As we bid bidding farewell to 2024, let’s take you down memory lane with some stories that made headlines.
Adomonline.com highlights a recap of some of the topical stories in politics, entertainment, sports and socio-economic issues you may have missed.
Protests, the fight against galamsey, SSNIT hotel sales, strikes by several labour unions and big political events made headlines.
Find below stories that made headlines in 2024
NPP Primaries:
Ahead of the December 7, 2024, election, the New Patriotic Party(NPP) on January 27 held its parliamentary primary to elect its candidates.
The election was largely peacefully although there were isolated incidents of violence in some constituencies.
New faces emerged in some constituencies while several bigwigs lost their seats.
In a major upset, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, was ousted in the Tano North constituency by Dr. Gideon Boako, Spokesperson for the Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Adwoa Safo also lost the Dome-Kwabenya seat to Mike Ocquaye Jr.
The Abuakwa North constituency also saw a change of guard, with incumbent Gifty Twum-Ampofo losing to Nana Ampaw Addo-Frempong.
Deputy Health Minister, Tina Mensah also lost the Weija-Gbawe seat to lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib with Minister for Public Enterprises and Effia MP; Joseph Cudjoe losing to Isaac Nyarko Boamah while Sheila Bartels lost Ablekuma North to Akua Afriyie.
Akufo-Addo’s ministerial reshuffle
President Akufo-Addo on February 14, 2024, announced his inaugural significant ministerial reshuffle which was the first since assuming office in January 2017.
Approximately 12 current ministers of state, including 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers, are likely to be affected by the reshuffle.
Notably, several prominent government figures are expected to either lose their positions entirely or undergo significant reassignments.
Akufo-Addo sacks 24 DCEs with immediate effect
The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, sacked 24 Municipal and District Chief Executives with immediate effect.
In a letter dated Friday, February 2, the President noted that his decision is in accordance with Article 243 (3) b of the Constitution and section 20 (3) (b) of the Local Government Act, 2014, (Act 936).
The DCEs who have lost their jobs include Patrick Kumor of Weija-Gbawe and Daniel Owuredu of Nkoranza North.
It is unclear why they were sacked.
NPP affirms new Majority leadership as Afenyo-Markin takes over
The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially endorsed Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin as Majority leader in Parliament on February 20.
This decision follows a recent clarification of parliamentary procedures, in line with the Speaker’s ruling on the selection process.
Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah passes on
He left behind a legacy as a devoted family man, being survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, and six children.
Ghana hosts 2023 African Games
Ghana had the opportunity to host the 2023 African Games in March 2024 in Accra.
The event was held at the newly renovated Legon Stadium with 53 participating countries in attendance.
Despite the sterling performance of Ghanaian athletes, their glory and celebrations were short-lived due to controversies regarding the budget for the tournament.
Team Ghana won 68 medals comprising 19 gold, 29 silver and 20 bronze. This is the largest haul in the nation’s history.
2024 elections: NDC confirms Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Mahama’s running mate
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in March announced Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate for John Mahama for the 2024 general elections.
This was after Mr Mahama submitted her name to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Council of Elders for approval.
NPP will never hand over power to NDC – Bryan Acheampong
Minister for Food and Agriculture and Abetifi MP, Bryan Acheampong vowed that that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will never hand over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) in 2025.
He said the party will ensure it remains in government at all cost on April 8, 2023 after a Walk dubbed “Walk to Build A Better Ghana”.
2024 elections: NPP NEC approves NAPO as Bawumia’s running mate
Before his selection, several names were floated as potential running mates which included Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
Other notable figures considered for the role include Apostle Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Pentecost Church-Ghana, and Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture and MP for Abetifi Constituency, Ablekuma West MP; Ursula Owusu Ekuful, Chief of Staff; Frema Akosua Osei Opare.
However, several surveys tipped NAPO as he is popularly known as the preferred candidate among NPP members.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, sparked controversy following a revelation over the sales of four hotels to Bryan Acheampong, the owner of Rock City Hotel and the Minister of Agriculture.
Mr Ablakwa brought to light the controversial sale process of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) 60% shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotel.
The sale process faced significant opposition, particularly from Ablakwa, who exposed the details of the transaction, causing Organised Labour among others to embark on protests.
CETAG declares indefinite strike
CETAG said the decision was anchored on the non-compliance of their employer with various orders from the National Labour Commission (NLC).
These include compensation for additional duties performed in 2022, the application of university allowance rates to CETAG members, and the implementation of a staff audit commencing January 2023.
According to CETAG, despite a previous strike in August 2023 and subsequent compliance with an NLC directive to resume work, the orders remain unfulfilled.
Scores of aggrieved Ghanaian youth took to the streets of Accra to protest against the government.
Members of the Democracy Hub kicked off the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration at the Liberation Road Roundabout.
The protest intends to draw attention to key national issues such as galamsey, socio-economic injustice, unemployment, rising poverty, state capture, nepotism, corruption, and the need for judicial independence.
AFCON 2025Q: CAF withdraws approval for Baba Yara Stadium
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revoked the Baba Yara Stadium’s license in September 2024, citing the poor condition of its playing surface.
This ban meant that the Black Stars are now unable to host any of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches at the venue.
The decision was made after observations made by CAF during the recent Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, which was played at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5th, 2024.
There were proposals for President Akufo-Addo to adopt a more radical approach to the fight against galamsey.
