This assurance was part of a pledge by the Vice President to ensure that the department does not lack any critical resources to effectively carry out its mandate.

Speaking at a public lecture to mark the Audit Service’s Accountability Week, Dr. Bawumia said just as government has been increasing its budgetary allocation as promised, the department should expect the same commitment.

“I can assure you Mr. Auditor General and the Audit Service board, that on our part as government, we would make every effort to provide you with the needed resources for your work. We have already demonstrated this by increasing your budget towards goods and services from GHc14 million in 2016 to GHc19 million in 2017, and almost doubling it to GHc35 million in 2018.”

“As we did in 2017, the government is committed to releasing all your budget funds in 2018, and I do acknowledge that the delays in the release of these funds will compromise your ability to meet deadlines for the submission of the Auditor General’s report to Parliament,” Dr. Bawumia said.

Dr. Bawumia’s remarks were in response to pleas from the Auditor General’s office to ensure that the budgetary allocation was timely.

The Vice President said the pleas from the office were heard “very well and clearly” by Abena Osei Asare, a Deputy Minister of Finance who was also at the event.

“I am sure that when she gets back to the office, the front-loading will be frontal in her mind to make sure we get these releases as quickly as possible. So [we’ll] try and make it possible this week if the funds are available.”

The Audit Service of Ghana is a constitutional body under the direction of a seven (7) member governing board. The Service is headed by the Auditor General who is mandated to audit the public accounts of Ghana and all public offices including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, Public Corporations and Organisations established by an Act of Parliament and report the findings to Parliament.

Audit Service is therefore the monitoring and accountability organ of the state, and the Supreme Audit Institution of Ghana.

It is an oversight body that seeks to promote good governance, ensure accountability and transparency in the Public Sector and Article 187 (2) of the 1992 Constitution reaffirms this position. Thus, Audit Service is the only institution mandated by the Constitution to monitor the use and management of all public funds and report to Parliament.

However, over the years, the department has been complaining about the failure of successive governments to implement the outcome of its numerous reports which have exposed several cases of corruption and financial impropriety.

–

By: Sammi Wiafe & Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Funds for Auditor General to be released on time – Bawumia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Vice President, who touched down from British Airways Flight minutes after 8:00 pm, was met by the President Nana Akufo-Addo, and the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

A smiling Dr. Bawumia in a blue-black jacket and a black pair of trousers, and flanked by his wife, was hugged by the President and the First Lady before he entered a car to the VVIP Lounge, where several dignitaries and members of the media had converged.

At the VVIP lounge, the Vice President exchanged pleasantries with several ministers of state and other members of the governing New Patriotic Party, [NPP], who had lined up to meet him.

He then sat down with the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, as they engaged in a hearty chat full of smiles, although the details of their conversation were not known to the press.

Some of the government officials and members of the governing New Patriotic Party [NPP] who were at the Airport included the Interior Minister Ambrose Dery, Trade Minister Alan Kyeremanten, Hackman Owusu Agyemang, Sheikh I.C. Quaye, and Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin among others.

Dr. Bawumia, who’s the Head of the government’s Economic Management Team, left Ghana for the United Kingdom on Friday January 20; after the Presidency revealed that he had taken ill a day before on January 19, and had undergone medical tests.

According to a statement signed by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the trip became necessary following the advice of Dr. Bawumia’s doctors.

The Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, later explained that, the decision to fly Dr. Bawumia to the UK was to ensure that he was kept away from visitors who may disturb his rest and recuperation period.

On January 27, during his medical leave, a video emerged of the Vice President taking a stroll on the streets of London with his wife, Samira Bawumia.

At a point in the video, the Second Family stopped to interact with a Ghanaian national who ran over to greet them.

Citi News identified the Ghanaian as Christian Asante, a security officer at a Primark store on the Oxford Street.

Whilst many were excited to see the Vice President in the video, others suggested it was stage-managed to give an impression that he was well, and that government was in reality concealing the true details of his health status from the public.

Some likened the video to the incident where the late President Atta Mills who appeared physically ill, at one-time trotted at the Kotoka International Airport when he had returned from a trip outside, to give an impression that he was healthy.

Others later shifted the argument to the fact that, it was not prudent for the Vice President to have been strolling the streets of London without security, a claim that was dismissed by some government spokespersons.

The video also came at a time the Minority in Parliament had called for full disclosure on the health status of the Vice President.

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, however described the Minority’s call as “hypocritical and preposterous”.

