Latest news with #JohnDramaniMahama
Zawya
a day ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Ghana: President Mahama flags off work on second phase of Blekusu sea defence project
President John Dramani Mahama was in Agavedzi on Saturday for a groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project. The project, a significant initiative that will protect lives and livelihoods in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, was met with palpable joy and deep gratitude from the chiefs and people of the Some and Aflao Traditional Areas, who gathered to witness the realisation of a long-awaited development. The ceremony saw an emotional outpouring of appreciation, as community members sang praises and danced, celebrating the President's commitment to addressing their decades-long struggle against severe tidal erosion. Upon completion in four years, the project, which will protect an 8-kilometre stretch of coastline, is set to bring immense relief to the communities of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina. Messrs Amandi Holding Limited is the contractor and will deliver 37 groins, extensive dune restoration, reinforced embankments, and other critical shoreline defence structures. President Mahama stated that the project is a comprehensive one that will extend beyond mere coastal protection. 'Aside from the coastal protection works, government has incorporated vital development projects to enhance the lives of the people in the affected area,' he noted. These integrated initiatives include a modern fish market, cold storage and processing facilities for fisherfolk, dedicated spaces for fish drying and smoking, a car park, and a lorry station. Additionally, public sanitation facilities and a comprehensive waste collection system will be provided. 'The sea has taken a lot from this community. It has taken land, it has taken livelihoods, and it has taken our peace of mind. But today, I stand here to say no more will the sea consume our land', the President said. 'We are here to reclaim what has been lost, to rebuild stronger, to offer our children a future where they are not forced to flee their homes because of rising tidal waves.' President Mahama added that the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project and other ongoing infrastructure developments reflect his government's strong dedication to building a better Ghana. 'This is not merely symbolic,' he asserted, 'but a clear demonstration of what responsive leadership can do when it listens, when it cares, and when it acts.' Phase I of the project, covering 4.3 kilometres of coastal defence works, commenced in 2015 under the Presidency of Mahama to mitigate the serious threat of tidal erosion in Ketu South. While that phase offered significant relief, the President lamented, 'Unfortunately, for nearly a decade after this, the second phase of the project stalled. Despite repeated appeals by residents, Members of Parliament, traditional authorities, and civil society, the project did not commence.' The President specifically referenced the devastating tidal waves that pounded the communities in 2017 and again in 2021, recalling the harrowing images. I can still picture the videos and photos showing the aftermath of these tidal waves,' he said, highlighting 'the pain, the anxiety, the fear that was etched on the faces of our fellow citizens.' He reaffirmed the pledge he made earlier this year during his visit to the Volta Region, promising swift action. 'And today, I am proud to say that this commitment is being fulfilled. Your cries have not been in vain. Your voices will no longer be ignored. Today is your day – a day of renewal and a day of reassurance.' President Mahama also announced progress on the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Programme, designed to enhance coastal resilience across the sub-region. Currently awaiting approval, the WACA project is envisioned to extend coastal protection from where the Blekusu project ends, all the way to Aflao, securing Ghana's vital 550-kilometre coastline, which supports countless livelihoods through fishing, trade, and tourism. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
President Mahama meets Alex Soros of the Open Society Foundations
President John Dramani Mahama held a highly productive meeting on Friday with Mr. Alex Soros, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Open Society Foundations (OSF). The discussion centred on Ghana's notable progress in economic recovery, democratic governance, and regional stability. President Mahama took the opportunity to brief Mr. Soros on the key policy measures driving Ghana's economic revival and the notable progress being made. He elaborated on the government's 'Reset Agenda' aimed at fostering a positive national mindset, ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability institutions, and recent developments within the ECOWAS sub-region. Ghana: A Beacon of Democracy. President Mahama reiterated Ghana's unwavering commitment to upholding the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and the fundamental freedoms of its citizenry. He noted Ghana's stellar reputation for democratic governance, marked by peaceful transitions under its 33-year-old Fourth Republican Constitution. 