Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has expressed his belief that the recent intermittent power outages (dumsor) will have an impact on the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
He noted that energy issues are one of the factors voters consider when deciding which candidate or party to support.
Dr. Asah-Asante recalled that intermittent power outages during former President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure played a significant role in his electoral defeat, as the then-opposition NPP capitalized on it as a campaign issue.
“The elections that took Mahama home were fought on the basis of dumsor. This party [NPP] took advantage of that and drummed into the ears of Ghanaians and it formed part of the calculations or contributions that Ghanaians made in deciding who to vote for.
“Remember the dumsor economy which Dr. Bawumia made noise about which was legitimate at the time and the same legitimacy can be brought to bear on the current dumsor which the government is pretending doesn’t exist.”
Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante also criticized the government’s management of the current intermittent power outages, pointing out that citizens were suffering as a result. He emphasized the importance of the government acknowledging the challenges and demonstrating a commitment to resolving them.
“We feel it. We experience it. Let no one deceive himself or herself that the fact that you have not said it bluntly out loud means dumsor does not exist. It does and nobody can deceive anybody. Governance must be handled with truthfulness.
“Proceed with integrity, there is a problem. Just be forthright with it. Come out and say this problem exists, but as leaders, we will try and fix it.”
Minister for Railways Development, John Peter Amewu, has noted that the Ghana government will not have to pay a pesewaa for the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train involved in the test run accident to be fixed.
He explained that, according to the contract, Ghana had not assumed full ownership of the train from Poland at the time of the test run, even though the country had full ownership and responsibility for the state of the tracks.
“There was no transfer of ownership. Which means the supplier was still responsible for the train. We’ll get ownership when the government has made the full payment which we haven’t done yet. So Ghana is not going to bear the cost of repairing the train involved in the accident during the test ride.”
“The inspection and test run were not conducted by the Ghana government.”
He revealed that an inspection was carried out on Thursday, April 18, on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line before a test run on the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train commenced.
He made this known while expressing displeasure with former President John Mahama over comments he made regarding the controversial accident involving Ghana’s new train.
The Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train collided with a parked Hyundai truck on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line during the test run.
The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, who took to social media platform X to comment on the accident, said, “How can you conduct a test run on a new railway line without a track inspection? How long had the vehicle been on the track before the test run? If I were President, I’ll be asking some serious questions,” John Mahama’s post stated.
Responding to Mr Mahama on Joy News PM Express on Monday, April 22, the Railways Development Minister said “As I clearly explained, they put in a system for inspection. Earlier on in the morning, they went around the whole line to see that there was no obstacle. 30 minutes before the takeoff of this DMU, the rail track, and the maintenance track were put ahead. So what is he [John Mahama] saying? I don’t think he understood the question he was asking.”
He added, “I totally disagree with his excellency John Dramani Mahama. I don’t blame him, this is not his field. These guys who did this test run are experts. These are 16 engineers who were brought from Poland. This is the 304th test they’ve conducted worldwide this year, I was told. And so I don’t know where his excellency John Mahama is coming from with this understanding that no inspection had been done.”
The Member of Parliament for Hohoe further explained that the inspection and test run were conducted by the Polish because it was part of the contract.
He stated that Mr. Mahama could have sought clarity about his standing in Ghanaian politics before joining the bandwagon of uninformed commentary on the incident.
“Did he [John Mahama] try to find out whether the inspection was done as a former president? He knows me well, he could just find out from me and they will tell him the truth. He has not established that fact and then he comes out with this kind of statement. His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, this is below the belt. I am sorry, I give you all the respect but I expect you to find out first. You’re not even an engineer. These are 16 qualified engineers brought from Poland.”
He added that there is no radar system to monitor the track except for the manual system of checking to see if the line was safe before the train moved – something that was done.
“So, this manual system that his excellency is talking about was conducted, so I don’t know what he’s talking about. The inspection was conducted on the same day. The engineers informed us that the rail track was 30 minutes ahead of the train. So when the incident happened, where did the rail track come from? It came from kilometre 97 back to the scene, kilometre 76 or so to do the recovery because they were ahead about the 30-minute difference. It is just a coincidence or an accident that I cannot explain,” he noted.
Asked whether he suspected sabotage as some have suggested, Mr Amewu said he was not in the position to justify that.
“What I can say is that the motive of just parking along the rail is very uncultured and cannot be accepted in any modern civilization.
On how long the vehicle had been on the track before the test run as Mr Mahama had questioned, Mr Amewu said that was extremely difficult to determine under the circumstances.
The truck driver, Abel Dzidotor, has been sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to three of the four charges against him, including inconsiderate driving and causing unlawful damage.
Additionally, the police have arrested four more individuals for their alleged involvement in the accident.
A video circulating on social media has revealed how Finance Minister-designate, Mohammed Amin Adam was ‘unethically’ questioned by CNN’s Richard Quest about the anti-LGBT+ Bill recently passed by Ghana’s Parliament during an event in the United States.
Mr Quest asked for Amin Adam’s personal view on the bill, considering his roles as both a Member of Parliament and a senior government official.
Amin Adam responded by emphasizing the importance of discussing the effects of the bill when passed into law and stated that it is not his role to determine the outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision.
He reiterated that he would abide by the laws of Ghana if the Supreme Court rules on the case and President Akufo-Addo assents to it.
“The most important thing is to discuss the effects of the law when passed… Having said that, it is not for me to give the determination to the Supreme Court of our country.
“Let me state my point clearly again, there is a case before the Supreme Court and I am not going to prejudice the determination of the Supreme Court,”
However, Quest became visibly frustrated and raised his voice, demanding a ‘human answer’ regarding Amin Adam’s thoughts on the anti-LGBTQ bill.
He slammed his hand on the table, and his voice continued to grow louder.
After Hon. Amin Adam clearly stated that he would subject himself to the laws of his country, Richard Quest, a CNN journalist, lost his cool and raised his voice at Ghana's Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, demanding a 'human answer' regarding his thoughts on the… pic.twitter.com/9GuD5YFJzK
President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has announced his think tank’s plans to organize a demonstration against the government over the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor.”
He emphasized that IMANI will conduct their protest at their own pace, and individuals who share their grievances are welcome to organize their demonstrations.
This disclosure comes after actress Yvonne Nelson called for IMANI to join her in organizing another demonstration, reminiscent of the one held in 2015.
“We have heard the call by the redoubtable Ms Yvonne Nelson for round two of #dumsormuststop. Fair call even as we (IMANI) have maintained our criticism of the government’s bad decisions for what often seems like a rudderless leadership, the latest dumsor episodes being the zenith. So as you can see ( T-shirts), we are preparing and we will make the call and choose how we demonstrate and who we want to partner at the right time.”
“Meanwhile, others can also organise their own unique protests in churches, mosques, bars, schools and homes,” Mr Cudjoe wrote on his Facebook platform.
Yvonne Nelson’s call comes amidst recent intermittent power outages, with many Ghanaians clamoring for a load-shedding timetable from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
In her post on X on Monday, April 22, Ms. Nelson expressed her readiness for IMANI’s outreach for the vigil, citing the organization’s involvement in a similar event in 2015.
She criticized President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of taking the country for granted and emphasizing that such neglect should no longer be tolerated.
However, Mr. Cudjoe, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 23, responded sharply, stating that IMANI will choose partners for their protest, and Yvonne Nelson is free to organize her demonstration.
President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has stated that his think tank will not yield to pressure to organize a demonstration against the government over the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor.”
He emphasized that IMANI will conduct their protest at their own pace, and individuals who share their grievances are welcome to organize their demonstrations.
This response comes after actress Yvonne Nelson called for IMANI to join her in organizing another demonstration, reminiscent of the one held in 2015.
Yvonne Nelson’s call came amidst recent intermittent power outages, with many Ghanaians clamoring for a load-shedding timetable from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Yvonne Nelson during her first dumsor demo
In her post on X on Monday, April 22, Ms. Nelson expressed her readiness for IMANI’s outreach for the vigil, citing the organization’s involvement in a similar event in 2015.
She criticized President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of taking the country for granted and emphasizing that such neglect should no longer be tolerated.
However, Mr. Cudjoe, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 23, responded sharply, stating that IMANI will choose partners for their protest, and Yvonne Nelson is free to organize her demonstration.
“We have heard the call by the redoubtable Ms Yvonne Nelson for round two of #dumsormuststop. Fair call even as we (IMANI) have maintained our criticism of the government’s bad decisions for what often seems like a rudderless leadership, the latest dumsor episodes being the zenith. So as you can see ( T-shirts), we are preparing and we will make the call and choose how we demonstrate and who we want to partner at the right time.”
“Meanwhile, others can also organise their own unique protests in churches, mosques, bars, schools and homes.”
President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has stated that his think tank will not yield to pressure to organize a demonstration against the government over the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor.”
He emphasized that IMANI will conduct their protest at their own pace, and individuals who share their grievances are welcome to organize their demonstrations.
This response comes after actress Yvonne Nelson called for IMANI to join her in organizing another demonstration, reminiscent of the one held in 2015.
