Author: johnmahama

IntroductionThe recent statement by Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the recruitment process into the Ghana Army. His comment about “protocol enlistment” has led to questions about whether the Army’s recruitment process is truly merit-based or influenced by protocol and favoritism. This article examines the implications of Afenyo-Markin’s statement and the potential threat it poses to the merit-based recruitment process.BackgroundThe Ghana Army is a volunteer army under the Ministry of Defense, governed by the Republic of Ghana’s constitution of 1992. The Army’s recruitment process is designed to be transparent and fair, with eligibility criteria outlined…

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chapter in Germany has officially inaugurated a new branch in Saarbrücken, marking a significant milestone in the party’s expansion and engagement with the diaspora community.The inauguration ceremony, held on February 22, 2025, in Saarbrücken, was attended by party leaders, members, supporters, and distinguished guests. This new branch is the first to be inaugurated by the NDC in the diaspora this year, underscoring the party’s commitment to strengthening its presence and fostering grassroots political participation.The Saarbrücken branch is set to serve as a key hub for community engagement, political mobilization,…

Upper West Region is grappling with a worsening meningitis outbreak, with cases surging to 173 and the death toll rising to 16.Health authorities are on high alert as they work to contain the spread of the disease. According to the latest situational report from the Upper West Regional Health Directorate, four new confirmed cases and 38 suspected cases were recorded in the past week.The most affected districts—Jirapa, Nandom, Wa Municipal, and Wa West—have all exceeded their alert thresholds. Officials have identified Streptococcus pneumoniae as the dominant strain, alongside Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae.The hardest-hit age group is 11 to 20…

For years, Kyei, a farmer from Bakokurom, a small town near Sefwi Bekwai, saw healthcare as a luxury he simply couldn’t afford. With three children under his care, even enrolling his family unto the Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) felt out of reach. “Every time one of them fell sick, I’d pray it wasn’t serious enough for a hospital visit,” he admitted. But on Wednesday, February 19th, 2024, Kyei’s story and those of hundreds of others in Sefwi Bekwai took a transformative turn. At Healthfest, a day-long medical outreach by the Telecel Ghana Foundation, he stood in line not…

The outcome of the 2024 general elections in Ghana saw the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by President John Dramani Mahama winning overwhelmingly over the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, as the new administration settled into power, a contentious issue of mass termination of contracts of employees who were recruited into government agencies under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration in its final days dominated the public space. This development has sparked a national debate over the implications of political transitions on job security, governance and the broader promise of job creation that dominated campaign rhetoric. The situation raises important…

The New Ghana Social Justice Forum has appealed to the President of Harvard University to urge Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana, to take full responsibility for the welfare of Mariam Oumar, a critically ill victim of his convoy accident.Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the leader of the group, Mr. Yahaya Alhassan, recounted the incident that occurred on Friday, December 10, 2021, at approximately 2:00 PM.He explained that Dr. Bawumia’s convoy, rushing to the airport for a flight to Tamale, struck Mariam Oumar. While public pressure led to a meeting between Dr. Bawumia and Mariam before…

play videoJohn Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture-designate John Dumelo, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture-designate, has hinted that if it is God’s will for him to become president, he will consider the opportunity in the future.Appearing before the Parliamentary Vetting Committee on February 25, 2025, the actor-turned-politician was questioned by Alexander Afenyo-Markin about whether he aspires to ascend to the presidency should there be a vacancy in 2028, following the tenure of President John Dramani Mahama.In response, John Dumelo acknowledged his ambition to rise in politics but emphasized that there are senior members ahead of him for…

Some transport companies plying between Kumasi and parts of the three northern regions are contemplating withdrawing services to parts of the enclave for security reasons. This comes after the shooting and torching of a bus at Walewale in the North East Region, resulting in the death of seven people. Director of ADT Transport, Richard Karikari, addressing a press conference in Kumasi, called on the government to consider security arrangements for transport operators in a bid to support the local economy. Director of ADT Transport, Richard Karikari ”If some private people are investing in transport business, it is up to the…

The trajectory of Nigeria’s history is one punctuated by missed opportunities, governance failures, and outright betrayal of public trust. Over the decades, successive leaders, both military and civilian, have made decisions that altered the course of the country’s progress, sometimes setting Nigeria back by decades. Yet, very few have had the courage to admit their mistakes. However, the recent bold step taken by former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in acknowledging some of his errors through his book, “A Journey in Service”, serves as a clarion call for other leaders who have contributed to Nigeria’s stagnation to come…

The Government has borrowed an amount of GHȼ59.68 billion from the domestic money market since assuming office this year. The GHȼ59.68 billion has been borrowed in seven weeks from the domestic money market through the issue of 91-day, 182-day and 365-day Treasury Bills. The new Mahama-led government’s borrowing from the domestic short term market in 2025, also known as Treasury Bill Auctions, started right at the beginning of the year, upon the government’s assumption of office, and has spanned a period of seven weeks in succession. According to Bank of Ghana data, the government first went into the domestic market…