Latest news with #JohnMahama
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana: President Mahama welcomes London Mayor
President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday reaffirmed Ghana's firm commitment to international trade and investment, outlining the wide-ranging reforms actively fostering economic transformation and better governance. He was speaking during a courtesy call from the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan. The President stated that these strategic reforms, begun just six months into his administration, are already showing tangible results. He spoke about the renewed business confidence, the relative appreciation of the Cedi, and a decreasing inflation rate as important signs of economic stability and progress, especially after recent global challenges and inherited public debt burdens. 'We are striving to cultivate a new sense of thinking, a fresh approach to doing things, and to ensure that we effectively serve the people who elected us to lead,' President Mahama stated. He elaborated on key government initiatives, including the '24-Hour Economy' policy, drawing inspiration from London, a city he described as 'never sleeping.' The President explained, 'We've launched a 24-Hour Economy initiative to harness Ghana's vibrant youthful population and address the challenges of rapid urbanisation by promoting continuous economic activity and opportunities.' President Mahama further emphasised Ghana's burgeoning digital landscape, indicating the country's readiness to fully integrate into the global FinTech community with numerous digital services and innovative companies emerging across the country. He also reiterated the government's strong focus on agriculture and agribusiness as vital sectors for creating more opportunities, particularly for young people. Discussions between the two leaders also delved into the deep historical and business ties connecting Accra and London. President Mahama acknowledged Accra's rapid growth and expressed Ghana's keen interest in learning from London's extensive expertise in urban planning, efficient transport systems, modern waste management solutions, and effective flood control strategies. 'For a city like London, the efficiency of your transport system, even with perceived challenges, is truly remarkable,' the President noted, adding, 'We aspire to develop similar reliable systems where punctuality is the norm for our citizens.' In his remarks, Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan congratulated President Mahama on his re-election and commended the positive signals his administration is sending to the international community regarding Ghana's potential. He praised the invaluable contributions of Londoners of Ghanaian origin, who are enriching various sectors of the city's economy and public life, from healthcare and transport to the arts. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Middle East
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Sisi discusses with Ghanaian president ways to enhance action across Africa
MALABO, July 13 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met on Sunday with Ghanaian President John Mahama to discuss ways to enhance collective African action and regional cooperation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Summit of the African Union, currently being held in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el Shennawy said that the two leaders discussed strategies to strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and Ghana, focusing on areas of mutual interest that serve the development goals of both nations. The discussions reflected the shared commitment of Egypt and Ghana to deepening cooperation and building on the historical ties that unite the two countries, in a way that supports the aspirations of their peoples for prosperity and growth. The meeting also focused on enhancing collective efforts at the continental level, particularly in light of Ghana's hosting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and Egypt's chairmanship of the Council of African Ministers of Trade. The leaders reviewed ways to boost intra-African trade and address challenges hindering regional integration, as part of broader efforts to implement the goals of Agenda 2063. Regional issues were also high on the agenda. The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situations in the African Sahel region, Somalia and Sudan, underscoring the urgent need to promote stability and peace as prerequisites for sustainable development throughout the continent. (MENA) M H K/R E E
Zawya
13-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
President Mahama inaugurates committee for University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) transfer to University of Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a committee tasked with overseeing the transfer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) from the Ministry of Health to the University of Ghana. The inauguration fulfils a key commitment by President Mahama to strengthen the links between the nation's leading teaching hospital and its premier university. Named the Transitional Management Committee, the body is co-chaired by two distinguished Ghanaians: Professor Aaron Lawson, a seasoned academic and former Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana, and Professor Mutawakilu Iddrissu, a Neurosurgeon at the Department of Surgery, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The committee has been given a comprehensive mandate to guide the transition process. Its key responsibilities include: 1. Conducting a comprehensive review of the legal mandates, operational structures, and academic frameworks of both UGMC and the University of Ghana Medical School. 2. Developing integration guidelines to ensure coherence between UGMC's clinical mandates and the university's teaching and research mandates. 3. Designing a practical roadmap with clear timelines and a communication plan for stakeholders. 4. Facilitating all necessary legal and administrative processes for the seamless transfer and integration. 5. Identifying potential challenges, particularly in funding, staffing, and resource allocation, and proposing sustainable solutions. 6. Establishing a transition secretariat to provide operational and logistical support. 7. Reviewing expressions of interest for partnership by international health care institutions. 