All posts by Afia Coke

Former First Lady, Naadu Mills visits First family

Former First Lady, Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills on Saturday, January 18, 2025 visit the the home for the First Family to congratulate them for then for the re-election of President John Dramani Mahama.

She warmly welcomed by First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, her children and husband, President John Dramani Mahama, was saw the geststure as a sign of goodwill, years after the demise of her husband.

 

President John Mahama was ice to the late President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills from January 7, 2009 until her his demise in July 2012.

 

Pictures shared by the Presidency’s communications Bereau shows, Mrs Lordina Mahama, her son Sharraf and President Mahama beaming with smiles as they warmly received the naw aged former First Lady Naadu Mills as she is affectionately called

President Mahama on two-country visit to Gambia, Senegal

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Banjul, The Gambia. Mr Mahama is on a two-country visit to The Gambia and Senegal to thank the Heads of State of the two West African states for their participation in the Presidential inauguration ceremony on 7th January.

 

The visit is also in furtherance to President Mahama’s commitment to strengthening good relations with Ghana’s West African neighbours.

The president is expected to return home today from Dakar Senegal.

Prosper Bani heads National Security, COP Nathan Kofi Boakye (Rtd) leads Operation at the Presidency in New Security appointments by President Mahama

Former Chief of Staff, Prosper Douglas Bani has been appointed National Security Advisor in the latest appointments by the President, John Dramani Mahama

The former Minister of the Interior brings worth of wealth of experience and expertise, a statement from the Presidency said.

Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said “the appointment reflects President Mahama’s commitment to enhancing national security and ensuring the safety of citizens”

Other Appointments include
DCOP Abdul – Osman Razak who will serve as the National Security Coordinator with the responsibility of ensuring a cohesive strategy across all security initiatives

COP Nathan Kofi Boakye (Rtd) has been appointed Director of Operations at the Presidency to oversee operational effectiveness in security matters.

Charles Kipo has been named Director General of the National Intelligence Bureau.

President Mahama to Announce Key Security Appointments this week

President of the Republic John Dramani Mahama will this week announce Ministers designate for Defense, Interior, National Security Adviser, National Security Coordinator, and Director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

Though the announcement forms part of his 120 Day social contract to appoint his ministers within 14-days in government, the announcement also reaffirms his commitment to resolving the protracted conflict in Bawku and ensure a safe Ghana for all.

The President made the announcement when he embarked on a peace-building mission to Bawku and Nalerigu on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

The President’s visit forms part of his administration’s broader agenda to promote unity, foster dialogue, and establish lasting peace in areas affected by conflict.

The Bawku conflict, which has spanned decades, remains one of Ghana’s most pressing security and social challenges.

Engaging Stakeholders at the Zug-Raan’s Palace

A significant highlight of the President’s visit was his engagement with traditional leaders and stakeholders at the esteemed Zug-Raan’s Palace in Bawku.

During the meeting, President Mahama held discussions with sub-chiefs, queen mothers, the council of elders, and other notable figures.

He recognized the critical role traditional leaders play in promoting harmony and resolving disputes within their communities

President Mahama pledges to Strengthen Security Leadership to Address Bawku Conflict

President John Mahama has announced his administration’s immediate plans to strengthen security leadership by appointing key officials, including the Minister of Defense, Minister of Interior, National Security Adviser, National Security Coordinator, and Director of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

The President who was addressing Chiefs and people of Bawku emphasized that resolving the Bawku conflict will be a top priority for these appointees.

“We want to assure you that we are putting in place the various appointments so that we can have ministers and other officials who are responsible for the security to take charge, and so within this week, we will do the appointments of minister of defense, minister of interior, the National Security Adviser, the National Security Coordinator, the BNI director, and all the others,” the President stated.

The President reiterated his determination to prioritize the Bawku conflict in his administration’s security agenda, charging the soon-to-be-appointed officials with the responsibility of finding lasting solutions.

“And when these appointments are made, I am going to charge them to make Bawku one of the number one priorities that they attend to and deal with,” President Mahama affirmed.

The President’s visit underscores his administration’s resolve to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to address the root causes of the conflict.

He called for unity, collective effort, and a commitment to dialogue as the foundations for sustainable peace in Bawku and other conflict-prone areas in the country.

President Mahama’s peace-building mission demonstrates his government’s dedication to restoring stability and reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as a nation committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation.

Security Chiefs assure President Mahama of total support to sustain Ghana’s peace

Head of Security agencies today held their first meeting with President of Ghana, John a Dramani Mahama, pledging their unflinching support to protect the peace.

Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier General Oppong Peprah, Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, Director General, Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Chief Fire Officer, Head of the Ghana Prisons Service, Head of the Ghana Immigration office and others were all present.

Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier General Oppong Peprah who spoke on their behalf, attributed the successful elections and the peace so far to the collaboration among the various security agencies.

