Ghana Currency Is Losing It Value

In recent weeks, there have been suggestions by government spokespersons that the current problems of the economy, especially the rising inflation and the depreciation of the cedis, are traceable to the denominational of the cedis by the Bank of Ghana in 2007, and that the Bank should consider re-introducing the zeroes back in our currency.

We urge the Bank of Ghana to ignore these suggestions. It has to be remembered that since the economy started showing signs of crisis, several explanations have been given by spokespersons of government and the ruling party.

i. First, we were told that the fall of the cedis was being caused by the activities of dwarfs, and this was said with all seriousness.

ii. After some time, we were told that the fall of the cedis and the rising inflation could be coming from the many tall buildings and skyscrapers emerging in the country, especially in the national capital.

iii. Then later, we were told that the fall of the cedis was coming from the work of satanic forces, and that the solution was to intensify prayers to arrest the cedis.

Ladies and gentlemen, this latest diagnosis that the problems of the economy are coming from the 2007 re denomination of the cedis falls into this category of economic explanations. It is coming from superstitious minds who have no scientific understanding of how the economy works.

The re denomination of the cedis in 2007 has served Ghana's economy so well. But for the re-denomination, we would have needed polythene bags today to carry a GH¢100 (the equivalent of ¢1,000,000 at the time). Our currency had before the re denomination become so bulky that traders who carried GH¢5,000 (the equivalent of ¢50,000,000 at the time) had to hire taxi to carry that amount at the car booth.

Thanks to the 2007 re-denomination, we can now easily conceal GH¢5,000 in our purses or in our breast pockets.

Similarly, we do not have to write so many zeroes when recording amounts of money. This has been very good for records keeping and for communication.

In short, the re-denomination has eased transacting business with the cedi. And throughout the world, re-denomination remains the only solution to bulky currency or excessive zeroes in a currency.

The suggestion that, until the re-denomination, price changes came in small increments is deliberately false. Indeed, it was after the re-denomination that we were told our economy enjoyed a long and unprecedented period of single digit inflation, something which never happened before the re-denomination. Again, it was after this re-denomination that we were told our economy enjoyed the highest economic growth in Ghana's history.

So, how can we turn round and claim that the re-denomination is the cause of our current economic problems?

The truth is that, Ghana's economy is on its knees because of economic mismanagement, excessive borrowing, excessive spending and corruption.

The Bank of Ghana is respectfully advised to ignore all suggestions that the re-denomination is the cause of Ghana's economic woes. Any attempt to reverse it will make Ghana a laughing stock internationally. Even a partial reversal of it will be suicidal for our economy.

Political Leaders Never Think about Ghana

In the past few weeks, we have witnessed the ascendancy of strident voices from workers, civil society and faith-based organizations reminiscent of the interludes in our history when Ghana was under military rule. 

This is significant because the ban on political activity has been lifted for almost a generation! As much as this is a feather in the cap of these Ghanaian entities and to our democracy, it remains a sad indictment of the official opposition in this country. The ascendancy of these non-political party voices is indicative of the degree to which Ghana’s opposition has abdicated its role.

If he, who pays the piper, calls the tunes, then any “deep pocket” can literally “get any type of government they want”! It appears that both political parties are in constant competition, not only for votes, but also for funds. Is this what is rendering their politics to increasingly look like a competition to please powerful multinational interests at the expense of Ghanaians? What is even more alarming is this miasma of culpable silence instead of speaking up, complicity in the place of opposition, that we keep seeing from the largest opposition party, the new Patriotic Party, NPP, when it comes to crucial issues such as the imposition of GMO’s on Ghanaians, or the EPA! 

There is no doubt that there is an orchestrated attempt by those who stand to benefit from the monopolization of our seeds, to “Manufacture the consent” of Ghanaians through the sheer monopolization of the political space currently available to Ghanaians. The rise of the voices of workers, faith-based and civil society organizations, is an indication that this shall fail. So far, the only viable choice open to Ghanaians is either the NPP or the NDC. With both political parties singing from the same hymn sheets when it comes to critical issues such as the Economic Partnership Agreement, they must both be seen as part of the problem rather than the solution.

