Deputy Chief Executive of the National Youth Authority, Akosua Manu, has shared her thought on the recent #OccupyBoG protest, asserting that it was misdirected.
She emphasized that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) does not involve itself in food crop cultivation for estimating food inflation.
During her appearance on TV3’s New Day, Akosua Manu acknowledged the significance of holding institutions accountable but underscored the importance of ensuring that such actions remain within the institution’s proper jurisdiction.
“Some of the things that the minority talked about, if they are talking about factors that affect inflation, including food, it is not BoG that plants maize or plantain to determine that. It doesn’t come to them. Secondly, if you want to have a conversation about him resigning, he doesn’t appoint himself; take it to the right authority for that to happen, so it becomes a question of gimmicks and games,” she stated.
Manu also pointed out that it was fitting for the government to seek assistance from the BoG, as it falls under the government’s purview. She contended that the Bank of Ghana could potentially extend financial support to the government, including options like an overdraft, in a manner it deems appropriate.
However, Manu criticized Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, for labeling demonstrators as “hooligans.”
She disagreed with his choice of words, stating, “In the end, I disagree with the description of the protesters as hooligans; he performed poorly on that front. No one can make me believe that they were the right words to use.”
Nevertheless, Manu took issue with Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, for characterizing the protesters as “hooligans.” She expressed her disagreement with his language choice, remarking, “Ultimately, I do not agree with referring to the demonstrators as hooligans; he fell short in that regard. I am not convinced that those were the appropriate words to use.”
The Minority coalition in Parliament, comprised of members representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), CPP, PNC, and other civil society organizations, orchestrated the Occupy Bank of Ghana (BoG) demonstration on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Their primary demand was the immediate resignation of the BoG Governor and his two deputies. The protest saw the participation of thousands of individuals who marched along the main thoroughfares of Accra.
The group’s key grievances encompassed the GH¢60 billion loss incurred by the Central Bank in the 2022 fiscal year and the controversial new central bank headquarters project, projected to exceed $250 million USD in cost.
The #OccupyBoG demonstration, orchestrated by the Minority in Parliament on Tuesday, October 3, vividly highlighted the grievances and discontentment of ordinary citizens regarding the state of the nation.
Numerous participants in the #OccupyBoG protest openly expressed their significant hardships amid the ongoing economic challenges, demanding swift resolutions.
Among those who shared these heart-wrenching stories was a woman with whom GhanaWeb’s Reporter Mawuli Ahorlumegah had a conversation during the protest.
This lady revealed that she struggles to afford three meals a day due to the financial constraints imposed by the economic situation.
She went on to explain that she manages to survive on just GH¢20 a day because exceeding that amount would have dire consequences for her financial stability.
“The way I’m suffering, I cannot afford three-square meals. I do it 1-0-1 (takes breakfast, no lunch and takes supper) otherwise, 1-0-0 (she takes only breakfast on some days). Three-square meals, I can’t afford. GH¢20 a day, that is what I spend.”
The #OccupyBoG demonstration comes just two weeks after the conclusion of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, during which a significant number of Ghanaian youth gathered around the Flagstaff House.
However, the Minority in Parliament is set to announce a second session of the #OccupyBoG demonstration, as the initial one did not achieve the desired outcomes.
The organizers of the #OccupyBoG had aimed to present their petition to Governor Ernest Addison but instead encountered Kwame Asare-Boateng, the head of security at the Bank of Ghana.
The prevailing sentiment among many citizens of the country reflects their dissatisfaction and displeasure with the state of the economy.
Consequently, the public is readily supportive of any movement that seeks to hold the ruling government accountable.
‘They will suffer the same way I’m suffering’ – Young lady fumes at NPP government
A third-year ICT student at the University of Education, Winneba, identified as Rita Anane, tragically took her own life by hanging in her Winneba hostel.
According to UTV news, Rita Anane was found lifeless with a rope around her neck by her friends during a visit to her hostel.
While the details and circumstances surrounding her apparent suicide remain limited, the report suggests that her boyfriend has been detained by the police to assist in their investigation.
This unfortunate incident adds to a series of reports of suicide or suicide attempts in higher education institutions, with the most recent being an attempted suicide case at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Bulsa North, James Agalga, has made claims that the President of Ghana lacks the courage to fire the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies because he is complicit in the corruption.
He implies that only a demonstration can force these people to leave since they are unfit for office.
“They are square pegs in a round hole. So they are no longer fit to be in those offices, and that is why we are seeking their removal with this protest.
“We know Akufo-Addo hasn’t got the balls to sack them because he has participated in the corruption that has been unleashed on us by Addison and his cohorts. If they were competent, would they bring us to this point?
“The conduct of Addison and his cohorts smears Akufo-Addo with corruption, and anything short of their removal will spell doom and be disastrous for this country.
“We need to ensure that the Bank of Ghana is functioning because when it’s not functioning, our economy is going to crumble. If Addison were principled, he himself would have thrown in the towel,” he said during the October 4 Occupy BoG demonstration
In Akufo-Addo’s 2016 presidential campaign, he assured Ghanaians that if elected, government projects and contracts would no longer be exclusively awarded through sole sourcing.
He emphatically declared an end to the era of sole sourcing.
This statement resurfaced amidst ongoing discussions about the government predominantly opting for sole sourcing in contract awards.
Notably, the Ghana Revenue Authority faced criticism on Twitter for awarding contracts through sole sourcing for items like office curtains, furniture, and notepad diaries.
See details of some of the contracts below:
Supply of Office Furniture
Contract date – December 1, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢1,275,253.20 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Jaide Solutions
Supply of Office Furniture
Contract date – December 1, 2022 Contract Award Price – $225,056.00 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Precision Hub Service International
Supply and Installation of Office Curtains at Head Office Annex Contract date – December 30, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢198,524.40 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Emperor Hive Limited
Procurement of Furniture and Fittings
Contract date – September 27, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢1,060,476.56 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Favrace Company Limited
Printing and Supply of 2023 Notepad Diaries
Contract date – October 14, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢1,275,253.20 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – JIT Magazine and Diaries Services Ltd
Another Procurement for Office Furniture
Contract date – June 30, 2022 Contract Award Price – GH¢1,767,846.60 Contract Type – Single Sourced Contract Awarded to – Sams Firma Ltd
The primary issues made about contract awarding have been over the use of sole sourcing because the items do not meet the criteria for sole sourcing.
The Public Procurement Authority acknowledges the following arguments for sole sourcing, according to the PPA:
(a) Where goods, works or services are only available from a particular supplier or contractor, or if a particular supplier or contractor has exclusive rights in respect of the goods, works, or services, and no reasonable alternative or substitute exists;
(b) Where there is an urgent need for the goods, works, or services and engaging in tender proceedings or any other method of procurement is impractical due to unforeseeable circumstances giving rise to the urgency which is not the result of dilatory conduct on the part of the procurement entity;
(c) Where owing to a catastrophic event, there is an urgent need for the goods, works, or technical services, making it impractical to use other methods of procurement because of the time involved in using those methods.
Host of Metro TV’s ‘Good Evening Ghana’ programme, Paul Adom Otchere has rendered an apology to Head of Security at the Bank of Ghana, Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng whom he feels was disrespected by the leadership of #OccupyBoG protest who stormed the streets of Accra on Tuesday October 3, 2023.
He explains that under no circumstance should Ato Forson disrespect such a man because he holds a higher profile better than him.
If you look at this man’s profile and Ato Forson’s profile, given that Ato Forson has been elected by some people, I respect that. But if you look at the two profiles Ato forson should not be able to tell him that “you have disrespected me because they say you should come for the petition.” I am really apologizing to this man for the way in which the minority held him in such contempt,” he said.
As the group, which has been calling for the resignation of Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, had initially planned, they intended to submit a petition to the leader of the institution.
In a more extreme scenario, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, anticipated that either of the Governor’s two deputies would step forward to accept the petition.
However, this anticipated course of action did not materialize.
Instead, the document was received on behalf of the Governor by Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng, the Head of Security at the Bank of Ghana.
Nevertheless, the group declined to hand over the petition to this representative of Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and prior to this, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader in Parliament, delivered a statement.
We never said we are going to present our petition to the head of security or to someone in charge of security, with all due respect.
“They have actually mismanaged the affairs of the central bank; they have mismanaged the affairs of monetary policy. Today, Ghana, our beloved country is on its knees. you are not the one responsible, and we will not give you our petition,” he stated.
Host of Metro TV’s ‘Good Evening Ghana’ programme, Paul Adom Otchere, has slammed the Minority leader in Parliament, Dr Ato Forson and the entire leadership of #OccupyBoG protest, for refusing to hand over their petition to the Head of Security at the Bank of Ghana, Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng.
On Tuesday, the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison failed to show up to receive the petition from the NDC MPs who participated in the #OccupyBoGprotest.
The leadership of the OccupyBoG protest was met by Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng and a host of the Bank’s leaders, who told the protesters that Dr Addison was in a meeting with a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was therefore unavailable to receive the petition.
But the leadership of the protest refused to hand over the petition to him as they considered him as out of place to receive such a petition.
“I feel very disrespected as the Leader of the opposition in Parliament. For a simple reason that we demanded to present a petition to the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Ghana otherwise known as the Bank of Ghana. The Governor has two deputies, namely Deputy 1 and Deputy 2.
“Unfortunately, he has decided to disrespect us and his two deputies have also decided to disrespect us by not being here to accept the petition. We never said we are going to present our petition to the head of security or someone responsible for security with all due respect.
But Paul Adom Otchere has described the act of refusal by the NDC as insolent and condescending towards BoG’s head of security.
“Does he denote some low player or something like that? That is what I want to correct. And I don’t understand why minority leader like Casiel Ato Forson, one who is looking to rule the country, looks at someone and says, oh you are head of security at bank of Ghana and I don’t want to deal with you. That was total disrespect. Not just to this man. But also if you look at this man’s profile and Ato Forson’s profile, given that Ato Forson has been elected by some people, I respect that. But if you look at the two profiles Ato forson should not be able to tell him that you have disrespected me because they say you should come for the petition. I’m very disappointed in Casiel Ato Forson and the NDC leadership. Why do you disrespect such an important person because he is called security?”, Paul Paul Adom Otchere expressed.
Meanwhile, Dr Casiel Ato Forson says protesters demanding the resignation of Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr Ernest Yedu Addison will not stop until they meet and present their petition to him.
Dr Ato Forson said their petition contains more than just the resignation of BoG leadership.
So the Governor sending security officers to receive the petition is disrespectful.
He added that they will not present the petition but they will look for another time to exactly so.
There appears to be an upsurge in traffic at the country’s ports, which appeared nearly deserted at the start of the year due to reduced trade volumes.
According to data from the Composite Index of Economic Activity, around 57,000 containers passed through ports as of July 2023.
“While this figure represents a substantial decline compared to July 2021, it marks a significant improvement over the approximately 40,000 containers recorded in January of this year,” Citi News reported.
The report also stated that Customs House Agents credited the modest improvement to the stabilization of the local currency, the cedi, along with other positive macroeconomic developments.