The MPs for Bolgatanga East and Bekwai, Dominic Ayine and Josephe Osei Owusu respectively constituency suggested that a “shoot on sight” policy would be more beneficial to the government’s efforts in combating the menace.
Amidst the heightened calls, Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP and Majority Chief Whip, Franklin Annh-Dompreh, contended that the NDC polluted more water than the NPP.
Galamsey: ‘You polluted the water more than us’ – Annoh Dompreh tells Minority in Parliament
Galamsey: Organised Labour suspends October 10 nationwide strike
Organised Labour suspended its planned nationwide strike which was expected to commence on Thursday 10, October 2024 in protest of the galamsey crisis.
The decision according to Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC,) Joshua Ansah followed a meeting with the government and the leadership of Organised Labour.
The strike was to mount pressure on government to address their demands to halt illegal mining in and around river bodies and forest reserves.
‘I’m so sorry, I don’t deserve to live’ – Chef Smith apologises to Ghanaians
On Tuesday July 2, 2024, Chef Smith held a press conference at La Palm Beach Hotel to announce his record-breaking feat for the longest cooking individual marathon.
However, GWR said it has no record of such an application or attempt from the Ghanaian chef.
Amidst public backlash on deceit, Chef Smith’s manager, Benny said the certificate was not fake, insisting they received a confirmation mail from GWR.
He subsequently asked Ghanaians and the world to forgive him, stating he was only chasing a source of livelihood.
Romance Scam: Hajia4Reall gets 1 year and one day jail sentence in US
Ghanaian social media personality Mona Faiz Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Real, pleaded guilty in the $2m romance scam case in the United States (U.S).
She was therefore sentenced to one year and one day in jail in the US for her involvement in a romance scam.
Hajia4Real was arrested in the UK on November 11, 2022, after participating in the Ghana Music Awards UK.
After her arrest, was extradited to the US in May 2023 to face prosecution.
The charges against her were related to her alleged involvement in a series of romance scams and other fraudulent activities amounting to over $2 million.
Court of Appeal acquits and discharges Ato Forson, Jakpa in Ambulance Case
Businessman, Richard Jakpa became a household name over his involvement in the ambulance trial case alongside Minority Leader and former Deputy Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
After weeks on court proceedings, the Court of Appeal on July 30 acquitted and discharged Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, and businessman Richard Jakpa in the Ambulance case.
They had been charged with allegedly causing financial loss of €2.37 million to the State in a deal to procure ambulances for the Government of Ghana.
Black Stars fail to qualify for AFCON 2025 after draw against Angola
Ghana’s Black Stars failed to qualify for the AFCON 2025 to be staged in Morocco.
Ghana finished the campaign last in Group F-winless in 6 games, registering three defeats and three draws.
Afronita, Abigail place third at 2024 Britain’s Got Talent
Ghanaian dancers Abigail and Afronitaa delivered an electrifying performance on 2024 Britain’s Got Talent, which secured them third place.
Their dynamic routine featured tracks from Reggie ‘n’ Bollie, Fuse ODG, and The Outhere Brothers, captivating both the audience and judges alike.
The duo’s high-energy act was met with a standing ovation from the audience, and the four judges were unanimous in their praise.
They lauded the pair for their outstanding performance, commending their skill, passion, and creativity.
Abigail and Afronitaaa’s achievement is a significant milestone, not only for themselves but also for Ghana, as they showcased the rich talent and vibrant culture of their homeland on an international stage.
2024 elections: Candidates for PNC and PNP disqualified
The Electoral Commission (EC) has disqualified presidential candidates of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah and Janet Nabla of the People’s National Party (PNP) from contesting in the December 7, 2024, presidential elections.
This was after the EC conducted a detailed examination of the nomination forms submitted by the candidates to ensure compliance with the legal requirements.
After a thorough assessment, candidates of the PNC and PNP did not meet the criteria of the Commission.
The founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor suddenly passed on a few weeks to the December 7 election.
Madam Donkor passed at the Ridge Hospital on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Renowned journalist, Adakabre Frimpong Manso who was Akua Donkor’s running mate for the 2020 election has revealed she was diagnosed with respiratory issues.
Before her death, she was GFP’s 2024 presidential candidate.
The party was however disqualified after her running mate, Kwabena Appiah Kubi populalry known as Roman Fada filed nomination to replace her.
NPP loses majority status after Speaker declares four seats vacant
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin declared four seat of Members of Parliament vacant.
The decision came after four the MPs announced their intention to run as independent candidates in the 2024 General Elections, thereby vacating their current party affiliations.
EC declares Mahama winner of 2024 election
After months of intensified campaigns and a keenly contested election, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared former President John Mahama as the winner of the 2024 presidential election without the results from nine constituencies.
His close contender, the New Patriotic Party’s(NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia secured 4,657,304 votes, comprising 41.61%.
2024 elections: ‘The people of Ghana have spoken’ – Bawumia concedes defeat to Mahama
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on December 8 conceded defeat to John Mahama in the 2024 elections.
Speaking at his residence Dr. Bawumia stated that the Ghanaians have spoken and he respects their decision.
He expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for the opportunity to serve as a vice president and presidential candidate.
Re-collation: Supreme Court quashes results in Tema Central, Ablekuma North, Techiman South, Okaikwei Central
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court annulled re-collated parliamentary election results for Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South.
The panel chaired by Justice Gabriel Pwamang on December 27 overturned the Electoral Commission’s (EC) re-collation and subsequent declarations for the above-mentioned constituencies, which had been the subject of intense legal and political disputes.