President John Mahama has described the illegal mining menace as a national emergency.

According to the President, the devastation on the environment cannot continue in the quest to search for wealth.

Addressing Chiefs and people of Sefwi Juaboso in the Western North Region as part of his Thank You Tour, President Mahama directed the arrest and prosecution of members of the anti-galamsey taskforce members.

“I must be honest, this is a national emergency” he said

He has since assured that the National Taskforce will continue to discharge its duties regardless.

“The National Task Force will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies. I’ve also noted the activities of illegal anti galamse task forces that go around extorting money from legitimate, legitimate, small scale mining companies. I’ve requested that the authorities arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti galamsey activity.” He emphasized.

The President also promised to fix deplorable roads in the region with a firm assurance of returning contractors to site under the big push.

He assured of a holistic development of the region.

The Management Development and Productivity Institute

(MDPI), led by its Director General, Professor Yendaw, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff at the Jubilee House to outline its strategic contributions to national development and discuss key areas of collaboration with the Presidency.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, acknowledged MDPI’s longstanding role in enhancing productivity and reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that drive efficiency and reform.

In his presentation, Professor Yendaw reiterated MDPI’s core mandate of providing research-based productivity services and capacity-building programs. He expressed concern over the absence of robust productivity metrics in Ghana and stressed the need for systematic monitoring to improve national performance.

He highlighted the Institute’s training programmes, which have attracted both local and international participants, and advocated for local training of public sector executives by MDPI as a cost-saving alternative to foreign courses. He emphasized the Institute’s readiness to play a pivotal role in the proposed 24-Hour Economy Policy and revealed that a concept paper has already been developed in this regard.

Professor Yendaw called for greater governmental support to enable MDPI lead a national mindset and attitudinal transformation campaign, describing this as essential for advancing the government’s broader reform agenda. He appealed for financial assistance to close the Institute’s funding gaps and also requested help in attracting and retaining skilled quantitative personnel.

He raised concerns about encroachment on MDPI’s land at Spintex and appealed for support in protecting and developing the property. He also shared the Institute’s efforts to build international partnerships with productivity institutions in Malaysia and Singapore. Additionally, he called attention to the outdated nature of MDPI’s Legislative Instrument (LI) and requested assistance in drafting a modern Act to expand and strengthen its operational capacity.

In response, the Chief of Staff reaffirmed the Presidency’s support and expressed optimism about the Institute’s transformational potential. He noted the historical irony of Malaysia, once a recipient of Ghana’s productivity expertise, now surpassing Ghana due to sustained national investment in its productivity institutions.

He tasked MDPI to take practical steps in developing a training programme for Presidential staff, preparing proposals to secure funding and re-establish its technical relevance in national policy-particularly the 24-Hour Economy -while also leading a government-endorsed, media-driven national campaign on mindset and attitudinal change.

The Legal Counsel to the President, Ms. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, added her voice to the discussion, emphasizing the need for civic responsibility and institutional reform. She expressed concern about MDPI’s outdated legal framework and pledged her support in drafting a new legislative instrument to modernize the Institute’s operations.

This engagement signals a timely revival of MDPI’s mandate, positioning it as a key partner in Ghana’s transformation agenda and a catalyst for the successful implementation of the 24-Hour Economy and broader public sector reforms.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured members of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) that oil revenues earmarked for his proposed $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure initiative will be efficiently disbursed and managed.

The President gave the assurance during a courtesy call by the PIAC members. Led by its Chairman, Mr Constantine K.M. Kudzedzi, the Committee members visited to congratulate the President on his recent election victory and discuss matters concerning the management of Ghana’s oil revenues.

President Mahama outlined his government’s ambitious plan to invest $10 billion over the next five years, allocating $2 billion annually, into priority infrastructure projects across the country.

These projects will target key sectors, including roads, major bridges, education, and health infrastructure, as well as areas vital for boosting productivity in the agriculture sector.

He specified that agricultural projects under the “Big Push” would encompass irrigation schemes, construction of farmer service centres, and support for agribusiness development.

The President stated that the primary sources of funding for this significant policy initiative would be petroleum revenue and minerals royalties.

Commending PIAC for its vital role, President Mahama praised the Committee’s efforts in monitoring and ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of Ghana’s petroleum revenues.

He highlighted PIAC as a commendable model for other countries seeking effective oversight mechanisms.

Government will start paying debts owed to road contractors this month. Announcing this decision during a meeting with members of the Council of State at the Presidency on Monday, President John Dramani Mahama explained that the payments would allow contractors to return to their sites and resume work on stalled projects.

President Mahama stated that the Ministry of Finance has allocated funds specifically for this purpose, intended to offset a substantial part of the outstanding debts.

“I’m sure that some of the contractors who have been working on your projects will be paid so that they can go back on site and continue their work”, he announced.

He emphasised that the Minister for Finance is prioritising these payments as part of broader efforts to accelerate the completion of vital infrastructure projects and strengthen the government’s economic recovery plan.

Further details regarding the payments and their scope will be captured in the upcoming mid-year review of the budget statement, which will report on the economy’s performance over the first half of the year.

President Mahama also assured the Council that, following the presentation of the mid-year budget review, the government would again consult with them to discuss the administration’s performance and progress over the past six months.

