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DDEP: Leave our pensioners alone – Bagbin tells Ken Ofori Atta
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The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Bagbin has asked the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, not to include monies belonging to pensioners in the current Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
According to the Speaker of Parliament, the current economic crisis can be solved without the funds of the pensioner.
Wrapping up on the business of the House on Thursday, February 16,2023, the former Nadowli Kaleo MP said Parliament will resist any attempt to include funds of pensioners in DDEP.
Mr.Bagbin stated that “what I can tell you is that leave our pensioners alone. You can solve the problem without touching their small money.”
In his address to Parliament on DDEP, Mr Ofori-Atta said the pensioners have nothing to worry about.
Mr Ofori-Atta noted that he has officially written to the pensioner bondholders who did not sign onto the Programme about their exemption from the exercise.
“Mr Speaker, Government remains committed to the well-being and dignity of our Senior Citizens and Pensioners.
“Indeed, it has personally caused me great distress as a number of them have picketed at the premises of the Ministry of Finance since Monday, 6th February 2023.
“As I have already indicated in my Press Release dated 14th February 2023, government will honour their coupon payments and maturing principals, like all Government bonds, in line with Government’s Fiscal commitments.”
Ghana is currently requesting a $3 billion bailout from the IMF to bolster the struggling national economy, and before the board would evaluate Ghana’s request, one of the requirements is the domestic debt restructuring scheme.
It must be noted that a staff-level agreement between Ghana and the IMF was achieved in December, opening the door for the $3 billion rescue.
Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato says the imprisonment of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will have little meaning unless it leads to a broader crackdown on illegal mining.
In a post on his Facebook page on the July 21, 2026, Dr. Zaato said the judgment should mark the beginning of efforts to completely eradicate galamsey and hold all those involved accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
He said the country must work towards restoring polluted rivers, protecting forests and ensuring that people implicated in illegal mining activities are prosecuted.
According to him, those the President has publicly acknowledged to be involved in galamsey should face prosecution.
He called for the prosecution of district chief executives (DCEs), members of Parliament (MPs) and senior political party officials who have been accused of engaging in or supporting illegal mining.
Dr. Zaato further urged the government to take decisive action to end the destruction of the country’s forests caused by galamsey.
He maintained that the imprisonment of Chairman Wontumi would only have a lasting impact if it results in a comprehensive and impartial fight against illegal mining across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Government of Ghana has expressed profound sadness over the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, King of Dagbon.
In a statement issued on Monday, President John Dramani Mahama, on behalf of the Government, extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and the entire nation.
“The Government of Ghana has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II,” the statement said.
President Mahama described the late King as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign was defined by healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace in Dagbon following years of conflict.
The statement noted that His Majesty’s “unwavering commitment to unity, stability, and the welfare of his people created an enabling environment for development”and strengthened the partnership between traditional authorities and Government in advancing progress across Dagbon and Ghana.
The Government paid tribute to the life and legacy of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, and honoured his invaluable service to the nation.
“May his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
The passing of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II marks the end of an era for Dagbon, which saw significant strides in unity and development under his leadership.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
