have submitted a half-hour motion summoning the Minister to appear before parliament to explain this unlawful directive.

“Summon the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to clarify their unlawful directive to the NCA, instruct the NCA to suspend all enforcement actions related to the Minister’s directive until due process is confirmed. Charge the Committee on Communications and Constitutional and Legal Affairs with investigation whether the Minister acted unilaterally or under political influence”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com