News
President Mahama directs Finance Minister to urgently bridge USAID funding gap.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr Cassiel Ato
Forson, to take urgent steps to bridge the funding gap arising out of the suspension of the USAID’s
international funding program.
The President expressed deep concern over the funding gap estimated at $156 million.
Of particular concern to the President, is the impact of the projected $78.2 million shortfall that
will adversely impact such critical interventions as malaria prevention, maternal and child health,
family planning, reproductive health, nutrition and the fight against HIV/AIDS under which the
availability of antiretroviral drugs, testing, and prevention programs are threatened.
The President has requested that the bridging arrangements focus on these priority areas to
mitigate any deleterious effects occasioned by the USAID funding disruptions.
News
Police launch manhunt for thugs who stormed Ashanti Region Council of State elections
The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for thugs who stormed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to disrupt the Council of State regional elections in Kumasi today.
They are currently reviewing available footage to identify and arrest perpetrators.
A statement issued today noted “The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for a group of thugs who stormed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and disrupted today’s Council of State Regional Elections in Kumasi.”
“Police are currently reviewing all available footage to identify and arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” the statement concluded.
News
ORAL Committee presents report, with an estimated value of $20.49billion from 36 cases reviewed
Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa officially hands over investigative report to President yesterday.
According to Okudzeto Ablakwa,
ORAL can retrieve $20.49 billion with 36 cases.
The President handed over the re port to the Attorney General and Minister for Justice with a directive to immediately begin investigations into the committee’s findings.
He noted that the findings of the ORAL report call for sober reflection on the massive financial leakages that should have been invested in education, healthcare, infrastructure and social development.
“Ghana is no longer a safe haven for corruption. To those who stand for integrity, accountability, and the rule of law, I assure you that this government remains your steadfast pattern in building a nation where honesty and hard work are rewarded,” President John Mahama.
Presenting a summary of the findings, the Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the value of thirty-six (36) financial cases reviewed is estimated at $20.49 billion.
According to a summary of the report, the cost of land cases alone is estimated at $702.8 million. Mr Ablakwa said the demining revelations vindicate President Mahama from critics of his resolve to pursue economic saboteurs.
The committee received 2,417 complaints in total, including 44 petitions received directly, 924 emails, and 1,493 phone calls.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
