The Minority has voiced alarm over what they view as covert and unlawful recruitment into the security services by the government.
During a press briefing, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, claimed that all NPP Parliamentary candidates have been granted 30 slots each to nominate NPP loyalists and supporters for positions in the security services, such as the Police and Army.
Dr. Forson called on President Akufo-Addo and the government to cease what he labeled as undemocratic practices. He stressed the importance of transparency and equity in the recruitment processes of the security sector.
“Notwithstanding the fact that the Minority raised serious concerns about the criteria adopted by the NPP government to recruit personnel into the security services, it has persisted in taking additional steps in the last few days that we have seen.”
“The NDC Minority can authoritatively state that not long ago, the NPP government again illegally and fraudulently has given out 30 slots to all NPP parliamentary candidates across the country for recruitment into the security services,” he alleged.
The Minority Leader affirmed that the Minority in Parliament would stay vigilant and resist any efforts to manipulate the upcoming elections.
He reiterated the dedication of National Democratic Congress MPs to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and thwarting any actions that might jeopardize democracy.
Two women tragically lost their lives in a three-vehicle accident at Akuni No 2, a community in the Okere District on the Adukrom and Somanya highway in the Eastern Region.
The accident, which occurred around 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024, involved a Toyota Corolla with registration number GR 901-21, a pickup truck with registration number GV 1263-20 belonging to the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, and another vehicle.
The two women, identified as a sports teacher and a national service person from the Yilo Krobo Senior High School, died on the spot. Another person sustained serious injuries and is in critical condition at the Yilo Krobo Government Hospital in Somanya.
The cause of the accident is currently unclear, but sources suggest that an alleged wrongful overtaking in a curve by the pickup truck led to a head-on collision with the Toyota Corolla, which was travelling in the opposite direction.
Police officers who arrived at the scene immediately began their investigations after assisting residents and other travelers in transporting the injured to the hospital. Fortunately, one individual in another vehicle involved in the accident, with registration number GR 459-21, escaped unhurt.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital’s morgue, and the police are searching for the driver of the government truck involved in the accident.
The Minority in Parliament has disclosed that President Akufo-Addo convened a meeting with both the Minority and Majority caucus leadership today, Monday, May 20.
The NDC MPs reported that the meeting, which lasted an hour, centered on matters of national importance.
In a press release from the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority leadership expressed appreciation to the President for the invitation.
Dr. Forson emphasized the significance of the discussions and the opportunity they provided for both sides to address critical national issues.
He noted that the meeting highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the various political factions in Parliament.
“At the invitation of the President, the leadership of Parliament, made up of both Caucuses, on Monday met with President Akufo-Addo at the Presidency.”
“The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, was cordial and frank. It discussed issues of national concern. The leadership of the the Minority takes the opportunity to thank the President for the invitation,” he said.
The Minority reaffirmed their commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with the government on issues affecting the nation.
PETROSOL has appointed Daniel Acheampong, a distinguished corporate leader and former Chief Executive Officer of Volta Aluminium Company Ltd (VALCO), as its Board Chairman.
He officially assumed the Chairmanship role on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Mr. Acheampong, who dedicated 36 years to VALCO in various key roles, steadily rose through the ranks due to his hard work, performance, professionalism, ethical conduct, and excellent leadership qualities. He was appointed CEO of VALCO in January 2014.
He served diligently in this position for nearly a decade before retiring at the end of July 2023.
“Prior to becoming the CEO, he served as the Deputy CEO in charge of Human Resources and Administration, Public, and Legal Affairs, after having previously served as the Director of Human Resources and Administration of VALCO”, a statement from PETROSOL said.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Acheampong said, “It is a great honour to be appointed to chair the Board of PETROSOL. Having accepted the challenge of serving on the Board, I wish on behalf of the Team, to assure the Shareholders and all Stakeholders that we will do whatever it legitimately takes to positively transform the company to take its rightful place on the Ghanaian market and beyond.”
He further stated that, “Continuous improvement in the Corporate World is the name of the game” and that “all hands should be on deck as we move into the Change Management or Transformation mode.”
Commenting on Mr. Acheampong’s appointment, the Chief Executive Officer of PETROSOL, Michael Bozumbil, said “we are delighted to have such a distinguished corporate leader to chair the reconstituted Board of PETROSOL, as it oversees the implementation of the company’s strategic plan for the next decade. This is because, besides the immeasurable wealth of experience he brings on board, his personal values perfectly align with PETROSOL’s core values of integrity, ethical conduct, professionalism, passion for excellence, empathy, respect for humanity, service quality delivery, and respect for the environment.”
Mr. Bozumbil further stated that, “I have had the privilege of working under the leadership of Mr. Acheampong for over 4 years, serving also as an Executive Committee member of the Ghana Employers Association and can testify to his sterling leadership qualities, his humility, passion for good corporate governance and female leadership development, all of which are attributes dear to PETROSOL too”.
Mr. Daniel Acheampong, a seasoned Human Resource practitioner, has been appointed as the Board Chairman of PETROSOL. He officially took on the role on May 16, 2024.
With nearly 30 years of experience in Human Resource Management and Strategic Leadership prior to becoming the CEO of VALCO in 2014, Mr. Acheampong utilized his vast network and expertise to boost stakeholder confidence and commitment towards VALCO’s operations, especially its role in Ghana’s Integrated Aluminium industry.
Before joining VALCO in 1987, he gained substantial experience in Contract and Administrative Law, both during his university studies and his three-year tenure as an Administrative and Investigations Officer at the Office of the Ombudsman, now known as the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to VALCO, a new state-of-the-art steam boiler commissioned in March 2024 was named in his honor.
Mr. Acheampong is highly regarded in the Ghanaian business community. He served as President of the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) from 2018 to 2024, after serving as the 1st Vice President. He also led the Institute of Human Resource Management Practitioners, Ghana (IHRMP) as President from 2007 to 2011, following his tenure as Vice-President. Additionally, he is well-respected among global aluminium smelter and allied industries professionals.
His accolades include induction into the Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame in March 2022 and receiving the Ghana Business Leaders Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2023.
Mr. Acheampong brings a wealth of strategic leadership qualities to the PETROSOL Board, with a strong focus on performance and productivity. His extensive board experience includes serving as a member of the VALCO Board of Directors, Chairman of the Council of the Ghana Employers Association, Chairman of the Council of the Institute of Human Resource Management Practitioners, Ghana (IHRMP), member of the National Tripartite Committee, and Vice Chairman of the National Labour Commission (NLC), where he served as a Commissioner for 12 years.
Currently, he is serving a second term on the Board of Trustees of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and sits on the boards of several private firms.
Mr. Acheampong holds a First Class Honours Degree in Business Administration from the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), majoring in Management. He further enhanced his expertise with executive post-graduate credentials from the University of Michigan, Harvard University, and the Centre for Creative Leadership in the United States. His commitment to productivity is also evidenced by his studies at the Botswana National Institute of Productivity.
The Subsidiary Legislation Committee in Parliament has identified the recent increase in the cost of dialysis treatment as an error.
The price for a single dialysis session at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital had risen from GH¢380 to GH¢491, causing significant concern among patients who feared the higher cost would make essential care unaffordable.
Addressing Parliament after the issue was raised, Dr. Dominic Ayeni, chairman of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, confirmed that the price hike was indeed a mistake and assured that corrective measures would be implemented.
“I told them that there were a lot of errors. Time had run out on us and therefore they should bring an addendum for us to correct the errors, including this issue of dialysis. I told the MP for Joaboso, Mintah Akandoh that this was where we were with the issue.
“There are a number of them and Abena Osei said they were preparing to bring an addendum to parliament so we correct those errors,” he stated.
Earlier, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin referred the price hike to the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, urging them to engage stakeholders to find a solution to the issue.
The Speaker expressed confidence that through these engagements with relevant agencies, an amicable resolution to the dialysis price increases could be achieved.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged the church, as the moral compass of society, to address concerns related to the 2024 electoral process.
He highlighted specific issues surrounding the Ejusu by-election and the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.
During a meeting with the Christian Ecumenical Council on Monday, Mr. Mahama stressed the importance of the church advocating for neutrality and ensuring a free and fair election.
He emphasized the church’s critical role in upholding democratic principles and promoting justice within the electoral framework.
“This is a president who is appointing politically exposed people into positions of trust where they are supposed to be neutral and non-partisan, and so people who have been communicators for the party, people who have been IT backstops for the party, today are Commissioners of the Electoral Commission. How do you expect them to be neutral and fair in what is happening?”he quizzed.
“People who were patrons of TESCON on campus are today Commissioners of the Electoral Commission. But we want to wake up the conscience of the nation that the right thing must be done so that the outcome can actually be the will of the people.”
“So going up to the election, we will continue to play our part. We will raise the red flags anytime we think things are not going very well. And we believe that the church community should also keep an eye and be vigilant in terms of making sure that the right thing is done.”
Mr. Mahama called on the church to speak out against practices that compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
He reiterated his allegation that President Akufo-Addo is appointing politically exposed individuals to positions where neutrality and non-partisanship are crucial, arguing that these appointments undermine confidence as the elections approach.
The NDC flagbearer urged the church to actively participate in discussions and actions that would foster a transparent and trustworthy electoral process.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for the church to remain vigilant and vocal about electoral issues, ensuring that the democratic process is protected for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is pursuing arrest warrants for Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the October 7 attacks on Israel and the ensuing conflict in Gaza.
