Flagstaff House Archives - Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always https://citifmonline.com/tag/flagstaff-house/ Ghana News | Ghana Politics | Ghana Soccer | Ghana Showbiz Sun, 01 Apr 2018 20:54:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.8 https://citifmonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-CITI-973-FM-32x32.jpg Flagstaff House Archives - Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always https://citifmonline.com/tag/flagstaff-house/ 32 32 Flagstaff House renamed to boost Nana Addo’s ego – Adawudu https://citifmonline.com/2018/04/flagstaff-house-renamed-to-boost-nana-addos-ego-adawudu/ Sun, 01 Apr 2018 12:07:55 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=414778 A member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Victor Kojoga Adawudu has said that the government’s decision to reverse the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House was taken to ‘massage the ego’ of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. According to him, handlers of the president deemed the decision a […]

The post Flagstaff House renamed to boost Nana Addo’s ego – Adawudu appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
A member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Victor Kojoga Adawudu has said that the government’s decision to reverse the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House was taken to ‘massage the ego’ of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to him, handlers of the president deemed the decision a perfect birthday gift to the president and failed to take into consideration the relevance of the decision to the general Ghanaian populace.

[contextly_sidebar id=”qfUcbTuYfvmoH1HjlYBb0XhRyE9OiNWe”]Speaking on Citi FM’s news analysis and current affairs programme, The Big Issue on Saturday, Victor Adawudu who is also the lawyer for embattled Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho  said the move was merely political.

“I see it more as ‘it was the president’s birthday, and the people around him wanted to massage his ego and say that on his birthday, we changed the name to Jubilee House. The president will be happy. Don’t forget that in politics, there is a concept of legacy and ownership, so if we name anything during our tenure, history will have it that it was during the tenure of these people that we called that…”

Victor Kojoga Adawudu who believes there were more important things to be done, added that the government wanted to divert the attention of citizens from the ensuing controversy over its acceptance of the Ghana-US Defence Cooperation Agreement which seeks to allow US military personnel unrestricted access to some vital defence installations in the country.

Jubilee House

He said the government was feeling the “pressure” of citizens against its decision on the agreement and so wanted to redirect their concerns to less sensitive matters such as the renaming of the seat of government.

On Thursday March, 29, 2018, which coincides with President Akufo-Addo’s 74th birthday, the government announced that it was renaming the seat of government.

It changed the name from the Flagstaff House to Jubilee House.

The move came a day after thousands of Ghanaians staged a demonstration against the government for ratifying the Ghana-US defence cooperation agreement.

The demonstrators, most of whom were sympathizers of all the opposition parties including the NDC, said the government was selling the country’s sovereignty through the agreement, but the government has defended the decision.

The name of the seat of government

 

The seat of government was re-built in 2008 during the tenure of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) John Agyekum Kufuor.

The edifice which serves as the office for the president of Ghana was financed and constructed by the India government with $135 million in 2009.

After its construction, it was named the Golden Jubilee House when Ghana was celebrating 50 years since independence, until the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under the late President John Evans Atta-Mills, took over governance in 2009.

Mills moved the office of the president back to the Osu Castle and later changed the sign in front of the building back to its original name, claiming that the previous government had not used a Legislative Instrument to effect the change as required by law.

He was criticized by many who said the name Flagstaff House which was named by the British Gold Coast government glorifies colonialism.

The seat of government was moved back to Flagstaff House in January 2013.

Akufo-Addo gets $1m India money to renovate Jubilee House

The Indian government in August 2017 donated an amount of $1 million dollars to the Akufo-Addo government for the renovation of the edifice.

The donation was made by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, M.J. Akbar who paid a courtesy call on President Nana Akufo-Addo on the occasion of India’s 70th independence anniversary.


By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Flagstaff House renamed to boost Nana Addo’s ego – Adawudu appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Agyarko ‘hoots at’ Ghanaians criticizing renaming of Flagstaff House https://citifmonline.com/2018/03/agyarko-hoots-at-ghanaians-criticizing-renaming-of-flagstaff-house/ Sat, 31 Mar 2018 18:44:05 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=414743 New Patriotic Party [NPP] Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Emmanuel Agyarko, has lashed out at those criticizing government for changing the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House. “Shame, shame, shame on anybody who thinks it should be Flagstaff house.” President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday […]

The post Agyarko ‘hoots at’ Ghanaians criticizing renaming of Flagstaff House appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
New Patriotic Party [NPP] Member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, Emmanuel Agyarko, has lashed out at those criticizing government for changing the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House.

