News

Govt will uphold free speech …President Mahama assures

Published

2 months ago

January 23, 2025

President John Dramani Mahama has assured that his government would guarantee the right to free speech and expression of the citizenry as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

President Mahama regrets Ghana’s decline on the press freedom index over the last eight years, stating that his government would work to restore Ghana’s vaunted reputation as a country where the right to free speech was upheld.

“I know that under the last administration, there were a lot of issues [that led to] we being downgraded on the press freedom index but together, we can work to restore Ghana to its pride of place in terms of media freedom and free expression,” the President Mahama stated.

The President gave this assurance at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday when the Institute of Public Relations – Ghana (IPR -Ghana) called on him.

The Executive Council of the IPR was at the seat of government to congratulate President Mahama, a member of the Institute, on his election as President of the Republic.

As part of a broader communication of government, he revealed that the Information Services Department (ISD) would be moved from the ambits of the Civil Service to the Office of the President.

According to President Mahama, the success or failure of any government was dependent on the efficiency of its interactions with the people and the department, if revamped and redirected, would be better placed to do so.

He explained that the decision to yank off the Ministry of Information and create an office for a minister of state in charge of government communication at the Office of the President was to have a coordinated approach to government information flow.

“One of the things that remain to be done is to bring the ISD under the presidency and modernise that organisation from a civil service organisation into a modern organisation that gives guaranteed information flow to the public in respect of whatever government is doing.

“The days of the cinema vans are gone. Now we have all kinds of instruments of communication. That department must be reformed,” President Mahama stated.

Led by Madam Esther Cobbah, the IPR assured of their unflinching support for the President and his government.

“The Institute is willing and ready to provide communication support towards the realisation of your national objective. Please call us and we’ll be here to support. We are part your army,” Madam Cobbah assured.

In a separate meeting with the Volta Regional Branch of the Christian Ecumenical Bodies, the President entreated the men of God to continue to be watchdogs of his government.

He urged them not to hesitate to draw his government’s attention to developments in government and “speak freely” and same would be taken as positive instrument to right the wrongs.

News

Declaration of Monday, 31st March 2025 and Tuesday, 1st April 2025 as Public Holidays

Published

1 hour ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

The Ministry of Interior has declared Monday, March 31, 2025 and Tuesday, April 1, 2025 as Public Holidays

“The general public is hereby informed that Sunday, 30th March, 2025 or Monday, 31st March, 2025 marks Eid-Ul-Fitr which is a Statutory Public Holiday,” the ministry noted in a press statement

According to the ministry “In view of the fact that 30th March 2025 falls on a Sunday and in the interest of the public, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has by Executive Instrument (E.I.), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601) declared Monday, 31st March 2025 and Tuesday, 1^{^st} April 2025 as additional Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country.”

News

Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Laws in Ghana – Interior Minister

Published

1 hour ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has called for strengthened anti-money laundering laws in Ghana, urging the Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to collaborate in this effort.

During a meeting with a GIABA delegation led by Director-General Edwin Harris, Muntaka Mubarak emphasised the Government’s commitment to supporting GIABA’S work in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

The Director-General of GIABA, Mr. Edwin Harris acknowledged Ghana’s active participation in GIABA operations and encouraged continued collaboration.

Mr. Harris stated that Ghana has made significant progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering laws, with the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2020 (Act 1044).

The meeting had in attendance the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Okletey Teilarbi, the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Doreen Annan, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of FIC, Albert Kwadwo Twum Boafo and other officials from the Ministry, GIABA and FIC.

News

Interior Minister reaffirms commitment to Enhancing Ghana’s Security Architecture

Published

1 hour ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has acknowledged the critical role the Police Service plays in maintaining peace and stability and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s security architecture.

Speaking at the Ghana Police Service Regional Commanders’ meeting, the Minister assured international partners, businesses, and investors, that Government remains committed to providing a secure environment, and ensuring necessary security measures are in place to facilitate uninterrupted business operations.

Muntaka Mubarak commended the Inspector General of the Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno for initiating an orientation for Regional and Unit Police Public Relations Officers.

According to him, the programme aimed to enhance community engagement, share crucial information, and foster trust between the police and the public.

In his remarks, the IGP, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno stated that the meeting provided an opportunity for them to reflect and strategize for the year ahead.

Mr. Yohuno also advised the officers to uphold the highest professional standards, emphasising the need for discipline and ethical conduct in discharging their duties.