The main opposition party, the NPP, has failed woefully to take full advantage of the crisis by making itself increasingly irrelevant. 

They continue to commit the same mistakes and expect different results. Only yesterday, just before the demonstration started, NPP MP for Assin-Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong was quoted as saying, “Kofi Asamoah is part of the problems in the country and must be beaten by workers when he appears at the demonstration grounds”! 

Meanwhile, it has since been reported that, “Kofi Asamoah, the Secretary General and convener of the historic demonstration was cheered and buoyed by his men at the Independence Squared!

The NPP has failed to rise to the occasion. One is reminded of Sir John’s last-minute efforts at the NPP congress in Tamale, where he adopted the slogan, “Vote for Sir John and Shame Atuguba!” well, we all know what happened. That is why it pays to be politically relevant. 

That is why it pays to be honest with the people and let them know clearly whether or not they can count on you! Just like Sir John, the elephant can go on pretending that European Union sponsored Economic Partnership Agreement is not an issue worthy of their attention, and keep thinking on behalf of the people! They are surely going to have a hard time voting for themselves on behalf of the people!

Ghanaians Are Asking Woyome To Recover The Eating Money

Having gotten this specific order directed at WOYOME as well, unlike the original case the Judgment for which he appears to have been mistakenly not fixed with some liability because of the dependency of another case, I should think best approach to be adopted by the state in recovering the money should now be a straight process. 

The state had filed a fresh write in the High Court in pursuit of the money, but now it should be able to simply file an entry of judgment directed at WOYOME and have same enforced without further delay. Back to the first point about rejoicing. The prosecution will certainly wave both the June 2013 and July 2014 decisions to seek to frustrate his major and only reliance on what he deems a VALID contract but which one can say has twice been declared INVALID for its UNCONSTITUTIONALITY – that is lack of prior parliamentary approval.

Question is, whose fault was that? Question is, it would have been declared VALID and CONSTITUTIONAL if same had received parliamentary blessing? This certainly may shake the foundation of his rightful acquisition of the funds. But the big question being determined in the criminal, not this civil/constitutional, case is whether or not he received the funds FRAUDULENTLY.

So you see, the defence may also use these same decisions for its most likely stronger purposes in trying to diffuse the claim that he got the money fraudulently. That’s if he does really rely heavily on the said contract for rescue in the criminal case. Pray, but wait, the 1st declaration speaks of "a purported" contract "arising out of" agreements which were not placed before parliament.

I think that's how it ought to be properly read. If its so, then it changes the game entirely and potentially makes his case an even difficult one to the extent that the right interpretation is that the agreements that are declared not to have been placed before parliament do not relate to the one upon which the then AG ordered the payments to WOYOME. The state should simply go ahead and file an entry of judgment and recover the money as per the order.

It appears this is the end of the road as regards this leg of the case and door is eternally shut after the court’s rare and narrow review jurisdiction has been successfully invoked. People must know that the onus is on the prosecution to prove the alleged fraud beyond reasonable doubt. On the other hand, the work of the defense, in the main, is to cast a scintilla of doubt and which doubt, by the requirements of law, ought to inure to the benefit of the accused.

It is very important to note that the two are two separate cases and not the same and so the outcomes so far ought not be prejudicial imposed on the ongoing civil or criminal cases, despite the obvious potential collateral effect.

Ghanaians Blamed The Economists For Confusing The President

The Independent Presidential Candidate in the 2012 presidential election, Jacob Osei Yeboah, has blamed some of the nation’s most renowned economists for the woes currently facing the country

Instead of helping the recovery process, these economists, he claimed are rather confusing the president with their public utterances and private advice.

He specifically cited 2012 Vice Presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Minister of Finance, Prof, Kwesi Botchwey, Economic Advisor to the President, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson and governor of Bank of Ghana Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah, as some of the guilty persons.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Osei Yeboah noted that Ghana has been blessed with more than enough natural resources which could have been utilized judiciously to develop the nation, and questioned the advice proffered by these “economic experts”.