“Shame, shame, shame on anybody who thinks it should be Flagstaff house.”

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday reversed the name of the edifice at Kanda in Accra to Jubilee House, coinciding with his 74th birthday celebration; a decision which has been criticized by the opposition National Democratic Congress and some members of the general public.

Emmanuel Agyarko
Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ayawaso West Wuogon, Emmanuel Agyarko

The NDC in a statement described the decision as a diversionary tactic from the Akufo-Addo administration to discourage Ghanaians from discussing the controversial defence cooperation agreement between Ghana and the US.

“…this renaming gimmick is intended to be a cheap diversionary tactic from the overwhelming demand from Ghanaians for President Akufo-Addo to stop mortgaging our sovereignty for a pittance,” the NDC added in the statement.

But Mr Agyarko, while speaking on Citi FM’s news analysis programme, The Big Issue on Saturday, insisted that the old name should not be brought back because it “is a colonial relic.”

“I am saying without equivocation that nobody births a baby and gives him a name and somebody comes to change it. If anybody thinks they want another name, they should build another one. Nothing stops us from having two presidential palaces. It is Jubilee House, and I think it should remain so,” he added.

President’s office was never Flagstaff House

The government has since explained that the name of the seat of government has never been “Flagstaff House.”

The Presidency in a statement said Flagstaff House was rather a separate residential building located at the seat of government.

“Flagstaff House is a separate property located on the premises of the Jubilee House… whereas there is no record evidencing the renaming of the seat of the Presidency as Flagstaff House by His Excellency Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the 3rd President of the 4th Republic, in purported exercise of his executive authority,” he said.

By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Agyarko ‘hoots at’ Ghanaians criticizing renaming of Flagstaff House appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Renaming Flagstaff House necessary – Gov’t https://citifmonline.com/2018/03/renaming-flagstaff-house-necessary-govt/ Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:15:15 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=414494 The Minister for Information, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has slammed critics who say the government is prioritizing trivial issues like the renaming of the presidency rather than addressing the major issues bedevilling the country. According to him, changing the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House, was equally important as it indicates […]

The post Renaming Flagstaff House necessary – Gov’t appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
The Minister for Information, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has slammed critics who say the government is prioritizing trivial issues like the renaming of the presidency rather than addressing the major issues bedevilling the country.

According to him, changing the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House, was equally important as it indicates the sovereignty of the country.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Cx3un4c2ecd4DwaOIvnPtSkSENVYuCwK”]The government has been criticized by a section of the public and some opposition parties over its decision on Thursday to rename the seat of government Jubilee House.

But according to the Minister of Information, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Jubilee House identity is necessary for freeing Ghana from colonial heritage.

“Will you say let’s continue to live in the slave dungeon at the Christiansburg castle and that there are more important things for us to do than seeking to remove ourselves from our colonial heritage?…. Everything is important including who you are. Who you are is very important so naming this place as Jubilee House is very important in defining our identity as a free people. Everything rises and falls on identity. It is not true that is not important,” he said.

The seat of government was re-built in 2008 during the tenure of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) John Agyekum Kufuor.

The edifice which serves as the office for the president of Ghana was financed and constructed by the Indian government with $135 million in 2009.

After its construction, it was named the Golden Jubilee House when Ghana was celebrating 50 years since independence, until the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under the late President John Evans Atta-Mills, came into power in 2009.

Mills moved the office of the president back to the Osu Castle and later changed the sign in front of the building back to its original name, claiming that the previous government had not used a Legislative Instrument to effect the change as required by law.

He was criticized by many who said the name Flagstaff House, which was given to the building by the British Gold Coast government, glorifies Ghana’s colonial past.

Akufo-Addo gets $1m India money to renovate Jubilee House

The Indian government in August 2017 donated an amount of $1 million dollars to the Akufo-Addo government for the renovation of the edifice.

The donation was made by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, M.J. Akbar who paid a courtesy call on President Nana Akufo-Addo on the occasion of India’s 70th independence anniversary.

Renaming a ‘diversionary tactic’

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has described the decision to change the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House as a diversionary tactic from the Akufo-Addo administration.

