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We’re focused on results, not slogans – Deputy Finance Minister fires back at Bawumia’s Cedi comments
Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has dismissed recent criticisms by former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia regarding the performance of the Ghanaian cedi, accusing them of focusing on “empty sloganeering” with the Cedi during their time in government.
Dr Bawumia, addressing the Young Executive Forum in London as part of his UK “Thank You Tour,” questioned the policy basis for the recent appreciation of the cedi, suggesting the gains were not backed by any substantive economic strategy.
But in a sharp rebuttal on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, 20 May, Mr Nyarko Ampem accused the former Vice President of continuing his well-known pattern of rhetoric without results.
“I’m not surprised by the statement made by the former Vice President. A man known for sloganeering during his time in office would naturally make such comments,” the Deputy Minister stated.
He said, “But the difference is clear — while they shouted slogans, we are quietly delivering results.”
Mr Nyarko Ampem stressed that the current administration, under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is focused on measurable outcomes rather than political point-scoring.
“For us, we will not be going around shouting about slogans and policies. We will deliver. And the end will justify the means,” he affirmed.
He highlighted specific interventions that have supported the cedi’s recent stability, pointing to the government’s strategic initiatives, such as the establishment of the Gold Board, which he described as a turning point.
“We spoke extensively about the Gold Board and told Ghanaians it would make a difference. From January to April 2024, gold exports were around $860 million. Today, thanks to the Gold Board and our structured approach, we’ve exported over $2.7 billion worth of gold. That is not talk — that is delivery,” he explained.
The Deputy Minister also credited the revival of a derailed IMF programme with boosting investor confidence and creating macroeconomic stability.
“Since we took over, borrowing has reduced, and Treasury bill rates have been dropping consistently since February. These are tangible results, not slogans. And that’s what’s driving the growing confidence in our economy,” he said.
In a final jab at Dr Bawumia, Mr Nyarko Ampem urged him to reflect on the economic difficulties experienced under his watch.
He concluded,“The difference is obvious. Lives are becoming bearable again, and that’s what matters most.”
Source: Myjoyonline.com
The New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator, on Wednesday held a staff get-together to commemorate the Ghana Month celebration.
The event was also to strengthen teamwork and bonding. It was attended by management members and staff from various departments.
The staff were engaged in activities such as apple eating, musical chairs competition, pick and act, and other interesting games.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chairperson of the Corporation’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), Dr (Mrs) Charity Binka, emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving organisational goals. She urged the staff to put aside their differences, work together, and also create a positive working environment.
In a welcome address, the Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaitoo, urged the staff to have fun as “we climax the Ghana Month celebration with this get-together.”
The Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times, Mr David Adadevoh, commended the staff for coming out in their numbers to join in the celebration and called for unity to transform the fortunes of the Corporation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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A medical expert has cautioned that while misuse of herbal medicines can contribute to kidney damage, they are not the leading cause of kidney disease.
Dr Prince Mawutor, a researcher at the Centre for Plant Medicine Research, told the Ghana News Agency that the leading causes of kidney disease remained high blood pressure, diabetes, exposure to toxic substances, arteriosclerosis and genetic factors.
He said both herbal and orthodox medicines could be beneficial when used appropriately but harmful when abused.
“Any medication can become toxic if taken in excess. Once it accumulates in the body beyond safe levels, it can damage vital organs, including the kidneys,” he stated.
Dr Mawutor cautioned that improper use of herbal medicines, particularly unregulated or unapproved ones, increased the risk of kidney damage.
He stressed the importance of purchasing only approved herbal products, noting that regulatory bodies ensured such medicines underwent safety and toxicity testing before reaching the market.
Dr Mawutor advised the public to check for proper labelling when buying herbal products, including product name, list of ingredients, usage instructions and traceable contact information.
Dr Mawutor urged individuals to consult qualified health professionals or certified medical herbalists before using any herbal medicine, especially when combining them with orthodox treatments.
He warned that self-medication and purchasing herbal products from roadside vendors posed serious health risks.
“If you are unwell, it is always best to visit a hospital and follow the proper medical process. A qualified medical herbalist can guide you on safe herbal options and how to integrate them with conventional treatment,” he said.
Dr Mawutor noted that the Food and Drugs Authority did not approve products sold in informal settings, such as from vehicles or on the streets, as they were unlikely to have undergone proper clinical trials.
He highlighted the role of regulatory institutions, including the Traditional Medicine Practice Council and the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists, in ensuring safe production and use of herbal medicines.
Dr Mawutor acknowledged that although some patients with kidney complications had reported improvements after using herbal remedies, not all herbal medicines could cure every disease. –GNA
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