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Showing posts from March, 2019

Government Partners UNIDO To Boost Industrial Development

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Government has signed an agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO) aimed at boosting industrial development, trade and export competitiveness in Ghana. The over 27 million euro programme is scheduled to be implemented from 2019 to 2022 and will also help Ghana leverage additional investment by facilitating the mobilisation of partners and resources to achieve larger development impact. The Country Programme (CP) which will constitute the reference framework for UNIDO technical cooperation activities with Ghana, is aligned with the National Development Agenda including Ghana beyond aid, vision 2020 and focuses on high growth potential sectors to achieve the SDGs. It will further help build synergies and help Ghana leverage additional investment by facilitating the mobilization of partners and resources to achieve larger developmental impact. Receiving the director general of UNIDO, Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen said implementation of p

"Use Africa's Wealth To Empower Africa's Youth"- President Akuffo-Addo

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged leaders in Africa to use the enormous wealth the continent is endowed with to develop and empower their respective youth populations. With Africa possessing the largest generation of young people in history, President Akufo-Addo indicated that “I place great hope in their capacity to shape the future of Africa and make Africa the lion that it was meant to be.” To this end, the President noted that Africa must develop a strategy to reap the demographic dividend that a youthful population offers, adding that “the population opportunity will not automatically guarantee us a future of growth and prosperity. Demographic dividends do not come automatically. They have to be earned.” President Akufo-Addo made this known on Friday, 29th March, 2019, when he delivered a speech at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, at Harvard University, Boston, United States of America, on the theme “Empowering the Youth, Afric

Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme Will Give Breath To Death Farms

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The Government of Ghana under the leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo through COCOBOD has launched a cocoa rehabilitation Programme to replace the old cocoa farms

"Let Mahama's IMF Deal Be The Last"- President Akuffo-Addo To Ghanaians

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The President of the of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says the 16th International Monetary Fund (IMF) Programme, entered into by the erstwhile Mahama government in 2015, should be the last time Ghana resorts to such a progamme for the restoration of fiscal discipline in her economy. Speaking at a townhall meeting with members of the Ghanaian community on Saturday, 30th March, 2019, in Worcester, Massachusetts, President Akufo-Addo noted that the 2015 IMF programme had to be entered into because “the Mahama government had lost control over the management of the economy.” It was, thus, necessary to go through the programme to restore a certain amount of discipline into Ghana’s public finances. “Even when they left office in 2016, the issue was still at large. But, by discipline, by honest management of our public’s finances, we have brought the situation back to where it should be. So, we have exited the IMF programme,” the President said. He continued, “What I am saying t

Creative Art Industry Receives $10m From Government Through Exim Bank

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Mr. Lawrence Agyinsam, CEO of Exim Bank has revealed that his institution has set aside 10 million USD loan for the Creative Arts Industry to advance the operations of the sector. Speaking on GHOne’s State of Affairs show on Tuesday, Mr Agyinsam said that his financial institution is committed to the vision of “Transforming Ghana’s International Trade, hence the posture of the company to support enterprises who are ready to go global. He noted that the Creative Arts industry is an area that employs a lot of youth not just in Ghana but even in the UK and the US; the more reason why they must be supported. “I have had proposals from industry people who are developing an app that will show Kumawood and Ghallywood movies to the world. Once a person downloads the app they can view our local movies on their mobile devices,” he explained. He added that, interestingly, capital injective for the entertainment and Creative Art industry is not as huge compared to pharmaceutical company, hence d

"Support Passage And Enforce Vigilante Law" - President Akuffo-Addo To Police

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“As you know, I have tasked the Attorney General to prepare and submit to Parliament, as soon as possible, specific legislation to deal with this phenomenon of vigilantism, and provide appropriate sanctions against its occurrence. I am asking for the full support of the Police Service in the passage of the law, and in its enforcement. We owe it to the Ghanaian people and to generations yet unborn to maintain the peace and stability of our nation, which our generation enjoys.” These were the words of the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at the end-of-year WASSA of the Ghana Police Service, on Friday, 22nd March, 2019, at the Police Headquarters. In his remarks, the President reiterated his commitment to ending the worrying and unacceptable phenomenon of vigilantism in our body politic. “As I indicated in my Message on the State of the Nation to Parliament, I am determined to end acts of political party vigilantism. I have said so on several occasions, and I will

