John Mahama, who will challenge Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in the December 7, 2024, election, says the economy is in crisis and needs urgent fiscal reforms and a “total reset” to get a fresh start.

“I'm going to give it my all. My purpose for going back into office is to establish a legacy. And once I do that, I will hand over to the next generation and go to my farm,” he told Global South World in an exclusive interview.

Watch the full interview below :

The company has been granted exclusive rights for ten years to roll out 5G and 4G infrastructure, aiming to boost network reliability nationwide.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo celebrated the launch as a transformative step toward a digitally inclusive Ghana. 

“This new technology is more than just faster internet, but a leap forward in connectivity that aligns with Ghana's vision to become a digital economy hub, accelerating growth, enhancing services, and transforming lives across all sectors,” he stated during the event on Friday, November 1.

According to Akufo-Addo, 5G technology will play a crucial role in driving Ghana’s digital agenda forward, embedding advanced tools like the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and data analytics into daily life. 

“The 5G technology will drive our agenda forward, embedding the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and data analytics into daily life across Ghana,” he said, expressing hope that sectors like agriculture, health, education, and manufacturing would benefit immensely from the advanced network capabilities.

This development comes after Ghana recently granted a license to Starlink, providing the country with an additional internet option, after parts of West and Central Africa experienced significant internet disruptions in March, increasing demand for reliable connectivity solutions.

With this 5G launch, Ghana joins other African countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Mauritius in embracing next-generation connectivity. 

South Africa, the first African nation to roll out 5G in March 2020, leads the continent with the largest subscriber base, having reached approximately 5 million subscribers by the end of 2022, second only to Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, according to GlobalComms Database Service .

The protests, which began on Tuesday, September 17, are aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process, according to NDC officials.

Former Ghanaian President and current NDC presidential candidate, John Mahama, emphasised the peaceful nature of the demonstrations.

“This is a peaceful demonstration. It is not a violent demonstration. It is a peaceful demonstration. And so if you know you cannot be peaceful, don’t come. We want only the people of peace to join us,” Mahama is quoted by local news outlet Joy Online .

John Mahama, who served as President from 2012 to 2016, has lost the last two elections to the incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

With Akufo-Addo ineligible to run after serving two terms, Mahama is set to face Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, in a high-stakes election.

The December 7 vote could secure an unprecedented third consecutive term for the NPP-led government or return the former president Mahama into office for only a single term amid serious economic hardships that has seen the country experience its highest inflation rates in over 40 years and the steepest depreciation of the cedi against the US dollar in the last 30 years.

A decision by Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to appoint a member of his New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate as the Managing Director of the National Investment Bank (NIB) has stirred debate, with concerns raised about the suitability of a political candidate leading a financially distressed institution. The appointment of the parliamentary candidate for Manso Nkwanta Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo comes amidst ongoing restructuring and transformation efforts at NIB. According to GhanaWeb , the decision has been met with skepticism from some quarters, questioning the government's decision not to appoint a turnaround specialist for the struggling bank.

Mobile Money transfers

The Bank of Ghana is addressing concerns about unauthorised charges on mobile money transfers. Governor Dr. Ernest Addison clarified that transfers made for oneself should not incur any charges, and discussions are ongoing to ensure fairness and transparency in the financial ecosystem. The Ghana Revenue Authority has attributed double charges to financial institutions, and affected individuals are urged to report deductions to their mobile networks or law enforcement agencies, Modern Ghana reports.

Mother's Day celebrations

Ghana celebrated Mother's Day with various activities and events to honour and appreciate mothers. A special dinner event held by Citi TV and Citi FM was among the major events that sought to bring entertainment dedicated to celebrating mothers.

Demolition of refugee camp

A demolition exercise at the Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana has displaced over 6,000 Liberian refugees and destroyed 65 churches. The Liberians, who fled civil wars, have been living in a refugee camp for 35 years. The Ghana Refugee Board restricted their ability to work and promised housing that was never provided. Now, the refugees are at risk of being pushed to the streets. The International Society for Human Rights is mobilising aid for these refugees, and there are calls for the Ghanaian government to intervene and ensure the refugees are treated humanely, The Christian Post reports.