Yaw Kyei, President of the Customs House Agents Association, identified high port tariffs and foreign exchange costs, among other challenges encountered by importers.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring efficient port services to facilitate growth, highlighting the pivotal role of ports in trade and commerce.
The General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers Union under the Trades Union Congress (GTPCWU-TUC) has urged the government to remove the management of the Tema Oil Refinery.
The union contends that the Board of Directors has exhibited incompetence in their actions and decisions.
They argue that the current Board of Directors (BOD) has displayed a remarkable level of ineptitude, and their continued tenure is detrimental to the credibility of the appointing authority and places an undue burden on public finances.
Furthermore, they have expressed reservations regarding the sale of the refinery to a company called Torentco Asset Management, an entity that has undergone several name changes.
“The current BOD of TOR is set up not based on competence but only on political considerations. As a result of this, they have tolerated and wasted our time over an Entity whose incorporated name started with Decimal Capital/VITOL, then changed to Baybridge Asset Management Limited, later to Torentco Asset Management Limited, and now Tema Energy and Processing Limited, within a period of 18 months.
“All the changes or evolutions of names are shrouded under the pretense of ‘a new SPV’, to cover one scandal or the other. As responsible citizens and key internal stakeholders of the refinery, who share in the President’s charge for citizenship and not spectators, we bring your attention to the latest development with this particular entity (Torentco Asset Management Limited),” the group said in a statement.
Here is the full statement below:
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, on this special 60th anniversary year of the Tema Oil Refinery, we (GTPCWU-TUC) would have wished to outline the great achievement of TOR since its Board of Directors were commissioned to secure a credible strategic partner for TOR some 18 months ago.
Interestingly, not only has the Board of directors-micro-managed by Mr. Adomako, (the BOD Chairman), Mr. Apenteng and Mrs. Sapara Grant- shown and demonstrated the highest level of incompetence, but their continuous stay in office is inimical to the integrity of the appointing authority and a drain to the public purse. The current BOD of TOR is set up not based on competence but only on political considerations.
As a result of this, they have tolerated and wasted our time over an Entity whose incorporated name started with Decimal Capital/VITOL, then changed to Baybridge Asset Management Limited, later to Torentco Asset Management Limited and now Tema Energy and Processing Limited, within a period of 18 months.
Ladies and gentlemen, all the changes or evolutions of names are shrouded under the pretense of “a new SPV”, to cover one scandal or the other. As responsible citizens and key internal stakeholders of the refinery, who share in the President charge for citizenship and not spectators, we bring your attention to the latest development with this particular entity (Torentco Asset Management Limited).
As it stands now, due to the damming findings of the due diligence report, the surrogate of Torentco wearing the clothing of TOR BOD has allowed or tolerated a new SPV by name Tema Energy and Processing Limited with shares allocation of 40% to CAD Investment Holdings, 40% to Torentco and 20% to TOR Workers Charity Trust.
Ladies and gentlemen, this mischievous attempt by these actors who also double as board of directors not only smacks a conflict of interest, and inducement of workers, but also an attempt to secretly reward some compromised workers front. Fellow Ghanaians, on the blind side of 99% of TOR workers and executive management, some few executives of TOR’s local UNICOF executives (Abu Abass Bugubie, Bright Adongo) and their cohorts (Albert Amoako Adjei, Scott Tsevia and Emmanuel Abankwah) have secured an agreement with Torentco to incorporate an entity by guarantee in order to benefit from a 20% shares in the new SPV (Tema Energy and Processing Limited) without recourse to workers and management.
In our singular position, ladies and gentlemen, if this gesture or decision ticks the prudence, ethical, and conflict of interest boxes, shouldn’t it have gone through management for a comprehensive workforce engagement and establishment of the right modalities and structures? Unless this is just a cover-up to reward this section of workers who also double as Torentco surrogates within the refinery.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are by this press release pleading with His Excellency, the President (Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo) to restore maturity in corporate governance at TOR’s BOD level for integrity-driven decisions. We equally, will seek to remind executive management, especially the acting MD to do the needful with all the evidence available to establish orderliness in TOR, if these BOD members, the compromised TOR-UNICOF executives and their cohorts should be made to freely walk in the refinery. Thank YOU.
Tragedy struck as an electric bus crashed off a flyover near Venice, claiming the lives of at least 21 individuals, including several children, according to officials.
The bus, which broke through a barrier, plummeted nearly 15 meters (50 feet) close to railway tracks in Mestre, a district linked to Venice by a bridge.
Among the deceased were five Ukrainians, one German, and the Italian bus driver, as confirmed by city prefect Michele Di Bari.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said a “huge tragedy” had taken place.
“An apocalyptic scene, there are no words,” he said on social media.
On Tuesday night, CCTV footage from the flyover showed the vehicle travelling past another bus before collapsing off the carriageway.
One rescuer spoke of a “tragedy of young people, if not very young people, except for a few adults”.
Three children, including an infant, were among the casualties, according to reports from emergency services and the interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi expressed concern that the death toll could potentially increase.
Fifteen individuals have suffered injuries, with five of them in critical condition, according to reports.
Authorities in Venice indicated that the injured parties included tourists from various countries, including Ukrainians, Austrians, Spaniards, and others.
Among the wounded, there were two 16-year-olds and two younger children, as stated by the local governor. In addition, two German siblings, aged seven and 13, were undergoing treatment for broken bones at a hospital in nearby Treviso.
Tragically, their parents lost their lives in the accident, and the boys were receiving counseling.
The ill-fated bus, carrying a total of 39 passengers, was involved in the crash at approximately 19:45 (17:45 GMT) on Tuesday.
It had been rented by a local company, seemingly to transport tourists from Venice’s historic center to a campsite located in the nearby Marghera district.
The bus company underscored that the 13-ton vehicle operated solely on electricity, refuting prior claims that it was powered by methane gas as well.
Mauro Longo, the fire brigade commander, informed Il Gazzettino’s website that the bus’s batteries ignited, complicating the process of clearing the bus.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing people’s screams, but the flames were too intense for them to offer assistance.
Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has leveled accusations against the Bank of Ghana, alleging the closure of over 400 microfinance institutions purportedly affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He further claimed that some of the managers of these 426 microfinance companies, which were shut down for political motives, have resorted to working as taxi drivers.
Ato Forson asserted that if the NDC regains power, they will hold the Akufo-Addo government accountable for these actions.
During his address at the OccupyBoG demonstration in Accra on October 3, 2023, the former finance minister emphasized that the protest aimed to bring about improvements in the country.
It is worth noting that in 2017, the Bank of Ghana conducted a cleanup operation that resulted in the revocation of operating licenses for eight banks, 23 savings and loans companies, and over 400 specialized deposit-taking institutions (SDIs).
These included UT Bank, Capital Bank, Sovereign Bank, Beige Bank, Premium Bank, The Royal Bank, Heritage Bank, Construction Bank, and UniBank. The Receiver for some of these institutions found that many directors had failed in their fiduciary duties to customers and other stakeholders.
These measures taken by the BoG were aimed at safeguarding the investments of 4.6 million depositors.
The Cyber Security Authority has reported that Ghana incurred a loss of GH¢49.5 million in the first nine months of 2023 due to cyber fraud.
Dr. Albert Antwi-Bosiako, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, disclosed that the cases reported to the Authority encompassed various cybercrimes such as cyberbullying, online loan app scams, shopping fraud, romance scams, and identity theft, among others.
He emphasized that the recent surge in cyber fraud activities underscores the pressing need to intensify efforts in combatting such criminal activities.
Dr. Antwi-Bosiako further stated that the Authority is actively working on implementing a series of regulatory measures to enhance cybersecurity throughout the country.
Additionally, the Authority has made significant progress in developing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
He assured the public of the Authority’s dedication to enhancing online safety and safeguarding the information of both individuals and businesses.
Dr. Antwi-Bosiako also cautioned individuals and organizations to remain vigilant, adopt best practices in cybersecurity, and collaborate with authorities to effectively combat cyber threats.
The Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has urged all African leaders to work together to reap the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
He stated that the continent’s unity is required for the free trade zone to reach its full potential.
Togbe Afede XIV stated during the Made in Ghana Awards night on September 30, 2023, that “AfCFTA needs the unity of this continent to realise its dream so even if we can’t come together politically, we can do so economically to harness the full benefit of the agreement.”
The AfCFTA, a cornerstone of Agenda 2063, represents an ambitious trade agreement with broad-ranging coverage, encompassing vital aspects of Africa’s economy, including digital trade and investment protection, among other key areas.
Its primary aim is to remove trade barriers across the African continent, with the goal of substantially enhancing intra-African trade, particularly in value-added production and across all sectors of the African economy.
Launched in January 2021, the AfCFTA stands as the world’s largest free trade area, spanning 55 African nations, boasting a collective population of 1.3 billion people, and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding $3.4 trillion.
This initiative is anticipated to fortify African economies, rendering them more resilient in the face of internal and external economic shocks.
Members of the General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union Division at TOR have voiced their concerns regarding what they perceive as fresh government efforts to rejuvenate the refinery’s operations through Torentco Asset Management.
These apprehensive employees claim that there have been attempts to establish two subsidiary companies, both of which still include Torentco Asset Management as part of their shareholders.
Furthermore, they allege that these newly created entities, namely Tema Energy and Processing Ltd. and TOR Workers Charity Trust LBG, are part of a larger strategy orchestrated by TOR management to facilitate their leasing agreement with Torentco Asset Management.
Bernard Owusu, the National Chair of the General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union, is advocating for transparency in any potential deal to ensure that the interests of the workers are given due priority.
“We are not against any company taking over TOR, we are saying the company that is coming to take over TOR should be of good track record; it must be capable and credible but not some group of people who will go and sit and form a company to take over the refinery and make money, for that we will resist,” he is quoted by Citi Business News.
Owusu continued, “TOR is for Ghanaians, and we are supposed to be given a fair deal. So, with this new companies, we will resist with our last blood to ensure that right thing is done”
Meanwhile, representatives of the General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers Union Division at TOR met with Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, to discuss their concerns.
About the Tema Oil Refinery-Torentco deal
In a notable development within Ghana’s oil sector, the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has submitted a request for authorization to the Ghana Public Procurement Authority (PPA) to enter into a lease arrangement with Torentco Asset Management.
The proposal entails leasing TOR’s essential production assets to Torentco Asset Management, which would take over the management of TOR’s central refining operations for a span of six (6) years.
As part of this arrangement, Torentco would possess the authority to refine a maximum of 8 million barrels of oil each year, with an annual rental payment of $1 million.
Following some details of the proposed deal, checks have indicated that Torentco Asset Management (TAM) has no online presence, raising questions of a ‘shady’ deal by government.
Meanwhile, TAM will also pay $0.5 for each extra barrel if it refines more than 8 million barrels under the deal.
The National Investment Bank (NIB) has issued a response to allegations suggesting that the bank’s managing director managed its operations remotely via Zoom for a period of one year.
Isaac Adongo, the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, previously asserted in an interview that the financial challenges faced by the bank could be attributed in part to the absence of the managing director.