The NDC, in a statement, urged Ghanaians not to lose sight of the fight against the ratification of the controversial defence cooperation agreement between Ghana and the US.

The deal has had some Ghanaians expressing fears that the US Army has been granted permission to establish a military base, though both parties to the agreement have sought to dispell such concerns.

“…this renaming gimmick is intended to be a cheap diversionary tactic from the overwhelming demand from Ghanaians for President Akufo-Addo to stop mortgaging our sovereignty for a pittance,” the NDC stated.


By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Renaming Flagstaff House necessary – Gov’t appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Flagstaff House renaming a ‘cheap diversionary tactic’ – NDC https://citifmonline.com/2018/03/flagstaff-house-renaming-cheap-diversionary-tactic-ndc/ Fri, 30 Mar 2018 09:05:38 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=414421 The National Democratic Congress (NDC), has described the decision to change the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House as a diversionary tactic from the Akufo-Addo administration. The NDC, in a statement, urged Ghanaians not to lose sight of the fight against the ratification of the controversial defence cooperation agreement between Ghana […]

The post Flagstaff House renaming a ‘cheap diversionary tactic’ – NDC appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), has described the decision to change the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House as a diversionary tactic from the Akufo-Addo administration.

The NDC, in a statement, urged Ghanaians not to lose sight of the fight against the ratification of the controversial defence cooperation agreement between Ghana and the US.

[contextly_sidebar id=”zEXL3iRpTmfktQt6GGzPdu6rOVlqv49G”]The deal has had some Ghanaians expressing fears that the US Army has been granted permission to establish a military base, though both parties to the agreement have dispelled such fears.

“…this renaming gimmick is intended to be a cheap diversionary tactic from the overwhelming demand from Ghanaians for President Akufo-Addo to stop mortgaging our sovereignty for a pittance,” the NDC stated.

The opposition party added that it will not be distracted from “continuing our demand for a better renegotiated mutually acceptable and reciprocally respectful agreement with the United States of America, which remains a friendly nation.”

“The NDC urges Ghanaians not to fall for this needless diversion and remain steadfast in the defence of our sovereignty and national dignity,” the statement added.

Koku Anyidoho arrest

The NDC’s opposition to the deal saw the arrest of its Deputy General Secretary of the party, Koku Anyidoho.

Mr. Anyidoho was arrested on Tuesday for comments he made in his criticism of the ratification of the defence cooperation.

In an interview on Accra-based Happy FM, he warned of the overthrow of President Nana Akufo-Addo due to the ratification of the deal, stating that the overthrow will be in the form of a “civilian coup d’etat”.

He has since been granted bail.

Find below the full statement

NDC REACTS TO PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO’S RENAMING OF FLAGSTAFF HOUSE

WHEREAS there are many crucial issues of national importance begging for President Akufo-Addo’s urgent attention.

WHEREAS thousands of Ghanaians from all walks of life and different political persuasion protested in Accra yesterday in a mammoth Put Ghana First Demonstration demanding that President Akufo-Addo stops the betrayal of Ghanaians and takes Ghana out of the infamous GHANA-US Military Cooperation Agreement.

WHEREAS this renaming gimmick is intended to be a cheap diversionary tactic from the overwhelming demand from Ghanaians for President Akufo-Addo to stop mortgaging our sovereignty for a pittance.

WHEREAS this failed diversionary tactic will not stop us from continuing our demand for a better renegotiated mutually acceptable and reciprocally respectful agreement with the United States of America, which remains a friendly nation.

WHEREAS the NDC urges Ghanaians not to fall for this needless diversion and remain steadfast in the defense of our sovereignty and national dignity.

WHEREAS in wishing President Akuffo-Addo a happy birthday – we expect him to know that this is not the birthday present Ghanaians deserve. Ghanaians look forward to the President re-assessing his priorities and begin listening to the cries of the very people who made him President.

Signed,
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah
General Secretary, National Democratic Congress

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Flagstaff House renaming a ‘cheap diversionary tactic’ – NDC appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Gov’t explains Flagstaff House name change https://citifmonline.com/2018/03/govt-explains-flagstaff-house-name-change/ Thu, 29 Mar 2018 11:35:02 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=414273 Government has clarified its decision to change the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House. In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, President Akufo-Addo said the name of the seat of government had never been “Flagstaff House” as being purported in publications. He said, Flagstaff House was rather […]

The post Gov’t explains Flagstaff House name change appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Government has clarified its decision to change the name of the seat of government from Flagstaff House to Jubilee House.

