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Former President Mahama to unveil policies ahead of manifesto launch
Former president John Dramani Mahama will in the coming days announce some far-reaching policies as part of his message to the electorate for the December polls, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has hinted.
According to the party, consistent with their ideology, the policies would be implemented to the letter should the party emerge victorious in the December polls.
At a media conference addressed by the party’s Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, in Accra yesterday, the NDC said the policy announcement would be ahead of the out-dooring of the party’s manifesto in August.
“The flagbearer and leader of the NDC will in the coming days announce some big-ticket policies which are central to his transformational vision for this country.
“This announcement will include a major and comprehensive job creation policy he intends to undertake to create millions and permanent dignifying jobs for the teeming unemployed youth when he assumes the reins of power in 2021.
“Not only are we going to announce a policy but we will give you the breakdown and how we will achieve that when given the mandate,” Mr Gyamfi said.
The 2020 general elections, he said was a referendum on the performance of President Akufo-Addo who has “failed woefully to deliver on his numerous campaign promises having fulfilled only 14 per cent of his 631 manifesto promises they made to the Ghanaian people in 2016.”
According to the NDC, Ghana needs former President John Dramani Mahama more than ever owing to the abysmal performance of the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
The term of office of President Akufo-Addo, the opposition party said has been nothing but hopelessness for the many Ghanaians who thronged the voting centres in 2016 to vote for President Akufo-Addo and the NPP.
The NDC asserted that the next John Mahama-led government would restore the lost confidence.
“Even though there has been and continue to be hopelessness, lawlessness, and absolute impunity under the vindictive and non-performing Akufo-Addo government, there is hope for a better inclusive and prosperous Ghana.
“This hope is anchored on the return of the visionary, trustworthy and humble John Dramani Mahama to the Jubilee House on January 7, 2021 to rescue our beloved country from the hands of the vindictive, corrupt and nepotistic Akufo-Addo government and to restore the nation back to the path of true progress and development.
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is committed to fixing the mess that has been created by the maladministration of President Akufo-Addo in all sectors of the nation and in all facets of our lives,” Mr Gyamfi said.
Enumerating some of the policies Mr Mahama would introduce to alleviate the suffering of the people ahead of the ‘big announcement’, Sammy Gyamfi said unlike the current government, the former president was a tried a tested person when it came to the fulfilment of electoral campaign promises.
Some of the policies he said would include free technical and vocational education from the second cycle to the tertiary level, the institution of a national apprenticeship programme and the provision of health infrastructure in all regions and districts which don’t have regional and district hospitals respectively.
Source: Ghanaian Times
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua