Podcasts about akufo addo

Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed claims that President John Dramani Mahama has increased the salaries of staff at the Presidency. He insists that the current remuneration structure was established under the previous Akufo-Addo administration

Afari Military Hospital was completed and equipped before the NPP left office. President Akufo-Addo planned to commission it alongside Suame Hospital, but the contractor was unavailable. — Hon. Michael Akwu Amoah, former Atwima Nwabiagya MCE and NPP Ashanti hopeful

Akufo-Addo's failure to sign the LGBTQ+ Bill was one of the lowest moments of his presidency. As a lawyer, that decision was constitutional lawlessness. — Lawyer Abass Nurudeen, CEO of the Social Investment Fund.

President John Dramani Mahama has openly criticised the previous Akufo-Addo administration over its handling of the Agenda 111 hospital projects.

Chairman of Parliament's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, Shaibu Mahama, has described former President Akufo-Addo's decision not to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, as a blessing in disguise

Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, has claimed that former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was removed from his position due to his support for the LGBTQ+ bill, alleging the decision was influenced by his stance on the controversial legislation under Nana Akufo-Addo

Okudzeto Ablakwa asked Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to fly with an aircraft with a broken engine - Ellen Ama Deku

Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to seek guidance from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on governance, particularly in addressing challenges in the cocoa sector and the broader economy

In the wake of the cocoa farmers' haircut and the gold sales controversy at the Bank of Ghana, where are the loud-mouthed CSOs and clergy? Are they enjoying life under the Mahama government? Weren't these the same people who hounded the Akufo-Addo government? What has happened to their voices? - Sam Pyne, Former KMA Boss

Mustapha Gbande says Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's victory represents a continuation of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's third-term agenda. He also revealed that videos of NPP candidates insulting each other will be shown across constituencies to remind Ghanaians of the extremes politicians may go to for power

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged aspirants in the NPP's January 31, 2026, presidential primaries to place party unity above personal ambition, describing the peace pact they signed as a meaningful commitment rather than a symbolic gesture

Joseph Azumah, Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, stated that Ghanaians who left the country during President Akufo-Addo's administration are now returning because of the good governance of President John Dramani Mahama. He said whoever the National Democratic Congress chooses as their flagbearer stands to gain a significant advantage due to President Mahama's leadership and accomplishments

We never opposed the 10 percent royalty under the former Akufo-Addo government as a parliamentary minority - Alhaji Collins Dauda clarifies on the Ghana lithium agreement.

Charlotte Osei had a very good relationship with Akufo-Addo and wanted to ride on that to get her deputies out of office - Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah Esq (MP for Manhyia South)

Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has urged government officials to focus on resolving challenges and ensure the Agenda 111 hospital projects are completed, rather than allowing them to deteriorate.

"We have come to understand that galamsey will not end simply because Akufo-Addo is no longer in power." - Dennis Miracles Aboagye – Director of Communications - Bawumia Campaign

Nana Kwadwo Jantuah tackles Akufo-Addo's debt restructuring comment.

Akufo-Addo administration clashes with World Bank over findings on Ghana's 2022 economic downturn

Mining in forests didn't begin under President Akufo-Addo. Our concern was with how it was being done, which is why we spoke against it while we were in opposition - Frank Pedro Asare

A 72-year-old man, Wofa Kwofie, has been stabbed to death with a cutlass by his friend, identified as Akufo Addo, after a quarrel over GHC300 at Daboase in the Wassa East District of the Western Region. The suspect attempted to escape but was apprehended by the youth

Government Communications Minister at the Presidency, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated categorically that neither he nor the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, will apologize to former President Akufo-Addo for criticizing him over his use of a private jet for travel

A commercial minibus (trotro) driver has been arrested after crashing into a wall near the private residence of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in Nima, Accra.

Mahama is just a good man. Back when the NPP shut down Radio Gold, did Akufo-Addo lift a finger? So why is Gabby Otchere-Darko suddenly crying over Asaase Radio? If I had even a fraction of Mahama's power, I would've done far worse—and shown them where real power truly lies. -Nana Yaa Jantuah, Presidential Staffer

Parliament passes income tax (amendment) bill to abolish controversial betting tax, lottery tax and gaming tax in historic reversal of Akufo-Addo Policies

Adwoa Safo Exposes Serious Corruption in School Feeding Program Under Akufo-Addo's Government!

Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has revealed that President Akufo-Addo told him to step down for Afenyor Markin to be a Majority Leader because NPP is not visible in the Central Region

Kofi Bentil slams the Akufo-Addo government for the last minute employments and backs the dismissals.

NPP Director of Communications has revealed that ex-President Nana Akufo-Addo has directed his former appointees to remain available for any accountability processes following the conclusion of his administration

The Joint Transition Team, comprising representatives from the outgoing administration of President Akufo-Addo and the incoming government of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, has been officially inaugurated.

Le Ghana a connu hier, dimanche 8 décembre, une nouvelle alternance pacifique, la quatrième depuis l'an 2000. Et pour s'assurer que tout se passerait pacifiquement, le candidat du pouvoir a reconnu sa défaite et a appelé le vainqueur pour le féliciter. Pourquoi cette victoire de l'opposant John Dramani Mahama ? Et pourquoi une telle stabilité politique depuis 25 ans, sans troisième mandat et sans coup d'État ? Pierre Jacquemot a été ambassadeur de France à Accra. Il a publié La démocratie à l'épreuve aux éditions de l'Aube. Aujourd'hui, il est expert à la fondation Jean-Jaurès et répond aux questions de Christophe Boisbouvier. RFI : Est-ce que vous êtes surpris par cette victoire de l'opposant John Dramani Mahama? Pierre Jacquemot : Non, pas vraiment. D'abord parce que c'est une personnalité bien connue, déjà expérimentée et qui a un programme qui tient la route. Et puis surtout, c'est la démonstration pour moi de la vitalité de la démocratie ghanéenne, avec notamment le respect de l'alternance, puisque Mahama, qui vient d'être élu, remplace le président Akufo-Addo qui était de l'autre parti. Donc, on est dans un cas de figure où le Ghana, comme c'est le cas du Sénégal aussi d'ailleurs, démontre que la démocratie élective, électorale, peut être parfaitement respectée dans un pays africain.Et pourquoi les Ghanéens ont-ils préféré voter pour l'opposition ? Parce qu'on est dans une situation où le pays connaît une fatigue du modèle économique qui a été mis en place depuis un certain nombre d'années et qui se traduit aujourd'hui par une très forte inflation, ce qui est assez nouveau dans ce pays. On a même une inflation qui a atteint à la fin de l'année 2022 plus de 50 %, ce qui est évidemment considérable. Le cédi, qui est la monnaie locale, a chuté très très gravement, augmentant le coût des importations. Et puis enfin, on peut se demander si ce pays ne traverse pas ce que d'autres pays ont connu par le passé, une phase de malédiction du pétrole, de l'or, du cacao, de ses ressources d'exportation, avec toute une série de dérèglements, dont l'inflation, la chute de la monnaie, mais également des affaires de corruption qui ont marqué la fin de la période de Nana Akufo-Addo.Mais Nana Akufo-Addo n'avait-il pas réussi à ramener l'inflation de 50% à 23% par an ? Oui, mais ça reste très élevé, notamment comparé aux pays voisins. On pourrait d'ailleurs noter à cet égard que la zone franc, le franc CFA, qui est tellement décriée dans la région, lorsqu'on traverse une période difficile comme celle de la pandémie ou celle de la crise sur les approvisionnements en céréales du fait de la guerre en Ukraine, ces pays, je pense au Togo, au Bénin ou à la Côte d'Ivoire, les pays voisins ont mieux tenu le choc. Et le Ghana, qui se faisait fort, au début du mandat de Nana Akufo-Addo, de ne pas avoir recours au FMI, a été obligé de passer sous ses fourches caudines pour défaut de paiement depuis deux ans.Le Ghana était la deuxième puissance économique de l'Afrique de l'Ouest jusqu'à ce que la Côte d'Ivoire passe devant ces dernières années. Est-ce aussi un déclassement qui a compté dans le vote des Ghanéens ? Non, je ne pense pas. Je pense que ce qui a compté, c'est la question du pouvoir d'achat au quotidien, donc la baisse du pouvoir d'achat liée à l'inflation, mais également la question de l'emploi. Près d'un tiers des jeunes sont sans emploi, en tout cas sans emploi formel. Également, il y a une question de sécurité alimentaire, ce qui est relativement nouveau dans ce pays, avec un recours massif à des importations de plus en plus coûteuses.Vous qui avez été ambassadeur à Accra, comment expliquez-vous que ce pays, depuis 25 ans, soit beaucoup plus stable politiquement que ses trois voisins francophones : la Côte d'Ivoire, le Burkina Faso et le Togo ? Ce pays a une histoire singulière. Tout ce dispositif, les Ghanéens le doivent à Jerry Rawlings. C'est assez paradoxal puisque Rawlings est arrivé à la suite d'un coup d'État. Il a mis 20 ans à installer des institutions qui aujourd'hui font leurs preuves et garantissent le bon fonctionnement de la démocratie. Et puis il y a une autre réalité qui peut paraître paradoxale, c'est le poids relatif des chefferies coutumières. La colonisation britannique au Ghana était très différente de celle que la France a imposée en Côte d'Ivoire, par exemple, et les chefferies traditionnelles occupent encore un rôle important, en particulier l'Asantehene, qui est le roi des Ashanti, qui est installé à Kumasi, une personnalité exceptionnelle que j'ai eu le bonheur de connaitre, et qui joue un rôle régulateur, notamment dans la gestion des conflits intercommunautaires, par le truchement de l'écoute, de la recherche de compromis, de la responsabilisation, qui sont des données tout à fait exceptionnelles qu'on retrouve dans un pays comme le Ghana. Donc les institutions qui aujourd'hui font leurs preuves, j'en vois une très intéressante dans le programme de Mahama, c'est la place qu'il veut réserver aux femmes dans les nominations, puisque au moins un tiers de ces nominations doit être réservé à des femmes.Et l'ancienne ministre de l'Éducation, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, va devenir la vice-présidente du Ghana, ce sera la première femme du pays à accéder à ce poste ?Oui, c'est tout à fait révélateur, si vous voulez, de cette évolution. Et puis ce pays abrite aussi le secrétariat général de la zone de libre-échange continentale qui est un grand projet africain. Et le président Mahama, de son côté, veut poursuivre le travail engagé par son prédécesseur pour intensifier ce rôle du Ghana à l'échelle régionale, sinon à l'échelle continentale.À lire aussiGhana: John Mahama remporte la présidentielle, le candidat du parti au pouvoir reconnaît sa défaite