In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, President Akufo-Addo said the name of the seat of government had never been “Flagstaff House” as being purported in publications.

He said, Flagstaff House was rather a separate residential building located at the seat of government.

“Flagstaff House is a separate property located on the premises of the Jubilee House… whereas there is no record evidencing the renaming of the seat of the Presidency as Flagstaff House by His Excellency Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the 3rd President of the 4th Republic, in purported exercise of his executive authority,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo’s statement contradicts already existing media reports that President John Atta-Mills had named the facility Flagstaff House from Jubilee House, despite receiving harsh criticisms from a section of the public who said the name was symbolic of Ghana’s oppression from colonialists.

He however added in the statement that “whereas, for historical and tourism purposes, Flagstaff House, which is situated on the premises of Jubilee house be preserved and commemorated as the residence of the 1st President of Ghana.”

“…In the exercise of the power conferred on the President under article 58 of the Constitution, I, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, give notice that the seat of the Presidency of Ghana shall, hereafter, be named, known and referred to as Jubilee House, and the property known as Flagstaff House, located on the premises of Jubilee House, shall be preserved and commemorated as such,” the statement further stated.

Citi News’ visit to the presidential complex on the morning of March, 29, 2018, which coincides with President Akufo-Addo’s 74th birthday, showed that the frontage of the facility was being branded Jubilee House.

There had been indications that President Akufo-Addo would change the name to Jubilee House on January 7, 2017, after he assumed office.

Background

The seat of government was re-built in 2008 during the tenure of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) John Agyekum Kufuor.

The edifice which serves as office for the president of Ghana was financed and constructed by the India government with $135 million in 2009.

After its construction, it was named the Golden Jubilee House when Ghana was celebrating 50 years since independence, until the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under the late President John Evans Atta-Mills, took over governance in 2009.

Mills moved the office of the president back to the Osu Castle, and later changed the sign in front of the building back to its original name, claiming that the previous government had not used a Legislative Instrument to effect the change as required by law.

He was criticized by many who said the name Flagstaff House which was given to the building by the British Gold Coast government glorifies Ghana’s Gold Coast past of colonialism.

The seat of government was moved back to Flagstaff House in January 2013.

Akufo-Addo gets $1m India money to renovate Jubilee House

The Indian government in August 2017 donated an amount of $1 million dollars to the Akufo-Addo government for the renovation of the edifice.

The donation was made by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, M.J. Akbar who paid a courtesy call on President Nana Akufo-Addo on the occasion of India’s 70th independence anniversary.

By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Gov’t explains Flagstaff House name change appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Flagstaff House renamed Jubilee House https://citifmonline.com/2018/03/flagstaff-house-renamed-jubilee-house/ Thu, 29 Mar 2018 09:03:32 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=414221 The government has officially renamed the Flagstaff House, the Jubilee House. Citi News’ visit to the presidential complex on the morning of March, 29, 2018, which coincides with President Akufo-Addo’s  74th birthday, showed that the frontage of the facility was being branded Jubilee House. There had been indications that Akufo-Addo would change the name to […]

The post Flagstaff House renamed Jubilee House appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
The government has officially renamed the Flagstaff House, the Jubilee House.

Citi News’ visit to the presidential complex on the morning of March, 29, 2018, which coincides with President Akufo-Addo’s  74th birthday, showed that the frontage of the facility was being branded Jubilee House.

There had been indications that Akufo-Addo would change the name to Jubilee House on January 7, 2017, after he assumed office, but that was not officially communicated.

The seat of government was re-built in 2008 during the tenure of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) John Agyekum Kufuor.

The edifice which serves as office for the president of Ghana was financed and constructed by the India government with $135 million in 2009.

After its construction, it was named the Golden Jubilee House when Ghana was celebrating 50 years since independence, until the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under the late President John Evans Atta-Mills, took over governance in 2009.

Mills moved the office of the president back to the Osu Castle, and later changed the sign in front of the building back to its original name, claiming that the previous government had not used a Legislative Instrument to effect the change as required by law.

He was criticized by many who said the name Flagstaff House which was given to the building by the British Gold Coast government glorifies Ghana’s Gold Coast past of colonialism.