Yvonne Nelson’s call came amidst recent intermittent power outages, with many Ghanaians clamoring for a load-shedding timetable from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
In her post on X on Monday, April 22, Ms. Nelson expressed her readiness for IMANI’s outreach for the vigil, citing the organization’s involvement in a similar event in 2015.
She criticized President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of taking the country for granted and emphasizing that such neglect should no longer be tolerated.
However, Mr. Cudjoe, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 23, responded sharply, stating that IMANI will choose partners for their protest, and Yvonne Nelson is free to organize her demonstration.
“We have heard the call by the redoubtable Ms Yvonne Nelson for round two of #dumsormuststop. Fair call even as we (IMANI) have maintained our criticism of the government’s bad decisions for what often seems like a rudderless leadership, the latest dumsor episodes being the zenith. So as you can see ( T-shirts), we are preparing and we will make the call and choose how we demonstrate and who we want to partner at the right time.”
“Meanwhile, others can also organise their own unique protests in churches, mosques, bars, schools and homes.”
The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has reported that a moderate-to-heavy rainstorm observed over southern Nigeria is moving westwards towards Ghana.
The storm is anticipated to impact areas within the Oti, Volta, Eastern, Central, Ashanti, Bono, and Western regions with thunderstorms or varying intensities of rain.
This weather system is also expected to induce cloudiness over the affected areas.
Gusty winds are forecast to precede the storm, according to the Agency’s circular.
Below is a GMet circular that shows specific areas to be affected.
The Railways Development Minister, John Peter Amewu, has expressed displeasure with former President John Mahama over comments he made regarding the controversial accident involving Ghana’s new train.
The incident occurred during a test run when the train collided with a truck parked on a section of the rail line at Abortia in the Volta Region.
The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, who took to social media platform X to comment on the accident, said, “How can you conduct a test run on a new railway line without a track inspection? How long had the vehicle been on the track before the test run? If I were President, I’ll be asking some serious questions,” John Mahama’s post stated.
Responding to Mr Mahama on Joy News PM Express on Monday, April 22, the Railways Development Minister said, “I totally disagree with his excellency John Dramani Mahama. I don’t blame him, this is not his field. These guys who did this test run are experts. These are 16 engineers who were brought from Poland. This is the 304th test they’ve conducted worldwide this year, I was told. And so I don’t know where his excellency John Mahama is coming from with this understanding that no inspection had been done.”
The Member of Parliament for Hohoe further explained that the inspection and test run were conducted by the Polish because it was part of the contract.
“As I clearly explained, they put in a system for inspection. Earlier on in the morning, they went around the whole line to see that there was no obstacle. 30 minutes before the takeoff of this DMU, the rail track, and the maintenance track were put ahead. So what is he [John Mahama] saying? I don’t think he understood the question he was asking.”
He added that there is no radar system to monitor the track except for the manual system of checking to see if the line was safe before the train moved – something that was done.
“So, this manual system that his excellency is talking about was conducted, so I don’t know what he’s talking about. The inspection was conducted on the same day. The engineers informed us that the rail track was 30 minutes ahead of the train. So when the incident happened, where did the rail track come from? It came from kilometre 97 back to the scene, kilometre 76 or so to do the recovery because they were ahead about the 30-minute difference. It is just a coincidence or an accident that I cannot explain,” he noted.
He stated that Mr. Mahama could have sought clarity about his standing in Ghanaian politics before joining the bandwagon of uninformed commentary on the incident.
“Did he [John Mahama] try to find out whether the inspection was done as a former president? He knows me well, he could just find out from me and they will tell him the truth. He has not established that fact and then he comes out with this kind of statement. His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, this is below the belt. I am sorry, I give you all the respect but I expect you to find out first. You’re not even an engineer. These are 16 qualified engineers brought from Poland.”
He explained that, according to the contract, Ghana had not assumed full ownership of the train at the time of the test run, even though the country had full ownership and responsibility for the state of the tracks.
He said the cost of repairs would not be borne by Ghana. “There was no transfer of ownership. Which means the supplier was still responsible for the train. We’ll get ownership when the government has made the full payment which we haven’t done yet. So Ghana is not going to bear the cost of repairing the train involved in the accident during the test ride.”
“The inspection and test run were not conducted by the Ghana government.”
Asked whether he suspected sabotage as some have suggested, Mr Amewu said he was not in the position to justify that.
“What I can say is that the motive of just parking along the rail is very uncultured and cannot be accepted in any modern civilization.
On how long the vehicle had been on the track before the test run as Mr Mahama had questioned, Mr Amewu said that was extremely difficult to determine under the circumstances.
The truck driver, Abel Dzidotor, has been sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to three of the four charges against him, including inconsiderate driving and causing unlawful damage.
Additionally, the police have arrested four more individuals for their alleged involvement in the accident.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has instructed the District Chief Executive of Wa East District Assembly, Mr. S.K Mahama, to promptly process payments for pending educational support and procurement of development projects requested by Member of Parliament for Wa East Constituency, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, from the MP’s share of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).
The stern directive was issued by the Chair of the PAC, Hon. James Klutse Avedzi, during the 2022 Public Accounts Committee hearing in Sunyani on 22nd April, 2024.
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. James Klutse-Avedzi
The DCE, along with the District Coordinating Director, Finance, and Internal Audit officers, appeared before the Committee.
It was revealed that since January 2022, Dr. Jasaw had submitted several letters to the District Assembly requesting payment of fees for needy but brilliant students and the construction of clinics, rehabilitation of schools, drilling of boreholes, among other projects for various communities in the Constituency.
Despite efforts by the MP and prominent chiefs of the district to get the DCE to approve expenditure for these requests, the DCE has refused, citing an inability to authenticate the source of the letters.
Contrary to the DCE’s claim that such requests had not come to his attention, the Coordinating Director confirmed that the Assembly had received and forwarded the letters to the DCE’s office for authorization.
The Chairman of the Committee emphasized that the MP has the sole authority to determine the usage of the MP’s share of the DACF and directed the DCE to comply with the MP’s requests. He also instructed the Assembly to provide quarterly reports on the expenditure of the MP’s share of the Common Fund to the MP.
Dr. Jasaw expressed concern that the DCE’s non-compliance may be a deliberate refusal driven by partisanship, potentially hindering the development of the District.
The Institute of Energy Security (IES) has demanded the immediate removal of Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, citing the deteriorating energy crisis as the basis for their request.
According to the IES, the current state of the energy sector requires urgent action, leading to their call for the minister’s dismissal.
The Executive Director of IES, Nana Amoasi VII, expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s perceived lack of action in a Monday interview on Eyewitness News.
He pointed out the minister’s apparent detachment from the reality of the energy situation, questioning the purpose of his presence in such a crucial position.
“Where we have gotten to, there is no circuit and so what is the use of the minister in that space? He must be relieved, probably to concentrate on any other agenda he is bidding for. He must be relieved of his post. It is becoming too much. Is it not insulting with the statement that he made? Total disrespect to consumers. Are we asking for too much?
“For God’s sake, I am a prepaid consumer. I have paid for that power that you need to supply me. In fact, you chose to put a meter in my house at a fee, that is also a contract in a form, and he chose to take my money in advance.
“If I am not going to get the power, then just out of respect, at least tell me when I can have the power. But don’t look into my face and say, I should go and produce my own timetable.”
In March of this year, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh responded to calls for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to publish a load-shedding timetable by challenging advocates to create their own proposed schedules.
His comments came during a period of significant power challenges in the country, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, affecting individuals and businesses alike.
Speaking to reporters at the inauguration of the NPP campaign team in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Opoku Prempeh challenged critics to develop their own timetable if they believed it was necessary.
He questioned the rationale behind creating a timetable when ECG had stated that no such plan was in place.
“Let those who want the timetable bring it. What do you mean? I don’t know of any timetable because the ECG has said it is not necessary. Why would someone just wish evil for the country?” he asked.
Energy Minister Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh says those calling for a load-shedding timetable should release one themselves.#NewsCentralpic.twitter.com/tVCM1H6dHj
Minister for Railways Development, John Peter Amewu, has revealed that an inspection was carried out on Thursday, April 18, on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line before a test run on the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train commenced.
He made this known while expressing displeasure with former President John Mahama over comments he made regarding the controversial accident involving Ghana’s new train.
The Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train collided with a parked Hyundai truck on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line during the test run.
The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, who took to social media platform X to comment on the accident, said, “How can you conduct a test run on a new railway line without a track inspection? How long had the vehicle been on the track before the test run? If I were President, I’ll be asking some serious questions,” John Mahama’s post stated.
Responding to Mr Mahama on Joy News PM Express on Monday, April 22, the Railways Development Minister said “As I clearly explained, they put in a system for inspection. Earlier on in the morning, they went around the whole line to see that there was no obstacle. 30 minutes before the takeoff of this DMU, the rail track, and the maintenance track were put ahead. So what is he [John Mahama] saying? I don’t think he understood the question he was asking.”
He added, “I totally disagree with his excellency John Dramani Mahama. I don’t blame him, this is not his field. These guys who did this test run are experts. These are 16 engineers who were brought from Poland. This is the 304th test they’ve conducted worldwide this year, I was told. And so I don’t know where his excellency John Mahama is coming from with this understanding that no inspection had been done.”
