His attendance at the ISA Summit was at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.

The Summit, attended by 25 other Heads of State and Government, provided a dedicated platform for co-operation amongst solar resource rich countries, aimed at realizing “the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting the energy needs of ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.”

President Akufo-Addo told the Summit that Ghana was committed and determined to increasing solar energy in the country’s energy mix.

He further assured that in keeping with Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, his government would take the needed steps to ensure that the country attains utility-scale solar electricity from about 22.5 megawatts to 250 megawatts by 2030.

President Akufo-Addo informed the Summit that a major strategy to achieving those targets in Ghana, was to build the relevant domestic capacity in the manufacture and assembling of solar energy systems and accessories within Ghana.

“This will also help create job opportunities for our vibrant and hardworking youth. Ghana is a haven of peace and security. My government is keen on building the most business-friendly environment for investment, especially investment in the renewable energy sector.”

“Our country is endowed with great potential, where security and the rule of law are upheld, where investments are secure, and by the end of the year, we are projected to be the fastest growing economy in the world.”

The President was met on arrival at the Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Obed Akwa and some Ministers of state and Senior Government Officials.

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Source: GNA

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Nana Akufo-Addo who left Ghana for a 10-day visit to Togo, the United States of America, and Germany on February 23, 2018, was scheduled to return on Monday, March 5, but will instead return tonight [Saturday], March 3, 2018.

citifmonline.com’s sources at the Presidency have said that President Akufo-Addo’s early return is due to the upsurge in robbery cases in the country.

[contextly_sidebar id=”DPBghWbBRJlQTGjw7Q52AXIt9Cpduu45″]Some Ghanaians took to social media earlier this week to express disappointment at the President for being away from the country while Ghanaians are terrorised by robbers and other armed assailants.

Minister of State in charge of National Security, Bryan Acheampong, had disclosed that over 200 robbery cases have been recorded since January 2018.

There has been a significant increase in the number of cases so far this year as compared to the same time last year.

The President’s visit to Togo saw him resume mediation efforts to finding “a lasting solution” to the country’s political impasse.

In the US, the President Akufo-Addo addressed the National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting, in Washington.

He later went to Germany where delivered the keynote address at the 5th German-African Economic Forum, in Dortmund.

Nana Akufo-Addo returned to the U.S. where he took part in the World Leader’s Forum programme, organised by the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The figure dropped from 622 requests in 2016 to 394 requests in 2017. This means there was a 228 drop in the number of sole sourced contracts applied for within the one year period.

President Akufo Addo disclosed this during his encounter with journalists at the Flagstaff House on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

In his view, this is an indication of his government’s commitment to sanitize the Public Procurement system and give value for money.

Of the number applied for, 577 representing 98% were approved with 29 of them rejected.

In 2017, government approved 223 or 56.6% out of the 394 sole sourcing requests presented to it.

On the other hand, 171 of the requests representing 43.6% were rejected.

Restricted contracts drop by 42%

Meanwhile in 2016, the erstwhile NDC government approved 587 or 99.15% of all restricted tenders that were requested for.

This translated into zero savings on the requests put forward.

In 2017 however, restricted tenders also declined by 246 or 41.5%. The figure went down to 346 from 592 requests.

The President also indicated that, the decision by the NPP administration has led to government saving 145 million cedis, 142 million dollars, €1.8m and £23,400.

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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana

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“This visit is a reciprocal one to the visit made to Cote d’Ivoire by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in May this year, at the start of his tour of the countries of West Africa,” a statement from the Presidency said.

[contextly_sidebar id=”98kF03h1WuWgpa2BwsSGU5xvB3wrHWN7″]The two Presidents are expected to hold bilateral discussions at the Flagstaff House on Monday, 16th October, 2017, after which the two leaders will address a joint press conference.

President Akufo-Addo will later that evening, host his Ivorian counterpart to an official dinner.

As part of the visit, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire will sign a bilateral agreement, and inaugurate a joint commission for the implementation of the recent judgement passed by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on the delimitation of the maritime boundaries of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

Ghana wins maritime dispute case against Ivory Coast

The maritime dispute between Ghana and Cote d’lvoire came to what appears to be a closure on September 23, 2017, after ITLOS ruled largely in favour of Ghana.

The Chamber, in its judgment, held that there has not been any violation on the part of Ghana on Côte d’Ivoire’s maritime boundary.