The seat of government was moved back to Flagstaff House in January 2013.

Akufo-Addo gets $1m India money to renovate Jubilee House
The Indian government in August 2017 donated an amount of $1 million dollars to the Akufo-Addo government for the renovation of the edifice.

The donation was made by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, M.J. Akbar who paid a courtesy call on President Nana Akufo-Addo on the occasion of India’s 70th independence anniversary.

By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Flagstaff House renamed Jubilee House appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Nana Addo stays at both Flagstaff House and Nima – Bryan Acheampong https://citifmonline.com/2018/03/nana-addo-stays-at-both-flagstaff-house-and-nima-bryan-acheampong/ Tue, 13 Mar 2018 06:09:03 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=409304 Indications from Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of State in-charge-of National Security, are that President Nana Akufo-Addo is actively living in the Flagstaff House, the seat of the presidency. Issues concerning the President’s abode has come up following National Security’s moves to evict some traders and individuals who live and work just opposite the President’s private […]

The post Nana Addo stays at both Flagstaff House and Nima – Bryan Acheampong appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Indications from Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of State in-charge-of National Security, are that President Nana Akufo-Addo is actively living in the Flagstaff House, the seat of the presidency.

Issues concerning the President’s abode has come up following National Security’s moves to evict some traders and individuals who live and work just opposite the President’s private Nima residence.

[contextly_sidebar id=”PnM1kORQh3AswXdrXal2Xv1upaAEiXsP”]For example, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), questioned why the President has not moved into the Flagstaff House only to be inconveniencing poor and vulnerable persons in the name of national security.

Responding to these concerns on Eyewitness News, Mr. Acheampong stressed that the President lived in both the Flagstaff House and his Nima residence, when the need arises.

“I have told you since we started this interview that the President lives and works in the Flagstaff House. That is not the only place that the President sleeps or stays. When the President goes to Kumasi, he has a place to stay. When he is in Accra, apart from the Flagstaff House, there is Peduase which is in the Eastern Region but close to Accra he works from and sleeps there.”

The Minister, however stated that the fact the President lived at Flagstaff House did not mean his private residence did not require National Security protocols.

“The fact is that, whether President Akufo-Addo lives at the Nima residence or lives at the Flagstaff House, that is his private residence. He so often visits the place to have his private business and private family engagements in this house… We know that he goes there a minimum of two or three times a week. It is the responsibility of the state to declare the area a security zone and protect it 24/7,” the Minister explained.

Beyond the President’s safety, Mr. Acheampong reminded that “his close family are high-value targets that we must protect and some of them live in that [Nima] residence.”

On Friday, March 9, National Security gave the residents and traders up to Thursday [March 15] to pack out of the area.

The affected persons were said to be receiving compensation of GHc 3,000 to GHc 10,000, and though some of the affected persons have begun moving, others who spoke to Citi News complained the compensation amounts were not enough for them to move.

Traders will still go Thursday

Mr. Acheampong said the government will continue to engage the traders, but was adamant that they will be cleared on Thursday regardless of the outcome.

“Those who are dissatisfied, we will engage them and see and reach an agreement with them. Definitely, they have to go. That one is not in question. The issue, the contention is the settlement we must give them.”

“A few of them are saying they want a top up. Those are discussions we can have, and we are going to begin those discussions today [Tuesday]. But I am saying that in the unlikely event that we are unable to reach an agreement before the 15th, their vacating the place on the 15th is not subject to negotiations. We can continue the negotiations afterwards.”

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo stays at both Flagstaff House and Nima – Bryan Acheampong appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Handling of traders around Nana Addo’s home ‘reckless’ – IDEG Boss https://citifmonline.com/2018/03/handling-of-traders-around-nana-addos-home-reckless-ideg-boss/ Sat, 10 Mar 2018 07:38:07 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=408522 The Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Emmanuel Akwetey, has criticised government’s handling of the eviction of traders around President Nana Akufo-Addo’s Nima residence, describing it as reckless and careless. He also stated that the compensation handed out to the affected persons, that reportedly ranged between GHc 2,000 and GHc 10,000, was […]

The post Handling of traders around Nana Addo’s home ‘reckless’ – IDEG Boss appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
The Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Emmanuel Akwetey, has criticised government’s handling of the eviction of traders around President Nana Akufo-Addo’s Nima residence, describing it as reckless and careless.

