Speaking at the commissioning of a 300-bed capacity accommodation for young soldiers at the 37 military hospitals in Accra on Wednesday, February 1, he said the government will continue to construct the most needed accommodation infrastructure to enable the 37 Military hospitals and the GAF to perform their role
He said “Before I conclude, let me assure you that the NPP government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Akufo-Addo is fully committed to the well-being and welfare of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“We will continue to stay through to the pledges we made in our 2016 and 2020 manifestoes, brought into and retained my party the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and I in office.
“The government will continue to construct the most needed accommodation infrastructure to enable the 37 Military Hospital and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to perform their role as required by the Ghanaian people.”
The 300-bed accommodation project was started in 2016 through the internally generated fund of the 37 Military hospital command but stalled in 2018 due to lack of support.
The Jospong Group of Companies came in with the needed support and solely financed the project in 2021.
Speaking at the commissioning of a 300-bed capacity accommodation for young soldiers at the 37 military hospitals in Accra on Wednesday, February 1, he said the government will continue to construct the most needed accommodation infrastructure to enable the 37 Military hospitals and the GAF to perform their role
He said “Before I conclude, let me assure you that the NPP government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Akufo-Addo is fully committed to the well-being and welfare of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“We will continue to stay through to the pledges we made in our 2016 and 2020 manifestoes, brought into and retained my party the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and I in office.
“The government will continue to construct the most needed accommodation infrastructure to enable the 37 Military Hospital and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to perform their role as required by the Ghanaian people.”
The 300-bed accommodation project was started in 2016 through the internally generated fund of the 37 Military hospital command but stalled in 2018 due to lack of support.
The Jospong Group of Companies came in with the needed support and solely financed the project in 2021.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged the African diaspora to help change the African narrative, which has been characterised largely by a concentration on disease, hunger, poverty and illegal mass migration.
Speaking at the Young African and Diasporan Leaders’ Summit, being held on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit, in Washington D.C, on Tuesday, 13th November 2022, President Akufo-Addo stated that “the urgent responsibility we face is to make our countries and our continent attractive for our people to see them as places of opportunities.”
According to President Akufo-Addo, history is replete with several examples of the positive impact of diasporan communities on the growth and development of countries, through increased trade activities, rising investments, and the transfer of skills and knowledge.
Citing the example of China, with an émigré population of sixty million, the President told the gathering, which included the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, that the Chinese Diaspora is said to be the 25th largest country in the world, who, according to the Nikkei Asian Review, own assets worth $2.5 trillion.
“When foreign companies, in the late 1970s, reduced their investments in China, it was the Chinese Diaspora that shored up the economy. According to the Washington D.C. based Migration Policy Institute (MPI), half of the foreign direct investment, i.e. $26 billion, that transformed China into a manufacturing powerhouse in the 1990s, originated from the Chinese Diaspora,” he added.
That, the President noted, is the rationale of Ghana’s initiative of “Beyond the Return”, which, he explained, is building on the considerable success of the “Year of Return”, and the renewed enthusiasm around building Africa together.
He, thus, urged young African and Diasporan leaders to help change the African narrative, which has been characterised largely by a concentration on disease, hunger, poverty and illegal mass migration.
“Let us all remember that the destiny of all black people, no matter where they are in the world, is bound up with Africa. We should never forget that famous admonition of the celebrated Jamaican reggae star, Peter Tosh, when he said: ‘Don’t care where you come from. As long as you’re a black man, you’re an African’”, President Akufo-Addo said.
He continued, “We must help make Africa the place for investment, progress and prosperity, and not from where our youth flee in the hope of accessing the mirage of a better life in Europe, Asia or the Americas. That is what “Beyond the Return” seeks to do, so we can derive maximum dividends from our relations with the diaspora in mutually beneficial co-operation, and as partners for shared growth and development.”