It further rejected Côte d’Ivoire’s argument that Ghana’s coastal lines were unstable, adding that Ghana had not violated Côte d’Ivoire’s sovereign rights with its oil exploration in the disputed basin in question.

In May 2017, President Akufo-Addo paid a three-day visit to Cote d’Ivoire, at the commencement of his tour of West African countries.

“During that visit, President Akufo-Addo revealed that, the close co-operation between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire will be facilitated by a new initiative dubbed “An Agreement For a Strategic Partnership”, that will be signed by the two countries,” the statement from the presidency noted.

This agreement, according to President Akufo-Addo, “will bind Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire in even closer intimacy and go beyond the bounds of the concept of the Permanent Joint Commission, which is the conventional tool for co-operation.”

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

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While there, the President will hold bilateral talks with his counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou, and also meet the Ghanaian community there.

Niger is the latest country the President is travelling to after returning from Liberia and Mali last weekend.

The visits are aimed at deepening Ghana’s bilateral relations and reiterate his administration’s full commitment to the ideals of ECOWAS.

A few weeks ago Akufo-Addo took his African tour to Senegal.

He spent two days  holding interactions with that country’s President and meeting the Ghanaian community there.

Akufo Addo has so far visited a number of African Countries including Guinea, Liberia, and Cape Verde.

The president during one of his visits to the African Countries reiterated Ghana’s full commitment to supporting ECOWAS to allow it succeed.

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By: Sammi Wiafe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He said he had noted that a lot of his utterances in recent times, resulted in controversy, stating that he was not bothered by that because “that is how it should be.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”hYREdssygqc0EBmnFAzcYPYvOufEFhYZ”]Speaking at a ‘Ghana 60 years on’ dinner on Thursday, March 9,2017], he said persons who are alleging that he deliberately distorted Ghana’s independence history to belittle Ghana’s first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, were not around before independence but only “came much after the independence era.”

“I made a speech to the country which I tried to speak about how Ghana became Ghana. Everything I say has ended up to be a controversy, but that is how it should be. A politician who doesn’t generate controversy is a dull politician, and that is not an interesting politics. The amusing part of this is that, the people who did not live through the independence era, young people who came much after, claim I distorted the history of Ghana and belittled the role of Kwame Nkrumah,” he said.

The president has come under heavy criticism by a section of the public, most of whom have aligned themselves with the ideals of Dr. Nkrumah for giving prominence to J.B Danquah and other members of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in his 60th independence anniversary speech, rather than Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who is credited for leading Ghana to gain independence in 1957.

But Nana Akufo-Addo has suggested that his critics’ allegations are misguided.

He noted that, the president of Zimbabwe, aged 93, who followed Ghana’s independence journey, commended him for the speech.

“The one man who lived through the era was here in Ghana at the time, embraced me for having enhanced the image of Kwame Nkrumah. And that tells you everything about Ghanaian politics, as President Mugabe gave me a big hug.”

Akufo-Addo also added that, the disagreements to his speech were an indication of the beauty of the country’s democracy.

He added that having varying contributions and ideas on issues in the country helped to promote the country’s development.

“We should cherish that and hold on to that fast because it is the best way we would develop our country. Then all the best of ideas will come forward when the different views are expressed and that will enable us to progress and progress faster,” he said.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @jnyabor

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The message, which was delivered on behalf of the Pope by Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, also indicated to President Akufo-Addo that Pope Francis had decided to send an envoy from The Vatican for Ghana’s 60th Independence celebration.

This decision by Pope Francis, according to Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, was the first time in 40 years that a delegation had been sent by the Pope to witness Ghana’s Independence Day celebration.

This, according to the Papal Nuncio, was indicative of the high regard Pope Francis has for President Akufo-Addo, Ghana and her democratic credentials.

Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich made this known on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, when he paid a courtesy call on the President.

He also urged President Akufo-Addo to announce the name of a new Ambassador from Ghana to The Vatican, as there isn’t one at the moment.

In his brief response, President Akufo-Addo, through the Archbishop, thanked Pope Francis for his message, and expressed his deepest respects and appreciation for the immense work being done by Pope Francis, especially for the year.

He also commended the Catholic Church for the invaluable support given to Ghana, in the areas of education, health and the provision of social services to the citizenry, over the years, particularly through the Catholic Relief Services.

President Akufo-Addo assured Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich that, in the tenure of his Presidency, he will deepen further the relations between Ghana and The Vatican, for the mutual benefit of its citizens.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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His visit, the first to The Gambia by a British foreign secretary, comes weeks after long-time ruler Yahya Jammeh went into exile after losing elections.