President John Dramani Mahama has bid farewell to the outgoing German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, during a meeting at the Credentials Hall within the Presidency.

The courtesy visit marked the conclusion of Ambassador Krull’s four-year term of duty, which President Mahama described as highly productive.

President Mahama reiterated Ghana’s commitment to building on the strong foundation of bilateral relations between the two countries. He emphasised the potential for deepened cooperation, particularly in the critical areas of economic development and security.

The President specifically commended Germany for its consistent support towards enhancing Ghana’s security architecture, citing significant contributions to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and capacity-building initiatives for security personnel.

Addressing the evolving security landscape in the sub-region, President Mahama highlighted the growing threat posed by extreme terrorism, especially prevalent in the Sahel. He expressed Ghana’s readiness to work closely with Germany on targeted capacity training programmes aimed at bolstering regional efforts to combat this menace.

Touching upon the complex issue of irregular migration, President Mahama outlined Ghana’s collaborative efforts with international partners, including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU). He stressed the importance of creating sustainable local opportunities for young people to mitigate the risks associated with perilous journeys across the Sahara and the Mediterranean.

President Mahama conveyed Ghana’s deep appreciation for Ambassador Krul’s service. “We appreciate you. You’re a friend of Ghana. And you’re welcome to visit any time you miss Ghana. You’re welcome to visit. And I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”

Prime Minister of Indian Nerendra Modi will address Ghana’s parliament today, Thursday, July 3, 2025.

According to the itinerary of the Prime Minister, he will first visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park before addressing Ghana’s parliament.
Nerendra Modi who first visited Ghana thirty years ago is back on a two-day historic state visit. Upon his arrival on Wednesday, he was awarded with Ghana’s highest prestigious award, The Office of the Order of the Star of Ghana at a state banquet.

President John Mahama indicated that the address to Parliament by H.E Modi, is borne out of Indian’s long lasting credentials as the beacon of democracy.

“Ahead of his scheduled departure, our Parliament will be honoured to listen to an address from the Prime Minister of India and as everybody knows, India is the world’s largest democracy and so our Parliament is going to be honoured to have the Indian Prime Minister come and address it” he indicated

Adding that “on Thursday, 3rd July, the Prime Minister will also visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. This Memorial Park is a landmark that reflects India’s advocacy for freedom and its advocacy and support to Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. It also is a testament to the solidarity that India extends for South-South cooperation” President Mahama emphasized.

Ghana has deepened it bilateral relations with the Republic of India following the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to serve as a framework for future cooperation.

The MOUs cut across multiple sectors of the economy including Technology, manufacturing, defense, education, healthcare amongst others.
It follows the historic visit of the Indian Prime Minster Nerendra Modi who first visited the country, three decades ago.

President John Mahama emphasized that the signing of the MOU on the Establishment of a Permanent Joint Commission between the two countries will create a lasting diplomatic mechanism for sustained engagement.

“These include the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Permanent Joint Commission between our two countries, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine and the Institute of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana, and the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.

We have also signed an MOU on cultural exchange between our two countries and also an MOU between the Bureau of India Standards and the Ghana Standards Authority” he outlined.

He indicated that Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the Indian High Commissioner, have agreed to sign additional MOUs on vaccine manufacture and production, supply of agricultural machinery and implements, and defense cooperation.

“Following consultations between our Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commissioner, we also have requested the signing of MOUs on vaccine manufacture and production, MOU on supply of agricultural machinery and implements, and an MOU on defence cooperation”.

Addressing a joint Press conference at the Presidency by the two leaders on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, President Mahama intimated that the signing of the MOUs will further strengthen the relation between the two countries as Ghana embarks on the path of reset for economic recovery. “This visit could not have happened at a better time as government is committed to pursuing its RESET agenda to provide the needed support to the Ghanaian people”

President John Mahama called for intergenerational cooperation, urging youth and policymakers to learn from the wisdom of senior citizens. He stressed that Ghana’s progress depends on treating all citizens with dignity and creating an inclusive economy.

Speaking a senior Citizen luncheon on July 1,2025, a day that marks Ghana’s republican status, President Mahama elegized the men and women who have served diligently for the progress of the country adding that their experiences have a place in making the country a better place.

“You’ve seen our highest moments and you’ve witnessed our most difficult trials. Your Wisdom is a resource; we cannot take no”
The President further called on the youth and policy makers to tap into the knowledge and skills of the senior citizens to bridge the intergenerational gap.

“I call on our youth and our policy makers, our institutions, to learn from you, to tap into your experience and follow your guidance.” He added.

He said his government will roll out programmes and policies that will place retirees at the center
“This government will focus on building an inclusive economy, a responsive public service and a society that works for the many and not a privilege few” he assured

“This government is also taking concrete steps to restore the dignity to aging and to retirement. We’re strengthening the pension system to ensure that public and private sector workers retire in security rather than in hardship. By implementing our flagship Ghana medical Trust Fund, or as is popularly called Mahama cares, we’re laying the foundation for universal access to affordable health care, especially for older people, for low income and for vulnerable groups, we’re revamping the National Health Insurance Scheme, expanding coverage of geriatric services and prioritizing investment in social protection so that no senior citizen is left behind.” President Mahama intimated.

The event was attended by the Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman and a host of retirees. President John Dramani Mahama used the occasion to honoure the nation’s senior citizens and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democratic principles and social progress.