Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah has indicated that the three (3) days set aside by the nation to mourn the eight (8) who died in the helicopter crash are not enough to fill the void.

According to the Chief of Staff, Ghanaians are left in shock and it will take a long time to heal from the trauma that hit the nation.

At a night of reflections & Memorable for the departed, Mr Debrah said “Our eyes flood with tears and our hearts choke with tears. Our minds are unsettled and our souls will be restless. Currently these three days are certainly not enough to fill the heart with tears. Perhaps it will take a long while to forget or heal these scars” he said

He added that the departed will be urging Ghanaians to remain through to the values that binds us as a nation
“ I’m sure on this day our comrades will be urging us to wipe our tears. They will be telling us to remain true to our values. To live by the values of truthfulness and dignity. The values of security, selfless leadership, bravery and service to the nation” he intimated

The event was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, First Lady Lordina Mahama, Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, Former President John Agyekum Kuffour, Former Vice President Dr Alhaji Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, the Clergy and a host of other signatories.

A government delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, was at the Air Force Base on Wednesday night to receive the remains of the eight individuals who died in the military helicopter crash in Adansi in the Ashanti Region.

The Ghana Air Force helicopter transporting the remains arrived at exactly 9:30 p.m. The caskets were received in the presence of senior government officials, military officials, and party executives.

Among those present were the Service Commanders, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey; Government Spokesperson and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu; Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Presidential Staffer and Special Aide to the President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari; Deputy Chief of Staff, in charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, and Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Mr. Stanislav Xoese Dogbe.

A short military ceremony was held following the arrival. Prayers were offered for the departed, and the necessary military protocols were observed.

The remains were subsequently conveyed in hearses from the Air Force Base to the morgue.

Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbogza Governs has warned that road contractors who shortchange the country will be surcharged.

According to him, government henceforth, will not tolerate shoddy works under any circumstances adding that agents of the ministry found culpable will not be shielded. He made the remarks when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

“So this is a very clear message to contractors and consultants. We are no longer going to tolerate shoddy work under any circumstances.

And also the third leg, staff of my agencies who supervise, and indeed read what the finance minister said, and part of our laws” he warned.
He says any contractor executing any project must show competence and commitment to the work they do. He says the days of road constructed failing to meet the required threshold of years must end.

“Everybody knows a road that was built, which should last for 10 years, which is failing. What we are doing is to let agents of state who look into this, to look into them. But going forward, we are seeing that from now, contractors who get work must show competence and commitment to do their good job” he said.

Kwame Agbodza maintains that contractors who connive with bond issuers must be cautious going forward. “For instance, we notice at the ministry that contractors get work and then when they are asked to buy, let’s say, a performance bond, they go to an entity, the entity without making any checks, gives them some cover, believing that government will never come back to cash the bond if things go wrong. Let me sound this warning. From now, when you are a contractor, you do work, and the work fails without explanation. We shall cash the bond.

We shall cash the bond to you to restore the road. If you are a consultant, before you get work at the Ministry of Roads and Highways from now, you will need to buy professional indemnity insurance, because if you supervise work that fails without an explanation, we will draw down on your insurance cover to make sure we cover the damages that you have caused” he stated.
He says the ministry is collaborating with sector agencies to ensure sanity in the award of contracts and execution.

“ If you are working with highways, feeder road, urban road, and you supervise work, or authorize payment for works that were not done, or were not done properly, if we find you out, you will be surcharged. I think that is just quite clear. That is the only way we can restore some sanity and decency, and also improve the quality of work” he emphasized

President John Dramani Mahama has warned that the current state of affairs in Bawku and all other areas where conflicts continue to impede progress cannot be accepted.

The President said the recent killings in Bawku and Nelerigu where students where shot and killed on campus are nothing short of derailing the mediation process started by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. This he said cannot be accepted.

“We cannot accept a situation where students are shot in school and killed. We can’t accept the current situation where teachers and public officers have all run away from Bawku because they are afraid for their lives,” he stated

President Mahama says government in the quest to achieving lasting peace in Bawku has since shifted from peace keeping to peace enforced. A development he says will deploy a more robust approach by the Military.

“As the army has announced, I have directed the army to move from peacekeeping to peace enforcement. That means they are going to be a bit more robust with anybody who is involved in criminality,” he stated.

Addressing a gathering during a courtesy call by the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soaale I, at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the President made a passionate appeal to both Kusasis and Mamprusis as well as the people of Nkwanta to give peace.

“Let us give peace a chance, not only in Bawku, but in Nkwanta and all the other places where we currently are suffering conflict,” he appealed.
He revealed that the mediation process, led by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has made significant progress and is close to achieving a resolution adding that any adverse actions were only to derail the mediation efforts.