“We’ve been working together as a team , meeting all complex challenges of the security environment. By Working together as a team, we’ve been able to keep the security of this country stable and quiet. L” he emphasized

He continued… Mr President I want to assure you that we’re going to continue with even greater zeal to ensure we maintain the security and stability of this country.”

He assured the President that the security architecture will continue to remain professional and committed to help the President achieve his dream of resetting Ghana.

“We want to assure you of our loyalty, professionalism and dedication. We want to assure you of our unflinching support and dedication to duty and make sure that we help you to achieve or realize your dream of resetting Ghana”

They security heads used the occasion to congratulate President Mahama for his re-election

“We are here to join our voices with the good people of Ghana and the international community to congratulate you on the assumption of office as president and commander in chief of the Ghana armed Forces”

Security Chiefs call on President Mahama; pledge collaboration to sustain Ghana’s peace and reset Ghana

Head of Head of Security agencies have pledge to work together to ensure the peace of the nation is sustained.

According to them, their allegiance is to the sovereignty of the nation and that they will work in safeguarding the peace and unity of Ghana.

Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier General Oppong Peprah, Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, Director General, Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Chief Fire Officer, Head of the Ghana Prisons Service, Head of the Ghana Immigration office and others were all in attendance.

Speaking on behalf of the security, Chief of Defense Staff B. G Oppong Peprah said their collaboration has led to the stability of the country.

“We’ve been working together as a team , meeting all complex challenges of the security environment. By Working together as a team, we’ve been able to keep the security of this country stable and quiet.
Mr president I want to assure you that we’re going to continue with even greater zeal to ensure we maintain the security and stability of this country.” he stressed

Adding that the security architecture will continue to remain professional and committed to help the President achieve his dream of resetting Ghana.

“We want to assure you of our loyalty, professionalism and dedication. We want to assure you of our unflinching support and dedication to duty and make sure that we help you to achieve or realize your dream of resetting Ghana”

They used the occasion to also congratulate President Mahama for his re-election
“We are here to join our voices with the good people of Ghana and the international community to congratulate you on the assumption of office as president and commander in chief of the Ghana armed Forces”

President Mahama on peace-building visits to Bawku and Nalerigu

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived Bawku on a days visit which will also take him to Nalerigu as part of his pledge to ensure lasting peace in the area.

The President who is determined to resolve the decades-old conflict in Bawku will engage the conflict factions and key stakeholders to promote dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

He will hold talks with key traditional leaders and stakeholders in the Kusaug Traditional Area in Bawku, hold discussions with sub-chiefs, queen mothers, the Council of Elders, and other notable figures at Zug-Raan’s Palace.

He is billed to hold same with the Nalerigu traditional council to set the stage for further Peacebuilding efforts to secure a lasting solution

Before he left Accra he held a meeting with security heads who pledged their unflinching support to protect the peace in the country

President Mahama on peace-building visits to Bawku and Nalerigu

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived Bawku on a days visit which will also take him to Nalerigu as part of his pledge to ensure lasting peace in the area.

The President who is determined to resolve the decades-old conflict in Bawku will engage the conflict factions and key stakeholders to promote dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

He will hold talks with key traditional leaders and stakeholders in the Kusaug Traditional Area in Bawku, hold discussions with sub-chiefs, queen mothers, the Council of Elders, and other notable figures at Zug-Raan’s Palace.

He is billed to hold same with the Nalerigu traditional council to set the stage for further Peacebuilding efforts to secure a lasting solution

Before he left Accra he held a meeting with security heads who pledged their unflinching support to protect the peace in the country

Mahama promises inquiry into national cathedral project

President John Dramani Mahama has announced an impending audit of the National Cathedral Project making it clear that spending a whopping $400 million on such a project is not in the public interest.

According to President Mahama “… the current circumstances that Ghana is going through, it makes no sense to achieve such a project at a whopping sum of $400 million.”

Speaking at a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service in Accra, Mr. Mahama said the government will implement the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) recommendation to investigate the possible misapplication of public funds on the project.

“Government is enjoined to follow this directive and will soon activate such an investigation into the project,” he affirmed, further signaling his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

*Building Consensus for Future Projects.*
Making it clear that the current development of the National Cathedral will not continue under his administration, the President urged the Christian community to forge a consensus on executing national projects like the National Cathedral without resorting to public funds.

“On the future of the project, the Cathedral, I believe that all of us as Christians must forge a consensus on how to achieve such a project without recourse to public funds”, adding that any such consideration must consider the project cost, privately financed and at a different location.

*Financial Concerns and Comparisons.*
“This project must be achieved at a reasonable cost in the current circumstances that Ghana is going through. I am informed that the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, which is used by all Christian faiths in Nigeria, was built at $30 million”, he noted.

