TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Career Technology, Creative Art and Design, and Arabic added to BECE subjects

    Career Technology, Creative Art and Design, and Arabic added to BECE subjects

    Final-year junior high school (JHS) students in Ghana will be tested on three new subjects in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates.

    These subjects are Career Technology, Creative Art and Design, and Arabic. Career Technology and Creative Art and Design, derived from the previous Basic Design and Technology (BDT) subject, will be mandatory for all candidates, according to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

    Arabic, however, will be an optional subject for candidates in Islamic basic schools.

    The addition of these new subjects has led to the extension of the examination period from five days to six days, running from Monday, July 8, 2024, to Monday, July 15, 2024.

    Explaining further, the Head of Public Affairs of WAEC, John Kapi, stated to the Daily Graphic that new subjects could be introduced at any time, as the examination was solely Ghanaian, and the government determined its content.

    He also mentioned that WAEC had completed the registration of candidates and would now proceed to organize the examination, with all necessary preparations already made. Sample questions have been distributed to schools and posted on the council’s website to assist candidates in their preparations.

    “The printing exercise will start very soon, and so we are on course,” he emphasised. In the case of Arabic, he said it was the first time the subject was being examined at the BECE.

    He clarified that the subject could be considered an elective, open to individuals who feel proficient in Arabic and desire a certification for it.

    According to the official timetable released by WAEC, the examination schedule is as follows:

    • Monday, July 8, 2024: English Language and Religious and Moral Education
    • Tuesday, July 9, 2024: Science and Computing (previously Information, Communication and Technology or ICT), followed by Social Studies and Creative Art and Design on Wednesday, July 10, 2024
    • Thursday, July 11, 2024: Mathematics and Ghanaian Language
    • Friday, July 12, 2024: French and Career Technology
    • Monday, July 15, 2024: Arabic

    Prior to the registration for the BECE for School Candidates, the Ghana Education Service outlined the mandatory subjects as English Language, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies, Religious and Moral Education, Career Technology, and Creative Art and Design. Ghanaian languages were categorized as elective subjects, along with French, Arabic, and Computing.

    This year’s BECE candidates will be the first cohort to sit the examination under the Common Core Curriculum. Consequently, WAEC noted that school and private candidates would be assessed differently due to the introduction of this curriculum, which aims to enhance learning experiences and shift learners from rote memorization to acquiring critical learning skills.

  • Joyce Agyeiwaa nominated as Birem Central MCE

    Joyce Agyeiwaa nominated as Birem Central MCE

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has nominated Joyce Adjoa Agyeiwaa as the new Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central in the Eastern Region, replacing Victoria Adu, whose appointment was revoked on March 19.

    Madam Agyeiwaa’s selection aligns with Article 243(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), governing the MCE selection process.

    The Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, in coordination with the Electoral Commission (EC), will oversee Madam Agyeiwaa’s confirmation process.

    With over 24 years of experience in business development, entrepreneurship, and wholesale distribution, Madam Agyeiwaa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, potentially benefiting the Birim Central municipality.

  • EC cautions political parties, public against disturbances at voter registration centres

    EC cautions political parties, public against disturbances at voter registration centres

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a warning to individuals and political party agents, cautioning against disruptions or disturbances during the ongoing Limited Voter Registration Exercise.

    The warning comes after the Ghana Police Service arrested three individuals—Abass Abukari, George Vinor, and Abdul Karim—in Tepa, Ashanti Region, on Wednesday. They were apprehended for allegedly disrupting the registration process and causing disturbances.

    The individuals responsible for the sabotage are currently in police custody, assisting the Ghana Police Service with their investigations.

    Benjamin Bannor Bio, the Ashanti Regional EC boss, emphasized that security personnel have been deployed to the various registration centers and are prepared to deal with any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt the process.

    “They will not even allow them to get closer to our centres as we indicated in Tepa and we will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the right people are registered. I can assure you, we will not also permit anybody to try to adversely affect the smooth process of our registration exercise.”

    “The commission issues a directive that we go offline. We will be using offline until the connectivity issue is restored.”

    The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has voiced concerns about the ongoing network issues affecting the limited voter registration exercise in the Effutu constituency in the Central Region.

    “The frustration and the delays must be addressed. So I am urging the Electoral Commission to ensure that they have a backup system. We are told that previously they used to have a system where even when the network was down, they had an offline system which was readily available for registration. So that when the system comes up, it picks immediately.

    “I am told that the new system is a bit cumbersome. So if they can work at it and ensure that they have an effective offline system which will allow for registration when the network is down, because as of now, the frustrations are one too many,” he said.

  • I am not a criminal but I was arrested multiple times in the UK – Cheddar

    I am not a criminal but I was arrested multiple times in the UK – Cheddar

    Founder of the New Force Movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, commonly known as Cheddar, has revealed that he was arrested for driving and clubbing during his stay in London, attributing the incident to youthful recklessness. 

    Cheddar revealed this during a live Q&A session on a TikTok platform.

    However, he refuted claims of involvement in fraudulent activities in London, dismissing them as baseless attempts to tarnish his reputation. 

    He characterized these accusations as politically motivated maneuvers aimed at undermining his campaign, lacking any factual foundation.

    “I don’t have a criminal record in London. I grew up in London. From 1994 to 2001 was when I moved from London to Ghana. In the times I was in London, there were times I was arrested for driving wrongly, clubbing and these were when I was young. I don’t have a criminal record for being arrested in London. So if someone is saying otherwise let the person prove it”.

    “I’m not bothered by the allegations against me because I see them as part of life’s challenges. It’s ironic that they’re attempting to pull me down now that I’ve reached this level. However, I trust in God to handle those individuals. If they have any evidence of criminal activity, they should present it. But let me be clear, I have never been arrested before. In England, people can be arrested for minor offenses, but arrests are based on truth,” he added.

  • Ferry breakdown at Oti River leaves commuters stranded

    Ferry breakdown at Oti River leaves commuters stranded

    Passengers and drivers travelling across the Oti River from Dambai to the northern part of the country have been stranded at the riverbanks due to the breakdown of the only ferry in service.

    The ferry’s malfunction has affected their businesses, as much of their trade occurs on both sides of the river.

    Although the ferry was repaired and back in service Thursday morning, many are still waiting to cross, leading to frustration among those affected.

    One stranded passenger expressed their disappointment, saying, “I’ve been here since yesterday morning at 9 and it’s almost 12 today, still I’ve not been able to cross. When we asked, they said the ferry is spoilt, including some generators, so we are still in a queue here. This government has disappointed us.”

    He further added, “during the previous government, we had two ferries here which were going to and fro but when this government came, we don’t see that here any more which is a challenge. All our goods are left on the farm we cannot go for them.”

    This is the first time such an unfortunate incident has occurred. In March 2023, passengers using the ferry were stranded at both ends of the Oti River on Saturday, March 25, due to the ferry’s malfunction.

    As a result, commuters were forced to cross the Oti River in crowded boats without any safety precautions.

  • Bawumia accuses ECG staff of using ransomware to sabotage paperless system

    Bawumia accuses ECG staff of using ransomware to sabotage paperless system

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has revealed that officials from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) hindered the government’s efforts to digitize revenue collection.

    Under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, the government has prioritized digitalization initiatives, with Dr. Bawumia playing a central role in driving these efforts forward.

    Speaking at the Annual AGM of Anti-corruption Agencies in Africa, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that certain individuals within the IT unit at ECG introduced ransomware into the system to disrupt its functionality.

    He elaborated that this ransomware caused a collapse of the system, necessitating intervention from national security to identify and address the individuals responsible for the sabotage.

    “They just kept it at GHC450 million every month. So, I said we need to send in a team to digitalise the new collection of the Electricity Company of Ghana, so we sent in a team, and we began the process of digitalise.

    “Can you believe that workers within the system sabotaged, they put in ransomware into the whole system. And the system essentially collapsed. We had to send in national security to eventually find that it was some of the staff at the IT department who were culpable.”

    “And we found the computer which the ransomware was injected in the system. It took us awhile to restore the system. They asked for a ransom to actually allow for this to work. Can you imagine? That we should pay, they submitted a bill that we should pay for the system to work.

    “Anyway, they were arrested. And we restored the system and we digitised the system and we said that no more cash payments for electricity in Ghana. You only pay by your mobile money, electronic bank transfers. So that is now the case. Can you believe that from GHC450 million a month, collections have now gone to over a billion cedis a month.”

  • We cannot disclose BVR kit serial numbers – EC to NDC

    We cannot disclose BVR kit serial numbers – EC to NDC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has responded to the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) request for the serial numbers of Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits deployed for the Limited Voters Registration Exercise.

    The Commission’s Director of Public Affairs stated that releasing such information could pose a security risk.

    In a statement released on May 9, 2024, the EC emphasized the critical role of BVR Kits in the electoral process, noting their unique serial numbers are essential for generating activation codes and tracking their location and movement.

    Therefore, disclosing these serial numbers to external parties, including political entities like the NDC, could jeopardize the security and integrity of registration processes.

    “The serial numbers are integral to the security framework of the BVR Kits. Disclosure of these numbers could potentially allow unauthorized access to the devices, thereby compromising integrity of the voter registration process,” Michael Boadu said in the release.

    Additionally, “serial numbers could be used to facilitate fraudulent activities, including phishing attacks, where a criminal with the serial number can trick EC personnel into believing they are registration officials, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosures and access to sensitive information.”

    The Electoral Commission (EC) cites operational integrity and targeted manipulation issues as reasons for not disclosing the serial numbers of Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) Kits deployed for the Limited Voters Registration Exercise.

    The EC’s statement referenced Section 7, Subsection 1 (j) of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which exempts information from disclosure if its release could endanger systems, including computer and communication systems, where security is reasonably required.

    Despite this, the EC assured the public of a transparent process and listed several measures implemented to ensure transparency.