Six Players Have Their Contracts Terminated By Asante Kotoko

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Kumasi Asante Kotoko have released 6 of the first team players due to ineffective performance amidst other reasons. The names include; 1. Muntari Tagoe (Goalkeeper) 2. Daniel Nii Adjei 3. Obed Owusu 4. Frederick Boateng 5. Naby Keita 6. Abas Mohammed (ex Medeama striker) The list initially included midfield dynamo Jordan Opoku, but the returnee academy product has been spared for now and would be watched keenly to justify his stay during the upcoming Normalization Special Competition. It must however be noted, that the former Medeama shot stopper Muntari Tagoe is being released due to different reasons, among which reports point at financial issues regarding his current wages. SOURCE: FOX 97.9 FM COMPILED BY: *STEPHEN TETTEH - CONTINENTAL*

President Akuffo-Addo Leaves For Malta On 1-Day Official Tour

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, left Ghana on Monday, 25th March, 2019, for a 1-day official visit to Malta, at the invitation of her President, Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who was one of the first foreign leaders to pay an official visit to Ghana, under the Akufo-Addo presidency, on 26th July, 2017.  The reciprocal visit is aimed at deepening and strengthening the ties that exist between the two countries, as well as exploring other areas of co-operation for their mutual benefit. Whilst in Malta, President Akufo-Addo will address the Ghana-Malta Business Forum, which is being held to drive Maltese investments into Ghana. Already Maltese companies have investments in Ghana to the tune of $19 million. The President was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, MP; the Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, and officials of the Presidency and Foreign Ministry. President Akufo-Addo will return to

Government Completes Shukura Astro Turf

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The Ministry for Inner City and Zongo Development In Collaboration with The Ministry of Youth And Sports  has completed the construction of artificial football pitch at Shukura, a suburb of  Accra in the Greater Region. This was commissioned by The Member of  Parliament for The Ablekuma Central Constituency, Hon Nii Narh Nartey. The artificial turf is well fenced with floodlights which can be used for games in the evening. The Ministry is currently working on similar Astroturfs at Walewale in the Northern Region, Kyebi in the Eastern Region and the Sheikh Nuhu Sharubutu Sports Complex at Fadama in Accra.

"We Are Developing All Parts Of Ghana,Without Discrimination" - President Akuffo-Addo

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reiterated the commitment and determination of his government to bringing development to all parts of this country, without discrimination. According to President Akufo-Addo, “it is important for us that as Ghana goes forward, and all the people of Ghana go forward together in unity, and in hope of a brighter future for our country.” The President made this known on Saturday, 23rd March, 2019, when he delivered an address at the Parri Gbielle Festival, in Tumu, in the Upper West Region. In his remarks, after receiving the title of “Nandong Tenge”, to wit “reliable friend”, President Akufo-Addo thanked the Tumu Kuoro, Richard Babini Kanton VI, Paramount Chief of the Tumu Traditional Area, for acknowledging the work of government in several aspects of life in Sissala East, and, indeed, in Tumu. In education, President Akufo-Addo noted that, in addition to guaranteeing access to a minimum of senior high school education for

Executive Speakers Series: An Evening With A Glob Change Maker - Michael Okyere Baafi,CEO GFZA

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On Tuesday, 26th March,2019, Mr. Michael Okyere Baafi will be a key note speaker for the Brunel Executive Speaker Series and deliver a speech on the topic " Transforming Ghana into the Gateway to West Africa: creating an attractive and conducive business environment" at the Brunel University London, UK. BRUNEL EXECUTIVE SERIES The Brunel Executive Series is a forum where Global Business Leaders come to share their stories, expertise, and thoughts on creating and capturing sustainable value for competitiveness. The Series, as part of our public engagement and commitment to excellence brings together academics, students, alumni, and local businesses to interact, network, and hear from influential business leaders shaping the global economy. Additionally, it is needful to note that  under the able leadership of Mr. Michael Okyere Baafi, companies operating under the Ghana Free Zones regime exported goods valued at US$1.04 billion in the first nine months of 2018, as aga

