Dr Cassiel Ato Forson who has been nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to handle the Finance portfolio as a minister, was vetted by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday,

When he appeared before the committee, the provided some justification for the new government's decision to repeal certain taxes such as the e-levy and betting taxes.

Refreshingly, President John Dramani Mahama appears on track to keeping his campaign promise to govern with 60 ministers.

Already, he has realigned the ministries, reducing the number from 29 to 23. This seeks to achieve the much-talked-about lean government and realize the government’s vision of strategic governance to address critical national challenges.

Of particular interest is the birth of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. 

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who has been nominated for the Finance portfolio as a Minister, has rejected claims that the government needs to adjust tax rates to generate revenue for the country’s rebuilding efforts.

While addressing questions before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, Dr. Forson outlined his strategy for boosting revenue without increasing taxes. He emphasized the importance of improving tax compliance as a key measure.

Finance Minister-designate Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced during his vetting before Parliament's Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13 2025 that betting and other "nuisance taxes" will be scrapped while government revenue is set to increase.

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has called on the Minister of Finance designate to present a concrete plan for the removal of certain taxes when finally approved by the house.

In its half-year report from July to December 2024, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has explained that it was investigating 197 additional complaints at various stages of review. 

In the report released on Monday morning (Jan 13, 2025), the Special Prosecutor said it will publicise and proceed with cases that meet the threshold for full investigation and fall within the Office’s remit.

The Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday morning starting vetting the three ministerial nominees of President John Dramani Mahama.

But before the committee started asking questions when the first nominee, Cassiel Ato Forson appeared, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin pointed to some elementary mistakes in the letter from the presidency, that communicated to Parliament, the names of the nominees.

Permit me a space in your prestigious newspaper to draw attention to a critical yet overlooked issue of national importance: the arbitrary and often restrictive entry requirements of Ghanaian universities.

President John Dramani Mahama has dissolved all statutory boards, corporations, commissions, and councils appointed by the previous administration, in line with the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845). 

Oral sex has now been identified as the leading cause of throat cancer, overtaking smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet, according to medical experts. 

A massive fire has engulfed the Techiman Central Market in the Bono East Region, leaving numerous shops in ruins and causing damage to goods and properties.

The statue of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, located at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, has been destroyed by unknown individuals.  

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to investigate the National Cathedral Project, an initiative launched by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as a national Christian worship centre and a symbol of Ghana’s religious heritage.  

Veteran journalist, Kweku Baako Jnr, opened up about his decision to marry later in life during a candid conversation on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana. The discussion occurred on January 9, 2024, marking Mr Randy Abbey’s final episode as the show’s host.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a strong condemnation of recent acts of violence and lawlessness reportedly perpetrated by persons claiming to be members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, has stated his opposition to the use of sirens on vehicles by Members of Parliament (MPs) to ease transportation during their duties.

President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang will this afternoon (January 12, 2025) join worshippers at a Christian National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service. 

The Volta Region House of Chiefs has called on President John Dramani Mahama to consider individuals from the Region in the make-up of his government.

The National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) has adjusted the reopening date for the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic year.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for greater collaboration between the World Bank and the Manhyia Palace to expedite the implementation of critical development projects aimed at transforming the region’s economic and social landscape.

A group, numbering about 30 and claiming to be members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday stormed the premises of the Bui Power Authority (BPA), demanding that all employees, from management to the lowest level, vacate their positions.

They argued that their government had taken over and therefore the employees have to be changed.

The group insisted that not even the President can stop their actions, claiming Ghana belongs to all citizens and warning of further action if their demands were ignored.

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive to the Lands Commission, halting all sales, leases, and processing of transactions involving state and public lands.

The Queenmother of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Nana Akosua Dua Asor Sika Brayie II, has filed an interlocutory injunction to restrain Yaw Agyare from carrying, styling and conducting himself as Sunyanimanhene in any manner.

The injunction application is also seeking to restrain the Akwamuhene, Nana Kwaku Sarbeng Ababio II, from introducing or parading Yaw Agyare as Paramount Chief of Sunyani Traditional Area in any manner whatsoever.

President John Dramani Mahama has implemented a restructuring of the government, reducing the number of ministries from 29 to 23 as part of a broader effort to streamline operations, cut inefficiencies, and ensure a leaner and more effective administration.

Unlike previous years when Ghana’s December festivities kicked off with a bang as early as late October, last year’s(2024) began on a much slower note.