President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of 15 members of the Obogu Savior Church of Ghana who lost their lives in a tragic accident on the Accra–Kumasi highway.

The President described the incident as heartbreaking and a painful reminder of the dangers on Ghana’s roads.

He said the country mourns with the bereaved families and stands in solidarity with the entire church community.

President Mahama noted that the tragedy reinforces the urgent need to improve road safety and expand major highways.

He added that this was one of the reasons the government was prioritizing dualization and rehabilitation projects under the Big Push infrastructure programme, which includes key roads across the country.

He added that the lives of citizens must be protected not only through enforcement of traffic laws but also through better road design, proper maintenance, and timely interventions.

The President assured the public that his administration remains committed to tackling the causes of frequent road crashes.

The accident, which claimed 15 lives, occurred earlier this week and involved members of the Savior Church who were reportedly travelling for a church event.

Emergency responders and police have since launched investigations into the cause of the crash.

The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has sworn in four deputy minister designates at the presidency.

The deputy ministers are Dorcas Affo Toffey for Transport; James Gyakye Quayson for Foreign Affairs; Mohammed A. Sukparu for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations; and Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah for Health.

President Mahama administered the Oaths of Allegiance, Office and Secrecy, and presented each appointee with an instrument of office in the national colours, red, gold and green.

He noted that this final swearing-in completes the formation of his government’s ministerial team, totaling 60 appointees.

He described this as a clear sign of his commitment to a purposeful and efficient administration.

According to the President, only ministries with heavier workloads and broader responsibilities are assigned deputy ministers.

He stated that his administration is focused on achieving real results and not merely filling positions.

He urged the new deputies to work closely with their sector ministers, remain humble and serve with integrity and accountability.

President Mahama highlighted that the size of government had been reduced, and cost-saving measures such as cuts in fuel allocations and travel budgets were freeing up funds for key sectors like health, education, infrastructure and energy.

He shared encouraging signs of economic recovery, including a drop in inflation, a stronger cedi, improved GDP growth and successful payments to bondholders, students and public schools all without a supplementary budget.

The President condemned a recent incident involving the manhandling of a joy news journalist by military personnel.

He described the act as unacceptable and assured that investigations and sanctions would follow.

Speaking on behalf of the new deputy ministers, Mohammed A. Sukparu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve.

He pledged their full commitment to the President’s vision and promised they would not disappoint the Ghanaian people.

By: Jacob Aggrey