With the second half of the 20th century witnessing a great blow for human freedom and progress, when the African peoples, in the wake of Ghana’s shining example, liberated themselves from the colonial and imperialist yoke and the racist ideology of apartheid, the President was confident that the first half of the 21st century will consolidate this development, and see the growth of modern, prosperous, technologically-advanced nations, within a united Africa, which would make a reality of the dream of the 21st century as the African century, and bring dignity and respect to black people all over the world.
“We have done enough talking, and, dare I say, we have had enough conferences and workshops. We know what we need to do. It is time just to do it. We have run out of excuses for the state of our continent. We have the manpower, we should have the political will, it is time to make Africa work,” he added
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged the African diaspora to help change the African narrative, which has been characterised largely by a concentration on disease, hunger, poverty and illegal mass migration.
Speaking at the Young African and Diasporan Leaders’ Summit, being held on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit, in Washington D.C, on Tuesday, 13th November 2022, President Akufo-Addo stated that “the urgent responsibility we face is to make our countries and our continent attractive for our people to see them as places of opportunities.”
According to President Akufo-Addo, history is replete with several examples of the positive impact of diasporan communities on the growth and development of countries, through increased trade activities, rising investments, and the transfer of skills and knowledge.
Citing the example of China, with an émigré population of sixty million, the President told the gathering, which included the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, that the Chinese Diaspora is said to be the 25th largest country in the world, who, according to the Nikkei Asian Review, own assets worth $2.5 trillion.
“When foreign companies, in the late 1970s, reduced their investments in China, it was the Chinese Diaspora that shored up the economy. According to the Washington D.C. based Migration Policy Institute (MPI), half of the foreign direct investment, i.e. $26 billion, that transformed China into a manufacturing powerhouse in the 1990s, originated from the Chinese Diaspora,” he added.
That, the President noted, is the rationale of Ghana’s initiative of “Beyond the Return”, which, he explained, is building on the considerable success of the “Year of Return”, and the renewed enthusiasm around building Africa together.
He, thus, urged young African and Diasporan leaders to help change the African narrative, which has been characterised largely by a concentration on disease, hunger, poverty and illegal mass migration.
“Let us all remember that the destiny of all black people, no matter where they are in the world, is bound up with Africa. We should never forget that famous admonition of the celebrated Jamaican reggae star, Peter Tosh, when he said: ‘Don’t care where you come from. As long as you’re a black man, you’re an African’”, President Akufo-Addo said.
He continued, “We must help make Africa the place for investment, progress and prosperity, and not from where our youth flee in the hope of accessing the mirage of a better life in Europe, Asia or the Americas. That is what “Beyond the Return” seeks to do, so we can derive maximum dividends from our relations with the diaspora in mutually beneficial co-operation, and as partners for shared growth and development.”
With the second half of the 20th century witnessing a great blow for human freedom and progress, when the African peoples, in the wake of Ghana’s shining example, liberated themselves from the colonial and imperialist yoke and the racist ideology of apartheid, the President was confident that the first half of the 21st century will consolidate this development, and see the growth of modern, prosperous, technologically-advanced nations, within a united Africa, which would make a reality of the dream of the 21st century as the African century, and bring dignity and respect to black people all over the world.
“We have done enough talking, and, dare I say, we have had enough conferences and workshops. We know what we need to do. It is time just to do it. We have run out of excuses for the state of our continent. We have the manpower, we should have the political will, it is time to make Africa work,” he added
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Thursday, 8th December 2022, commissioned a new state-of-the-art Dry Bulk Terminal and the Atlantic Terminal Services Multipurpose Container Terminal, as well as the Prime Meridian Dock Company’s Floating Dry-dock at the Takoradi Harbour in the Western region.
The President also cut the sod for work to commence on the construction of a US$98 million modern oil and gas services terminal, “as part of the strategic development of the Port of Takoradi, to service the emerging Petroleum Hub and accommodate oil and gas service providers, fabrication companies, exploration companies and their suppliers for supply base activities.”