This announcement was made by the ICC’s prosecutor, Karim Khan, during an exclusive interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Monday.
Khan revealed that the ICC is also seeking warrants for Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and two other senior Hamas leaders — Mohammed Deif, head of the Al Qassem Brigades, and Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ political chief.
The warrants for the Israeli officials mark a historic move as it is the first instance of the ICC targeting the top leader of a U.S. ally. This decision places Netanyahu alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has an ICC warrant over the war in Ukraine, and the late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, who faced ICC charges for crimes against humanity before his death in October 2011.
By requesting warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders simultaneously, the ICC risks criticism for equating a recognized terror organization with a democratically elected government.
A panel of ICC judges will now review Khan’s application for the arrest warrants.
Khan said the charges against Sinwar, Haniyeh and al-Masri include “extermination, murder, taking of hostages, rape and sexual assault in detention.”
“The world was shocked on the 7th of October when people were ripped from their bedrooms, from their homes, from the different kibbutzim in Israel,” Khan told Amanpour, adding that “people have suffered enormously.”
On October 7, Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people across multiple locations in southern Israel and took around 250 hostages into Gaza. Many of these hostages are still being held, which, according to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, means that crimes are continuing against numerous innocent Israelis. Khan highlighted that families are anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones.
In his interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Khan revealed that his team possesses a “variety of evidence” to support the application for arrest warrants against Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif. This evidence includes authenticated video footage, photographs from the attacks, and testimonies from eyewitnesses and survivors.
Responding to the announcement by Khan, Hamas said in a statement that it “strongly condemns the attempts of the ICC Prosecutor to equate victims with aggressors by issuing arrest warrants against a number of Palestinian resistance leaders without legal basis.”
‘Nobody is above the law’
The charges against Netanyahu and Gallant include “causing extermination, causing starvation as a method of war, including the denial of humanitarian relief supplies, deliberately targeting civilians in conflict,” Khan told Amanpour.
“The fact that Hamas fighters need water doesn’t justify denying water from all the civilian population of Gaza,” he added.
More than 35,500 Palestinians have been killed and more than 79,000 wounded in Gaza since October 7, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Monday. CNN cannot independently verify the figures.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, at left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at right, are pictured. Getty Images/Shutterstock
Benny Gantz, a member Israel’s war cabinet, criticized Khan’s decision immediately after it was announced, saying that Israel was fighting “with one of the strictest moral codes in history, while complying with international law and boasting a robust independent judiciary.”
“Drawing parallels between the leaders of a democratic country determined to defend itself from despicable terror to leaders of a blood-thirsty terror organisation is a deep distortion of justice and blatant moral bankruptcy,” he said, adding that the decision by the prosecutors “is in itself a crime of historic proportion to be remembered for generation.”
When reports surfaced last month that the ICC chief prosecutor was considering this course of action, Netanyahu said that any ICC arrest warrants against senior Israeli government and military officials “would be an outrage of historic proportions,” and that Israel “has an independent legal system that rigorously investigates all violations of the law.”
Asked by Amanpour about the comments made by Netanyahu, Khan said: “Nobody is above the law.”
He said that if Israel disagrees with the ICC, “they are free, notwithstanding their objections to jurisdiction, to raise a challenge before the judges of the court and that’s what I advise them to do.”
Israel and the United States are not members of the ICC. However, the ICC claims jurisdiction over Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank after Palestinian leaders formally agreed to be bound by the court’s founding principles in 2015.
The ICC announcement on Monday is separate from the case currently being heard by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which involves an accusation from South Africa that Israel is committing genocide in its war against Hamas following the October 7 attacks.
While the ICJ considers cases involving countries and nations, the ICC is a criminal court that brings cases against individuals for war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Monday’s announcement is not the first time the ICC has acted in relation to Israel. In March 2021, Khan’s office launched an investigation into possible crimes committed in the Palestinian territories since June 2014 in Gaza and the West Bank.
Located in The Hague, Netherlands, and created by a treaty called the Rome Statute first brought before the United Nations, the ICC operates independently. Most countries—124 of them—are parties to the treaty, but there are notable exceptions, including Israel, the US, and Russia.
If the court grants Khan’s application and issues arrest warrants for the five men, any country that is a member would have to arrest them and extradite them to The Hague.
Under the rules of the court, all signatories of the Rome Statute are obligated to cooperate fully with its decisions. This would make it extremely difficult for Netanyahu and Gallant to travel internationally, including to many countries that are among Israel’s closest allies, such as Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Accra High Court has adjourned the case between Fidelity Bank and Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, to July 4, 2024.
Fidelity Bank’s counsel, Dr. Dominic Ayine, was expected to move a motion to strike out some of Simons’ pleadings. However, the defense lawyer, Samuel Alesu, stated that they had not filed an affidavit in opposition due to the suit’s nature.
Lawyers representing Dr. Ayine requested additional time to file further documents in support of their motion. Justice Ellen Mireku, presiding judge, instructed Fidelity Bank’s lawyers to submit their documents by June 3. Simons’ lawyers must file their corresponding documents by June 20, with the hearing set to continue on July 4, 2024.
Background
Fidelity Bank sued Bright Simons on March 25, 2024, following a tweet in which Simons claimed the bank sold dollars in a sweetheart deal to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), potentially causing losses. Represented by Dominic Ayine, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Bolgatanga East, Fidelity Bank accused Simons of disseminating false and misleading information.
Simons’ comments were based on a tweet by Benjamin Boakye of the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP), stating that the sale rate was 13.95, whereas the Bank of Ghana’s reference rate was below 11.5 at the time of the transaction in October 2023. Simons, represented by Audrey Grey, a corporate law firm in Accra, entered his appearance on March 28, 2024, and filed his defense the following month.
Fidelity Bank’s amended suit claims that Simons’ tweet was false, mischievous, and disparaging. In his defense, Simons rejected these allegations, insisting that the figures used in his and Boakye’s tweets were derived from ECG’s financial department and submitted to the Cash Waterfall Mechanism committee at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
The ECG acknowledged the figures but described them as estimates. Simons’ representatives countered that the document continued to be used months after the transaction, with data labeled as “actuals.”
Fidelity Bank’s amended writ included what it stated were the accurate exchange rates used, which were lower than 13.95. In response, Simons counter-sued, asking the court to declare the deal a sweetheart deal, alleging it violated the Public Procurement Act and Ghana’s energy policies. He claimed a conflict of interest involving Fidelity Bank’s Board Secretary, who also sits on ECG’s Board.
Fidelity Bank moved to dismiss Simons’ counter-suit, arguing it lacked reasonable cause and was an abuse of judicial process. Simons’ lawyers opposed this, asserting that the counter-claims were directly linked to his defense and were in the public interest to expose irregular deals. They urged the court to declare the deals illegal and compel Fidelity Bank to refund profits above the Bank of Ghana reference rate.
Dr. Ayine opposed Simons’ counter-suit, arguing it was intended to waste the court’s time. The substantive issues could not be heard on May 20, 2024, due to incomplete affidavits, leading to the adjournment to July 4, 2024.
In 2021, the Ministry of Finance began the process to secure roughly $335,072,712.13 in tax exemptions for 42 companies under the government’s One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
The Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083), was introduced to Parliament by the former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, in 2022.
Among the companies awaiting these exemptions, Sentuo Oil Refinery Limited stands out with the highest requested amount of $164,633,012.00.
The One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, envisioned by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aims to transform Ghana’s economy from one dependent on importing and exporting raw materials to a more robust economy focused on manufacturing, value addition, and exporting processed goods.
This initiative is driven by the private sector, with the government creating a supportive environment for businesses.
This support includes facilitating access to funding from financial institutions and providing assistance from various government agencies to help establish factories.
Widow of the late John Kumah, Member of Parliament for Ejisu,Apostle Lilian Kumah, could not hide her immense sorrows over the weekend when she buried her late husband, Dr John Kumah.
She cried uncontrollably as other family members held her to keep her from falling.
She also bravely fought back tears to deliver a heartfelt tribute to the former Deputy Minister of Finance.
Her nine-minute tribute began with worship songs, sung from the podium where she stood, supported by about a dozen people.
Her nine-minute tribute started with worship songs from the podium where she stood surrounded by about a dozen people.
“We shall meet again in Jerusalem for indeed it is a pure land. I know one day we will meet again in the pure land where there is no hatred, rancour, anger or ill-feeling, we shall meet where our love will unite with that of God.
“For some, it is a big politician lost, others have lost a top civil servant and for many others, their benefactor is gone. But for me, I have lost my everything. You were my everything.
“My number one fan, my lover, my motivator, my teacher and even in my pastoral journey, my Spiritual Father,” she stated recounting how she met John Kumah after coming to Accra to seek greener pastures having failed Senior High School exams.
The body of the late John Kumah arrived in Kumasi aboard a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter on Friday, May 17, 2024, marking the beginning of a solemn day of mourning for the former public servant.
In an emotional scene captured on video and shared on YouTube, family, friends, and constituents were seen and heard shedding tears as Kumah’s body was transferred from the helicopter to a hearse.
John Kumah passed away at the Suhum Government Hospital on March 7 at the age of 45.
He was being transported to Accra for further medical attention when his condition worsened, necessitating a stopover in Suhum. Initially, he was slated to be flown to Germany for treatment of an undisclosed ailment.