In a statement released by the bank to counter these claims, NIB asserted that the allegations lacked any factual basis or substantial evidence. Furthermore, the bank contended that these allegations were unfairly skewed to tarnish the reputation of NIB.
Read the full statement below
Our attention has been drawn to certain statements made in the media on 28 September 2023 attributed to the Honourable Isaac Adongo, MP for Bolgatanga Central, in which a clear attempt was made to malign the Bank’s Managing Director, and by extension, discredit the integrity of the institution he presides over.
Adongo in his interview with Multimedia stated that the Bank’s Managing Director was for one year managing the Bank via Zoom. The Board and Management of NIB take extreme exception to the claims made in the said statements, particularly since it had no substance or factual basis and appeared skewed just to bring the hard-won image of the Bank into disrepute” the NIB statement read.
You may be reminded that NIB is a reputable financial institution and the pride of the nation. Transparency and accountability have been the cornerstones of our Bank’s governance structure and its Management remains committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all our operations any misinformation, such as this, has a huge implication on the Bank.
To set the records straight, we would like to point out that the Managing Director, the subject of the unsavoury commentary, is entitled to annual vacation or leave days that are set by policy for all employees of the Bank and he has been taking same whenever the need arises subject to the approval of the Board” the NIB press statement further read.
Whenever it became necessary to travel out of the country, due approval had always been sought from the Board and is reported to the Bank of Ghana, the regulator, as required.
NIB is profoundly satisfied with the exceptional dedication and hard work exhibited by our management team. Their unwavering commitment to our institution’s stability and success is truly commendable and reassuring.
It is our firm belief that necessary as it may be for progress and the common good of the country, public discourse must always be grounded in truth and evidence, and it is essential that public figures maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity when making statements that may tend to influence public opinion” the bank pointed.
Misleading or false statements erode trust and undermine the principles of a transparent and accountable society. In conclusion, we entreat the general public to critically evaluate information, seek out reliable sources, and engage in informed discussions on important matters.
In this era of misinformation, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that truth prevails over falsehoods, and that our society remains rooted in facts and evidence” the NIB stated in the concluding part of their press release.
The World Bank has approved a funding of $125 million for Ghana aimed at enhancing the capacity of environmental officers.
This allocation is intended to empower these officers in the prosecution of sanitation-related offenses within the judicial system, under the purview of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources.
This funding initiative follows a prior disbursement of $150 million by the World Bank in 2015, which was directed towards piloting the project in the Greater and Ashanti Regions of Ghana over a five-year period.
During a two-day workshop held in Wa and attended by 40 environmental officers selected from the Upper East and Upper West regions, Charlotte Akwaah Adjei Marfo, the Programme Manager of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, emphasized that the enforcement of sanitation laws would significantly contribute to the improvement of sanitation conditions in the country and help mitigate flood disasters.
“The workshop for environmental officers drawn from the Upper West and East Regions marked the take-off of the second phase of the project scheduled to end in 2024.
“Some of the topics discussed at the workshop were the jurisdiction of the courts, the code of ethics for the environmental health prosecutors, summary trial of cases, and drafting of summons and charge sheets among others,” the report said.
Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Boamah Otokunor, has questioned the BoG Governor’s role in a bank printing money and accumulating a GHS60 billion debt.
He is seeking answers to how Central Bank lost GHS60.81 billion in the 2022 fiscal year, yet, used over $250 million for the construction of a new headquarters at North Ridge.
This, for him, forms part of the reason he the minority caucus joined hands to lead a delegation to protest for the resignation of the Governer of bank of Ghana.
“Who runs a central bank that prints money and collapses it in debt of GHS60 billion, who does that. Where you print the money, they are in debt of GHS60 billion. It means that the nation has collapsed and we are in bankrupt,” Mr Boamah Otokunor told the Independent Ghana reporter, Amanda Cartey during an interaction at the #OccupyBoGprotest held in Accra, October 3 2023.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led a protest today to demand the resignation of the governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his two deputies.
Leaders of the protest insisted and marched to the premises of the Central Bank against the orders of the police to present their petition to the governor’s representatives.
Unfortunately, the protest leadership was met by Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng and a host of the Bank’s leadership, who told the protesters that Governor Addison was in a meeting with a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and was therefore unavailable to receive the petition.
“We were informed that you would come and present the petition, but as we speak, the governor is meeting the IMF team,” Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng told the protesters.
But the Minority Leader described the decision as disrespectful and vowed to return later when the governor is available to receive the petition in person.
“It is very disrespectful not to receive the petition himself. Not even the deputy is here, and we never said we were going to present our petition to security, and we would not give you the petition.”
Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Boamah Otokunor, was among protestors who stormed the streets of Accra to demand BoG Governor’s resignation.
Mr Otokunor was seen showcasing a big dry bone which he likened to the state of the ailing economy.
According to him, the economy is in a severely deteriorated state, much like a dry bone lacks moisture, vitality, and sustenance.
“We believe that this has become the sad state of the republic. Like this bone. Where the meet has been taken off completely and eaten by the Nana Akufo-Addo government. And unfortunately the other ends of the bone is also going. Very soon there will be no bone at all. So this has become the official insenyur of the republic replacing the black star, and we think it is very sad. If we dont wake up and do something we will not have anything called Ghana,” the NDC member expressed.
Otukornor was seen walking hand in hand with Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey Korle Constituency, Dr. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings who also added her voice to say “we are here to represent the good people of Ghana. This is beyond partisan politics. This is beyond the NDC and the minority in parliament. This is a standing up to be counted for the protection of the democracy we have.”
A significant gathering of protesters converged at Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, under the banner of #OccupyBoGdemo, a movement initiated by the Minority caucus of Parliament.
Dressed predominantly in somber black and striking red attire, with many sporting vibrant red caps, the demonstrators are unified in their call for the resignation of Dr. Ernest Addison, the governor of the Bank of Ghana, as well as his two deputies.
Their demands stem from alarming revelations regarding the financial state of the Central Bank.
The protesters have brought to light that the Bank of Ghana incurred an astounding loss of GH¢60.81 billion during the 2022 fiscal year. This substantial financial setback has raised significant concerns about the bank’s management and accountability.
21-year-old college student from New York City, Elizabeth Polanco De Los Santos, attending Lehman College in the Bronx, has received a one-year prison sentence from the United Arab Emirates.
This sentence comes as a result of alleged “assaulting and insulting” actions toward an airport security guard during a flight connection in Dubai over the summer. Reports indicate that she had been effectively trapped in Dubai for nearly three months due to a travel ban imposed on her.
The advocacy group Detained in Dubai provided this information.
“Elizabeth only intended to transit through Dubai for six hours but she’s been there for months on end and has lost $50,000 in expenses and lawyers costs,” said Detained in Dubai founder Radha Stirling.
“On top of being humiliated and traumatized by airport staff, Elizabeth has suffered months of being forced to stay in an expensive country, pay expensive lawyers and miss out on her university studies.”
Los Santos’ adventure started on July 14, when she and her friend were on their way back to New York from a trip in Istanbul.
Their original flight schedule had them connecting in Paris, but they modified it to transfer in Dubai so they could see the famous city during a 10-hour layover.
“We thought it would be a more modern and futuristic city but we were completely wrong,” Los Santos said, according to Detained in Dubai.
Elizabeth Polanco De Los Santos, aged 21 and reportedly a student at Lehman College in the Bronx, remains in Dubai. She and her friend were on their way back from a vacation in Istanbul when she was detained.
During the security check, Dubai airport staff instructed Los Santos to remove a waist compressor, which she was required to wear following a recent surgery.
She was taken to a private booth where female staff members removed the compressor, but according to Los Santos’ mother, they were rough and caused pain to her daughter’s still-healing surgery scars.
Additionally, they mocked her, and when she requested assistance in putting the complex garment back on
Security analyst Dr. Ishmael Norman has taken a stance opposing Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Dr. Forson’s expressed disagreement with the police’s decision to prevent their #OccupyBoG protest from entering the Bank of Ghana headquarters.
He expected the police to permit the caucus’s leadership and MPs to access the central bank for the purpose of presenting a petition to the governor. However, Dr. Norman disagrees with Dr. Forson’s viewpoint.
Ghana Police Service at a press briefing on Monday announced that it would allow the OccupyBoG protesters to march as far as the National Lottery Authority and make a U-turn towards the Independence Square where they are to terminate their procession.
The Service justified this decision by insisting that the area beyond the National Lottery Authority, particularly the Bank of Ghana premises, is a security zone and so allowing such a large procession into the vicinity could potentially pose a risk to national security.
But according to security analyst, the minority is asking for too much and urged them to accept the police’s boundaries.
“I think going to the Central Bank is totally a no-no. Can you do this in America? Fort Knox? You can go to Fort Knox? You can go to New York Treasury and then demonstrate there? I mean, please let’s be real. You have the right to express your will as a citizen, you have the right to criticize the government, you have the right to demonstrate.
“But there are certain specific areas that you should not be permitted to go at all and one of them is the central bank. So for me, I support the demonstration as a right of every citizen, part of their inalienable rights. However, the central bank is out of place. I am surprised that I am speaking for the Ghana Police because normally I don’t do this, but I think they’re demanding a bit too much and I think that should not be allowed,” he said.
However, private legal practitioner Samson Lardy Anyenini stated that the police’s designation of a location as a security zone cannot be swallowed hook, line, and sinker.
According to him, just because an area is designated a security zone does not preclude a modest procession bringing a petition from passing through.
“We cannot be agreeing with the police and saying once they say a place is a security zone it means a security zone is out of access. I think that’s completely wrong. Nowhere in the world is it established that a place that is designated as a security zone means you cannot take a demonstration there.
“In this case, they are not saying from what we have heard, that they are taking the demonstration there. They’re saying give some of the leaders the opportunity to go there, what’s wrong with that? What’s the biggest security zone than the white house?
“So please let’s not take the police’s word and simply say once they say it’s a security zone it means a security zone means that you cannot access the place,” he said.
The NDC and its supporters are planning a protest to demand the immediate resignation of the Bank of Ghana’s governors for what they describe as gross mismanagement of Ghana’s fiscal space, which has significantly contributed to the Bank of Ghana’s bankruptcy and the country’s worsening economic conditions.
If the October 3 protest fails to yield the desired results, the Minority will take further steps to remove the central bank managers, according to Dr. Forson.
“This is the first of a series of actions that we are going to take. We may repeat the demonstration. We may begin processes in parliament that will remove the Governor and the deputies. So, let’s start from tomorrow [Tuesday] and let’s see what happens,” he said.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the Ghana Airport Company, (GACL) made only $10 out of every $150 collected by Frontier for COVID test at Ghana’s Airport.
According to him, he finds it surprising that GACL will settle for a meagre amount of $10 out of the total $150 charged.
“It is as though somebody has put a gun to their head and they are just making all kinds of offers to frontiers which are skewed, imbalance, which are against their own interest. Will you believe that this offer letter says that though we know you are going to charge $150 per test, we are only interested in $10. We will take only ten dollars. Can you believe that? he quizzed host during an interview over the phone.
