Ghana Roundup: Presidential jet, Respiratory infections, SHS food crisis
President uses brother’s private jet
President John Mahama’s recent use of his brother, Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet for an official trip to Senegal and The Gambia has sparked controversy. According to Felix Ofosu Kwakye, the President’s acting spokesperson, this decision stems from an ongoing review of the presidential aircraft by the Communications Squadron of the Ghana Air Force. Speaking on Saturday, January 18, 2025, Ofosu Kwakye emphasised that the arrangement imposes no financial burden on the state. “The most critical point is that this alternative arrangement has not in any way, shape, or form cost the Ghanaian taxpayer a dime,” he stated in an interview with TV3, as reported by Graphic Online.
President visits troops in The Gambia
On his first international trip since his inauguration, President Mahama paid a visit to Ghanaian troops deployed with the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) on Friday, January 17, 2025. The visit included discussions with Gambian officials on security cooperation and bilateral relations. Graphic Online reports that during his address to the troops, President Mahama lauded their professionalism and dedication to maintaining peace and security. He also reaffirmed Ghana’s support for The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission to address past injustices and strengthen institutional frameworks.
Rise in respiratory infections
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has raised concerns about an alarming increase in acute respiratory infections, particularly those linked to Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV). The infections, which have surged in China and other Northern Hemisphere regions since late December 2024, are attributed to seasonal spikes rather than a novel outbreak, Daily Guide Network reports. A World Health Organisation (WHO) risk assessment released on January 7, 2025, noted that such increases are common during winter. In response, Ghanaian health authorities convened at the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre to evaluate the situation and reinforce public health measures.
Fuel prices increment
The second pricing window for January has brought slight fuel price hikes at some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). GOIL, a state-owned OMC, increased petrol prices from GH₵14.99 per litre to GH₵15.74, while diesel rose from GH₵15.60 to GH₵15.77. Shell followed suit, adjusting petrol prices from GH₵15.30 per litre to GH₵15.59 and diesel from GH₵15.66 to GH₵15.79. These adjustments are attributed to rising global crude oil prices and the depreciation of the cedi. At the current exchange rate of approximately GH₵14 to USD$1, petrol at GOIL now costs around $1.26 per litre, CitiNewsRoom reports
Senior High School food crisis
Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare has attributed the food crisis in Ghana's Senior High Schools to financial mismanagement, not a food shortage. Speaking on The Big Issue on January 18, 2025, Asare emphasised the need for improved cash flow coordination between the Ministries of Finance and Education. He identified delayed payments to suppliers, especially smaller ones, as the root cause, urging financial reforms to prevent future shortages and ensure the success of the free SHS program.