The Member of Parliament for Hohoe further explained that the inspection and test run were conducted by the Polish because it was part of the contract.
He stated that Mr. Mahama could have sought clarity about his standing in Ghanaian politics before joining the bandwagon of uninformed commentary on the incident.
“Did he [John Mahama] try to find out whether the inspection was done as a former president? He knows me well, he could just find out from me and they will tell him the truth. He has not established that fact and then he comes out with this kind of statement. His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, this is below the belt. I am sorry, I give you all the respect but I expect you to find out first. You’re not even an engineer. These are 16 qualified engineers brought from Poland.”
He added that there is no radar system to monitor the track except for the manual system of checking to see if the line was safe before the train moved – something that was done.
“So, this manual system that his excellency is talking about was conducted, so I don’t know what he’s talking about. The inspection was conducted on the same day. The engineers informed us that the rail track was 30 minutes ahead of the train. So when the incident happened, where did the rail track come from? It came from kilometre 97 back to the scene, kilometre 76 or so to do the recovery because they were ahead about the 30-minute difference. It is just a coincidence or an accident that I cannot explain,” he noted.
He explained that, according to the contract, Ghana had not assumed full ownership of the train at the time of the test run, even though the country had full ownership and responsibility for the state of the tracks.
He said the cost of repairs would not be borne by Ghana. “There was no transfer of ownership. Which means the supplier was still responsible for the train. We’ll get ownership when the government has made the full payment which we haven’t done yet. So Ghana is not going to bear the cost of repairing the train involved in the accident during the test ride.”
“The inspection and test run were not conducted by the Ghana government.”
Asked whether he suspected sabotage as some have suggested, Mr Amewu said he was not in the position to justify that.
“What I can say is that the motive of just parking along the rail is very uncultured and cannot be accepted in any modern civilization.
On how long the vehicle had been on the track before the test run as Mr Mahama had questioned, Mr Amewu said that was extremely difficult to determine under the circumstances.
The truck driver, Abel Dzidotor, has been sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to three of the four charges against him, including inconsiderate driving and causing unlawful damage.
Additionally, the police have arrested four more individuals for their alleged involvement in the accident.
Ghanaians grief the passing of the renowned gospel musician KODA, whose death has brought to light details about his battle with G6PD deficiency, a condition that may have contributed to his passing.
In a viral video, KODA revealed that he had unknowingly taken the wrong medication for eight months, which could have worsened his condition.
KODA-
G6PD deficiency, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, is a genetic condition where the body lacks enough of an enzyme called G6PD, which is crucial for red blood cell function.
Without this enzyme, red blood cells can break down faster than normal, leading to a deficiency of red blood cells in the body (anaemia), particularly in response to certain medications, infections, or other stresses.
This condition is inheritable and more common in males and individuals of African, Asian, and Mediterranean descent.
Symptoms of G6PD deficiency may include fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mouth), weakness, dark urine, and abdominal or back pain.
These symptoms typically occur when triggers such as infections or certain foods and medications cause harm to the blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anaemia.
About KODA and the G6PD issue.
1. We can neither blame him nor the healthcare team, as we were all not there and don’t have details about his case.
2. G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) is actually an enzyme that protects your Red Blood Cells from being destroyed.
Treatment for G6PD deficiency focuses on managing symptoms and avoiding triggers. While there is no cure, most people recover in a few days without treatment.
It’s crucial for individuals with G6PD deficiency to inform healthcare providers about their condition before taking any new medications, as certain drugs can trigger hemolytic episodes.
In light of KODA’s experience, raising awareness about G6PD deficiency and its management is essential. People with this condition should be vigilant about avoiding triggers and seeking appropriate medical care when needed to prevent complications.
The Chief Executive of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), William Agyapong Quaittoo, has revealed that the government has committed to investing $60 million in the cashew sector, including processing.
He explained that the government had approved a $100 million loan from the World Bank, with approximately $60 million of that amount expected to be invested in the sector.
Moreover, 70% of the $60 million will be allocated to building several factories in the cashew catchment areas, which span eight regions.
“Government has allowed Tree Crops Development Authority to take a World Bank loan of $100 million, out of which $ 60 million will be invested in cashew. Also, 70 per cent of the $60 million will be invested in cashew processing.
“The feasibility study is being done and soon we will see the establishment of various cashew factories in catchment areas such the Bono, Bono-East, Savannah and Oti regions and other places. It spans about eight regions,” he said.
During the 6th Consultative International Cashew Council (CICC) conference held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra last Saturday, the Chief Executive of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), William Agyapong Quaittoo, announced that Ghana aimed to increase its cashew processing from 10% to 50% by the end of the sixth year.
He emphasized the need for Ghanaians to support this initiative to ensure its continuity, even in the event of a change in government.
The conference, themed “Projecting the cashew sector through local consumption, value addition, and job creation,” brought together a significant number of ministers of Agriculture, Trade, and Industries from 12 African countries forming the CICC, as well as experts and researchers.
The goal was to deliberate and adopt mechanisms to make Africa dominate the cashew sector in the global market.
Member countries that participated included Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Burkina Faso. Mozambique was also officially accepted as a new member at the conference.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has requested access to billboard spaces from all former presidential and parliamentary aspirants for use in the upcoming December elections.
In a statement signed by the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK), the party expressed its intention to use these billboard spaces to support its presidential and parliamentary candidates’ campaigns.
“We hereby serve notice on behalf of the party’s leadership, announcing the temporary use of your billboard spaces within your constituencies and across the country. The Party seeks to utilise these spaces to support our party’s presidential and parliamentary candidates’ campaigns.”
Former aspirants who have any reservations about the request are urged to notify the office of the General Secretary.
“You are kindly requested to notify the office of the General Secretary should you have any reservations about the use of your billboard spaces.
“We deeply appreciate your consideration and collaboration in this endeavour, as we collectively strive to ensure the success of our campaign,” the statement added.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) expects the Police to gather sufficient evidence and initiate legal proceedings against individuals apprehended for selling unauthorised medications.
This follows a joint operation at an event called Porials Pitch, held on April 20 at the Accra Mall, where several exhibitors were caught selling beauty enhancement and other medications not authorised by the FDA.
According to Virgil Prah-Ashun, the Director of Enforcement at the FDA, the arrested individuals will face legal consequences once the investigation is completed.
“On Saturday morning, we went [to the exhibition] with police officers. We realised a lot of the products were not registered by the Authority.
“So with the help of the police, we arrested those organising the exhibition.”
“Then we took them to the central police station where the products were screened. Those who have registered their products were released earlier.
“Those not registered by the Authority are still being held by the police while investigations continue,” Mr Prah-Ashun said.
“We are relying on the police to build up the docket for prosecution,” he added.
Mr. Prah-Ashun expressed concern about the illegal marketing and sale of unauthorised medications on social media platforms, stating that the FDA will use all available resources to halt this unlawful practice.
The Public Health Act, Section 114 talks about approval from the FDA before advertising any regulated products (drugs, food, cosmetics and medical devices). But we see a lot of people on social media advertising all manner of things.”
“We have created a cyber-unit and we are monitoring and doing our best to apprehend those behind all these unapproved adverts.
“We are hoping that the cyber unit of the police will be able to reduce them drastica
The Nationwide Supporters of Alan Cash (NAWSAC) have strongly criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly attempting to bribe youth to abandon their support for Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change and join the NPP.
In a statement released on Monday, April 22, 2024, NAWSAC expressed concern over the NPP’s underhanded tactics and urged the youth not to be swayed by financial inducements.
The group’s convener, Luther-King Junior, emphasized that young people are disillusioned with the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over their manipulative behavior and are determined to stand by their convictions in supporting Alan Kyerematen’s leadership.
NAWSAC also expressed shock at the NPP’s belief that they have made progress in persuading young people with money, calling it a sign of being a laughingstock.
“If the NPP thinks they have made any iota of progress then indeed they must be a laughing stock because the babies they claim to have pulled with money, have zero influence at the edge of the gutters of our structures. They don’t even have the mettle to convince their own parents much more the Ghanaian voter,” a part of the statement read.
The group further highlighted that the youth will no longer allow the NPP and NDC to take them for granted. They urged the political apparatus to recognize their ignorance in thinking that their roles in poster-sticking and noise-making are substantial enough to undermine the revolution.
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has set a deadline for the government to resolve their service conditions by May 31, 2024.
The association expressed frustration over the government’s delay in implementing the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and negotiated service conditions.
These demands include compensating each member with one month’s salary for additional duties performed in 2022, among other issues.
National President of CETAG, Dr. Prince Obeng-Himah, stated that failure to address their concerns by the specified date would lead the association to consider alternative actions.
“We would like to send a very strong signal and a message to our employer in unambiguous terms that we shall take our destinies into our own hands if, by 31st May 2024, all the outstanding compulsory arbitration awards as listed below are not fully implemented.
“We wish to call on the FWSC, GTEC, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relation, MoE, and the MoF to immediately comply with the NLC’s compulsory arbitration award orders in the supreme interest of industrial peace.