President Akufo-Addo strongly condemns acts of religious hate, particularly those targeting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at a gathering in Kyebi, emphasizing unity and tolerance ahead of Saturday's polls.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned the Tema Motorway Interchange, aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area. He noted that the project, funded by a grant from the Japanese government, will stimulate economic activities not only in Ghana but also across the ECOWAS region

"Akufo-Addo's arrogance is justified; he has achieved so much for Ghana and has no time to respond to critics"- Countryman Songo speaks on the factors influencing his vote in this election.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sworn in five new ambassadors at a ceremony at the Jubilee House, Accra. The event underscored the critical role of diplomacy in advancing Ghana's national interests and enhancing its global reputation.

Former President John Dramani Mahama has accused the Akufo-Addo-led regime of grounding all sectors of the economy including the senior national team, the Black Stars. According to Mahama, the ruling government has extended its incompetence to the only sector that brings Ghanaians joy and unity

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially commissioned the Flowerpot Interchange on the Spintex Road, to help ease traffic in that vicinity. President Akufo-Addo said the state-of-the-art interchange represents a major step forward in addressing Ghana's transportation challenges and fostering economic growth.

President Akufo-Addo has expressed confidence in resolving Ghana's intermittent power supply challenges, commonly referred to as "dumsor."

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has criticized both President Akufo-Addo and the judiciary, accusing them of undermining the Constitution by stalling the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill. The Bill which was passed by Parliament and now awaits presidential assent. According to Mr. Bagbin, the judiciary's acceptance and processing of case related to the bill, coupled with the president's alleged refusal to accept it, sets a concerning precedent in Ghana's democratic journey. At a press conference on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Speaker Bagbin expressed disappointment over the increasing tendency of stakeholders, including members of Parliament, to turn to the Supreme Court to resolve legislative issues. Mr. Bagbin specifically took issue with the judiciary's role in processing suits on the LGBTQ Bill, which he claimed the President also refused to receive.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, along with the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana, has called on President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency to combat the rampant destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Akufo Addo To Stop Galamsey --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ksspod/support

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has taken action in response to a press release issued by Organised Labour on 7th October 2024, calling for an immediate halt to illegal mining ("galamsey") in and around water bodies and forest reserves.