Mr Ablakwa has extensively disclosed the contract between government and Frontiers Healthcare Services Ltd for conducting COVID-19 testing at Kotoka International Airport in 2020.
The contract documents had been requested multiple times under the Right to Information Act but had not been provided.
According to Ablakwa, he has managed to obtain these documents through his sources.
The revealed details show that the contract was granted to Frontiers on August 31, 2020, with work commencing on September 1, 2020.
The North Tongu MP, who refers to himself as the SOA Oversight, has criticized the contract award, alleging that it disregarded public procurement laws and appeared to be aimed at benefiting a select few within the government.
In an open letter, all National Investment Bank employees pleaded with the government to help recapitalize the bank and save it from potential collapse.
Among other things, the employees identified a variety of internal issues that contributed to the bank’s current situation.
They noted that the Bank of Ghana’s embargo on granting of loans for the past six (6) years is “practically depriving the bank of huge interest income and technically out of trade and business.”
“Secondly, a chunk of non-performing loans totaling over GHS2.1 billion granted to companies and individuals to execute government of Ghana projects. These companies and individuals have executed the projects, raised Interim Payment Certificates, and are yet to be paid by the government.
“Thirdly, the Bank’s investments in Government of Ghana bonds of GHS857,000.00 held up and affected by the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP) is also not helping matters,” parts of the statement read.
The staff further noted that despite these challenges, the Bank has performed “excellently well by increasing its deposit position from GHS3.2 billion in August 2022 to GHS5.1 billion in August 2023.”
“Deposit increases month on month and the target of a billion-year ending December 2023 is highly achievable. The goodwill from our loyal customers has been amazing as the bank opens over 2,000 new accounts every month. The bank’s nationwide customer cash collection service is second to none.
“Internal management staffing restructuring has been successful. The staff strength saw a reduction from 1700 in 2021 to a little over 900 in July 2023. There is still the edge for further downsizing to ensure efficiency and increase savings,” the statement said.
Nevertheless, it urges the government to infuse funds into the bank to prevent its collapse.
The Ghana Police Service stands firm in its decision not to permit the Minority caucus in parliament to conclude their protest at the Bank of Ghana Headquarters building in Accra.
In a press briefing held on Monday, October 2, the Service reaffirmed that the rationale behind preventing the protesters from concluding their demonstration at the specified site is due to its classification as a security zone.
ASP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Director of Public Affairs for the Ghana Police Service, pointed out that the Public Order Act stipulates this provision: “when the Police has been served with the notice of protest, the Service is to conduct a security assessment on the route and location proposed or when the police have concerns that following this route can endanger public safety, order and provision of essential services, the police is able to request of the organisers to make changes to their proposed route.”
She went on to say that if there is a disagreement between both parties – organizers and police – the police can go to court, as can the organizers.
It has so challenged the demonstration organizers to appear in court for a hearing on the topic if they do not adhere to the terms of the police after filing an injunction.
“Per the security assessment conducted by the Police Service, the Bank of Ghana is a security zone and we have advised the organisers accordingly, if they have dissatisfaction with the police proposal to them, they are allowed to go court so that the court determines the matter,” said the police.
The police stated at the press briefing that the Minority had finally achieved an agreement with them on the route for the protest, despite the minority’s claims to the contrary.
“Per our agreement with the Minority, the demonstrators will converge at Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and proceed Adabraka to Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Traffic Light to Atta Mills Highway and make a u-turn at the National Lottery and terminate at the Independence Square,” ASP Ansah-Akrofi indicated.
The Minority caucus in parliament has organized a protest under the banner #OccupyBoG, demanding the resignation of Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, along with his two deputies. They argue that mismanagement within the central bank has led to substantial losses and negatively impacted the Ghanaian economy.
Initially, the Minority group informed the police about their planned protest, intending to commence it from the front of Parliament. They proposed the following route: Osu Cemetery Traffic Light – Ministry of Finance – High Court Complex – Kinbu – Makola – Rawlings Park to Opera Square, ultimately ending at the Bank of Ghana for the presentation of their petition.
However, the police expressed concerns regarding the chosen routes, citing potential risks to public order and safety. They also emphasized the importance of preventing traffic disruptions.
In response, the police suggested an alternative route for the Minority, starting at Obra Spot – Circle – Adabraka road building to the City Centre – Cedi House to Independence Square.
Despite the police’s proposal, the Minority caucus remained steadfast in their decision to follow their initially proposed route, asserting that it was shorter than the one suggested by the police.
Subsequently, the police filed for an injunction against the Minority’s proposed protest routes.
Women in Kumasi Central Market have disputed comments made by NPP flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong about northerners potentially dominating the 2024 election if the NPP chooses Vice President Bawumia as its flagbearer.
Kennedy Agyapong, one of four remaining NPP candidates, was seen in a viral video lamenting that with former President Mahama, a northerner, already the NDC’s candidate and another northerner, the APC’s Hassan Ayariga, set to run in the 2024 elections, it would be an all-northern affair if the NPP chose Dr. Bawumia, charging that Ghanaian politics cannot be dominated by northerners.
These remarks have enraged NPP market women, who have flatly rejected Kennedy’s remarks.
“We have been observing what Kennedy has ben saying. The tribal comments he has been making. Recently he said during an interview abroad that Mahama is a northerner, and we should not elect Bawumia,” a spokesperson of the market women, surrounded by several of them told the media in Kumasi.
“He averred the NPP should elect an Akan but we want to tell him that the NPP is not for Akans. The NPP is a national party for all Ghanaians,”
“It is all about who is the best to lead, who is competent and who can do the job. For us in Kumasi Central Market we have been interacting with the people and what we are saying is that without Bawumia, we won’t vote. No Bawumia, no vote.”
“We are NPP people here in this market and we also want to break the 8. So we have consulted widely within us and from those who patronise our goods. Anyone you ask, they say Bawumia so we are sending a special appeal to the kingmakers to elect Bawumia,” said the spokesperson, as the market women cheered her in a video.
Kennedy Agyapong’s NPP market ladies in Kumasi are enraged over ethnic politics.
Women in Kumasi Central Market have disputed comments made by NPP flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong about northerners potentially dominating the 2024 election if the NPP chooses Vice President Bawumia as its flagbearer.
The Kenyan government, through Minister of Social Protection Florence Bore, has announced plans to eliminate all privately owned orphanages and children’s homes within the next eight years.
This move aims to combat child trafficking.
Minister Bore emphasized that the closure of these facilities is intended to place children in family and community-based care, providing a more conducive environment for their well-being.
According to a 2017 report by the UN children’s agency, an estimated 40,000 children resided in 811 registered institutions in Kenya. Data regarding the number of children in unregistered institutions is currently unavailable.
Ms. Bore shared on social media, specifically X (formerly known as Twitter), that the government is already in the process of reforming children’s homes and orphanages.
“In the next eight years private homes will not exist. We need to prepare in order to absorb those children,” she said on Sunday during an inspection of children’s care facilities under construction by Kenya’s government.
Ms Bore has stated that the government will continue to house children in institutions administered by the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, the government body responsible for the care, protection, welfare, and adoption of Kenyan children.
Niger has agreed to Algeria’s offer to mediate in its political crisis, with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune leading the mediation efforts, according to Algeria’s foreign ministry.
Algeria has consistently cautioned against a military response to the crisis in Niger, where the military took control in July. The West African regional bloc, Ecowas, had initially considered military intervention but is now focused on diplomatic solutions to address the crisis.
In August, the Nigerien military junta put forward a six-month transition plan aimed at restoring civilian government.
UN’s children’s agency, Unicef, reports that safety concerns in Burkina Faso have led to the closure of one in four schools, leaving over one million children without access to education.
Burkina Faso is facing one of the world’s most neglected crises, according to humanitarian experts, as the military junta’s promises to address Islamist militants have gone unfulfilled.
These militants still control significant parts of the country, resulting in over two million people being displaced from their homes due to violence.
Unicef is actively collaborating with the government to provide support to children in regions severely affected by Burkina Faso’s security crisis, including Nord, Centre-Nord, Boucle du Mouhoun, Est, Centre-Est, and Sahel.
However, Unicef reveals that only 13% of the necessary funds have been allocated for this crucial mission, and an additional $227 million (£187 million) is urgently required.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of a cost-effective malaria vaccine that can be manufactured on a large scale.
This vaccine, created by the University of Oxford, marks the second successful malaria vaccine development.
Malaria primarily affects infants and young children, posing a significant global health challenge. Agreements are already in place to produce over 100 million doses of the vaccine annually.
Developing effective malaria vaccines has been a century-long scientific endeavor. Malaria is caused by a complex parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, making it more intricate than viruses.
The parasite constantly changes its shape within the human body, evading the immune system.
This complexity has hindered both natural immunity development through malaria exposure and vaccine development efforts.
Notably, it has been nearly two years since the World Health Organization endorsed the first malaria vaccine, known as RTS,S and developed by GSK.
In an open letter, employees of the state-owned National Investment Bank (NIB) Limited have implored the government to refrain from liquidating the firm.
They firmly believe that the existing board, management team, and workforce possess the capabilities to rejuvenate the bank and restore it to its previous prosperous state.
Their appeal is straightforward: they urge the government to inject fresh capital into the bank and reject any notion of liquidation.
They substantiate their plea by pointing out a substantial amount of non-performing loans, exceeding GHS 2.1 billion, which were extended to both companies and individuals for the execution of government projects. These projects have been successfully completed, Interim Payment Certificates have been issued, yet payments from the government remain outstanding.
With an estimated workforce of 900, these employees express grave concerns about potential job losses in the event of a liquidation.
They emphasize that their plea is prompted by recent reports, information, and intelligence suggesting the imminent liquidation of the National Investment Bank (NIB) Limited.
THE LIQUIDATION OF NATIONAL INVESTMENT BANK LIMITED AND MATTERS ARISING
We humbly plead that you use your good office to intervene for the Government to recapitalize the bank and not to entertain any form of liquidation. Our earnest plea comes on the backdrop of recent news, information, and intelligence gathered suggesting a possible liquidation of National Investment Bank (NIB) Limited. The current board, management team, and the entire staff can turn around the bank and bring it back to previous glorious days.
National Investment Bank (NIB) was set up in 1963 by an act of Parliament (ACT163). It was incorporated as an autonomous joint state-private institution on March 22, 1963, it was established primarily to promote and strengthen rapid industrialization in all sectors of the economy.
NIB, therefore, is the first development bank in Ghana. NIB set up over 100 joint enterprises, including the defunct regional development corporations. Other existing companies, including Nestle Ghana Limited, Novotel (now Accra City Hotel), Kabel Metal (now Nexans Kabelmetal), Aluworks, etc, etc.
The Bank has undergone management, institutional, and financial restructuring, which has strengthened the organization. It now has 48 Branches and 3 Agencies nationwide and has tens of thousands of customers and continues to enjoy an increase in deposits. Its unique customer base spans from public and civil institutions, private companies, small to medium enterprises to individual customers. These customers are very loyal and in return enjoy excellent customer service from the bank.