“We also call on the President of the Republic of Ghana, his excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, the speaker of Parliament of Ghana, the Chief Justice, and the Chairman of the National Peace Council to prevail on the employer to uphold the rule of law by complying with the NLC’s compulsory arbitration award orders issued on 2nd May 2023 to prevent any industrial disturbance,” he stated.
Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), Adjenim Boateng Adjei, has pleaded not guilty to new corruption charges filed against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
This development occurred after the OSP dropped the charge of misusing public office for personal profit against Adjenim Boateng and his brother-in-law, Francis Kwaku Arhin.
During a court session on Monday, April 22, Principal Prosecutor Adelaide Obiri Wood stated that the OSP had decided not to pursue the case against the second accused after conducting additional investigations.
“We have since filed a fresh charge sheet with only the first accused (Adjenim Boateng Adjei), a copy of which was brought to your attention at the last sitting (Thursday).
“Respectfully, under the circumstances and the reasons given, we humbly pray to withdraw this present case before this honourable court to enable us to commence with the new case,” the Principal Prosecutor said.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had initially charged the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) with eight counts of using public office for personal profit and indirectly influencing procurement processes to gain an unfair advantage in the award of procurement contracts.
The charge sheet was filed by the Special Prosecutor at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra on April 17.
However, the former PPA boss pleaded not guilty to all eight fresh counts.
Subsequently, the court, presided over by Justice Marie-Louise Simmons, after taking the plea of the accused, admitted him to bail in the sum of GHȼ4 million. He is to produce two sureties, both of whom are to be justified with landed properties.
The Court also instructed the Registrar to verify the authenticity of documents with relevant authorities, and the sureties are to provide copies of their Ghana Cards to the Registrar.
A study conducted on vegetables grown with water from some selected urban areas of the Greater Accra Metropolis has revealed health risks for consumers due to the presence of mercury (a heavy metal) and faecal coliforms.
Published in April 2024, the study titled ‘Analysis of Heavy Metals and Pathogen Levels in Vegetables Cultivated Using Selected Water Bodies in Urban Areas of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA)’ focused on lettuce and bell pepper grown using open-surface wastewater from drains and constructed reservoirs in GAMA.
Using a mixed methods approach, researchers administered questionnaires to 67 vegetable farmers and collected vegetable samples from three urban farm sites – Haatso, Dzorwulu, and the Weija Irrigation Scheme site (WISS) – for laboratory analysis.
Heavy metal concentrations (lead, mercury, cadmium) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy after microwave digestion, while faecal coliform was quantified using the MacConkey-Endo broth method.
Results indicated that while lead and cadmium levels in lettuce were within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) permissible limits, mercury and faecal coliform levels exceeded the limits at all three sites.
The study emphasizes the need for increased education on the health risks of consuming vegetables from open-surface water sources and enforcement of phytosanitary standards to improve food safety and vegetable quality.
The use of polluted or contaminated wastewater sources for urban vegetable farming is common due to rapid urbanization and freshwater scarcity.
This practice raises concerns about agricultural produce quality and poses potential food safety and health risks for consumers in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, where the vegetable market is projected to grow significantly.
The Chiefs of the Asogli State have strongly opposed the government’s proposal to rename Ho Technical University after Dr. Ephriam Amu.
The decision, initially revealed in February 2018, has faced criticism from the Traditional Council due to the absence of consultation with key stakeholders.
In a press conference on Monday, April 22, 2024, the council expressed deep disappointment with the government and the university’s governing council for proceeding with the renaming without involving major stakeholders, including the Asogli State Council, the custodians of the land.
The Asogli State Council described the decision as regrettable, ill-conceived, and disrespectful, as it failed to consider the perspectives of those directly affected.
Togbe Adzi Lakle Howusu XII, speaking on behalf of the Asogli State Council, reiterated their strong opposition to the renaming, emphasizing that it not only lacks merit but also disregards the university‘s identity and legacy.
“Our attention has once again been drawn to attempts by authorities of the Ho Technical University and the government to rename the institute to Dr. Ephraim Amu Technical Institute. The Asogli State Council wishes to reaffirm our strong opposition to the government’s decision to rename the university without consulting the chiefs and people of Ho.
“The Asogli State Council views the decision to rename the institution without due consultation as an unfortunate, misplaced and disrespectful decision.”
On Monday, April 22, hundreds of sheds at the Kwadaso onion market in the Ashanti Region were demolished as traders hurried to salvage their belongings.
The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) issued a directive ordering onion traders to vacate the market, citing security concerns posed by their operations in the area.
The council noted that the parking of heavy-duty trucks on parts of the road near the market was leading to vehicular congestion, particularly during peak hours. Additionally, the council attributed a recent fatal accident involving a 45-year-old woman to the traders’ activities.
Despite being given until April 21, 2024, to move to a new location at Atwima Takyiman, many traders were reluctant to relocate.
Armed police and military personnel were deployed to oversee the forced relocation and demolition of the market.
Affected traders expressed their frustrations to Citi News, stating that they were not officially notified and given adequate time to prepare for the move. They claimed they were under the impression that they would be able to purchase the land and were in the process of raising funds for the purchase.
One said, “We were at the workplace and we saw the military and police are all over with a bulldozer that they are going to, that the regional minister and MCE are relocating us which we were not aware of that. We just heard it on the radio and you cannot relocate somebody based on what he heard on the radio, you have to give the person an official notice and give you time, maybe three months or four months that we are relocating you before you can relocate us.”
“You cannot just come this morning and say you are relocating us, that you got a place at Atwima-Takyiman and that we should go there, which is not fair. And here, we were told that they were selling the place to us, that’s what our elders told us and we were gathering money to pay for it.”
An economist at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Lord Mensah, says the Finance Minister-designate, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam should have exercised caution before assuring Ghanaians that the economy was rebounding.
At the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington on April 21, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam announced that Ghana’s economy was moving towards stability, citing robust economic progress and strong recovery as key factors.
Dr. Adam emphasized the significant improvement in Ghana’s economic indicators, noting that the primary deficit, which was 4.3% of GDP at the end of 2022, had decreased substantially.
He highlighted that by the end of 2023, the primary deficit had reduced to just 0.3%, marking a remarkable four-percentage point decrease.
However, according to Professor Mensah, a comprehensive assessment of the economy should consider all indicators, including full-scale external debt service. Therefore, it might be premature to assert that the economy is rebounding without considering these factors.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on April 22, he said “The economy may be rebounding but then we have to also take into perspective (that) this is an economy that is not in full scale of its external debt service. We have suspended our external debt service and whatever the case may be, external debt service will require dollar so there will be more demand on the dollar which will call for a high price for the dollar and as a result we get the currency reacting to it.
“So effectively I would have waited to get the government fully in its debt service before I can comment on some of these indicators because you know these indicators are related.”
“When you talk about inflation the first true effect of the exchange rate is inflation. Obviously, once you are not servicing your debt and there is no full-scale demand of dollar on the market, we can’t comment that much on the exchange rate and then the inflation that we are recording,” he added.
The Finance Minister-designate expressed optimism about Ghana’s ability to secure IMF board approval by June for a much-awaited $360 million release.
According to Professor Mensah, this achievement is feasible because the government has reached a level of understanding with external creditors, making the June timeline realistic.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted Africa’s urgent need to address the threat of violent extremism during his remarks at the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on Monday, April 22.
He emphasized that terrorism is a significant challenge across the continent that requires unified action.
President Akufo-Addo stressed that terrorism poses a critical threat to Africa and highlighted the importance of concerted efforts to combat it.
He emphasized that no single nation can effectively tackle terrorism alone, underscoring the need for collective action.
President Akufo-Addo urged leaders to prioritize cooperation and collaboration to effectively confront the menace. He also warned against complacency in the face of terrorism, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“As we have convened here to find means to end terrorism in Africa, we recognise the urgent need and concerted efforts to combat this great menace that continues to threaten the peace, security and development of our continent.”
“Terrorism remains one of the most significant challenges facing Africa today and its consequences are felt across the continent, destabilising communities, undermining governance structures and obstructing socio-economic progress,” President Akufo-Addo said.
The presence of leaders from Togo, Nigeria, and other neighboring countries underscored a shared commitment to working together in the fight against terrorism.
Ghanaian war hero, Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Joseph Ashitey Hammond, has initiated a global peace campaign through the Joseph Ashitey Hammond Foundation.
The foundation’s primary objective is to promote peace and reconciliation on a global scale. During a press conference held at the British Council on April 20, 2024, WO1 Joseph Ashitey Hammond shared his profound motivation for advocating peace.
Having served in the Second World War (WWII) as a teenager, he expressed deep remorse for the violence he witnessed, stating, “After the Second World War fight, I felt my hands were full of blood.”
This realization has fueled his commitment to advancing peace and understanding among nations. The foundation, through his personal experiences, aims to be a beacon of peace and dialogue.
One of their key initiatives is the launch of an autobiography detailing WO1 Joseph Ashitey Hammond’s experiences during WWII. The book not only recounts his personal journey but also sheds light on Ghana’s history, highlighting the contributions of its veterans.
As WO1 Ashitey Hammond approaches his centenary in 2025, his experiences of war and unrest continue to shape his dedication to the Global Peace Initiative.