The Floating Dry-Dock and Ship Maintenance facility, which is being introduced in partnership with a wholly-owned Ghanaian company, Prime Meridian Dock Limited (PMD), according to him, “is estimated at US$137 million, is being financed by Prime Meridian Docks Limited. This initiative is meant to carry out maintenance works on vessels which, otherwise, would have had to call at Las Palmas, Carina, and other ship repair facilities in other countries for maintenance works.”
These projects, the President pointed out, “will enhance cargo handling capacity, maintenance and repairs of ships, and also meet the demands of the rigours of the oil and gas service sector within the Takoradi Port enclave.”
Completed at a total cost of US$85.0 million, the Dry Bulk Terminal, the President said, “has been equipped with modern ship loaders and eco-hoppers for the safety of both workers and members of the Port community.”
The new ATS Container Terminal facility, which is part of the multi-Purpose Terminal, he continued, “will take care of both export and import containers and conventional cargoes. Operationalisation of this facility is expected to begin in February 2023.
To this end, the President noted that Concessionaire, another wholly owned Ghanaian entity, which has already spent US$147 million on constructing the facility, will spend the next three (3) months equipping the facility for it to become operational.
Reiterating the importance of private sector to national Development President Akufo-Addo stated commended the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for its partnership with the private sector for the rolling out of these projects.
“The Ghanaian people and I are hopeful that the Oil Service Terminal and the Floating Dry-Dock Projects, for which I am cutting the sod, will be completed on schedule to avoid cost overruns”, he added
Value-Addition Activities
President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that his government has never been a believer of the notion that the Port of Tema is only a preserve of cargo imported into the country, with the Takoradi seen as an export-oriented Port.
“To demonstrate this perspective, Government has worked hard to modernise the Takoradi Port, and diversify its reliance on export of raw materials like manganese and bauxite, which has never yielded high value returns to the country”, he said.
He continued, “as part of strategies to promote value-added products and sustainable mining, Government has put a 5-million-ton limit on the quantity of manganese to be mined for export. We also intend placing an annual volume limit on the export of raw bauxite, as part of the Integrated Aluminum Development Project.
Indeed, the Dry Bulk Terminal, commissioned by the President, has been equipped with an efficient cargo handling system to facilitate accurate measurement of the various export volumes for manganese and bauxite to check compliance.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Thursday, 8th December 2022, commissioned a new state-of-the-art Dry Bulk Terminal and the Atlantic Terminal Services Multipurpose Container Terminal, as well as the Prime Meridian Dock Company’s Floating Dry-dock at the Takoradi Harbour in the Western region.
The President also cut the sod for work to commence on the construction of a US$98 million modern oil and gas services terminal, “as part of the strategic development of the Port of Takoradi, to service the emerging Petroleum Hub and accommodate oil and gas service providers, fabrication companies, exploration companies and their suppliers for supply base activities.”
The Floating Dry-Dock and Ship Maintenance facility, which is being introduced in partnership with a wholly-owned Ghanaian company, Prime Meridian Dock Limited (PMD), according to him, “is estimated at US$137 million, is being financed by Prime Meridian Docks Limited. This initiative is meant to carry out maintenance works on vessels which, otherwise, would have had to call at Las Palmas, Carina, and other ship repair facilities in other countries for maintenance works.”
These projects, the President pointed out, “will enhance cargo handling capacity, maintenance and repairs of ships, and also meet the demands of the rigours of the oil and gas service sector within the Takoradi Port enclave.”
Completed at a total cost of US$85.0 million, the Dry Bulk Terminal, the President said, “has been equipped with modern ship loaders and eco-hoppers for the safety of both workers and members of the Port community.”
The new ATS Container Terminal facility, which is part of the multi-Purpose Terminal, he continued, “will take care of both export and import containers and conventional cargoes. Operationalisation of this facility is expected to begin in February 2023.
To this end, the President noted that Concessionaire, another wholly owned Ghanaian entity, which has already spent US$147 million on constructing the facility, will spend the next three (3) months equipping the facility for it to become operational.
