The MAXWELL Report

In the aftermath of Wednesday’s tragic crash of a military Z‑9 helicopter that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, President John Dramani Mahama during his state of nation address today, has ordered the establishment of a board of enquiry to determine the cause of the incident. Presidential Response President Mahama immediately declared three days of national mourning and suspended his public engagements, describing the crash as a “national tragedy”. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has been appointed as acting Defence Minister to maintain continuity in government leadership. Purpose of the Board of Enquiry The newly constituted board of enquiry will: Investigate all circumstances surrounding the crash , including mechanical, operational, and environmental factors. Collaborate with aviation experts, Air Force officials, and forensic investigators to ensure a thor...

BY: Mensah Maxwell - mensahm1815@gmail.com  The newly elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration presented its first mid-year budget review on July 24, 2025, delivered by Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson. The review provides a rare glimpse into the government’s fiscal strategy, emerging challenges, and how it plans to reshape Ghana’s economic direction. Below are the key takeaways from the ADOA TV Research Desk.   EXPENDITURE : Credibility vs. Reality  While the government has signaled fiscal restraint, the numbers tell a more complex story. Primary expenditure (excluding interest payments) overshot its target by GH¢2.8 billion, largely due to GH¢9.1 billion in unplanned payments to cover energy sector shortfalls. Meanwhile, some ministries and departments received little or no funding. Notably, the Ghana Gold Board, despite facilitating over $5 billion in gold exports, received zero government support.  There were also no disbursements for petro...