A final-year student from the University of Ghana has lost his life in a ghastly road accident.
The deceased’s brother is currently fighting for survival after their motorbike collided with a tipper truck on the Kasoa-Winneba Highway near Krispo City.
The tragic incident occurred as the two brothers were returning to Accra after visiting their ailing mother at St. Gregory Hospital in Buduburam.
The collision, which happened on the evening of May 19, has left the family and the university community in deep shock and mourning.
Local authorities arrived at the scene promptly. The relevant authorities are yet to speak on the matter.
The Minister-designate for the Interior, Henry Quartey, has issued an Executive Instrument to extend the curfew hours in Kpatinga and its surrounding areas.
The new curfew hours will be from 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am, starting on Friday, May 17, 2024.
This decision follows a recommendation from the Northern Regional Security Council.
In a statement, the Ministry acknowledged the cooperation of the chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth, and residents in adhering to the curfew regulations.
The government urged community members to remain calm and exercise restraint during these challenging times. They are encouraged to use non-violent means to address their concerns and work towards maintaining peace in the region.
“Meanwhile, there is a total ban on all persons in the Kpatinga and surrounding areas from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapon, and any person found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement added.
Two Togolese nationals are currently in the custody of the Jasikan Municipal Police Command for attempting to participate in Ghana’s ongoing voter registration exercise.
The arrests were made by National Security officers on Sunday, May 19, and the suspects were subsequently handed over to the police for further processing in court.
According to National Security officers, leaders of a political party in the area allegedly brought the suspects to the Jasikan Municipal Registration Centre. They further alleged that political leaders in the Buem Constituency attempted to secure bail for the two suspects at the police station but were unsuccessful.
This incident follows a similar arrest last week at Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti Region, where two Nigeriens were apprehended. These individuals were unable to convince Electoral Commission officers and the police of their eligibility to register as they were not Ghanaians.
In response, the Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a warning to political parties to discourage their regional and constituency executives from transporting minors and foreigners to registration centres.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has highlighted a timeline discrepancy between when Rock City Hotel began operations and when the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) procurement processes for the sale of the hotels started.
He noted in a post on X platform that that Rock City Hotel commenced operations in November 2019, a year after the SSNIT procurement processes began in November 2018.
Mr Ablakwa is presently concerned about how Rock City Hotel, within a short period of operation, managed to outperform and outbid 14 other firms in the procurement process, implying a potential lack of transparency or fairness in the selection process
“It’s interesting to discover from the SSNIT statement that their controversial procurement processes for the sale of the 6 hotels started on November 14, 2018. In November 2018, Rock City had not opened for business. According to the management of Rock City in an interview with the Miami Herald, Phase 1 of Rock City commenced operations in November 2019 — a year after the SSNIT procurement processes were rolled out. It is even more profound that soon after commencing operations in the middle of the SSNIT procurement, Rock City gathered the financial and technical might to knock out all the other 14 firms they competed against,” he wrote.
It’s interesting to discover from the SSNIT statement that their controversial procurement processes for the sale of the 6 hotels started on November 14, 2018.
In November 2018, Rock City had not opened for business. According to the management of Rock City in an interview with… pic.twitter.com/QAYlLBOu9d
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 20, 2024
He made this concern known after the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) announced that the process of securing a strategic investor for some of its hotels is in the final stages, emphasizing that no agreement has been concluded yet.
In a press release on Sunday, SSNIT denied any foul play in its decision to sell a 60% stake in its hotels to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by the Food and Agriculture Minister, Dr. Bryan Acheampong.
This announcement follows a formal petition lodged by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate allegations surrounding the sale of six hotels: Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.
Mr. Ablakwa’s petition to CHRAJ calls for an investigation into several allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
In his petition, Mr. Ablakwa cites what he views as violations of constitutional provisions, specifically Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
In a subsequent Facebook post on Friday, May 17, he argued that Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s alleged involvement in the hotel sale without the Speaker of Parliament’s permission constitutes a breach of parliamentary protocol regarding holding offices of profit.
“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.”
“I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” he said.
However, the Trust clarified that the strategy to partner with an investor to raise capital for its hotels and assist in their management began as far back as 2018, following the International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes prescribed by the Public Procurement Act.
SSNIT stated that the process commenced in November 2018, after hiring a Transaction Advisor to guide the selection of a strategic investor, among other responsibilities.
“Further advertisements for an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Strategic Partner for the SSNIT Hotels were placed in the Daily Graphic on 3rd February 2022 and in the Ghanaian Times on 7th February 2022. The advertisement was also published in The Economist Magazine on 26th February 2022,” it said.
SSNIT stated that six of the nine companies that responded to the advertisements were then shortlisted and issued with Request for Proposal documents.
“The qualifying firms were invited for the opening of their financial proposals. Based on the technical and financial evaluation, the Rock City Hotel emerged as the best. Based on the criteria set out in the RFP, Rock City Hotel submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal amongst those received.”
“Consequently, it is in negotiation with SSNIT to buy a 60% stake in each of the four (4) hotels (Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and Elmina Beach Resort),” SSNIT stated.
They indicated that the bids for Busua Beach Resort and Trust Lodge were deemed unsuccessful, so these hotels are no longer part of the process.
The Trust emphasized that the process is still ongoing.
SSNIT stated that it will refrain from commenting further until the pending investigation with CHRAJ is completed.
“SSNIT will cooperate fully with CHRAJ throughout its investigation process,” it added.
Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive English league title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham at Etihad Stadium, a historic achievement in the competition’s 136-year history.
Phil Foden opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, adding another before halftime. Mohammed Kudus pulled one back for West Ham, but Rodri’s strike restored City’s two-goal advantage.
City’s victory extended their unbeaten run to 19 wins and four draws since their last league defeat in December. This success marks their sixth title in the last seven seasons, a remarkable feat.
Despite facing 115 Premier League charges for alleged financial irregularities, City’s dominance in English football continues.
The team’s triumph also highlights the remarkable rise of Phil Foden, who has already won several prestigious awards this season. Foden’s development under Guardiola has been remarkable, with his performance against West Ham showcasing his exceptional skills and composure.
City’s victory was a result of their dominant display and strong start, with Foden’s early goal setting the tone for the match. Despite West Ham’s efforts, City’s relentless pressure and superior quality were evident throughout the game.
Guardiola‘s managerial success and his ability to consistently deliver silverware have cemented his status as one of the greatest managers in English football history.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on his main rival, John Dramani Mahama, to exhibit patience and allow him the opportunity to also serve as President.
During a visit to the Wa Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV’s palace on Sunday, May 19, Dr. Bawumia stressed that while Mr. Mahama has already had a term as President, he has yet to serve in that capacity.
He urged Mr. Mahama to exercise restraint and permit him to take his turn.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted that according to the constitution, Mr. Mahama is eligible for only one term, whereas he has the potential to serve for two terms if elected.
“[My main opponent and I] are both your children. We are both from the north and he has been president before but I haven’t been president before, so I have told him (John Mahama) that he is my senior brother, and he should have patience for me so I can also become president of this country.”
“I will be able to be president for 8 years, and he can only be president for four years, so if the presidency is coming home, then we should have it for 8-years rather than four years,” he said.
Despite actively campaigning, Dr. Bawumia emphasized his focus on addressing issues important to Ghanaians rather than resorting to insults or personal attacks against his opponents.
He reiterated his commitment to informing the electorate about his proposed plans and programmes for the country if elected President, rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric aimed at undermining his opponents.
Four years ago, Counsellor Lutterodt predicted the collapse of the marriage between Ghanaian rapper Medikal and actress Fella Makafui.
The video, dated back to 2020, shows Counsellor Lutterodt expressing his belief that the couple’s lack of compatibility would make their marriage difficult to sustain.
He noted that although Medikal and Fella are not bad people, “the two of them together are two wrong materials.”
He added that “whoever brought them together has been very wicked to these two kids.”
He noted that if the duo had had a marriage counselling session, they would have decided to remain business partners or lovers and not married couples.
He explained that the actions of Fella Makafui are not accepted in Ewe customs, and should she take that into her marriage, it would lead to a divorce.
He noted that if pregnancy was what unified the two of them, it did not have to result in a marriage.
4 years ago he spoke about the future of MDK & Fella Marriage 😳😢.
At this point this man deserves an apology from us all cos we all insulted him back then pic.twitter.com/FLGKoZ7eVd
Presently, Medikal and Fella are no longer together after tying the knot in 2021. Medikal has been revealing the circumstances that led to their separation, despite having a daughter together.
He says Fella called the police on him after he requested her cousin to leave his residence.
Medikal clarified that Fella Makafui’s cousin had been staying at his place for two years, and he simply wanted her to vacate the premises.
“I allowed your cousin stay with me for 2years without complaining. I told her to live my house recently and you called the Ghana police to come and arrest me. How can you choose your cousin over me who has done so many things for you. How,” Mediakl asserted in a hurtful tone.
Among many other things, the rapper accused Fella Makafui of physically assaulting him by hitting his head with a coffee cup and hitting him several times sometime ago in his residence at East Legon.
According to him, her ex-wife claimed she suspected him of being with another woman, hence, the reason for her outburst.
“While I was staying at Caterpillar junction in East Legon, there was this day she jumped over my wall and entered my room saying she suspects I was with another woman.