Nevertheless, the recent global economic changes coupled with unique but solvable internal challenges have created capital gap for the bank.
The internal challenges include Bank of Ghana’s embargo on granting of loans for the past six (6) years practically depriving the bank of huge interest income and technically out of trade and business.
Secondly, a chunk of non-performing loans totaling over GHS2.1 billion granted to companies and individuals to execute government of Ghana projects. These companies and individuals have executed the projects, raised Interim Payment Certificates, and are yet to be paid by the government.
Thirdly, the Bank’s investments in Government of Ghana bonds of GHS857,000.00 held up and affected by the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP) is also not helping matters.
Amid all these challenges, the Bank has performed excellently well by increasing its deposit position from GHS3.2 billion in August 2022 to GHS5.1 billion in August 2023. Deposit increases month on month and the target of a billion year ending December 2023 is highly achievable.
The goodwill from our loyal customers has been amazing as the bank opens over 2,000 new accounts every month. The bank’s nationwide customer cash collection service is second to none.
Internal management staffing restructuring has been successful. The staff strength saw reduction from 1700 in 2021 to a little over 900 in July 2023. There is still the edge for further downsizing to ensure efficiency and increase savings.
Also, the management workable structures put in place by the current management team have been very effective and responsible for the sustenance and continued existence of the bank despite BoG embargo on granting of loans and other delimitating factors. Notable among the structures are a strong Risk Department, independent Internal Audit, solid Compliance team, effective Operations Division, Executive Committee (EXCOM), Management Committee (MANCOM), solid Business Development, and robust ICT divisions.
The bank currently requires a capital injection of GHS2.2 billion to operate efficiently. Though the amount is significant it is possible to be secured by the majority shareholder or other minority shareholders if pursued.
It is our fervent plea that the majority shareholder (Government):
· Should recapitalize the bank by injecting GHS2,2billion being the capital deficit.
· Should implore the Bank of Ghana (BOG) to lift the embargo on granting of loans immediately to enable the bank trade.
· Should honour its obligation regarding Interim Payment Certificate raised by customers of the bank in connection with work done for the state.
· Should explore other prudent alternatives other than liquidation.
· Should have faith and allow the current Board and Management team to turn the bank around.
It is our humble plea and desired will that you use your esteemed office to intervene and save the National Investment Bank and all stakeholders especially the staff whose livelihood greatly depends on the very existence of the Bank.
A banking consultant, has opposed the idea of restructuring the National Investment Bank (NIB). In his view, what the bank requires is increased liquidity, not restructuring.
The minority had previously suggested an alternative to transferring NIB’s operations to the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), proposing a restructuring of NIB’s balance sheet. This would involve converting loans and outstanding debts into equity.
However, Atuahene argues that restructuring alone does not address the core issue, as it does not provide the bank with the necessary liquidity.
“NIB doesn’t need equity so the government cannot turn the unpaid loans into equity. NIB needs liquidity; it needs cash and is not about restructuring the financial position. If you convert the unpaid loans into equity, that’s not cash injection. NIB is cash-strapped. So, we need someone to bring in liquidity after clearing the bad debts so the bank can run,” he was quoted by citinewsroom.com.
Dr. Atuahene further stated that merging NIB with ADB is not the best option because the Agric Development Bank is currently unable to take on NIB.
“We should only make sure that there is a proper cash injection from all the loans so the bank can come back. Looking at the current position of NIB for a takeover, it is not ADB because ADB doesn’t have the strength,” he added.
Numerous businesses in the Cape Coast Metropolis and surrounding areas are experiencing a significant surge in patronage during the Oguaa Fetu Afahye celebration.
Hotel rooms, guest houses, and other accommodation facilities are fully booked, accommodating both local and foreign visitors who have flocked to the town to partake in the festival. Checks conducted by Ghanaweb reveal that these accommodations were reserved two to three months prior to the event.
Many businesses are taking advantage of this festive season, capitalizing on increased sales and promoting their products to the public. Telecommunication companies like MTN, Vodafone, and others are witnessing a high level of customer activity as festival-goers utilize their services.
The week-long festival includes a variety of activities such as Akom’s night, Refatta, free health screenings, old school nights, and more, all aimed at showcasing the rich culture and tradition of the Oguaaman.
Commercial motorbike riders, known as ‘okada’ or ‘Pragyia,’ as well as taxi drivers, are enjoying increased demand in the area.
Food establishments, pubs, restaurants, and clubs are also bustling with business.
Several business owners interviewed by GhanaWeb expressed satisfaction with the patronage and anticipate even higher sales as more visitors are expected to arrive by the end of the day.
Mr. Kwame Gyasi, the Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), encouraged the public to explore various tourist sites in the area to boost revenue for development. He highlighted accessible attractions such as Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, and Kakum National Park, urging foreign nationals to take advantage of the opportunity to visit and explore the region before the festivities conclude.
The Food and Drugs Authority has issued a cautionary note to the public, advising vigilance and caution when purchasing drinks, foods, and beverages during the festive season. While the authority is working diligently to identify counterfeit products, individuals are reminded to purchase from accredited vendors to ensure safety.
The Abbosey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region has voiced its deep concern and frustration regarding an ongoing compliance and monitoring operation conducted by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Accusing the GRA of employing tactics that amount to intimidation and a lack of respect toward its members, the association intends to stage a demonstration and temporarily close their shops in protest.
The GRA had issued a notification to the spare parts dealers regarding the compliance and monitoring operation. Nevertheless, the association perceives these actions as unwarranted and intrusive, causing its members to feel intimidated.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Takyi Addo, dated Sunday, October 1, 2023, the Association expressed its disappointment with the GRA.
The statement highlights that spare parts dealers have a longstanding record of abiding by the law while providing essential services to the community. However, the continuous presence of GRA personnel in their shops throughout the day is seen as excessive and has created an environment of harassment.
The association asserts that the GRA is resorting to various forms of intimidation, harassment, and threats under the pretext of revenue collection.
To convey their dissatisfaction and make a strong statement to the government and the GRA, the spare parts dealers have decided to temporarily close all their shops during an upcoming demonstration.
The association calls upon all Ghanaians to join them in condemning what they perceive as unfair treatment and harassment of traders.
Members are demanding a comprehensive review of tax policies, a reduction in import duties, and the elimination of specific taxes and levies on imports.
Despite concerns about the potential costliness of government maturities, interest rates on treasury bills continue to rise, persisting throughout most of the year.
Although the government has experienced oversubscriptions in recent times, there was a slight undersubscription observed this week.
Currently, interest rates range between 28.79% and 32.82%.
In the most recent treasury bill auction held on September 29, 2023, the government secured GH¢2.49 billion. The results indicated a marginal undersubscription of GH¢70.12 million compared to the target of GH¢2.570 billion.
As per the Bank of Ghana’s report, all bids submitted in this week’s auction were accepted, but the overall target fell short.
Specifically, the 91-day bill received a total subscription of GH¢1.88 billion, GH¢484.17 billion was accepted for the 182-day bill, and GH¢131.16 million was accepted for the 364-day bills.
The government has set its next auction target at GH¢2.109 billion.
Gabon’s coup leader has met with Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso in an attempt to ease the country’s sanctions.
Gen Brice Oligui Nguema stated on Sunday that his journey to Congo-Brazzaville was to build connections with its neighbor and to remove Gabon’s isolation in the region and globally.
It comes just weeks after Gabon’s membership in the African Union and the central African regional body Eccas was suspended following the coup on August 30.
Following the coup, Eccas relocated its headquarters from Gabon to Equatorial Guinea.
“I have come to consult with the president, who for us is a key in the region, who can relay to global authorities what we have done,” Gen Nguema said after talks with Mr Nguesso.
“It is also to ease the sanctions. We hope to once again take our place among the nations,” he said.
This is Gabon’s second official visit since former President Ali Bongo was deposed in August. In September, he traveled to Equatorial Guinea for the first time.
Today, on October 2, 2023, the Interbank forex rates from the Bank of Ghana reveal the trading rates for the Ghana Cedi against major currencies.
Against the dollar, the Cedi is being bought at 11.1229 and sold at 11.1341. In Accra, at a Forex bureau, the dollar is being bought at 11.50 and sold at 11.70.
When trading against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is bought at 13.5856 and sold at 13.6014. In Accra, the Pound Sterling is bought at 14.10 and sold at 14.60.
For the Euro, the buying price stands at 11.7716 and the selling price is 11.7832. In Accra, the Euro is bought at 12.00 and sold at 12.50.
The South African Rand is bought at 0.5888 and sold at 0.5893. In Accra, the Rand is bought at 0.35 and sold at 0.95. The Nigerian Naira has a buying price of 69.0165 and a selling price of 69.4568.
In Accra, it is bought at 10.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at 15.00. As for the CFA, it is bought at 55.6688 and sold at 55.7237. In Accra, CFA is bought at 16.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi and sold at 20.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi.
These rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
Note that these rates may be different at a forex bureau near you. Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
Plant Manager of Bui Cashew Limited, Wu Yun Ling, has disclosed that the factory’s products will be distributed to the global market, encompassing China, the United States, and Europe.
Furthermore, he emphasized that residents of the Bui enclave and people throughout Ghana would have access to their products for purchase at any time.
Speaking to GhanaWeb’s Ernestina Serwaa Asante on BizTech programme, Mr Ling, while talking about their target market said, “It depends. Some sellers in other countries contact us. We’ll sell to the locals, some will go abroad; maybe Europe, America and some to China.”
Additionally, Wu Yun Ling mentioned that the factory processes between 6 to 8 tonnes of cashews daily.
When discussing the rapport with local employees, the plant manager affirmed that it was highly favorable, with workers receiving competitive compensation.
In a similar vein, Eric Opoku Acheampong, Deputy Director of Lands and Impact at Bui Power Authority, emphasized that job creation for the substantial number of unemployed youth in the Bui region aligns with BPA’s vision.
He said, “That’s the main intent for the investment we are bringing…the plant itself at full operation will be able to employ about 250 people. So far, 25 people are working in term of the seeds that we have gotten from the local people…”
Mr. Opoku Acheampong underscored that these employees will receive fair treatment and will not face any unfair practices from their Chinese counterparts.
In a significant development, a massive fire has erupted at a police complex located in the city of Ismailia, situated in northeastern Egypt.
According to initial reports, multiple individuals have sustained injuries as a result of this incident.
Videos shared across various online platforms vividly illustrate the security directorate, a towering multi-story building, being engulfed in flames. Civil defense sources have indicated that certain sections of the structure have collapsed due to the intense blaze.
Eyewitnesses on the scene have noted that fire crews dispatched to the location appear to be facing considerable challenges in their efforts to bring the fire under control. Reuters news agency has cited witnesses who describe the scene as fire engines grapple with the inferno. However, there is some relief in the form of a later report from state TV, confirming that the fire has been successfully contained.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains shrouded in uncertainty and is the subject of ongoing investigation.