Prior to those pictures coming out, Samira Bawumia, offered some assurances concerning the recovery of the Vice President, saying her husband was “doing very well” and looking “forward to returning to work soon.”
–
By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Bawumia arrives to rousing welcome from medical leave [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, said an official statement will give further details ahead of his arrival.

[contextly_sidebar id=”OhitFG2UdtipLaO4TQBjYz366SxZexb6″]”As has been said, definitely, he is due to return by the end of this week so whatever be the case, if there is any information as to his return, definitely, as we have [previously] put out in a statement by the Chief of Staff, whatever information that is agreed upon, you will get to know.”

“…but whatever be the case, we made it clear that he is to return before the end of this week, and that position still holds. Just as he did when he was not feeling well, when he is coming back too, definitely, we will let the Ghanaian people know about it.”

Dr. Bawumia left Ghana for the United Kingdom two weeks ago on medical leave after the Presidency revealed that he had fallen ill, and undergone medical tests.

The Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, later added that, the decision to fly Dr. Bawumia to the UK,  was to ensure that he was kept away from visitors who may disturb his rest and recuperation period.

During his medical leave, Dr. Bawumia was pictured and captured on video with his wife, Samira Bawumia, on the streets of London taking a stroll.

This came at a time the Minority in Parliament was calling for full disclosure on the health status of the Veep.

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, however, described the Minority’s call as hypocritical and preposterous.

Update:

The Vice President is expected to return on Thursday evening according to a Statement from the Presidency.

–

By: Sammi Wiafe & Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Bawumia will return this week – Presidency appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He admits it is a national security issue, but assured that his government is working towards creating an enabling environment that will allow the private sector to thrive in order to drive the job creation agenda.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Q6IjqSMu0FeHi4BFE8YeJjAGAFISj4Hp”]Speaking at the 69th Annual New Year School and Conference at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia admitted the current unemployment levels were a “national security issue”, but insisted that the government was committed to ensuring that the problem is addressed.

“High unemployment is the key and most pressing issue of our time. It is a national security issue because the devil finds work for idle hands. Ultimately the high level of unemployment is a reflection of the underlined weaknesses in our economy. This is why the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has placed job creation as the number one priority of government,” he said.

The event was under the theme “Job creation for Accelerated  National Development: The role of the private sector,” which was a major point for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) well before they assumed office.

The Vice President emphasized that it is important for the private sector to play a leading role in the creation of jobs with government only serving as a facilitator,

“It goes without saying that government’s role is to put in place an enabling environment for the private sector to drive job creation. Fundamentally, however, you have to build an engine, and an engine has many parts but you have to build an engine that is going to drive job creation,” he said.

‘100, 000 jobs in 2018’

Dr. Bawumia reiterated government’s plans to create jobs for 100, 000 unemployed graduates in 2018 through the Nation Builders Corps initiative.

The programme was announced as a government initiative in the 2018 budget to provide the jobs at a cost of GHc 600 million.

The focus of the initiative is to improve public service delivery in health, education, agriculture, sanitation and also drive revenue mobilization and collection.

The programme has been scrutinized by the Minority in Parliament, and  Policy think tank, Imani Africa, who have cited a duplication of roles with the already existing Youth Employment Programme.

However, the Vice President believes that the initiative is needed to create jobs for graduates in various sectors of the economy.

“Employment is a major problem. There are a lot of vacancies [for unemployed graduates] that we have whether it’s teaching or nursing,” he said.

‘Foundation laid for jobs’

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said in December that the government has put structures in place to ensure that the country’s unemployment challenges are addressed.

According to Nana Addo, despite inheriting an economy in dire straits, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration has worked assiduously towards ensuring that job opportunities are created for Ghanaians.

“We’ve had important challenges; Invincible and Delta Forces and the tensions at the grassroots of the party over jobs. I appreciate very much the anxiety over jobs. What I’m saying is that, the foundation has been laid for jobs. It has not been easy because we inherited a bankrupt economy, but because of the ingenuity of the people I’m working with, we’ve been able to lay a good foundation,” the President said.

“Let us remain united and confident, we are on the right path and soon it will be obvious to everybody. Our race is not a sprint, it is a cross-country, it is a marathon race and we are going to win at the end, not just at the beginning.”

–

By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post High unemployment a ‘national security’ issue – Bawumia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Minority in Parliament today [Wednesday], Isaac Adongo accused the Vice President of consistently peddling falsehood, but the confident way in which he speaks had convinced Ghanaians to accept his “lies” about the state of the economy.