NEIP To Partner With Barcelona Tech City

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As part of measures by the Ministry of Business Development to shore up Ghana’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, I visited the Barcelona Tech City in Catalonia Spain. At the tech city, I got the opportunity to experience and interact with various entrepreneurs on how they are driving change through innovations and creativity. The Barcelona Tech City and the National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Plan, have agreed to an exchange startup businesses  program with the Catalonia Trade and Investment community which will bring some Ghanaian startups to the Barcelona Tech City in Catalonia for networking and global business development. NEIP is also ready to  host some start ups from Spain to experience and learn some best practices from the Ghanaian entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana. Minister for Business Development, Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, also took the opportunity to address the business community in Barcelona on measures instituted by the Nana Addo Government to reform Ghana’s Entr

"Government Fully Committed To Welfare Of Armed Forces" - President Akuffo-Addo

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says Government is fully committed to the well-being and welfare of the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces. Speaking at the end-of-year Wassa of the Ghana Armed Forces, at Burma Camp, on Thursday, 21st March, 2019, President Akufo-Addo stated that “we will continue to stay true to the pledges we made in the 2016 manifesto that brought my party, the New Patriotic Party, and I, into office.” Outlining some of the measures put in place to improve the welfare and well-being of the Ghana Armed Forces, the President stated that his Government, upon assumption of office, increased the United Nations Peacekeeping Troops contribution allowances from $30 to $35 per soldier per day. “We cleared the outstanding arrears of $13 million for all peacekeeping personnel, we are now paying your allowances at the place of operations, as you wished, we have also settled the 11.1% of arrears due to the civilian employees, and effected a 10%

Government Clears Subventions Of Free Shs

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The government has paid GHc66.8 million as subvention for the second semester to public senior high and technical schools in the country. The amount covers the recurrent fees for the second semester. Out of this amount, GHc32,790,607.00 has been earmarked for the 20% feeding fee for perishable food items, GHc3,561,190.00 as Teacher motivation whiles GHc890,458.00 is for the maintenance of furniture in schools. The recurrent fees cover general stationery, first aid, maintenance of vehicles, building maintenance, sports fees, culture fees, sanitation fees, postage and practical fees. Others include maintenance of machines/tools, examination fees, entertainment fees, SRC dues and co-curricula activities. The rest are laboratory supplies, development levy, house dues and technical training materials (for TVET students only). Items such as exercise books, note books, school uniforms and PE kits have already been provided to the schools at the school level. The school uniforms were procure

President Akuffo-Addo Launches e-Justice Project

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 20th March, 2019, launched the e-Justice Project, the paperless court system which will enhance dramatically the nation’s efforts at improving its justice delivery system. Speaking at the launch, President Akufo-Addo stated that the e-Justice Project is a recognition of the fact that every aspect of life is today ruled by technology. “The Project is attempting to help ensure that the law keeps pace with technology, ending the age-old “missing dockets” phenomenon and endless litigations, which have plagued the efficient delivery of justice in the country for several years,” he added. President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that since his assumption of office, a number of policy measures have been introduced to help bridge the technology-gap, in the justice delivery system. Thus, it was that, in May 2018, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia launched the e-case register. The register contains information such as t

President Buhari Sets Up Committee For Implementation Of Next Level Achievements

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"I have approved the establishment of a Committee, chaired by the Vice President, to assess the level of implementation of all our administration’s Policies, Programmes & Projects - whether inherited, or started by us - and to help prepare us for governance over the next four years. "The Committee is made up of senior government officials, including the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief to the President (Secretary of the Committee), and a number of Cabinet Ministers. They will work with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as with outside experts. "One of the main duties of this Committee will be to produce a comprehensive document that will guide the incoming Cabinet, & enable us continue the implementation of the vision of our Party and our administration, for Nigeria; while also highlighting lessons from the last 4 years. "I am confident that the Committee will deliver a detailed Implementation Plan for the Next Level. I also look forward to work