    THE-ELECTORAL-COMMISSION-REACTS-TO-NDCs-REQUEST-FOR-SERIAL-NUMBERS-OF-BVRs-DEPLOYED-FOR-THE-ONGOING-VOTERS-REGISTRATION-EXERCISEDownload
  • Ghana losing favourable business destination position due to exit of multinational firms – GNCCI

    Ghana losing favourable business destination position due to exit of multinational firms – GNCCI

    Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Mark Badu-Aboagye, has expressed concern over Ghana’s diminishing appeal as a favourable business destination in the West African Sub-region.

    According to him, the purchasing power of the average Ghanaian has declined over time, leading to reduced patronage of goods and services. This economic trend has contributed to the closure or exit of some small-margin businesses from the Ghanaian market.

    Speaking on Joy FM, Badu-Aboagye attributed the rising cost of living in Ghana to these economic conditions, which have resulted in businesses folding up and frequent employee layoffs, worsening the unemployment situation.

    According to him, the exit of multinational companies from Ghana is “sending a signal that there’s something fundamentally wrong with the business environment.”

    “If you take for instance, Jumia and also Glovo, in a situation as we find ourselves with a high operational cost, high interest rates and the rest, you realized that the companies that will fall quickly and earlier are those with the smallest margin, because their business model depends on the ability of the Ghanaian to purchase a product.”

    “If Ghanaians are not buying it means Glovo and Jumia will not be there to distribute. And of course Ghanaians are not buying because sales have gone down, purchasing power has gone down and the businesses that are supposed to make profit to take care of employees are also closing down,” he added.

    He therefore noted that Ghana is “gradually losing our position as a favourable investment destination in West Africa.”

    In late April, the delivery service platform Glovo announced its intention to cease operations in Ghana from May 10, 2024. Additionally, there were media reports in early May suggesting that French bank Société Générale (SG) Ghana planned to exit the country’s banking sector.

    However, at SG-Ghana’s 44th Annual General Meeting in Accra, Managing Director Hakim Ouzzani refuted these reports, stating that they were mere rumors and did not originate from the bank.

    Professor Kojo Yankah, founder of the Pan African Heritage Museum (PAHM), has urged support for indigenous businesses following reports of expatriate companies exiting Ghana.

    He views the departure of foreign companies as an opportunity for local entrepreneurs.

  • Stay away from sagging electrical conductors when it rains – ECG warns public

    Stay away from sagging electrical conductors when it rains – ECG warns public

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning urging the public to stay away from sagging or fallen electrical conductors, especially during rainy weather, due to the potential fatal risks involved.

    In a statement released on Thursday, May 9, the power distributor emphasized the importance of caution, stating, “ECG wishes to caution all and sundry to be extremely careful during rainy days not to go near any sagging or fallen electrical conductor since it could be fatal.”

    The company also advised that any incidents of individual or localized power outages, as well as fallen or sagging conductors within customers’ vicinity, should be reported promptly to ensure safety.

    “Individual/localized outages and incidents of fallen or sagging conductors within customers’ vicinities should be reported to the ECG Call Centre on 0302-611611, the nearest ECG office, or reach us on our social media handles via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for prompt intervention,” it stated.

  • Guns reportedly fired at Cape Coast North voters registration centre

    Guns reportedly fired at Cape Coast North voters registration centre

    Gunshots were reportedly heard at a voter registration centre in the Cape Coast North constituency of the Central Region.

    According to Adom News’ Kofi Adjei, the shots were fired by individuals purportedly guarding the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, Horace Ekow Ewusi.

    The incident occurred on Thursday morning and was allegedly aimed at preventing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from registering a group of individuals bused in from Moree in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese constituency.

    Tensions escalated at the voter registration centre as NPP members vowed to prevent NDC members from registering in the ongoing limited registration exercise.

    This led to a confrontation between NPP and NDC members, culminating in the firing of gunshots. During the altercation, the phone of the NDC constituency Youth Organizer, Godfred Onso Nyameye, was reportedly seized, further exacerbating the situation.

    Following the incident, Mr. Ewusi was chased from the registration center and forced into his car, which then drove away. As of now, no arrests have been made.

  • Most “Aboboyaa” operators don’t dispose waste collected well – Zoomlion

    Most “Aboboyaa” operators don’t dispose waste collected well – Zoomlion

    The Communications Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Ernest Morgan Acquah, has criticized some local tricycle operators, commonly referred to as “Aboboyaa” for improperly disposing of waste collected from smaller communities.

    “There’s a breach with the collection. We have an influx of Aboboyaa now, so we will consider them as picking the waste. But most of them don’t dispose it rightly. We have transfer stations that some take the waste to us, others don’t.

    “The problem is that some of them, when they pick it from the households, we’re counting them as picking the waste as part of the 70%. But the 70% they will go dispose it off at different places – Motorway, sometimes at night. When you ply the Tema Motorway, you will see heaps of waste.”

    He disclosed that currently, 70% of waste generated in Accra is collected, leaving 30% uncollected.

    He clarified that major waste management firms, including Zoomlion, handle 80% of the waste collection, with the remaining 20% managed by local tricycle operators, commonly referred to as “Aboboyaa”.

    This division of responsibility underscores the challenge of waste management in Accra, a city plagued by recurrent flooding, often worsened by blocked drains filled with refuse.

    In an interview on Citi TV’s The Point of View, he said, “The sanitation people tell me we’re collecting in Accra something in the region of 70% to 80%.”

    “That is what we’re told by those who do the research. What we’re finding on the ground is quite a lot, though we have been doing regular clean-ups with the Assemblies. In just the first quarter, we’re aiming for around 250 tons per assembly for the month, we’re exceeding it for every Assembly. People are just throwing in the gutters and all of that,” he said.

    Mr. Acquah voiced concern about the lack of a suitable landfill site in Accra. He mentioned that the waste disposal challenge has been tackled through the establishment of recycling plants in all 16 regions.

    “Currently, in Accra, about 80% of the waste we pick, we dispose it, only 20% goes into the recycling plant. Zoomlion has introduced the recycling plant across the country. Now we have a recycling plant in all the 16 regions,” Mr Acquah stated.

  • We are unable to collect 30% of waste created – Zoomlion

    We are unable to collect 30% of waste created – Zoomlion

    The Communications Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Ernest Morgan Acquah, has disclosed that currently, 70% of waste generated in Accra is collected, leaving 30% uncollected.

    He clarified that major waste management firms, including Zoomlion, handle 80% of the waste collection, with the remaining 20% managed by local tricycle operators, commonly referred to as “Aboboyaa”.

    This division of responsibility underscores the challenge of waste management in Accra, a city plagued by recurrent flooding, often worsened by blocked drains filled with refuse.

    In an interview on Citi TV’s The Point of View, he said, “The sanitation people tell me we’re collecting in Accra something in the region of 70% to 80%.”

    “That is what we’re told by those who do the research. What we’re finding on the ground is quite a lot, though we have been doing regular clean-ups with the Assemblies. In just the first quarter, we’re aiming for around 250 tons per assembly for the month, we’re exceeding it for every Assembly. People are just throwing in the gutters and all of that,” he said.

    Mr. Acquah voiced concern about the lack of a suitable landfill site in Accra. He mentioned that the waste disposal challenge has been tackled through the establishment of recycling plants in all 16 regions.

    “Currently, in Accra, about 80% of the waste we pick, we dispose it, only 20% goes into the recycling plant. Zoomlion has introduced the recycling plant across the country. Now we have a recycling plant in all the 16 regions,” Mr Acquah stated.

    He criticized some “Aboboyaa” operators for improperly disposing of waste collected from smaller communities.

    “There’s a breach with the collection. We have an influx of Aboboyaa now, so we will consider them as picking the waste. But most of them don’t dispose it rightly. We have transfer stations that some take the waste to us, others don’t.

    “The problem is that some of them, when they pick it from the households, we’re counting them as picking the waste as part of the 70%. But the 70% they will go dispose it off at different places – Motorway, sometimes at night. When you ply the Tema Motorway, you will see heaps of waste.”

  • LIVESTREAMING: PAC interrogates heads of schools

    LIVESTREAMING: PAC interrogates heads of schools

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is engaging heads of schools over projects being undertaken by contractors in the various schools.

    Today’s sitting is taking place at Ho in the Volta Region.

    Below is the live stream.

  • No classes for Catholic, Presby Schools as GES declares May 9 a holiday

    No classes for Catholic, Presby Schools as GES declares May 9 a holiday

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has declared Thursday, May 9, 2024, as a public holiday for all Catholic and Presbyterian Schools nationwide.

    This decision aligns with the observance of Ascension Day for the year.

    In a joint statement, Ms. Araba Ahima Bentum, General Manager of the Ghana Catholic Education Unit, and Daniel Yeboah Hienno, General Manager of Presbyterian Schools, confirmed that this decision is in accordance with the celebration of Ascension Day.

    “I wish to inform you that all Catholic Schools and offices of the Catholic Education Unit throughout the country will observe Thursday 09th May 2024 as Ascension Day and Obligatory Holy day. All Catholic Schools across the country will therefore be on holiday for the observation of the Ascension Day,” It announced.

    Catholic Schools holiday

    The statement further urged all regional managers of the Catholic Education Unit, as well as chaplains in Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions, to ensure the observance of the day.

    Similarly, all Presbyterian Schools and offices of the Presbyterian Education Unit nationwide are required to observe the Ascension Day Celebration, with all schools and offices closed for the day.

    Presby Schools holiday

    “It is our hope that Presbytery Chairpersons will encourage their District Ministers to fully participate in this celebration,” the statement added.

  • Bawumia promises to establish a Minerals Development Bank

    Bawumia promises to establish a Minerals Development Bank

    Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, has revealed his intentions to create a minerals development bank should he win the upcoming December elections.

    This initiative aims to offer financial support to mining projects within Ghana.

    During the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources in the Bono Region, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that this policy would prevent foreign mining companies from exporting all their earnings, thereby boosting the local economy.

    “We also want to, as I said, in collaboration with the relevant state institutions like MIIF, PMMC, the Bank of Ghana, the private sector and others, we want to establish a minerals development bank to finance viable local mineral projects and to mitigate foreign financing of local mining projects, which leads to heavy smuggling of the produce afterwards.”