[contextly_sidebar id=”C7U6vY0kzAVTvfML4OXYiSlrtrgs4ga9″]”Bawumia has never understood the economy of Ghana. He has always lied about the economy of Ghana. He said that our debt was about 36 billion and would end at 40 billion dollars. When he came with his budget, he said it was around 26 billion. How did John Mahama miraculously find 14 billion dollars to pay down the debt in three months before we left office? He took the people of Ghana for a ride,” he said.

“The reality is that, he knows nothing but he’s so confident and eloquent that he can confuse all of you. The reality is that he’s now managing the economy and must walk the talk. But with this bond, I doubt they will attempt the four billion again because they will not get a third rematch because the investors are already away from it.”

His comments come on the back of recent failed attempts by the government to meet its target for the first tranche of the energy bond.

The managers of the bond sought to raise 6 billion cedis under two separate bonds, but accrued a total of 4.6 billion cedis after it closed the auction.

The 7-year bond received the targeted 2.4 billion cedis, whilst the 10-year bond accrued about 2.2 billion cedis, below the target of 3.6 billion cedis.

Several critics have described this development as a failure by the government, and a sign of the declining confidence of investors, whilst the government hailed the bond as relatively successful.

According to Adongo, the recent failed attempts by the government to meet its target for the first tranche of the energy bond, was an indication of the inability of the Economic management team, led by the Vice President, to manage the economy adequately.

Isaac Adongo described the team as “over-hyped” and stated that Dr. Bawumia’s “eloquence” had convinced Ghanaians to accept his “lies” about the state of the economy.

“They rode on the back of the confidence of the economy that the NDC left, to raise a bond of $2.25 billion in four hours. What has now happened that in one month, they still can’t raise it? They are destroying the fundamentals that we developed for them. When they were in their honeymoon period and were taking credit we told them to wait and that their time would come. Their time has come and we have been embarrassed,” he said.

He claimed that the balance sheet of ESLA PLC after raising the bond was -$3.6 billion, and that no investor would put their money in such a company.

“It’s only under the best economist that the world has ever produced, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,” Isaac Adongo added sarcastically.

Listen to the full address by Isaac Adongo below

–

By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post ‘Bawumia is only confident, he knows nothing’- Minority appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, the recent failed attempts by the government to meet its target for the first tranche of the energy bond was an indication of the inability of the Economic management team, led by the Vice President, to manage the economy adequately.

[contextly_sidebar id=”u5hOEuV08ZHHAlRrD63ZpHMT9W9Phdes”]Speaking at a press conference organised by the Minority in Parliament today [Wednesday], Isaac Adongo described the team as “over-hyped” and stated that Dr. Bawumia’s “eloquence” had convinced Ghanaians to accept his “lies” about the state of the economy.

“Bawumia has never understood the economy of Ghana. He has always lied about the economy of Ghana. He said that our debt was about 36 billion and would end at 40 billion dollars. When he came with his budget, he said it was around 26 billion. How did John Mahama miraculously find 14 billion dollars to pay down the debt in three months before we left office? He took the people of Ghana for a ride,” he said.

“The reality is that, he knows nothing but he’s so confident and eloquent that he can confuse all of you. The reality is that he’s now managing the economy and must walk the talk. But with this bond, I doubt they will attempt the four billion again because they will not get a third rematch because the investors are already away from it.”

The managers of the bond sought to raise 6 billion cedis under two separate bonds, but accrued a total of 4.6 billion cedis after it closed the auction.

The 7-year bond received the targeted 2.4 billion cedis, whilst the 10-year bond accrued about 2.2 billion cedis, below the target of 3.6 billion cedis.

Several critics have described this development as a failure by the government and a sign of the declining confidence of investors, whilst the government hailed the bond as relatively successful.

According to Isaac Adongo, despite being able to raise a $2.25 billion bond in hours in April on the back of the goodwill built up by the NDC, the subsequent attempts have failed because of waning investor confidence.

“They rode on the back of the confidence of the economy that the NDC left, to raise a bond of $2.25 billion in four hours. What has now happened that in one month, they still can’t raise it? They are destroying the fundamentals that we developed for them. When they were in their honeymoon period and were taking credit we told them to wait and that their time would come. Their time has come and we have been embarrassed,” he said.

He claimed that the balance sheet of ESLA PLC after raising the bond was -$3.6 billion, and that no investor would put their money in such a company.

“It’s only under the best economist that the world has ever produced, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,” Isaac Adongo added, tongue-in-cheek.