GUFA Happy With Annan,Frimpong Call-up To Black stars

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Great United Footballers Association (GUFA) is proud to announce their profound gratitude and appreciation to Coach Akwasi Appiah and the entire technical team of the Black stars of Ghana. This comes after the call-up of some members of GUFA to the national team. The 21man-squad of the players saw a duo: Captain Amos Frimpong and Goalkeeper Felix Annan all of Kumasi Asante Kotoko to face Kenya in the 2019 Cup of Nations final qualifier match. Executives of GUFA see this an honour. Both players will have the opportunity to justify their invitations against the Harambee stars of Kenya on Sunday 23rd March,2019 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Amos Frimpong will thus battle late call-up Daniel Opare and Harrison Afful for the right-back position ahead of the 2019 AFCON final squad. Frimpong has been given his debut call-up following an explosive performance in the Caf Confederation Cup. Black stars deputy coach,Maxwell Konadu disclosed recently that they have monitore

We Won't Treat Mahama As Walkover - Nana B

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The National Youth Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Henry Nana Boakye, has said the party will not be complacent but will campaign as though it is in opposition. “We are not going to treat Mahama as a walkover, we are not going to relax, we are going to enter every single hole, we are going to cover every single space,” he said. Work hard Mr Boakye urged members of the party to put their differences behind them and work hard as one united party because unity was key in election 2020. According to the National Youth Organiser, the NPP met “a messed up economy, we met a shattered economy. Today, we are putting together the pieces so please if your expectations have not been met, I am telling you that the trust you have reposed in us, the regional and national executives, we shall continue to fight for you.” Mr Boakye called on party supporters to rally round the party to ensure it stayed in power and addressed their challenges. “Whatever challenge you are going thr

Port Charges Down By 75% As Stakeholders Laud Paperless System

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The cost of doing business at the country’s ports has reduced significantly from GH₵1,280 to GH₵320 since introducing the Paperless Port regime, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has told Parliament. This represents a 75 percent saving for importers since inception of the Paperless Port system in September 2017. The paperless port policy is aimed at improving the clearance procedures at the country’s ports by eliminating delays as well as improving port efficiency for accelerated national development. Appearing before parliament to answer a question posed by the Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, on whether introduction of the paperless port has increased cost of doing business at the ports, the minister indicated that the initiative has rather decreased the cost of doing business. According to the minister, his ministry in collaboration with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Ghana Freight Forwarders Association conducted a compa

Government Determined To Eradicate Child Marriage And Teenage Pregnancy

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The Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection, Hon Cynthia Morrison has disclosed the strategic plans the Ghana Government has taken to eradicate early child marriages and teenage pregnancy in Ghana. These plans according to the Sector Minister hinges on four thematic areas like; Human Capacity Building, Livelihood Improvement, Economic Empowerment And Partnership. Hon. Cynthia Morrison revealed this at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) ongoing at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Honourable Minister also indicated that the ministry of Gender has identified and trained 400 female head porters with vocational and employable skills. In addition, a television talk show dubbed ‘Girlz Girlz Power Talk Show’ has also been initiated to reach adolescent girls and other young people with information to assist them in their development process. She added that the conference will afford Ghana to learn best practices in social protection to

Guards Changed At Presidency

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 An Air Force Contingent of the Ghana Armed Forces Monday took over guard duties at the Seat of Government, the Jubilee House. At a colourful 30th Ceremonial Change of Guards at the forecourts of the Jubilee House in Accra, witnessed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Naval contingent guarding the Presidency for the past there months handed over to the Air Force, who would be performing the task for the next quarter. Madam Frema Akosua Osei Opare, the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Obed Akwa, the Chief of Defence Staff, service commanders and senior government officials also witnessed the colourful event that was characterised by military precision drills. The event ensures maximum security, constant fortification and the alertness and readiness of the military guards at their duty point. Instituted on the 5th of May, 2013, the ceremony, a replica of the guard changing system at the General Headquarters Command Gate of the Ghana Armed forces, is conducted with 20 each of old and

The Time To Invest In Africa Is Now - Veep Bawumia

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The Vice President of the Republic, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has challenged investors to constructively engage their African counterparts as the governments and peoples of the continent gear up to take their destinies in their own hands and assume their rightful places in the comity of nations. According to Dr Bawumia, “Africa is on the move; a continent eager to shake off past failures due to blind colonial and cold-war alignments and sheer bad governance. The new scramble for Africa, according to the Economist Magazine, is now being led by a new generation of Africans determined to make a difference through technological innovations and the development of enterprise and markets. “The Africa we want can only be built by Africans in partnerships with countries and investors who also believe in this paradigm for change.” Vice President Bawumia issued the challenge when he addressed delegates at the ongoing 14th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership in New Delhi, India

