ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
The budgets presented by the FA and other sports associations must be known by the public.
After all, it is the taxpayer's funds that are used to fund these activities.
The reduction in government expenditure and waste reduction apply to all sectors of the economy, including the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Speaker, Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts remain vital cornerstones of our national development strategy, playing a significant role in job creation, cultural exchange, and economic growth.
In recent years, the ministry has launched transformative initiatives to position Ghana as a premier global destination.
These initiatives aim to harness the country's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and dynamic creative sector.
Our flagship initiative, 'THE BLACK STAR EXPERIENCE,' aims to establish Ghana as the gateway to Africa for the global diaspora, featuring thoughtfully curated cultural, historical, and creative arts experiences in collaboration with the private sector, diplomatic missions, ministries, departments, and agencies.
Our aim is to position the Black Star Experience as a uniquely Ghanaian Tourism brand.
The Pan African Month will be a part of the Black Star Experience.
It will include street carnivals, film week, a Fashion festival, a food fair, theatrical and drama performances, concert party competitions, and monthly domestic tourism destinations.
We will strategically promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism to diversify our tourism offerings.
Ghana's peaceful and democratic environment positions us as an attractive hub for international summits, business conventions, and high-profile gatherings.
We must capitalise on this unique advantage to maximise our benefits and strengthen our reputation as the Centre of the World.
We are also committed to revitalising the Accra Marine Drive Project, a significant urban redevelopment initiative designed to transform approximately 241 acres of Accra's coastline into a vibrant tourism and economic hub.
Although the Cabinet approved this vital project during my presidency in 2016, progress stalled under the previous administration.
We will reassess the work completed and take decisive action to bring this important project back on track.
We will develop the Osu Castle, the former seat of Government, and the area surrounding it as a tourist attraction, a pedestrian precinct, with arts and craft markets, and a jewellery and gold market.
Speaker, our road network is the cornerstone of our nation's infrastructure, facilitating over 90% of the transportation of goods and services across the country.
This vital network is critical in supporting agricultural growth by linking farmers to markets, lowering transportation costs and ensuring quicker access to essential supplies and services.
The resulting interconnected benefits foster a vibrant economy and enhance the livelihoods of countless Ghanaians.
While the previous government has made lofty claims about achieving "unprecedented milestones" in the road sector, available evidence does not support its assertion that it constructed over 13,000 kilometres of new roads.
Instead, it has perpetuated a narrative that presents road maintenance and rehabilitation efforts as new construction projects, misleading the public about its accomplishments.
The proportion of poor roads has increased, especially in urban areas, where the number of roads in disrepair surged from 46% in 2015 to 57% by 2021.
Therefore, the road sector is in crisis, mainly due to years of mismanagement.
As many as 85% of awarded contracts have been stalled, and contractors have stopped work due to non-payment.
As of December 2024, unpaid bills owed to contractors exceeded GHS 20 billion for work carried out between 2018 and 2024.
For instance, the Ghana Road Fund obtained a loan of GHS 600 million in March 2018 to refinance outstanding debts and borrowed an additional GHS 1.2 billion from a syndicate of banks in November 2019.
Alarmingly, upon assuming office, the Ghana Road Fund still had outstanding payments—including some as low as GHS 2,000—dating back to 2018.
Current commitments for road projects now total an astonishing GHS 105 billion.
Despite these considerable challenges, this government remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritise vital infrastructure projects that address the pressing backlog of poor roads.
Our strategy will be anchored in executing flagship initiatives under the "Big Push" Programme.
The Big Push will see major rehabilitation of many key roads in the feeder roads, urban roads and Highway sectors.
We will also undertake the following key initiatives to revitalise the road sector: - Reintroduce tolls using modern technology, - Rationalise the Road Sector Portfolio to focus on high-impact initiatives, - De-cap the Road Fund, - Minimise sole-source procurement to encourage competitive bidding and enhance public transparency in procurement processes.
The DRIP equipment acquired at the last moment as a knee-jerk reaction for electioneering purposes will be reorganised into Regional mobile maintenance units to provide emergency road works in the regions.
Speaker, I have realigned the Ministry of Transport to oversee four modes of transport: Aviation, Maritime and Inland Water Transport, Road Transport, and Railways.
The government will commission a feasibility study to develop coastal water transport services.
This initiative aims to promote alternative modes of transport and ensure their integration with existing systems under the National Transport Policy.
It also aims to enhance tourism, reduce road traffic, and mitigate environmental pollution.
Motorcycles and tricycles, commonly known as "Okada," hold significant potential as a more convenient, timely, safe, and cost-effective mode of transportation.
Currently, the Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 (L.I.