It is deeply concerning to note that deadly fires in Egypt are not uncommon occurrences, often attributable to inadequately enforced fire safety regulations. Tragically, this is not an isolated incident, as just last year in August, dozens of lives were lost in a devastating fire that swept through a church.
Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this challenging time. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Please stay tuned for further developments concerning this alarming incident.
Security Policy Expert at the Centre for Security Dialogue and Peace Advocacy, Anthony Acquaye, has underscored the importance of educating participants and stakeholders in the upcoming #OccupyBoGprotest scheduled for tomorrow to mitigate the risk of violence during the demonstration.
This call comes in the wake of the recent #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest, organized by a group called Democratic Hub on September 21, 2023, which witnessed clashes between protesters and the police, resulting in violence.
The expert’s statement highlights that even peaceful demonstrations have, on several occasions, spiraled into violence, making it crucial to educate protesters to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
These instances have been linked to various factors, including police misconduct, deviations from planned protest routes, abrupt route changes enforced by security forces, and more.
To ensure that a peaceful demonstration remains nonviolent, Mr. Acquaye encourages all stakeholders, including the police, protest organizers, individual demonstrators, and journalists, to collaborate in defining and understanding the nature of the demonstration being conducted.
“As a Security Policy Expert, it is equally crucial to draw the attention of all stakeholders; the Police, organizers of demonstrations, individual protesters and journalists that, if the right type of demonstration is not collaboratively established and agreed by all major stakeholders, a peaceful demonstration can result in a violent demonstration.
“For a demonstration to be peaceful, it is cardinal to establish and understand the type of demonstration and how it is done among all stakeholders for the purpose of effective security operational command and control to ensure law and order,” part of the statement read.
The security policy expert emphasized the significance of informing protesters on the nature of the rally and its path in order to prevent potential violence.
He emphasized that the protest will include a Matching Demonstration as well as a Rally Demonstration, and that protesters will not be permitted to occupy the Bank of Ghana.
“So, in actual sense, if clearly, the statements from the Minority leader and Ghana Police Service all agreed in principle then the title given to tomorrow’s demonstration as ‘Occupy BOG Domo’ does not fit into the matching type of demonstration as have been agreed by both stakeholders but instead the picketing type of demonstration, this can create some kind of misunderstanding among protesters since they will not be allowed by the Police to occupy Bank of Ghana.
“To avoid crop up of violence, proper education must go down to the protesters for them to understand that, they are not going to occupy BOG but rather they will be having a route Match demonstration combined with Rally demonstration in order to prevent rise of anger on Police officers who may be seen as standing block to stop them from occupying BOG,” he stressed.
“Moreover, it is paramount to use this opportunity to advise the Ghana Police Service to be more professional in exercising their powers to ensure command and control to avoid the outbreak of violence, and to the organizers of the demonstration, who must also ensure they caution their members to avoid coming along with any offensive material such as stones, pepper spray catapults etc, that may trigger violence,” the statement added.
The planned demonstration by the minority and some civil social organizations on October 3, 2023, is expected to begin at the Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Circle – Adabraka – Ridge Roundabout – National Theatre Traffic Light – High Court Complex Traffic Light – Atta Mills Highway – U-turn to the Independence Square as the final destination.
The organizers’ goal is to have the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addisson, and his deputies resign from their positions for their responsibilities in driving the country into the current economic crisis.
A $60 million education initiative called “Strengthening Accountability in Ghana’s Education System (SAGES)” has been officially introduced in Accra.
Over the course of five years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to enhance accountability and transparency within Ghana’s education sector.
SAGES aims to enhance primary education in 17 districts across four regions of Ghana, benefiting 1,254 schools and communities, as well as 508,269 students nationwide.
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of teamwork among education sector stakeholders to successfully implement the SAGES initiative. He also noted that $10 million had been allocated to the Ghana Education Service and its key partners to strengthen the education accountability framework.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that accountability within the program would be data-driven, employing diagnostic interventions to address challenges and weaknesses in Ghana’s education sector.
Robust systems would be established to measure, compare, and transform data, building on past investments in the sector.
Rev. Fordjour cited the success of the USAID’s previous program in 2015, the “Reading Radio Programme and Classroom-based phonics lessons,” which significantly improved reading proficiency among pupils, demonstrating the positive impact of such initiatives.
Madam Kimberly Rosen, USAID Ghana Mission Director, emphasized the strong partnership between Ghana and the United States and their shared commitment to improving education for children, promoting good governance, and fostering sustainable development through the launch of SAGES.
Madam Rosen said, “this new activity is a $60-million investment in Ghana’s educations system, which means an investment in Ghana’s future. Of this $60 million, USAID will provide $10million directly to Government of Ghana to support government service delivery at national and district levels.”
She stated that USAID was providing extra help in the form of technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and other national organizations, as well as funding for over 1,200 elementary schools in the Northern Region.
“It is essential that education accountability has an impact on every learner. For that to happen, the Education Accountability Framework must drive change throughout the education system to improve the impact of education delivery.
This would entail teachers consistently arriving punctually and staying throughout the school day, supported by their community practice and colleagues engaged in mutual learning and sharing. Additionally, headteachers receive support from School Improvement Support officers. This collective support system aids teachers in assessing students’ progress against established benchmarks,” explained Ms. Rosen.
She expressed confidence that the USAID-supported initiative would have a significant and enduring impact on Ghana’s educational development.
Mrs. Mamle Andrews, Chief Director at the Ministry of Education, emphasized that the SAGES initiative represented a shared commitment among all stakeholders to provide every child in the country with quality education. It prioritizes accountability to ensure that no child is left behind, offering teachers the necessary resources for excellence in teaching.
Madam Rose F. Tchwenko, Country Director of Care International in Ghana, underscored her organization’s dedication to leaving no child behind. She expressed optimism that the investments made under SAGES would yield long-term benefits for future generations.
The USAID/Ghana SAGES activity is divided into two parts. The first component supports the Ministry of Education Accountability Framework on a national level, as well as citizen involvement in 17 districts across four regions.
Care International would lead a system strengthening activity in Ghana’s 17 districts under the second component.
A fire at a nightclubin the southeastern city of Murcia in Spain has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 11 lives, as reported by Spanish authorities.
Initial reports had stated that seven individuals had lost their lives in the incident. The blaze ignited in the well-known Theatre nightclub in the Atalayas district at around 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT).
Videos circulating online depict flames engulfing the structure and thick, dark smoke billowing from its large windows.
Rescue services are currently combing through the establishment in search of individuals who may be unaccounted for and were present during the incident.
Murcia Mayor Jose Ballesta expressed devastation on Spanish TV channel 24h, stating that rescuers are still actively looking for several people reported missing.
In response to the tragedy, he has declared three days of mourning in Murcia. Relatives are arriving at the scene in an attempt to locate their loved ones.
Image caption,Emergency services are looking for people who are missing
Firefighters gained access to the premises at approximately 08:00, discovering four bodies initially, followed by two more around 40 minutes later. Presently, four individuals are undergoing treatment at the hospital for smoke inhalation.
A local sports venue has been designated to provide counseling and support for those affected by the incident.
The cause of the fire, which occurred while the nightclub was still occupied, remains unclear. The Murcia town hall has expressed deep regret over the tragedy and extended condolences to those impacted by it.
A proposed draft law aimed at tightening eligibility criteria for presidential candidacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being perceived as a potential tool to secure President Felix Tshisekedi’s second term in the upcoming elections scheduled for December.
This proposed legislation is one of several bills scheduled for discussion during the September session of the Congolese parliament, which traditionally also addresses budgetary matters at this time of the year.
The parliament is set to review the draft law, often referred to as the “Tshiani Law” after its author, Noël Tshiani, a 65-year-old economist with a background at the World Bank who ran for the presidency in 2018.
One key provision in the bill stipulates that only individuals born in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Congolese parents can hold positions of sovereignty or state office, including the presidency, prime minister, roles in the judiciary, and key ministries such as finance, defense, and security.
Majority MP Pitshou Nsingi Pululu, who is championing the draft law, stated, “We want to secure approximately 250 positions that we consider vital for our country’s sovereignty.”
The bill was initially proposed in July 2021 but was not adopted. Its proposals reflect a trend seen in some African countries, which often bar individuals with dual nationality from holding state positions, rather than targeting those of mixed parentage specifically.
In countries like Kenya, for example, the president, minister, members of the armed forces, parliamentarians, county assembly members, and ambassadors are prohibited from holding dual passports. The Kenyan president must be a citizen by birth, without specifying the nationality of parents, while members of the judiciary and other independent commissions can be chosen from the Commonwealth of Nations, including the East African Community.
Nevertheless, some individuals in the DR Congo believe that Tshiani’s and Pululu’s initiative is an attempt to exclude potential presidential rivals like Moïse Katumbi, who has a mixed heritage.
President Tshisekedi had refrained from commenting on the bill until a recent public appearance.
“I did not give my opinion so as not to get involved in the controversies that this law has aroused in the Congolese political class,” the Congolese leader said. “Tshiani is a Congolese — until proven otherwise — who has the right to think what he believes is good for his country. That is his right, we cannot put Tshiani on trial here because we are in a democracy where everyone has the right to express themselves.”
“I don’t think being born of a Congolese father and mother is a sufficient criterion for serving one’s country loyally, faithfully and appropriately. Because, even the most recent history of our country shows us that there have been Congolese whose fathers and mothers have participated in the ruin of this country, so it’s not a criterion, and those who think it is a criterion are free to argue.”
The “Tshian Bill” has been rejected by Congo’s opposition parties, and the Catholic clergy have described it as discriminatory.
Mr Katumbi, once an ally of President Tshisekedi, left the coalition a few months ago, fuelling suspicion the draft law targets him. He has announced that he will be a candidate in the presidential election due on December 20.
Registration of candidates closes on October 8.
Mr Katumbi, a wealthy businessman, is known most for his leadership of Congolese football club TP Mazembe based in Lubumbashi in the south of the country. His father had Greek and Italian roots, and was Jewish.
He served in Katanga Province as governor for eight years and backed Tshisekedi’s presidency.
In December 2022, he fell out with President Tshisekedi and left, declaring that “President Tshisekedi’s record is very bad and chaotic.”
“I gave advice internally, I proposed a list of tasks which was not considered,” he said on the day he quit and declared he would be a candidate in the presidential election.
Several ministers aligned with Tshisekedi resigned from the government, including Chérubin Okende, who was killed under unclear circumstances in July.
Tensions have escalated between the Katumbi and Tshisekedi factions, with some individuals connected to Katumbi facing legal proceedings. Salomon Kalonda, a close adviser, is currently on trial before the military court in Kinshasa, accused of planning a coup with Rwandans. MP Mike Mukebay from the Katumbi camp is in prison for contempt of the head of state.
During the 2018 presidential election, 21 candidates applied for candidacy. According to electoral laws and the constitution, candidates must meet specific criteria, including being of Congolese nationality by birth, at least 30 years old, possessing full civil and political rights, and holding a higher education degree or demonstrating a minimum of five years’ professional experience in relevant fields.