“Otumfuo has been briefing me constantly on the progress he’s been making, and we are almost there. The current fighting and killings can only be done by people who want to derail the mediation efforts.” He said.

The African Union Executive Council has approved the establishment of two new reparations bodies.

This represents a turning point in Africa’s pursuit of historical justice.

Speaking at the opening of the 13th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy and Human Rights on Tuesday, President John Dramani Mahama disclosed that the AU has approved terms of reference for both the African Union Commission of Experts on Reparations and the African Union Reference Group of Legal Experts on Reparations.

“I wish to commend the African Union Executive Council for approving the terms of reference for the African Union Commission of Experts on Reparations and the African Union Reference Group of Legal Experts on Reparations. These are decisive milestones,” the President said.

The president emphasised that the approval represents just the beginning, calling for immediate action to transform the bodies from paper institutions into active agents of change.
He said, the continent “must now move swiftly to operationalize these instruments” and empower the bodies with “the resources, visibility and mandate to lead us on this noble journey of truth, justice and restitution.”

He warned delegates that the new reparations bodies must not become “another declaration left on paper” but rather function as “a living mandate for action.”

He positioned the new institutions as essential tools for addressing what he called the “enduring legacies of slavery, colonial exploitation, systemic racism and economic subjugation” that continue to shape African states.

He stated that these historical injustices remain visible today in “arbitrary borders that divide our peoples,” “financial hardships imposed by unjust global systems,” and “fragile governance systems” that African nations are still struggling to strengthen.

The president argued that the reparations bodies will play a central role in restoring “African agency, sovereignty and dignity” and building governance systems “informed by our context, shaped by our people and owned by our African communities.”

According to the president, the establishment of these bodies comes at a defining moment when Africa’s citizens – particularly young people – are growing increasingly impatient with ceremonial gestures over concrete action.

He stated that Africa’s youth majority is “not asking for charity” but demanding “fairness” and “opportunity,” making the operationalization of reparations institutions more urgent than ever.
He declared that the new bodies must rise to meet these expectations, telling delegates that “our citizens are watching and waiting” for results rather than rhetoric.

The president said the institutions will work within the broader context of the AU’s declared “Decade of Reparations” spanning 2026-2036, representing a sustained continental commitment to addressing historical injustices.

The High-Level Dialogue continues through the week as African leaders work to define the specific mandates and operational frameworks for the newly approved reparations bodies.

Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan has vowed to crush any corrupt official who will pose as hindrance to the revenue collection drive of the GRA.

According to him revenue mobilization is at the heart of the division and his outfit will do everything within its purview to safeguard it.
General Annan cautioned the officers not to compromise on standards and must ensure discipline and professionalism at all times.

“There are standards that must always be met. But let me also be very clear that I will not tolerate any acts of indiscipline, corruption, or abuse of office. Officers will compromise systems for personal gain. They not only damage the image of Customs, but they also rob the nation of very vital resources. These measures will be enforced strictly and fairly” he warned
He maintains that though the customs division of the GRA is making significant gains it must strive to achieve more.

“Year after year, our targets have been increasing, and we do achieve them and so, this year is not an exception. I am very sure that this year we will achieve these targets. And I am committed, together with management, to give you all the assistance required to make us achieve our targets” he assured

He made these remarks after paying a working visit to the Tema Port. He held a staff durbar with officials at the Long Room before visiting the Meridian Port Services (MPS) and the Examination Bay.

The Commissioner has since assured of swift measures to address systemic glitches and employ Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advanced Cargo Manifest and other technological tools to advance their revenue mobilization drive in a 24-hour economy.

“We are thinking of using artificial intelligence. There are some discussions currently going on, so some softwares. And you know that our division plays a vital role in this. To this end, the number of personnel for this sector has been increased. We have posted a good number to the sector to augment your strength” he intimated
He was of the firm believe that the appreciation of the cedi will increase the volumes of import which will shore up revenue generation.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has applauded Ghana for what it describes as the move as a significant step toward sustaining child health and immunization coverage.

It follows Ghana’s fulfilled pledge on the payment of the country’s 2025 co-financing obligation of $24.5 million for vaccine procurement.

You will recall that Ghana increased its vaccine budget by 46%, as the West African country fully pays $24.5 million to Gavi. The government is expected to distribute hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses nationwide by August.

According to President John Mahama, Ghana aims to become a regional vaccine manufacturing hub.

Gavi has helped improve vaccine access in Ghana since 2000, vaccinating nearly 95% of children by 2023, official data shows.