Transatlantic slave trade

President Nana Akufo-Addo plans to lobby the African Union for a cross-continent initiative on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. He emphasised the need for unity and a strong collective voice to address the issue. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley supported the development of an international entity to advance reparations for African people. A major international organization estimates that nearly 13 million Africans were trafficked across the Atlantic, resulting in two million deaths. Akufo-Addo has been pushing for AU leadership to explore reparations, highlighting the need for compensation for the atrocities of the slave trade. According to Modern Ghana , the Prime Minister echoed the desire for an international body to advocate for reparations.

A high court in the capital city of Accra ruled that the application filed by the MP could not be granted pending two suits filed by private citizens.

Prof. Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky independently filed suits against the anti-gay Bill, seeking for the court to stop President Akufo-Addo from enacting the bill into law.

The high court ruled that the suits filed by these two had direct implications on the mandamus application.

The MP's application sought to compel the speaker of Parliament to submit the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to the president within 7 days. He also requested the Court to compel the president to accept the bill and assent to it or indicate to parliament his inability to assent within the period.

The Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill seeks to criminalise the promotion and funding of LGBTQ+ activities and public displays of affection among other things. The bill was unanimously approved and passed by the country’s parliament on February 27, through a voice vote.

Below are the reliefs being sought by the Plaintiff in his application for Mandamus:

I. A declaration that the Parliament of Ghana duly complied with all the Constitutional provisions stipulated in Article 106 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana in the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill on the 28th of February, 2024.

II. An Order of mandamus directed at the 1st Respondent herein to present the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill to the President of the Republic of Ghana herein in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the 1992 Republic Constitution of Ghana on the basis that the Parliament of Ghana has duly complied with all the Constitutional provisions stipulated under Article 106 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

III. An Order directed at the President of Ghana to receive the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill as presented by Parliament in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana for the purposes of his assent or otherwise.

IV. An Order directed at the President of the Republic of Ghana to signify to the 1st Respondent herein, within seven days after the presentation of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, his assent to the Bill or that he refuses to assent to the bill in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana unless the Bill is referred by the President to the Council of State pursuant to Article 90 of the Constitution of Ghana.

This is a heightened crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, raising concerns among human rights advocates about the impact on the freedom and safety of the LGBTQ community in the country.

However, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has refused to immediately give his assent.

According to the laws of Ghana (Article 106 of the Constitution, 1992), presidential assent is required to make a bill passed by parliament a law. Thus, though the bill is passed by parliament, it cannot be effectively operationalized as a legal document without a presidential assent.

What did the president say about his assent?

In a statement, the president noted, “I am aware that last week's bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a private member's motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such backsliding will be contemplated or occasioned. I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk. But suffice it to say that I have learned that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation. In the circumstances, it would be, as well, for all of us to hold our hands and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken. The operation of the institutions of the Ghanaian state will determine the future trajectory of the rule of law and human rights compliance in our country.”

A price to pay for conservatism?

Ghana's finance ministry has issued a warning, stating that the country could face a significant loss of international financing, estimated at US$3.8 billion over the next five to six years, if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill into law.

The potential repercussions extend beyond the legal and societal aspects, as the finance ministry emphasises that such a move may adversely impact Ghana's foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability, as well as the country’s ongoing deals with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Suit challenging the constitutionality of the bill

Private legal practitioner and journalist Richard Dela Sky has filed a lawsuit against Ghana's Parliament at the Supreme Court regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. Sky seeks various reliefs, including preventing President Akufo-Addo from assenting to the bill and halting its presentation to the President by the Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament. He argues that the bill's passage violates several constitutional provisions - Articles 12(1) and (2), 15(1), 17(1) and (2), 18(2), and 21(1) (a) (b) (d) and (e) - raising concerns about potential infringement of fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

“In my capacity as a citizen of the Republic of Ghana, deeply committed to the principles of democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in our revered 1992 Constitution, I have initiated legal action in the Supreme Court of Ghana. This action is not a declaration of my personal stance on LGBTQI+ individuals per se, but a conscientious effort to ensure the strict adherence to and protection of the constitutional framework that governs our society,” Sky wrote in a statement.