The forthcoming autobiography promises to be a compelling memoir, unveiling the untold stories of his wartime experiences in India and Burma.
“In this compelling narrative, WO1 Hammond not only recounts the gritty details of wartime struggles but opens the door to his personal life, weaving in the threads of peace, love, loss, and resilience.
“Amidst the chaos of battle, WO1 Hammond’s tale transcends borders, shedding light on Ghana’s fight for independence. This poignant account offers a unique blend of history, personal reflection, and his extraordinary 99-year life.
“The goal of the book is not only to chronicle the life of the Lionhearted Hero but to also inform and educate on the effects of war as well as propagate the Joseph Ashitey Hammond Foundation’s Global Peace Agenda,” a release said.
WO1 Hammond has also endured the tragic loss of fellow soldiers in combat and survived the Christiansburg Crossroads Massacre.
Driven by his passion for promoting global peace, he has introduced the Global Peace Tour. This initiative aims to educate and raise awareness about the devastating effects of war and violence, while inspiring individuals to uphold peace within their communities.
The launch of the Global Peace Tour was attended by Ghana’s Ambassador to France and Portugal, Anna Bossman, as well as friends, family, and representatives of the Ga Adangbe Traditional Council.
President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Frank Serebour, is calling on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to swiftly sample and authenticate drugs cleared at the port.
He stressed the importance of checking for expired or compromised drugs, often caused by improper storage conditions.
On April 12, the Ministry of Health (MoH) received 14 out of 182 containers at the Tema Port containing essential medicines for antiretroviral, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria treatments donated by the Global Fund (GF).
The medical commodities, which included antiretroviral drugs for HIV patients, had been stuck at the Tema port for nearly a year due to the government’s failure to settle third-party fees.
Dr. Serebour raised concerns about 11-month-old uncleared drugs at the port, emphasizing the need for proper storage to maintain their efficacy.
He further suggested that prolonged storage under unfavourable conditions could render the drugs unfit for their intended purpose.
Dr. Serebour urged the FDA to assess samples to ensure their quality and suitability.
“It is possible that since we didn’t store the drugs in the proper condition and left them at the port for months, they may not be suitable for their intended purpose. Therefore, I advocate that the FDA should pick and test samples to determine whether they are suitable for their intended purpose or not,” he stressed.
Dr. Frank Serebour, speaking in an interview with Millicent Safo-Adu on Bresosem at Abusua965FM, criticized the Ministry of Health for delays in clearing Global Fund medical supplies.
He emphasized the importance of initiating clearance processes early to avoid such delays.
He said, “I will lay this issue at the doorstep of the Ministry of Health. I will blame them because they control the date, the number of products, and the type of products that are coming, including the ship bringing the goods. We have laws in this country, so they must start the clearance process earlier so that by the time the goods arrive, they will already have the necessary clearance.”
He recounted his past experiences of efficiently clearing medical supplies and emphasized the need for a streamlined clearance process within the Ministry of Health.
“When I heard that the delayed drugs had been locked at the port, I was a little bit skeptical, asking myself, How does this happen? Before you intend to bring any items, start the process. I’ve been in the same situation before, but it didn’t take me long to clear it up and deliver. The Ghana Health Service picked up the goods and delivered them to us in Bekwai; we didn’t struggle,” he opined.
Dr. Serebour also criticized the dependency on donated drugs, advocating instead for a focus on essential program drugs like those used for TB and HIV.
“Program drugs like TB and HIV medications are crucial, and we certainly need them. However, I find myself questioning why we are asking for donations of anti-malarial drugs, such as ACTs. After all, we produce some of these drugs domestically, and we have enough to manage our own healthcare system,” he added.
Additionally, he called for transparency in donations to prevent misuse and emphasized the need for a dedicated unit within the Ministry of Health to oversee clearance processes and ensure timely delivery of medical supplies to healthcare facilities.
“I know people brought some health items into the country all in the name of donating to a health facility but ended up keeping them to avoid tax waivers. If you want to ship some health items to a hospital, mention the name, state the reasons why these items are being donated, and provide the hospital with the necessary documents for clearance. I believe the Ministry of Health must have a unit managing some of these processes, ensuring that even if donations are meant for KATH, they are cleared and delivered to them,” he stated.
Reports emerged on Sunday, April 21, revealing the heartbreaking news of Ghanaian gospel sensation Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, famously known as KODA, succumbing to a fierce battle with kidney disease.
Within a mere 24 hours of this devastating announcement, fresh revelations shed light on the pivotal role played by a close figure, widely speculated to be KODA’s spouse.
In his fight against the relentless ailment, it has been disclosed that an individual deeply embedded in KODA’s inner circle generously offered their kidney to prolong the singer’s life.
Collaboratively, these compassionate souls rallied support, amassing over $200,000 to facilitate the crucial transplant surgery, reportedly conducted in late 2023.
Despite their relentless efforts, KODA’s health reportedly took a downward spiral once more in April, leading to his tragic demise.
Online reactions from netizens, fueled by unverified reports circulating among bloggers, extol the altruistic deed of KODA’s wife, underscoring the profound love and solidarity within their union.
The passing of KODA, at the tender age of 45, plunges both his loved ones and fans into profound grief, mourning the irreplaceable loss suffered by the Ghanaian music fraternity.
It remains imperative to acknowledge that the recent reports concerning the singer’s demise await official confirmation from KODA’s family.
As President Akufo-Addo prepares to leave office after the 2024 elections, three of his close aides are poised to secure seats in the legislature if successful in the upcoming parliamentary polls.
Joseph Addo, Akufo-Addo’s personal driver for over two decades, recently declared his candidacy for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary in the La Dade Kotopon constituency in the Greater Accra Region.
He aims to reclaim the seat for the NPP, highlighting his deep roots within the community.
During the NPP primaries in December 2023 for orphan constituencies, Akufo-Addo’s official spokespersons also emerged victorious.
Eugene Kofi Bentum Arhin, the president’s director of communications, is seeking to regain the party’s Awutu Senya West seat.
Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin
Meanwhile, his deputy, Jefferson Sackey, is vying for the Ablekuma Central seat, having secured 539 votes in the primaries to beat three other contenders.
Deputy Director of Communications at the Presidency, Jefferson Kwamina Sackey
In his victory speech, Sackey expressed gratitude to the President and the Vice President for their encouragement and support.
The Ablekuma Central seat is currently held by the National Democratic Congress’s Dan Abdul-Latif, who won it from the NPP’s Ebenezer Nartey in the 2020 elections.
The Pharmacy Council of Ghana has issued a strong warning to individuals engaged in the sale or distribution of illegal substances, urging them to halt such activities immediately.
This warning comes after a joint operation conducted by the Council, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Ghana Police Service, which led to the arrest and seizure of illegal substances displayed by vendors at the Accra Mall.
Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah, the Acting Registrar of the Pharmacy Council, emphasized the harmful effects of such substances on public health.
He also confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department is currently handling the matter.
“They are possessing and marketing medicine and it is illegal if you are not authorised to possess and market medicines.
“They are not supposed to do so, but at that function, almost all the people who were designated and were offering medicines for sale were not licensed and neither their companies were licensed so that was a breach of the law.
“In addition to that, all the products they were offering, were not registered. Intended use of these medicines was also very detrimental to the health of the user and the nation as a whole.”
The Engineering Council of Ghana has expressed serious concerns regarding the arrest of the General Manager of the Ashanti East Office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Michael Wiafe.
Ing. Wiafe was arrested on April 10, 2024, after overseeing an operation to disconnect the power supply to Kumasi Technical University due to non-payment.
This action was reportedly disapproved by the Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, leading to his directive for the arrest.
In a statement issued by the council, the Council emphasized that Ing. Wiafe was simply performing his routine duties related to power distribution and the recovery of payments.
“The Engineering Council is troubled by the fact that an engineering practitioner, who was carrying out his regular duties of ensuring power distribution and recovery of payments, has to face such a harrowing experience.”
“Such a development not only serves as a disincentive to other engineering practitioners but could, potentially, interfere with the work of other professionals in their respective organisations,” part of the statement read.
The Engineering Council has urged for an immediate and comprehensive investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the arrest and to prevent any future unwarranted interference in the professional duties of engineers.
“The Engineering Council is calling for an immediate investigation into the matter. It is necessary to take all the required steps to prevent any similar unwarranted interference in the diligent discharge of duty by professionals.
“The council is urging all engineering practitioners across the country restraint while appropriate state agencies deal with the matter,” it added.
Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has expressed disagreement with a recent poll conducted by Global Info Analytics.
The poll predicted that former President John Dramani Mahama would secure over 70% of the votes in the Greater Accra Region, while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), would garner only 23%.
In a series of posts, Anyidoho criticized the poll as fraudulent and advised the NDC to be cautious of such misleading statistical data.
He shared footage of Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director of Global Info Analytics, explaining the poll on Citi TV.
Anyidoho referred to a book titled “How To Lie With Statistics,” which he claimed to have encountered during his studies at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
He accused Dankwah of being recruited by unidentified “evil forces” within the NDC to manipulate statistical data in favor of a particular agenda.