2180) prohibit licensing motorcycles and tricycles for fare-paying passengers.
As part of our Government Policy, the Ministry will amend the regulatory framework to regularise their use for commercial passenger transport.
In our ongoing efforts to revitalise the Ho Airport, the government will facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art pilot training academy and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
The Volta Region will become a centre of excellence for aviation training and aircraft maintenance.
This project will create significant employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and bolster tourism in Ho and the surrounding communities.
With the completion of the Tema-Mpakadan rail line, the government will launch passenger services between Tema and Adome.
We will also begin developing the necessary infrastructure on Volta Lake to facilitate freight transport between Tema Port and Buipe as part of our Eastern Corridor multi-modal transport system.
The Western Railway Line will continue to be modernised in partnership with the private sector.
This initiative aims to support the efficient transport of bulk cargo and minerals from the mines in Nsuta, Awaso, and Nyinahin to the Takoradi Port while providing passenger transport along the Western corridor.
The last attempt by the previous administration to re-establish a National Airline has failed.
We will reopen a transparent expression of interest to invite competent, established partners to work with us to establish a national airline.
We believe that an efficient national carrier can help reduce fares on routes where external carriers are currently enjoying a monopoly.
Speaker, our Communication and Digital Technology initiatives focus on expanding our national digital infrastructure to stimulate innovation and enhance public service delivery.
We are also dedicated to improving access to information and communication technologies, promoting the digital economy, and ensuring inclusive and equitable growth across all sectors.
Nevertheless, the sector faces several significant challenges that hinder our progress.
These include insufficient infrastructure for delivering weather and climate services across all time scales, fragmented and uncoordinated databases, outdated legislation and policies that do not keep pace with this rapidly evolving sector, a lack of adequate technology to effectively detect, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity incidents and a daunting debt burden exceeding GHS 2 billion.
Speaker, to revitalise this sector, my government is committed to reviewing existing laws and policies to better align them with emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, the Internet of Things, and Machine Learning.
Additionally, we will develop and expedite the enactment of the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE) Bill.
This legislation will establish the necessary framework for the Centre to concentrate on research and development, consultancy services, and capacity building.
Mr Speaker, Access to safe and reliable water and affordable housing significantly enhances the well-being and quality of life.
These elements are integral to our reset agenda and fundamental to our vision to build a Ghana we want for a prosperous future.
However, the water sector in Ghana faces considerable challenges, particularly from illegal mining activities that contaminate freshwater sources, rendering them unsafe for drinking and agriculture.
This alarming situation highlights the critical need for a decisive and ongoing effort to combat illegal mining to save our environment and public health.
Government will prioritise completing new and ongoing water projects to improve access to safe drinking water.
This commitment should be good news for communities in Keta, Wenchi, Sekondi-Takoradi, Asankragwa, Sefwi Wiawso, Duadaso, Kweiman Danfa, Goaso, Juaben, Aveyime, and Adu Bamso.
We will also tackle critical water projects in Damongo, Tamale, Yendi, Sunyani, Techiman, and Tarkwa to ensure broader access to potable water nationwide.
Mr Speaker, Ghana's coastline stretches approximately 550 kilometres.
Two-thirds of it is threatened by tidal wave erosion, which impacts nearly 30% of our population.
Rising sea levels have exacerbated vulnerabilities in coastal areas, leading to wetland flooding, habitat loss, and community displacement.
Consequently, coastal protection has emerged as a national priority.
Flooding has become an all-too-frequent occurrence in many urban centres across the country, resulting in tragic losses of life, livelihoods, and property.
This scenario underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address these pressing developmental challenges.
Many of our drainage systems are inadequate, worsened by careless waterway construction and the relentless encroachment on wetlands and floodplains.
To tackle these issues, we will explore alternative funding sources to support essential drainage, desilting, flood control, and coastal protection initiatives.
Speaker, the quality of life in any nation relies significantly on a well-regulated and efficient housing market that guarantees access to decent homes.
The housing deficit, estimated at 1.8 million units, has loomed large over us for years.
High costs associated with land, construction materials, and financing have made homeownership unattainable for many, primarily affecting vulnerable populations and contributing to the rise of slums.
My government is steadfast in its commitment to completing all ongoing housing initiatives, beginning with the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project.
We will also implement a low-cost Social Housing Project supported by a District Housing Scheme.
This project aims to remove the financial barriers to home ownership.
Workers in the formal sector, public or private, with 15 to 20 years before retirement can purchase and own a house in cedis and have the cost deducted monthly from their salaries until it is fully paid up.
Speaker, illegal mining, commonly known as 'Galamsey,' has inflicted tremendous harm on our forests, leading to significant land degradation and the pollution of vital water sources.