In his six-month health sector report to the presidency at the Government Accountability Series on July 18, 2025, Health Minister, Kwabena Minta Akandoh highlighted that the budget hike signals the government’s strong commitment to protecting children’s health and preventing epidemics.

UNICEF in a statement has noted that the timely payment would help prevent vaccine shortages, maintain herd immunity, and strengthen Ghana’s broader health system.

“Ghana consistently and timely met its vaccine financing obligations until 2022, when post-COVID-19 economic challenges, rising co-financing requirements, and reduced fiscal space—linked to the country’s transition from Gavi support—led to delays,” the statement said.

According to UNICEF, the full payment marks a return to pre-pandemic levels of financial performance in vaccine procurement and is critical to ensuring uninterrupted vaccine supply and the introduction of new vaccines.

UNICEF’s Representative in Ghana, Osama Makkawi Khogali, praised the government for prioritising child health despite prevailing economic challenges.

“I am proud to stand with the Government of Ghana in celebrating this important milestone. Although post-COVID economic pressures led to delays in payments, this full payment reflects a commendable prioritisation of child health,” he said.

“By investing in immunisation, the government is ensuring that every Ghanaian child—regardless of location—is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

In February 2023, Ghana was hit with shortage of routine vaccines for children. Health officials said the shortage of vaccines against polio, hepatitis B, and measles was caused by the depreciation of Ghana’s currency, the cedi.

The Pediatric Society of Ghana warned childhood diseases could quickly spread if the vaccines were not soon made available.

While UNICEF has commended government for the timely payment, it also urging sustained domestic investment in vaccine financing, especially as international development aid continues to decline.

The agency highlighted the long-term benefits of immunisation, stressing that preventing diseases is significantly more cost-effective than treating them.

“Investing in vaccines offers one of the highest returns in public health. Sustained investment today lays the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future generation,” UNICEF stated.

UNICEF is the world’s leading child rights organisation, working in over 190 countries and territories to protect and promote the health, survival, and well-being of children.

The Ghana Armed Forces is set to recruit Twelve Thousand (12000) personnel within the next three and half years.

This is according to the Minister of Defense, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah. The recruitment and enlistment according to the Minister will begin in August this year.

The Minister disclosed this when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, 20245 at the Presidency.

“The Ministry of Defence seeks to support the Ghana Armed Forces to enhance the capabilities of the recruitment and enlistment portal ahead of the August-September 2025 manpower enhancement drive” he stated

Adding that “I am excited to announce that, as has been communicated by the Commander-in-Chief, a comprehensive enlistment and recruitment exercise is to be undertaken with the view to increasing the man-power strength of the Ghana Armed Forces. Altogether, we are enlisting and recruiting Twelve Thousand (12000) personnel within the next three and half years” he intimated

The Minister has however cautioned the general public especially would be applicants do beware of individuals and institutions who may demand money for enlistment.

“Let me sound a note of warning that the Ghana Armed Forces has not contracted or delegated any individuals, organizations or institutions to undertake any recruitment and enlistment exercise on its behalf” he warned.

He further warned that any such engagements are at the peril of the said applicants
“The public is therefore advised to avoid fraudsters and scammers who pose as agents of the Armed Forces to recruit personnel.

You engage them at your own risk. Report them to lawful authority. Joining the Ghana Armed Forces under President Mahama will be based solely on merit, not money. We seek to train soldiers who will not be in haste to provide guard duties for unauthorized persons. That era is over!” he warned

Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has warned would be applicants that recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will be based solely on merit.

According to him, monetization of the process will not be countenanced. He has thus warned against fraudulent characters who may take advantage of innocent citizens when the GAF opens its recruitment portals next Month.

The Minister who took his turn at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Presidency said the GAF is seeking to increase its man-power strength by Twelve Thousand in the next three and half years.

“I am excited to announce that, as has been communicated by the Commander-in-Chief, a comprehensive enlistment and recruitment exercise is to be undertaken with the view to increasing the man-power strength of the Ghana Armed Forces. Altogether, we are enlisting and recruiting Twelve Thousand (12000) personnel within the next three and half years” he said.

Dr. Omane Boamah further indicated that citizens with special skills will be considered during the recruitment process. This he says will help GAF’s drive towards industrialization and food security.

“Looking at the needs of the Ghana Armed Forces and in particular the desire to build institutional capacity to support the ongoing drive towards industrialization and food security, future enlistment and recruitment exercises will also be targeting specific qualifications— such as Agric Extension Officers, Artisans, Engineers, Biochemists among others” he indicated.