“I was with my friends playing video game, she threw my tea i was drinking on me, slammed my head with the coffee cup, destroyed my play station and my television. She also destroyed my laptop used for recording in my studio. She further hit my head with hanger several times,” Medikal narrated.
A viral video circulating on social media has resurfaced, indicating that Counsellor Lutterodt predicted the collapse of the marriage between Ghanaian rapper Medikal and actress Fella Makafui.
The video, dated back to 2020, shows Counsellor Lutterodt expressing his belief that the couple’s lack of compatibility would make their marriage difficult to sustain.
He noted that although Medikal and Fella are not bad people, “the two of them together are two wrong materials.”
He added that “whoever brought them together has been very wicked to these two kids.”
He noted that if the duo had had a marriage counselling session, they would have decided to remain business partners or lovers and not married couples.
He explained that the actions of Fella Makafui are not accepted in Ewe customs, and should she take that into her marriage, it would lead to a divorce.
He noted that if pregnancy was what unified the two of them, it did not have to result in a marriage.
4 years ago he spoke about the future of MDK & Fella Marriage 😳😢.
At this point this man deserves an apology from us all cos we all insulted him back then pic.twitter.com/FLGKoZ7eVd
Presently, Medikal and Fella are no longer together after tying the knot in 2021. Medikal has been revealing the circumstances that led to their separation, despite having a daughter together.
He says Fella called the police on him after he requested her cousin to leave his residence.
Medikal clarified that Fella Makafui’s cousin had been staying at his place for two years, and he simply wanted her to vacate the premises.
“I allowed your cousin stay with me for 2years without complaining. I told her to live my house recently and you called the Ghana police to come and arrest me. How can you choose your cousin over me who has done so many things for you. How,” Mediakl asserted in a hurtful tone.
Among many other things, the rapper accused Fella Makafui of physically assaulting him by hitting his head with a coffee cup and hitting him several times sometime ago in his residence at East Legon.
According to him, her ex-wife claimed she suspected him of being with another woman, hence, the reason for her outburst.
“While I was staying at Caterpillar junction in East Legon, there was this day she jumped over my wall and entered my room saying she suspects I was with another woman.
“I was with my friends playing video game, she threw my tea i was drinking on me, slammed my head with the coffee cup, destroyed my play station and my television. She also destroyed my laptop used for recording in my studio. She further hit my head with hanger several times,” Medikal narrated.
A video circulating on social media indicates that the unfortunate collapse of the marriage between Ghanaian rapper, Medikal and actress, Fella Makafui, was predicted by Counsellor Luterrodt.
The video is said to be dated in 2020. Counsellor Luterrodt, in the video gone viral, noted that the duo are not compatible with each other for a union such as marriage to be a success.
He noted that although Medikal and Fella are not bad people, “the two of them together are two wrong materials.”
He added that “whoever brought them together has been very wicked to these two kids.”
He noted that if the duo had had a marriage counselling session, they would have decided to remain business partners or lovers and not married couples.
He explained that the actions of Fella Makafui are not accepted in Ewe customs, and should she take that into her marriage, it would lead to a divorce.
He noted that if pregnancy was what unified the two of them, it did not have to result in a marriage.
4 years ago he spoke about the future of MDK & Fella Marriage 😳😢.
At this point this man deserves an apology from us all cos we all insulted him back then pic.twitter.com/FLGKoZ7eVd
Presently, Medikal and Fella are no longer together after tying the knot in 2021. Medikal has been revealing the circumstances that led to their separation, despite having a daughter together.
He says Fella called the police on him after he requested her cousin to leave his residence.
Medikal clarified that Fella Makafui’s cousin had been staying at his place for two years, and he simply wanted her to vacate the premises.
“I allowed your cousin stay with me for 2years without complaining. I told her to live my house recently and you called the Ghana police to come and arrest me. How can you choose your cousin over me who has done so many things for you. How,” Mediakl asserted in a hurtful tone.
Among many other things, the rapper accused Fella Makafui of physically assaulting him by hitting his head with a coffee cup and hitting him several times sometime ago in his residence at East Legon.
According to him, her ex-wife claimed she suspected him of being with another woman, hence, the reason for her outburst.
“While I was staying at Caterpillar junction in East Legon, there was this day she jumped over my wall and entered my room saying she suspects I was with another woman.
“I was with my friends playing video game, she threw my tea i was drinking on me, slammed my head with the coffee cup, destroyed my play station and my television. She also destroyed my laptop used for recording in my studio. She further hit my head with hanger several times,” Medikal narrated.
Iran’s state TV has confirmed that President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and several others lost their lives in Sunday’s helicopter crash in northwestern Iran.
Among the victims were Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, the imam for Friday prayers in Tabriz, and General Malek Rahmati, the governor of East Azerbaijan province. The president’s protection unit commander, Sardar Seyed Mehdi Mousavi, also perished, along with several bodyguards and helicopter crew members who have not yet been named.
The helicopter was reported to have been “completely burned” in the crash, according to an Iranian official cited by Reuters.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced that the process of securing a strategic investor for some of its hotels is in the final stages, emphasizing that no agreement has been concluded yet.
In a press release on Sunday, SSNIT denied any foul play in its decision to sell a 60% stake in its hotels to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by the Food and Agriculture Minister, Dr. Bryan Acheampong.
This announcement follows a formal petition lodged by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate allegations surrounding the sale of six hotels: Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.
Mr. Ablakwa’s petition to CHRAJ calls for an investigation into several allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
In his petition, Mr. Ablakwa cites what he views as violations of constitutional provisions, specifically Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
In a subsequent Facebook post on Friday, May 17, he argued that Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s alleged involvement in the hotel sale without the Speaker of Parliament’s permission constitutes a breach of parliamentary protocol regarding holding offices of profit.
“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.”
“I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” he said.
However, the Trust clarified that the strategy to partner with an investor to raise capital for its hotels and assist in their management began as far back as 2018, following the International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes prescribed by the Public Procurement Act.
SSNIT stated that the process commenced in November 2018, after hiring a Transaction Advisor to guide the selection of a strategic investor, among other responsibilities.
“Further advertisements for an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Strategic Partner for the SSNIT Hotels were placed in the Daily Graphic on 3rd February 2022 and in the Ghanaian Times on 7th February 2022. The advertisement was also published in The Economist Magazine on 26th February 2022,” it said.
SSNIT stated that six of the nine companies that responded to the advertisements were then shortlisted and issued with Request for Proposal documents.
“The qualifying firms were invited for the opening of their financial proposals. Based on the technical and financial evaluation, the Rock City Hotel emerged as the best. Based on the criteria set out in the RFP, Rock City Hotel submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal amongst those received.”
“Consequently, it is in negotiation with SSNIT to buy a 60% stake in each of the four (4) hotels (Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and Elmina Beach Resort),” SSNIT stated.
They indicated that the bids for Busua Beach Resort and Trust Lodge were deemed unsuccessful, so these hotels are no longer part of the process.
The Trust emphasized that the process is still ongoing.
SSNIT stated that it will refrain from commenting further until the pending investigation with CHRAJ is completed.
“SSNIT will cooperate fully with CHRAJ throughout its investigation process,” it added.
This payment underscores SSNIT’s commitment to ensuring that pensioners receive their benefits on time.
The next scheduled payment is set for June 20, 2024. In the previous months, SSNIT has consistently made substantial payments to pensioners. In April 2024, GH¢439.41 million was disbursed to 247,002 pensioners.
March 2024 saw a payout of GH¢439.05 million to 246,407 pensioners. In February 2024, GH¢437.32 million was paid to 245,418 pensioners, while January 2024 recorded a payment of GH¢434.59 million to 244,509 pensioners.
SSNIT continues to facilitate the accessibility of these benefits to pensioners through their respective banks, ensuring a seamless process for the beneficiaries to receive their entitled amounts.
SSNIT pensioners can access their SSNIT benefits from their respective banks.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has provided clarification regarding its decision to sell a 60% stake in four of its hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong, Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency under the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a statement released on Sunday, May 19, SSNIT explained that Rock City Hotel Limited presented the strongest technical and financial proposal among the bids received, meeting the criteria outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
SSNIT asserted that the selection process adhered strictly to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and was conducted with transparency.
The Trust emphasized that the decision to engage with an investor was motivated by the aim to raise capital for further investments in their hotels and to enhance their management.
This initiative, initiated in 2018, followed International Competitive Tendering (ICT) procedures to ensure a fair and competitive selection process.
In its press release, SSNIT outlined the process, highlighting its commencement in November 2018 with the engagement of a Transaction Advisor.
The Trust clarified that the role of the Advisor was to facilitate the selection of a strategic investor to collaborate with SSNIT in the management and enhancement of the hotels.
“Based on the criteria set out in the RFP, Rock City Hotel submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal amongst those received. Consequently, it is in negotiation with SSNIT to buy a 60% stake in each of the four (4) hotels (Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and Elmina Beach Resort).
“Bids for Busua Beach Resort and the Trust Lodge were considered to be unsuccessful so they are no longer part of the hotels covered in this process,” an excerpt of their statement said.
Following a formal petition lodged by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), an investigation is underway regarding the process surrounding the sale of six hotels.
The hotels mentioned in the petition include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.
However, SSNIT clarified that the bids were successful for only four hotels, not all six as claimed by the MP.
Mr. Ablakwa’s petition calls for an investigation into various allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
In his petition, Mr. Ablakwa highlights what he views as violations of constitutional provisions, specifically citing Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution. He contends that these actions represent significant breaches of legal and ethical standards.