According to Mr. Osei Yeboah, claims by Prof. Botchwey, when he delivered a lecture on the economy at the Central University College recently, that the current economic challenges could be attributable to the country largely living beyond its means were false. This, he said, could be the assessment of a “book economist”.

He also criticized as bogus, Dr. Bawumia’s prediction that Ghana may have to seek a bail out from the International Monetary Fund before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Mr. Osei Yeboah says he has not given up his presidential ambition yet and was hopeful he will constitute the next government after the 2016 general elections

Government Must Stop Cheating Ghanaians

The National Women’s Organizer of the New Patriotic Party Otiko Afisah Djaba has said the failure by government to make good use of the revenue it receives from Ghanaians through taxes is upsetting and that government “must stop cheating Ghanaians”.

Speaking on Adom FM's morning show Dwaso  Nsem she said the people of Ghana deserve to have value for their money and deserve to live good and comfortable lives.

From Monday July 14 petroleum products will be sold a little over 20 percent higher than the current prices, according to figures from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

The price of petrol is said to go up by some 23.08 percent. This means a litre of the commodity which previously sold at GH₵ 2.73 per litre will now sell at GH₵ 3.36 per litre.

Also kerosene and diesel will go up by 23.75 and 22.01 percent respectively whereas Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will increase by 15.68 percent with Premix fuel going up by 25.60 percent.

This will be the third time the NPA has increased fuel prices this year.

The Public Relations Officer of the NPA Yaro Kasambata speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show said the increments are due to government’s removal of subsidies on these commodities, therefore the consumer will have to pay more.

However the National Women’s Organizer has said there is no basis for the current increment because fuel prices on the global market have not increased.

She said the government should rather solve the current depreciation of the cedi which in her view is the only way the economy can be stabilized.

She went on to say it was necessary for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to be revamped in order that it is able to refine oil for the people of the country adding that the people of Ghana are looking for hope and is looking up to the government for solutions to the hardship they are plagued with daily.

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The Economic Crisis Of The Country

Parliament

absolutely unbelievable the level at which the deepening economic crisis of the country continues to affect every facet of state institutions without any immediate recourse. Recently it was the third arm of government, the judiciary which was hit so badly by the financial woes of the country to the extent that the Appeal courts in Cape Coast and Kumasi were shut down.

The situation was such bad that the Ghana Bar Association issued a press statement over the inability of the judiciary to run effectively due to financial challenges because government has not released their annual subvention.

Now it is the turn of the Second arm of government, the Legislature, who is broke to the extent that the lawmakers may be forced to go on recess come Friday, 18^th July. Interestingly, it was the same financial problem that compelled parliament to postpone their reopening thrice last month.

I vividly remember that they went on recess on the 28^th of March 2014, and were expected to reconvene on the 27^th of May but the Speaker failed to reconvene the house to government business due to financial constraints.

The Speaker however rescheduled the sitting date to 3^rd of June but just a day before the sitting, the Public Affairs directorate of parliament issued a statement that the date has been changed to 10^thJune instead.

The Head of Government business and the leader of the house Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor in presenting the business statement for this week shockingly hinted that the house may rise ‘’sine die’’ come Friday. Members of Parliament were taken aback by the announcement because although they knew they will go on recess but not so early.

Chiefly among the reasons given by the Majority Leader was that the contractor to embark on the renovation of the chamber is ready and the house must go on recess to enable the contractor begin the work and complete it on time.

But source close to the seat of the leadership of the house told me there is pressure on them to go on recess because there is no money and their continuous stay in the house is draining government coffers.

I remember very well that the Deputy Minority Leader and MP for Bimbila Dominic Nitiwul in an interview with Adom news a day before the house resumed from break said parliament is saddled with huge debt to service providers such as Travel and Tour Operators, suppliers of A 4 sheet papers, various Parliamentary Committees and MP‘s in terms of fuel and per diems.