He also stated that the compensation handed out to the affected persons, that reportedly ranged between GHc 2,000 and GHc 10,000, was inadequate after National Security gave them one week to pack out of the area.

[contextly_sidebar id=”y3lqHazOcQaHtPmCFT1ZCMY0ImEFLAEd”]Speaking on Eyewitness News, he acknowledged that there were legitimate security considerations that went into this move but they “should not be at the expense of very poor vulnerable people.”

He feels the situation which is “causing distress” in the name of the President should have been handled better.

For one, Dr. Akwetey said the traders have not received any reasonable compensation a claim corroborated by some traders themselves who told Citi News that the amounts were inadequate and not a true reflection of their investments.

“What I feel is not justifiable is the compensation given to them… it is from that angle that I feel we should question the process and the compensation given to them,” Dr. Akwetey said.

On the point of compensation, he also said the government needed to “explain the valuation and the compensation because [the traders] are vulnerable people.”

Some shops and traders around President Akufo-Addo’s Nima residence

The IDEG boss also remarked that this action, whether it was executed with the President’s blessing or not, went against the government’s pledge to bridge the economic gap.

“All that I have heard is that the President wants to eradicate poverty and he wants to do it quickly. So I cannot understand a decision that rather aggravates the poverty of any group in these current circumstances, of those most vulnerable. I don’t think it is fair… I thought that the compensation should be increased. That makes them feel that yes the President must be protected but they also don’t feel distressed, dismayed, scared, unhappy and all that.”

Question of the Flagstaff House

On a side note, Dr. Akwetey also said the government should explain why “the President cannot move into the official residence [Flagstaff House].”

“What is the problem with it? I don’t know but there must be a reason why he wouldn’t move there so we should know,” he remarked.

The President’s decision to remain in his private residence has been the subject of some scrutiny, with critics noting the inconveniences that having the President in a regular residential area brings.

Before this eviction, the road in front of the President’s residence was closed to traffic and the effect this has had on some businesses in the areas has been cited as one of the negative effects of his decision not to move into the Flagstaff House.

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Handling of traders around Nana Addo’s home ‘reckless’ – IDEG Boss appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Amidu’s acceptance speech at his swearing-in [Full text] https://citifmonline.com/2018/02/amidus-acceptance-speech-at-his-swearing-in-full-text/ Sat, 24 Feb 2018 09:45:05 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=403948 Martin A.B.K. Amidu was sworn into office on Friday, February 23, 2018 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House. Amidu at the swearing in ceremony thanked the Attorney General and the President for appointing him, and promised to fight corruption in the country without fear or favour. Martin Amidu, also promised not […]

The post Amidu’s acceptance speech at his swearing-in [Full text] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Martin A.B.K. Amidu was sworn into office on Friday, February 23, 2018 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House.

Amidu at the swearing in ceremony thanked the Attorney General and the President for appointing him, and promised to fight corruption in the country without fear or favour.

Martin Amidu, also promised not to fail in delivering on his mandate, saying not even claims that he will embark on a political witch-hunting drive will not deter him from working.

Below is Mr. Amidu’s full acceptance speech:

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR – MARTIN A. B. K. AMIDU

Your Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana

Your Excellency the Vice President

The Honourable Chief of Staff

Honourable Attorney General and other Ministers of State

Presidential Staffers

Members of the Press

Ladies and Gentlemen

I wish first and foremost to thank Your Excellency, Mr. President, for the very fact of considering me as a fit and proper person for this position even though I come from the opposite pond of social democracy and in the past, we have been very strong and robust professional adversaries in the development of the constitutional law of our dear country from its inception. Your Excellency’s invitation to me to confirm my acceptance to be Special Prosecutor and my acceptance of the offer demonstrates a fundamental democratic principle and belief to your credit that few people have adhered to for the past twenty-five years. Namely, that adversaries are not enemies and must collaborate for national development by putting Ghana First.

I would not have accepted to come to this job if I did not trust Your Excellency’s integrity and honour from our long years of association from opposite sides at the Bar. I have also given Mr. President my word of honour that I will discharge the duties of the burdensome office you have entrusted to my care with similar integrity and honour, with your support and assistance.

Mr. President, I wish to assure you that the propaganda about witch-hunting will not daunt me from prosecuting all corruption crimes without reference to political considerations, as you had yourself admonished, once a suspected offender is established by investigations to have committed offences prosecutable in the national interest. I will treat crime as crime and nothing else.

