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Focus is on economy, not presidency – Ato Forson
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has described calls for him to consider contesting for the presidency as premature, urging Ghanaians to focus on the current government’s mandate.
He made the remarks in an exclusive interview on TV3 on Friday, November 13, following his presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement in Parliament on Thursday.
Responding to suggestions that he should consider a presidential bid, Dr Forson said it was too early to have such a conversation, adding that it could distract the country from President John Dramani Mahama’s mandate.
He stressed that the government was elected during a period of crisis and must concentrate on delivering on its promises to Ghanaians.
“Please and please, that conversation must not happen at this stage. It will put the country off. It will only be a distraction on the mandate of His Excellency President Mahama,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced a US$2 billion investment in Energy Infrastructure under Pillar three of the New Economy Programme.
Presenting the 2027 Budget, Dr. Forson said construction will begin in December 2026 on a 1,450 MW thermal power plant at Kafodzidzi-Abrobeano in the Central Region.
He said the plant will be fully funded and owned by the state, with the first 600 MW expected by December 2028 and the remaining 850 MW by December 2030.
The plant will use approximately 150 million standard cubic feet of additional gas daily from the Sankofa and Jubilee fields.
Dr. Forson also announced the construction of a fully state-owned 600 MW solar power plant supported by 2,000 MWh of battery storage.
He said together with the thermal plant, the facilities will provide electricity for homes and industries to phase out emergency power plants by 2030.
The Minister said government will invest US$500 million between 2027 and 2030 to modernise the transmission system and deploy two million prepaid meters to improve collection.
On nuclear energy, Dr. Forson announced a US$200 million investment in a 24-month nuclear-readiness programme from January 2027 to December 2028.
He said more than 2,000 scientists will be trained to develop local expertise in safe and reliable nuclear power.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has clarified the support it has provided to Sandra Baafi, a victim of the Kumasi recruitment stampede, following a viral publication about her condition on social media.
In a press release issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Armed Forces said Baafi was admitted to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from November 12, 2025, to February 26, 2026, following the stampede.
According to the statement, she was later airlifted to the 37 Military Hospital at the family’s request, with the Armed Forces covering her medical expenses of GH¢100,000.
The military added that after her discharge, it assured the family that the 4 Medical Reception Station in Kumasi would continue providing medical care until her full recovery.
As part of its support to the family, the Ghana Armed Forces also offered a recruitment opportunity to a nominated family member.
Her sister, Mercy Bioh, is currently undergoing training at the Army Recruit Training School at Shai Hills.
The statement further disclosed that on October 28, 2026, Baafi’s mother received GH¢30,000 in financial assistance and an air bed to support her daughter’s care and comfort.
The Armed Forces also offered the family a wheelchair, which they declined because they already had one. An ambulance service to Kumasi was also offered, but the family opted to travel with the National Ambulance Service.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Baafi’s medical care and welfare until she fully recovers.
By: Jacob Aggrey