Additionally, in a Facebook post on Friday, May 17, Mr. Ablakwa argued that Bryan Acheampong’s alleged involvement in the hotel sale without the permission of the Speaker of Parliament constitutes a breach of parliamentary protocol regarding holding offices of profit.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, this is a serious violation that requires thorough investigation and accountability.
“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bordering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.”
“I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” he said.
SSNIT has stated that the strategy to partner with an investor to raise capital for its hotels and assist in their management began as far back as 2018 through International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act.
The Presidency has assured the public of President Akufo-Addo’s safety and well-being following an accident involving his convoy.
In a press release issued on Sunday, May 19, Communications Director Eugene Arhin clarified that President Akufo-Addo was not in the convoy at the time of the accident.
The statement further explained that the President had returned to Accra from the funeral of the late Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, via air travel.
“Fortunately, the President is safe and unharmed, as he travelled to Accra via military aircraft.”
The incident occurred at Bunso on Sunday, May 19, while the convoy was returning from Kumasi after accompanying the President to a series of events over the weekend. Tragically, the driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser, Kwesi Arthur, lost his life in the accident.
“Additionally, several close protection and police officers from the President’s security detail sustained varying degrees of injuries and received initial treatment at the Suhum Government Hospital.
“The injured persons are currently being evacuated to the University of Ghana Medical Centre for further treatment and observation,” the May 19 statement added.
Jubilee House reiterated its commitment to closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates on subsequent arrangements.
Reports indicate that a KIA Rhino truck crossed the path of the vehicle, leading to the crash.
Videos on social media show the severely damaged Toyota on the side of the road, with some security personnel present at the scene.
President Akufo-Addo's convoy has been allegedly involved in a tragic accident at Bunso Junction, Eastern Region.
According to reports, the convoy was crossed by a KIA Rhino truck, resulting in a collision that claimed the life of one individual and left others seriously… pic.twitter.com/AgtGm5bZWb
One person has been reported dead and several others seriously injured following an accident involving President Akufo-Addo’s convoy, which was returning from the funeral of the late Ejisu MP, John Kumah.
The incident occurred at Bunso Junction in the Eastern Region.
According to reports, the accident happened when a KIA truck crossed the speeding convoy. Fortunately, President Akufo-Addo was not in the convoy at the time of the incident.
Sources indicate that two military officers attached to the Presidency sustained injuries and have been flown to Accra for further medical treatment.
The deceased has been identified as a driver from the Jubilee House.
President Akufo-Addo's convoy has been allegedly involved in a tragic accident at Bunso Junction, Eastern Region.
According to reports, the convoy was crossed by a KIA Rhino truck, resulting in a collision that claimed the life of one individual and left others seriously… pic.twitter.com/AgtGm5bZWb
Parliament has approved the ministerial nominees submitted by President Akufo-Addo.
During a debate on Friday, May 17, to consider the nominees, the Minority staged a walkout, declaring they would not participate in the process.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the caucus does not support the approval of the nominees.
“Mr Speaker, the Minority does not support the nominations of these ministers, because of what the country has gone through and continues to go through, including economic crisis, food insecurity, “dumsor”, and reckless borrowing.
“Businesses are struggling. While the government has asked Ghanaians to tighten their belts, the government has loosened its belts.
“Piling up ministers and deputies does not signal to the Ghanaians that the President understands the seriousness of the mess created,” he said.
Subsequently, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended the sitting for five minutes to allow tempers to cool.
However, when the House resumed, only the Majority was present, and Mr. Bagbin called for a voice vote. The Majority then voted in favor of approving the ministerial nominees.
Full List of Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial Nominees:
In his first major ministerial reshuffle since 2017, President Akufo-Addo designated:
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye as Minister for Health
Ophelia Mensah Hayford as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Ms. Fatimatu Abubakar as Minister for Information
Dakoa Newman as Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection
Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah as Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development
Lydia Seyram Alhassan as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources
Andrew Egyapa Mercer as Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture
Titus Glover as Minister for Greater Accra Region
Daniel Machator as Minister for Oti Region
The deputy ministerial nominees are:
Sylvester Tetteh, MP for Information
Vincent Ekow Assafuah for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development
Charles Acheampong for Communications and Digitalisation
Adelaide Ntim, MP and Alexander Akwasi Acquah for Health
Dr. Prince Hamidu Armah for Works and Housing
Akwasi Konadu for Lands and Natural Resources
Musah Abdul Aziz Ayaba for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development
John Kobina Sanie and Collins Adomako Mensah for Energy
Kingsley Nyarko for Education
Festus Awuah Kwofie for Employment and Labour Relations
Benjamin Sekyere Yeboah for Gender, Children, and Social Protection
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has strongly criticized President Akufo-Addo for the hardships facing the Ghanaian people.
He argued that the government must urgently implement measures to alleviate the citizens’ plight.
In his address at the start of the parliamentary sitting on Friday, May 17, Dr. Forson, who previously served as Deputy Finance Minister, chastised the President for his new ministerial nominations.
He highlighted that the government is already bloated and that the suffering masses cannot afford to continue supporting such a large administration.
According to Dr. Forson, the President should be reducing the size of the government to assure the Ghanaian people that he is listening to their demands.
However, he asserted that the President has become deaf to the citizens’ calls for a leaner government.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the primary concern for the Akufo-Addo administration should be the alarming depreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi.
He pointed out that the rapid decline in the value of the local currency is causing severe economic challenges, including the collapse of businesses and rising unemployment.
“Ordinary Ghanaians continue to bite the bullet and businesses are struggling under high tax regime to contribute to the development of country. What is expected on the part of government would have been prudent management of these contributions from the people of Ghana.”
“But hardly a day passes without one reckless and wasteful expenditure or the other by this government beinguncovered.”
“Mr Speaker, while are happy for the nominees because we know that it is just a matter of time and colleagues from our side will begin appearing before the Appointments Committee, we cannot pretend that things are still the same.”
The Minority Leader stressed that these economic issues must preoccupy the President’s attention rather than increasing the size of an already overblown government. He insisted that addressing the economic crisis should be the top priority.
Dr. Forson concluded by urging the government to focus on stabilizing the economy and addressing the pressing financial concerns of the nation, rather than expanding the government during such a critical time.
“Indeed, we cannot do things the same old way. Ghana’s present unfortunate situation occasioned by this government does not only call for new, creative and radical ways of confronting challenges but it also calls for modesty and sacrifice by the political class,” he stated.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has criticized President Akufo-Addo for the emergency parliamentary session convened by the Majority caucus on Friday, May 17.
He argued that there was no genuine emergency to justify recalling Parliament to approve a $150 million loan from the World Bank.
During his address at the parliamentary sitting, Dr. Forson, who previously served as Deputy Finance Minister, stated that the loan approval was unnecessary.
He highlighted that the government had already misused funds from the first phase of the loan previously approved.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the primary concern for the Akufo-Addo administration should be the alarming depreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi. He pointed out that the rapid decline in the value of the local currency is causing severe economic challenges, including the collapse of businesses and rising unemployment.
He expressed concern over the continuous devaluation of the Cedi, which he said is driving up the cost of goods and services across the country. According to him, this is putting immense pressure on ordinary Ghanaians and worsening their living conditions.
“How is the approval of US$150 million loan an urgent issue, when US$200 million for phase one approved by this House has been misapplied and not accounted for?”
“How is it an urgent matter for Parliament to be summoned from recess to approve a-US$150 million loan agreement at a time that this government is grantingquestionable US$450 million tax waiver?”
“Therefore, we want to make the point clear that there is no urgent matter before the House to warrant this recall.”
Dr. Forson urged the government to focus on stabilizing the Cedi rather than seeking additional loans for what he termed as consumption. He stressed the need for the administration to prioritize economic stability and the well-being of its citizens.
The Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam lawmaker reiterated that addressing the free fall of the Cedi should be the government’s most urgent task. He warned that failure to do so would continue to exacerbate economic hardships and undermine the nation’s financial health.
In conclusion, Dr. Forson called on the government to reassess its priorities and take decisive action to stabilize the economy, rather than accumulating more debt. He urged a shift in focus from borrowing to implementing policies that would strengthen the local currency and support sustainable economic growth.
“Rt. Hon. Speaker, the urgent matter facing the people of Ghana, particularly businesses, traders and households is the free fall of the Cedi. This is a matter that concerns everyone. The depreciation of the Cedi should be anurgent issue for all of us,” he said.
A middle-aged man named Kwadwo Amoah Ampong has been arrested for impersonating the chief private investigator for Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and extorting money from unsuspecting victims.
Ampong is accused of using both traditional and social media platforms to spread false allegations against various Asante chiefs. He claimed they were involved in illegal mining activities, land sales, and embezzlement, thereby tarnishing their reputations.
The suspect’s fraudulent activities came to light when several individuals reported his extortion attempts to the authorities who got hold of him and brought him in for questioning.
Investigations revealed that Ampong had no affiliation with the Asantehene and was not authorized to act on behalf of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
His actions were solely aimed at extorting money from people while creating a facade of legitimacy by posing as the Asantehene’s chief private investigator.
The Asantehene’s office has condemned Ampong’s actions, emphasizing that such fraudulent behavior undermines the integrity of traditional leadership and the justice system.