  • Asantehene charges new CEO to make GNPC great again

    Asantehene charges new CEO to make GNPC great again

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the new management of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to implement strategic measures aimed at revitalizing the organization’s operations.

    The GNPC, responsible for overseeing activities in the upstream sector of the petroleum industry, recently appointed a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the corporation.

    As part of their courtesy visit during the celebration of his silver jubilee, a delegation from the GNPC, including the new CEO and Board Chairman, paid their respects to the Asantehene.

    In his remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended their efforts and encouraged the management team to prioritize sustainable measures to enhance the corporation’s operations.

    “The President saw potentials in you and brought you back. Ensure to institute projects and measures that would promote operations at the business,” he said.

    Otumfuo emphasized that a flourishing business would not only bring economic benefits to the country but also earn commendation for the management.

    Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Joseph Abuabu Dadzie

    “GNPC is dear to me and the nation. It is one of the strongest pillars of the country that could help in the development of Ghana,” the Asantehene underscored.

    Since 2017, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has been backing social initiatives using the country’s oil revenues. Over 100 projects, such as educational and healthcare facilities, have been initiated by the GNPC in the Ashanti region alone.

    Joseph Abuabu Dadzie, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, reaffirmed GNPC’s dedication to investing in and maintaining these projects in the region.

    “The foundation will continue with the projects that we’ve initiated in the region. We will ensure it benefits the youth and people of the Ashanti region,” he said.

  • BoG yet to provide documents on $11.9M paid to Chinese company for no work done on Pwalugu Dam project

    BoG yet to provide documents on $11.9M paid to Chinese company for no work done on Pwalugu Dam project

    On April 8, 2024, while before the Public Accounts Committee, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison, could not justify a $11.9 million paid to MS Power China International Group Limited for the Pwalugu Irrigation Project.

    It was reported by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Constituency in the Central Region, Mr Samuel Atta-Mills, that no work had been done on the site.

    “I thought before payments are made, contractors would present certificates. When you get to Pawlugu, there is nothing there. There is no pole or signboard,” he said.

    The PAC demanded documentation from the Bank of Ghana to investigate these transactions further.

    Since the BoG’s meeting with PAC, a month ago, there has been no response from both parties, as to whether the Bank of Ghana has provided documents on the monies paid to the Chinese company.

    On November 29th, 2019, the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency (H.E.) Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, cut the sod for the construction of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam Project.

    The project, which is the single largest investment ever made in the northern part of Ghana, and estimated to cost US$993 million, would consist of a Hydro-Solar hybrid system of 60 MW hydropower and 50 MW solar power.

    The two technologies would complement each other to provide a reliable and stable electricity supply to the national grid. The project would also provide an irrigation scheme covering an area of twenty-five thousand (25,000) hectares and improve water supply to the Northern parts of the country.

    In addition, the Multi-Purpose Dam, expected to have been completed in four years, would control the perennial flooding in the northern regions caused by heavy rains and the spillage from the Bagre Dam.

  • Bawumia is campaigning day and night; where is the 24-hour economy man? – Anyidoho jabs Mahama

    Bawumia is campaigning day and night; where is the 24-hour economy man? – Anyidoho jabs Mahama

    Former Deputy General Secretary for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has taken a swipe at the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

    In a post on X, he criticised Mr Mahama for allegedly not actively campaigning day and night as his closest contender, NPP’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia does ahead of the 2024 elections.

    “Bawumia is campaigning day and night and making use of 24hrs: where is the 24hr economy man? He is nowhere to be found yet he is expecting us to vote for him. Wishful thinking!”

    It is unknown if, indeed, Mr Mahama does not campaign at night, as alleged by Mr Anyidoho.

    The 24-hour economy policy has been proposed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

    Mahama has defended the party’s proposal to create a conducive environment for a 24-hour economy, asserting that it is a well-thought-through idea.

    Mr Mahama, speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail, reiterated that the idea is a game-changer due to careful consideration. He pledged that a potential NDC administration would actively pursue projects and programs to transition Ghana into a fully-fledged 24-hour economy by optimizing existing resources.

    Mahama outlined that the 24-hour economy aligns with the NDC’s vision to build the desired Ghana, focusing on creating an industrialized, inclusive, and resilient economy with well-paying jobs. The vision also includes developing safe communities, protecting the natural environment, building effective institutions, and enhancing Ghana’s role in African and international affairs.

  • I will build Islamic Colleges of Education – Bawumia

    I will build Islamic Colleges of Education – Bawumia

    During his campaign tour of the Bono Region, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), announced plans to construct Islamic Colleges of Education if elected as President of Ghana.

    He expressed the intention to establish three colleges in different geographic regions: the Northern, Middle, and Coastal belts, aimed at advancing education in Zongo communities.

    Dr. Bawumia emphasized the NPP’s commitment to the development of Zongo communities, highlighting the significant role played by the Zongo Development Fund.

    He noted that the fund has facilitated the implementation of over 200 projects within Zongo communities nationwide, demonstrating the party’s dedication to comprehensive development initiatives.

    “What we want to do is to build Islamic Colleges of Education. That is what we want to focus on for the next phase of the Zongo development fund. If we get one in the North and get one in the middle and coastal belts.”

    “We have helped the Ghana Muslim’s mission to get accreditation for the College of Education at Beposo. So I also want to help build at least three colleges of Education to help Arabic Education in Ghana,” he said.

    Dr. Bawumia, reflecting on his presidential aspirations, acknowledged the initial skepticism surrounding the possibility of a Muslim candidate being elected within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Despite these doubts, he highlighted that his successful candidacy defied expectations, representing a significant milestone in the party’s history.

    “My election as flagbearer of NPP is historic. It has never happened in Ghana. Many people doubted that a Muslim could be a presidential candidate, but I said it is possible”said Dr Bawumia.

    “I want to become President for all to benefit. At first, those of us from the North thought we had been sidelined in the country’s governance. That’s why when I became Vice President I advocated for the Zongo development fund,” he added.

  • Woman cheats with houseboy as husband denies her sex 5 years after marriage

    Woman cheats with houseboy as husband denies her sex 5 years after marriage

    A married woman has been unfaithful to her husband, and she partially holds him accountable for her decision to have an extra-marital affair.

    In a video on social media, the woman revealed that she has not had coitus with her husband almost five years after marriage.

    She noted that before tying the knot, her husband sought to keep chaste in accordance with the doctrine of his church. But even after being legally married and with blessings from the church, her husband still fails to perform his duty.

    According to her, she has made several advances to seduce her husband, but to no avail.

    She now has a child with her houseboy.

  • Your machinations against NPP will not work – Staunch party member tells Hopeson Adorye

    Your machinations against NPP will not work – Staunch party member tells Hopeson Adorye

    A staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hajjia Fati, has criticized a former member of the party, Hopeson Adorye, over his recent comments against the party.

    Hopeson Adorye has made startling claims regarding the dubious tactics employed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) since he left the party to join former Minister for Trade, Alan Kyerematen

    He recently made mention of steps the ruling party took to retain the Ejisu seat during the bye-elections.

    Speaking on Captain Smart’s Onua morning show on May 8, 2024, the former National Security boss asserted that the NPP recruited party executives from Kumawu to oversee the elections at various polling stations.

    He alleged that these individuals were trained by the Electoral Commission (EC) to serve as presiding officers.

    Mr. Adorye, who recently left the NPP to join Alan Kyeremanten’s Movement for Change (M4C), stated that he received this information around 5pm on the day of the elections, which took place on April 13, 2024.

    To support his claims, he mentioned specific names and referred to page numbers in the Kumawu constituency album where the names of these alleged NPP-affiliated EC officials were recorded.

    Reading from a personal compilation titled “Polling station executives of Kumawu enlisted as EC officials for Ejisu,” he named three NPP constituency executives of Kumawu who had been enlisted as presiding officers.

    But according to the female MP member, the actions taken by Hopeson Adorye will amount to nothing. Hajjia Fati also noted that it comes as no surprise if Hopeson decides to return to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) since he is returning to his roots.

  • Akufo-Addo to order release of KPMG audit report on GRA-SML contract – Report

    Akufo-Addo to order release of KPMG audit report on GRA-SML contract – Report

    President Akufo-Addo is set to authorize the release of the KPMG audit report on the controversial contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), Asaase Radio has reported, citing a source close to the office of the president.

    This development comes after the Chief Director at the Office of the President, H.M. Wood, declined a demand by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) for the full KPMG report on the revenue assurance contract between the GRA and SML.

    In April of this year, the MFWA had requested a copy of the comprehensive KPMG audit report on the GRA/SML revenue assurance contract, utilizing the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), also known as the RTI Act.

    However, in a statement on Wednesday (8 May), the Chief Director at the Office of the President said “Upon careful consideration and in accordance with section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act, I regret to inform you that your request has been refused.”

    “Section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) states that information prepared for or submitted to the president or vice-president containing opinions, advice, deliberations, recommendations, minutes, or consultations, is exempt from disclosure and that disclosure of such information would compromise the integrity of the deliberative process by revealing the thought process, considerations, and influence on decision-making reserved for the highest offices of the land,” the statement added.

    Nevertheless, Asaase News reports that sources at the Jubilee House indicate the President will authorize the release of the report because there is nothing to hide.

    “I can say on authority that both the letter to GRA and the press release from the presidency on the KPMG report on the GRA-SML deal captured, without omission the substance and essence of all the material findings and, it is important to add that the President gave not his recommendations to GRA but the totality, without reservation, of all the recommendations by KPMG.

    “President Akufo-Addo very simply passed on all that KPMG recommended should be done about SML contracts, including cancelling two of them, suspending two others, and renegotiating the variable fee of the one that was recommended to remain but altered to have a fixed fee,” the Asaase News source at the presidency said.

    The source further reckoned that “The report is yet to be made public because there is a sense that GRA must be allowed to recommend without any inordinate pressure the actual substance of the recommendations.”

