General News
Israel Disappointed in Ghana’s Abstention on Iran Nuclear Vote
The State of Israel has expressed disappointment with the Government of Ghana for abstaining from a critical vote at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which declared Iran to be in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the IAEA’s 35-member Board of Governors—chaired by Ghana—passed a resolution condemning Iran’s lack of cooperation regarding its nuclear program. It was the first such resolution in nearly two decades and could pave the way for Iran’s referral to the United Nations Security Council.
The resolution, seen by Reuters, states that Iran has repeatedly failed since 2019 to provide the IAEA with timely and full disclosure about undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple locations. This, it said, constitutes a violation of Iran’s Safeguards Agreement with the agency.
Tensions between the IAEA and Iran have escalated since the collapse of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, following the United States’ withdrawal under then-President Donald Trump in 2018. The vote comes amid renewed global concerns, with the U.S. recently evacuating personnel from parts of the Middle East and issuing warnings about growing regional threats.
The resolution—sponsored by the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany—passed with 19 votes in favor, 11 abstentions, and 3 votes against, cast by Russia, China, and Burkina Faso.
Israeli Ambassador Criticizes Ghana’s Position
Reacting to Ghana’s abstention, Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, Mr. Roey Gilad, expressed regret, noting that Israel had counted on Ghana, a longstanding ally, to back the resolution.
“Ghana abstained from voting on Iran’s non-compliance with its nuclear program. We lobbied Ghana strongly, hoping for its support, but we were disappointed,” Ambassador Gilad told journalists during a press briefing at his residence in Accra.
He described Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a global security threat and criticized Ghana’s continued adherence to its traditional non-aligned foreign policy in such matters.
“Iran has openly called for the destruction of the Jewish State of Israel—a country Ghana has considered a friend since 1957. This vote was an opportunity for Ghana to show support, and we hoped for a different outcome,” he said.
Although Ghana’s abstention aligns with IAEA convention—where the Chair typically refrains from voting—Ambassador Gilad suggested this situation warranted an exception.
“Yes, Ghana chairs the Board, but this issue is of such vital importance to Israel that we believe it should have voted,” he added.
Call to Rethink Non-Alignment
While acknowledging Ghana’s sovereign right to make its own decisions, Ambassador Gilad encouraged a review of its long-standing non-alignment stance, especially in matters affecting global peace and security.
“We fully respect Ghana’s independent policy-making. However, as a friend, I believe it’s time to reconsider the non-aligned posture that dates back to Nkrumah’s era. In Israel, we constantly re-evaluate our policies—we believe it would be healthy for Ghana to do the same,” he said.
Relations Remain Strong
Despite the disagreement, the Ambassador emphasized that the incident would not damage the strong ties between Ghana and Israel.
“This will not overshadow our relationship, but it is a point of concern. We value mature partnerships, and mature partners must be able to discuss disagreements openly. We’ve done so in the past and will continue to do so,” Ambassador Gilad concluded.
The IAEA, established in 1957, is the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, mandated to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and prevent its use for military purposes.
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate dissolution of the Board of Trustees overseeing the National Cathedral of Ghana and the closure of its Secretariat, citing serious financial irregularities uncovered by an official audit.
At a press briefing on Friday, July 18, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the Secretariat—previously operating from the Jubilee House—was formally shut down on May 1, 2025.
“The audit findings strike at the core of the project’s integrity and raise grave concerns about the handling of public funds,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He further disclosed that the project, which was registered as a company limited by guarantee, will now face legal action to ensure its full dissolution.
“The National Cathedral Ghana was registered as a company limited by guarantee. Consequently, the Attorney General has been directed to initiate legal proceedings for its complete dissolution in the coming days,” he added.
Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has revealed that an audit into the National Cathedral project has exposed a GHS 4.9 million discrepancy in payments made to the architectural firm Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, July 18, Mr. Ofosu said the audit found inconsistencies between official government records and the payment figures reported by the firm. According to him, while the Office of the President accounts for a total payment of GHS 113,040,564.86, Sir David Adjaye & Associates claims to have received GHS 117,972,656.00 — a difference of GHS 4,932,091.14.
“The audit report reveals troubling discrepancies in consultancy fees paid to Sir David Adjaye & Associates Ltd. for the mobilisation and design of the National Cathedral of Ghana,” he stated.
The breakdown shows that between September 26, 2018, and November 25, 2019, the Ministry of Finance paid the firm GHS 87,938,750.00. Additionally, the Office of the President made two payments:
GHS 29,664,845.29 on February 19, 2021
GHS 369,060.71 on March 5, 2021
These payments bring the total received by the firm to GHS 117,972,656.00 — matching its claims but conflicting with the official government figure.
The unexplained GHS 4.9 million shortfall has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the management of the controversial National Cathedral project.
General News
Mahama Vows to Complete Key Infrastructure Projects Under $10bn ‘Big Push’ Agenda in Kumasi
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s infrastructural transformation with a bold pledge to commence and complete major road and market projects under his ambitious $10 billion ‘Big Push’ agenda.
During his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, July 16, following his resounding re-election in 2024, President Mahama outlined a comprehensive development plan to tackle traffic congestion and boost economic activity. Central to his announcement is the Greater Kumasi Bypass Project and the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, both expected to significantly ease transportation challenges and enhance the free flow of goods and people.
He inspected the long-abandoned Krofrom Market project, which has been stalled since 2007, and assured the public it would be completed and operational by the end of 2026. He also visited the Kumasi Central Market to monitor progress on current works.
Addressing a large gathering at the Kumasi Jubilee Park, President Mahama reiterated his commitment to reviving and completing numerous abandoned projects in the region. These include:
Mamponteng Market
Kejetia Market Phase Two
Afari Military Hospital
Komfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Block
Sewua Regional Hospital
Suame Interchange Project
Boankra Inland Port
Baba Yara Sports Stadium rehabilitation
Under the ‘Big Push Agenda,’ the government plans to invest $2 billion annually over five years to close Ghana’s infrastructure deficit, which the World Bank estimates at $1.5 billion per year.
“This programme will focus on strategic infrastructure that unlocks national productivity,” Mahama said. “We’re commencing the Greater Kumasi Bypass as part of this bold initiative.”
He further pledged to begin reconstruction of roads in the Tepa, Adansi, and Manso areas.
On the long-awaited Accra–Kumasi Expressway, Mahama disclosed that feasibility and design works are already underway, with sod-cutting scheduled for early 2025. Once completed, the expressway is expected to shorten the Accra-Kumasi journey by 50km before the end of his term in 2029.
Touching on environmental issues, the President condemned illegal mining activities, emphasizing that his administration supports legal and responsible mining. He vowed to clamp down on ‘galamsey’ operations and promote sustainable practices within the mining sector.
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