They reassured the public that the Asantehene remains committed to transparency and upholding the law, and they thanked the police for their swift action in apprehending the suspect.
A middle-aged man named Kwadwo Amoah Ampong, posing as the chief private investigator for Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has been arrested for extorting money from people and using traditional and social media to falsely accuse some Asante chiefs of illegal mining, land sales,… pic.twitter.com/kmhZm7FkZ4
The Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption, Edem Senanu, has suggested that former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu is concerned about his successor, Kissi Agyebeng, potentially outshining him.
This statement comes in the wake of Amidu’s petition seeking Agyebeng’s removal from office.
The petition, dated April 30, 2024, was addressed to President Akufo-Addo by Martin Amidu and forwarded to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo on May 6, 2024. Amidu’s allegations against Agyebeng include procurement breaches in the acquisition of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and abuses involving judges and the administration of justice.
Additional claims involve violations of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, breaches of the right to information, and improper appointments of personnel to the office.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on May 17, Mr. Senanu described Martin Amidu’s stance as troubling.
“It’s more like ‘nobody should occupy that office who is able to do much more or shine more than me’ and so there have been all these epistles and comments, and for me, to the credit of the current office holder, Mr. Kissi Agyabeng, he has refused to jump into that public discourse of blow for blow..
“I am also concerned because of the inconsistencies. I mean, you cannot call the President mother serpent of all corruption in one breath and in the next breath be writing to the same institution and be saying somebody else should be removed from office while believing and apparently trusting that same institution.
“This kind of flip-flopping leaves us with the impression that you can change your stand at any time on issues and so it is a big concern for me”.
The Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption criticized former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu for not fully utilizing his authority during his tenure.
“Some of the things he mentioned, like speaking against the judges, I find ridiculous. I mean, office holders as high up as the OSP cannot speak their minds when they think something is going wrong and for me, I thought that was important because the judiciary responded.
“The Chief Justice then reached out and said, let us have discussions, and from where I stand, one of the key things that has been on my mind is, ‘how do agencies like the OSP, anti-corruption agencies work with the judiciary to have fast-track anti-corruption courts with specialised personnel who understand our terrain?,” he stressed.
Mr. Senanu observed that despite having the power to effect significant changes, Mr. Amidu chose to resign and is now targeting his successor, Kissi Agyebeng.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the sale of six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
The hotels in question include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort and Trust Lodge Hotel.
He has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the matter.
Mr Ablakwa alleges that SSNIT is set to sell a majority 60% stake in the hotels to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, based on documents in his possession. He is urging CHRAJ to halt the sale to the Abetifi MP.
In his petition, Mr Ablakwa argues that the sale of SSNIT’s shares in the hotels lacks due process and violates procurement procedures.
“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa also stated that the MP for Abetifi, who is the owner of Rock City Hotel Limited, has violated the Constitution. He emphasized that the MP has not sought nor received permission from the Speaker of Parliament to hold a lucrative office.
“I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” part of the petition reads.
Mr Ablakwa also raised significant concerns about the possibility of job losses if the sale negotiations are finalized.
“I am additionally worried about potential job losses if this sale to Bryan Acheampong is finalised.”
Read below the details of Ablakwa’s petition
As I earlier disclosed on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme, I have today successfully
Intercepted documents in my possession confirm that SSNIT is far advanced in selling a controlling 60% stake in six of its hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited owned by Hon. Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi and Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Hon. Acheampong is a director and the sole beneficial owner of Rock City Hotel Limited.
The six SSNIT hotels being sold are:
• Labadi Beach Hotel • La Palm Royal Beach Resort • Elmina Beach Resort • Ridge Royal Hotel • Busua Beach Resort • Trust Lodge Hotel
In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit.
Since 2008, when Dr. Omane Boamah and I dragged the late Hon. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey to court over attempts to buy his official bungalow, I have always maintained that it is wrong, unethical and reprehensible for public officials, particularly, Ministers of State to participate in the purchase of state assets. It is a matter of principle.
Also, a number of these SSNIT hotels are very profitable and one wonders the rationale for the sale.
I am additionally worried about potential job losses if this sale to Bryan Acheampong is finalised.
May God help us to defeat state capture, and to scuttle this opaque and unethical transaction, which is certainly not in the national interest.
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has asserted that no constituency has been left without representation in Parliament.
His remarks were in response to the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who voiced disappointment over the delay in electing a representative for the residents of Santrokofi, Akpofu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL).
The 2020 elections in Ghana were marked by controversy, particularly concerning the alleged disenfranchisement of the SALL community.
The Electoral Commission (EC) faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with critics like Franklin Cudjoe, president of IMANI Africa, accusing the EC of gross incompetence. Cudjoe argued that the EC’s actions led to the disenfranchisement of the SALL community.
However, the EC refuted these allegations, explaining that the inability of SALL voters to participate in the parliamentary elections on December 7, 2020, was not a deliberate act of disenfranchisement.
The EC clarified that it was unable to establish the Guan constituency, which would have included SALL, due to late requests and Parliament being in recess at the time.
In a rebuttal to Dr. Forson’s claim in Parliament on Friday, the Majority Leader emphasized that no constituency was excluded from the 2020 elections.
Afenyo-Markin urged the Minority Leader to avoid misleading Ghanaians and to ensure his facts are accurate before making such claims.
“The issue of the creation of a constituency for representation is a matter for the EC. And in this 8th parliament, no constituency has been denied representation. At the time of the 2020 election Mr Speaker no such constituency was left out in the 2020 election.
“So Mr Speaker, the minority leader should not mislead the people of Ghana. When he is raising issues of constitution, he should be well grounded and ensure that the right thing is done,” he stated.
Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has remarked that when efforts are made to combat corruption, its proponents will retaliate using any means necessary.
His statement comes in the wake of a petition forwarded by President Akufo-Addo to the Chief Justice seeking the removal of Mr. Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor.
The petition, dated April 30, 2024, was submitted to the President by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu and conveyed to Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on May 6, 2024.
Amidu’s petition alleges procurement breaches in the purchase of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and abuses involving judges and the administration of justice.
Additional allegations include violations of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, infringements on the right to information, and improper appointments of personnel to the office.
Speaking to the JoyNews AM show on May 17, Mr. Domelevo said that “I have stated time and again that if you fight corruption, corruption will fight you back using any means available, so it is not a surprise to me at all.”
Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, expressed surprise at the actions of Martin Amidu, the former Special Prosecutor, who initiated the petition against Kissi Agyebeng, Amidu’s successor.
When questioned about his description of Amidu’s actions as “corruption fighting corruption,” Domelevo defended his statement, stating that he found Amidu’s actions unsurprising.
“You have no idea how corruption fights. Corruption is not going to fight using corrupt methods. It is going to pretend and use what looks like very genuine reasons, and I always say that there is the story behind a story, so the story behind the story is difficult for all of us to know, but what I am just trying to say is that to me, if you are in the public domain fighting people, others may also look for an opportunity to fight you back.”.
“Where it’s coming from is what surprises me. You know Martin is my very good friend, but we have different values. And I would not participate in any form or shape in the removal of my successor from office. In fact, in his case even I can say that he resigned. I don’t think Kissi Agyebeng played role in it. I suspect the one who succeeded me had a role to play but I will not play any role as such.”
Domelevo noted that besides the unusual nature of the petitioner’s identity, the case might also reinforce suspicions, as previously suggested by some commentators, that the action was prompted by perceptions that the current Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, is overshadowing his predecessor.
“You know at times, somethings you can do, but you leave it to other people to do it because, like Senanu is alluding to, it looks like because he is outshining him, so he wants to remove him out of office, which to me I will not allow such a situation to arise before people will impute those intentions into my actions,” he noted.
Regarding the allegations of procurement breaches against the OSP and its potential impact on the impeachment petition, Domelevo commented that prosecuting authorities tend to apply procurement laws selectively, focusing on their interests. He pointed out that serious allegations against the presidency and the Electoral Commission have been overlooked.
“The pattern is that they use the procurement offences only when it suits them. Didn’t we hear about procurement offences by the EC, the current EC and several others, even the presidency itself and how do they treat them? They are treated with kid gloves. It’s only when you are on the other side, you are not liked then they activate the procurement offence against you.
“I know that nobody is above the aw and everybody is supposed to go according to the law but then the selectiveness, the selectivity in using this procurement law is becoming one too many. Several huge procurement offences are known to all of us and are not being addressed but they pick on individuals who they think they should pick on and they talk about procurement offences. I’m not saying that that justifies the procurement offence if there is any…”
The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has taken a jab at Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), using his own campaign slogan “IT IS POSSIBLE.”
In a Facebook post on Friday, May 17, Gyamfi highlighted several perceived failures of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, framing them within the context of Bawumia’s “IT IS POSSIBLE” slogan.
Gyamfi stated, “Folks, one profound campaign message of the NPP and Alhaji Bawumia that I agree with, is their campaign slogan, ‘IT IS POSSIBLE’. This is because:
IT IS POSSIBLE for one dollar to cross GH¢20 under the watch of Bawumia, having increased from GH¢4 in 2016 to over GH¢15 already.
IT IS POSSIBLE for the rate of unemployment to cross 20% under the watch of Bawumia, having increased from 8.4% in 2016 to 14.7% already.
IT IS POSSIBLE for the price of a gallon of petrol to cross GH¢100 under the watch of Bawumia, having increased from GH¢14 in 2016 to over GH¢68 already.