Reiterating the importance of private sector to national Development President Akufo-Addo stated commended the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for its partnership with the private sector for the rolling out of these projects.
“The Ghanaian people and I are hopeful that the Oil Service Terminal and the Floating Dry-Dock Projects, for which I am cutting the sod, will be completed on schedule to avoid cost overruns”, he added
Value-Addition Activities
President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that his government has never been a believer of the notion that the Port of Tema is only a preserve of cargo imported into the country, with the Takoradi seen as an export-oriented Port.
“To demonstrate this perspective, Government has worked hard to modernise the Takoradi Port, and diversify its reliance on export of raw materials like manganese and bauxite, which has never yielded high value returns to the country”, he said.
He continued, “as part of strategies to promote value-added products and sustainable mining, Government has put a 5-million-ton limit on the quantity of manganese to be mined for export. We also intend placing an annual volume limit on the export of raw bauxite, as part of the Integrated Aluminum Development Project.
Indeed, the Dry Bulk Terminal, commissioned by the President, has been equipped with an efficient cargo handling system to facilitate accurate measurement of the various export volumes for manganese and bauxite to check compliance.
The said the country is presently witnessing high levels of corruption, hardships due to bad economic and financial policies, a hungry and angry people, loss of investments, no credible reforms etc.
“But we are a strong people. We are creative and innovative. The Ghanaian does not give up and we won’t give up.
“On behalf of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), myself as the 2020 Presidential Candidate, I want to thank all Ghanaians who two years ago sacrificed your time and went to the polls to vote for NDC’s Parliamentary candidates and I,” he said in a Facebook to maark two years after the 2020 general elections.
Below is full post…
Two years ago, for the first time in the history of our country, a President and Government unleashed armed men who brutally killed eight (8) innocent Ghanaians including a child during voting and results collation.
In the last six years, Ghanaians have witnessed a reckless government that has taken a wrecking ball to our economy, leaving it in a very sorry state, rivalling some of the worst economies in the world.
Our dear beloved nation, Ghana, is in a worst state today than at any time in the history of the 4th Republic — high levels of corruption, hardships due to bad economic and financial policies, a hungry and angry people, loss of investments, no credible reforms etc.
But we are a strong people. We are creative and innovative. The Ghanaian does not give up and we won’t give up.
On behalf of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), myself as the 2020 Presidential Candidate, I want to thank all Ghanaians who two years ago sacrificed your time and went to the polls to vote for NDC’s Parliamentary candidates and I.
I also commend all Ghanaians who participated in the election exercise for their help in consolidating our democracy.
I, once again, extend our sympathies to the families of all who lost their lives and to the victims of all forms of violence perpetrated by the insensitive Nana Akufo-Addo administration.
The NDC has pledged that it will investigate these state-sponsored atrocities and apply sanctions to those found culpable. We will provide appropriate compensation for those who have lost lives and limb
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has signalled the beginning of construction works on the ‘Improvement of the Tema Motorway Roundabout Phase 2’ project.
The project, which is to provide a third tier on the existing two-tier interchange brings to over 12, the number of interchanges that the Government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo has either completed or is working on.
Performing the sod-cutting ceremony on Monday, December 5, 2022, Vice President Bawumia listed them as the Tema Motorway Interchange Phase 1 (completed); Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase 1 (completed); Pokuase Interchange (first four-tier interchange –completed); Tamale Interchange (completed).
The rest are Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase 2 (Ongoing); Takoradi PTC Interchange (Ongoing); Nungua Interchange (Ongoing); Adjiringanor Interchange (Ongoing); Kpone Interchange (Ongoing); Savana Interchange (Ongoing); Dawhenya Interchange (Ongoing); Prampram Interchange (Ongoing); and Suame Interchange (Contractor mobilising to the site).
According to officials of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Improvement of the Tema Motorway Interchange Phase 2, expected to be completed in 30 months, will involve the construction of a viaduct to link the Tema Harbour Road towards the Ashaiman roundabout on the Akosombo Road.