The constitutionality debate

On the basis of President Akufo-Addo’s remarks and the pending legal action against the bill, legal practitioners in the country have expressed divided opinions about the constitutionality of both actions.

In several posts on X, lawyers raised issues with the president’s decision to withhold assent pending the decision of the Supreme Court and the constitutionality of judicial intervention when an effective presidential assent has not yet been given.

Some expressed that the issue could be analysed in accordance with the 'doctrine of ripeness', which primarily deals with a dispute's timeliness and prevents the courts from interfering too early before a genuine argument emerges.

The following are some reactions on X;

Lessons from Uganda?

Since the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 in Uganda, the World Bank has declared its intention to cease releasing new funds to Uganda. The law has been described by critics as one of the most stringent globally, the VOA reported. By withholding funds, the World Bank is sending a clear message about the importance of respecting LGBTQ+ rights. This decision pressures Ugandan authorities to reconsider or amend the contentious legislation, emphasising the global repercussions of policies perceived as discriminatory.

More so, the hospitality industry is facing significant challenges, with hoteliers expressing concern over the impact on their businesses. Textile manufacturers in Uganda report a decline in orders from buyers in the United States, Britain, and Europe, attributing it to apprehension surrounding the "Made in Uganda" label on garments. Buyers seem to fear that associating their products with Uganda, in light of recent developments, could adversely affect their business.

Additionally, construction companies in the country are experiencing hesitancy from Western financial backers, signaling a broader economic impact on Uganda as external investors become more cautious due to the prevailing circumstances.

Further, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala refused a visa to Ugandan MP Sarah Achieng Opendi, following her controversial proposal advocating castration as a measure against LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. Opendi, who acts as chair of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association, suggested the amendment during a debate on the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said that the country will maintain its record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. His comments come following the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill by parliament that seeks to criminalise activities of persons belonging to the group among others. According to him, the Bill which is yet to reach his desk for assent will not compromise the country’s stance on human rights observance. "I want to assure you that no such backsliding will be contemplated or occasioned. I think it will serve little purpose to go, at this stage, into the details of the origin of this proposed law, which is yet to reach my desk," he was quoted by Graphic at the New Year Greetings Diplomatic Reception at the Peduase Presidential Retreat in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Secessionists imprisoned

Four members of a secessionist group, Western Togoland in Ghana have been sentenced to a total of 17 years after allegations of seeking to break two major regions, Volta and Oti regions away from the country. During the case which was heard on March 5 at the Accra High Court, Presiding Judge, Maame Ekue Yanzuh also ruled that the four, Michael Kwabla also known as Togbe Yesu, Nene Kwaku Agblorm, WO1 Emmanuel Hayford Afedo, and Lance Corporal Abednego Dzreke Mawuena will pay fines to a total of 26,400 Ghana cedis, according to local news outlet 3news .

Failed Guinness World Record attempt

Ghanaian Chef Failatu Abdul Razak’s longest cooking marathon attempt has failed as announced by the Guinness World Records. This is the second failure of a Ghanaian in the competition within two weeks. Earlier, Afua Asantewaa who attempted a singathon with the GWR also failed. The Guinness team in a statement cited violation of Chef Faila’s rest-break rules during the cook-a-thon as the basis for her disqualification, GhanaWeb reports. The current record for the longest cooking marathon remains with Irish Chef Alan Fisher who attained 119 hours of nonstop cooking in Matsue, Shimane Japan from September 28 to October 3, 2023.

Petition against anti-LGBTQ Bill

A private legal practitioner, Richard Dela Sky has petitioned the Supreme Court to declare the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill null, void, and of no effect, Citinewsroom reports. According to Sky, the passage of the Bill violates Article 33 (5) of the country’s 1992 Constitution as well as some provisions in Articles 12(1) and (2), 15(1), 17(1) and (2), 18(2), and 21(1) (a) (b) (d) and (e) of the Constitution. He also argues that the parts of the Bill infringe on the fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed to every Ghanaian by the Constitution. The Bill was passed by Ghana’s Parliament on February 28, 2024.