In the wake of growing calls for the release of the 53 detained anti-Galamsey protesters, President Akufo-Addo has spoken against suggestions that the government is stifling voices of dissent.

I Need More Time - Akufo Addo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ksspod/support

Presidential Candidate of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama says, the Akufo-Addo led regime borrowed 11 billion dollars between 2019 and 2021, with no work to show

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo says military coups in West Africa are a threat to democratic progress the region has worked hard to achieve. But he says Ghana remains resolute in its commitment to democracy. Ghanaians will vote in parliamentary and presidential elections in December 2024. Speaking Wednesday to the 79th UN General Assembly, President Akufo-Addo said his administration will make sure the elections are free, fair, and transparent

Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama says the government is killing businesses and creating extreme unemployment through needless taxes. John Mahama says the Akufo-Addo government has introduced 40 new taxes affecting businesses and Ghanaians

Former President John Dramani Mahama says, that each Ghanaian now owes 20,000 cedis due to the excessive borrowing by the ruling NPP government. John Mahama says the Akufo-Addo-led regime has increased the public debt stock from 120 billion to 760 billion cedis, with little work to show. He says this makes the future of the country break and suffocate.

Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has requested the approval of GH₵500 million from the Contingency Fund.This is part of the emergency response measures to address the imminent food insecurity expected due to the dry spell experienced across eight regions of Ghana comes days after President Akufo-Addo directed the Finance Ministry to raise GH₵8 billion relief package to assist farmers grappling with the devastating effects of the ongoing dry spell.

The Flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama says, that some major scandals committed in the Akufo-Addo-led regime will be dealt with when elected President.