This reckless activity threatens Ghana's environment and public health.
Presently, 44 of the country's 288 forest reserves have been impacted, an area that is alarmingly equivalent to approximately 7,504 football pitches.
The pollution levels in major rivers within the Southwestern Basin are critically high, with turbidity levels far exceeding permissible limits.
To combat this urgent crisis, we are implementing a proactive approach that includes robust and impartial law enforcement, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and the creation of alternative livelihood programmes.
We are expanding the Minerals Commission's regional offices to strengthen regulatory oversight.
We are establishing a framework that categorises mining activities into small, medium, and large-scale operations, each with tailored regulations.
Establishing a Gold Board will ensure effective governance of the gold industry.
At the same time, we wish to take advantage of Ghana's salt production capacity to place it as a central export commodity under the AfCFTA Government is also seizing opportunities presented by the global shift towards net-zero emissions to craft policies related to critical minerals such as lithium.
The anticipated development of integrated aluminium and iron industries will significantly increase the value of Ghana's natural resources.
In our commitment to restoring degraded forests, we will launch the 'Tree for Life' restoration policy and the Blue Water Initiative, which will transform mined-out areas into ecological recovery zones.
This ambitious afforestation programme aims to establish 20,000 hectares of new plantations and undertake 5,000 hectares of enrichment planting annually.
We will also implement public sensitisation campaigns to foster sustainable forest management practices and uphold the Wildlife Resources Management Act.
Comprehensive reforms will be introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency while ensuring tenure security in land administration.
Speaker, climate change remains a pressing concern for Ghana and the global community.
To meet our climate mitigation targets, Ghana has allocated 24 million metric tonnes of its carbon budget—totalling 64 million metric tonnes—for authorisation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
We have successfully authorised three projects that are poised to reduce 5.2 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
In line with the National Democratic Congress's 2024 Manifesto, we are committed to strengthening institutional and human capacity through necessary adaptation and mitigation measures to bolster resilience in critical sectors such as agriculture, forestry, energy, and water resources.
We also pledge to align our national policies with international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050 and promote a fair and just transition to renewable energy sources.
Mr Speaker, we stand on the cusp of making history—the history of a country that prioritises transparency and accountability as key elements of governance.
During my campaign for President, I pledged, as captured by the NDC's 2024 Manifesto, to take a strong stance against corruption, end state capture, and end the purchase of State and public assets such as lands and other immovable assets by members of the political class.
I also pledged to fight corruption head-on by implementing operation recover all loot (ORAL).
In that regard, Mr Speaker, one of the first committees I established even before my investiture as President, was to establish the Oral committee on the sidelines of the transition committee.
It is instructive to announce that the committee received over two thousand (2,000) complaints and has since submitted a comprehensive report.
The report has been handed over to the Attorney General for further review, thorough investigation, and eventual prosecution.
The recent arrests related to the unwarranted payment of Two Million US Dollars in the Skytrain saga and the National Service ghost names scandal mark only the beginning of a comprehensive response based on the ORAL Committee's findings.
Let me state, Mr Speaker, that my commitment to fighting corruption will continue with the establishment of a unit at the presidency where complaints and reports regarding graft and corruption will continue to be received and transferred to the office of the Attorney General.
We will shortly submit for consideration a bill to regulate and restrict the sale or disposal of public and state assets.
As soon as the 2025 Budget is approved, my government will immediately take steps to reform the existing anti-corruption agencies, increase funding, and improve transparency and accountability.
Mr Speaker, Ghanaians voted largely and overwhelmingly endorsed the NDC because we demonstrated a strong commitment and abhorrence for corruption.
We pledged to fight corruption and implement far-reaching reforms that will eventually achieve a sustainable zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
Speaker, the Justice and Legal sectors play pivotal roles in ensuring accountability and fostering the fair, equitable treatment of our citizens by the State and its agencies.
Delays and uncertainties have plagued justice delivery in Ghana, leading many Ghanaians to perceive a politicisation of the judicial process.
The public's trust in the judiciary's independence is alarmingly low.
We must restore confidence in the judiciary.
My government will uphold its independence, work with the judicial council and services to depoliticise justice delivery and collaborate closely with the Chief Justice to combat corruption effectively.
Mr Speaker, in line with our manifesto commitment to reform and expand legal education, we have developed a Legal Education Reform Bill, ready to be presented to the Cabinet for approval and laying before Parliament.
Mr Speaker, on January 30, 2025, I inaugurated the Constitution Review Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of our fundamental law and ensure that it reflects the hopes and aspirations of our citizens.
