News
Zaato rates Mahama administration 60 percent on economy, urges caution in early praise
A Senior Lecturer and political analyst at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has given President John Dramani Mahama’s administration a 60 percent score for its economic performance, while cautioning against excessive praise in the first year of governance.
Speaking in an analysis of the economy, Dr Zaato explained that although current economic indicators show improvement, such performance is not unusual in the first year of a new administration.
He described the score as a high 60, noting that key indicators such as fuel prices and inflation have improved.
He acknowledged that the economic figures being highlighted by government officials are positive and visible, stressing that he would not deny the progress being recorded.
However, he urged the public to view the gains within a historical context.
According to him, every finance minister in Ghana since the year 2000 has recorded strong performance in their first year in office.
He referenced former finance ministers, including Yaw Osafo Maafo, Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, and Ken Ofori Atta, noting that they all enjoyed praise during their early years.
Dr Zaato recalled how Ken Ofori Atta received widespread admiration after his first budget presentation, with some commentators describing it as impressive and intellectually sound.
He explained that such early optimism is a pattern that has repeated itself over the years.
He warned that early success does not always reflect long-term strength, pointing out that by the third or fourth year, the real performance of finance ministers usually becomes clear.
He advised Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to ignore praise from what he described as bootlickers and sycophants.
Dr Zaato stressed that economic gains in the first and second years are often not new or extraordinary, as similar trends have occurred under previous administrations.
He cited past examples where strong beginnings later gave way to public dissatisfaction and calls for change.
He added that sustaining economic gains over time is the real challenge, not achieving short-term improvements.
He noted that even the President has recently acknowledged the need to protect early gains and avoid economic decline in later years.
Dr Zaato concluded that while the current economic performance deserves recognition, it should be assessed with patience and caution, as history has shown that long-term results matter more than early success.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Media Commission has appointed Dr Isaac Okpoti Nai as the new Managing Director of New Times Corporation, publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers.
In an engagement with staff of the Corporation today, June 5, 2026, Dr.Nai, expressed his appreciation to everyone for holding the forth and contributing to the growth of the company.
He said, his leadership philosophy is based on professionalism, integrity and team work.
The new Managing Director said, he will be on a journey which would require everyone to take ‘ownership’.
” You need to work as though the company belongs to you. You are not doing it for me, take ownership, let’s work as a team,” he stressed.
With this, he said “we will be able to grow and sustain NTC. Let’s respect deadline and time.”
Dr.Nai pleaded with the staff to play their roles effectively to add value to NTC.
The Board led by Prof Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo expressed his excitement and wished the new MD and staff well in the years ahead.
The Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee, Dr.Charity Binka urged the staff to give the new MD their utmost support to help him succeed.
The appointment dated June 5, 2026, was done by the National Media Commission (NMC) In consultation with His Excellency the President of Ghana.
The appointment is in accordance with Article 168 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and section 2(1)(e) of the National Media Commission Act, 1994 (Act 449).
Dr. Isaac Okpoti Nai is a management executive, academic, and corporate leader with over 25 years of professional experience spanning financial management, corporate governance, strategic planning, internal audit, risk management, and organisational development across Ghana and the United Kingdom,.
Before this appointment, Dr. Nai served as General Manager, Finance and Administration at the State Housing Company Limited.
Dr.Nai has held senior leadership positions with the Ghana Integrity Initiative (Transparency International Ghana), Central Region Development Commission, London Borough of Croydon, London Borough of Merton and Ananemantey & Co. His experience covers both public and private sector institutions, including donor-funded organizations, local government authorities, financial institutions, and higher education establishments.
As an academic, he has lectured in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, and Management, contributing to the development of future business leaders and professionals.
Dr. Nai holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Financial Management) from Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom, an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the University of Greenwich, and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICA).
Throughout his career, Dr. Nai has been recognised for strengthening financial controls, improving organisational performance, leading transformational initiatives, and providing strategic leadership that delivers sustainable growth and value creation.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
MomsConnectGH marks Mental Health Awareness Day and Mother’s Day with donation to Accra Psychiatric Hospital
As part of activities to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Day and Mother’s Day, MomsConnectGH last Saturday organised a donation drive to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital under its outreach initiative, The Hannah Project.
The initiative formed part of the organisation’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in society while creating awareness around mental health challenges, particularly those affecting women and mothers.
The donation included essential supplies and welfare items for patients at the hospital.
Speaking during the donation, Co-Partner of MomsConnectGH, Elizabeth Owusu-Boadi, said the initiative was inspired by the need to show compassion and support to people facing mental health challenges, especially women and mothers.
She noted that many women continue to struggle silently with mental health conditions such as postpartum depression.
“Postpartum depression is one of the mental health issues many women go through, yet it is not spoken about enough. Many mothers suffer in silence because of stigma, lack of awareness, and limited support systems,” she said.
Mrs Owusu-Boadi explained that the decision to visit the Accra Psychiatric Hospital was intentional and aimed at reminding patients that they are loved, valued, and not forgotten.
“We wanted to come here not just with donations, but with kindness, hope, and support for the patients and staff here,” she added.
She also called on the government, civil society organisations, and private institutions to increase support for psychiatric healthcare facilities across the country.
“Mental healthcare is just as important as physical healthcare. We all have a role to play in supporting mental health institutions and creating more awareness around these issues,” she stated.
Head of Public Relations at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Peggy Asiedu Ekremet, thanked MomsConnectGH for the gesture and encouraged the public to pay more attention to mental health.
“Mental health issues can affect anyone. Seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness. We encourage people to speak up and seek professional support when they need it,” she said.
MomsConnectGH said The Hannah Project forms part of its broader mission to build a supportive community for mothers while impacting lives positively through outreach and wellness initiatives.
The group also expressed appreciation to all individuals, partners, and organisations who contributed to the success of the donation exercise.
