Stable power supply assured - President
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has assured Ghanaians that his administration is working tirelessly to ensure a stable power supply, pledging to prevent the intermittent power outages being experienced in the country.
“So there is a threat of power outages but my brothers and sisters, don’t despair.
Like I said, you elected us to solve your problems and not to put the blame on anybody,” he said.
President Mahama explained that the threat of power outages was due to inadequate provision of fuel, including light crude oil, heavy fuel oil and distillate fuel needed as an alternative to power thermal plants, while gas supply to the plants has been cut off to allow scheduled maintenance work on the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGPL).
He explained that the procurement of fuel for that purpose was supposed to be made ahead of time as it took approximately three weeks to procure and an additional week and a half to treat before use.
The President was speaking at the Annual National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana, known as the Jalsa Salana, at the Mission's Farms at Gomoa Pomadze, near Winneba Junction on Thursday [Jan 9, 2025].
Gathering
Thousands of Muslims, clad in flowing white and colourful robes and elegant hijabs, gathered at Pomadze for the conference which was the 92nd edition of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, a joyous celebration of faith, unity and spiritual growth.
President John Mahama (2nd from left) exchanging pleasantries with leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission during the convention at Gomoa Pomadze
The Convention, which brought together over 5,000 Ahmadi Muslims, traditional leaders and esteemed guests, was held on the theme:
"Justice And Peace - The Essential Ingredients For National Development."
The President was accompanied by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia; the Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders,Alhaji Mahama
Iddrisu; Secretary to the President, Dr Calistus Mahama, and the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South Constituency, Collins Dauda.
Progress
In addition to addressing the power outage concerns, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to the free Senior High School (SHS) programme, which he introduced during his previous term in office.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the programme, including overcrowding, and pledged to work towards resolving these issues to ensure the programme’s sustainability.
Mr Mahama also touched on a number of promises he made to Ghanaians during the 2024 election campaign and emphasised the need to tackle the problems facing the economy head-on.
He promised to roll out the 24-hour Economy policy,expand the tax net to rope in more taxpayers from the informal sector and prudently manage the economy to restore it to a path of growth.
“We shall pass a code of conduct for our public officers and they will comply,” he said.
The President reiterated his commitment to operationalise ‘Operation Recover All Loot’ (ORAL) to investigate and recover all misappropriated public resources.
To the members of the Mission, President Mahama promised to revive the Pomadze Poultry Farm to its glory days.
“I want to make Ahmadiyya the biggest chicken producers in Ghana,” he said.
Peace and Justice
The Ameer and Missionary in Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Ghana, Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, emphasised the need for justice and peace in Ghana's national development.
Speaking at the convention,Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih stressed that justice and peace were essential ingredients for national development.
He drew parallels between the historical Magna Carta of 1215,which established legal rights and principles to curb the misuse of power,and Ghana's current societal challenges.
"If it is true that history repeats itself,and that history has any lessons for us to learn from,I dare say that the societal challenges that called for the birth of the Magna Carta of England in
1215 are the same societal ills that have so far plagued the governance of Ghana today,” he said.
He emphasised the need for pragmatism,facts and justice,quoting an American singer's phrase,"Money can't buy me love."
The Ahmadiyya Muslim leader also referenced the community's Centenary Celebrations and the 18- point Magna Carta presented by the World Spiritual Head, emphasising the community's commitment to justice, peace and national development.
Purpose
The organisers said the primary purpose of the convention was to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits.
The participants,it is believed,may enhance their knowledge and - due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah,The Exalted - their perception of (Allah) may progress.
To members of the mission,amongits secondary benefits is that the congregational meeting promotes mutual introduction among all brothers,and it will strengthen the
fraternal ties within the community.