    According to Asaase News, a senior source at the Ministry of Finance has stated emphatically that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) may go even further than recommended. After conducting a needs assessment and full stakeholder consultations on the two outstanding contracts regarding the monitoring of mining production and upstream oil and gas production, GRA may open the two contracts up for competitive bidding.

    President Akufo-Addo received the KPMG report on April 2, 2024, three months after tasking the audit firm to investigate the GRA-SML deal. Following a review of the report, the government issued a press statement directing the GRA to review the deal among other directives.

    The President appointed and tasked KPMG on January 2, 2024, to conduct an immediate audit of the transaction between the GRA and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML), aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resources value chain.

    The audit’s terms of reference were six-fold: to ascertain the rationale or needs assessment performed before the contract approval by GRA, assess the appropriateness of the contracting methodology, evaluate the degree of alignment between current activities and the stipulated contract scope, evaluate the value or benefit that SML has offered to the GRA, review the financial arrangements, and submit a report on findings with appropriate recommendations.

    In compliance with recent directives from President Akufo-Addo regarding its deal with SML, GRA has terminated the transaction Audit and External Verification Service Contract (AEVS) with SML. GRA has also decided to amend the measurement Audit for the Downstream Petroleum Products Contract by revising the fee structure to a fixed fee structure. Additionally, the Authority will thoroughly review other provisions such as service delivery expectations, termination, and intellectual property rights.

    “This is about the presidential directives dated 18 April 2024 on the recommendations of KPMG concerning the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services between the Government of Ghana acting per the Ministry of Finance, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

    “Following the directives of the President, GRA has undertaken a thorough review of the Consolidation of Services (Transaction Audit and External Verification Services) contract dated 3 October 2019, the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Contract dated 3 October 2019, and the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services (Upstream and Minerals Audit) contract dated 25 October 2023,” the GRA letter read.

    “Based on the review, the following actions are to be taken: First, The Transaction Audit and External Verification Services Contract will be terminated. Secondly, the Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Contract will be amended.

    “Specifically, the fee structure will be revised to a fixed fee structure. In addition, other provisions such as service delivery expectations, termination, and intellectual property rights will be subjected to a thorough review.

    “Thirdly, the Upstream Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Audit portions of the Contract for Consolidation of Revenue Assurance Services cannot take effect until a comprehensive technical needs assessment, value-for-money assessment, and relevant stakeholder consultations have been achieved,” the GRA letter to SML further read.

  • It is unfortunate you defend Cecilia Dapaah for stashing huge cash at home – Domelevo tells Sam Okudzeto

    It is unfortunate you defend Cecilia Dapaah for stashing huge cash at home – Domelevo tells Sam Okudzeto

    Former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo has criticized comments made by Council of State member Sam Okudzeto, who suggested that there is nothing wrong with keeping money at home.

    Okudzeto had been defending former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah after questions were raised about large sums of money found in her home.

    In an interview with Accra-based TV3, Okudzeto stated that Dapaah is not required to explain the source of the funds discovered in her residence.

    A Council of State Member, Mr. Sam Okudzeto

    He also criticized certain Ghanaians for what he perceived as hypocrisy in their criticism of Dapaah, who faced scrutiny over the substantial cash found in her home.

    “So you just pick on one individual and you want to make it as if she was just an extraordinary rogue who has stolen money when you don’t even have any evidence that she has stolen money,” he said.

    However, in an interview on Joy News’ Upfront on Wednesday, the former Auditor General maintained that keeping such a large amount of money at home raises questions.

    “I find it unfortunate…my position will not be based on law, but at least being a public figure and a leader in government talking about ensuring that we all use the financial sector, keeping that amount of money in the house may not be legally wrong, but I think it is questionable,” he said.

  • Galamsey fight can only be won by collective efforts – Bawumia

    Galamsey fight can only be won by collective efforts – Bawumia

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has stressed the importance of a collective effort in combating illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.”

    He emphasized that no individual or administration can successfully tackle the menace alone; it requires the combined effort and commitment of all stakeholders.

    Speaking at the Ghana Mining Vision event organized by the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that the fight against illegal mining is far from over and should be a concern for all Ghanaians. He underscored the significance of unity in addressing the issue effectively.

    “We cannot continue to pretend the fight has been won; indeed, we have barely scratched the surface and committed to doing more to keep our other, very precious resources that spar with mining like water bodies, safe for all,” he said.

    “Our solemn pledge as a government is to ensure we stay consistent with this pledge and harness existing potentials to reap the full benefits of building a very resolute small scale mining sector that will be admired not only in the sub-region but globally,” he said

    The NPP flagbearer emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions that prioritize the long-term well-being of Ghana’s natural resources and environment. He committed his government to this approach should he be elected President.

    Dr. Bawumia stressed the need for cooperation among all stakeholders, including government agencies, mining companies, communities, and citizens, to effectively address the challenges posed by illegal mining and ensure the sustainable development of Ghana’s mining sector.

  • Your comments are devoid of insults – Dormaahene lauds ‘respectful’ Bawumia

    Your comments are devoid of insults – Dormaahene lauds ‘respectful’ Bawumia

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, also the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has engaged with the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to seek their counsel and convey his campaign message.

    During the meeting, the chiefs and the community warmly received him with smiles and cheers. Addressing the gathering, Dormaahene Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, the president of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, commended the Vice President for his statesmanlike approach to politics.

    “Dr Bawumia, you’re respectful, intelligent, and more striking is the fact that your utterances are devoid of insults and are decent” he remarked.

    The chiefs urged Vice President Dr. Bawumia to accelerate the completion of ongoing projects in the region and fulfill promises made, particularly those included in the current year’s budget.

    Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, solicited their support for the upcoming December elections, and reiterated his commitment to the country’s development.

    He outlined his vision and policies for Ghana, particularly highlighting his flat rate tax policy aimed at promoting business success and growth.

    As part of his campaign activities, Dr. Bawumia, the Vice President and NPP flagbearer, is conducting phase 2 of his campaign tour in the Bono Region. He has made a practice of meeting with religious leaders in each region he visits, seeking their prayers, guidance, and advice before commencing his campaign activities.

  • Patrick was voted national best MCE, why did you sack him? – Weija-Gbawe MP asks Akufo-Addo

    Patrick was voted national best MCE, why did you sack him? – Weija-Gbawe MP asks Akufo-Addo

    Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe Constituency, Tina Naa Ayele Mensah, has raised questions about President Akufo-Addo’s decision to dismiss Patrick Kwesi Brako Kumor as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area.

    Kumor passed away shortly after his removal.

    In an interview with Accra-based Onua TV, the MP suggested a connection between Kumor’s passing and his removal as MCE in February 2024. Mensah expressed surprise at Kumor’s dismissal, noting that he was widely recognized as the best MCE nationwide.

    She further implied that Kumor’s removal was related to her unsuccessful re-election bid as a New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the 2024 polls.

    In an interview laced with high emotions and tears at a point, the MP is heard saying: “He was a very strong guy, but he is gone. He thought he was working hard and dedicated himself to performing, he did not know that Tina Naa Ayele Mensah would lose an election and he would be dismissed.

    “He did not know he’d be dismissed after I lost an election,” she stressed before lamenting why he was dismissed at all when he had been adjudged one of the best administrators at the national and regional levels.

    “Patrick was voted national best MCE, regional best MCE, so why was he dismissed? I was among the few Greater Accra MPs who appreciated the party’s votes but I was dismissed as was Patrick. He could not stand it and died with sorrow. He is gone, he is gone,” she said shedding tears.

    According to reports, Tina Mensah made these comments during a recent condolence visit to the Kumor family.

    Tina Mensah was dismissed from her position as deputy health minister after losing the NPP primaries last year.

    Kumor was among the 25 MCEs whose appointments were revoked by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He was succeeded in the role by Mr. Michael Danquah.

  • Team Eternity’s ‘Defe Defe’ propels ‘Testimony’ Album to top of Apple Music charts

    Team Eternity’s ‘Defe Defe’ propels ‘Testimony’ Album to top of Apple Music charts

    Ghanaian gospel sensation, Team Eternity, is riding high on cloud nine as their latest anthem, ‘Defe Defe’, catapults them straight to the summit of the Apple Music Top Hundred charts!

    Their electrifying single, a standout from their second album ‘Testimony’, has become an instant global favorite, knocking the previous chart-topper, Olivetheboy, off its throne.

    But hold your applause because Team Eternity isn’t just settling for one hit wonder status. Oh no! They’re dominating the charts like a force of nature, claiming a whopping seven additional spots with soul-stirring tracks such as ‘Ghana Chant’, ‘Brass Band Medley’, and the power-packed ‘Jehovah Overdo’, featuring the Nigerian powerhouse, Eben.

    And guess what? That’s not even the half of it! Their album’s other tracks, including ‘Miracle Working God’, ‘Tribute’, ‘Testimony’, and ‘Wasem’, are all making waves within the top 100 on Apple Music.

    Talk about making an entrance! Team Eternity’s meteoric rise to the top comes just one week after dropping their album, proving they’re not just here to play; they’re here to dominate the gospel music scene and claim their spot on the international stage!

    Unsurprisingly, social media is buzzing with excitement as fans pour out their love for the group, the song, and the album in general.

    Take a listen to the newly released song.

  • Bawumia announces measure to promote sustainable mining

    Bawumia announces measure to promote sustainable mining

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, has promised to create common-user processing facilities in different mining districts nationwide if elected president.

    He believes this move will encourage responsible and sustainable mining practices in Ghana.

    Addressing the audience at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small Scale Mining, hosted by the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Vice President Bawumia stressed the need to ensure that mining activities benefit the entire country.

    “I will establish common-user processing facilities to facilitate mining in the various districts in the country,” Dr. Bawumia said.

    “Additionally, we shall establish Community Environmental Protection Assistants working under Minerals Commission/Environmental Protection Agency with River Wardens and local authorities to augment the safeguarding of our environment/water bodies,” he added.

    The NPP flagbearer elaborated that common-user processing facilities would play a crucial role in achieving these objectives by providing efficient and environmentally friendly processing options for miners.

    Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the establishment of such facilities would aid in the fight against illegal mining activities, popularly known as “galamsey.” He believes that by offering legal and sustainable processing options, illegal mining activities can be significantly curbed or eradicated.

    Regarding the benefits of mining to the nation, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of mining serving the collective good of the country rather than benefiting only a few individuals. He stressed the need for mining practices that prioritize environmental conservation and community well-being.

  • “Don’t interrupt me” – CJ and Thaddeus Sory engage in mini-showdown during hearing of anti-LGBTQ case

    “Don’t interrupt me” – CJ and Thaddeus Sory engage in mini-showdown during hearing of anti-LGBTQ case

    During the Supreme Court’s session on the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo had a lively exchange with senior counsel Thaddeus Sory.

    Sory represents Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, a respondent in both cases before the court.

    “I am not impressed with what you are doing,” Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo remarked during her exchanges with Thaddeus Sory, as their discussion dragged on regarding a preliminary objection raised by the lawyer against a request by the petitioners.

    “You can hear me very well, you appreciate the pickle we are in? You filed an affidavit on the 15th of … please hold on,” she said as Sory gave crisp responses to her submissions.

    “Don’t interrupt me, please, always wait for me to land,” the CJ stressed before adding: “Your substantive affidavit before us is dated 2nd of April, listen, let me land.

    “If you had waited to understand my words instead of rushing to justify yourself, you would have admitted that you didn’t have a formal notice to object,” a position the lawyer appeared to disagree with.

    The Chief Justice then inquired about the “legality” of his position, providing Sory with an opportunity to elaborate.

    “The legality lies in the fact that the motion paper invoked the jurisdiction of the court and if there is an irregularity on the face of the motion paper, i.e. his motion for injunction,” he submitted.

    Following the exchanges and deliberations, the court deemed Sory’s application unnecessary and granted permission for the petitioners to proceed with their intended course of action.

    Subsequently, the apex court adjourned proceedings in both cases to allow the lawyers for the Speaker and Richard Sky to file necessary documents as per the court’s guidance.

    For Richard Sky, one of the petitioners, he is required to resubmit his application for injunction, incorporating all the changes he wishes to make from his initial filing.

    Amanda Odoi, Counsel for the Speaker of Parliament, has been instructed to resubmit a supplementary affidavit for court consideration in opposition to Dr. Amanda Odoi’s application for injunction.

    The Chief Justice-led court ordered the removal of paragraphs containing intemperate language from The Speaker’s affidavit, with the supplementary affidavit to be re-filed within 7 days.

    This process will result in the issuance of a new hearing date for the injunction application, which will be communicated to all parties involved.

  • Hiding KPMG report will not make us forget “stinky” SML scandal – Manasseh tells Akufo-Addo

    Hiding KPMG report will not make us forget “stinky” SML scandal – Manasseh tells Akufo-Addo

    Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has directly confronted President Akufo-Addo regarding the Presidency’s decision to withhold the complete KPMG audit report on the revenue mobilisation agreement between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

    Awuni firmly asserted that any efforts to conceal what he termed a “stinky” deal would prove futile. The decision not to disclose the full KPMG audit report has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

    Citing specific provisions within the RTI Act, the Presidency has declined to release the report, citing concerns over confidentiality and the sensitive nature of the data involved.

    In a letter addressed to the MFWA and signed by the Chief Director to the Chief of Staff, H. M. Wood, the Presidency expressed regret over its inability to fulfill the request for the full KPMG audit report.

    In response to the Presidential decision, Manasseh Azure Awuni expressed skepticism regarding the confidentiality claims surrounding the KPMG report. He pledged to hold all individuals implicated in the agreement accountable for their actions, underscoring that transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of democratic governance.

    “The SML deal stinks. If they think hiding the KPMG report will make us forget the SML scandal, they should think again. The SML scandal will not die. And those behind in the past and in the future will face justice, no matter how long it takes.”

    He also referenced former President John Dramani Mahama’s release of the full GYEEDA report during his tenure, emphasizing the significance of transparency in addressing matters of public interest.

    “Even when we did not have the Right to Information Law, President John Mahama released a white paper and released the full GYEEDA Report as well. The Akufo-Addo-led opposition NPP was the loudest in asking President Mahama to release that report, which was also a subject of my investigation in 2013.”

    “What is Akufo-Addo hiding from us?” he asked.

    KPMG, an auditing firm, has completed and submitted its report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) to President Akufo-Addo.

    The President tasked KPMG with auditing the contract on January 2, 2024, setting an initial deadline of January 16, 2024, which was later extended to February 23, 2024.

    According to the audit findings, SML received a total of GH¢1,061,054,778.00 from 2018 to date, while only partially fulfilling its obligations. However, the report also acknowledged that SML’s efforts had contributed to increased revenue in the downstream petroleum sector.

    Despite the audit report’s claims, SML has disputed receiving GH¢1,061,054,778.00 for its contract with the GRA. They argue that KPMG’s figure was cited “without reference to the investments made and the taxes paid” during the review period.

    In response to the report, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), stated that the foundation had submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request to the presidency for the full KPMG Audit Report.

  • 2 alleged NDC executives exchange blows during voter registration at Ablekuma North

    2 alleged NDC executives exchange blows during voter registration at Ablekuma North

    Violence erupted at a voter registration centre in Ablekuma North on Tuesday, May 7, as two alleged executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) engaged in a physical altercation.

    Reports indicate that one of the individuals involved has been hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the fight.

    It is unknown the cause of the fisticuff.

    The incident occurred at the Ablekuma North District Office of the Electoral Commission, where delays in setting up the software for the registration of new voters caused the commencement of the exercise to be delayed by more than two hours.

    Although voting was scheduled to begin at 0700 hours, the first person was not registered until about 0950 hours.

    According to reports, staff of the Electoral Commission were prepared and ready to register voters by 0700 hours, but technical difficulties with the software hampered their efforts to start the exercise on time.

  • I won’t be surprised if U.S. takes Akufo-Addo to be their president to stablise the world – Wontumi

    I won’t be surprised if U.S. takes Akufo-Addo to be their president to stablise the world – Wontumi

    The Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has praised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership qualities.

    He expressed confidence that Akufo-Addo’s accomplishments in government would be so impressive that powerful nations like the United States and the United Kingdom would want to have him as their leader to stablise the world.

    In an interview on Wontumi TV, the outspoken politician envisioned a future where countries would seek Akufo-Addo’s expertise to lead them, citing his transformative policies such as free Senior High School education as examples of his visionary leadership.

    “One day a country will come and borrow Akufo-Addo from us to be their president…I wouldn’t be surprised to see London or America coming for him as their president to change and stabilize the whole world,” Chairman Wontumi said.

    Chairman Wontumi stated that the end of President Akufo-Addo’s presidency will not mark the end of his influence and impact.

    “I know when he hands over to Bawumia as President; it won’t be the end of his story. The courage he had to introduce free SHS is plausible”, he emphasised.

  • Richard Dela Sky’s anti-LGBTQ case was not delayed by the Supreme Court – AG

    Richard Dela Sky’s anti-LGBTQ case was not delayed by the Supreme Court – AG

    Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has refuted allegations that the Supreme Court delayed in considering Richard Dela Sky’s application seeking a declaration that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-gay bill, is null, void, and of no effect.

    Following the adjournment of the case to May 17 to allow the applicant to “file a fresh motion paper with supporting affidavit and statement of the case,” Mr. Dame dismissed the claims, stating that they were based on misinformation.

    “That impression [that the hearing delayed] is misinformed and this is actually one of the matters that has been heard early. When I was in private practice, filed processes in June and the courts heard them in October and November. Gone are the days when one’s processes are filed, it takes about four months before the Supreme Court hears them.”

    He further explained that the Supreme Court hears cases based on its schedule and expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for permitting media coverage of the hearing.

    “The Supreme Court hears cases taking into account the schedule of the court and the business the court has and all that and so there is nothing that has delayed this matter and as I said, the most important thing about this matter is the transparency.”

  • GMet predicts thunderstorms along the coastline today

    GMet predicts thunderstorms along the coastline today

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has forecasted thunderstorms along the coastline of the country for the latter part of today.

    While most places in southern Ghana will experience sunny conditions with periodic clouds this afternoon, these clouds could lead to localized thunderstorms or rain with varying intensities, especially along the coastline and inland areas.

    The transition and northern sectors, on the other hand, are expected to be sunny with a chance of thunderstorms or rain during the evening hours.

    Residents are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.

     

  • In search of NPP running mate, a case for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh

    In search of NPP running mate, a case for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh

    It is true that concerning the search for a running mate to the NPP flag bearer, several names have popped up as possible leading contenders. But, it is also true that the name, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (alias Napo), has popped up as the number one leading contender for this job.

    Political scientists and watchers have, rightly so, tipped the Energy Minister, as the most suitable candidate for the running mate job to help the NPP break the 8.

    In view of this, he [Napo] has become the primary target for all kinds of vicious propaganda and myths thrown at him by his critics both within and outside the party in a desperate attempt to water-down his chances.

    For the NDC, their biggest fear is that the selection of Napo as running mate will spell doom for their political fortunes particularly in the Ashanti Region and among young people across the country. In this piece, the writer shall be responding to these vicious propaganda, clearing the myths and setting the records straight, thus, making a solid case on why it has to be Napo.

    First, they say, Napo is ARROGANT, and that appears to be their biggest trump card against him. However, I say without doubt that any such description of Napo is highly misconceived, baseless and not supported by reality. In relation to this, what can be said of Napo which is factual is that, he is DECISIVE, BOLD, OUTSPOKEN, FIRM and has HUGE PRESENCE in everything he does.

    Unfortunately, in our part of the world, these attributes are easily misconstrued as signs of ARROGANCE, and the opposite of same often mistaken as signs of HUMILITY.

    In view of this, he [Napo] has become the primary target for all kinds of vicious propaganda and myths thrown at him by his critics both within and outside the party in a desperate attempt to water-down his chances. For the NDC, their biggest fear is that the selection of Napo as running mate will spell doom for their political fortunes particularly in the Ashanti Region and among young people across the country. In this piece, the writer shall be responding to these vicious propaganda, clearing the myths and setting the records straight, thus, making a solid case on why it has to be Napo.