According to him, even the money secured by leadership to enable the house sits was  such small that it can only take care of parliamentary business for less than a month but they have no choice because they have to work for the people of Ghana who have put them there.

He explained that if parliament was actually looking for money to service their huge debt to suppliers, the house wouldn’t have reconvened. He hinted that the house may be force to go on early recess if additional money did not come to argument what they have.

The announcement made by the Majority Leader Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor Last Friday, confirms exactly what the Deputy Minority Leader Dominic Nitiwul said that financial constraints may compel them to go on early recess

130 million fake ‘Be Safe condoms’ into the country.

Ghanaian company allegedly involved in the importation of some 130 million fake ‘Be Safe condoms’ into the country.

The ‘Be Safe Condoms’ were confirmed to be fake or substandard after an investigation.

According to an unimpeachable source at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), there a total of four (4) companies responded to the original tender request in June 2011. The companies were Pharmadrug Production GmbH; Beautiful Creations Company Limited; Vicdoris Pharmacy Limited and Global Unilink Ventures.

Preliminary tender evaluation results from the GHS disqualified Beautiful Creations (for providing insurance from a non bank financial institution) and Vicdoris Pharmacy was also disqualified (for providing an expired tax clearance certificate).

The other two companies, namely Global UniLink Ventures and Pharmadrug Production bid for the male and female condoms respectively, making them the defacto sole sourced winners of the bid in each category.

The Daily Express has gathered that the tender should have been reopened, but that was not done. Instead, the GHS went ahead to award the bid to the companies by calling them the ‘lowest bidders’ for male and female condoms.

The US$4 million contract award to Global UniLink Ventures to supply the male condoms was later increased by 35% and a 28% reduction on the quantity of the supply.

It has been discovered however that the condoms delivered to Ghana were supplied by Harley’s of Kenya who initially were claimed by Global UniLink Ventures to be the manufacturers. But much later in the year, Global UniLink Ventures admitted that the condoms were manufactured in China and not in Kenya as earlier claimed.

The Daily Express checks at the Chinese Embassy in Accra indicates that the Chinese manufacturer contacted by Harley’s in Kenya was only able to export 25 million pieces the condoms to Ghana, amounting to only 17% of the total order.

There is no information about where the rest of the condoms were gotten  from The committee, set up by the Minister ofHeath,Madam Sherry Ayittey to investigate the importation of the 130 million pieces of fake condoms for the Ghana Health Service (GHS) found that there was a serious rift between the procurement units of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and GHS over who should do the procurement. It was also a question of who the real GHS procurement manager is for the purposes of pharmaceutical procurement.

It was revealed that the GHS awarded tenders to importers who were not registered with the Food Drug Authority (FDA).

“When goods arrived at the ports they (GHS authority) mysteriously get cleared from the ports without the full knowledge of FDA,” the committee report revealed.

Meanwhile, the sector Minister has disclosed that the supplier, Global UniLink Ventures will be asked by the government to refund at least US$5 million to the state.

The Minister said government will not accept replacement of the condoms. “The company must refund the money to the state,” she affirmed.

“The Ministry of Health will seek for a full return of funds from the supplier of the sub-standard condoms and the supplier will bear full responsibility for the proper disposal of the sub-standard condoms,” said the Minister.

The committee was inaugurated on the 14th of May 2013 by the Minister to investigate the procurement processes leading to the award of contract for the condom; find out whether the manufacturer registered with the Food and Drugs Authority prior to the supply of the condoms; find out whether the necessary rules were adhered to at the entry point at the harbour before delivery of the condoms at the Central Medical Stores; investigate whether quality assurance measures were put  in place before and after the distribution of the condoms; any other issues pertinent to the investigation; and make recommendations to the Ministry to avoid future recurrence.

The Committee was tasked to finish its work within one month; however the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Alex Dodoo said they asked for extension and it took them seven (7) months to complete their task due to the complex nature of the whole process.

The money spent on the importation of the 130 million pieces of condoms belonged to the Global Fund and was meant to be used in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases in the country.

According to the Minister, “if we have to go to the international court to get our money we will do so.”

