2023 has been a very eventful year, beginning on a high note in terms of news.
The year began with Ghanaians reeling from the country’s economic predicament and bailout discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), followed by discussions on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), the reshuffle of the Minority Leadership in Parliament, the resignation of Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen from the Ministry of Trade portfolio, and uproar over Meek Mill’s video at the Jubilee House.
All these events occurred in the first month of the year — January 2023.
Several scandals that plagued the National Cathedral project also began this year.
Issues of Akonta Mining also dominated major news bulletins in January.
Below are some of the biggest stories that dominated the headlines this year:
Economy
The IMF bailout and the challenge in securing the second tranche of the $3 billion package.
Soaring inflation: Beginning the year at 53.6%, Ghana’s inflation dropped to 26.4% by November 2023.
Taxes: The Minority in Parliament accused the New Patriotic Party government of introducing over 50 new taxes since assuming office in 2027. Several dignitaries also joined calls for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
Import restrictions fiasco: Efforts by the government to introduce an import restrictions bill to restrict the importation of certain items, including tripe and sugar, into the country failed to materialize as the Minority in Parliament and other identifiable groups raised concerns.
Politics
Gyakye Quayson: Within the political space, the Supreme Court ordered Parliament to expunge the name of Gyakye Quayson, MP from Assin North, from its records. This follows a court case filed against him for owing allegiance to another country. He subsequently won a by-election held after his name was removed from the records of Parliament.
Kumawu by-election: Also, there was a by-election in the Kumawu constituency in the Ashanti Region following the passing of the sitting MP, Philip Basoah. The New Patriotic Party’s candidate, Ernest Yaw Anim, won the by-election.
IGP’s leaked tape: Some top police officials were captured on a leaked tape, allegedly plotting to oust the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and help the NPP win the 2024 polls.
Parliament set up a committee to investigate the issue. The committee has completed the probe but is yet to make the findings public.
Parliamentary and presidential primaries
The opposition National Democratic Congress successfully organized its parliamentary and presidential primaries. Some seasoned NDC MPs lost their bid to return to the house. Former President John Dramani Mahama was also elected as the NDC flagbearer for the 2024 polls.
The NPP also elected Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as its flagbearer for the 2024 general elections. The party also elected parliamentary candidates in constituencies it does not have sitting MPs.
The primaries for sitting NPP MPs are scheduled for January 2024. Already, about 18 NPP MPs have decided not to seek re-election.
John Mahama’s 24-hour economy: John Dramani Mahama reiterated his promise to implement a 24-hour economic policy in Ghana, incentivising industries and organizations to operate 24 hours. The opposition has, however, rubbished the promise. Mahama made a similar promise during the 2020 polls.
Creation of Guan Constituency: The Electoral Commission submitted a CI to Parliament for the creation of the Guan Constituency. The CI has matured, hence the people of Guan will this time round have the opportunity to vote in both the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Protests
OccupyBoG Protest: The Minority in Parliament demanded the resignation or dismissal of the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies. They claimed the Governor and his deputies failed to inform Parliament before fiscally supporting the government. They were also unhappy with the debt incurred by the BoG and its ongoing new headquarters. The Minority MPs embarked on a protest to put pressure on the government and the BoG leadership, but the protest yielded no positive results.
#OccupyJulorbiHouse protest: The protest took place from September 21 to 23, 2023. The protesters, who were demonstrating against the government’s economic policies and alleged corruption, had over 50 of their members arrested by the police.
The incident sparked outrage from Ghanaians, who accused the police of using excessive force against unarmed civilians.
Pensioner bondholders picket: Some pensioner bondholders also picketed at the Ministry of Finance for several days, demanding that their pension cash should not be added to the domestic debt exchange programme.
Deaths
Some prominent persons also passed away during the year under review. They include:
- Mrs Theresa Kufuor, the wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor
- Respected lawyer and human rights activist, Akoto Apaw
- NDC stalwart Sherry Ayittey
- NPP stalwart and former Majority Leader, Felix Owusu-Adjapong
- Former MP for the Ningo-Prampram and Council of State member, ET Mensah
- The king and Overlord of Gonja, Prof Tuntunba Boressah
- Former GFA Chairman, Alhaji MND Jawula
- Ghanaian football, Christian Atsu
- Ghanaian football star, Raphael Dwamena
- Former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy (Rtd.)
- Ama Busia, former first vice-chair of the NPP and sister of late Kofi Abrefa Busia
- Renowned Financial Analyst, Sydney Casely-Hayford
- Former NPP MP for Bantama, Daniel Okyem Aboagye
Crime/Suspected crimes
Cecilia Dapaah’s scandal: Former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, is currently being investigated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor after several million dollars and cedis were found in her house. Some of her bank accounts were frozen by the OSP during the probe.
Ato Essien jailed: Former Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Capital Bank, Ato Essien, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labor. This followed his failure to pay in full an amount of GH¢90 million he agreed to pay the state despite several lifelines given him since December 2022.
Ato Essien pleaded guilty to 16 counts of stealing, money laundering, and conspiracy to steal for his role in the collapse of Capital Bank.
Aisha Huang jailed: Prominent illegal miner, Aisha Huang, was jailed for four and a half years after she was found guilty of mining without a license. She was also fined by the court to the tune of GH¢48,000. The Judge, after considering the case of the prosecution and defense, found the accused guilty. The accused was previously let go on similar charges.
Hajia4reall arrested: A Ghanaian social media influencer, Mona Faiz Montrage, was extradited from the United Kingdom to the US for allegedly swindling over $2 million from older, single American men and women in a twisted lonely hearts scam. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Social
Akosombo Dam spillage: Following the spillage of the Akosombo Dam in September 2023, over 30,000 persons living close to the Volta Lake and its estuaries were displaced.
Relief items were given to the affected persons. Citi FM/Citi TV rallied support for the victims. Over 50 affected communities have so far benefited from the gesture. Currently, resettlement centers are being constructed in some of the affected areas.
Education
SHS headteachers interdicted: Some head teachers of second cycle schools were interdicted for allegedly charging fresh students unauthorized fees. They are currently being investigated.
Entertainment
Afua Asantewaa’s Sing-a-thong record attempt: Afua Asantewaa Owusu Aduonum concluded her captivating Guinness World Record attempt for the singing marathon after an impressive 126 hours and 52 minutes.
While awaiting verification from Guinness World Record judges, Asantewaa’s effort is believed to have significantly exceeded the existing record set by India’s Sunil Waghmare in 2012.
The marathon commenced at midnight on December 24, 2023, and concluded on the morning of December 29, 2023.
Health
Korle Renal unit closure: The closure of the Renal unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the rise in the prices of renal dialysis services provoked Ghanaians who called on the government to subsidize such services.