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Akufo-Addo never rented any private jet for domestic trips – Nitiwul

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The former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has refuted claims that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo used private jets for domestic travel during his tenure.

Nitiwul’s remarks come in response to allegations made by the Majority Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza who accused former President Akufo-Addo of renting private jets for his travels.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on January 22, 2025, regarding President John Dramani Mahama’s use of his brother’s private jet, Nitiwul clarified that while the former president Akufo-Addo occasionally used private jets for international travel beyond West Africa, such instances were limited, citing Emirates as an example.

“I’m not here to do propaganda. I want to say that former President Akufo-Addo has travelled on numerous occasions in the Emirates. On some of the occasions, he went with Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, former minister for Road and Highways, you can verify from him.

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“It’s on record. I’m aware former President Akufo-Addo has travelled to the UK with British Airways, and Qatar Airways on numerous occasions. I’m just giving this information to Parliament and the House, and for it to enter the Hansard that former President Akufo-Addo has travelled on commercial aircraft several times, not once.

“Former President Akufo-Addo never rented any private jet to travel within the country, outside West Africa, yes, but in the country no.”

He also refuted claims that the former President did not use the official presidential aircraft.

“Former President Akufo-Addo has been using it for the last 8 months ever since it was returned from France.”

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Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama, defended the President’s use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for official trips to Senegal and The Gambia.

Responding to public criticism, Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the private jet has been available to President Mahama even before the 2024 general elections.

He emphasized that this arrangement incurs no cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer, as the jet was made available for the trips without charge.

Kwakye Ofosu also revealed that the official presidential aircraft is currently under review by the Communications Squadron, the Air Force unit responsible for its operation, hence the private jet use.

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Source: Citinewsroom

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ATU launches 5-year Strategic Plan

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Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth

THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.

He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.

According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.

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Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.

The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.

“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.

He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.

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Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.

“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.

Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.

The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.

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The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie

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Revellers throng beaches to celebrate Easter

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One of the crowded scenes at the beach
One of the crowded scenes at the beach

It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.

Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.

Girls and boys enjoy themself at the beach

Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.

The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.

A section of revellers playing volleyball at the beach

By Lizzy Okai

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