Hot!
IMF to help Ghana deal with corruption
Citi News has gathered the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has received Ghana’s request for technical assistance to deal with corruption.
Ghana’s move is in line with its commitments under the $3 billion IMF programme which Ghana is expected to receive a second tranche of $600 million in November this year.
The $3 billion IMF programme Ghana has signed on to is expected to tackle the country’s current economic woes among many other challenges.
The programme is also expected to promote transparency and fight corruption in Ghana.
As part of the programme, the Government of Ghana made a number of commitments to tackle corruption and improve transparency in its daily operations.
In line with this, Citi News has gathered authorities have requested an IMF technical assistance to conduct a governance corruption diagnostic assessment.
This will be used as input into the ongoing efforts to update the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan.
The government under the IMF programme is also expected to address weaknesses in the existing asset declaration system for public officials by enacting a new Conduct of Public Officers Act.
The IMF African Department Director, Abebe Aemro Selassie speaking during the Press briefing for the regional economic outlook for sub-Saharan Africa and Morocco during the IMF-World Bank meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, gave the latest on progress made so far by Ghana on the matter.
“On the governance diagnostic report, I think the request has been made [but] I’m not sure where we are in terms of being able to provide that, but as soon as we have the resources, we will do that. And it’s just a matter of time I believe.”
Meanwhile, the IMF says it will provide all that is needed to the creditors, so Ghana can get the second tranche of IMF cash and move the programme forward.
“Action is also needed from the creditor side and I have to tell you that, you know, whereas it took I think something like 9 months or more for Zambia to get the official creditor committee to be created, in Ghana’s case it was fairly rapid. So that’s what allowed us to go to the board and get the programme approved. And we’re very hopeful that the ongoing discussions among official creditors will also expeditiously allow us to conclude the upcoming review.
Again the most recent Mission you know reached an agreement with the government on policies that are needed to tackle the most recent issues and also put in place an important budget for next year. So Ghana has done its fair share, and it’s for creditors to take steps, and we’re not going to be asking the government to do more adjustments because creditors haven’t asked either, so you know we will provide all the information necessary, so creditors can move to allow us to go to the board as soon as possible,” Abebe Aemro Selassie added.
“On the governance diagnostic report, I think the request has been made [but] I’m not sure where we are in terms of being able to provide that, but as soon as we have the resources, we will do that. And it’s just a matter of time I believe.”
Meanwhile, the IMF says it will provide all that is needed to the creditors, so Ghana can get the second tranche of IMF cash and move the programme forward.
“Action is also needed from the creditor side and I have to tell you that, you know, whereas it took I think something like 9 months or more for Zambia to get the official creditor committee to be created, in Ghana’s case it was fairly rapid. So that’s what allowed us to go to the board and get the programme approved. And we’re very hopeful that the ongoing discussions among official creditors will also expeditiously allow us to conclude the upcoming review. Again the most recent Mission you know reached an agreement with the government on policies that are needed to tackle the most recent issues and also put in place an important budget for next year. So Ghana has done its fair share, and it’s for creditors to take steps, and we’re not going to be asking the government to do more adjustments because creditors haven’t asked either, so you know we will provide all the information necessary, so creditors can move to allow us to go to the board as soon as possible,” Abebe Aemro Selassie added.
Credit: Citinewsroom.com
Hot!
ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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.