After receiving the committee’s report, Madam Aryittey enlisted the advice and assistance of the Attorney General’s Department to prosecute all those who were part of the whole condom procurement transaction.

“For the criminality of the report we will rely on the Attorney General to advice us on those who need to be criminally prosecuted and I think that we will stand by the recommendations of the committee,” she added.

During its investigation, the Committee considered all issues relating to the procurement of the condoms and identified lapses in the overall supply chain process.

The Committee found that the procurement and supply chain system is associated with serious challenges. The existence of separate procurement units at the health sector was also an issue of concern to the committee.

“The lack of implementation of policy and institutional review of the procurement and supply chain system has contributed to several loopholes. The lack of adherence to both the letter and the spirit of the Public Procurement Act resulted in a situation where a presumed international competitive tender essentially ended up being a sole-sourced tender,” said the committee.

It stated that the Food and Drugs Authority appeared to impose a weaker regulatory regime on the public sector leading to cases where unregistered products are procured and imported, adding that the clearance of goods at the ports of entry and the receipt, storage and distribution of goods by the Central Medical Stores were associated with serious anomalies and inconsistencies.

Ghana's Efforts At Middle Income Status

The outgoing Minister for Health, Ms Hanny Sherry Ayittey, has stated that Ghana cannot attain the full status of a middle income country when the country is grappling with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Ms Ayittey observed that NTDs stigmatized  disabled and inhibited victims from caring for themselves or their families, and such a condition ultimately lead to poverty.

NTDs are a group of tropical infections which are especially endemic in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Different organisations define the set of diseases differently. In sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of these diseases as a group is comparable to malaria and tuberculosis.

Some of these diseases have known preventive measures or acute medical treatments which are available in the developed world, but which are not universally available in poorer areas. In some cases, the treatments are relatively inexpensive.

Children, women and those living in remote areas with limited access to effective health care are most vulnerable to NTDs and their consequences, such as malnutrition, anemia  serious or permanent disability including blindness, illness and death.

Ms Sherry Aryittey was speaking during the launch of this year's mass drug administration and five-year strategic master plan and global one-billionth-treatment celebration in Accra last Thursday.

She stated that Ghana was burdened with ten NTDs, notable among them being Lymphatic Satyriasis  Onchocerciasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, Buruli ulcer, Yaws, Leprosy, Guinea Worm, Human African Trypanosomiasis and Cutaneous leishmaniasis. In all, there are 17 NTDs. According to her, the 10 had been identified and mapped for prevention, control, elimination or eradication.

“The Government of Ghana has put in place policies and programmes to address the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. The diseases currently being targeted by the NTD programmed are Trachea  Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis with the strategies of mass drug administration, morbidity control and public education,” she expatiated.

In addition, integrated mass drug administration is being undertaken for all endemic communities for these NTDs and the management of all complications due to the NTDs.

The main objective of the NTD programme, Ms Ayittey said, was to eliminate the diseases because they were obstacles to socio-economic development.

Dr Nana Kwadwo Biritwum, the Programme Manager for the NTDs, stated that the programme involved working with key partners, stakeholders and communities to implement the action plan expected to end in 2020. He said the NTDs were mostly found in remote areas and slums in the cities.

Dr Joyce Aryee, Ghana NTDs Ambassador, observed that the fact that the diseases were neglected meant that enough time had not been spent researching about them. “The fact that it is tropical means we are all at risk; the fact that it is a disease means that it is not friendly,” Dr Aryee waxed lyrical.

To possess knowledge, she noted, was the beginning of victory, hence it was important to research into NTDs.

GHANA FORMER SPORTS MINISTER HAVE LIE AGAIN

Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate reassigned Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, accusing him of being the cause of Ghana’s shambolic World Cup preparation.

According to Appiah Stadium, the former Sports Minister does not deserve to be called honorable after Ghana’s embarrassing World Cup campaign in Brazil, adding Elvis Afriyie Ankrah must be made to cough up the monies he allegedly lavishly expended.

 Appiah Stadium noted that President Mahama is surrounded by many bad people serving in his administration, and specifically named Elvis Afriyie Ankrah and Joseph Yamin, former Deputy Sports Minister as typical examples of worst ministers in Mahama’s administration.

“Elvis Afriyie Ankrah does not deserve to be called honorable because he has failed as a minister and he must stand for trial for the bad leadership he exhibited in Brazil. I will wish the President suspends Elvis’s new assignment to the Presidency and nail him on the cross together with his deputy Sports Minister, Joseph Yamin. While Elvis Afriyie Ankrah was destroying things in Brazil, Joseph Yamin was saying things that will divide Ghanaians to pray against the Black Stars’ success. Elvis has disgraced himself in Brazil; I won’t be bias because I criticized the 2006 World Cup government delegation and even accused some officials of sleeping with girls and so I will boldly speak out about the wrongs done by some officials in 2014 World Cup under President Mahama...I witnessed some of the officials and players misbehaving with some of the female World Cup Ambassadors……we don’t know how our money was used in the World Cup; President Mahama must ask EOCO to investigate Elvis Afriyie Ankrah because he was the cause of the woes in the Black Stars Camp in Brazil,” he asserted.

A long time ago (over 50 years), when I was in primary school, one of our teachers told us a story about how a greedy dog had to drown itself.

According to the story, the greedy dog tried to cross a bridge with a piece of meat in its mouth. While crossing the bridge, the dog saw its own reflection in the river and thought it was another dog with piece of meat; so out of greed, the dog jumped into the river to get the supposed piece of meat from the imaginary other dog.

To cut a long story short, the dog drowned because of its greed. Where is greedy Yaw Ampofo Ankrah now? Has he seen how he and his brother have drowned themselves in Brazil Debacle because of greed and avarice?

I recall Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, unwisely calling the Editor-In-Chief of The Informer to insult him because the Paper rightly asked questions about the World Cup Budget.

Today, has Yaw Ampofo Ankrah seen the mess he and his brother find themselves in? Will Yaw Ampofo Ankrah be able to look Andy Kankam in the eyes now?

Has Andy Kankam not been vindicated? Look at the rot and stench that is emanating from Brazil. If it is not greed that has drowned Elvis and his brother, then Okyeame does not know what has destroyed them.

Two brothers; so they wanted to make all the money in the world from the World Cup?

Honestly, how much food can one person eat in a day that people can be so greedy? So now that the two brothers have drowned themselves in the Brazil Debacle, who will they blame for their calamity?

Sometimes it becomes so sad when Okyeame sees budding young politicians destroy their career out of greed. We all have our faults but if people could just learn to stay away from greed and avarice; this world would be a much nicer place to live.

To be very honest; I hope that next time (if there ever should be any) Elvis gets to Head a Sector as a Minister; he will keep his brother and family far away. Just for the information of Elvis and Yaw; they should remember the Old Ghanaian adage “IF YOU CHOP ALONE, YOU FACE THE CONSEQUENCES ALONE”

Did I hear this minister talking about cultural orientation? This man has no shameful at all and his statement clearly exposes him as been incompetent and not up to the task as a minister in any capacity! How can he make such an infantile statement and this tells me that this man is IMMATURE and he is gov’t simply because of political favoritism!

By the way, can he explain to us the meaning of DIFFERENT CULTURAL ORIENTATION? What is the meaning of that? So this minister is trying to tell us that some people are more Ghanaian other others? Kwarasey wasn’t born in Ghana and has diff cultural orientation too but did he misbehave in camp? Dede ayew was born in France and has spent most of his life over there and he has a diff orientation too, is he not a Ghanaian right? Jordan ayew is not a Ghanaian too by his SHALLOW DEFINITION!

This man is ridiculous and is clear now to me that he sees the world this RACIAL AND TRIBAL LINES and that epitomize what pertains in his gov! He is HARDCORE TRIBALIST and RACIST too and these kojd of guys are not only dangerous but cannot operate any responsible entity as he ll only select people from his tribal or racial line!