IT IS POSSIBLE for the public debt to cross GH¢1 trillion under the watch of Bawumia, having increased from GH¢120 billion in 2016 to over GH¢630 billion already.
IT IS POSSIBLE for Ghana to lose over $10 billion to corruption under the watch of Bawumia, having lost $2 billion dollars through the stinking PDS scandal he personally orchestrated.
IT IS POSSIBLE for deceptive Bawumia to hoodwink some unsuspecting Ghanaians with his plagiarized promises to scrap the E-Levy, Bet levy, and the emissions levy, having failed to move the nation from taxation to production.
And oh, IT IS POSSIBLE for Bawumia to deceive drivers with his promise to provide them with electric cars, having failed to deliver the concrete roads he promised them in 2017.”
Mr Gyamfi concluded his post by stating, “Indeed, IT IS VERY POSSIBLE!!! #Bawuliar is spot on on this one.”
Former CEO of UT Bank, Prince Kofi Amoabeng, has voiced apprehension over the upcoming 2024 elections, citing fears that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) might use ill-gotten funds to maintain power.
Mr Amoabeng, in an interview, expressed his concerns about the NPP’s financial advantage, despite what he perceives as a track record of disappointment and mismanagement.
He highlighted the potential for electoral unrest if the NPP attempts to manipulate the outcome.
When asked what his anticipation of the 2024 elections following recent challenges with the voter registration exercise, he said, “I am scared a bit but I don’t waste my time fearing what is going to happen in the future. I live in the present. But I am scared in the sense that, I think even though we know NPP has messed up badly and disappointed Ghanaians, they have a lot of money – stolen or whatever, they have a lot of it, therefore they will use it to try to stay in power. That is where my fear comes in because I think if it is an obvious win for the NDC and the NPP are using their money to influence and rig things, things might explode. We are talking about guns and machetes people are totting, so we have to pray for whatever reason the election goes smoothly.”
Despite his concerns, Amoabeng emphasized the need for a peaceful election process and urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine the democratic process.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, has made a commitment to reduce Ghana’s power costs by transitioning from fuel-based power to solar energy if elected president.
He believes that Ghana has the potential to harness solar energy for power generation and shared his vision during a conversation with clergy in the Upper East region.
Dr. Bawumia aims to introduce about 2000 megawatts of solar power within his first four years in office, which is approximately half of the country’s current power consumption. This move could potentially reduce power costs by at least 50%.
Additionally, the Vice President expressed his desire for Ghana to start manufacturing solar panels and become a supplier for other parts of Africa.
“The next major objective for me is to bring down the cost of power, electricity. And how am I going to do it? I want to do it by shifting Ghana away from fuel-generated power to solar-generated power. I want us to move from fuel to solar.
“Solar is given to us by God for free. If we have to buy fuel we need foreign exchange and then we have to import. But solar we can harness it and generate power.”
“So I want us to bring 2000 megawatts in the first four years. That is about half our consumption in the first four years and we can reduce the cost of power by at least 50% if we move in this direction…I want Ghana to start manufacturing solar panels as well and then let us start supplying the rest of Africa with it,” he stated.
A major objective for me is to bring down the cost of power. I want to shift Ghana from fuel-generated power to Solar – Dr. Bawumia. #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/8kyAjcyQor
Today marked the swearing-in ceremony of Kwabena Boateng, the newly elected Member of Parliament for the Ejisu constituency.
The solemn oath-taking event took place in Parliament and was presided over by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
The emergency sitting of the house, facilitated by the Majority, allowed for Mr. Boateng’s official induction into office.
Mr. Boateng’s ascension to the parliamentary seat follows a by-election conducted by the Electoral Commission after the untimely passing of the former MP for the region, John Kumah, on March 7.
In the by-election held on Tuesday, April 30, Mr. Boateng emerged victorious with a commanding lead, securing 27,782 votes, which accounted for 55.79% of the total ballots cast.
His closest competitor, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, a former MP for the area running as an independent candidate, trailed behind with 21,536 votes, representing 43.24% of the vote share.
The by-election saw a total turnout of 49.1%, with other candidates receiving varying levels of support. Esther Osei of the CPP garnered 89 votes (0.2%), Beatrice Boakye of the LPG secured 149 votes (0.3%), Gabriel Agyemang Joseph, an independent candidate, amassed 222 votes (0.4%), while Attakorah Joseph, also an independent candidate, received 23 votes (0.05%).
The final funeral rites for the late Member of Parliament for Ejisu and Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, will be held on May 18, 2024.
The funeral arrangements, according to the family’s directives, will take place at Onwe, a suburb of Ejisu, where his one-week observation was also held.
Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah passed away suddenly on March 7, 2024, at the age of 45, leaving behind a wife and six children. His death has deeply saddened many in Ghana, as he was highly regarded in both political and personal circles.
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Laying in State: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, starting at 5 am.
Burial Service: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, beginning at 10 am.
Interment: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Aduapakye Royal Cemetery.
Final Funeral Rites: Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Thanksgiving Service: Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park.
Ahead of the 2024 elections, presidential aspirants in Ghana are ramping up their campaigns in a bid to garner more support from voters.
In addition to traditional campaign tactics such as engaging in conversations and rallying supporters with slogans, some aspirants have taken to the dance floor to showcase their dancing skills.
Notably, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the NPP, former President John Mahama representing the NDC, and Alan Kyerematen, leader of the Movement for Change, have all been seen displaying their dancing prowess during campaign events.
While this approach to campaigning has drawn mixed reactions from Ghanaians, with some expressing disapproval, others have found it acceptable and even entertaining.
The sight of presidential aspirants busting moves on the dance floor adds a unique and lively element to the election season, showcasing a different side to the candidates as they vie for the highest office in the country.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the sale of six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Mr Ablakwa alleges that SSNIT is set to sell a majority 60% stake in the hotels to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, based on documents in his possession. He is urging CHRAJ to halt the sale to the Abetifi MP.
In his petition, Mr Ablakwa argues that the sale of SSNIT’s shares in the hotels lacks due process and violates procurement procedures.
“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa also stated that the MP for Abetifi, who is the owner of Rock City Hotel Limited, has violated the Constitution. He emphasized that the MP has not sought nor received permission from the Speaker of Parliament to hold a lucrative office.
“I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” part of the petition reads.
Mr Ablakwa also raised significant concerns about the possibility of job losses if the sale negotiations are finalized.
“I am additionally worried about potential job losses if this sale to Bryan Acheampong is finalised.”
The hotels in question include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort and Trust Lodge Hotel.
Read below the details of Ablakwa’s petition
As I earlier disclosed on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme, I have today successfully
Intercepted documents in my possession confirm that SSNIT is far advanced in selling a controlling 60% stake in six of its hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited owned by Hon. Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi and Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Hon. Acheampong is a director and the sole beneficial owner of Rock City Hotel Limited.
The six SSNIT hotels being sold are:
• Labadi Beach Hotel • La Palm Royal Beach Resort • Elmina Beach Resort • Ridge Royal Hotel • Busua Beach Resort • Trust Lodge Hotel
In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit.
Since 2008, when Dr. Omane Boamah and I dragged the late Hon. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey to court over attempts to buy his official bungalow, I have always maintained that it is wrong, unethical and reprehensible for public officials, particularly, Ministers of State to participate in the purchase of state assets. It is a matter of principle.
Also, a number of these SSNIT hotels are very profitable and one wonders the rationale for the sale.
I am additionally worried about potential job losses if this sale to Bryan Acheampong is finalised.
May God help us to defeat state capture, and to scuttle this opaque and unethical transaction, which is certainly not in the national interest.
Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has expressed disagreement with Martin Amidu’s petition to remove Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng from office, calling it unnecessary.
Mr Kpebu stated that it is premature for such action to be taken against Agyebeng, speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Friday.
“We have not gotten there yet, therefore it was unnecessary for the former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to take that tandem. It’s good to criticize him, but to have him impeached is wrong,” he said.
Days after President Akufo-Addo forwarded a petition seeking the removal of Kissi Agyabeng as Special Prosecutor to the Chief Justice, new details have emerged.
The petition, dated April 30, 2024, was originally submitted to the President by Martin Amidu and then relayed to Justice Gertrude Torkonoo on May 6, 2024.
Amidu’s petition alleges procurement breaches in the acquisition of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and misconduct involving judges and the administration of justice.
Further accusations include violations of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, infringements on the right to information, and improper personnel appointments.
Amidu also contends that the Special Prosecutor abused his authority by arresting individuals such as Cecilia Dapaah and Prof. Frimpong Boateng.
However, Mr. Kpebu maintains that despite the Special Prosecutor’s imperfections, he is performing well in his role.
“It’s not fair; generally, he has done well as Special Prosecutor. Kissi is independent-minded and very outspoken. He is the personification of integrity so why have him impeached if he is doing the right thing,” he quizzed.
Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, has voiced his opposition to Martin Amidu’s petition for the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.
Mr Baako expressed surprise at the desire of certain prominent figures in the country to see Mr Agyebeng removed from his position, particularly in light of the challenges he has faced.
A Facebook post by Professor Kwasi Prempeh, the Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Governance (CDD), stated: “Petition to remove Special Prosecutor received by the President, forwarded expeditiously to CJ for further processing.”
Responding to this post, Kweku Baako entered the comment section and succinctly stated, “Nonsense!”