8. Submitting a comprehensive report to the President of the Republic within three months from the date of inauguration. President Mahama emphasised the significance of the committee's work, urging the members to 'work diligently with a sense of historic responsibility,' adding, 'You're laying the foundation for a legacy of health care and medical education excellence. You're building a bridge between the past and the future.' The President described the UGMC as currently 'a beacon of excellence, a world-class medical institution with a national mandate.' He noted that the Centre 'hosts the largest digitised medical simulation and training centre in West Africa,' which has 'the potential to provide cutting-edge training for healthcare professionals across the West African sub-region.' Built during President Mahama's first term in office at a cost of $271 million and commissioned before he handed over power, the University of Ghana Medical Centre is a quaternary health facility. It provides specialised care in numerous areas, including urology, ophthalmology, ear, nose and throat, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, and interventional radiology for cancers. The facility also boasts amenities such as a medical hotel for clients, assisted reproductive technology services for fertility solutions, and a helipad for airlifting emergency cases. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Arab Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Ghana's president inaugurates special task force to tackle illegal gold mining
ACCRA, Ghana, July 9, (AP): Ghana's president launched a special task force on Tuesday to combat rampant illegal gold mining and smuggling that has long plagued the West African nation. The chronic challenge of illegal gold mining - known locally as "galamsey' - was a major issue during Ghana's presidential election campaign last year and a source of concern for voters, triggering protests and criticism against the outgoing government. Ghana's President John Mahama inaugurated the GOLDBOD Task Force, saying its creation "signals our readiness to act decisively.' The task force - comprised of officers from various security agencies and the military - is empowered to arrest and detain suspects. It follows the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board agency in January as the sole legal entity managing all transactions and exports of gold mined in the country by small mining companies. Mahama said that along with the agency, the task force will strive to curb the proliferation of illegal miners and "dismantle the black-market economy surrounding gold.' He touted what he described as the rebound of the cedi, Ghana's currency, which has had a poor track record against the dollar, as a result of setting up the Ghana Gold Board. The illegal gold mining industry has resulted in significant economic losses and environmental degradation for Ghana, Africa's largest gold-producing country. It has flourished as a result of a massive slump in Ghana's economic fortunes as millions of young people struggle to find jobs. Huge protests broke out across the country against illegal gold mining after many rivers were polluted, becoming a political hot-button issue in the election. Mahama, who won the election, promised in his campaign to clamp down on the practice. "Let this serve as a warning to all those involved in gold smuggling and illegal trade: the law will be enforced without fear or favor,' he said Tuesday. Mahama emphasized how the task force members would wear body cameras, which allows for accountability and monitoring of their actions in real time. However, many analysts say past attempts to curb illegal gold mining have not produced tangible results. "The task force can help," Festus Aboagye, an Accra-based security analyst, told The Associated Press. But "the challenge, as usual, is not regulation but enforcement.'
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Ghana's president inaugurates a special task force to tackle illegal gold mining
Damien Larbli Tchintchibidja, Vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, left, Ghana's President John Mahama, center and Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar pose for a photo, prior to the start of the ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Olamikan Gbemiga) ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana's president launched a special task force on Tuesday to combat rampant illegal gold mining and smuggling that has long plagued the West African nation. The chronic challenge of illegal gold mining — known locally as 'galamsey' — was a major issue during Ghana's presidential election campaign last year and a source of concern for voters, triggering protests and criticism against the outgoing government. Ghana's President John Mahama inaugurated the GOLDBOD Task Force, saying its creation 'signals our readiness to act decisively.' The task force — comprised of officers from various security agencies and the military — is empowered to arrest and detain suspects. It follows the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board agency in January as the sole legal entity managing all transactions and exports of gold mined in the country by small mining companies. Mahama said that along with the agency, the task force will strive to curb the proliferation of illegal miners and 'dismantle the black-market economy surrounding gold.' He touted what he described as the rebound of the cedi, Ghana's currency, which has had a poor track record against the dollar, as a result of setting up the Ghana Gold Board. The illegal gold mining industry has resulted in significant economic losses and environmental degradation for Ghana, Africa's largest gold-producing country. It has flourished as a result of a massive slump in Ghana's economic fortunes as millions of young people struggle to find jobs. Huge protests broke out across the country against illegal gold mining after many rivers were polluted, becoming a political hot-button issue in the election. Mahama, who won the election, promised in his campaign to clamp down on the practice. 'Let this serve as a warning to all those involved in gold smuggling and illegal trade: the law will be enforced without fear or favor,' he said Tuesday. Mahama emphasized how the task force members would wear body cameras, which allows for accountability and monitoring of their actions in real time. However, many analysts say past attempts to curb illegal gold mining have not produced tangible results. 'The task force can help,' Festus Aboagye, an Accra-based security analyst, told The Associated Press. But 'the challenge, as usual, is not regulation but enforcement.' ___ Adetayo reported from Lagos, Nigeria. Francis Kokutse And Ope Adetayo, The Associated Press