Candidates are also required to submit various documents, including a certificate of nationality, a valid criminal record extract, a photocopy of their voter’s card, a receipt for the non-refundable application fee of 160,000,000 Congolese francs ($100,000), and a certified photocopy of their higher education or university diploma or evidence of the required professional experience.
Captain Ibrahim Traore, Burkina Faso’s military leader, stated on state television that elections are currently “not a priority” compared to addressing security concerns in the country.
This announcement comes nearly a year after he came to power in a coup, promising to restore democracy and hold presidential elections by July 2024. Traore also revealed plans to make changes to the constitution to better represent the “masses.”
He emphasized that security is the primary concern in a nation plagued by militia violence and indicated that organizing elections was still a goal, without specifying a date.
He emphasized the need for elections to be inclusive, reaching all Burkinabe citizens, not just those in major cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso that have been less affected by militia attacks.
Traore also discussed plans for a “partial change” to the constitution, citing the current text’s limited representation and the need for peaceful evolution.
Despite initial hopes that Traore’s efforts to improve security would yield results, Burkina Faso continues to face militia violence. Over 17,000 people have died in attacks since 2015, with more than 6,000 of those deaths occurring this year.
The relationship between Burkina Faso and France deteriorated under Traore’s leadership, leading to the withdrawal of French forces from the country.
Burkina Faso has since strengthened ties with Russia and formed an alliance with Mali and Niger, both of which are also led by military regimes.
Concerns about eroding personal freedoms and alleged abuses by security forces have arisen in Burkina Faso, leading to the suspension of several media outlets and the expulsion of foreign correspondents.
Traore mentioned that individual freedoms should not take precedence over collective freedoms, and he denied any significant unrest within the army following the foiled coup attempt.
Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Dr. Freda Akosua Prempeh, has called upon metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) to strengthen their local regulations in a way that allows them to levy fines on waste management companies for delayed garbage collection within their areas.
This, she emphasized, would encourage waste management companies to be more responsible and proactive in addressing the prevalent garbage issues in many Ghanaian communities.
Dr. Prempeh presented this proposal during a news briefing organized by the Ministry of Information in Accra. The briefing centered on the theme “Cleaning for Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Ghana” ahead of ‘World Clean-Up Day’ on September 30, 2023.
The upcoming day will involve nationwide cleaning efforts, including cleaning frontages and clearing blocked drains from 06:00 to 10:00.
The minister urged the Assemblies to ensure the closure of all shops during the cleanup period to maximize participation. She encouraged educational institutions, churches, fitness clubs, civil society organizations, and assemblies to join in the cleanup to ensure its success.
Regarding the indiscriminate dumping of garbage by some tricycle operators responsible for household waste collection, Dr. Prempeh hinted at the establishment of a Sanitation Authority to regulate waste dumping.
She also revealed plans for the Ministry to launch a comprehensive behavioral change campaign called “Sesa W) Su Ban,” which translates to ‘change your behavior.’ This campaign aims to cultivate public awareness and commitment to environmental cleanliness.
To achieve the government’s vision of a clean Ghana and sustainable WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) service delivery, the minister stressed the importance of active engagement from all stakeholders.
The Ministry’s role is to develop policies that enhance WASH service delivery in the country, while the Assemblies are mandated to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and services and enforce sanitation bylaws within their respective jurisdictions.
“Households, on the other part, are expected to make the waste available for collection and disposal and keep hygienic surroundings as well as pay the requisite fees for the services being provided by the MMDAs,” Dr Prempeh emphasised.
She stated that the government since 2017 had invested in water and sanitation facilities, with the huge investment increasing the population with access to basic drinking water services from 79% in 2017/2018 to 87.7% in 2021.
The population with access to exclusive household toilet facilities increased from 21% in 2017/2018 to 25.3% in 2021, the minister added.
In addition, the proportion of water bodies with good Ambient Water Quality increased from 51.5 in 2017 to 58.2 in 2021, Dr Prempeh stated.
The proportion of solid waste properly disposed of in five major towns/cities, increased from 70% in 2017 to 85% in 2021, the minister stated.
The Government, she said, recognised the importance of water and sanitation sectors and had placed premium on enhancing the delivery of water and sanitation services to the citizenry.
Ghana was the first country to sign the Sanitation and Water for All Compact, which made it possible to prioritize WASH services delivery through deliberate and focused committed programmes, with clearly defined plans for funding.
As a result, Ghana was able to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on Water, five clear years before the deadline, the minister added.
A social media group representing the Ashanti Region, known as Asante Nation, has criticized the current government for what they perceive as neglecting the region, despite a significant show of support in the 2020 elections.
Asante Nation has expressed discontent, pointing out that it has been seven years since the current government assumed power, yet there have been no substantial developments or projects initiated in the region.
Using X (formerly Twitter) as their platform, the group presented evidence illustrating the overwhelming support the New Patriotic Party received in the 2020 elections in the Ashanti Region.
Furthermore, they highlighted various projects initiated by former presidents in the region, which remain either unfinished or abandoned.
“What his own Party predecessor John Agyekum Kufuor couldn’t complete have all being left unattended; Sofoline Interchange, KNUST Teaching Hospital, Boankra, Krofrom Market etc.
“What his immediate predecessor John Dramani Mahama left too nothing has been done about them; Afari Military Hospital, Sawua Regional Hospital, Kumawu Hospital, Bekwai Hospital etc. Apart from Kejetia phase 1 he helped to complete.
“His own projects that he started too, he hasn’t completed any. Kumasi International Airport (Abandoned), Kejetia Market Phase II (Abandoned), Maternity Block at KATH (Abandoned) etc,” some of the tweets read.
To top it all, they added that the president promised four interchanges, but after 4 years, not even one has been completed.
“He promised Kumasi 4 interchanges, baako koraa ayɛ asɛm. The Kumasi Airport Project started before the Tamale Airport project, Tamale Airport has been commissioned, Go to the Kumasi Airport site and see, workers left the site long ago,” the tweets said.
It's been 7 years, and he has never commissioned any meaningful project here.
What his own Party predecessor John Agyekum Kufuor couldn't complete have all being left unattended; Sofoline Interchange, KNUST Teaching Hospital, Boankra, Krofrom Market etc.
What his immediate predecessor John Dramani Mahama left too nothing has been done about them;
In the early morning hours of January 14, 2020, horrifying screams echoed through an apartment complex in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar.
A concerned resident, alarmed and fearful, dialed the police, suspecting a possible assault on a woman.
Regrettably, no law enforcement response ensued.
The harrowing screams persisted, accompanied by loud disturbances and desperate pleas for assistance. Seven distress calls were placed to emergency services, yet police officers failed to arrive.
Fearing the worst, neighbors decided to take matters into their own hands, forcibly entering the apartment by breaking down the door.
However, their intervention proved futile.
The agonizing screams had fallen silent, and tragically, the woman had lost her life.
Police fail to answer calls
Vera Pekhteleva had been stabbed multiple times, beaten and strangled with an iron cord by her ex-boyfriend in an attack that lasted three-and-a-half hours.
Image caption,Vera Pekhteleva was tortured before being murdered by her ex-boyfriend – and police failed to show up
At the time, police said there were no officers or patrol cars in the area to attend. But later, five officers were found guilty of causing death by negligence and were sentenced to 18 months in jail, suspended for two years.
The court said the sentences, which were seen by many as lenient, were appropriate because officer shortages were a problem for “the whole force”.
Russia has one of the largest police forces in the world, employing over 900,000 officers to serve a population of 146 million, according to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. It has nearly 630 officers per 100,000 people – more than double the US or the UK.
But in August, Interior Ministry Chief Vladimir Kolokoltsev said the country had a “critical” shortage of police officers, which could affect crime rates.
How can that be the case, given the sheer number of officers?
Poor wages, stress and corruption
Russia’s sprawling geography and a lack of back-office support staff are partly to blame. But recent problems stem from a massive drop in police numbers – and many of those leaving are experienced officers.
Many former Russian police officers have told the BBC they are leaving the force and opting for less stressful jobs which are better paid.
“They haven’t adjusted the salary at all,” a former officer from Rostov, in southwest Russia, said. “After inflation and the new prices, it’s not enough.” He quit to become a taxi driver.
His friend, who was also a police officer, is now a courier.
Both of them earn twice as much as they did as police officers.
“I reached the rank of major (the equivalent to a sergeant in the UK). But still a person working at a supermarket earned more than me – hardly dangerous work. Only an idiot would join the police now,” the former officer from Rostov said.
The BBC has found that overstretched police forces are now refusing to open cases, even after a statement has been provided.
“Everyone gets 10 days to examine statements, whether there are five or 50, so obviously, the quality of work deteriorates,” argues one detective from the Siberian region of Russia.
“If there’s a string of 10 or so things they must do – call on neighbours, cross-examine witnesses, visit the crime-scene – they’ll just do one or two, and write down that it ‘wasn’t possible’ to complete the others.
“Then they refuse to open charges – so there will be no investigation,” he says.
Image caption,Many former Russian police officers told the BBC they are quitting for less stressful jobs that are better paid
As the number of officers drops, the pressures on those who remain increase.
Former officers have told the BBC this is leading to corruption.
“Officers are beating confessions out of people, inflating arrest quotas, we’re seeing this all the time,” says a police major from the Russian city of Tomsk.
“It’s only going to get worse. There will be falsification of evidence, targeted beatings, there just isn’t going to be time to investigate anything properly.
“You’ve got a lead and you need to chase it? Much simpler to drag the first suspect back to the station and beat him up, so he takes the blame.”
Some officers are getting locked up for their actions – further thinning the force.
This happened to Sergei, a former police officer of six years, jailed for beating a drug dealer. Sergei says he felt pressure to arrest the dealer and only hit him when he was about to eat his drugs to conceal the evidence.
He also tells the BBC that police resources were so thin he had to pay for work essentials himself. “I was using my own car, I bought my own paper, cartridges and printer; my own computer, my desk, my chair, my petrol… I laid my own floor tiles [in the office], repaired everything.”
A former officer from central Russia says that vacant positions have gone unfilled for a long time. “There’s been a shortage for ages. I started in 2015, and only two people have joined our team in the last eight years, while 15 have left.”
And according to several BBC sources, including two sergeants and one major, the Interior Ministry carried out a purge of officers who were linked to the opposition politician, Alexei Navalny, who has been held in a remote penal colony since 2021.
Long-serving, experienced officers were fired in this purge. One source said the Moscow Federal Security Service compiled a list of Navalny supporters based on a hacked database of email addresses.
The impact of the war in Ukraine
The number of police officers in Russia was declining before the start of the war in Ukraine.
Initially, the war convinced some officers to stay in the force. Russian police officers are exempt from being called up for military duty, so some officers who were on the verge of resigning when Russia invaded Ukraine told us they kept their jobs to avoid fighting.
“Either you sat tight, or you left and got drafted,” explains one officer from Moscow. “I know there were managers who made a list of everyone who’d threatened to quit and passed it straight to the [army] recruiters. Everyone was pretty scared.”