He is thus urging future applicants to avoid fraudsters and scammers who pose as agents of the Armed Forces to recruit personnel
“Let me sound a note of warning that the Ghana Armed Forces has not contracted or delegated any individuals, organisations or institutions to undertake any recruitment and enlistment exercise on its behalf. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defence seeks to support the Ghana Armed Forces to enhance the capabilities of the recruitment and enlistment portal ahead of the August-September 2025 manpower enhancement drive”.

He added “The public is therefore advised to avoid fraudsters and scammers who pose as agents of the Armed Forces to recruit personnel. You engage them at your own risk.

Report them to lawful authority. Joining the Ghana Armed Forces under President Mahama will be based solely on merit, not money. We seek to train soldiers who will not be in haste to provide guard duties for unauthorised persons. That era is over!” he warned

The First Lady’s humanitarian organisation, the Lordina Foundation, has donated a quantity of essential medical supplies and equipment to the Techiman North constituency to enhance healthcare delivery.

The items were officially handed over to the Member of Parliament for Techiman North and Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, by Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady and President of the Foundation.

Mrs Mahama reiterated the Foundation’s enduring commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the country.

“We are dedicated to contributing to the development of deprived children and women in both rural and urban areas, focusing on quality healthcare promotion, education, and overall well-being,” Mrs. Mahama stated during the presentation ceremony.

“This donation highlights our belief in collaborative efforts to foster sustainable development within Ghana’s health sector.”

Mrs Ofosu-Agyare (MP) expressed her gratitude and that of the people of Techiman North for the gesture, noting that the equipment and supplies will have a positive impact on the health delivery service.

“This contribution from the Lordina Foundation will play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in our healthcare system. It reflects our shared commitment to improving the well-being of our people,” she said.

This initiative is part of the Lordina Foundation’s broader mission to modernise and strengthen under-resourced health facilities across communities, and to ensure medical professionals are equipped with the necessary tools to provide high-quality, life-saving care to patients.

The items presented include Hospital and Theatre Beds, Delivery Beds, Incubators, Theatre Lights, Phototherapy Machines, Baby Scales, Syringes and Gloves and Trolleys. The remaining items include Wheelchairs, Commodes, Baby Cots, Baby Carts, Medical Screens, Baby Baths, Bedside Cabinets, and Overhead Tables.

Organizers of the Boardroom Governance Summit have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting governance excellence, ethical leadership, and national development with a high-level courtesy call to the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, at the Jubilee House ahead of the 2025 edition of the Summit

The strategic engagement, held under the auspices of Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who will also be the Guest of Honor at the Summit in October, marks the beginning of this year’s journey toward the much-anticipated Summit, which is expected to spotlight the national importance of effective corporate governance.

The courtesy call was led by the Convenor, renowned industrialist and global governance advocate Professor Douglas in collaboration with, the Institute of Directors Ghana (loD-Gh) and other partners.

Speaking during the engagement, the Chief of Staff reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting governance excellence across all spheres of national life.

“As a nation, there are times when we become accustomed to our usual ways of doing things, and we need someone to prompt us, because if you keep doing the same thing repeatedly, you tend to become complacent. That’s why we’re excited about this summit: it offers a platform to discuss and strategize on how best we can run our institutions and companies more efficiently” he said.

Mr. Debrah further emphasized that robust governance structures are foundational to effective public sector delivery and private sector growth, particularly in the face of today’s complex global challenges. “From time to time, we must pause and reflect: what are we doing right, and what are we doing wrong? President Mahama intends to reinvigorate our systems of governance in areas where we have become lax” he added.

 his remarks, Professor Douglas Boateng highlighted the importance of national ownership in the governance discourse. “Today’s courtesy call on the government is a reaffirmation of our shared belief that board governance excellence, particularly at the boardroom level, is not a peripheral discussion but a national imperative.,” said Prof.

Boateng.

He added that the principles guiding boardrooms should extend beyond corporate spaces to public decision-making bodies.

He stated, “It is important to remember that boardrooms are not only in corporate towers. Cabinets and ministerial committees are also boardrooms where decisions shaping the destiny of the nation are made. Like corporate boards, they must be guided by best-practice principles of transparency, accountability, competence, and ethical stewardship.”

This year’s engagement builds on the momentum generated by the maiden edition in 2024, which brought together over 700 C-suite executives and governance professionals to explore the intricate relationship between boardroom governance, accountability, and sustainable development.

With this year’s summit projected to draw an even larger participation and deeper stakeholder engagement, the 2025 edition promises to further entrench the values of ethical leadership and long-term value creation in Ghana’s corporate and public sector institutions.