“This guy is really making me angry (I don’t get angry easily). Who is he to be lying to the NDC with these nonsensical statistics? Who is paying him for this thrash? Gee!!!” Anyidoho tweeted.
In another tweet, Anyidoho called for scrutiny of Dankwah’s statistical background, “Pls, can anyone check the Statistical background of this guy who is grossly misleading the NDC and JM? Is it possible that he is a Trojan Horse? Pls, let the NDC disregard this fraudulent analysis and go and work hard.”
This guy is really making me angry (I don’t get angry easily). Who is he to be lying to the NDC with this nonsensical statistics? Who is paying him for this thrash? Gee!!! pic.twitter.com/sN7qUlsRut
Former President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Charles Ofori Marfo, has criticized the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing them as “incompetent.”
His criticism came amid a debate over the issue of ‘dumsor,’ a local term for irregular power supply.
Prof. Marfo’s remarks were prompted by recent comments from NPP representatives who labeled their opponents in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former President John Mahama, as incompetent.
However, he argued that such accusations lacked credibility coming from a party that, in his view, had exhibited similar shortcomings.
“A few days ago, I heard their spokesperson say, incompetent Mahama. It sounds so bitter to me because they have exhibited the same incompetence…a pot shouldn’t tell charcoal that it’s black…when it comes to this particular issue (incompetence), they (the NPP) have no grounds to call Mahama that because they have failed,” oyerepaonline.com quoted him to have said in an interview on April 18, 2024.
Discussing the issue of erratic power supply, Prof. Marfo claimed that the NPP had not adequately tackled the problem during their time in office.
He noted that during the NDC’s administration under Mahama, efforts were made to alleviate the electricity crisis, and some NPP members acknowledged improvements in power supply.
“We were in a certain trouble; we wanted our redemption, and mind you, even at the time that they came to power, if they want to be truthful to themselves, John Mahama has fixed the ‘dumsor’ problem. In fact, some of them testified,” he added.
The Minister-designate for Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has revealed the government’s intention to release audit results of the cash waterfall mechanism to improve transparency and accountability in Ghana’s energy sector.
This decision comes at a crucial time as the sector grapples with substantial financial issues, including a debt of over one billion dollars owed to independent power producers.
To tackle this mounting debt, the government introduced the cash waterfall mechanism in July 2017, with the goal of improving revenue collection and distribution.
However, the mechanism has faced challenges in its effectiveness, underscoring the necessity for increased transparency and efforts to address implementation hurdles.
Dr Mohammed Amin Adam emphasised the importance of the cash waterfall mechanism during the 2024 World Bank and IMF Spring meetings, stating that audit findings will be published to ensure transparency.
“The cash waterfall mechanism is important because at least it ensures that there’s cash flow, every player in the value chain has some cash flow so that they can be able to meet their operational cost but it’s important to also state that we’ve had challenges implementing the cash waterfall mechanism as a result of which through collaboration with the World Bank, with the IMF, we have instituted some measures to make it effective.
“One of the measures we have introduced is to audit the cash waterfall mechanism quarterly. But we have also been required to publish the audit findings.”
Energy analyst Dr. Yussif Sulemana, on his part, noted that this will help tackle fiscal challenges in the sector.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction for transparency. So if you notice the problem that we have, some of them are induced and that has made it multifaceted and that has made it difficult to disengage which you need to tackle, which you need to prioritise.”
The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has reassured consumers that fuel prices are unlikely to increase significantly by the end of April this year.
The Chamber stated that its assessment of key factors affecting fuel prices, such as the exchange rate, has been stable in the last week.
Chief Executive Officer of CBOD, Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori, addressed journalists in Accra and dismissed reports suggesting that petrol and diesel prices would rise to at least GHS18 per litre by the following week.
“Despite the fear-mongering that the dollar was going to close at GHS 14, to be fair, it has been relatively stable, which is far better than what happened the previous weeks.
“Now the price is GHS14.99 (per litre). It’ll get to GHS18 (per litre) unless the dollar hits maybe GHS15, but I can’t foresee the dollar hitting even GHS14 by even next week,” he said.
Dr. Ofori urged the public and “energy experts” to refrain from making uninformed projections that could create fear among consumers and impact investments in the sector.
He expressed concern about the impact of such speculation on consumer behavior and the volatility of fuel prices at the pumps.
Dr. Ofori also announced CBOD’s plans to organize training courses for journalists on fuel pricing components and market dynamics, among other informative engagements. These efforts aim to reduce misinformation and improve understanding of fuel pricing.
“We should be guided with some of our utterances. Forex commodities are sensitive to key elements within the sector and the economy. When people make certain speculations that are projections, we need to probe further,” he said.
After a period of relative stability, fuel prices have seen repeated hikes in the last four weeks, attributed to spikes in international prices and the depreciation of the Cedi against the US Dollar.
Currently, petrol and diesel are priced at an average of GHS14.99 and GHS14.80 per litre at the pumps.
Dr. Ofori highlighted that the performance of the Cedi against the Dollar and international market prices were the primary factors influencing the recent fuel price increases.
He mentioned that the Chamber is exploring innovative approaches to improve access to forex and alleviate pressure on the Cedi.
Contrary to claims that bulk oil distributors benefit from fuel price increments, Dr. Ofori explained that sometimes the Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) incur losses if their forex market projections exceed expectations.
Dr. Ofori also expressed concern about the potential impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East on global fuel prices, particularly if exchanges between Israel, Iran, and Gaza escalate.
“We do not want the situation to escalate. Once it escalates, we should be certain that oil prices will go up,” he said.
A recent dog attack in Accra has left a 2-year-old baby in critical condition at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The news of the unfortunate incident, which is said to have occurred on a Monday, was shared by TV3’s Godwin Asediba.
The toddler was attacked by the dog of his father’s employer while sleeping in a mosquito net in the compound of the house where his father works briefly after his mother stepped out to the washroom.
The mother of the toddler, Sarah Aboagye, who recounted the event, noted that she was prompted to check up on her child after she heard him cry for some time.
“I stepped out to use the washroom as my child slept. Shortly, I heard him cry. I thought it was because I had left his side. I came back only to see the dog attacking my baby in the mosquito net where we have been sleeping,” she tearfully narrated.
The father of the baby, Eugene Addo, who cooks and cleans for his boss and also serves as a security man, noted that his boss brought his wife and baby from the Easter Region to Accra due to the long visits to his family.
He also explained that his wife and baby sometimes sleep on the compound due to how hot his room can get.
“My wife sleeps in the same room I have been provided to keep watch of the house as a security guard. Because of the heat, they sometimes sleep on the compound.”
On the incident, he recounted saying, “I saw the dog struggling with my baby so I intervened and picked my child. So I went inside, then noticed things dripping, I thought he had pooped. But then I turned the baby and noticed that parts of his body had been ripped off.”
Per reports, the owner of the dog has failed to fully accept responsibility of the unfortunate incident.
A plastic surgeon at the hospital, Dr Glover Addy, who revealed the current state of the toddler, said: “Both testicles were not there.”
“The anus was also torn off. All the skin around the anal area was all out,” he said, adding that “fortunately, the penis was not touched.”
Now, the doctors are working to help the toddler through surgery but cannot tell if much can be done to secure the release of the baby’s bowel all by himself.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Ghana, Stéphane Roudet, has noted that Ghana is exceeding the expectations and targets set by the IMF within the framework of the programme.
He indicated that Ghana’s economy has reached its lowest point and is now poised for full recovery.
However, he noted that this projection hinges on the government’s continued implementation of the IMF program as it has been done over the past year.
“Ghana’s programme is delivering on its promises, and in fact, it is overdelivering,” the Mission Chief added.
“Growth is also doing better than what we have forecasted, and that is also influencing our decision to review our forecast,” he noted.
Mr Roudet made the comments while responding to questions in Washington DC, USA, posed by JOYBUSINESS about concerns regarding potential economic shocks due to global developments.
He stated that this development would prompt the IMF to review Ghana’s growth forecast for 2024, noting that inflation ended last year better than their projections.
“We are also surprised as to how growth has performed under Ghana’s programme” the Mission Chief added.
He said this was never evident, at the beginning of Ghana’s programme.
“The required revenue is being raised, the Bank of Ghana is also doing its part to ensure that, and inflation is brought under control and that is good for the programme”, he noted.
The Mission Chief for Ghana also added that “the external position has also been doing very well; fiscal position is also adjusting in line with the programme working and delivering on its promises.”
“Everything is moving in the right direction and this is something that was not considered at the beginning of the IMF programme.”
Mr. Roudet further explained that Ghana’s performance has been influenced by its commitment and seriousness in implementing the program. He emphasized that to fully restore confidence in Ghana’s economy, it will be crucial for various actors such as rating agencies and development partners to see continued full implementation of the IMF program.
“If the macroeconomic development unfolds as we planned in the IMF programme, then definitely we should expect them to respond as well as all agencies” the Mission Chief added.
“We are not only looking at the rating agencies responding, Ghanaians as well, domestic stakeholders, then everyone will realize and that will boost confidence in the economy.”