President Weah Jets Off To United Arab Emirates

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(Monrovia, Liberia) - His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, leaves the country today, March 17, 2019 for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), for a four-day official visit. During the visit, President Weah will meet with Crown Prince Shiekh Mohamed Bin Zayed al Nahyan. The discussions between the Liberian Leader and the Crown Prince will center on fostering direct UAE investment in Liberia and cementing relations between the two countries. The Liberian leader will also grace the closing ceremonies of the 2019 Special Olympics slated for March 21, 2019. Over 7000 athletes including children and adults with intellectual disabilities are competing in 70 sports. While the Liberian Leader is away, Hon. Nathaniel F. McGill, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, will chair the affairs of the Cabinet in close consultation with the Vice President, Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor and via telephone conversation with the President.

President Akuffo-Addo Signs Ghana Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assented to the Ghana Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill to become Act 985 (2019). The Amendment of the Ghana Civil Aviation Act 906 (2016) is to address the various deficiencies raised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) with respect to the Aviation sector. The New Act, thus, empowers GCAA to continue with the provision of air navigation services till a new entity is formed. It also enhances the role of the Minister of Aviation in the areas of accidents and investigations. Parliament, on 8 March 2019, passed the Bill to improve safety and strengthen security in the aviation industry. A release issued by the Ministry of Aviation said the sector Minister, Mr Kofi Adda, who moved for the Bill to be passed, explained that the amendment was also to ensure that Ghana become compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central also explained that though the sector was al

Ghana Signs €40 EU Agreement To Promote Investment, Job Creation

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Ghana has signed a €40 million facility grant with the European Union (EU) aimed at promoting investments and job creation in the country. This was disclosed by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah today at a press briefing in Accra. The financing agreement which is the last programme to be signed from Ghana’s indicative allocation of 323 million Euros under the 11th European Development Fund and National Indicative Programme spans between 2014 and 2020. "The Programme focuses on the areas of business climate, public financial governance and employment and its main objectives are to promote domestic and foreign investments enable businesses to spearhead economic transformation and create employment," he said. "It will also strengthen public financial governance and boost domestic revenue mobilization as well as the fight against corruption. "Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta and the EU Ambassador to Ghana Ms Diana Acconcia, have signed the agreement

Full Speech: Hon Ali Maiga At The 62nd Independence Celebration At Nkrankwanta

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Nana Chairman, Nana Agyei Baffour Ekumbi ll,  (Ankobea Dompemhene and chief of Nkrankwanta), Nana Ankobea Hemaa, District chief executive, presiding member and Yaakrom Assemblyman, former DCE, former presiding member, Assembly members, police Commander, Headmaster Nkrankwanta SHS, pastors, Imams, Teachers, Workers, brothers

Tenths Of Thousands Turn Out For "It Is My Time" By Ghana Beye Yie Mpaebo Denden

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The much anticipated power packed program dubbed "Total Freedom 2019" and themed 'It Is My Time' came off as scheduled by Ghana Beye Yie Mpaebo Denden.

Speech By President Akuffo-Addo On Ghana's 62nd Independence Day Celebration

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Speech By The President Of The Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, At The 62nd Independence Day Celebration Parade, At The Aliu Mahama Stadium, Tamale, On Wednesday, 6th March, 2019 It is with much joy and pride that I join you to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of our nation’s independence at this stadium, named, appropriately, after one of the outstanding figures of the 4th Republic and a native of this city, the late Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who left us so prematurely, and whose dignified widow, Hajia Ramatu Mahama, is with us here. We continue to honour his memory. I extend hearty congratulations to all Ghanaians from the vibrant and dynamic city of Tamale, capital of the Northern Region. This is the day we justifiably celebrate the collective energies and sacrifices of our forebears that led to that joyous night, when our historic first leader, Kwame Nkrumah, uttered the immemorial words “Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever”. We will defend that freedom wit