Following a JoyNews report, it has been revealed that a petition for the removal of Kissi Agyebeng as Special Prosecutor has been submitted by President Akufo-Addo to the Chief Justice.
The petition, dated April 30, 2024, was presented to the president by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu and was subsequently relayed to Justice Gertrude Torkonoo on May 6, 2024.
Amidu’s petition reportedly cites procurement irregularities in the acquisition of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and alleges misconduct involving judges and the administration of justice.
Further allegations include the violation of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, breaches of the right to information, and improper staff appointments to the office.
Under Article 146 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice is currently evaluating whether there is sufficient initial evidence to convene a committee for Agyebeng’s potential impeachment.
The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has forwarded a petition to remove Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng to him for his response.
This follows President Akufo-Addo’s submission of a petition to the Chief Justice seeking Agyebeng’s removal.
The petition, lodged by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu, urges the President to dismiss Agyebeng and is dated April 30, 2024.
It cites procurement irregularities in the acquisition of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and accuses Agyebeng of misconduct involving judges and the administration of justice.
In a letter dated Thursday, May 16, the Chief Justice requested Agyebeng’s comments to determine if a prima facie case has been established.
“This is to forward to you a copy of the petition dated 30th April 2024 sent to the Office of the President which was forwarded to the Office of the Honourable Lady Chief Justice on 6th May 2024. Kindly provide your comments on the matters raised to enable the Honourable Chief Justice to determine if a prima facie case has been made out.”
The incident occurred after the flight made a stop in Abidjan, leading to heated exchanges between the flight attendants and causing delays, which alarmed the passengers.
After a stop in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, to allow some passengers to disembark, a flight from Doha, Qatar, faced delays due to a passenger attempting to smoke onboard without a transit visa for Cote D’Ivoire.
Despite being advised against it, the passenger tried to smoke in the washroom, triggering suspicions of tampering with the smoke alarm.
The strong smell of tobacco lingered, though the alarms did not sound. Following a thorough investigation by the flight crew, the flight resumed, but with considerable delay.
The passenger was later handed over to Ghana Police Service officers.
The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Real Estate Development Association (GREDA), Sammy Amegayibor, has downplayed the likelihood of the government’s directive to the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC) to reverse the recent cement price hike.
Expressing his surprise at the significant price increase, Mr. Amegayibor stated that this will negatively impact builders, ultimately leading to higher housing prices.
In an interview with Nathan Quao on the Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM, he pointed out that the price difference between various cement brands was just GH¢1 when the starting price was GH¢45. However, the difference has now risen to between GH¢8 and GH¢10.
“Just yesterday [Thursday], cement prices went up by about GH¢10 and GH¢12 and the starting price of cement is now GH¢85 upwards,” Mr Amegayibor added.
On May 8, during the inauguration of the Cement Manufacturing Development Committee (CMDC), Trade and Industry Minister K. T. Hammond directed that cement prices be regulated and halted. He also requested that all cement manufacturers publish their retail prices to prevent arbitrary price increases.
However, Mr. Sammy Amegayibor, in an interview with Nathan Quao, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of this directive, citing the challenges of implementing such measures in a free market economy like Ghana’s.
“If my minister issues a statement that there is a concern with cement prices, I agree with him. However, I don’t know how that will work because we are in a free market economy and it will be difficult to achieve that but the request must be fair.
“The manufacturer struggled to produce the product and we would have wished to know the government’s contribution toward helping to bring down the price.”
Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Stephen Amoah has highlighted the importance of leveraging domestic tourism to stabilize the depreciating cedi.
Addressing stakeholders at the GIPC Quarter 2 CEOs Breakfast Meeting in Accra, Dr. Amoah emphasized prioritizing local tourism initiatives as a strategic measure to combat currency devaluation.
He underscored the significance of the tourism sector, noting its position among the top four contributors to foreign exchange inflows in Ghana.
“One thing I have seen about Africa is that we have a lot of ideas but sometimes the global models control us too much. We need to build homegrown policy tools that specifically address our needs. So we need to do all these things and make sure that we all repent…let’s begin to show that high level of patronage and keep the money here.”
“We always talk about cedi, cedi, if we change dollars and go there why won’t the cedi suffer? But if you stay here the dollar people come, they will demand our currency. As a country, we have everything at our disposal to develop tourism because God has given us. God has endowed us,” he stated.
Dr. Amoah advocated for homegrown policies tailored to meet Ghana’s specific economic needs, urging policymakers and industry players to collaborate on strategies that promote local tourism and drive economic development.
Eric Boateng, the president of the Automobile Dealers Union, raised concerns about the effects of duties, especially those imposed in dollars, on the businesses of second-hand car importers in Ghana during an interview with Bernard Avle on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, May 15.
However, the GRA released a statement on Friday, May 17, dismissing the claims of calculating duties in dollars as “misleading” and urged the public to disregard them.
“The claims that GRA calculates duties in foreign currency are misleading and should be disregarded. The basis of calculation of duties is provided for in the Customs Act 2015, (Act 891).”
The GRA reiterated that duties and taxes are quoted in Cedis, not in foreign currency.
“The CIF value is then converted into Ghana cedis at the prevailing Bank of Ghana exchange rate. Rates of duty and other taxes are then calculated on the item in Ghana cedis. The duty and taxes are NOT quoted in foreign currency, but in CEDIS,” GRA explained.
The GRA further explained that the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) values are quoted in internationally convertible currencies such as dollars, euros, pounds sterling, and others.
“GRA wishes to clarify the issue as follows: Duties and taxes are computed based on the value of vehicles from the country of origin. In addition to the cost of vehicles, Insurance and Freight charges must be added to form the base for the calculation of duty and taxes.
“The Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) values are quoted in international convertible currencies such as dollars, euros, pounds sterling, etc.”
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be the special guest at the 17th edition of the West African Mining and Power Conference and Exhibition in Accra.
The three-day conference, scheduled for June 5 to 7 at the Accra International Conference Centre, will focus on regional economies, mining, and energy under the theme: “The Mining and Power Hub: Driving Sustainable Investment Opportunities in West Africa.”
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor, will be in attendance, along with some ECOWAS Ministers from Nigeria, Liberia, Mali, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso, Togo, and other diplomats in the country.
Dr. Sulemanu Koney, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, announced at a media briefing ahead of the event that over 1,500 participants are expected, including industry leaders, investors, government officials, and stakeholders from around the world.
The conference will feature more than 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in mining and power technologies, products, and services. Key topics of discussion will include critical mineral development, collaborations to promote regional mining and power markets, exploration investments, diversity and equity, sustainable mining practices, renewable energy integration, and investment opportunities.
Mr. Koney highlighted that the conference aims to promote sustainable investment opportunities within the mining and power sectors in West Africa. It will also provide a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among industry stakeholders to foster innovation and best practices.
“The conference is an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and develop actionable strategies for sustainable growth.
“It will also serve as a vital platform for networking, facilitating partnerships that can lead to significant economic benefits for the West African region,” he said.
Mr. Koney encouraged all stakeholders to participate actively in the conference to ensure that West Africa remained a competitive and attractive destination for mining and power investments.
The government has announced its intention to increase the proportion of students pursuing Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) to 50% of all learners, as part of efforts to address the country’s unemployment rate.
According to the Commission for Technical and Vocational Educational Training, there has been a significant increase in the number of Junior High School students pursuing TVET programmes at Senior High Schools. However, more efforts are needed to make the sector more attractive, especially to young people.
Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, Director-General of the Commission, stressed the importance of Ghana embracing TVET, citing examples from countries like Germany, where 65% of learners pursue TVET.
He highlighted the significance of dual training, which involves students combining workplace experience with traditional lectures.
“The perception about TVET is international, it’s not only in Ghana. When we came first into government, the percentage of learners going into TVET in Germany was close to 70 percent. Now is about 65 so the Germans are looking for a new approach, advanced dual TVET, so you want to go to the university, that’s fine but it has to be dual training, so you go to the workplace three days and go for lectures two days because whether we like it or not, the TVET approach is what’s going to happen.”
”So, it’s about product. If you look at what we’ve done, moving from below 20,000 learners from junior secondary schools going to TVET to over 60,000 it is something significant. But have we gotten there yet? No! We are expecting that at Keats about 50 percent of our learners should be opting for TVET.”
Janet Abobigo, Entrepreneur and CEO of Unijay Company Limited, welcomed the government’s initiative, noting that it will enhance Ghana’s TVET sector and create more job opportunities for the youth.
She emphasized the significance of technical knowledge in industries and the potential for exporting goods to countries like the US.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has resolved the dispute between chiefs at Kenyasi No. 2 in the Ahafo Region and Newmont Gold Mining Company regarding the resettlement of residents in Tutuka.
During a meeting in Kenyasi No. 2 between the chiefs, residents of Tutuka, and other stakeholders, the Akyeamehene of Kenyasi No. 2, Nana Asokwah, announced that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has instructed the chiefs to allow Newmont to resettle those affected by the company’s activities on both Kenyasi No. 2 and Kenyasi No. 1 lands.
Although Tutuka is part of Kenyasi No. 2, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has authorized the chiefs to allow Newmont to resettle the affected residents evenly on the lands of both Kenyasi No. 2 and Kenyasi No. 1 to foster development in both communities.
Nana Asokwah urged the residents of Tutuka to respect and comply with the directives of the Asantehene, who is the custodian of their lands, for their own benefit.