On growth and other projections captured in reports released during the IMF/World Bank spring meetings, Stéphane Roudet noted that those were based on “old assumptions.”
He indicated that the country should anticipate revised figures when they unveil the Regional Economic Outlook.
“We believe that the economy will perform better than had been projected” Ghana Stephan Roude reiterated.
He added, “Ghana has a growth potential average of 5 per cent going forward in the medium term.”
“Gradually, Ghana will be able to get back to its growth potential going forward” the Head of Mission concluded.
A Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has advised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to promptly announce the running mate for the upcoming 2024 general elections.
While acknowledging the necessity for thorough and inclusive consultations before finalizing the selection, Dr. Asah-Asante stressed the urgency of the situation.
He emphasized that time is of the essence as election fervor intensifies nationwide.
In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Asah-Asante emphasized the importance of striking a balance between thorough consultation and timely action.
He cautioned against prolonged delays, pointing out the risk of facing heightened scrutiny and challenges for the chosen candidate if announced too late in the campaign.
“The party must be mindful of the fact that time is not on their side. Yes, you want to consult broadly but you can’t spend all your life on that. By now, they should be out with a candidate who has all the qualities that they want so that it doesn’t delay the campaign unnecessarily.
“If you wait, the issue is that you bring the person in, then the person now comes to face with the campaign already set in motion. People will now want to scrutinize the person, they will want to assess the person, and they will want to throw all manner of things at the person and that is the best means by which you can see how best you can shepherd your candidate and then prepare him/her for the task ahead.
“I think the delay is becoming too much. I think the party must quickly come out with a running mate.”
Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress’ flagbearer, John Mahama, has revealed Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang as his running mate for the upcoming elections.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized the government for allowing 24 designated ministers to start their official duties despite pending parliamentary approval.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, adjourned the House indefinitely following a disagreement with the presidency over the anti-gay bill, effectively delaying the fate of the nominees.
However, the designated ministers and deputies have already begun their work. For instance, Gender Minister-Designate Darkoa Newman addressed the media on the alleged child marriage case in Nungua Gborbu Wulomo on Thursday, April 18.
In an interview with Citi TV, Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, described this action as a violation of the rule of law. He added that they will hold the ministers personally responsible should any of their actions lead to financial loss for the state.
“It is just a reflection of what the government is. A government that believes that let’s break a law as long as it is politically expedient.
“This matter is in court, but the president, as you know him, would disregard even the processes because he knows that he has buried a hatchet person to do his job at the judiciary.
“That is the only motivation and reason why the government will continue to do that with flagrant disregard for the public concern and public outcry.
“Again, what would be the motivation for recycling people to be ministers when you are not confident to put them before a vetting committee? What have they got to hide? Is it because they are so incompetent? Is it because most of them have been involved in scandals in their previous ministry where they have served before?”
Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged that a future NDC government will prioritize resolving issues surrounding the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
This commitment comes amid concerns about the policy’s execution and funding.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives from various teacher unions, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Mr. Mahama outlined plans to strengthen the education sector.
He announced his intention to convene a stakeholder forum on education within his first 100 days in office to gather feedback on how to enhance and provide quality education.
“Within the first 100 days of me becoming president, we will hold a stakeholder dialogue on education. It will have as part of its focus the implementational bottlenecks of the Free SHS, but it is also going to deal with how we can improve financing and teaching and learning at the basic school level and so at that stakeholder’s engagement, NAGRAT, GNAT, parents, students, educational experts, everybody is going to be there and we are going to have a discussion on access, on equity, on affordability, and on financing our educational system.”
Hearts of Oak’s head coach, Abubakar Ouattara, has attributed his team’s defeat over the weekend to a power outage and water shortage the night before their game.
The Phobians suffered a 2-0 loss to Legon Cities on matchday 27 of the Ghana Premier League in Dawu, with Albert Yeboah scoring a second-half brace in the fixture.
Following the defeat, which marked their fourth loss in five games, fans confronted the Hearts coach over the team’s recent performances.
Ouattara calmed the situation by explaining that off-field issues led to his team’s poor performance on the game day.
“These are the materials I have. I do not have any players anywhere else, so, I have to work with them. So be patient and hear me out,” said the Ivorian after during his post-match interview with StarTimes.
“Yesterday at the hotel, we did not have electricity or water.”
Following Asante Kotoko’s win over FC Samartex on Sunday afternoon, Hearts of Oak dropped to 11th place on the league table.
Augustine Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, popularly known as KODA, was a talented Ghanaian gospel music minister known for his unique style of delivering contemporary Gospel music.
He made a significant impact on the Gospel music scene, producing timeless tunes for well-known Gospel acts both in Ghana and abroad, such as Pastor Joe Beecham, the late Danny Nettey, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Nii Okai, Pastor Helen Yawson, Joyful Way Incorporated, and Nathaniel Bassey.
KODA’s music was characterized by strong messages that addressed topics that many preachers had avoided, earning him the nickname “PREACHER’s PREACHER.” Despite being behind the scenes for many years, KODA also released songs he wrote, produced, and sang, impressing audiences with his powerful messages and world-class tunes.
His love for music began at a young age, and he developed his skills playing the guitar in a music class his mother enrolled him in at the age of 10. While at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he served as the mass choir director and was involved in various musical groups.
KODA’s unconventional style blended his Western influences with African sounds, creating music that resonated deeply with listeners. His production work on albums like ‘Awurade Ei’ for KNUST’s “God’s Instruments” and Nii Okai‘s ‘Moko Be’ and ‘Gye W’ayeyi’ albums received widespread recognition in Ghana.
Despite his vast experience and success, KODA continued to produce music that bridged cultural divides, offering a sound that both Western and African audiences could appreciate.
This made his work exceptional and deeply appreciated even by world-renowned musicians and Africans based in the diaspora. One could be sure to hear a unique groove of indigenous Ghanaian or some great African rhythm woven into some impressive Western music whenever they listened to a song produced by KODA.
His message was purely Christian. He was a deep-rooted believer who believed in true Christianity, the teachings of the Holy Bible, and how Christians should be guided by this unadulterated word of God.
Over the years, KODA released songs that blessed Ghana and the world at large and went on to win some notable awards. Some of these awards were: “Record of the Year” for Nkwa Boodoo at the 2015 Ghana Music Awards; “Producer of the year” at the Africa Gospel Music Awards in 2014. He was nominated for this same award in 2012.
His song “Nsem pii” was also nominated at the 2012 Christian Community Music Awards under the category “song with a cause.” He currently had four vocal and two gospel jazz albums to his credit. “Nyame Beye” which was the first and “Waye ewie” which had hits including ‘Waye ewie’, ‘Zion’s song’, ‘Poma’, ‘Amen’ and others. His third album “Black & White” had many hits like; ‘Guide Me O’, ‘Nkwa Abodoo’, ‘Obiara Nte Se Wo’, including the controversial hit single, ‘Nsem Pii’.
His latest project, released in 2016, was OXYGEN containing hit songs like “Adooso ”, ‘Yaa Pae’, ‘Chimo’ and many other soul-inspiring tunes. As a music tutor, he released two instructional DVDs on bass and lead guitar and also 3 live DVDs of his major concerts; ‘KODA live 2008′, Black and White live 2013’ and ‘Oxygen Live 2016″
His project ASOR (which means “church” in the Fante local dialect) was scheduled to run in 3 phases.
The first phase was a concert and live recording of the album project.
The other phase of this ASOR project was the KODA TOUR in 3 major cities in Ghana. These are TAKORADI where he hailed from, ACCRA, and finally KUMASI.
KODA was married to “Ewurama Dua Anto,” also an anointed singer with an album to her credit, and they had 2 sons and a baby girl.
The Nkawkaw Divisional Police Command has initiated a manhunt for approximately 20 armed men who launched an attack and robbery at the Akroma Gold Mining Company in Esaase, within the Kwahu West Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The heavily armed assailants targeted the company’s processing area, where they also assaulted and injured several workers, including expatriates.
Overpowering the company’s security, the armed men made off with undisclosed quantities of gold bars before the police arrived at the scene.
The injured workers, some sustaining gunshot wounds, were promptly transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The Head of Human Resources at the company, Frederick Obeng Somuah, confirmed the incident to Citi News, stating that management is fully cooperating with the police, who have commenced their investigations into the matter.
“Yesterday, around 5:40 am, the company’s processing area was attacked by some armed men. In fact, as to the number of armed men, they range between 10 and 20. But police are still investigating to know the extent of damage and the items they actually took.
“Unfortunately, some of our guys were injured during the incident. We had some gunshots and injuries, and also they beat us mercilessly. Fortunately, no death was recorded. We are okay.
“The police have come in, the regional command, through to the district police command, and we are hoping and believing that the investigations will go well so that the perpetrators will be brought to book.”
Adjei now faces eight additional counts related to using his public office for personal profit and exerting indirect influence on procurement processes to gain an unfair advantage in contract awards.
These charges were presented by the Special Prosecutor at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra on April 17.
These new charges supplement the previous seventeen counts Adjei was facing, which included accusations of establishing Talent Discovery Limited (TDL) as a front to unlawfully secure public contracts.