Mr Jammeh took The Gambia out of the Commonwealth in 2013, calling it a neo-colonial institution.

New President Adama Barrow had promised a return to the 52-nation grouping.

Before leaving for Banjul, Mr Johnson said: “We will ensure this happens in the coming months.

“The strength of our partnerships show that Global Britain is growing in influence and activity around the world.”

The Commonwealth secretariat said it welcomed the news, saying the formal process of rejoining would have to be agreed by the 52 heads of government.

“When The Gambia left the Commonwealth in 2013, the heads of government… noted its decision with regret. We looked forward to the country’s eventual return because it was part of our very close knit family and our doors have always remained open,” a spokesman said.

Last week, the European Union promised The Gambia an aid package of nearly £65m ($81m) – almost three years after freezing its assistance to the West African nation.

Mr Barrow, who was sworn in last month, has also said The Gambia will reverse its move to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a statement on Monday, the government said it had written to UN chief Antonio Guterres to inform him of its decision “to discontinue the withdrawal notice”.

A former Gambian information minister had referred to the court last year as “an International Caucasian Court for the persecution and humiliation of people of colour, especially Africans”.

The move is a blow to Africa’s anti-ICC lobby – which includes South Africa, Namibia and Burundi.

At the annual African Union summit held this month, leaders called for a mass walk-out from the ICC, but faced opposition from other countries, including Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia.

‘Return from 22 years in exile’

The Foreign Office said as well as holding talks with Mr Barrow, Mr Johnson would visit the UK-funded Medical Research Council and speak to Chevening scholars and workers and employers in the tourism industry.

The West African state is a popular holiday destination for Britons. Thousands had to be evacuated last month because of security concerns when Mr Jammeh was refusing to hand over power after losing December’s elections.

Mr Barrow, whose swearing-in was held in neighbouring Senegal, is to be inaugurated as president in a ceremony at the national stadium on Saturday.

Several heads of state are expected to attend. Local dignitaries may include former Vice-President Alhagie Saihou Sabally, who local media said had returned to the country on Monday after 22 years in exile.

Mr Jammeh, who took power in coup in 1994, is now in exile in Equatorial Guinea after West African leaders deployed troops to The Gambia to ensure he left power.

Mr Johnson will go on to Ghana for talks with President Nana Akufo-Addo on Wednesday.

Referring to him and Mr Barrow, Mr Johnson said: “Their elections highlight the continuing strengthening of democracy in West Africa.”

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Source: BBC

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The Summit, which is to take place from 30th to 31st January, will be preceded by a meeting of the Executive Council which starts today.

This will be Nana Addo’s second trip outside Ghana after his inauguration as President.

Few days after his inauguration, President Akufo-Addo left Ghana in his first official international assignment to attend the 27^th African-France Summit held in Bamako, Mali.

The summit, held on January 14, 2017, saw heads of state from various African countries commit to ensuring that economic growth in their respective countries lead to a more “inclusive economy”, which will create jobs for the youth.

The resolution was in line with the framework of the International Sustainable Development Agenda – the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the African Union’s Agenda, 2063.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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These will include some heads of states, members of the diplomatic corps and senior citizens.

The inauguration will be held at the Independence Square in Accra.

The spokesperson for the president-elect’s side of the transition team, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah at a press briefing on Wednesday, December 28, said the Information Services Department had also began receiving applications from media organizations for accreditation to cover the event.

“Currently, the invitations have gone out to the heads of states and the heads of government agencies that will be joining us for that day. The Information Services Department is also requesting our friends in the media to also bring in applications for accreditation for the said day.”

“The inauguration of the 7^th Parliament of the 4^th Republic will take place between 10:00pm and midnight on the night of the 6^th January to the morning December and 7^th January at the parliament house. About 6,000 guests are expected for the swearing-in of the President-elect and this includes Members of Parliament and all the other state organizers that are required for an event like this one,” he said.

 ‘Akufo-Addo to be sworn-in as President’

Nana Akufo-Addo will officially be sworn-in as Ghana’s President on 7th January 2016, after winning convincingly in the country’s just ended Presidential elections.

He succeeds the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) John Mahama who served just one term in office.

Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will take both the Presidential Oath and Oath of Office, which will be administered by the Chief Justice, Mrs. Georgina Theodora Wood, before an open Parliament.

This will be done in the presence of the new Parliament and its Speaker at the Independence Square.

The incoming Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will also take the oath of office.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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