This week, guest host Julie Fishman Rayman, AJC's Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs, had the honor of connecting with Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the House Democratic Caucus, after he led a congressional delegation to Israel and Ghana. As we approach the AJC Global Forum 2023 in Tel Aviv, we have the opportunity to listen to the Democratic leader's insights on the trip, the crucial nature of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and the historical and contemporary significance of Black-Jewish relations. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC.  ____ Episode Lineup:  (0:40) Hakeem Jeffries ____ Show Notes: Learn more about AJC Global Forum 2023 in Tel Aviv: AJC.org/GlobalForum Listen: 8 of the Best Jewish Podcasts Right Now From Roots to Harmony: Nefesh Mountain's Fusion of Jewish American Culture and Bluegrass Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us. __ Transcript of interview with Hakeem Jeffries:  Manya Brachear Pashman: This week, Julie Fishman Rayman, AJC's Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs, had the honor of connecting with leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Hakeem Jeffries, after he led a group of lawmakers on a recent trip to Israel. Julie, the mic is yours. Julie Fishman Rayman: Thanks, Manya. It's my pleasure to introduce Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who represents the very diverse 8th congressional district of New York, in Brooklyn, and also serves as the Democratic Leader. He was unanimously elected to that position in November 2022, and in that capacity he is the highest ranking democrat in the US house. He is also the former chair of the democratic caucus, the whip of the congressional black caucus, and previously co-chaired the  Democratic Policy and Communications committee. Also, a great friend of AJC and the Jewish community. Leader Jeffries, welcome to People of the Pod. Hakeem Jeffries:     Wonderful to be on. Thanks so much for having me. Julie Fishman Rayman: I want to get started by asking you about Jewish American Heritage Month, which as you know, we celebrate in May. Many listeners may not realize that members in congressional leadership cosponsor very few bills – meaning cosign or add their name to endorse them . In this Congress–correct me if I'm wrong–you've cosponsored fewer than a dozen bills and only one resolution–the resolution commemorating Jewish American Heritage Month. Can you speak about this effort and why it was important to you to help lead it? Hakeem Jeffries:   Well, thank you so much. And that is absolutely correct. The tradition has been that members and leadership sponsor very few bills and even fewer resolutions, just because the enormity of the request is large. And you want to make sure that you're being very discerning in terms of what you want to elevate as a priority. And for me, it was incredibly important to make sure that I co sponsored the resolution that commemorated Jewish American Heritage Month for a variety of reasons, including the fact that I'm privileged to represent a district that has one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. In fact, I represent the ninth most African American district in the country, and the 16th most Jewish. And so I represent. As a good friend of mine, Leon Goldenberg, once and I quote, you've got the best of both worlds. It's an honor, though, to represent the reformed Jewish community, the conservative Jewish community, the Orthodox Jewish community, the modern Orthodox Jewish community, the ultra orthodox Jewish community, and more Russian speaking Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union than any other member of Congress in the country. I mean, Hakeem Jeffries, who knew only in America, but that's Brooklyn, that's New York City and the Jewish community has meant so much to the country, which is why we honor and celebrate and elevate Jewish American Heritage month but particularly has meant so much to the district that I'm privileged to represent to Brooklyn and to the great city of New York. Julie Fishman Rayman: The United States has many heritage months that celebrate the various communities that form the mosaic of our country, including Black History Month, Women's History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and more. By celebrating heritage months, we learn about one another, we honor the richness of our diverse nation, and we strengthen the fabric of American society. Some have described JAHM as going on the offensive against rising antisemitism, do you think that's an appropriate description? Amidst rising antisemitism and hate of all forms, does this change how we think about commemorative months?  Hakeem Jeffries:    Yes, it's a great question. I do think AJC's leadership and certainly the leadership of my former colleague, and good friend, Ted Deutsch has been phenomenally important in this area. And your leadership, Julie, of course, and this podcast and communicating information to the American people will continue to be critical. And the fact that the Jewish community is facing a shocking rise in anti semitism and hate crimes is a cause for alarm for all of us. And it does, I think, lead to the important conclusion that we need to rethink how we lean into the celebrations and acknowledgments, such as Jewish American Heritage Month. That is not just simply an opportunity to be able to communicate to the American people about the many accomplishments, the many ways in every field of human endeavor that Jewish Americans have contributed to the growth and development of America as we know it. And that is important, and that is appropriate. And that is a central part of what celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month should be all about.  But it also provides a vehicle to make sure that the appropriate narrative is in the public domain in a compelling way, as a vehicle to push back against the rise in antisemitism and hate crimes. Because it's an all hands on deck approach. And it is going to require using every tool available to us. The rise in sort of hatred and extremism, and divisive, generally should trouble us all throughout America over the last several years, and particularly, the sharp and dramatic rise, particularly given the history of the Jewish community, over 1000s of years of persecutions, and pogroms and pain and suffering, should alarm us all. And it is exactly the reason why thinking about this month as one of the tools that we can use to push back aggressively against the rise and hatred is an important and appropriate approach. Julie Fishman Rayman: In April, during your first congressional delegation trip as Leader, you traveled to Israel. You have been a great supporter, supporting Israel's right to defense and speaking out against anti-Israel sentiment time and time again. What were your biggest takeaways from this mission? What are the major challenges and opportunities for the U.S.