'We've had nine elections, all of which have been successful. And we've experienced several peaceful changes of government from one party to another, all of which have occurred smoothly.' On the economic front, President Mahama stated that Ghana's economy is recovering rapidly, a direct result of bold fiscal and monetary policies underpinned by robust governance principles. He noted the appreciation of the Ghana Cedi by approximately 42% and a sharp decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio, with the government targeting single-digit inflation in the coming months. The President acknowledged that investor confidence had waned in the past due to governance challenges and weakened institutions. However, he reassured Mr. Soros that his administration is committed to non-interference in corruption-related cases and has instituted strict disciplinary measures for all appointees. 'There was a lot of corruption and a lack of accountability. So, we came in with a comprehensive programme to strengthen anti-corruption institutions,' President Mahama explained, referencing the 'Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL),' a major initiative to recover state assets. 'You will continue to hear of prosecutions and other measures against individuals who have mismanaged public resources, as we steadfastly pursue accountability.' Addressing the delicate relations with the three Sahelian countries – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger – President Mahama assured Mr. Soros of positive progress in ongoing efforts to reunite the sub-region. He referred to visits to the three countries to establish channels for continuous communication and dialogue. 'We held an ECOWAS meeting barely three weeks ago, and happily, the whole mood has changed. There is now a clear appetite for rapprochement between ECOWAS and the three countries,' he said. 'Discussions are ongoing between the ECOWAS Secretariat and these nations. In the meantime, we all agreed to prioritise the free movement of people and goods across our borders and encourage transit trade.' On his part, Mr. Alex Soros congratulated President Mahama on his re-election victory and commended his leadership. He explained that his visit to Ghana was part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS. He noted that the Open Society Foundations in Africa have historically championed ECOWAS integration, celebrating significant achievements such as visa-free travel. Mr. Soros, an investor and philanthropist, expressed his foundation's interest in exploring partnerships and providing support for further regional integration efforts. Besides chairing the OSF Board, he also sits on the investment committee for the Soros Fund Management. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cihan Media Communications Releases Strategic Insight Report on Reparations Advocacy Ahead of UNGA 2025
'Africa's Reparations Call Now a Unified Demand' – President Mahama MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report released by Cihan Media Communications underscores growing continental consensus around reparative justice for Africans and people of African descent. This comes as African nations prepare for a major high-level side event during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025, co-sponsored by Ghana and Togo. As outlined in the report, the call for reparations has transitioned from fragmented advocacy to a unified, coordinated demand, rooted in historical accountability, moral clarity, and Africa's pursuit of sovereignty and dignity. Delivering a progress report at the 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Malabo, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and African Union Champion for Reparations, declared: "Africa's call for reparative justice is no longer a whisper—it is a unified demand grounded in historical truth, moral clarity, and our unwavering commitment to dignity. As we implement the 2025 Theme of the Year on Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations, we reaffirm our shared resolve to correct historical wrongs through restitution, healing, and holistic systemic transformation." President Mahama welcomed the African Union Executive Council's recent decision to extend the reparations focus across a decade (2026–2036), describing it as a crucial step toward mobilizing resources and institutionalizing the agenda across member states. He emphasized that reparations must shift from rhetoric to actionable state policy, calling on every African government to integrate reparations into national development plans, diplomatic priorities, and legal frameworks. "This undoubtedly affords us, as a Union, the opportunity to sustain the momentum for the realization of this noble cause," he noted. Restitution, Not Charity: A Strategic Framework The Cihan report draws on Mahama's call to action, framing reparations as essential to Africa's political and economic self-determination. According to the report, achieving reparative justice will require: Financial compensation for forced labor, resource theft, and systemic injustices; Technology transfer to bridge industrial and innovation gaps; Reparations funds, managed transparently, to support education, cultural restoration, and economic empowerment. Mahama further stressed the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the cause: "Restitution to the African, therefore, is restoration of our full human dignity," he said. "We cannot speak of development without identity or speak of unity without acknowledging the erasure that has fractured our heritage." He also highlighted the