The new charges specifically include eight counts of using public office for personal gain and nine counts of influencing procurement processes, directly and indirectly, to secure an unfair advantage in contract awards.
In addition, Adjei’s brother-in-law, Francis Kwaku Arhin, who was alleged to be the CEO of TDL and holds a minority stake, faces one count of using public office for profit.
Adjenim Boateng Adjei served as the CEO of PPA from March 2017 to August 2019.
He was relieved of his duties by President Akufo-Addo following a recommendation from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), prompted by his involvement in a documentary titled “Contract for Sale.”
The Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has admitted that Ghana’s curriculum does not teach students about the history of the country’s slave trade.
In an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show, the minister noted that he found out about this grave issue when a university graduate engaged him on Ghana’s Year of Return initiative.
“During the year of return when tourists arrived here, someone asked me, uncle, why are the whites and diasporans coming to Ghana? Someone who has visited university asked me how they got to America.
“Then I asked him about the transatlantic slave trade. He said it is not in the curriculum. So I went and truthfully, it is not in. No, I tell you. That is the big question.”
Dr Adutwum noted that this came to be after a former Education Minister appended his or her signature to a curriculum structured by the Social Studies Association of America.
Here are some facts to know about the transatlantic slave trade.
Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle: These were two of the most prominent slave forts used by European powers, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, and British, to hold enslaved Africans before they were shipped across the Atlantic. These castles were also used as administrative centers for colonial powers in the region.
The Role of Chiefs and Traders: Local African traders, often working in conjunction with European slave traders, captured and sold Africans from various inland regions to the coastal forts. Chiefs in some cases were complicit in these activities, exchanging captives or prisoners of war for European goods.
The Middle Passage: Enslaved Africans from Ghana and other parts of West Africa were transported across the Atlantic Ocean in brutal conditions, known as the Middle Passage, to the Americas. Many died during this horrific journey.
During a clash between the Assin Fosu Police patrol team and individuals suspected of smoking marijuana [wee], two young men were hit by stray bullets.
The Police had received a tip-off about wee smokers frequently occupying the Assin Fosu Roman Hill road and attacking residents who used that route in the evening.
In response, the Police conducted a swoop in the area.
A confrontation erupted between the Police and the youths allegedly involved in the crime, leading to gunfire. Two individuals who were passing by at the time were hit by stray bullets and are currently receiving treatment at the St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu.
Meanwhile, some suspects were arrested and are being processed for court.
The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), James Klutse-Avedzi, has restated the committee’s recommendation that the government should avoid hiring full-time revenue collectors at Municipal and District Assemblies.
According to the Chairman, government-employed revenue collectors often neglect their duties, knowing they will receive their salaries regardless.
The committee proposes that all revenue collectors should be contracted on a commission basis, receiving 20% of what they collect. They believe this approach would motivate collectors to work harder and increase revenue collection.
These views were expressed at the PAC Zonal Public Hearing in Tamale, where the Auditor-General’s Report on the Management and Utilization of District Assemblies Common Fund and Other Statutory Funds for the year ended 31st December 2022, and Pre-University Educational Institutions for the same period, were under consideration.
During the hearing, officers of the Garu District Assembly cited reasons for low revenue collection, including lack of targets for collectors, ineffective monitoring systems, and the adverse impact of the Bawku conflicts on commercial activities in the district.
However, officers from the Wa East District Assembly were turned away after failing to attend with their District Chief Executive, citing illness.
The Committee suspected this as a deliberate attempt to avoid appearing before them, and they instructed the officers to return with their DCE on a later date.
Districts such as Bawku Municipal, Builsa North, Builsa South, Bolgatanga East, Kassena Nankana, Nabdam, and Tempane were among those that appeared before the Committee.
Schools mentioned in the Auditor-General’s Reports included Sandema SHTS, Navrongo SHS, Zuarungu SHS, and Daffiama SHS.
Education Minister Dr Osei Adutwum has noted that he is not interested in engaging in actions that are primarily designed to attract political attention.
He made the comment in relation to the recently launched ‘one student, one tablet initiative’.
The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over the inability of the government to successfully implement the Smart Schools Project, which was launched by the President on Monday, March 25, 2024.
The Ghana Smart Schools Project is designed to equip students under the free SHS policy with essential technological skills, aligning with the government’s commitment to advancing education through technology.
The government has revealed plans to distribute Smart Tablets to 1.3 million Senior High School (SHS) students nationwide.
However, the Minority has challenged the figures, highlighting that there are no approved funds or dedicated resources for the implementation of the project.
Reacting to the criticism on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show, Dr Osei Adutwum said “I don’t have time for political gimmicks. Where God has blessed me, Minister for Education, someone whose parents didn’t go to school.”
“I have built schools for those abroad. Akufo-Addo saw me and said come and help me. I left my schools, 3 of them, to come and change the educational sector. So is this someone who will use the sector to engage in politics,” he added.
The owner of the Hyundai truck with registration number GS 9018 – 20 that crashed with a new train from Poland during a test run has recounted how the unfortunate incident occurred.
The Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line crashed into the truck on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Engaging the media, the truck owner noted that his driver only opted to use the railway after facing challenges with the bridge after offloading cement blocks.
“The truck driver became stranded on the railway track while delivering cement blocks, as the vehicle was unable to pass through an underpass beneath the bridge.”
“He was not able to use the same route when returning so he had to use another which is the railway. Midway he got stuck and tried to jerk the car so it can move quickly. So he was coming with the jerk and he heard that the train smash the car into pieces.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Servicehas apprehended the driver of a Hyundai truck.
Chief Executive Officer for the Railways Development Authority, Yaw Owusu, has indicated that the government will not bear the cost incurred in the repair of the train involved in the accident.
In an interview on Thursday, Mr Owusu explained that “the train has not officially been handed over to the government yet. It is still under the liability of the manufacturer (from Poland).”
The breakdown of my truck on the rail line was a pure coincidence – Vehicle Owner explains circumstances surrounding train accident.#GHOneNews#GHOneTVpic.twitter.com/CziUV6Unou
A celebratory rite of passage known as the ‘Wetting Ceremony’, allegedly practised in the Ghana Prisons Service, has caught the attention of netizens on social media.
A senior officer in the Ghana Prisons Service, in a video circulating on social media, could be seen pouring alcohol on another officer to celebrate the promotion of new officers.
The alcoholic beverage was poured on and in the attire of the officer, and he was also made to take a sip.
Other officers cheered on as this ‘rite of passage’ took place.
According to sources, this is carried out to honour newly promoted officers.
A senior officer in the Ghana Prisons Service seen pouring alcohol on another officer in a celebratory rite of passage known as the 'Wetting Ceremony’, which, according to sources, is carried out to honor newly promoted officers. pic.twitter.com/IBUJGbi8aM
The National Peace Council (NPC) has raised concerns about the increasing level of insults and hate speech directed at clergy, politicians, chiefs, and other prominent individuals on radio and television stations in Ghana.
The Council also highlighted the worrying trend of some political actors and religious militants, including Christians, advocating for violence.
Reverend Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, expressed these concerns, noting that the Church’s passive response and stakeholders’ reliance on the Council to address these issues neglect the Church’s duty and responsibility.
He made these remarks at the 61st annual refresher course, retreat, and business session of the Ghana Baptist Convention Ministers’ Conference held in Ejura, Ashanti region.
This year’s conference was held on the theme: “Ministerial Ethics, Accountability and Responsibility in the 21st Century Church.”
Rev. Dr. Adu-Gyamfi mentioned that last year, Ghana lost its position as the most peaceful country in West Africa on the Global Peace Index to Sierra Leone. Additionally, Ghana dropped from being the second most peaceful country in Africa to the fourth position.
“While the church in Ghana continues to glory in the fact that we have 72 percent Christians in Ghana, our numbers do not correspond to the peace, stability, and cohesion that one would have expected in a country with that number of Christians.
“If 72 per cent Ghanaians are Christians, why are we on this trajectory”, he inquired.
He said the leaders of the church had a responsibility to give direction to Ghana through their pulpits, adding that churches “could advocate through our Councils instead of allowing the media and politicians to dictate the pace and the future of our country.”
Regarding the upcoming general election in December, he stated that the election would serve as a test for the peace, unity, stability, cohesion, and resilience of the country. Ministers of churches have a responsibility to preach and demonstrate peace for their congregation to emulate.
“As individual leaders and collectively as a denomination, let us lead our nation through our ministerial ethics and accountability such that after this year’s election, there will not be a single bloodshed in the country.
You have a responsibility as Ministers of the Gospel to protect the peace of our country by shaping the hearts and minds of Ghanaians towards peaceful co-existence, right behaviour, and politics without insults and violence”, he counselled.
Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Mrs. Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, urged Ghanaians to champion tolerance and peace.
She emphasized Ghana’s role as a beacon of democracy and called on leaders in politics and religion to ensure that democratic vibrancy is matched by civil discourse, fostering an atmosphere where diverse views are accepted and harmony prevails.
President of the Baptist Ministers’ Conference, Rev. Dr. Charles Owusu Ampofo, urged the government to be prudent with its expenditure while ensuring that the citizenry receives a fair share of the national resources.