    First, they say, Napo is ARROGANT, and that appears to be their biggest trump card against him. However, I say without doubt that any such description of Napo is highly misconceived, baseless and not supported by reality. In relation to this, what can be said of Napo which is factual is that, he is DECISIVE, BOLD, OUTSPOKEN, FIRM and has HUGE PRESENCE in everything he does. Unfortunately, in our part of the world, these attributes are easily misconstrued as signs of ARROGANCE, and the opposite of same often mistaken as signs of HUMILITY.

    Napo has only become a victim of the former. Even his sense of humour is sometimes deliberately and mischievously misinterpreted by his critics as sign of arrogance. Anybody that objectively analyses the personality of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and his records in public and private life would certainly never associate him with arrogance. It is just not plausible to do that. Instead, the objective mind would say, Dr. Prempeh is down to earth but at the same time firm and decisive.

    It is this decisiveness and firmness of Napo that made him to successfully rollout the Free SHS policy (the BOLDEST social intervention in the nation’s education sector since Independence) within the first year of the Akufo-Addo government, at the time some senior members of the government were raising serious misgivings, claiming it was too early to do so. Again, it is Napo’s decisiveness and boldness that have ensured discipline in the nation’s petroleum industry and also guaranteed stable power supply in the country even during the period of unprecedented economic crisis.

    It would also be recalled that not long ago, Napo, as Energy Minister, properly exercised his oversight responsibility over the governing Board of the GNPC, chaired by Hon. Freddie Blay, the immediate past National Chairman of the governing NPP, who was then accused of offering interest in Ghana’s oil fields to a South African oil company, PetroSA. Napo gallantry insisted that the deal was not in the best interest of Ghana, and therefore ordered the Chairman to immediately cancel the offer.

    The Energy Minister’s position was later vindicated by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other think tanks in the petroleum sector. Certainly, only bold and decisive leaders can do that.
    There is, indeed, no gainsaying that what is needed from a leader is results, nothing more, nothing less. We need leaders that solve problems, and not leaders that only speak big English and project themselves as the citadel of humility. In any case, the contest for the presidency of a country is certainly NOT a HUMILITY CONTEST, else, we should make the National Chief Imam or the Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana the President of Ghana for life.

    Perish the thought; even if we were to assume WITHOUT ADMITTING that Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is who they claim he is, i.e. arrogant, what really does the serious business of governance got to do with such matters?… Issues of arrogance, humility or the lack of it. Governance is a serious business, one of bread and butter. It is the competence of the leader and his proven track record that should really matter. Leadership is simply about solving problems.

    I will, on any day, vote for a so-called arrogant leader who can provide me free education, affordable healthcare, stable electricity, good roads, good food and water, better economy, and, indeed, solve my problems. I will NOT vote for a leader who only comes to give me humility whilst I’m dying of hunger and getting overwhelmed with challenges. Martin Luther King Jnr. was right when he asseverated that, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge”.

    Another propaganda against Napo is the claim that he is desperate for the running mate job, and that, the overwhelming calls coming from the rank and file of the party for Napo to be made the running mate is self-induced. His critics also say, Napo has a Presidential ambition and so, he will undermine Bawumia’s presidency if he becomes the Vice President. How low can these people stoop in their inordinate quest to destroy a good man!

    First, Napo is not and cannot be said to be desperate for this running mate job. His commitment to the forward march of the NPP and Ghana goes beyond any desires for the Presidency of the country. He has demonstrated clearly that even if he is not nominated as running mate, he will work hard for the NPP to break the 8. He is focused on his job as MP for Manhyia South.

    In fact, he was the first person to file his nomination seeking reelection as MP. How can he be said to be desperate for running mate? It is however noteworthy that some of the things Napo has been doing all the time which often go unnoticed, if he does them now, people sometimes deliberately take pictures of him for mischief purposes. How unfortunate!

    Well, let it be placed on record that Napo has not changed at all. He remains the Napo we know all the time. The groundswell of endorsements he is receiving from the party’s rank and file is NOT self-induced. It is purely ORGANIC love for a man with an incredible kind heart. Napo’s generosity is legendary. His generosity does not also know any regional, religious or political divide. As a matter of fact, there cannot be an overestimation of the number of individuals and families he has supported and continues to support.

    How is it Napo’s fault when beneficiaries of his generous support come to share their stories in the media; stories of how Napo has transformed their lives and livelihoods.

    How is that self-induced? Indeed, what can be more natural and organic than that? The youth of the NPP and beyond love Napo to the core because he has rightly earned their love. Party executives from polling station to the national level love Napo because he has rightly earned their love. The entire Asanteman love Napo because he has rightly earned their love. He cannot be blamed for this.

    It is also not Napo’s fault that he is the MOST DECORATED MINISTER OF STATE, sweeping virtually every Award, local and international, for which he has been nominated. For the avoidance of doubt, Napo’s political and professional life is replete with meritorious Awards for EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP.

    He didn’t start receiving these Awards today, and therefore, his continuous receipt of these Awards cannot in anyway be linked with the running mate job. Indeed, throughout the tenure of this government, Napo has, year after year, been adjudged the MOST HARDWORKING MINISTER. It didn’t start today and it wouldn’t end today. Celebrating the DESERVING is not only a step in the right direction but also a moral obligation.

    On the claim that Napo has presidential ambition, hence should be disqualified, I say to the contrary, that, such ambition, if it really exists, is rather the very reason why Napo is the right man for this running mate job. A Vice President must always be someone who has ambition of succeeding his boss when his tenure ends.

    This is because, that ambition will be an extra motivating factor for the Vice President to work even harder for the success of his boss, since he [the Vice President] will be assessed based on the record of his boss’ administration and how much he has contributed to that record. A typical example is what we are seeing today in respect of the current Vice President and his boss.

    Having adequately responded to these baseless propaganda against Napo, I wish to seize the opportunity to reiterate my strong conviction that Napo is the most suitable candidate for the running mate job. Napo is deeply loved by young people in the party, and has the wherewithal to mobilize the support of the nation’s youth to help the NPP break the 8. It is noteworthy that Napo’s indomitable political influence goes beyond the Ashanti Region. He is a political colossus and a national asset for that matter.

    It should also be noted that the biggest threat to the NPP’s electoral fortunes in 2024 is really not the NDC and its flag bearer, but APATHY within the NPP. It is for this reason that the NPP flag bearer must nominate a running mate who is loved by the party’s core support base. Without a shred of doubt, Napo is that person. Per our constitutional architecture, political parties exist only to win general elections and govern. Napo has demonstrated that he has what it takes to help the NPP win the next elections and to also govern the country effectively.

    On account of the foregoing, it is evidently clear that the selection of Napo as our running mate will give the NPP the most POLITICAL CAPITAL in 2024. Our flag bearer should be encouraged to do the needful and NOT succumb to pressure from certain quarters that inexplicably think otherwise.

    Napo has the unflinching support of young people in the party. It is not for nothing that all my colleagues, NPP Regional Youth Organizers support Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s bid. It is not for nothing that the National Youth Wing of the Party supports Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s bid. Dr. Prempeh also has the overwhelming support of party executives across all levels.

    As party people, we are hungry to retain power in December 2024 for the prosperity of our party and nation. That is all that matters to us, and we cannot fail to deliver on this national duty. It doesn’t matter who helps us in this pursuit so long as it is not the devil. Further to the above cogent reasons in support of Napo, it is also worth making the point that our flag bearer is generally seen as calm and soft-spoken. He therefore needs an out-outspoken lieutenant to balance the ticket to be able to give the NDC a run for their money.

    Our flag bearer is also seen as a technocrat. He therefore needs a ‘career politician’ as his lieutenant in order to keep faith with the NPP’s age-long tradition of always presenting a presidential ticket made up of a career politician and a technocrat. Yet again, Napo is the answer. Anyway and anyhow you nuance the analysis, you will only find the answers in Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (alias Napo). We just cannot afford to get it wrong for the sake of our party and country.
    Long live the NPP and our dear Motherland, Ghana.

    HAMIDU MOHAMMED SAANA
    NPP REGIONAL YOUTH ORGANIZER UPPER WEST REGION
    hamidsaana87@gmail.com

    DISCLAIMER: TIGPost.co will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.

  • Ama Sey is not in good terms with me – Kate Gyamfua

    Ama Sey is not in good terms with me – Kate Gyamfua

    The National Women’s Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kate Gyamfua, has disclosed that former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Mercy Adu-Gyamfi, widely known as Ama Sey, has been actively avoiding her.

    During a recent segment on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Morning show, Kate Gyamfua mentioned that despite her inability to discern the cause of Ama Sey’s avoidance, she is prepared to engage in peace talks for the betterment of the party.

    “For us to be able to maintain power, everyone must get involved and for everyone the NPP has offended, you should forgive. Myself for instance, the one person who is not on speaking terms with me is Ama Sey.

    “I will show the text messages I’ve sent to her to you after this; I call her and when she hears my voice, she hangs up,” she said.

    She revealed her intention to enlist the help of a group of pastors to facilitate reconciliation with the former MP, aiming to foster unity within the party ahead of the 2024 general elections.

    “I am going to look for pastors to lead me so I can go and apologise to her for all of us to join hands… I will go and beg her that whatever the NPP has done to her or whichever defeat she has suffered, she should let go,” she said.

    In 2016, Ama Sey achieved a historic victory by defeating Baba Jamal, the former NDC MP, in a closely contested election, thereby becoming the first female MP for Akwatia.

    She secured her position as MP on the NPP’s ticket during the 2016 general elections. However, she faced a setback in her re-election bid during the party’s parliamentary primaries, losing to Ernest Kumi. Eventually, Kumi lost the seat to the NDC in the 2020 elections.

  • I’ll gather pastors to help me beg Ama Sey for forgiveness – Kate Gyamfua

    I’ll gather pastors to help me beg Ama Sey for forgiveness – Kate Gyamfua

    Kate Gyamfua, the National Women’s Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has disclosed that former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Mercy Adu-Gyamfi, known as Ama Sey, has been actively avoiding her.