Listen to the full address by Isaac Adongo below

–

By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post ‘Bawumia always lies about Ghana’s economy’ – Adongo [Audio] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Forum, organized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is under the theme “Next Generation Africa” and will take place at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah from November 1st-2nd, 2017.

The high-profile event, held under the patronage of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will explore new opportunities to enhance economic cooperation and expand trade and investment ties between the Middle East and Africa.

The two-day forum features a total of 24 sessions that will involve the participation of heads of state, ministers and dignitaries, policymakers, CEOs, prominent entrepreneurs, and heads of private banks, as well as UAE government and business leaders.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the METL Group in Tanzania, Mohamed Dewji, will be discussing the topic “Industrialisation – the path to growth?”

The Vice President will also partake in a number of sessions, meet potential investors and the Ghanaian community in Dubai.

As well, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will hold private meetings with a number of former and current Heads of States including Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Marcel de Souza and former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae.

The President and CEO, Dubai Chamber, Hamad Buamim, said: “African economies are witnessing remarkable growth at the moment, offering exciting business opportunities in a wide range of sectors. Therefore, it is an ideal time to examine these trends in more detail and determine how Dubai can play a greater role in facilitating Africa’s future growth.”

The Global Business Forum series, launched by Dubai Chamber in 2012, focuses on Africa, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Latin America.

To date, the series has hosted 10 heads of state, 74 ministers and dignitaries, and 5,400 executives, as well as a host of influential decision makers from 65 countries around the world.

The previous Global Business Forum on Africa in Dubai attracted more than 1,000 participants, while more than 100 bilateral investment meetings were held during the event.

The Vice President returns to Accra on Friday November 3, 2017.

–

Source: Office of the Vice President

The post Bawumia heads to Dubai for Global Business Forum appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Kwabena Boadu was a special aide to the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He passed away at Wa in the Upper West Region on Thursday, November 24, 2016.

The one-week observation was held in Accra on Thursday. Present were Nana Akufo Adoo, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira Bawumia, Sammy Awuku, and some other NPP officials.

Kwabena, an intelligent and humble youngman, was reportedly electrocuted following an electrical fault in his hotel room.

He was in the region with Dr. Bawumia, who was on a campaign tour.

–

By: Jeffrey Owuraku Sarpong/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Bawumia, Nana Addo, mourn Kwabena Boadu [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Mikel believes the arrival of Guus Hiddink as interim boss has helped the Blues start to recover from a low of 16th place in the Premier League.

“The atmosphere has improved since the change of manager,” Mikel said.

“Jose is a fantastic manager, but sometimes football is a cruel game and you have to move on.”

Mikel added: “He came back to the club a second time and won two trophies but now he is gone. Is it the right decision? We will only see in the future.”

The champions dismissed Mourinho on 17 December – at that moment they were only one point above the relegation zone – and turned to Hiddink to rescue their season.

Dutchman Hiddink also managed the Blues on a temporary basis for the final three months of the 2008-09 campaign.

Mikel is one of only a few players, along with defenders John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic, who were at the club during Hiddink’s first spell, which ended in FA Cup glory.

“He (Hiddink) hasn’t changed much yet, but he was here before and he knows the place and all the staff,” Mikel said.

“We are down there in the table for a reason so he cannot come in and perform miracles.
“We have had three games now without losing, so (we) are making the right steps.”

Mikel, who got limited game-time under Mourinho, making only two starts in five league appearances, could not explain Chelsea’s meek title defence this season.

“It is difficult when you are not playing, as you do not really know what the problems are,” Mikel added.

“I was not playing that much under Mourinho. It was a collective thing – the players and the manager were not performing.”

Chelsea, currently 14th in the table with 20 points, travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday, hoping to register their first win under Hiddink.
–
By: BBC

The post Chelsea ‘making the right steps’ – Mikel appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

City kept their first clean sheet of the season without Kompany in their 0-0 draw with Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday, with Pellegrini confirming the news in his post-match press conference.

The Belgian defender has started just eight Premier League games this season and was forced off in City’s 4-1 win over Sunderland at the weekend just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

“Vincent has an injury, second degree on his calf so we’ll see how many weeks he will be out, I don’t think less than three or four weeks,” Pellegrini said.

“It is not the same injury – the same calf – but in a different part.

“I am not a doctor but normally with a muscle injury less than three or four weeks is very difficult, especially on the calf.”

Man City kept a clean sheet for the first time without Vincent Kompany this season against Leicester

Pellegrini’s side remain without an away win in six league outings since a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on September 12.

–

Source: Sky Sports

The post Man City’s Vincent Kompany set for another month out appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.