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‘It’s not a norm’ – Akufo-Addo on rampant coup d’etats in West Africa
President Akufo-Addo has dismissed claims that coup d’etats are becoming a norm in West Africa.
“It’s not a norm; I am not sure we can call it a trend. It’s been in three states out of the 15 states of ECOWAS so far. Obviously, we do not want this contagion to spread,” he said.
This comes in the face of five successful military takeovers within the sub-region in just a space of a year.
In an interview with France 24 at the EU-African Union Summit in Brussels, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairman said the isolated incidents in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso should not be generalised to represent the situation in sub-region.
According to him, it will be misplaced for anyone to see the recent developments in the Region as a mortal danger.
“I don’t understand the concept of mortal danger when you are dealing with the states and communities and state functions. But, of course, all kinds of revolutions happen, but it is something that is definitely not welcomed.”
Meanwhile, he says new arrangements are being considered to ensure Mali returns to democratic governance.
Mr Akufo-Addo says this has become necessary as the Mali junta failed to adhere to agreements reached with ECOWAS regarding the transition to democratic rule.
“In these matters, the doors never close to talk and negotiation. Contacts and dialogue are going on. As far as we are concerned, there was an agreement between ECOWAS and the transition authorities at the beginning of August 2020, which required that the transition be brought to an end in February this year, at the end of this month.
“At the last minute, we heard from the new junta in Mali that they no longer were in a position to honour that pledge, that they were proposing a four or five years in office.”
“We are determined to work towards a more acceptable solution. My feeling from talking to my peers is that a 12-month period would be an acceptable framework.
“You are hearing it from my mouth; it doesn’t mean it is ECOWAS policy. So we need to engage and find out how that can work out,” he said in the same interview with France 24.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
