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President Akufo-Addo Leads Call to Double IDA Funding at Nairobi Summit
In an address at the 2024 International Development Association (IDA) Summit held in Nairobi, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana emerged as a leading voice, advocating for a groundbreaking initiative: the doubling of funding for the IDA.
Amidst a backdrop of global challenges, President Akufo-Addo’s clarion call for increased support to the IDA reverberated throughout the summit halls, igniting discussions on the imperative of bolstering international development efforts.
President Akufo-Addo’s passioned plea underscored the urgent need for enhanced financial resources to confront the daunting infrastructure deficit plaguing African nations.
Quoting figures from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the President highlighted Africa’s infrastructure needs, estimated at a staggering $130 billion to $170 billion annually, with a yawning financing gap of $68 billion to $108 billion. Such disparities, he emphasised, hinder economic growth, stifle progress, and perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.
Central to the President’s argument was the pivotal role of the IDA in providing concessional financing to bridge the resource gap and facilitate sustainable development.
Against the backdrop of mounting debt distress and the far-reaching impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, President Akufo-Addo stressed that doubling IDA funding was not merely an option but an imperative for African nations striving to navigate these intersecting crises.
Drawing from Ghana’s own experiences, particularly its engagement in debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, President Akufo-Addo elucidated the challenges facing countries grappling with debt burdens. He emphasised that doubling IDA resources would not only alleviate debt pressures but also enable nations to address pressing developmental needs, from infrastructure investment to climate resilience and social protection.
The President’s advocacy for doubling IDA funding resonated with summit participants, who echoed his sentiments on the need for bold and transformative action. Recognising that development efforts require sustained, long-term investment.
President Akufo-Addo called upon the international community to seize the opportunity presented by the IDA replenishment to mobilise resources, forge partnerships, and chart a course toward inclusive and sustainable development.
As the summit concluded, President Akufo-Addo’s call to double IDA funding reverberated as a rallying cry for solidarity and shared responsibility in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. With the stakes high and the need urgent, the President’s visionary leadership set the stage for a renewed commitment to building a brighter future for all.
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