Most national team now has biracial players in their squad and has no encounter the problems we had in Brazil and instead of this man to shameful apologize to us, he is as usual speaking gibberish! The problem is from u and u better accept it! All Ghanaians knows that u went to Brazil to be a begging slut to whores! We have never has this issue before in our WC appearances because the former ministers are not greedy and more SMARTER THAN U!

Did I really hear this guy talking about cultural orientation? God should have mercy on this immature, morally corrupted man! This is a very shameful man who needs to be prosecuted!

Does this man have any cultural orientation? Wasn’t this man who MOCKED THE MELCOM VICTIMS right in the heat of the disaster? How a culturally astute man cans mock the death when more victims were trapped and dying? How can a culturally Ghanaian, uses national disaster to do DIRTY POLITICS all for his selfish and greedy gains and benefits? This man has no fear of god in him and he wasn’t PERHAPS BRPUGHT UP WELL!

I want everyone to mark this down that he will cause the same ripples in his new ministerial position because this guy is incompetent, immature, and divisive and a criminal and a very morally and physically corrupt guy

Ghanaians Call For GFA President To Resign

THE Ghana Football Association  president  Kwesi Nyantakyi is to step down from heading the Black Stars after mounting internal pressure, according to Citi Sports..

The Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee position is one of the most strategic and most coveted among the FA’s inner circle because of the power that comes with it.

With the senior national team being Ghana football’s flagship brand, whoever is in charge has considerable influence. And that is why Nyantakyi took over the position from his former Vice President Fred Pappoe.

Pappoe had occupied the position from 2005 until 2011.

Since that time, Nyantakyi has been criticised for giving himself too much to chew since managing the Black Stars is a notoriously detailed job.

It is this apparent lack of detail that, internal sources tell Citi Sports, is the reason why the national team has been floundering since Nyantakyi took over in 2011.

The final straw

Matters have come to a head in the last 24 hours after the Ghana FA’s highest decision-making body, the Executive Committee, prevailed upon the administrator to relinquish the position.

The Ghana team has in the last three major tournaments seen consistent reports of indiscipline, infighting, bizarre black magic claims and bonus fiascoes, things which were largely absent – or if they did, almost never became public – when Pappoe was at the helm.

What it means

Watchers say this decision could be just one of many internal reforms needed for the Ghana FA to gain public trust in its workings, at a time when the country has seen its image dented by the public airlifting of $3M to pay player bonuses in Brazil.

But with Nyantakyi even more determined not to resign altogether, despite increasing calls for him to do so, others also believe this move is just a gimmick to keep fans quiet while business as usual continues

Disappointment And Frustrations Of All Ghanaians

President John Mahama says he shares in the disappointment and frustrations of all Ghanaians in the wake of the challenges facing the country.

His comments come on the heels of mounting protests against current economic and social hardships in the country.

In the latest of such protests, more than 300 aggrieved Ghanaians have petitioned the President at the Flagstaff House to register their discontent with hard economic conditions in the country -- dubbed 'Occupy Flagstaff House'.

Addressing senior citizens at the Banquet Hall in commemoration of Ghana’s 54^th Republic Day celebrations on Tuesday July 1, 2014, the President said he has neither forgotten his promise to the people of Ghana when he was sworn in nor lost his ability to listen.

He said these at a State Luncheon held in honor of the senior citizens for their contributions towards nation building, Tuesday. 

Speaking on behalf of the senior citizens former Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), David Anaglatey, observed there was too much complaining in the country

The former broadcaster urged the media to highlight positive news to "cheer people up” in these difficult times.

Mr. Anaglatey, however, attributed the current economic hardships to the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) and the price of Ghana’s primary export, cocoa, on the international market.

The senior citizen said it was imperative for the legislature to enact strict laws against nepotism to reduce unemployment figures in the country and increase productivity.

President Mahama admitted the nation has been hit by “several obstacles and challenges” some of which are still being resolved.

The President stressed the “time for talking has passed”.

He urged Ghanaians to work together with him for a prosperous nation