    During a recent appearance on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Morning show, Kate Gyamfua mentioned that despite being unsure of the reason for Ama Sey’s avoidance, she is prepared for peace talks in the party’s interest.

    “For us to be able to maintain power, everyone must get involved and for everyone the NPP has offended, you should forgive. Myself for instance, the one person who is not on speaking terms with me is Ama Sey.

    “I will show the text messages I’ve sent to her to you after this; I call her and when she hears my voice, she hangs up,” she said.

    She revealed intentions to employ a group of pastors to facilitate reconciliation with the former MP, aiming to foster unity within the party ahead of the 2024 general elections.

    “I am going to look for pastors to lead me so I can go and apologise to her for all of us to join hands… I will go and beg her that whatever the NPP has done to her or whichever defeat she has suffered, she should let go,” she said.

    In 2016, Ama Sey made history by defeating Baba Jamal, a former NDC MP, in a competitive contest, becoming the first female MP for Akwatia.

    She was elected as an MP on the NPP’s ticket in the 2016 general election. However, she lost in her re-election bid during the party’s parliamentary primaries to Ernest Kumi. Kumi, in turn, lost the seat to the NDC in the 2020 elections.

  • We have not announced our exit from Ghana – Société Générale

    We have not announced our exit from Ghana – Société Générale

    French bank Société Générale has refuted rumours of its withdrawal from the Ghanaian banking sector, dismissing them as baseless speculation.

    The bank clarified that it is undergoing a restructuring of its operations to better align with international market dynamics.

    During the 44th Annual General Meeting, Société Générale’s Managing Director, Hakim Ouzzani, addressed concerns raised by shareholders regarding the alleged departure, emphasizing that the reports did not originate from the bank itself.

    “Some rumours have indeed taken root regarding SG Ghana. But it’s important to mention to all our stakeholders and our shareholders that the news item being circulated in the media was not issued by the group nor by SG Ghana.

    “We don’t want to comment further. But really, I insist on the papers is not by SG, it is not by SG Ghana,” he stated.

    Reports widely circulated indicated that Société Générale was exiting the Ghanaian banking sector after 20 years of operation.

    This move comes after Société Générale recently finalized deals with Saham Group to offload its operations in Morocco. In 2023, the bank divested from several African countries, including Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Chad.

    Citing its long-standing presence in Africa, Société Générale aims to focus its resources on markets where it can assert itself as a leading bank, aligning with its overarching strategy outlined on its website on April 12, 2024.

  • Apex Court adjourns anti-LGBTQ case indefinitely as it prepares to receive a new motion

    Apex Court adjourns anti-LGBTQ case indefinitely as it prepares to receive a new motion

    The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the lawyers representing the second defendant and respondent, the Speaker of Parliament, in the lawsuit filed by Richard Dela Sky against the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill.

    During proceedings on Wednesday, May 8, lawyers representing the plaintiff, Richard Sky, sought to amend one of the reliefs after noticing an omission on the motion paper for the interlocutory injunction.

    However, lawyers for the Speaker of Parliament, led by Thaddeus Sory, raised a preliminary objection to the application. They argued that allowing Richard Sky to amend the reliefs would undermine the objections they had raised about the same reliefs.

    Thaddeus Sory contended that once an objection has been raised to a relief in a motion paper, the applicant has no right to amend the relief, as it would nullify their objections.

    In response, Richard Sky’s lawyers cited provisions of the High Court rules C. I 47, asserting their right to seek leave from the court to amend any proceedings before it.

    Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, present in court, questioned the grounds for the objection by the second defendant. He argued that the new reliefs were not materially different from the old ones, except for grammatical corrections.

    The court dismissed the objection as unnecessary and permitted Richard Sky to amend the reliefs on the motion paper.

    Presiding over the case, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo directed Richard Sky to file a new motion by May 17. The defendants, the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General, were given 7 days after that to file their responses.

    Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned sine die.

  • Useless! – Netizen slams Cyber Security Authority for ‘ignoring’ scam reports

    Useless! – Netizen slams Cyber Security Authority for ‘ignoring’ scam reports

    A netizen has criticized Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, accusing them of negligence in addressing online scams.

    In a social media post, the user, known as X, described the authority as “useless” and claimed they were not taking sufficient action against scammers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

    The user expressed frustration at having personally reported several accounts attempting to scam them, only to be asked for evidence by the Cyber Security Authority, as seen in the conversations between the Authority and the citizen on WhatsApp.

    The user suggested that the authority should take proactive steps, such as calling the numbers provided in scam reports and attempting to transact with the scammers to gather evidence.

    Below are the chats between the netizen and the alleged scammer and the netizen and the Cyber Security Authority.

  • Patrick’s BP kept rising after Akufo-Addo sacked him – Weija-Gbawe MP reacts to past MCE’s death

    Patrick’s BP kept rising after Akufo-Addo sacked him – Weija-Gbawe MP reacts to past MCE’s death

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija-Gbawe Constituency, Tina Ayele Mensah, has responded to the passing of former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, Patrick Kwesi Brako Kumor, which was reported on May 5, 2024.

    In an interview with Accra-based Onua TV, the MP suggested a link between Kumor’s death and his removal as MCE in February 2024.

    Kumor was among 25 MCEs whose appointments were terminated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Ms Mensah expressed her belief that Kumor’s removal was unjust and politically motivated, stating that it “contributed to his deteriorating health, culminating in his high blood pressure.”

    “My late MCE did not deserve to be dismissed from his duties. His only fault was supporting me during a challenging time, and for that, he paid the ultimate price,” Ms Mensah said.

    “Patrick is not strong like me. If you sack me, I don’t care, but Patrick is not like me. Patrick couldn’t stop thinking about his sack and his blood pressure kept rising. ‘Afei se asa’ (it is finished), Patrick is gone,” she lamented.

    The MP mentioned that her defeat in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries had a negative impact on the MCE, who had openly endorsed her parliamentary campaign.

    Patrick Kwesi Brako Kumor was succeeded in the role by Mr. Michael Danquah.

  • Mahama will destroy your legacy of corruption, stealing, galamsey – Edudzi Tameklo slams Akufo-Addo

    Mahama will destroy your legacy of corruption, stealing, galamsey – Edudzi Tameklo slams Akufo-Addo

    The Head of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has responded to President Akufo-Addo‘s assertion that electing John Mahama would erase his legacy as President.

    Tameklo challenged the President’s claim, stating that the only legacy Mahama would destroy is the alleged corruption and misuse of state resources under Akufo-Addo’s administration.

    President Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians not to vote for the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) flagbearer in the upcoming December elections. He expressed concerns that electing the former president would endanger the progress made during his tenure.

    Speaking at a mini rally in Doboro, Greater Accra, after visiting Blue Skies Limited, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his endorsement of Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia as the ideal presidential candidate.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 8, Tameklo referenced the 1992 Constitution, which mandates any President to continue with governmental programmes and projects started by the previous administration, except those detrimental to the state’s growth.

    He argued that Mahama, if elected, would not continue Akufo-Addo’s legacies of nepotism and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

    Tameklo concluded by emphasizing that former President Mahama prioritizes the state’s progress over personal interests, suggesting a departure from what he perceives as Akufo-Addo’s self-serving agenda.

    “The only legacies of Akufo Addo that John Mahama is not permitted by the Constitution to continue to include, but are not limited to these. John Mahama will destroy the Akufo Addo legacy of corruption,” he posted on Facebook.

  • 25,000 police officers must be recruited if 24-hour economy policy is implemented – Former CID Boss

    25,000 police officers must be recruited if 24-hour economy policy is implemented – Former CID Boss

    Former Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. Bright Oduro (rtd), has noted that the Police will need to recruit 25,000 personnel to effectively manage the proposed 24-hour economy in Ghana.

    The idea for the 24-hour economy has been put forward by former President John Dramani Mahama, who sees it as a potential solution to various challenges in the country, including the issue of unemployment, which has become increasingly concerning.

    Mr. Oduro emphasized the importance of enhancing the Police force’s staff strength to accommodate the demands of such a policy if it is implemented.

    “It will require massive recruitment effort that will potentially bring the police population ratio which is now about one policeman to 800 citizens to 1 to 500 citizens or even better. An additional massive recruitment of 25,000 will be needed to top up the present police strength of about 42,000 and to make up the UN minimum ratio of 1 to 500,” he said.

  • Bawumia’s digitalisation drive is what will transform Ghana – Global Praise Chapel Head Pastor

    Bawumia’s digitalisation drive is what will transform Ghana – Global Praise Chapel Head Pastor

    The head pastor of Global Praise Chapel in Goaso, Ahafo Region, Rev. Matthew Yaw Adjei, has voiced his strong support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the next President of Ghana.

    In a video shared on social media, Rev. Adjei outlined his reasons for endorsing Dr. Bawumia, highlighting the potential for significant change under his leadership.

    One key point raised by Rev. Adjei was Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to tackling corruption through digitalization. He praised Dr. Bawumia’s track record in implementing digital platforms for revenue collection, which has led to increased revenues for institutions such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    According to the pastor, these digital systems help protect government funds from ending up in the hands of corrupt individuals.

    Rev. Adjei also expressed his support for Dr. Bawumia’s Tax Amnesty Policy, which aims to introduce a flat rate for all businesses. The pastor believes that this policy will create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, leading to overall economic growth and prosperity for Ghana.

    The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced that one of his proposed new policies to boost Ghana’s business environment is tax amnesty.

    According to him, a tax amnesty will be implemented in 2025 for all individuals and businesses to eliminate tax liabilities up to a certain year, if he is elected president in the December polls.

  • Soybean farmers at Kpanshegu laud Sustainable Soybean production in Northern Ghana Project

    Soybean farmers at Kpanshegu laud Sustainable Soybean production in Northern Ghana Project

    Women farmers at Kpanshegu in the North East Gonja District of the Savannah Region have lauded the Sustainable Soybean Production in Northern Ghana (SSPiNG) project and pledged to adopt best production practices.