Teachers deployed for National Service

The National Service Scheme  (NSS) in Ghana has deployed 13,516 trained teachers from Colleges of Education across the country to undertake their one-year mandatory national service in basic and second-cycle schools. In an announcement by the Scheme on March 4, they indicated that all service personnel in this category must check their placements on the NSS website Registration is set to start on March 8, 2024, at all centres, Myjoyonline reports.

What they said

Portfolio manager for emerging markets hard currency debt strategy at asset manager Ninety-One, Thys Louw, said, "There could be some risk regarding a delay as the (new) minister of finance catches up. But overall, this is unlikely to derail a deal before the elections. The broad parameters of what is required to get a deal are well understood by both sides and unlikely to be altered by a new minister of finance."  Further, emerging markets debt portfolio manager at Vanguard, Nick Eisinger said, “We know that the government had received very mixed feedback from investors when they revealed the initial parameters of the restructuring back in October/November and that more work is needed.” "We interpret this (change) as a signal that fiscal consolidation slippages to salvage the ruling party's flailing electoral campaign are now more certain," said Bright Simons, IMANI Africa vice president.  

His comments come following a recent loan partnership between the United Kingdom and Ghana. Per the details of the agreement, gold artefacts including crown jewels which were looted by the British from the Asante Kingdom in the 19 th Century will be returned to Ghana for a three-year period to be used by the country’s Asante Monarch, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The partnership has raised questions about why stolen items are being loaned to the original country from which they were taken but the British government has explained that it has a “retain and explain” stance for state-owned institutions where contested objects are kept and their context explained.   

The British Museum Act of 1963 and the National Heritage Act of 1983 prevent museum trustees at some high-profile institutions from “deaccessioning” items in their collections, according to the BBC .

But the Benin-based historian describes the move as unjustifiable. According to him, these artefacts should have been returned completely and with some reparation.

“There is neither reason nor justification for former colonizing countries to continue to keep goods and other artefacts that do not belong to them, and what is worse is that most of them were stolen. This is a normal return. And they should even be accompanied by compensation. If we could think and say that the Black man is a sub-man, then why steal the creations of the sub-man? It was simply a scam on every level. And I think that Black Africa should learn the lessons of this entire period of history where the Black man was not only despoiled but dehumanized,” Teiga said to GSW's Wonder Hagan.

He reiterated the stance of Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, Benin President, Nicéphore Soglo and in recent times, Ghana’s president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that Africa needs to receive reparations for the effects of colonisation, not only from European countries but Arab countries which according to him were also involved in slavery.

“The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, is absolutely right. We need to talk about reparations with the West for many things. But not only with the former colonizing countries of Europe. We must do the same thing with Arab countries because the Arabs are the first to enslave black people. There was never any repair. Worse, there was never even an apology.

“I must say that before President Nana Akufo-Addo, I remember that many others like the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and his friend and brother the former President of Benin, Nicéphore Soglo, had spoken about it,” the Africa and Diaspora Specialist Marcus Teiga added.

Many former European colonies have tried to return stolen African artefacts to their respective countries. In 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron formally apologised for the theft of African artefacts in his country and demanded that they be returned. Ireland also promised to return mummified remains in its country to Egypt, the country of origin. Similar developments have been seen in Berlin and Germany where looted items from the 19 th Century were returned to Namibia and Nigeria respectively.

What they said

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has expressed displeasure about the president’s decision. According to him, the president invited him to discuss the matter and “when he raised this, I told him that I completely disagree with him and I gave my reasons,” he was quoted by local news outlet Ghana News Agency . Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga has also called for the impeachment of the President. According to him, the president cannot make a unilateral decision not to assent the bill after it has been passed by parliament. “I think that what we should be beginning to do now is to trigger the constitutional provisions for impeaching the president. President Akufo-Addo has violated the constitution and we must not take it lightly,” he was quoted by media outlet GhanaWeb . Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu has described the president’s decision as unfortunate. “The president is acting unconstitutionally. It is the role of the Speaker to tell the President in his face that he is acting unconstitutionally and I think that’s exactly what the Speaker has done,” Francis was quoted by 3news .