importance of partnerships with global allies, particularly the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in presenting a unified voice at international platforms. "We call upon all nations, within and beyond Africa, to partner with us in shaping a more just and equitable world for the sons and daughters of the motherland." Despite resistance from former colonial powers, the report stresses that the call for reparations is not a plea but a rightful demand—a moral and economic imperative to correct centuries of stolen wealth and identity. Looking Ahead to the United Nations General Assembly In a significant diplomatic move, Mahama announced that Ghana and Togo will co-sponsor a high-level event at UNGA 2025 to accelerate global recognition and support for Africa's reparations agenda. "As we do more to correct historical wrongs, we are reasserting our full humanity. We are reaffirming our sovereignty. We are reigniting the flame of dignity that has always burned within the African soul." About Cihan Media Communications Cihan Media Communications is a Pan-African strategic communications and insights firm focused on amplifying African narratives, supporting justice and governance campaigns, and delivering data-driven reports that inform policy and public discourse. Photo: Contact: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cihan Media Communications
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mahama reaffirms commitment: cocoa farmers to receive 70% of world market price
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that, beginning with the next cocoa season, Ghanaian cocoa farmers will receive no less than 70 per cent of the prevailing world market price for their produce. Addressing a grand durbar of chiefs and residents in Juaboso on Tuesday, the President declared: 'Let me be clear: we will honour our promise to pay our hardworking farmers 70 per cent of the world market price of cocoa. The sweat of our cocoa farmers deserves dignity and a fair reward.' Key highlights 1. 70 % price guarantee: The new pricing formula will be reflected in the producer price set by the Producer Price Review Committee ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 crop year. 2. President Mahama announced that construction works will commence this quarter on the Juaboso–Asawinso trunk road, along with 120 km of feeder roads that link farming communities to key buying centres. 3. Government will distribute five million hybrid seedlings and scale up fertiliser subsidies to increase yields and maintain Ghana's position as the world's leading cocoa producer. An additional 10,000 young people are being enrolled in the Cocoa Rehabilitation&Youth Entrepreneurship Programme to rejuvenate aged farms and create decent jobs in the sector. President Mahama described cocoa as 'the lifeblood of our rural economy' and emphasised that sustaining farmers' livelihoods is central to Ghana's growth agenda. The chiefs commended the President for honouring his pledges and called for continued collaboration to improve health, education, and market access in cocoa-growing areas. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
President Mahama unveils major road infrastructure boost for Western North Region under ‘Big Push'
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government's commitment to developing vital infrastructure, announcing the launch of extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across the Western North Region. This will be carried out under his flagship 'Big Push Infrastructure Programme', a $10 billion initiative aimed at significantly improving national connectivity and economic development. Addressing a durbar of enthusiastic chiefs and people in Juaboso, as part of his ongoing nationwide 'Thank You Tour', President Mahama directly responded to a heartfelt appeal from the Western North Regional House of Chiefs. The Chiefs had passionately articulated the pressing need for improved road networks, emphasising that their overwhelming support for him and the NDC in the 2024 elections was a clear demonstration of their profound trust in his leadership. 'I have heard your concerns about the roads connecting our farming communities and our markets,' President Mahama stated, acknowledging the region's vital role in the national economy. 'These roads are crucial arteries for moving cocoa, timber, food products, and people across our country. They are not a luxury; they are a fundamental necessity.' The President assured the gathering that many of these crucial arteries, including vital cocoa roads that had previously experienced delays, will now undergo accelerated completion and new development as part of the ambitious 'Big Push' Programme. 'I assure you that these critical projects have been fully captured under our transformative $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme,' he reiterated. Detailing the scope of this unprecedented commitment, President Mahama explained, 'The 'Big Push' is a strategic commitment to inject at least $2 billion annually into infrastructure development, with its rollout commencing robustly in the 2025 national budget.' He further added, 'We are dedicating substantial resources and deploying expert technical teams to ensure these roads are completed on schedule, transforming the landscape for our farmers, traders, and communities across the Western North Region.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
