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I was an intern at GBC in 1986 so I have empathy for the state broadcaster – President Mahama reveals

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President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has revealed that he once worked as an intern at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in 1986, a personal experience that makes him empathetic toward the challenges of the state broadcaster.

Speaking in a one-on-one interview during the buildup to the 2024 general elections, the president said he worked at GBC while studying for his post-graduate degree in Communication Studies.

“I have empathy for GBC because, like I said, I’ve worked here before. I worked as a young intern when I was doing my post-graduate in Communication Studies” he disclosed.

He added that after his time at GBC, he travelled abroad to continue his studies in Social Psychology, but the experience left him with a strong connection to the state broadcaster.

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According to him, GBC and other state media outlets deserve more support because of their unique role in public service, unlike private media which often focus on profit.

“I believe we must have a state broadcaster. I believe in competition between private and state media. But there are some things only state media will carry, not for profit, but in the public interest,” he explained.

He pointed to countries like the United Kingdom, where the BBC still receives public funding to serve as a national broadcaster.

Gearing up to the 2024 elections, President Mahama promised that if elected, his administration would do its best to support GBC and ensure it is properly resourced to carry out its mandate.

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By Jacob Aggrey

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Diaspora Affairs Office hosts African diaspora delegation ahead of citizenship conferment

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The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.

The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.

He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.

The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.

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According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.

He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.

Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.

Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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Ghana signs debt restructuring agreement with Belgium

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Ghana has signed a debt restructuring agreement with the Kingdom of Belgium as part of efforts to restore the country’s economic stability after the financial crisis that hit the nation in 2022 and 2023.

The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, today disclosed that he signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana.

He explained that Ghana experienced a very difficult period during the crisis, which forced the government at the time to declare a debt default.

However, he indicated that the country is now recovering and witnessing a significant economic turnaround.

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According to him, stronger systems are also being put in place to ensure that Ghana does not return to such a situation again.

Dr Forson noted that the agreement with Belgium is the eighth deal Ghana has concluded with countries under the Official Creditor Committee as part of its external debt restructuring programme.

He expressed appreciation to the Government of Belgium for its support and partnership with Ghana during the process.

The Finance Minister thanked Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana, for her role in strengthening relations between the two countries.

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The agreement forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to restructure its external debts and stabilise the economy following the crisis.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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