President Mahama also suggested that Ghana could adopt a more pragmatic and cost-effective approach to such initiatives, emphasizing that “we can reach a more reasonable figure for achieving such a project, and together we can raise the funding for it.”

*Reconsideration of Project Plans.*
President Mahama further hinted that a reconsideration of the National Cathedral Project might extend to the current location selected for its construction, leaving room for future consultations among the Christian community.

“Such a reconsideration of this project might even include changing the current site that was chosen for the project. I leave the rest to any such future consultation that we will have as the body of Christ,” he concluded.

 

ENI’s oil production acceleration key to Ghana’s economic recovery

Ghana’s economic challenges—including a depreciating cedi, high inflation, and a growing national debt—require swift and strategic interventions. Accelerating oil and gas production, spearheaded by ENI (Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi), offers a critical opportunity to stabilize the economy.

As a prominent player in Ghana’s energy sector, ENI’s ability to ramp up operations could significantly increase export revenues, decrease reliance on costly fuel imports, and attract much-needed foreign investment.

The Role of ENI in Economic Stability

Energy resources are central to Ghana’s fiscal resilience, and ENI’s leadership in the oil and gas sector positions it as a key partner in economic recovery. Enhanced production could boost energy security and provide the government with vital revenues to address pressing fiscal needs. Fast-tracking ENI’s ongoing projects and developing untapped reserves could create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and provide financial space for developmental programs.

Proven Performance and Impact

ENI’s contributions to Ghana’s energy security are well-established. The Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project, launched ahead of schedule, has provided reliable domestic gas since 2018, saving Ghana approximately $300 million annually in fuel imports. This dependable performance underscores ENI’s role as a trusted partner in Ghana’s energy landscape.

Future Opportunities and Projects

Several pending ENI projects have the potential to significantly expand Ghana’s oil and gas output. Key initiatives include:

• Additional Reserves in the OCTP Block: Could increase domestic gas supply by 30-50% and boost crude oil exports. Support Needed: Regulatory approvals for Field Development Plans (FDPs).

• Eban Discovery: Holds an estimated 500 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent (BOE), primarily light crude. Support Needed: Transitioning to production through investment agreements.

• Akoma Field: Contains 550 billion cubic feet (BCF) of natural gas reserves with condensates, ready for integration into existing infrastructure. Support Needed: Pre-development facilitation and infrastructure expansion.

• Sankofa East Expansion: Aims to sustain and expand current production levels. Support Needed: Government backing for infrastructure development.

• Deepwater Exploration: Unexplored reserves in deeper OCTP areas offer substantial oil and gas potential. Support Needed: Incentives for exploration and advanced approvals.

• Gas for Domestic Power: Increased gas supply to thermal plants could reduce reliance on imported fuels. Support Needed: Expansion of pipelines and domestic market agreements.

Overcoming Challenges

To unlock the full potential of ENI’s projects, the government must address regulatory delays, resolve gas pricing disputes, and invest in critical infrastructure. Streamlined permitting processes and co-investment in midstream infrastructure will be crucial to realizing these opportunities.

A Strategic Partnership

ENI’s vision aligns closely with Ghana’s national goals of energy independence and economic sustainability. By accelerating oil production and expanding operations, ENI can play a transformative role in revitalizing Ghana’s economy and ensuring long-term stability.

As Ghana faces its economic crossroads, ENI’s collaboration with the government is essential to securing a prosperous future for the nation.

National House of Chiefs meets President Mahama; discussion centers on constitutional review, others

The National House of Chiefs has expressed joy over the scrapping of the Chieftaincy Ministry and the new role Chiefs will be playing in the new National Democratic Congress administration.

A member of the standing Committee of the National Daasebra Osei Bonsus II, the Mamponghene who led a delegation to congratulated the President on his re-election, described it as a symbol of the peace respect Ghanaians had long prayed for.

He commended the President for the invitation, citing with interest the scrapping of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and the new role traditional leaders will play in his government. Daasebre Osei Bonsu II also pledged their willingness to support government succeed.

President Mahama who brainstormed with the Executives of the National House of Chiefs ahead of planned Constitutional review, tasked the National House of Chiefs to avail themselves for the needed input when the constitutional amendment processes are revived.
This he said will help reposition traditional authorities to facilitate development. He specifically referenced the recommendations by the Fiadzo and the Kyei Mensah Bonsu committees set up by then Presidents Prof. Atta Mills and Nana Akufo Addo.

In a brief remark before a closed-door meeting, H.E John Mahama cited the need for a codified succession plan to prevent Chieftaincy disputes, which threaten the peace and security of the country. He reiterated his campaign promise to involve chiefs in the issuance of licenses and to empower them to enforce laws to protect the environment.

The President assured them of regular meetings, not only on Chieftaincy issues but matters of national interest.

He thanked the Chiefs for their support and wise counsel during his campaign, which he said reflected in the results, elevating Ghana once more as the beacon of democracy.