    The women who farm soybeans in the community learned technologies in soybean planting, including good agronomic practices to improve their yields.

    This was after they were taken through a demonstration of some soybean yield-enhancing technologies and techniques, including inoculant and New YaraLegume fertilizer applications, which showed high yields of soybeans compared to the same piece of land where the farmers employed their traditional methods.

    The SSPiNG project is funded with a grant from the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation (Norad) to Yara Ghana Limited, and is being implemented in collaboration with the Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), in association with Wageningen University (Netherlands) and Felleskjøpet Rogaland Agder (FKRA – Norway), and in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Ghana).

    It is aimed at building the capacities of farmers to enable them to adopt new strategies by ensuring proper site selection, adequate land preparation, the use of certified seeds and climate-smart varieties, and employing good sowing techniques among other good agronomic practices.

    At a community durbar in Kpanshegu to engage with soybean farmers on the new techniques acquired during the field demonstration and field day organized using the demonstration fields, Madam Adamu Abdulai, a farmer, said, “This initiative is an eye-opener, and we welcome it wholeheartedly. In fact, it has given us a clue on how to do proper planting.”

    She added, “While we hope that this project continues to educate other farmers, we want to assure all stakeholders that we are adopting these new techniques henceforth with a keen interest in following all the instructions given to us by the field officers.”

    Madam Hawawu Iddrisu, another farmer, attested that there was a vast difference between the yields recorded.

    She noted, “The difference is clear, though we used the same seeds and fertilizer while we were sowing at wider spacing, and putting five to six soyabean seeds in one hole as our practice, they were putting two seeds in one hole with little space from one hole to another, and this has shown why the same small piece of land that was producing one bag of soyabean grains would now produce two or more.”

    Madam Hawa Musah, Northern Regional Director of Agriculture, who represented the Savannah Regional Director of Agriculture during the event, said soyabean was a cash crop that could strengthen farmers’ financial capacity.

    However, she indicated, the failure of farmers to embrace innovative technologies and improved agronomic practices was depriving them of high yields.

    She said the government was ready to assist farmers who had registered and measured their farms with inputs, seeds, and fertilizer to improve yields, and advised the farmers to adopt innovative technologies, ensure early planting, depending on the regularization of rainfall, use recommended inputs, and ensure timely application of inputs and appropriate methods.

    Professor Samuel Adjei-Nsiah, the SSPiNG Project Coordinator, said the “SSPiNG project, in the last farming season, assisted Boresa Investment Limited with grants to procure a multipurpose thresher at a subsidized cost to thresh their soyabean to obtain quality grains that attracted higher prices.”

    He said, “We realize that most farmers thresh their soybeans using manpower, which puts a lot of stress on them, resulting in poor quality grains. Additionally, farmers have problems with planting soybeans because they use their own labor, leading to low yields. Remember, soybeans are about numbers—the more plants you have in your field, the higher the yield.”

    Professor Adjei-Nsiah said women farmer groups, aggregators, and others since 2022 had been supported with 48 planters and 25 multipurpose threshers to help them in their production, and encouraged farmers to expand to increase yields, income, and food security.

    Madam Rafiatu Iddisa, Chief Executive Officer of Boresa Investment Limited commended the SSPiNG project for the support, saying the new techniques learned would go a long way to help improve their yields and appealed for more equipment for women to produce more soyabean grains.

    Mr Kudjoe Agbenyega, Chief Finance Officer, Yara Ghana Limited gave assurance of the company’s support to smallholder farmers throughout the project and announced his outfit’s donation of 300 bags of Yara Actyva fertilizer to farmers in the community.

    The Chief of Kpanshe, Kpanshewura F. A. Adam, also appealed to the SSPiNG project to extend their services to other communities, saying, “We have the land and the women, and if you extend your services to other places, I will be very grateful because women are the ones who keep the home, and if they are empowered, the entire community will benefit.”

  • Challenges with voter registration exercise must be resolved – NPP to EC

    Challenges with voter registration exercise must be resolved – NPP to EC

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to swiftly resolve the challenges faced during the initial day of the limited voter registration exercise.

    The party expressed worry that if these issues are not addressed promptly, they could result in voter disenfranchisement.

    Various challenges, including machine malfunctions and network issues, were reported nationwide on the first day of the 21-day voter registration period.

    Evans Nimako, the NPP’s Director of Elections and Research, emphasized the importance of the EC taking necessary steps to ensure that all eligible individuals are registered by the end of the exercise.

    “Today is day one and it is expected that all those who are of age, the EC must come clear to us and let us know what is really happening. I mean, as I said, we can’t work out this situation where people have moved from their homes to registration centres only to be treated in this manner.

    “It is the reason I am saying that the EC must walk the talk and let us know what the challenges are.”

  • Ghana’s inflation falls to 25% in April

    Ghana’s inflation falls to 25% in April

    Inflation for April 2024 has marginally decreased to 25% from the 25.8% recorded in March 2024, indicating a 0.8% slowdown in the inflation rate for the month.

    The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) attributes the overall drop in inflation to a decrease in food inflation, which reached 26.8%, the lowest in 13 months, along with non-food inflation, which stood at 23.5%.

    In March 2024, Ghana’s consumer inflation rose to a four-month high of 25.8% year-on-year, up from 23.2% the previous month, significantly exceeding the central bank’s target band of 6% to 10%.

    The chief statistician, Samuel Kobina Annim, attributed the sharper rise in inflation to a depreciating currency, which led to higher costs for imported goods. He made these remarks in the capital, Accra, on Wednesday.

    Both food (29.6% vs 27% in February) and non-food product prices (22.6% vs 20%) increased, particularly fuels. The Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by nearly 11% against the US dollar since the beginning of the year due to a stronger dollar, a decrease in cocoa output, and delays in debt restructuring.

    The cedi’s depreciation against the dollar, about 11% so far this year, has made it the fourth worst-performing currency among those tracked by Bloomberg.

  • Ghana will benefit from your good policies – Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs tells Bawumia

    Ghana will benefit from your good policies – Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs tells Bawumia

    The Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs has praised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for his significant contributions to several transformational initiatives during his tenure as Vice President.

    The traditional leaders have also endorsed Dr. Bawumia’s vision for Ghana and his proposed policies, offering their full support to the Vice President.

    During a meeting in Goaso between Dr. Bawumia and the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, he outlined his vision for Ghana and explained the policies his government plans to implement to address the country’s challenges and drive development.

    Following Dr. Bawumia’s presentation, several traditional rulers voiced their support for his policies and presidential aspirations.

    The President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Ansah Adu Baah, was the first to speak, commending Dr. Bawumia for his humility and expressing confidence in his ability to transform the country as President.

    “Dr. Bawumia’s humility and policies are good for the country and the next generation. I have no doubt in my mind Bawumia means well for Ghana,” said Nana Ansah Adu Baah, who is also the Omanhene of Yamfo Traditional Area.

    “The way he is humble is so admirable. I believe if he continues as our next President, it will be good for this country and the next generation. Let us help him and vote for him massively because he has good policies for this country. And his humility is really good for this country because it promotes peace and unity.”

    The Omanhene of Hwediem Traditional Area, Osuodumgya Barima Appiah Dwaah Boafo II, praised Dr. Bawumia for his efforts and policies. Similarly, the Omanhene of Kukuom Traditional Area, Osahene Kweku Aterkyi II, commended Dr. Bawumia for spearheading a transformative digitalization initiative.

    “I commend Vice President Bawumia for what he has been able to do with the digitalisation of our country. It is remarkable and very transformative- someting which is helping the country, particulalry the youth.”

    The Omanhemaa of Bechem Traditional Area, Nana Adwoapo Dwamena Serwaa II, praised Dr. Bawumia, stating that he is “destined to be the next President.” She pledged their support to help him achieve his vision.

    Additionally, the Omanhene of Goaso, Nana Akwasi Bosompra I, commended the NPP Government for various developmental projects in the Ahafo Region, particularly in Goaso. He attributed these developments to the creation of the new Ahafo Region by the NPP Government.

  • LIVESTREAMING: Supreme Court hears lawsuits against anti-LGBTQ bill

    LIVESTREAMING: Supreme Court hears lawsuits against anti-LGBTQ bill

    The Supreme Court has begun hearing two lawsuits filed by broadcast journalist Richard Dela Sky and Researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi, challenging the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as anti-LGBTQ+ Bill by Parliament.

    These lawsuits have effectively halted the bill’s transmission from Parliament to the Presidency, where President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo would potentially assent to it.

    The proceedings are being broadcast after the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, requested the Chief Justice to allow live coverage of proceedings while highlighting the considerable public interest in the anti-gay bill as the rationale for the request.

    The bill, which prohibits LGBTQ activities and their promotion, advocacy, and funding, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

    However, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has yet to assent to the bill, awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling.

  • “I have no doubt in my mind Bawumia means well for Ghana” – President of Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs

    “I have no doubt in my mind Bawumia means well for Ghana” – President of Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs

    The President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Ansah Adu Baah, has expressed confidence in the policies of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, believing they would positively impact the nation and propel it forward.

    Dr. Bawumia outlined his vision and policies to the traditional rulers, emphasizing his commitment to transforming the country through these policies.

    In response to Dr. Bawumia’s presentation, Nana Ansah Adu Baah, who is also the Omanhene of Yamfo Traditional Area, praised Dr. Bawumia’s personal qualities and found his presentation compelling.

    He expressed conviction that Dr. Bawumia’s policies would have a positive impact on the nation and future generations.

    “Dr. Bawumia’s humility and policies are good for the country and the next generation. I have no doubt in my mind Bawumia means well for Ghana,” Nana Ansah Adu Baah said during an interactive meeting with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs in Goaso on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

    The President of the Regional House of Chiefs also commended Dr. Bawumia for his humility, which he said is admirable, and a required trait for leadership.

    “The way he is humble is so admirable. I believe if he continues as our next President, it will be good for this country and the next generation. Let us help him and vote for him massively because he has good policies for this country. And his humility is really good for this country because it promotes peace and unity.”