The committee, composed of distinguished scholars, jurists, and professionals who have made significant contributions to our nation in the public and private sectors, will engage Ghanaians and consult with relevant stakeholders and experts over the next six months.
The findings will ultimately be presented to the public for approval in a referendum, followed by submission to Parliament for enactment into law.
Mr Speaker, I am pleased to report that Ghana's internal security remains stable despite developments primarily rooted in chieftaincy disputes.
We firmly believe that even amidst conflict, it is essential for our citizens to coexist peacefully and seek resolution.
We will initiate comprehensive reforms across all security agencies to strengthen national security.
One area that has garnered significant public scrutiny is the recruitment process within our security forces.
Accusations of politicisation, favouritism, and selectivity have been prevalent.
Let me assure you that we are committed to changing that narrative and fostering a more transparent and equitable recruitment process.
We are dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of the Ghana Police Service, the Prisons Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Immigration Service, the Narcotics Control Commission, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and all investigative bodies operating under the Ministry for the Interior.
By motivating and re-equipping these agencies, we aim to effectively maintain internal peace and security.
Mr Speaker, I want to reaffirm this government's unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare and well-being of our brave men and women who sacrifice daily to uphold law and order and secure our nation's peace.
We will invest in adequate equipment and suitable accommodation for our security personnel.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I want to emphasise our determination to strengthen democracy.
This is particularly true given the troubling proliferation of military-grade weapons that fell into unauthorised hands under the previous administration.
These weapons pose a significant threat to our national security and constitutional democracy, endangering the safety of all Ghanaians and potentially exacerbating existing conflicts, such as chieftaincy disputes and armed robbery.
Since taking office, we have pursued a responsible approach to account for these unregistered weapons while maintaining stability within the security apparatus.
I am pleased to report that we have made substantial progress and are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this situation are brought to justice.
In our efforts to safeguard our citizens, territory, and democracy, we remain vigilant against the threats of violent extremism and terrorism.
Therefore, we are resolute in enhancing our defence mechanisms through diplomacy, counter-intelligence, information sharing, infrastructure development, and acquisition of specialised technologies.
Achieving a stable and secure nation necessitates the motivation of our uniformed personnel.
Currently, the Ghana Armed Forces face a housing shortfall of over 17,000 units, and we recognise that the inadequate State of barrack accommodation must be addressed promptly.
In addition to housing, we will prioritise improvements to ration and fuel supplies for our security forces.
Quality healthcare is another critical aspect of motivating our Armed Forces.
As we work to expand and improve facilities at the 37 Military Hospital—complemented by the recently restored Oxygen Plant—we remain committed to finishing the delayed Aferi (Kumasi) Military Hospital, which is a top priority for my government.
My goal is to complete and operationalise this facility before the end of the year.
Mr Speaker, like many other state institutions under the previous administration, the Ministry of Defence is burdened with approximately GHS 3.7 billion in debt, a figure that continues to grow as new undisclosed debts are uncovered.
However, the demands of our Army, Navy, and Air Force continue to rise, necessitating modern platforms for effective operations.
Despite these financial challenges, I am confident that the Ghana Armed Forces possesses the human resources necessary to revitalise the Defence Industries Holding Company (DIHOC), which can support the government's efforts.
DIHOC, which began under the late President John Atta Mills during my tenure as the Chair of the Armed Forces Council, is essential for fuelling Ghana's industrialisation drive, which is aligned with our 24-hour economy initiative.
Although DIHOC has expanded, it has yet to be fully optimised to deliver the returns needed for the Ghana Armed Forces and our nation.
I have tasked the Minister for Defence with incorporating innovation and significant private sector participation into DIHOC's operations to harness its considerable potential for economic growth.
Mr Speaker, Ghana's strong international reputation was reaffirmed by the historic participation of foreign leaders during the swearing-in of the President (myself) and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on January 7, 2025.
It reflects the confidence in our country's stability and democratic progress.
Ghana remains committed to Pan-Africanism, non-alignment, democracy, and global cooperation, embracing a "friends to all and enemies to none policy."
We will continue to cultivate diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and shared values.
Speaker, Ghana is open for business.
Our policy on economic diplomacy focuses on export diversification, foreign investment, and job creation.
A new blueprint and delivery unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with clear Key Performance Indicators will be launched soon to ensure foreign engagements yield tangible benefits.
Because of emerging security threats, especially on our borders, Ghana is committed to security initiatives, particularly in the Sahel.
We will maintain a continuous engagement with our Sahelian neighbours and continue to work with them to resolve the difficult situation they are confronted with.
I have appointed a Special Envoy to help sustain diplomatic relations, aiming to achieve their reintegration into the regional bloc.