-Israel relationship? Hakeem Jeffries:   Well, that was my sixth time traveling to Israel, fifth time as a member of Congress. And the first time that I traveled to Israel, I actually was a freshman member of the New York State Legislature as part of a trip sponsored by the JCRC of New York, a wonderful opportunity. Someone said to me recently, Julie, wait, wait. You've been to Israel six times. I said, Yes. That's more than any other country you've been to in the world. I said, That would be correct. Is it isn't that a lot? I said, No, not at all. First of all, I'm from New York City, where we consider Jerusalem to be the sixth borough. And I'm just trying to catch up to my constituents. Every time I go to Israel, it's a wonderful eye opening experience. This particular trip was meaningful to me in that I was able to actually lead a delegation for the first time in this position and choose where I would go to in the world as part of my first congressional trip on foreign soil, as the House Democratic Leader. And I chose to go to Israel and to Ghana, to incredibly meaningful countries to meet personally, to the people that I represent, and, of course, to the relationship that exists between the United States and Israel. And I wanted to do it so that it was timed to the anniversary of the 75th founding of the State of Israel, because I thought that will be meaningful for the members that agreed to travel with me and certainly meaningful to me to say to the world, that we're going to continue, as we've transitioned leadership in the House of Representatives, to stand behind the special relationship between the United States and Israel. And to make it clear that that's a special relationship that we as House Democrats believe, is anchored in our shared values and our shared strategic interests. And it was incredible because of the timing of we were there, both on the day of remembrance was incredibly moving. And I was able to participate in one of the ceremonies that we're held to acknowledge those who have been lost, both to acts of terror, and in the conflicts that Israel has been made to endure throughout the 75 year history. And then, of course, on the eve of the celebration connected to the 75th anniversary, and we had a very diverse group of members, several prominent Jewish American members of Congress, of course, like Josh Gottheimer and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Dean Phillips, Sarah Jacobs, who was a new and emerging leader, but also the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Steve Horsford, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Nanette Barragan, the first vice chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Yvette Clarke, as well as the top Democrat on the foreign affairs committee, Greg Meeks. And so it was a wonderful experience. We had important public policy discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, with the Speaker of the Knesset, as well as the opposition leader, Lapid, they were open, they were honest, there were candid discussions about the challenges that our two countries face. But it was all anchored in our clear affirmation of Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, and our commitment as House Democrats to continue to lift up and elevate the special relationship between our two countries. Julie Fishman Rayman: So important. How's Israel doing at 75? Hakeem Jeffries:    I think Israel, it's a miracle, as has been described, that we've gotten to 75 years. And it's a testament to the strength, and the resilience and the ability, the heart, the soul, the love the intellect, of the Jewish people, and the people of the State of Israel. And I'm confident that through the challenges that we all face in Israel, the best is yet to come. You had an interesting discussion, because of the judicial reform, issues that are underway. And we've got challenges that we're working through here in the United States of America, certainly, as it relates to the Supreme Court, and what is the right, you know, balance in terms of our three branches of government. And we've got to work through that here. Many of us have been troubled by recent developments coming out of the Supreme Court, and Israel's working through trying to figure out what that right balance is, in terms of the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary, and how that works together. I think what has been clear to me, in terms of Israel as a robust democracy, that will continue to be a robust democracy is not the challenge is that it's working through to find common ground. And those talks are being led, of course, by President Herzog. But most significantly, the fact that hundreds of 1000s of Israelis have been in the streets, exercising their right, their freedom of expression, their freedom of speech, their freedom of assembly, the right to peaceably gather and petition your government that is at the hallmark of a democratic society. And that's what we've seen, and not a single shot fired, probably nowhere else in the Middle East, would that have occurred other than in Israel, and it's an affirmation of Israel's democratic character. Julie Fishman Rayman: In just a few weeks, AJC will hold our annual Global Forum in Tel Aviv. What is one piece of advice you'd give the 1000 or so people coming from around the world to Israel at this time? Hakeem Jeffries:   Well, I do think that every time I've gone to Israel, what has been a wonderful aspect of the trip was talking to the full range of people in Israeli society, to get the perspectives on the ground in terms of their views related to the challenges that Israel confront, and the opportunities that exists to continue to thrive into the future. And those are particularly relevant conversations to have now that Israel has hit this incredible milestone of 75 years in what still remains one of the toughest, if not the toughest neighborhoods in the world. And one of the reasons why sustained dialogue, sustained opportunity to engage in wonderful that AJC is hosting this forum in the next month, is that the challenges are always unique whenever one arrives in Israel. You know, it could be Hamas, it could be Hezbollah, it could be uncertainty in terms of the Iranian malign activity in Syria. It's always, you know, Iran's efforts to try to secure a nuclear weapon and we're gonna make sure that Iran never becomes nuclear capable in Gaza. There are different moments in time, where particular concern meets a level of urgency, but it's always consistently within the frame of Israel living in a very tough neighborhood, which is what I, you know, we reiterated as House Democrats directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to ensuring Israel maintains its qualitative military edge. My view on this thing has always been, and I grew up in central Brooklyn, came of age in the mid to late 80s, early 90s. I kind of know from tough neighborhoods. That was a tough neighborhood. I grew up in Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, Gaza, chaos in Syria, in Iraq, Iran with nuclear aspirations, dangerous situation in the Sinai. That's a tough neighborhood. And in a tough neighborhood. The one constant, as I've consistently said, is strength. You can achieve peace, you can achieve stability, but