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Ghana’s economy was not ‘criminally handled – Abena Osei Asare rejects Mahama’s assertion
Speaking at the National Tripartite Committee meeting at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment on 20th February, President Mahama criticised the economic management of his predecessor’s government while announcing a 10% increase in base pay for public sector workers.
He reiterated his concerns during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of his second term, expressing shock at the state of the economy.
However, Madam Osei Asare dismissed these allegations, insisting that while Ghana had faced economic difficulties, claims of criminal mismanagement were baseless. “Ghana’s economy was not ‘criminally handled,’ as the President suggests. Like many nations, we encountered challenges, but we took responsible measures to mitigate them. Signs of economic recovery were evident before the transition of power,” she stated.
She highlighted that real GDP growth averaged 6.3% in 2024 (Q1–Q3), with the industry sector leading at 10.4% growth, demonstrating economic resilience.
Backing her argument with key economic indicators, Osei Asare noted that Ghana recorded a positive primary balance of 0.4% as of November 2024, a significant improvement from the -1.4% primary balance in 2016.
She further emphasised that total revenue collection had surpassed its target by 3.3%, refuting claims of financial mismanagement.
While acknowledging that Ghana still faced economic challenges, she insisted that President Mahama’s portrayal of the economy was misleading.
“We are not out of the woods yet, but the narrative being pushed by the President is simply not accurate,” she asserted.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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