The grade separation will improve traffic flows around the Tema Motorway roundabout.
Other road and traffic flow improvement works are also in the offing, Vice President Bawumia disclosed.
“As part of measures to improve traffic flow between Tema and Accra, the Accra- Tema Motorway will be upgraded into a ten-lane facility. The Phase 1 of the project will be between Tema Roundabout and the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange. The works will include a four-lane, concrete pavement expressway; 3 lane asphaltic concrete service roads on either side; construction of Lashibi, Community 18 and Teshie Link Interchanges and the remodelling of the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange.
“Financing arrangements are being finalized for the works to commence soon,” he hinted.
The government is also undertaking a number of critical road works within the Greater Accra Region, Dr Bawumia indicated, including the construction of the Tema-Aflao Road (17km) Phase 1, which involves the provision of service lanes and four interchanges between Tema Motorway Roundabout and Mitshio on the Tema-Aflao Road; construction of the Tema-Akosombo Road (64km), involving the dualization of the road and construction of two interchanges at Ashaiman and Asutsuare.
Dualization of the Beach Road Phase 1 between Osu and Nungua with the provision of bridges over the Kpeshie and Songor Lagoons is also ongoing, with the Phase 2, which involves dualization of the Beach Road from Nungua to Tema Community Three and includes the construction of a three-tier interchange at Nungua and widening of the railway bridge towards Sakumono is at 82% completion.
As well, rehabilitation of the 23km Dome-Kitase road, including the provision of access to the Ashesi University, and construction of the Borteyman Road (from School Junction to Nungua Farms, involving the dualization of the road between School Junction on the Ashalley Botwe Road and the Accra Tema Motorway to provide access to the proposed stadium for the All-African Games is also ongoing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, 413.20 km of Asphalt overlay has been laid in Greater Accra from 2021 to date. This brings the total asphalt overlay works completed in the Greater Accra Region to 947.80km since 2017,” Vice President Bawumia stated.
On behalf of President Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana, Dr Bawumia thanked the Government and people of Japan who through JICA have provided grant funding for the entire works, and urged the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Consultant as well as the Contractor to ensure that adequate traffic management measures are put in place during Construction to reduce the inconvenience that the works will bring to the travelling public and residents
In an address during the 2022 national farmers’ day celebrations on Friday December 2, he indicated that a number of investments have been made by his administration in the sector.
“The massive investments” made in the sector attest to his commitment to the sector, he said.
“The positive narrative about government’s support to the agricultural sector is that, unlike several other countries, Ghana is better prepared, and has demonstrated resilience to the current adversities threatening to destabilise our food systems.
“This has been possible because of the sound, pragmatic policies and programmes rolled out at the inception of my stewardship.”
Mr Akufo-Addo further stated that in 2016, his government inherited production levels of 1.7million metric tonnes of maize and 665,000 metric tonnes of rice.
However, under the planting for food and jobs (PFJ) initiative which he introduced, maize production reached 3.4million tonnes by 2021 and rice to 1.2million metric tonnes.
“The credit must go to our gallant farmers, fishers and value chain actors who embraced the PFJ policy and leveraged the opportunities created by the enabling environment for agricultural development” he said.
The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to present the 2023 budget statement in Parliament on Thursday November 24.
This comes after the New Patriotic Party lawmakers rescinded their decision to boycott the presentation if Mr Ofori-Atta was going to present it.
The Members of Parliament wanted another person other than Mr Ofori-Atta to do so but after an intervention by the NPP leadership, they have agreed to allow him to present the statement.
The budget is expected to outline a number of revenue measures for the ensuing year.
It is also expected to inspire confidence in the economy as the country engages the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a programme.
The economy has been going through struggles with the local currency performing badly against the major trading currencies especially the Dollar.
Inflation rate has increased to 40.4 percent.
The 2023 budget is expected to address these factors and others
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