you can only achieve it through the lens of strength. And I think, part of the dialogue that we all should continue to have and will be important for AJC to continue to have is, you know, what are the severe threats that Israel currently confronts? And how can we continue to ensure that Israel has the strength to defend itself and to provide a foundation for lasting peace moving forward building upon things like the Abraham accords? Julie Fishman Rayman:  Prior to Israel, you and the members of congress who traveled with you to Israel went to Ghana, one of America's closest allies in West Africa and a nation that still bears the painful scars of the transatlantic slave trade. At AJC's 2019 Global Forum, you became the first member of the congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, I think less than an hour after it was officially launched. Did your back to back trips to Ghana and then Israel spark any insights as we continue–collectively–to try to bring Blacks and Jews closer together? Especially because Blacks and Jews were really strongly represented in your delegation? Hakeem Jeffries:   Yes, you know, AJC's effort in terms of forming the black Jewish caucus was a wonderful thing, a great foundation. And in many ways, the trip to Ghana and to Israel is in that same tradition. And as you pointed out, Julie, there were a lot of African American members of Congress who on the trip and a lot of Jewish men from the members of Congress who were on the trip who visited both countries. And, you know, we were able to involve Ghana, and in Israel and Ghana, visit the Cape Coast slave castles, which were central to the horrific transatlantic slave trade. And we also were able to visit Yad Vashem and I was able to lay a wreath and make it clear that we would never forget and never again, allow the Horus of what was seen during the Holocaust to occur. And it was important that in addition to, in Ghana, for instance, meeting with President Akufo Addo, to visit the site, for a lot of the activity of the transatlantic slave trade, and, of course, the ties that then connect to the African American community in the United States of America, and to visit the door of no return. But also to make sure that, in the time that we were in Israel, almost every time that I've been there, we've always made it a point to make sure that we visited Yad Vashem, it's always a very powerful, moving experience. And it was the same and to be able to do it together with black members of Congress and Jewish members of Congress, and leaders, who were not black and Jewish, but were on the trip with us, was really a powerful experience, I think, for everyone involved. And I think it's important for us to continue to try to lean in to strengthening the relationships between the black and Jewish community. It's something that because of the district that I represent, has always been central to my time and public service. And I do you know, I am moved by the fact that at least part of the district that I represent, and that told this story during the Democratic caucus celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, but I tried to tell it whenever I get the opportunity that I do represent a district that was once represented in part by a manual seller. And a manual seller was the longest certain Congress person in the history of the country. He served for 50 years, first elected in 1922. And served through 1972.  He was a staunch ally and advocate for the special relationship between the United States and Israel from the very beginning. He was there, I believe, with Truman, when the United States first recognized Israel, and was there to support the special relationship every step of the way throughout the time that he was in Congress. But what also is little known about Manny seller, as he was affectionately known in Brooklyn, is that during the 1960s, he was also the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, which meant that he played an important role, legislatively, and making sure that the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, became the law of the land, to crush Jim Crow, and crushed the effort to oppress the ability of African Americans, particularly in the south to participate fully in our democracy. And then you go to civil rights museums across the country, and whenever there have been exhibits, even here in the Library of Congress, usually always an acknowledgement of the role that Manny Celler played. And I'm proud of the fact that I can represent a district that someone who was such an important link between the black and Jewish community and actually played a meaningful role in helping to advance legislation to change the course of America, in supporting the efforts and leadership of Dr. King and others, is an important thing.  That's a tradition that I look forward to continuing to build upon and at the same time, to be able to represent a district as I mentioned earlier, where I serve more Russian speaking Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union than anyone else. And to know that Dr. King took time out from his days of leading the civil rights movement, to speak to Jewish leaders and rabbinical leaders across the country famously anchored in his guiding principle, that injustice anywhere is a justice everywhere, and it was great injustice, being directed at the Jewish community that was behind the Iron Curtain during the days of the Soviet Union, and to use his voice to speak up on behalf of what he appropriately viewed as his Jewish brothers and sisters who are facing oppression. That example that was set by Dr. King, that example that was set by Congressman Judiciary Committee Chair Manny Celler, who wasn't just focused on strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel, but also dealt with the injustices directed at African Americans throughout the United States. That's a powerful heritage for us in Congress, or us as leaders, as AJC has promoted, to continue to build upon. Julie Fishman Rayman: Thank you so much, you've provided us with such a sweeping understanding not just of the history-everything from Manny Celler to Dr. King to Yad Vashem. But also a vision for where we can all go collectively. Whether it's in May, during Jewish American Heritage Month, or Black History Month, or every day, trying to honor the legacy of Americans from all facets who lift up our great nation and make it what it is today. Leader Jeffries, thank you for your leadership and thank you for being with us. Hakeem Jeffries:   Thank you so much, what an honor Julie to be on and all the best to you and look forward to continuing to work closely with Ted, with AJC, on behalf of the issues that we all care about, particularly as it relates to the well being of the Jewish community here in the United States of America and throughout the world. Manya Brachear Pashman: If you missed last week's episode, be sure to tune in for my conversation with the Jewish bluegrass duo Nefesh Mountain, featuring not one but two live musical performances, a wonderful way to wrap up our month-long series of shows honoring Jewish American Heritage.