News
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
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has broken ground on a modern 1,500-seater multipurpose assembly hall and a secured main gatehouse for New Edubiase Senior High School, in the Adansi South District.
The project, being executed by local contractor AA Engineering and Construction, is expected to be completed within 17 months and forms part of the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) — a strategic framework for delivering sustainable development in its host communities.
Beyond the expansive assembly hall, the facility will house a fully integrated administrative complex featuring a dedicated sound room, a 16-seater staff eatery, and suites for the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, a bursar’s office, an 18-seater conference room, a 24-seater staff common room, six faculty office spaces and ancillary stores and washrooms.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Mine’s Director of Sustainability Management, Edmund Oduro Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in host communities through impactful and sustainable investments.
The Edubiasehene, Guahyia Oduropanin Birikorang, commended the Mine for the investment, saying the project demonstrated that the company’s development agenda extended well beyond its immediate operational areas.
The Headmaster of New Edubiase SHS, Mr Christopher Appiah Mensah, described the intervention as timely and transformative, noting it would address longstanding infrastructure deficits, improve conditions for teaching and learning, and create adequate space for academic and social gatherings.
“This will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The facility is also expected to boost the school’s capacity to host national examinations and major events, and strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence within the district.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Stakeholders have been urged to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with clubfoot, a treatable condition which occurs in children.
Parents are to seek early treatment for the condition while policymakers strengthen support for early detection, disability inclusion, and child health services in the country.
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. If left untreated, experts say a child may face lifelong challenges with walking, which could affect education, employment, and social inclusion.
In Ghana, an estimated 1,000 babies are said to be born with clubfoot every year.
In commemoration of the World Clubfoot Day, marked on June 3 every year, stakeholders create awareness about the condition and, among other things, celebrate the dedication of health professionals who ensure children receive treatment.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Programme Manager, Ghana Clubfoot Programme, noted that many families were unaware of the free treatment available for the condition in Ghana. 
She observed that the lack of awareness continued to delay treatment for children who could have received prompt and life-changing care at no cost.
Treatment, she said, was provided free of charge for children under age five at Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG–Hope Walks) partner clinics across the country.
More than 9,000 children born with clubfoot had received treatment and care through the programme over the past 18 years.
“The treatment follows the internationally recognised Ponseti Method, which uses a series of gentle casts to gradually correct the position of the foot, followed by a brace to maintain correction and prevent relapse. When treatment begins early, success rates are extremely high,” Madam Adjetey explained.
“For many children, the journey begins with a health worker who identifies clubfoot at birth and makes a referral. A few moments of observation can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
“Clubfoot is not a curse; it is not caused by wrongdoing…it is a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Families should never feel ashamed to seek help.”
The Programme Manager said children born with the condition deserved equal opportunities, dignity, and inclusion, and called on communities to support parents rather than “judge them.” -GNA