But as the war rumbles on, police numbers are dwindling. The force cannot fill existing gaps – let alone recruit the 40,000 extra personnel that the Interior Ministry says is needed in Donetsk and Luhansk, areas of Ukraine that Russia partly occupies.
Putin claimed a win after holding so-called referendums in the Russian-held regions of Ukraine in September 2022. But the polls were denounced as a sham by Ukraine’s government and its allies.
Image caption,Russian police officers are not allowed to have an opinion about the war
Russia predicts it will need another 42,000 officers by 2026 if it occupies further territories.
For serving police officers, having an opinion about the war is simply not allowed. They are not even allowed to call it a war.
“Officers must keep their mouths shut,” one detective says. “We can’t have personal views about the ‘special military operation’ – or they’ll fire us.”
The BBC has also been told officers are burning out because of extra paperwork brought on by the war.
Interior Ministry officials from the three Russian cities of Tomsk, Yekaterinburg and Yaroslavl claim they now spend most of their time investigating and revising “endless charges against people discrediting the army”.
“People are always looking for an excuse to denounce someone,” a former major from Tomsk says.
“There’s nobody around… Everyone’s gone to check on some grandma who saw a curtain that looked like the Ukrainian flag.
“I see where we’re heading,” he says. “There’s already an emphasis on crimes against the state. Going forward, more cases will fall into this category,” he predicts.
“As for real problems affecting ordinary people? Kidnap, robbery, rape, murder… there won’t be time to investigate.”
The United States government has successfully averted a federal shutdown by securing bipartisan agreement in both the House and Senate for a short-term funding arrangement.
This bill, which guarantees funding until November 17, garnered substantial support and was promptly signed into law by President Joe Biden just minutes before the looming deadline.
However, it’s important to note that this funding bill does not include any new assistance for Ukraine, marking a setback for the Democratic Party, as it had been a significant demand for them.
In a notable display of defiance against hardline members of his own party, Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy introduced the bill.
The potential government shutdown, which could have resulted in tens of thousands of federal employees being placed on unpaid furlough and the suspension of various government services, was scheduled to commence at 00:01 ET (04:01 GMT) on Sunday.
Democrat denies setting off fire alarm to stall spending vote
However, there was a sudden and dramatic shift in Mr. McCarthy’s stance on Saturday afternoon. He opted to put to a vote a temporary funding measure that would maintain government operations, including funding for natural disasters, but would not yield to significant concessions on spending levels—a crucial demand of the Republican majority in the lower house.
A majority of lawmakers were determined to avert a government shutdown, and notably, the bill received more support from Democrats than Republicans. Up to 90 House Republicans voted against it.
This decision dealt a blow to a small faction of right-wing Republicans who had been stalling negotiations in the chamber with unwavering demands for spending reductions and opposition to new aid for Ukraine.
Following the vote, the House adjourned immediately, leaving the Senate with no alternative but to accept the House legislation, even though the Senate had previously passed its own bill that included aid for Ukraine. Only nine senators voted against the House bill, and all of them were Republicans.
In a statement released shortly after the Senate vote, President Joe Biden said “extreme House Republicans” had sought to create a “manufactured crisis”, and urged Speaker McCarthy to allow a further funding deal for Ukraine to pass without delay.
He said: “We cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted.”
Image caption,Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is under pressure from hardliners in his own party
In an unusual move, senior Senate leaders from both parties, including minority leader Mitch McConnell, released a joint statement signalling their intention to “ensure the US government continues to provide” support to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
It came after Senator Michael Bennet – a Democratic member from Colorado, who backs more funding for Kyiv – held up Saturday’s proceedings in protest at the lack of guarantees for Ukraine included in the deal.
Congress has approved about $113bn (£92bn) in military, humanitarian and economic aid to Ukraine since Russia waged its full-scale invasion last year. President Biden has requested another $24bn.
What happens in a US government shutdown?
Shutdowns happen when both chambers of Congress are unable to agree on the roughly 30% of federal spending they must approve before the start of each fiscal year on 1 October.
With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House and Democrats holding the Senate by a single seat, any funding measure needs buy-in from both parties.
Repeated efforts to pass spending bills in the House have been thwarted in recent weeks by rebel right-wingers.
The group has opposed short-term spending measures and pushed for making cuts by passing long-term spending bills with agency-specific savings, even though such bills stand little chance of advancing through the Senate.
Mr McCarthy had been extremely reluctant to rely on Democratic votes to pass the House’s bill until the last minute, given this would anger these hard-line conservative members of his party.
This drama is likely to be repeated again in less than seven weeks as fundamental disagreements over government spending levels and policies between Republicans and Democrats, and among Republicans themselves, have not been resolved.
Image caption,A minority of Republicans, including Matt Gaetz (pictured), were pushing for sweeping budget cuts
In the meantime, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz and hard-line conservatives in the House have a decision to make.
Mr McCarthy’s decision to rely on Democratic votes to pass the short-term bill was supposedly a red line that, if crossed, would prompt an attempt to remove the Speaker from his leadership position, by triggering a so-called motion to vacate.
At his Saturday news conference, Mr McCarthy challenged those who oppose him to “bring it”, adding: “There has to be an adult in the room.”
The days ahead will reveal whether Mr Gaetz and company were serious about their threat – or just bluffing.
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has unveiled plans for a significant expansion of its flight services to Ghana. Currently, the airline operates 11 weekly flights to Accra’s Kotoka International Airport, and it intends to increase this frequency to 14 flights per week.
This expansion underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to serving the travel market in Ghana.
Mr. Lemma Gudeta, Chief Commercial Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, discussed this development during a working visit to Accra, Ghana, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to enhancing its presence in the region.
”Ethiopian Airlines currently operates 145 planes, and we do have enough capacity, especially out of the main hub in Addis Ababa. We have aircraft positioned to cater to the increased demand in Ghana.”
He noted that Ethiopian Airlines, despite its name, is indeed an African carrier with a mission to connect and serve the entire African continent.
“We strongly believe that Ethiopian Airlines might be known by the name Ethiopian, but it’s an African carrier, and it’s our obligation to serve the general public in Africa. Therefore, we strongly believe that we should reach all cities in Africa and also do it deeply by increasing frequencies,” he said.
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is well-positioned to make a substantial contribution to the growth of the aviation sector in Ghana, facilitating increased connectivity for travelers within Africa and beyond.
This expansion highlights the airline’s pivotal role as a bridge for both business and leisure travelers, further solidifying its position as a prominent African carrier.
The interior minister of Turkey has labeled the explosion that occurred outside the country’s interior ministry in the capital city of Ankara as a “terrorist attack.”
According to Ali Yerlikaya, two assailants arrived at the scene in a commercial vehicle at approximately 09:30 local time (06:30 GMT) and executed the attack, resulting in injuries to two police officers. Yerlikaya explained that one attacker detonated an explosive device in front of a ministry building, while the other was “neutralized.”
The explosion unfolded shortly before the parliament was scheduled to reconvene. The identities of the attackers remain unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A senior Turkish official informed Reuters news agency that the attackers had seized the vehicle and killed its driver in Kayseri, a city located 260 kilometers (161 miles) southeast of Ankara.
One of the injured officers sustained shrapnel wounds, and initial media reports mentioned gunfire heard in the vicinity.
In response, emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene, with police cordoning off several nearby roads.
“Our struggle will continue until the last terrorist is neutralised,” Mr Yerlikaya wrote on social media.
Ankara’s police force has stated that they are conducting “controlled detonations” of “suspicious packages” as a precautionary measure to avert potential further explosions.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was scheduled to address the parliamentary session later on the same Sunday.
During the autumn session, the Turkish parliament is anticipated to officially approve Sweden’s entry into NATO.
In July, Turkey withdrew its opposition to Sweden’s NATO membership after months of disagreements, primarily centered on accusations of Sweden harboring Kurdish militants.
Previously, militants, primarily associated with the banned Kurdish Workers Party, were responsible for frequent attacks throughout the country.
In response, the authorities have applied substantial pressure, including the incarceration of its leaders and military operations targeting Kurdish bases within Turkey and across the borders in Syria and Iraq.
Spanish authorities report that a tragic fire has claimed the lives of at least seven individuals at a nightclub in the southeastern city of Murcia.
The fire occurred in the Teatre nightclub, a popular establishment situated in the Atalayas area, around 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT).
Officials have expressed concern that the death toll may increase as emergency services continue to search for individuals who were inside the premises during the incident.
“The number of deaths inside the Atalayas nightclub has risen to seven,” Murcia Mayor Jose Ballesta wrote on X.
“We are devastated,” he said on Spanish TV channel 24h, adding rescuers were still searching for several people reported missing.
Emergency services reported that firefighters successfully gained access to the nightclub at approximately 08:00, where they tragically discovered four bodies. About 40 minutes later, they found two more victims.
Additionally, four individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital for smoke inhalation, and a local sports venue is being utilized to provide counseling and support to those affected by this devastating incident.
The cause of the fire, which occurred while the club was still bustling with patrons, remains unclear.
The Murcia town hall expressed its profound sorrow regarding the accident and extended condolences to all those impacted by this tragic event.
A new data by The Kenkey Index, the worst value of kenkey as of September 30, 2023, is GH6.56 at East Legon.
According to the study, the best price for Kenkey in La was GH2.86.
“Not all kenkey are created equal. The best value kenkey we found was in La: 2.86 cedis for kenkey the weight of a sachet of water. The worst value was in East Legon: 6.56 cedis,” a tweet by The Kenkey Index on September 30 said.
Read more about The Kenkey Index’s latest report on kenkey inflation
While the cost of Ga kenkey for consumers in Accra has been steadily increasing over the past year in sync with national food inflation, recent research conducted by The Kenkey Index sheds light on the dynamics of kenkey prices and offers some early indications of relief for kenkey enthusiasts.
The question of kenkey pricing has become increasingly complex. Is it GH¢2, GH¢3, GH¢4, or now even GH¢5 per serving? However, the five-cedi kenkey of today prompts comparisons with the two-cedi kenkey from the previous year. How does kenkey in Kaneshie stack up against kenkey in Cantonments? How does Ga kenkey fare against, for instance, Fante kenkey? And just how substantial is the heaviest kenkey ball available? More importantly, what does the price of kenkey reveal about inflation, or more specifically, “shrinkflation”?
Since August 2022, The Kenkey Index has diligently monitored the pricing of Ga kenkey throughout Accra, striving to provide clarity on these swirling questions for public consumption.
Remarkably, kenkey is diminishing in size even as its price per serving gradually increases. From the perspective of shrinkflation, the weight of kenkey (at a given price) has diminished by 32 percent compared to the previous year. As for inflation, the price of kenkey (at a given weight) has surged by 51.8 percent, closely mirroring the Ghana Statistical Service’s most recent data indicating a national food inflation rate of 51.9 percent.
Kenkey prices in the market today fluctuate between GH¢2 and GH¢5, but GH¢4 has become the prevailing price, a significant jump from GH¢3 just one year ago. On average, kenkey equivalent to the weight of a sachet of water now costs GH¢4.69, up substantially from GH¢3.09 recorded a year ago.