I thank you, Mr. President, and the Honourable Attorney General sincerely for the trust you both have put in me and in my capabilities. Above all I also wish to thank and assure Ghanaians that I will do my best to vindicate the trust that the whole nation put in me at my nomination and nomination approval hearing.

As an aside I will wish the public to know that nobody has served me personally with any Writ or Statement of Case or injunction challenging my nomination, approval, and appointment so as to restrain me from accepting this appointment.

Before concluding, Mr. President, I wish to use your presence to acknowledge a senior citizen from Accra without whom I might not have been available for this job.

Professor J. N. D. Dodoo was my former Hall Tutor at Commonwealth Hall and was formerly of the Department of Modern Languages, Legon.

He ensured that I was not cheated out by the exclusion of my name from the LL.B class at the Faculty of Law after my First University Examinations when I had qualified for placement on the programme by merit.

His actions almost 43 years ago contributed in no small measure to my passion for the defence of truth, fairness, integrity, transparency and merit in public life and must be publicly acknowledged for once.

The General Legal Council may have a lot to learn from him at this time of the problems at the Ghana School of Law.

Thank you, once more, Honourable Attorney General and Mr. President. Thank you to all Ghanaians who stand against corruption. Let us put Ghana First!

Martin A. B. K. Amidu

23rd February 2018

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

 

The post Amidu’s acceptance speech at his swearing-in [Full text] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
I’m back to work, thanks for your prayers – Bawumia https://citifmonline.com/2018/02/im-back-to-work-thanks-for-your-prayers-bawumia/ Fri, 02 Feb 2018 13:47:45 +0000 http://citifmonline.com/?p=397615 Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has resumed official duties today, [Friday] February 2, 2018, after returning to Ghana on Thursday night from a 12-day medical leave in the United Kingdom. In a Facebook post, the Vice President said: “I have resumed work today [Friday]…to continue with President Akufo-Addo’s dream of helping build a prosperous Ghana.” […]

The post I’m back to work, thanks for your prayers – Bawumia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has resumed official duties today, [Friday] February 2, 2018, after returning to Ghana on Thursday night from a 12-day medical leave in the United Kingdom.

In a Facebook post, the Vice President said: “I have resumed work today [Friday]…to continue with President Akufo-Addo’s dream of helping build a prosperous Ghana.”

Dr. Bawumia 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.

[contextly_sidebar id=”KLeOi1CgdkzG6a7NQggikxk9vVv6vxcs”]He subsequently returned to Ghana on Thursday after being on medical leave for past 12 days.

In the post, Dr. Bawumia was thankful to everyone who prayed and supported him when he was unwell.

“I appreciate the fellow feeling, love and best wishes expressed during my recent medical leave. I am most grateful to the Almighty God for his mercies. In particular, I thank President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the first lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Chief of Staff, the Government, my lovely wife Samira Bawumia, my family, and you, the Ghanaian people, for the support.”

“My sincere gratitude also goes to the mosques, churches and individuals who in diverse ways interceded on my behalf, as well as the medical staff who discharged their duties in a most professional manner,” the Vice President added.


Nana Addo leaves Ghana for educational conference in Senegal

The President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has left Ghana for Senegal to attend a global education conference.

His attendance is upon the invitation of that country’s president, Macky Sall, and French President, Emmanuel Macron.

Dr. Bawumia is thus acting as the President during Nana Akufo-Addo’s absence from the country.

The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Aaron Oquaye, had acted twice in similar capacity when both the President and his Vice were not around.

Workaholic Bawumia sleeps only 4 hours – Mustapha Hamid

The Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid, had earlier said Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia gets only three to four hours of sleep a day, and spends the rest of the time working for the people of Ghana.

Speaking to Citi News on Thursday at the Kotoka International Airport on the sidelines of Bawumia’s return to Ghana, Hamid said he was hopeful the Vice President will have enough rest so that he does not break down.

“We know that he’s a workaholic; he’s been working so hard. This is a man who sleeps just about three or four hours out of 24 hours, but we hope that this time in spite of the enormous work that has to be done, that he will be urged to slow down a bit and take a rest,” he added.

The controversies

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.

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”.

By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post I’m back to work, thanks for your prayers – Bawumia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

]]>